News from the AOA's Blog

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provided an update on a three-part study of LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis).

In October 2009, the FDA, the National Eye Institute, and the Department of Defense launched the LASIK Quality of Life (QOL) Collaboration Project. This project examines patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following LASIK, a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses. A PRO is a report of a condition experienced by the patient and reported by the patient, not the health care provider. Read the rest of this entry ?

The EyeBase Smartware electronic health records (EHR) program was developed by Stroudsburg, Pa.-based Mountain Computer Systems (MCS) to meet the demands of the practicing optometrist – including the demand for an EHR that is easy to implement and maintain, according to company president Anthony (Tony) Diecidue, O.D. Read the rest of this entry ?

Envision, a national service and employment provider for people who are blind or low vision, named Frank Clepper as president and chief executive officer. He was selected by the Envision board of directors and will begin in February 2012.

Clepper brings with him more than 20 years in military leadership and 10 years in corporate leadership. Read the rest of this entry ?

Advancing Optometry Worldwide, the World Council of Optometry’s next international conference, will be held June 24-26, 2012 in Chicago.

This three-day conference will bring together eye care professionals, optometrists and students from around the world and is conveniently timed to coincide with Optometry’s Meeting®, the official annual meeting of the AOA and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA). Read the rest of this entry ?

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 ?

OPTMD1100034

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 ?