Download Nov. 24-Dec. 5 - American Optometric Association

Nov. 24 – Dec. 5, 2014
WEEKLY MEDIA
MONITORING HIGHLIGHTS
Please note that due to guidelines regarding copyrights, in most cases we are only able to post the first few
sentences of each article; contact AOA Communications & Marketing to receive the full text of an article.
NATIONAL MEDIA OUTLETS
Why is Nearsightedness Increasing? (references the AOA, NEI and the AAO)
Examiner.com (UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 14 million) | Charles Simmins | 12/02/2014
Nearsightedness, the loss of the ability to see distant objects clearly, seems to be increasing worldwide. In a Dec. 1
article, the U.S. News & World Report examines one theory for this increase. They point squarely at the amount of time
that we all spend in front of screens, computer screens, television screens, cell phone screens and all the other
electronic viewing devices.
Doctors carry out a laser eye surgery, which utilizes computer-controlled excimer laser to correct myopia, at an
ophthalmology clinic on September 7, 2006 in Beijing, China.
The medical term for nearsightedness is myopia. The National Eye Institute describes the condition as a refractive error.
The light that enters the eye is focused in front of the retina and not on it. Close objects may appear clearly while those
at a distance will be blurry.
Photons Double Up to Make the Invisible Visible (references SUNY College of Optometry)
Nature.com (UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 1.5 million) | Katharine Sanderson | 12/01/2014
Although we do not have X-ray vision like Superman, we have what could seem to be another superpower: we can see
infrared light — beyond what was traditionally considered the visible spectrum. A series of experiments now suggests
that this little-known, puzzling effect could occur when pairs of infrared photons simultaneously hit the same pigment
protein in the eye, providing enough energy to set in motion chemical changes that allow us to see the light.
Received wisdom, and the known chemistry of vision, say that human eyes can see light with wavelengths between 400
(blue) and 720 nanometres (red). Although this range is still officially known as the 'visible spectrum', the advent of
lasers with very specific infrared wavelengths brought reports that people were seeing laser light with wavelengths
above 1,000 nm as white, green and other colours.
Krzysztof Palczewski, a pharmacologist at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, says that he has seen light
of 1,050 nm from a low-energy laser. “You see it with your own naked eye,” he says. To find out whether this ability is
common or a rare occurrence, Palczewski scanned the retinas of 30 healthy volunteers with a low-energy beam of light,
and changed its wavelength. As the wavelength increased into the infrared (IR), participants found the light at first
harder to detect, but at around 1,000 nm the light became easier to see. How humans can do this has puzzled scientists
for years.
Danger: Digital Eye Strain (references the AOA; quotes AOA member Dr. Lori Roberts)
Kiwi (circulation: 250,000) | Dana Wilkosz | 12/03/2014
Considering that 83 percent of kids between the ages of 10 and 17 spend at least three hours a day on a electronic
device, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA), it's no surprise that all that screen time is taking a toll
on their eyes. In fact, it can lead to a condition known as digital eye strain, says Lori Roberts, O.D., an optometrist in
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and chair of the AOA's New Technology Committee. "Between computers, TVs.
smartphones, and tablets, kids today are exposed to blue light more than ever before," she says. Focusing on a blue light
device for a long time decreases the blink rate, which can make eyes dry and irritated. Plus, some research suggests blue
light can cause inflammation in the eyes that may lead to long-term damage. The best way to prevent digital eye stain is
by limiting kid's screen time, but these tips can also help:
Practice the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, have your child take 20 seconds to focus on something 20 feet away to
give her eyes a break.
Check her position. Your child should sit 20 to 28 inches away from her computer screen. When she uses a handheld
device, have her hold it slightly below eye level with her arm extended out as far as is comfortably possible.
7 Surprising Headache Triggers (references the AOA)
Express Tribune | Staff | 11/23/2014
It's easy to blame headaches on the usual suspects, such as workload and skipping your morning chai. But did you know
that there are other lesser known set-offs, which, if not identified, could cause frequent headaches? According to Dr
Frederick Freitag, former director of headache medicine at Baylor University Medical Centre, us, if you know the root
cause of your headache, you can often prevent it from occurring in the first place. As compiled from the Health
magazine, livescience.com and lifescript.com, here's how to gun down hidden headache triggers.
