Scholarship Alert – Antoinette M. Molinari Memorial Scholarship $6,000

The American Optometric Foundation is offering the Antoinette M. Molinari Memorial Scholarship. The deadline to complete the application is June 22nd 2012. The following is some information obtained from the scholarship site which can be found here: http://www.aaopt.org/aof/scholarship/molinari/

Purpose

The Antoinette M. Molinari Scholarship was set up to assist an exceptional student who has extraordinary financial needs and, as such, would have difficulty meeting the financial requirements of attending optometry school. Financial need is a major criteria for selection, but academic and leadership potential are also important considerations.

Award

One scholarship of $6,000 will be awarded for the academic year. The award is made to the institution, who credits the scholarship to the student. The scholarship rotates among the North American schools and colleges of optometry. To see if your school is eligible for this year,  review the list below.

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to students holding a first through third year status currently enrolled in an accredited optometry program. Eligible applicants are students pursuing a Doctorate of Optometry through a full-time course of study in and who maintain a grade point average of 3.5 (4 point scale) or higher for all course work taken thus far in optometry school. This scholarship is not open to residents, post-doctoral applicants or pre-Optometry students.

Application and Review Procedures

The AOF informs the institutions designated for the current year’s program that it may seek candidates. The application form may be downloaded and shared with potential candidates. Students are asked to complete the application, contact the appropriate individuals for references, authorize the release of an official transcript and write a one page statement describing their education and career objectives.

The attending institution is responsible for reviewing the application for content, providing supportive authorization and transmitting the materials to the Foundation by the deadline.

The Molinari Family, in collaboration with a designated review committee, will select the scholarship recipient based on financial need, academic and leadership potential.

New President Named to Lead Appalachian College of Optometry

Brian D. Looney, OD has been named founding president of the emerging Appalachian College of Optometry. The new optometry school is currently working towards accreditation and expects to admit students to the program beginning in Fall of 2014. Looney graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Optometry in 1996 and completed a residency at the Maryland VA Health System with emphasis in ocular disease. He currently operates a private practice in his hometown of Grundy and serves as assistant professor at the Appalachian College of Pharmacy, staff optometrist at Keen Mountain Correctional Center in Oakwood, and serves as an affiliate optometrist at TLC Laser Center in Johnson City.

By: Antonio Chirumbolo, Content Coordinator, SUNY 2013

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL NORA MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE!

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL NORA MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE!

The 21st Annual NORA Multi-disciplinary Conference is right around the corner on Thursday April 19th, to Sunday April 22, 2012. This year’s meeting is taking place at University of Memphis, Holiday Inn, 3700 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38111. Be sure to attend the conference and take advantage of this great opportunity to learn a wealth of knowledge pertaining to neurologic rehabilitation. NORA (Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association) is a group of individuals from many different disciplines committed towards providing rehabilitation for the neurologically challenged patient including those who have suffered stroke, brain injuries, and other neurological complications.

The conference will provide as an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of neuro-optometry and its effective role in remediating this particular patients.

Be sure to read more information regarding this event!

Download Here - NORA 2012 Brochure – 1-11-12

Tafluprost – FDA Approved to Treat Glaucoma

By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013

February 15th 2013- The FDA has approved Zioptan (Tafluprost), a preservative free prostaglandin analog, for the treatment of certain kinds of glaucoma.  The ophthalmic solution reduces IOP in patients with open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Results from five controlled clinical studies helped spur the approval of the drug, showing that when the drug was administered once in the evening, a mean decrease in pressure from 5mmHg to 8mmHg after six months of trials from baseline levels as high as 23-26mmHg was found. Merck, a major drug company will have the new treatment ready for consumers in March.

AOA Career Center – Calling all 4th year optometry students!

The AOA has an incredible tool that should be utilized by any 4th year optometry students looking to start their career. It’s called The Optometry’s Career Center. This new tool provides optometrists access to practice opportunities including employment and practices for sale. This service is free to all AOA members and will make finding that golden opportunity a little less arduous.

Visit www.optometryscareercenter.org to:

·  Post your resume and search for opportunities
·  Find a practice to purchase or list your practice for sale
·  Post staffing opportunities

Be sure to take advantage of this incredible resource the AOA has established for our profession.

