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.

An iPad-based letter contrast sensitivity test could be a quick, easy, and convenient alternative to more traditional testing measures. This new tool, developed by Ridgevue Vision, has the advantage of being interactive as well.

It may be possible to view early changes in the eye before the clinical symptoms of glaucoma become apparent. A better understanding of the structural changes in glaucoma could potentially allow for a better diagnosis of the disease. Using imaging devices, such as the adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO), clinicians can view sharper and higher-resolution images of the eye than current clinical instruments.

Dr. Bowling discusses his anterior segment case challenges lecture at the Primary Care Section of the American Academy of Optometry Diplomate Seminar in Seattle. He also provides a bit of insight into the Primary Care Diplomate Section.

Dr. Ohlson manages the Facebook page of the Primary Care Section of the American Academy of Optometry and shares information about the Section's Facebook presence and how he updates it.

Dr. Bohlman, chair of the Primary Care Section of the American Academy of Optometry, gives details about the Section and how to become a Diplomate.

Dr. Rafieetary provides a top-level overview of his retinal vascular disease lecture at the Primary Care Section of the American Academy of Optometry Diplomate Seminar in Seattle.

Traditional methods of diagnosing AMD are not effective, now that there are been significant advances in treatment. Early diagnosis is imperative in order for patients to have better outcomes, including preserving vision and preventing disease progression, from dry to wet AMD.Diagnostics are evolving to diagnosis AMD earlier.