Heat
If your head starts pounding during a sunny day at a live cricket match, it may be due to the heat and not because the
Pakistani team lost. A theory behind heat causing headache is that the body's attempt to cool itself by sending more
blood to the skin deprives the brain of oxygen. In the February 2012 issue of Head Wise, a publication of the National
Headache Foundation, Dr Vincent T Martin mentioned that summer brings with it a unique set of triggers, such as
sunlight, dehydration, increased physical activity, allergies and humidity.
Blinking Exercises Help Ease Evaporative Dry Eye (references the American Academy of Optometry)
Medscape | Megan Brooks | 11/21/2014
In patients with evaporative dry eye, blinking exercises can help decrease partial blinking and improve meibomian gland
function and symptoms, according to a new study.
Detecting and quantifying partial blinking and blink training might be important in the overall treatment and
management of evaporative dry eye, the investigators report.
David Murakami, MPH, OD, from TearScience Inc. in Morrisville, North Carolina, and Korb Associates in Boston,
presented the results at the American Academy of Optometry 2014 Annual Meeting in Denver.
Pain-Sensitive Patients May Report Dry Eye Symptoms Without Pathology (references the American
Academy of Optometry)
Primary Care Optometry News | Chelsea Frajerman | 11/21/2014
Pain sensitivity influences ocular discomfort and dryness perception, according to a speaker here at the American
Academy of Optometry meeting.
Wong Li, OD, FAAO, said that discrepancy between signs and symptoms of ocular discomfort as well as the fact that
clinical tests for dry eye are poor predictors for symptom levels led to the study.
Li and colleagues analyzed whether participants' Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) scores were associated with the
results of their Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire.
Survey Effective in Identifying Factors Associated with Corneal Inflammatory Events (references the
American Academy of Optometry)
Primary Care Optometry News | Chelsea Frajerman | 11/21/2014
A survey that assesses contact lens care and use was able to identify routine behaviors and environmental exposures
that led to corneal inflammatory events, according to a presenter here at the American Academy of Optometry meeting.
Kathyrn Richdale, OD, PhD, FAAO, conducted a multicenter, prospective, single-visit, case control study with colleagues
as part of the Contact Lens Assessment in Youth (CLAY) study.
Researchers utilized the CLAY Contact Lens Risk Survey (CLRS) to determine risk factors in patients who wore contact
lenses and presented with asymptomatic corneal inflammatory events (CIEs), Richdale explained.
What Does the Affordable Care Act Mean for Your Practice? 'Nothing Yet,' Say Leading Regional Optical
Groups (references the AOA and American Eye-Q)
Vision Monday - Online | John Sailer | 11/24/2014
One of the most controversial health care laws to pass in recent history, the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act (also known as the ACA), continues to generate disagreement among health care providers and
patients. With pediatric vision care being one of the ten essential health benefits that became effective Jan. 1,
2014, the ACA requires that all covered children through age 18 receive regular comprehensive eye exams,
including follow-up care and treatment.
However, surveys by The Vision Council and the American Optometric Association, as well as comments from
some regional optical leaders, indicate that there has not been a corresponding increase in pediatric vision
patients.
The Vision Council's VisionWatch Economic Situation Study, found that by May 2014, "recent developments
with the ACA have not had too much of an immediate impact on the optical industry. However, the long-term
prognosis on the impact of the ACA on the eyewear industry is still in doubt."
Student Eye Exercises Prove Seeing is Not Always Believing (references the AOA and the AAO)
Global Times (English Edition) - Online | Paul LePetit | 11/24/2014
Twice a day in every school in China, every pupil has to undertake a five-minute eye exercise session. Usually
accompanied by soothing music, classes stop and pupils massage their eyes, cheekbones and foreheads and
roll their eyes in a disciplined series of movements.
These exercises were first introduced to schools in Beijing in the 1960s and in 1972 became a fixture in schools
throughout the country. There is a long history of traditional Chinese medicine treating eye problems and
diseases. The 5,000-year-old classic text, Shennong's Materia Medica, for example, listed some 70 herbs used
to treat eye problems.
But the eye exercises in school are more related to acupressure points and bear a close resemblance to eye
exercises promoted in the West to improve vision and do away with glasses. In the 1920s, a US physician,
William Horatio Bates, published his book Perfect Sight Without Glasses, wherein he expounded his Bates
method. He said that by performing his eye exercises regularly people would improve their sight and be able
to live well without spectacles.
