Optometry News: February 2012

Monday, February 27, 2012

Pacific optometry students named AAO Student Fellows

Five optometry students complete requirements for national 'fellow' status

Five students in Pacific University’s College of Optometry have earned Student Fellow status with the American Academy of Optometry.

Jaclyn DeHayes-Rice, Darah Newell, Caleb Rink, Megan Sis and Caroline M. Slagle will receive certificates and lapel pins recognizing their achievement. They also will receive complimentary registration for the annual AAO meeting in Phoenix.

Fellowship in the Academy indicates that a member “has met the high standards of professional competence in a broad range of issues related to eye care,” according to the Academy’s website.

The Student Fellow option is new in 2011. It requires students to be in good standing in an optometric program and also attend six hours of continuing education, one hour of scientific talks, one hour of poster sessions, and additional sessions during the AAO annual meeting.

Posted by Jenni Luckett (jluckett@pacificu.edu) on Feb 21, 2012 at 8:30 AM

Friday, February 24, 2012

Diamond contact lenses for goddess; devotees see red

Kolhapur (Maharashtra): When thousands of devotees turned up for their regular 'darshan' of Goddess Mahalaxmi earlier this week, they noticed a strange glint in her eyes - glowing but very different from what they were accustomed to. Their eyes popped out later when they learnt that Goddess Mahalaxmi was 'wearing' diamond-studded contact lenses, donated by an eye surgeon, Chandrashekhar Chavan, hailing from the erstwhile princely state of Kolhapur but now living in Mumbai.

The contact lenses, made of tiny glittering diamonds and worth around Rs 80,000, were donated to seek her blessings for a new eye technique developed by Chavan, which he is hoping to patent, said Padmaja Tivale, a member-trustee of the Shri Mahalaxmi Kolhapur Devasthan Management Committee. "It was his (Chavan's) wish and desire to donate the diamond contact lenses and we cannot stop any devotee; so we respected his sentiments. However, on account of objections from some quarters, now we shall not display the contact lenses at regular darshans," Tivale told IANS.

Considered to be over 5,000 years old, the 40-kg idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi here is made of gemstone and is studded with precious stones. But controversy has erupted among devotees and media which has questioned the limits to which various temples and other religious places can go while accepting devotees' donations, however expensive they may be.

Diamond contact lenses for goddess; devotees see red

"When devotees visit a temple, they expect divine radiance from the eyes of the goddess, not the shine emanated by diamonds," fumed Jayshree Khadilkar-Pande, a prominent Marathi journalist who has strongly criticised Goddess Mahalaxmi's new 'look'. Khadilkar-Pande said the diamond contact lenses actually block the goddess' divine energies believed to pass through her eyes on to the devotees.

However, temple priest Ajit Thanedar defended the move, saying it added to the beauty of Goddess Mahalaxmi's idol like the other jewels adorning her. "Moreover, the diamond contact lenses are temporarily stuck to the eyes of the goddess and later easily removed without damaging it (the idol) in any manner," he claimed in a television statement.

He argued that just as the precious jewels and other holy articles of the idol are regularly changed, even the diamond contact lenses are a part of her belongings and the decision was taken unanimously by the temple managing committee.

Later, Thanedar conceded that following objections from some devotees, it has been decided to display the diamond contact lenses only in the presence of the donor and not on any other occasion.

The issue has triggered a debate among Goddess Mahalaxmi's devotees in the state, with many questioning the propriety of various temple trusts accepting whimsical donations simply to fill up their coffers.

"Tomorrow, if somebody offers sunglasses or a mobile phone, will the trusts accept it? Even if it is in the name of devotion or fulfilment of some wishes, the trusts must exercise wisdom before accepting any kind of donation which could hurt the sentiments of devotees," an angry Megha Patil of Thane, who happened to visit the Kolhapur temple last week, told IANS.

Resting on a stone platform, and facing the west direction, the Mahalaxmi statue has four arms - the lower right hand displays a matulinga fruit, above that a large mace called kaumodak, and in the left lower hand is shown a bowl or panpatra and above that a shield or khetaka.

Goddess Mahalaxmi's crown comprises a cobra-hood with a Shiv ling and a Yoni around it, with a lion standing behind her - all evidence of her divine 'shakti.' Listed among the 108 sites where 'shakti' is manifested, the Goddess Mahalaxmi Temple of Kolhapur is one of the Shakti Peetha in Maharashtra and one of the six sites of 'shakti.'

In what devotees consider a celestial phenomenon, a small window on the western wall allows the rays of the setting sun to fall on the face of the idol only thrice in a year - November, December and January - according to Tivale. "This is the time when lakhs of devotees throng the temple for a glimpse of the beautiful image of Goddess Mahalaxmi bathing in the golden rays of the setting sun; it's a truly a magnificent spectacle," Tivale said.

