News from the AOA's Blog

The Board of Directors of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) announced a new “Attributes of Students Graduating from Schools and Colleges of Optometry” report. The updated “Attributes Report” is a series of competency statements that broadly define the attributes expected of students graduating from any of the schools or colleges of optometry in the United States. Read the rest of this entry ?

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Dr. Davidoff

The Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA) sadly announced the passing of Jerry Davidoff, O.D., on Nov. 29, 2011. He was the immediate past chair of the AOA Vision Rehabilitation Section (VRS).

“Jerry fought a valiant fight against lung cancer and did so with his trademark humor, patience and optimism,” said Ilene Sauertieg, director of education for the POA. Read the rest of this entry ?

Kristopher T. Hubbard, O.D., with his children, from left, Matthew, 2; Jeffrey, 7; Annelise, 6 months; and Kristina, 5.

Iggie’s Telescope, a new children’s book written and illustrated by Kristopher T. Hubbard, O.D., follows the adventures of Iggie the Eyeball as he works diligently to buy his first telescope.  

“This story will inspire and show children that hard work pays off, while educating them on the importance of protecting their eyes,” Dr. Hubbard said.

The 8.5” x 11” full-color children’s paperback is designed to be a good bedtime story for parents to read to their children as well an appropriate addition to a medical or optometric waiting room, Dr. Hubbard said. Read the rest of this entry ?

By Christopher Wolfe, O.D., Practice Advancement Committee member

Becoming a practice owner through the purchase of a practice can be a daunting task. However, a thorough understanding of the factors impacting the purchase feasibility, practice value, appraisal approaches and tax implications of buying a practice can allow you to proceed with a clear analysis of a practice. Read the rest of this entry ?

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the “signature injury” of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to Department of Defense data through July 31, 2011, all TBI severities total 220,430, of which 169,209 are classified as Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). While devastating effects on the visual system can result from mTBI, it is frequently misdiagnosed. Read the rest of this entry ?

Dr. Stamm

Richard Soden,O.D., vice president for Clinical Affairs at the State University of New York (SUNY) State College of Optometry, announced the appointment of Dr. Joseph Stamm as the new chief of Advanced Care/Ocular Disease effective December 2011.

“The University Eye Center has been reorganizing its patient care delivery system to better serve its patients and to anticipate changes with health care reform. As chief of Advanced Care/Ocular Disease, Dr. Stamm will provide the leadership needed to achieve these changes within this service. This appointment completes the reorganization of our clinical services into three distinct areas: adult and pediatric primary eye care, advanced care/ocular disease, and vision rehabilitation,” said Dr. Soden. Read the rest of this entry ?

Ten recipients received awards for their contributions to the fields of developmental and behavioral optometry at the Awards Luncheon held at the 41st Annual Meeting of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD), Oct. 27, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nev.

Receiving recognition were Edwin Howell, O.D., Leonard Press, O.D., Celia Hinrichs, O.D., Paul Freeman, O.D., and Patrick Quaid, Ph.D., MCOptom; Certified Optometric Vision Therapist Samantha Caldwell; exhibitors Harry and Elaine Wayne of Wayne Engineering and author Robin Benoit and her daughter, Jillian. Read the rest of this entry ?

Alden N. Haffner, O.D., was recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a quarter century of service on a top-level health care advisory panel. As a member of the VA Special Medical Advisory Group (SMAG), Dr. Haffner has, for 25 years, played an important role in shaping VA medical care and treatment, education and training of VA health care personnel, and VA research programs, speakers noted during his final advisory group meeting in May. Read the rest of this entry ?

Health care practitioners who submit electronic claims are still required to have billing software meeting the new Version 5010 federal standard in place by Jan. 1, 2012. Those who do not will risk claim rejections after New Year’s Day.

However, U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of E-Health Standards and Services (OESS) announced last month it will not actively enforce the software requirement until March 31, 2012. Read the rest of this entry ?