Alcon Marks Support of CLAY Studies (quotes AOA member Dr. Heidi Wagner; references the American
Academy of Optometry)
Primary Care Optometry News | Staff | 11/24/2014
Alcon noted its 5 years of support for the Contact Lens Assessment in Youth team during a companysponsored press conference here at the American Academy of Optometry meeting.
According to a company press release, Alcon has provided nearly $700,000 in unrestricted grant support since
2009.
“We have been able to isolate age as its own risk factor for contact lens complications, but also to focus the
industry's attention on compliance and a deeper understanding of real-world contact lens wearing
experiences,” Contact Lens Assessment in Youth (CLAY) co-chair, Heidi Wagner, OD, MPH, FAAO, said in the
release.
Eye Doctor Saves Child's Life With Diagnosis (features AOA member Dr. Farnaz Khankhanian)
NewsWire | Joel Morrison | 11/25/2014
Dr. Farnaz Khankhanian of Eagle Vision saved my daughter with her miracle diagnosis.
June 8, 2010, my daughter Savannah was almost finished with the 3rd grade. I received a call at work from the
school nurse. She told me that Savannah's eye had crossed, and due to this problem she was having difficulty
seeing. She said that Savannah could stay at school; that it wasn't an emergency situation. She also said that I
should make an appointment for an eye exam for Savannah, she thought that Savannah might need glasses. I
started to make calls to find an optometrist who could see Savannah right away.
I called one office and they couldn't see her for one month. The second place I called could see her the next
day. When Savannah returned from school, she said that her head hurt and I saw that her eye had somehow
turned toward her nose. Deep down I knew that something was really wrong, and my heart sank. Savannah's
eye was moving around without any direction. The next morning I sent Savannah to what would turn out to be
her last day attending 3rd grade. Right after I dropped Savannah off at school, the optometrist called me to
tell me that she had to cancel Savannah's appointment because of double booking, and they would reschedule
a new appointment for next week. I knew that something wasn't right and that I absolutely could not wait
until next week.
Three faculty Members at Indiana University Named Fellows of AAAS (features AOA member Dr. P.Sarita
Soni; references the School of Optometry at IU Bloomington)
IUPUI Newsroom, press release | IUPUI | 11/24/2014
Three faculty members from Indiana University have been named fellows of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science, a distinction that recognizes outstanding contributions to the progress of science
and research.
The 2014 fellows are Edward J. Berbari, Chancellor's Professor and chair of the biomedical engineering
department at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; Thomas Sterling, professor of computer
science in the School of Informatics and Computing at Indiana University Bloomington; and P. Sarita Soni,
professor emerita in the School of Optometry at IU Bloomington.
Their election brings the number of AAAS fellows affiliated with Indiana University to 89.
Wise Decision to Tackle Eye Problem (references the AOA and American Eye-Q)
Trinidad & Tobago's Newsday - Online | Valerie Samuels | 11/25/2014
This is a great example of data-driven decision-making. Between 2011 and 2012, an analysis of screening data
indicated that about 2.5 percent of first-year children and ten percent of Standard Four students have
refracted errors needing correction by way of eyeglasses. A national eye survey has also found there is a
“significant number of children with refractive errors” in schools. However, a number of children are without
eyeglasses due to lack of funds.
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), good vision is critical for many classroom tasks —
from reading books or seeing a blackboard to viewing a computer screen. Without healthy vision, students can
face unnecessary challenges not only in the classroom, but also to their mental, physical, social and emotional
well being.
Studies conducted by the AOA indicate that 60 percent of children identified as “problem learners” actually
suffer from undetected vision problems. According to the AOA's American Eye-Q survey, only 39 percent of
adults understand that behavioural problems can be an indication of vision problems.
A Full House at the AAO (references the American Academy of Optometry)
Optometry Times - Online | Ernie Bowling | 11/25/2014
The annual American Academy of Optometry meeting is always a highlight of my year. It is an opportunity to
renew old friendships, make new ones, catch up on the latest professional developments, and of course, get
those always-elusive continuing education credits. The Academy has forever been known for outstanding
optometric education, and judging from the crowds in the sessions, ODs were taking advantage in droves of
this world-class opportunity. Every course I attended was packed to overflowing.