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

SCO welcomes state associations to annual eventCOA, Optometry’s Meeting® to offer AOA EHR courses » ABO announces new diplomates

ABO announces new diplomates

February 23, 2012

The American Board of Optometry (ABO) released the results of its Nov. 28 – Dec. 11, 2011, Board Certification Examination.
A total of 276 doctors (94.8 percent) successfully passed the exam, becoming Diplomates of the American Board of Optometry.
The Diplomates, from 41 states, will be added to the listing of board-certified optometrists on the ABO Web site (www.americanboardofoptometry.org).
“The American Board of Optometry congratulates this group of optometrists who have completed the comprehensive examination and started their 10-year maintenance cycle, demonstrating their commitment to lifelong learning,” said Paul C. Ajamian, O.D., who chairs the ABO board. “As the list of Active Candidates continues to grow, we expect many more doctors to become Diplomates in the coming year, as the expiration of the initial Phase-In Rules approaches.”
Registration is open for the next ABO examination, scheduled for July 15-31, 2012, at Prometric Test Centers worldwide.
Visit www.americanboardofoptometry.org for more information.

Doctors set to give gift of sight in Bangladesh

Two doctors from Kingston Hospital will perform cataract surgery on up to 150 people in one week at the Glaucoma Research and Eye Hospital in Bangladesh from Saturday (February 25).

Two doctors from Kingston Hospital are set to give people in Bangladesh the gift of sight.

Royal Eye Unit consultant lead clinician Hooman Sherafat and ophthalmologist Ziaul Haque will perform cataract surgery in the country.

From Saturday (February 25), they will treat up to 150 people in one week at its Glaucoma Research and Eye Hospital.

Mr Sherafat said that the majority of cataracts they will operate on will be so far advanced that the patients will be blind because of them.

“Cataracts are the number one cause of reversible blindness in the world,” he added.

“The Bangladeshi people will come with such high hopes and fortunately in most cases we will be able to give them back useful vision.

“This is a life changing experience for people.”

In the past two years, Mr Sherefat has travelled to both Ghana and Burma to carry out cataract surgery.

“I must completely change my mindset when travelling to these countries to operate as the people have nothing and are so grateful for what we are able to do for them,” he said.

Dr Haque is a native of Bangladesh and a director of Global Aid Trust, the charity that is co-ordinating and funding the trip.

He has been back to the country twice before to arrange cataract operations with Bangladeshi consultants as part of his work for Global Aid Trust.

“More than 80% of the patients we will operate on live in very rural areas with no access to medical facilities,” he said.

“Global Aid Trust funds the instrumentation, consumables and facilities used for the operations as well as patient transport, medications and post operative care and shelter.

“The more money we can raise, the greater the number of operations we can perform.”

Kingston Hospital volunteer chaplain retired Major Rashid Laher is medical support to the team.

He has raised around £7,000 for the eye cataract project and, along with Dr Haque, also hopes to raise £200,000 to purchase a mobile medical unit.

This could be used to perform operations across rural areas of Bangladesh throughout the year.

Anyone who would like to donate money to the eye cataract project can visitwww.justgiving.com/GlobalAidEyeCatract.

Sight-saving surgeries start in Iloilo By Vicente W. Villavert Thursday 23rd of February 2012

ILOILO CITY, Feb 23 (PIA 6) -- Residents of Western Visayas who are visually impaired will directly benefit from sight-saving surgeries conducted by the FedEx and ORBIS International at the Flying Eye Hospital at the Iloilo Airport as part of a global initiative to combat preventable and treatable blindness.

At the opening program held February 21 at the Iloilo Airport, Governor Arthur Defensor welcomed the medical program as “this will give the poor the opportunity to avail of the generosity to save and restore their sight, and your work will be long remembered and treasured in the hearts of the grateful people.”

Dr. Jose Mari C. Fermin, Medical Center Chief of the Western Visayas Medical Center said that about 10 persons are undergoing eye operation at their hospital every day but lamented that “we cannot sustain it alone with our minimal budget.”

Fermin said that about 3 to 5 persons for every 50 people in Western Visayas are bilaterally blind.

“The coming of the Orbis is a very big help to us because of your state of the art facilities and the trainings that will be conducted with our local eye care providers,” Fermin said.

Flying Eye Hospital Medical Director Dr. Carlos Solarte said that the eye care program has been carried out in 89 countries and provided treatment to more than 15 million blind and visually impaired persons, through the Flying Eye Hospital- a converted DC-10 aircraft and the world’s only ophthalmic surgical and training hospital with wings.

“Orbis is an organization that promote the improve and sutainable eye care in the place where we go by training and teaching all those involve in the eye care community like the ophthalmologists, nursies, anaesthesiologists, biomedical engineers and every single position that play proper eye care and the promotion of eye health,” Solarte said.

Dr. Josefina Salazar-Yap, President of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology-Western Visayas Chapter noted that the “technical expertise that we will imbibe out of this rare opportunity will directly benefit the eye patients of Western Visayas”.

For two weeks in Iloilo, in partnership with the Western Visayas Medical Center, mthe ORBIS medical team will conduct an intensive skills exchange program for eye care professionals and deliver sight-saving surgeries to pre-screened patients suffering from visual impairment. On the third week, ORBIS will complement and reinforce this training by extending its medical program to include a Hospital-Based Program in Bacolod, in partnership with the Corazon Locasin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.

The Orbis and FedEx press report disclosed that among the 7,107nislands of the Philippines, there are approximately 100 million people, of which more than 600,000 are blind.The Philippines provides first rate ophthalmic expertise and care, as well as advanced private care to those who can afford it. However, for those living in the provincial communities, access to healthcare, including ophthalmic care is poor and can be extremely difficult to access.

