News from the AOA's Blog

The AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section and American Academy of Optometry Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies released a statment regarding their concerns over cosmetic “circle” contact lenses.

Following are excerpts from the statement:

“…Contact lenses are considered safe for the correction of vision when appropriately fitted by licensed eye care providers. However, when contact lenses are obtained without a prescription and without appropriate training, fitting and follow-up, their use can result in complications including eye infections and permanent loss of vision. Read the rest of this entry ?

The AOA Paraoptometric Section (PS), with the support of the AOA, has designated Sept. 12-18, 2010, as Paraoptometric Recognition Week. Now in its eighth year, the recognition week is designed to honor paraoptometrics for their dedication to the patients they serve and to the profession of optometry.

During Paraoptometric Recognition Week many optometric professionals will recognize their staff for their commitment to increasing their knowledge and skills, thus offering better patient care.  Read the rest of this entry ?

In high-risk adults with type 2 diabetes, researchers have found that two therapies may slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age Americans.

Intensive blood sugar control reduced the progression of diabetic retinopathy compared with standard blood sugar control, and combination lipid therapy with a fibrate and statin also reduced disease progression compared with statin therapy alone. However, intensive blood pressure control provided no additional benefit to patients compared with standard blood pressure control. Read the rest of this entry ?

The Foundation for Eye Health Awareness hosted the second Eye Health Summit last month. Themed “From the Foundation Up,” the Eye Health Summit provided its 150 attendees with an opportunity to participate in small group and breakout activities, as well as a number of networking breaks. Mike Daley, president and executive director of the foundation, along with board members, welcomed Summit attendees at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the opening reception.

“Cutting the ribbon symbolically opened the doors of our new educational foundation to members of the vision community to participate,” said Daley. “With participants ranging from non-profit organizations to manufacturers to managed care plans, the summit brought together key decision-makers from throughout the vision community.” Read the rest of this entry ?

For the first time in its more than 100-year history, the association will induct its first woman as president when Dori Carlson, O.D., takes the helm next summer. For Dr. Carlson, however, this is just par for the course.

Since opening her practice with husband Mark Helgeson, O.D., in Park River, N.D., in 1990, and a second location in Grafton, N.D., Dr. Carlson has made it her mission to take optometry to another level where young patients receive proactive care to prevent problems later in life – often when it is too late. Read the rest of this entry ?