“Some 6,323 ODs registered for the 2014 AAO meeting. That attendance is an all-time high for an Academy
meeting, and is possibly the largest group ever at an optometric meeting," said Lois Schoenbraun, executive
director of the AAO.
This is no small feat considering the frigid temperatures in Denver during the meeting.
Keeping Kids Safe: Screen Time and Eye Strain (references the AOA)
Baristanet.com | Michelle Longo | 12/02/2014
Winter weather can mean more time spent indoors and inevitably, more screen time. Eyestrain caused by digital screens
is a growing problem among children. With the increasing screen time in the classroom coupled with the recreational
use of devices at home, children can sometimes be looking at a screen for more time than we realize. According to the
US Library of Medicine, the average American child spends up to three hours per day watching television and together
with computers, tablets and phones, that number can reach five to seven hours of screen time per day.
Children with prolonged exposure to screens are at greater risk of developing progressive myopia, or nearsightedness.
Although this is largely a hereditary disease, the eye strain and fatigue caused by too much screen time is thought by
many children's eye care practitioners to be a contributor to this condition.
Symptoms of eyestrain include dry or red eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and headache. In order to prevent
eyestrain, the American Optometric Association (AOA) makes the following recommendations:
1.
Practice the 20-20-10 rule: Every twenty minutes, children should redirect their vision for at least twenty
seconds onto something at least 10 feet away.
Excessive Gadget Use May Lead to Serious Health Problems (references the AOA)
HealthAim.com | Katrina | 12/02/2014
A lot of our simple tasks have been made more convenient by technology. Getting in touch with someone has never
been easier through mobile phone calls and video chats. With just a few clicks, you can purchase something as simple as
movie tickets to something as grand as trip ticket or a new car. As we become more hooked to new apps and become
more dependent on the conveniences that gadgets bring, we also tend to forget to use these gifts of science in
moderation.
A study from the World Health Organization said that reports of neck and back pain, and improper posture are more
prevalent in highly developed countries than in developing economies. The research cited industrialization and
globalization as the factors that affect the spinal conditions of those living in first world nations.
Another study conducted by British healthcare provider Simplyhealth found that in a year, 84 per cent of people aged 18
to 24 experienced back pain. The research suggested that the most probable cause of the pain in the neck and upper
back are slumping or hunching over computers or hand held devices for long periods of time. The survey showed that
the average use of mobile devices among youngsters is pegged at about nine hours a day.
What's the Best Lab Strategy: In-House, Centralized or Wholesale? (quotes AOA member Dr. David Hettler)
Vision Monday | Staff | 12/02/2014
Mid-size regional optical retailers can control costs and quality with in-house labs or centralized labs that serve multiple
locations. Or they can reduce the headaches and upfront investments by outsourcing to one or more wholesale optical
labs. Whichever strategy they choose, the following optical retailers explain their reasons for choosing how they process
finished eyeglasses for their patients:
Alan Ulsifer, OD, CEO and president, FYidoctors, Alberta, Canada
What is your procedure for processing your patients' eyeglasses—in-house labs, centralized lab, wholesale lab or some
other system? We are committed to digital surfacing and, in fact, we do not have a single conventional generator in our
central lab. We do commit to single vision inventory and edgers in the majority of our locations in order to provide fast
service where there is an opportunity.
Kids in the Classroom: Who's Keeping an Eye on Their Vision? (references the AOA)
News.EssilorUSA.com | Essilor USA | 12/04/2014
Quick: Who is the first line of defense when it comes to the eye health of your children? You? Your children themselves?
Maybe their pediatrician?
For many children, the answer may be actually be their teacher.
With children spending so much of their time in school, teachers are often in a unique position to identify potential
problems with a child's vision. And that's especially true given that children at school are often engaged in activities such as extended periods of reading - that can reveal vision issues that may not immediately be apparent on basic eye
exams.
American Academy of Optometry's 93rd Annual Meeting Breaks Attendance Records (features the
American Academy of Optometry; references AOA members Drs. Brett Bence, Joseph Shovlin, Bernard
Dolan, Susan Cotter, Pete Kollbaum, Timothy McMahon and Jeff Walline)
Vision Monday | Staff | 12/03/2014
DENVER—The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) broke attendance records at its recent 93rd annual meeting with
6,323 total registrants, including 3,958 optometrists and vision scientists and 995 students, representing a 5 percent
increase over last year's attendance, organizers said.