Dr. Solarte said during the opening program that ORBIS and FedEx have programs in the Philippine- in Manila, Davao, Subic Bay and Cebu and “we are pleased and proud that we are celebrating our 30 years of sight-saving work in the Philippines aith Orbis Flying Hospital in Iloilo, and this ophthalmic program is the first in Western Visayas.

FedEx Express managing director for the Philippines and Indonesia said that “as leading aviation sponsor for three decades, FedEx continues to support ORBIS’s sight-saving programs around the world, through our extensive global network and aviation expertise. This year’s program in the Western Visayas region gives FedEx another opportunity to help ORBIS deliver long term and sustainable solutions to preventable blindness in the Philippine community”.(JCM/VWV/PIA 6-Iloilo)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Violent video games for your health? 'Medal of Honor' improves vision in five of six adult patients born with rare eye disorder Subjects showed improved ability to recognize faces, see small print and judge direction of moving dots after playing first-person shooter game for one month Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/violent-video-games-health-medal-honor-improves-vision-adult-patients-born-rare-eye-disorder-article-1.1026273#ixzz1n67q2nnM

OSTILL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Playing 'Medal of Honor' for one month improved the vision of five patients with a rare cataract disorder.

It looks like violent video games may do some good after all.

Scientists found that adult patients who were born with a rare eye disorder improved their vision later in life after playing "Medal of Honor,” a World War II-themed video game that involves shooting enemies on a battlefield.

The research shows that some sensory abilities that may seem permanently impaired can be improved in adulthood, according to lead investigator Daphne Maurer of McMaster University in Canada.

Maurer and colleagues followed children born with a rare cataract disorder in both eyes that required surgery and corrective contacts. All were deprived of normal vision as infants between three and 10 months.

As these children grew to adults, their vision improved but never reached 20/20, and they showed some deficits in face perception, sharpness, direction of motion, peripheral and binocular vision.

Since previous research on people with certain eye disorders had shown improvements after playing a type of videogame known as a first-person shooter, in which the player wields a gun and blows up foes, Maurer decided to try it on her subjects.

Six patients between the ages of 19 and 31 were tracked for a period of one month, in which they played the Electronic Arts (EA) videogame "Medal of Honor" for a total of 40 hours -- no more than two hours a day, five days a week.

Five of the six showed improvement in their vision, each moving closer to 20/20 from baseline ranges of 20/32 to 20/100, with improved ability to recognize faces, see small print and judge the direction of moving dots.

"About two-thirds of the things we measured improved simply from playing an action videogame," Maurer told reporters at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual convention in Vancouver.

For the average person, that's about the same as being able to read two lines smaller than they presently can on an eye chart, she added.

"I think it tells us that the visual nervous system is still plastic enough to either form or reveal connections in adulthood... and we suspect that might be true for any kind of visual defect."

Maurer, who said she is not a "gamer," admitted some reticence to asking people to play a violent videogame for her study.

"Certainly we don't relish ask adult patients who are nongamers to play a first-person shooter for 40 hours," she said.

"They know what they are getting into and they know there is a small risk they may become addicted to such games as a result of our intervention. That is why we limit them to 10 hours a week and no more than two hours a day."

However, the visual benefits of the game were so great that it made the effort worthwhile, she said.

The fast-paced game requires players to monitor what is right in front of them and what is in the periphery, increasing levels of dopamine and adrenaline that may make the brain more flexible to improvements in visual acuity.

VISION & EYE HEALTH

"It is also called adrenaline for action, because you not only have to make a judgment based on what is going on on the screen but you have to act on it and you have to act on it from a real world perspective," she said.

"So we think the manufacturers built into these games the effective ingredients for retraining the visual brain in adulthood."

Now, Maurer and colleagues are working on creating their own videogame for patients, gleaning the same characteristics of Medal of Honor but adding some elements to train people's brains to improve binocular vision.

"We are currently as a network (with other scientists) building our own game which we hope will be even better because it won't be violent," Maurer said.

AFP/Relaxnews

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

O.D. Note Book - Topix

Monday, February 20, 2012

Rotary club to help Ethiopian eye nurse get training - Northwest McClatchy - bellinghamherald.com

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Florida Medical Association Deals In Optometrists to Keep Med-Mal Bill Alive, But at What Cost? | Sunshine State News

Friday, February 17, 2012

Medical electronics today and tomorrow | Electronics News

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Dr. Robert Tuberty, 85, Cedar Rapids, Iowa....passed away

Dr. Robert B. Tuberty O.D., 85, passed away peacefully Feb. 12, 2012, at Meth-Wick in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday St. John’s Catholic Church Mount Vernon, Iowa, where friends may call one hour before the service. Funeral arrangements are being made through Morgan Funeral and Cremation Choices in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

: Tuberty

He was born Oct. 29, 1926, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, the son of James H. and Beulah E. (Espey) Tuberty. He graduated from Albert Lea High School as class president in 1944. Bob served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 aboard the USS Faribault in the South Pacific. He graduated from Bemidji State College and Illinois College of Optometry with a Bachelor of Science degree and Doctor of Optometry. He opened a private practice in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, in 1950 and practiced there for 40 years until his retirement in 1990.

Bob’s leadership ability was recognized throughout his life. He served on the Iowa Board of Optometry as vice-president for two years and as board member for six years. He was a life member of the American and Iowa Optometric Association and Veterans of Foreign War. As an active member of his community he served as president of Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Hillcrest Country Club and Parish Council of St. John’s Catholic Church.

