Two schools of optometry recently announced changes in their leadership. The University of California at Berkeley School of Optometry appointed John Flanagan, MCOptom, PhD, FAAO, as its eighth dean, and The Ohio State University College of Optometry has named Karla Zadnik, OD, PhD, FAAO, as its first woman dean.

The idea of working with patients with brain injuries can be intimidating at first. The results can be rewarding for the patient, family, and yourself, making it worth the time and effort spent. Whether you are the last stop on a frustrating journey or the diagnosing clinician, the difference you can make is life-altering

It fills me with a sense of pride when I think about working with another physician to either complement the care of my patient or obtain services I cannot perform. Let’s face it, we are not capable of doing everything for our patients and thus we have to seek the guidance of those who are better at specific skills. We as a profession need to have our pulse on what other physicians are providing for our patients. This is the essence of comanaging our patient-it is not a financial agreement, it is a “what’s in your patients best interest” agreement.

I used to take noncompliance personally. I was failing my patients as their eye doctor. After all, it’s my job to explain the risks of contact lens wear and care non-compliance, and if my patients weren’t complying then I must be doing a poor job of communicating those risks. One of the many points I learned: It’s not my fault!

Preventing CL dropouts can be a challenge with patients suffering from CLIDE. A number of factors, including the patient’s overall general health, the type of contact lens worn and solution interaction, among others, can influence the condition. Predicting which CL patients are more likely to develop dry eye helps you tailor management to the individual patient needs and set realistic patient goals for successful lens wear.

Chief Optometric Editor Ernie Bowling discusses the learning process that accompanies achieving Diplomate status in the American Academy of Optometry.

CooperVision adds additional myopic and hyperopic powers to its silicone hydrogel Biofinity line and adds -2.25 D to its Avaira cylinder availability.

Optometric faculty and institutions are now able to use as a resource the World Council of Optometry’s guide to develop or upgrade optometry programs or design curricula.

The Contact Lens Manufacturers Association granted awards, including the Practitioner of the Year, at its 52nd annual meeting.

Meibomian gland dysfunction is a common contributor to dry eye disease, especially in postmenopausal women. Dry eye disease occurs more frequently in women, and increases with advancing age.

While there are many factors involved, a number of individuals opt out of wearing their contact lenses every year. Randy Kojima, FAAO, a research scientist and clinical instructor at Pacific University College of Optometry, discusses how there could be a mechanical component involved.

The American Academy of Optometry recognized outstanding optometrists and vision scientists for their research and dedication to the profession during an awards ceremony at its annual meeting.

Bausch + Lomb introduced PureVision2 Multi-Focal (balafilcon A) monthly silicone hydrogel multifocal contact lenses at the American Academy of Optometry meeting. Featuring a next-generation 3-zone progressive design, these lenses are designed to improve near and intermediate vision while providing excellent distance clarity.

When caring for patients with glaucoma, clinicians sometimes encounter clinical issues that are challenging and controversial.

When it comes to management of keratoconus, corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure that can strengthen the cornea to halt its progression.

Patient satisfaction with PRK is similar to that of LASIK, with greater than 95% reporting satisfied or extremely satisfied. When PRK is the best procedure for your patient, help him understand the benefits of surface ablation while alleviating his disappointment about not qualifying for LASIK.

Milton Hom, OD, FAAO, discussed diagnosis and treatment of the mite Demodex at the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting in Seattle.

In a study comparing extended wear and daily wear contact lenses, extended contact lens wear was associated with more inflammatory and infectious complications, says Loretta Szczotka-Flynn, OD, PhD, from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, They appeared to have a greater frequency of lens bioburden and decreased frequency of lid bioburden, as compared to daily wear.

Dry eye is the most common reason why patients seek help from optometrists and ophthalmologists. It is also a leading cause of intolerance for contact lens users and the discontinuation of their use. However, a new paradigm is needed for “confronting and overcoming failures” in treating ocular surface disease.

Increasing knowledge of stem cells, and their application in reparative medicine, holds tremendous promise in treating eye disease and injury. At the plenary session held during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry, three experts discussed the current and potential uses of stem cells in ocular medicine.