During the four-day meeting, held Nov. 12 to 15, 2014, at the Colorado Convention Center, the AAO recognized
individuals who have contributed to advancing the profession of optometry with a variety of awards. The 15 people
honored by the AAO can be viewed here: 2014 Academy Award Recipients.
The AAO also announced the new 2014-2015 Board of Directors for 2014-2015: Brett Bence, OD, FAAO, president;
Joseph Shovlin, OD, FAAO, president-elect; Barbara Caffery, OD, PhD, FAAO, secretary-treasurer; and Bernard Dolan, OD,
MS, FAAO, immediate past-president. Board members at large are Susan Cotter, OD, MS, FAAO; Pete Kollbaum, OD,
PhD, FAAO; Timothy McMahon, OD, FAAO; and Jeff Walline, OD, PhD, FAAO.
AOA AND AOA MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Dr. Max Gomez: Smartphones, Tablets, And Laptops Could Cause 'Digital Vision Syndrome' (references SUNY
College of Optometry)
WCBS-TV (New York, NY) | Staff | 11/21/2014
Did your mom ever tell you not to sit too close to the TV because it would ruin your eyes? Well, today more kids than
ever are near-sighted.
As CBS2′s Dr. Max Gomez explained, it's called Computer Vision Syndrome, or more accurately, Digital Vision Syndrome,
because it isn't just computers. It can be caused by smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the hours and hours of screen
time that kids put in.
“Kids sometimes may complain of double vision, headaches, eye strain, and this is from using their eyes too much up
close. There's a lot of strain on the visual system,” Dr. Erica Schulman, SUNY College of Optometry, explained.
Brianna Hernandez is one of those kids. Like most youngsters she does everything on her phone.
Study Shows Nutrition Matters for Eyes (bylined by AOA member Dr. Rebecca Wincek Bateson; references
the AOA; quotes AOA member Dr. A. Paul Chous)
The Indiana Gazette (Indiana, PA) | Rebecca Wincek Bateson | 12/03/2014
New research gives optometrists yet another reason to discuss nutrition — and its impact on eye health — with
patients. In fact, all health care providers will concern themselves with prevention, not just treatment.
A recent study found that participants with high adherence to dietary guidelines had a lowered risk of visual impairment.
The study tracked participants' adherence to specific dietary guidelines and the occurrence of visual impairments over
10 years.
Researchers analyzed data from 3,654 participants from the Blue Mountain Eye Study, who were examined at baseline
and re-examined after both five and 10 years.
First Fred Friedfeld Memorial Scholarship Awarded at SUNY College of Optometry (features SUNY College of
Optometry)
Long Island Exchange (Long Island, NY) | Staff | 12/02/2014
The first ever Fred Friedfeld Memorial Scholarship was one of 26 scholarships recently awarded at SUNY College of
Optometry.
Karen Levy, Class of 2017, was the first recipient of the scholarship established in honor of the late Fred Friedfeld,
founder of ClearVision Optical. This past summer, the Friedfeld family created the scholarship to recognize current
graduate students in optometry based on academic merit and financial need. Peter Friedfeld, son of Fred Friedfeld and
Executive Vice President at ClearVision Optical, presented the award to Ms. Levy.
“My father touched so many people throughout his life and in his 65 years since he founded ClearVision in 1949,” says
Peter Friedfeld. “He believed in education, and was a mentor to so many. The endowment fund that has been
established with SUNY Optometry helps to ensure that his presence continues in an industry he loved.”
Changes Coming for Optometrists in Retail Stores (references the Tennessee Board of Optometry and the
Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians)
The Tennessean (Nashville, TN) | Lizzy Alfs | 12/01/2014
A new rule approved by the Tennessee Board of Optometry is requiring optometrists that operate within larger retail
stores to physically separate their offices from retailers or other commercial establishments by early next year.
The rule — which will affect big-box retailers such as Walmart and Sam's Club — prohibits the practice of optometry in
or in conjunction with any retail store or commercial establishment where merchandise is displayed or offered for sale.