He served as a board member of Linn County Mental Health and Mt. Vernon School; and as president of the Parish Council of St. John the Baptisit Catholic Church.

In 1951 Bob married Frances Ann Higgins of Independence, Iowa. In 1984 Bob married Betty May Tubbs, Anamosa, Iowa. In retirement he lived in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, Mission, Texas, and The Meth-Wick Community, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Frances Ann; and a brother, Brigadier General James T. Tuberty.

He is survived by his children: Timothy Joseph Tuberty (Patricia) of Massillon, Ohio; daughter, Joan Marie Tuberty, of Coralville, Iowa; grandchildren: James J. Tuberty (Kellie) of Charlston, S.C., Tayler, Savannah and Marshall Wilson of Coralville, Iowa; sister, Sister Joan Marie Tuberty of Minneapolis; sister-in-law, Beverly Tuberty, of Howey In The Hills, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews. He is step-father to Victoria M. Schutter and step-grandfather to Shane A. Schutter and Heather L. Tubbs.

Memorials may be directed to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or Iowa Optometric Association.

California Optometric Association supports stand-alone vision plans

Re "Vision plans should be included in proposed health care exchanges" (Viewpoints, Feb. 10): The California Optometric Association supports stand-alone vision plans having the ability to participate in California's health benefit exchange when it becomes operational in 2014. Stand-alone vision plans provide access for patients to continue seeing their optometrist for eyecare, and can be a valuable channel to make sure optometrists are fully integrated as the primary providers for patients' vision and medical eye care.

California lawmakers will be finalizing key elements of the state's insurance exchange in the coming months and both the California Optometric Association and VSP Vision Care will together ensure optometry is well represented in this newly emerging system so that millions of Californians are able to keep their eye doctor.

-- Movses D'Janbatian, Sacramento

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Ellis Optometry earns St. Rita's victory - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

MP opens new optometrists premises in Dene Drive 9:59am Tuesday 7th February 2012 in

EDDISBURY MP Stephen O’Brien was in Winsford on Friday to officially open Taylors Optometrists new practice in Dene Drive.
Lyndon and Elizabeth Taylor, from Cuddington, have run their family business from Winsford Cross Shopping Centre since 1986, with the move co-inciding with their 25th anniversary.
The new practice, which is next door to the Dene Drive Health Centre and ALDI, provides NHS and private eye examinations, contact lenses, diabetic retinopathy screening and state-of-the-art OCT 3D retinal scanning for macular disease and glaucoma.
Guests from the Primary Care Trust and Dene Drive Primary Care Centre attended to watch Stephen officially open the practice by cutting a ribbon.
Stephen said: “I was delighted to cut the ribbon and officially open Taylors Optometrist in Winsford. Lyndon and Elizabeth Taylor have built up a successful business over a quarter of a century and offer a valuable service for my constituents in Winsford. I wish them every success in their new premises.”

Optometrist selling home in Henrietta

Henrietta —

William K. Kwik has listed for sale a two-bedroom, 1.5-bath home at 60 Running Creek Circle in Henrietta for $125,900.

Kwik paid $131,900 for the property in September 2008. The 1,136-square-foot house was built in 1988. John Walsh of RE/MAX First is the listing agent.

Kwik is an optometrist in practice at National Vision Inc., which was founded in 1990 and sells optical goods and related services. He is also part of U.S. Vision Inc. He was previously with Rochester Optical. He also practiced at Walmart and Emerging Vision Inc.

He studied at State University of New York College of Optometry, Monroe Community College, and the University of Rochester.

According to BlockShopper.com, there have been 380 home sales in Henrietta during the past 12 months, with a median sales price of $126,500.

AMD awareness focuses on protecting and enhancing vision By (ARA)

(ARA) - While many people take their vision for granted, those with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) certainly do not. AMD Awareness is important because the condition deteriorates central vision, affecting everything from seeing faces clearly to literally having a large "blind spot" in the center of your vision, yet many people are unfamiliar with AMD.

AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in Americans over age 50, according to the American Optometric Association. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate 1.8 million have AMD and another 7.3 million people are at risk. As our population ages at an ever-increasing rate, the incidence of AMD is expected to triple by 2025.
Key risk factors for AMD are age, family history, smoking (past or present), low macular pigment, poor diet, light skin and eyes, high body mass index, and Caucasian women are also at slightly higher risk. And while we cannot change our age, we can proactively manage some of the risk factors and take steps to maintain or improve our vision.
Published in the November 2011 issue of the Journal of Optometry, the Zeaxanthin and Visual Function (ZVF) Study was conducted by Dr. Stuart Richer of Chicago. The study included 60 early AMD patients who consumed a daily dose of 8 mgs of dietary Zeaxanthin for one year. The patients' vision improved in the areas of: high contrast visual acuity (reading, needlepoint, etc.), which improved by 8.5 letters on an eye chart; central scotomas or "blind spots" were resolved; foveal shape discrimination was enhanced (ability to discern shapes at varying distances); and finally, a significant percentage of the group reported an improvement in night driving.
As we age, our eyes degrade - a process that begins when we are children. Harmful blue light from the sun, indoor lighting, and even computers, along with poor diet, smoking, and high body mass index can all affect our central vision - but there is good news, too.
A protective pigment in the back of the eye called macular pigment absorbs harmful blue light that can adversely affect eye health. Think of macular pigment as "internal sunglasses" that protect the photoreceptors in the back of the eye - specifically the cones, which are responsible for central vision, color, sharpness, and sensitivity to bright light, among others.
The two key protective pigments in your internal sunglasses are Zeaxanthin (pronounced zee-uh-zan-thin) and Lutein. In order to keep the internal sunglasses thick and dense, it is important to replenish Zeaxanthin, the predominant protective pigment in the center of the macula where the concentration of cones is the highest.
Unfortunately, Zeaxanthin is scarce in the average daily diet, and most people do not consume enough kale, corn, collard greens, spinach, or peppers to naturally replenish what the eyes need most. For example, one would have to eat approximately 20 ears of corn to get a recommended daily dosage of 8-10 mg of dietary Zeaxanthin.
Healthy macular pigment does more than just protect. It can help adults with sensitivity to bright light, glare while driving at night, seeing well in low light environments, and discernment between contrasting colors.
The early AMD patients in the ZVF Study increased their MPOD levels from an average of .33 to .51 - a direct correlation with their visual improvement. MPOD or Macular Pigment Optical Density is a measurement of the macular pigment in the back of the eye, and is performed by many optometrists throughout the country.
Eye vitamins like the EyePromise brand of nutraceuticals help rebuild macular pigment through unique nutritional formulas that feature the highest levels of all natural, dietary Zeaxanthin, derived from special paprika peppers.
"Education is the first step in fighting AMD," says Dennis Gierhart, PhD, and co-founder of ZeaVision. "Science demonstrates that low macular pigment is an important AMD risk factor, and it's encouraging to know that dietary Zeaxanthin is helping people maintain and enhance their vision."
AMD Awareness is about educating people about AMD risks and being proactive to improve vision. Proper nutrition and supplementation can greatly affect eye health and quality of life. Ask your EyeCare Professional about having your macular pigment measured to protect and enhance your central vision.

Announcement Of New Sponsor For Jon Lee :: PaddockTalk :: F1, Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, MotoGP, ALMS, And More!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

How standard Vistis To Your Optometrist Can Keep Your Vision good

Posted by RyanRichards

Legal Licensing Process Of An Optometrist

A authorized doctor who is educated and trained to review and treat the eyes is called and Optometrist. In most cases they are required to finish both undergraduste college degree and a four year program at an certified optometry school. Upon successful completion of the four year program they earn their Doctor of Optometry (O.D. – Oculus Doctor) After completeing the four year graduate program they then earn their Doctor of Optometry (O.D – Oculus Doctor) After completing optometry school they are required to pass an assessment administered by the National Board of Examiners In Optometry (NBEO)After all their studies are finish they are next required to pass a national review administered by the National Board of Exmainers In Optometry (NBEO). Once they pass this review they are then required to fulfill continuing education requirements throughout their licensed career.

Regular Exams

The approved time between visits to an Optometrist my vary depending on the inclusive health condtion, family health history and age of the patient. For patients who have cronic eye disease or deteorating eye sight they might need to call on theri optometrist more frequently than a patient who has healthy vison and may only need an adjustment to theri prescpription once a year.

A patient may need to schedule an appointment to call on an optometrist immediately if they are experiencing issues such as infection, blurry vision or pain thie the eye area. Another very general sign of vision problems could be headaches and constant squinting.

Prevention

Seeing a licensed optometrist regularly throughout a patient’s life is very necessary to both prevent potential eye diseases from developing into dangerous infections and loss of eyesight, and also to care for optimal vision for day to day living.

Children can start seeing an optometrist as early as 6 months of age to exam to make sure their vision is working properly and the development of all eye functions are on the right path. The babies will not be able to verbally communicate to the doctor but the doctor is trained to look for abnormalities in eye development and structure.

As children start to grow at a quick rate through their shcool age years it is a great idea to have their eyes checked regulary. It is not unique for children to be first mislabeled as having a learning disability or other developmental problems when in fact they actually have undiagnosed eye problems. This can be very confusing for the family and the undiagnosed child because it is not always immediately connected that there is a link between the vison problem and learning issues.

Care For Optimal Eye Health

During a patient’s adult and into their senior years it is very common for their eyesight to start to digress resulting in more instances of blurry vision, not being able to call on as well at night, and sometimes confusion. For these patients it can be sugggested to call on an optometrist at least once a year to care for quality ocular health, especially if the patient has already been diagnosed with some form of eye health condition. It is very common for optometrists to prescribe vitamins to supplement the diet to help improve or sustain overall ocular health.

While many people, especially children and young adults, don’t often think about the importance of seeing an optometrist until they notice a significant change in vision or have an issue with their eyesight or eye health, it is good practice to make a visit to see an optometrist on a regular interval just to make sure your vision stays on the right path.