Under the new rule, optometrists can continue to lease space from retailers or commercial establishments, but there
must be a permanent physical separation, such as a wall, between the optometry office and the retailer.
Vision-Based Testing Accurate and Easy for Concussion Screening (quotes AOA member Dr. Robert
Steinmets)
WFLD-TV (Chicago, IL); WAVE-TV (Louisville, KY) | Staff | 12/03/2014
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -The tragedy of Ohio State football player Kosta Karageorge, who was found dead this week
after a suicide, could be linked to head injuries. He had complained of concussion symptoms and confusion.
However, one Chicago company is hoping to make diagnosing concussions simple enough that any parent can do it on
the sidelines.
Extreme tackles and crushing hits happen in every game, and it's no surprise many parents are afraid to let their kids out
on the field.
“I would be concerned. I love my kids, I love contact sports, I love football. And I think the whole goal is to make sure
that we can make the game safer," said Dr. Robert Steinmets, a parent and doctor of optometry.
Eye Games for Baby Book Series Awarded Product of the Year (references the AOA)
KATV-TV (Little Rock, AR), press release | Baby of Mind, LLC | 11/21/2014
Baby of Mind, publisher of the highly acclaimed "Eye Games for Baby" book series, has recently been awarded Book of
the Year and Product of the Year by the esteemed Creative Child Awards Program - one of the leading and most
respected programs devoted to reviewing books and toys for babies and young children.
The awarded books - the original "Eye Games for Baby" and "Baby's First Stroller Book" (published 2011) - are accordionfold image books designed for babies 0-6 months with the help of a leading infant vision specialist. The books are
pioneers in a category of baby books designed to delight and immerse babies while acting as parenting aids for baby's
vision. What puts them apart from most other kids' books is that they are truly made with baby in mind - to be used at a
time when baby's vision is still developing.
The first few months of baby's life, according to the American Optometric Association, are crucial for monitoring vision,
as certain eye conditions that could lead to permanent vision loss later on in life may be successfully treated in
childhood if detected early enough. For this reason the AOA recommends all babies receive vision screenings not only
when they are newborns, but also their first comprehensive vision assessment at about 6 months of age. Baby of Mind
uses its award-winning Eye Games for Baby books to bring awareness about the need for early vision screening to new
parents through invaluable reminders - both through email, social media, partnerships with doctors and hospitals, and
charitable donations.
Eye Health and Aging (quotes AOA member Dr. Howard Purcell and references Essilor of America)
50+ Lifestyles (Long Island, NY) | Staff | 12/04/2014
(Family Features) As you age, your body goes through many changes, including differences in eyesight which can
negatively affect day-to-day activities.
You may have noticed these differences while trying to read the morning paper or getting dressed for the day. While this
change – also known as presbyopia – is normal (even for individuals who have always had perfect vision), it can disrupt
the lives of those affected. Luckily there are ways to make these vision changes less noticeable and less impactful on
daily life.
“It's important for people to understand that what happens between 40 and 50 years old to our eyes up close is
completely normal,” said Howard Purcell, O.D. and senior vice president of customer development for Essilor of
America, the creators of Varilux lenses, the leading progressive lens solution for presbyopia patients.
Letter to the Editor: Thanks for the Customer Service of Douglas Family Vision (features AOA member Dr.
Joseph Douglas)
MLive.com (Saginaw, MI) | Staff | 12/03/2014
I think in our hurried, fast-food lives we're more apt to point out negative things quickly, and we miss or take for granted
our chance to point out positive.
Today I want to go out on a limb and thank the local optometrists Dr. Joseph Douglas and his wife Dr. Karen Douglas.
Douglas Family Vision gave me the best customer service that I have seen in ages. From the initial phone call to the
receptionist, to my exam and fitting, I commend Douglas Family Vision for setting an example of what five-star customer
service should be.
Dr. Thomas Quinn Elected Chair of National Council (references the AOA; features AOA member Dr. Thomas
Quinn)
Zanesville Times Recorder (Zanesville, OH) | Staff | 12/01/2014
Dr. Thomas Quinn, Athens optometrist, was recently elected to serve as national chair of the American Optometric
Association's (AOA) Contact Lens and Cornea Section. Quinn is the son of Tom and Margaret Quinn of Zanesville.
The AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section serves as an informational and educational resource for its members, the
public, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the media on contact lens
related issues.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) represents approximately 39,000 doctors of optometry, optometry
students and paraoptometric assistants and technicians.
OPTOMETRY CARES – THE AOA FOUNDATION
What About Lazy Eye? (references the AOA and InfantSEE; bylined by AOA member Dr. Dean Brown)
Upper Rogue Independent - Online | Dr. Dean R. Brown | 11/25/2014
Lazy eye, or amblyopia, refers to an eye that does not develop normal central vision because the brain does
not receive a clear image from that eye and thus the eye does not learn to see properly. Amblyopia almost
always appears before the age of 6 and the sooner it is diagnosed the better the chance of complete recovery.
Amblyopia can be classified as strabismic, deprivation, and refractive. Most commonly, amblyopia only
involves one eye and because of this can go undetected unless the child has an eye examination. If not
diagnosed until later in life treatment tends to be more difficult and less effective. Treatment for lazy eye
depends on the exact cause and can include prescription glasses, contact lenses, prism lenses, surgery, vision
therapy, and eye patching. Treatment is important because those with amblyopia do not develop normal
depth perception which can handicap them in sports, occupational, and leisure activities. Also, the
consequences of vision loss in the good eye from disease or injury are much greater for those with amblyopia.
The incidence of amblyopia is in children is around 3 to 5% and this is one reason the American Optometric
Association (AOA) recommends that children have a comprehensive vision exam by the age of 6 months and
again around age 3. The AOA has developed a public health program called ‘InfantSEE' that provides a
comprehensive infant eye assessment between 6 and 12 months of age as a no-cost public service. This
program allows for early detection and treatment of amblyopia and other eye problems. For more information
and to locate a ‘InfantSEE' provider in your area go the website at www.InfantSEE.org.
ABB Optical Group Offers $25K Match for Donations to Optometry Cares--The AOA Foundation Through
Dec. 31 (references the AOA, InfantSEE, Vision USA, Optometry Cares the AOA Foundation, Optometry’s
Fund for Disaster Relief, National Optometry Hall of Fame and Healthy Eyes, Healthy People; quotes AOA
member Dr. T. Joel Byars)
Vision Monday | Staff | 12/03/2014
The AOA Foundation has announced that ABB Optical Group, in recognition of the company's 25th anniversary, intends
to match all donations up to $25,000 now through Dec. 31 to support the philanthropic and charitable organization in
making an even larger impact in the quality of life for Americans seeking vision care.
“At ABB, we believe in giving back to those in need and supporting causes that have a proven impact,” said ABB Optical
Group's CEO, Angel Alvarez. "We invite everyone in the optometry industry to join us in supporting Optometry Cares—
The AOA Foundation's mission of expanding eye health and vision care access to everyone in the United States.”
The ABB Optical Group matching gift will help bolster AOA members' contributions to ensure support of valuable
Optometry Cares programs, such as: InfantSEE, Healthy Eyes, Healthy People, Vision USA, Camp Courage: A Helen Keller
Experience, Optometry's Fund for Disaster Relief, Endowment and Scholarship Funds, National Optometry Hall of Fame
and the Archives & Museum.
CareCredit Provides $25,000 Grant to Optometry Cares® - the AOA Foundation's InfantSEE® Program
(features InfantSEE and Optometry Cares-the AOA Foundation)
Businesswire.com, press release | Cristy Williams | 12/03/2014
COSTA MESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CareCredit's Caring Communities Program is making a difference in the vision
health of children with a $25,000 grant to Optometry Cares® - The American Optometric Association (AOA) Foundation's
InfantSEE® program.
CareCredit, a leading health wellness and beauty credit card, created the Caring Communities Program to help more
people access care and support charitable organizations in making a greater impact on the communities they serve.
According to Optometry Cares® - The AOA Foundation, vision disorders are the fourth most common disability in the
United States, and the most prevalent handicapping condition during childhood. A trained optometrist can examine
infant eye development as early as six-to-12 months of age. These early screenings help identify developing eye
conditions and diseases, allowing for treatment and possible prevention of life-long vision complications.
More than 7,000 InfantSEE® optometrists examine an estimated 10,000 infants annually for normal eye development
and to intervene early if necessary. To date, more than 110,000 babies have been seen, and 10 percent have been
identified for greater concerns and follow-up.