If you need a well known Optometrist West Palm Beach Florida is home to a very experienced and appreciated practice. Click here: Optometrist West Palm Beach for more information and to schedule an appointment today.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Madeira Optical Optometry Practice in Cincinnati Accommodates Growth and Signs Lease at 7800 Laurel Ave. in Madeira. >PRWEB.COM Newswire<="" div=""> Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) February 06, 2012 Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/573888#ixzz1lg8FGlph

After 55 years in the same location, Madeira Optical has announced that it will relocate its Optometrists and Optical Shop to 7800 Laurel Ave. in Madeira on March 1st of 2012. The new Madeira Optical location will better serve patients with a dedicated contact lens room, pre-test room and a second state-of-the -art exam lane to accomodate the addition of Dr. Jennifer Kritzer, OD. The location is easy to find on a desirable street in downtown Madeira and it has ample off-street parking. “We love our original location, but we are growing and limited by space” said owner Malinda Pence, OD. “The new office will allow us to provide patients with a more relaxed and efficient eye exam.”

In addition to the medical equipment upgrades, the new location at 7800 Laurel Ave. will have an expanded optical shop. Madeira Optical features eyewear collections from frame designers like Kate Spade, Lafont, Lindberg, Oliver Peoples, Prodesign Denmark, Salt Optics, Silhouette Rimless and Tory Burch plus sunglasses from Maui Jim, Tommy Bahama and Zeal.

About Madeira Optical
Madeira Optical was formed in 1956 and is a Cincinnati family optometrist's office and optical shop with a large selection of dsigner eyewear, sunglasses and contact lenses. Madeira Optical’s family practice encompasses pediatric through senior vision care, including diagnosis, treatment and co-management of eye diseases. Madeira Optical features eyewear and sunglass frame collections from Lafont, Lindberg, Maui Jim, Oliver Peoples, Ogi, Silhouette Rimless and other quality eyeglasses. Madeira Optical is committed to a seamless transition for patients. For more information, please call (513) 561-7076 or visit http://www.madeiraoptical.com.

New Madeira Optical Address on March 1st, 2012:
Madeira Optical
7800 Laurel Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45243

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/2/prweb8990236.htm

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/573888#ixzz1lg8MnoLv

New-generation dual-optic IOL performs better at near

Operators fear for driver's eyesight - Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions

Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital to open Glued IOL Clinic

To mark Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital Ltd's entry into 55th year of dedicated eye care services, the Company's Glued IOL Clinic at Chennai Main Hospital will be inaugurated by Dr. K. Rosaiah, His Excellency, The Governor of Tamil Nadu, on February 08, 2012.

The Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital Ltd stock was trading at Rs.146.85, down by Rs.1.95 or 1.31%. The stock hit an intraday high of Rs.148.95 and low of Rs.145.90.

The total traded quantity was 0.28 lakhs compared to 2 week average of 0.55 lakhs.

Maine Optometrists Participate in InfantSEEÂ® Week to Improve Infant Eye and Vision Care February 6, 2012, Monday, 12:03 GMT | 07:03 EST | 17:33 IST | 20:03 SGT

AUGUSTA, Maine, Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to the overwhelming number of children with eye and vision problems across the United States, Maine optometrists are devoting appointments throughout the year to no-cost, comprehensive eye and vision assessments for infants between six and 12 months of age through InfantSEE®. To call attention to and emphasize the importance of this effort, U.S. Representative Mike Michaud (D-Maine) has declared the week of February 6 through February 11, 2012 InfantSEE® Week in Maine.

InfantSEE®, a year-round public health program developed by Optometry Cares® - The AOA Foundation and Vistakon, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., was designed to provide professional eye care for infants nationwide at no-cost, regardless of family income or number of eligible children.

"We all want the best for our state's children," said Rep. Michaud. "This collaborative effort offers Maine parents an invaluable service, and I encourage all who are interested to take advantage of this great opportunity. Like in many areas of health care, catching or preventing vision problems early can be key to ensuring health and wellness later in life."

One in 10 infants is at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems, which, if undetected, could lead to permanent vision impairment, and in rare cases, life-threatening health risks. However, only 14 percent of children from infancy to age six have had a comprehensive eye assessment from an eye care professional, according to the American Optometric Association's Pediatric Eye and Vision study.

"Many parents are surprised to learn how critical the first year of life is to a child's visual development," said Dr. Colin Robinson, a Maine optometrist and InfantSEE® provider. "It's the ideal time to detect eye and vision problems before these conditions worsen or cause developmental delays."

In Maine, great strides are being made to ensure potential eye and vision problems are detected early. Infant eye assessments have been available in the state since the program began.

The InfantSEE® program launched in 2005 with support from former President Jimmy Carter, honorary national spokesperson. To date, more than 7,700 optometrists nationwide volunteer their time to provide assessments to babies in their communities. The majority of vision problems detected include severe hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), congenital glaucoma and congenital cataract. A less common vision problem that can also be detected during an infant's comprehensive eye assessment includes retinoblastoma (eye cancer).

In an effort to ensure healthy vision and eye health in Maine infants, parents can bring their infant for a no-cost assessment at participating optometrists' offices by appointment.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Maxivision Eye Care introduces new technology for precise and accurate eye surgeries

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Maxivision Eye Care introduces new technology for precise and accurate eye surgeries
Written by TWB Healthcare Feb 2, 2012

Installs South Asia’s first Femtosecond Laser Platform at Maxivision Hyderabad

Bangalore, February 1st, 2012: Maxivision Eye Care Hospital, a Medfort initiative – India’s leading healthcare delivery organization focused on eye care; launched – VICTUS, South Asia’s first Femtosecond Laser Platform in Hyderabad today, under the leadership of Dr. Kasu Prasad Reddy, a renowned eye surgeon. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India.

The VICTUS platform is a State-Of-The-Art technology, capable of supporting Cataract, refractive and therapeutic procedures in single platform. This technology will enable eye surgeons to perform accurate, precise and controllable incisions compared to the current standard procedures. Patients can be sure of the positive effects of this technology as it records a success rate of 100%.

‘VICTUS’ is a result of an extensive and thorough research conducted by Dr. KP Reddy and has been brought to India by Technolas Perfect Vision, GmbH (TPV), a leading ophthalmology laser company and Trivitron, the largest medical technology company of Indian origin.

Sharing his support on innovation in technology, the former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam expressed the need to bring in newer technology to India. He said, “I have always maintained that eye care should be considered as priority healthcare in our country and ‘Defect free vision for all’ should be our mission. This is possible only through constant efforts made by leaders in eye care such as Maxivision which is known for its innovative technology. Innovation does not only provide benefits in terms of its performance, but makes a leap in the benefits to the cost ratio as well. I am contended and pleased to be part of such a milestone event, where India is the preferred country, within South Asia to bring in this innovative eye care technology. I am sure this technology will bring in the much needed change in eye surgeries across the country”

Being the only one chosen from Asia for clinical trial using the platform and also to be first to possess the technology commercially, Dr. Kasu Prasad Reddy, Co-Chairman Medfort Maxivision Group overwhelmingly acknowledged the technology and said, “I am extremely glad to bring this technology to my country people. While current cataract surgery techniques can achieve positive outcomes, the procedure relies on multiple manual steps, which can create variability, Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery (LRCS) as offered by VICTUS platform will allow ophthalmologist to create more precise, controllable and centeredcapsulotomy (incision that allows access to the cataract clouded lens). LRCS may also potentially enhance patient outcomes and experience.”

Maxivision, a pioneer in providing advanced technology for eye care has many firsts to its credit including World’s first Femtosecond Cataract Suite at Hyderabad. Commenting on its contribution and the support received by Technolas Perfect Vision, GmbH (TPV), Dr. G. S. K. Velu, Chairman, Medfort Maxivision Group said, “We are happy to be associated with TPV and Maxivision who are pioneers in respective areas of technology and vision care. TPV’s advanced German engineering and precise manufacturing are perfect compliments to Dr. K. P. Reddy’s expertise and skill as refractive surgeon and commercial expertise of Trivitron”. He also added that Dr. Reddy has been instrumental in bringing most of the ophthalmic technologies first time to India.

Maxivision recently inaugurated three of its centers in Chennai and introduced the First Combo Lasik Suite in Chennai to bring in the best-in-class technology which combines solutions to get rid of reading glasses with Lasik treatments like Supracor and Intracor for patients above 40 years and Zyoptix a 100% Bladefree Lasik to get rid of glasses for adults above 19years of age.

Maxivision merged with Medfort Hospitals earlier in August 2011 and is part of the 12-hospitals network across six cities. Subsequently, all Medfort Hospitals will be named Maxivision Eye Care, a Medfort initiative.

About Technology

About Cataract Surgery

An estimated 20 million aging baby boomers and senior citizens have cataracts. Over 15 million cataract surgeries are performed worldwide every year. A cataract is clouding on the normally clear lens in the eye. Cataract surgery is a simple procedure during which the natural lens in the patient’s eye is surgically replaced with an intraocular lens.

Basic Treatments for Myopia Progression – Anti-muscarinic Drops Win

Basic Treatments for Myopia Progression – Anti-muscarinic Drops Win
February 2, 2012

Reported in the Review of Optometry, various methods utilized for slowing myopia progression were compared in efficacy and potential side effects. Looking at data from 23 randomized controlled trials, including 4,696 participants, pediatric eye doctors and study methodologists have found that anti-muscarinic eye drops provide the greatest effect on controlling the progression of myopia, but also are associated with some side effects.

The studies focused on and compared:

Bifocal soft contact lenses
RGPs.
Pharmaceutical eye drops such as anti-muscarinics
Multifocal spectacles like PALs or Bifocals
Undercorrection
Both multifocal lenses and pharmaceutical eye drops.

Anti-muscarinic drops proved to be most successful but were associated with light sensitivity and/or blurred near vision.

Multifocal glasses mildly reduced the progression of myopia, while undercorrection actually seemed to increase the amount of myopia progression.

Here is a full link to the study. Students giving advice to patients on the progression of myopia should really consider referencing clinical trials like this one.

AOA Career Center – Calling all 4th year optometry students!

The AOA has an incredible tool that should be utilized by any 4th year optometry students looking to start their career. It’s called The Optometry’s Career Center. This new tool provides optometrists access to practice opportunities including employment and practices for sale. This service is free to all AOA members and will make finding that golden opportunity a little less arduous.

Visit www.optometryscareercenter.org to:

· Post your resume and search for opportunities
· Find a practice to purchase or list your practice for sale
· Post staffing opportunities

Be sure to take advantage of this incredible resource the AOA has established for our profession.

Current AOSA members can also access and search the database by using their log in credentials. (Login credentials are your school e-mail and birthday so its very easy to log in!)

VA to resume use of Avastin

VA to resume use of Avastin
January 25, 2012

The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs will resume the use of intraocular Avastin. The VA had originally banned the use of ophthalmic Avastin because of concerns regarding its safety secondary to bacteria-tainted injections. With new safety standards in place, ophthalmologists can begin to use Avastin once again.

Some of the new regulations are as follows as found in Review of Optometry and reported by Sight Nation (01/11/12 – “VA Gives Avastin Another Shot”):

“Using outsourced compounding pharmacies to prepare intravitreal Avastin for use within VA facilities is not permitted.

VA pharmacies or ophthalmology providers are not permitted to prepare multiple Avastin doses from one vial. If the patient requires bilateral treatment, a separate vial and syringe must be used for each eye.

Any unused contents remaining in a punctured Avastin vial shall be treated as chemotherapy waste and discarded as such within the eye clinic.

Article By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013
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Astronomy and Vision Change?

Astronomy and Vision Change?

January 25th 2012 - In an October issue of Ophthalmology, it was reported that astronauts who spend six months or longer in space may begin to experience visual changes, changes that may last even after returning to Earth. In a study conducted, seven astronauts spent at least six consecutive months in space were observed, and all of them reported blurred vision while on the space station. This study concurred with previous studies conducted in 1989, which showed about 50% of 300 astronauts involved in space missions longer than six months reported changes in both distance and near vision.

Furthermore, Lawrence DeLucas, O.D., Ph.D, optometrist and astronaut, saw changes in vision 20 years ago while he himself was on the space shuttle Columbia. Dr. DeLucas shared his own findings regarding the crew members, citing seeing petite hemes in several members of the team just a few days into the mission. Many of those hemorrhages began to reabsorb 12 days into the mission. He believes it had something to do with changes in gravity, resulting in increased intracranial pressure, which subsequently can lead to optic edema and changes in vision. This is certainly something that NASA and eyecare professionals will be keeping an eye on.

Article By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013
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Contact Lenses to Monitor Health?

Contact Lenses to Monitor Health?
January 15, 2012

January 13th 2012- Contact lenses, a Class II medical device, are already used by millions of Americans to see. However, exciting news from the University of Washington shows that maybe, in the relatively near future, they may be able to monitor health. “Smart Lenses,” a new generation of lenses, are specially designed with wireless technology, circuitry, and sensors, that may effectively monitor blood and important biomarkers found within blood such as cholesterol, glucose, potassium, and sodium, all of which are commonly found on the surface of the eye. There is a lot of promise and exciting ideas surrounding these news lenses, such as continuous diabetic blood sugar monitoring for example; however, that kind of function is years away as the lens has not even been tested in humans yet.

The hope is that, the smart lens could one day be intertwined with smart phones and other technology to not only monitor, but treat eye disease as well based on drug delivery through the lens, and looking at how the eye has changed over the course of time, right from a person’s cell phone.

Article By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013
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Risk of Wet AMD linked to Daily Aspirin Use?

Risk of Wet AMD linked to Daily Aspirin Use?
January 7, 2012

Jauary 7th 2012- Wet AMD poses a risk of blindness in seniors. Recent research has suggested that taking a daily aspirin may double the risk of developing wet AMD. The Journal Ophthalmology reported that daily aspirin use was associated with the onset of late-stage wet AMD and the onset of early dry AMD. The results of the study showed specifically that late-stage wet AMD onset was 2.22X more likely among daily aspirin users. Unfortunately, not inherent within the study was the exact dosages of aspirin taken, so correlations between specific dosages and risks was not assessed. – Read more about this topic here.

Article By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013
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AOA Tool “Ophthalmic Resources On Demand” Takes Home Two Awards

AOA Tool “Ophthalmic Resources On Demand” Takes Home Two Awards

Ophthalmic Resources On Demand Tool Takes Home Two eHealthcare Leadership Awards

January 7th 2011- The Ophthalmic Resources On Demand tool launched by the American Optometric Association took home two eHealthcare Leadership Awards at the 15th Annual Healthcare Internet Conference in November. Selected from 1,200 entries, the AOA platform won Platinum Award for Best Health/Healthcare Content and the Silver Award for Best Overall Internet Site. Available on the AOA website to its members, the health tool provides access to expanding offerings like pharmaceutical product prescribing information, coupons, patient assistance programs, and patient education on products and managing medical conditions. An e-prescribing platform is currently planned for the site. The AOA has produced an excellent tool for eye and health care providers, and members should be sure to take advantage of it. CLICK HERE TO USE OPHTHALMIC RESOURCES ON DEMAND

Article By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013
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National Glaucoma Awareness Month

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

January 7th 2012- Glaucoma, right behind cataracts is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Some of the biggest groups and organizations in eyecare are educating the public about this blinding disease and to get comprehensive eye exams such as the American Optometric Association, Prevent Blindness America, the National Eye Institute and Glaucoma Research Foundation. Although glaucoma does result in blindness, vision can be saved if proper diagnosis and treatment is enacted. Education and awareness is critical.

Article By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013
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ABB Concise Silicon Hydrogel cleared by FDA

ABB Concise Silicon Hydrogel cleared by FDA

January 7th 2012 - The FDA has given approval to ABB Concise to produce silicon hydrogel specialty contact lenses made from 74% H2O Definitive material with a Dk of 60. The specialty lenses will include designs for multifocal, toric, and irregular corneas. These new products will be available in the first quarter of 2012.

Article By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY Optometry 2013
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