Current AOSA members can also access and search the database by using their log in credentials. (Login credentials are your school e-mail and birthday so its very easy to log in!)

Astronomy and Vision Change?

January 25th 2012 - In an October issue of Ophthalmology, it was reported that astronauts who spend six months or longer in space may begin to experience visual changes, changes that may last even after returning to Earth. In a study conducted, seven astronauts spent at least six consecutive months in space were observed, and all of them reported blurred vision while on the space station. This study concurred with previous studies conducted in 1989, which showed about 50% of 300 astronauts involved in space missions longer than six months reported changes in both distance and near vision.

Furthermore, Lawrence DeLucas, O.D., Ph.D, optometrist and astronaut, saw changes in vision 20 years ago while he himself was on the space shuttle Columbia. Dr. DeLucas shared his own findings regarding the crew members, citing seeing petite hemes in several members of the team just a few days into the mission. Many of those hemorrhages began to reabsorb 12 days into the mission. He believes it had something to do with changes in gravity, resulting in increased intracranial pressure, which subsequently can lead to optic edema and changes in vision. This is certainly something that NASA and eyecare professionals will be keeping an eye on.

Article By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013
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Risk of Wet AMD linked to Daily Aspirin Use?

Jauary 7th 2012- Wet AMD poses a risk of blindness in seniors. Recent research has suggested that taking a daily aspirin may double the risk of developing wet AMD. The Journal Ophthalmology reported that daily aspirin use was associated with the onset of late-stage wet AMD and the onset of early dry AMD. The results of the study showed specifically that late-stage wet AMD onset was 2.22X more likely among daily aspirin users. Unfortunately, not inherent within the study was the exact dosages of aspirin taken, so correlations between specific dosages and risks was not assessed. – Read more about this topic here.

Article By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013
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National Glaucoma Awareness Month

January 7th 2012- Glaucoma, right behind cataracts is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Some of the biggest groups and organizations in eyecare are educating the public about this blinding disease and to get comprehensive eye exams such as the American Optometric Association, Prevent Blindness America, the National Eye Institute and Glaucoma Research Foundation. Although glaucoma does result in blindness, vision can be saved if proper diagnosis and treatment is enacted. Education and awareness is critical.

Article By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013
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Lucentis Associated with Raise in IOP?

December 22nd 2011 - It was originally determined that there is little risk that Lucentis, an AMD drug, raises IOP. However, there has recently been some conflicting evidence spurred by a Mayo Clinic ophthalmologist who noticed an increase in IOP in some of her patients receiving Lucentis. To assist in this discrepancy, a retrospective study was conducted and has shed some light upon the issue.
Data from two clinical trials that spanned over two years, explored the questionable raising effect that Lucentis had on IOP. The two clinical trials included monthly injections of Lucentis compared to a control group that did not receive any of the drug, but a sham injection, or verteporfin photodynamic therapy instead.
It was discovered that a subset of patients did in fact have an increase in IOP. It is uncertain however whether or not the drug itself is causing the rise in IOP, or simply a consequence of repeated monthly injections, or maybe perhaps a little bit of both. Regardless, it is imperative that IOP be monitored in patients receiving the drug Lucentis as raised IOP may result from use of the drug.

By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013

Scholarship Alert – Stanley Pearle Scholarship $2,000

OneSight Research Foundation is offering funding for twenty scholarships in the amount of $2,000 through the DR. STANLEY PEARLE SCHOLARSHIP FUND. The award will be given out for Fall 2012 and students graduating from optometry programs in 2013, 2014, and 2015 are eligible.

Print Scholarship Guidelines HERE 

The following information was provided by OneSight Research Foundation:

A. The applicant will be required to provide:

1. A complete application;
2. An official copy of the applicant’s transcript from the applicant’s current or most recently attended school;
3. Two (2) letters of recommendation, preferably at least one from an educator and/or administrator of the optometric program or an optometric mentor;
4. A list and description of leadership responsibilities undertaken by the applicant;
5. A list of accomplishments and/or awards or recognitions received by the applicant for academic excellence, community service, or leadership ability;
6. A description of the applicant’s academic and career objectives;
7. A description of the applicant’s vision of diversity and community service; and
8. A brief personal statement that may allow the committee to better assess the applicant’s application including but not limited to background, interests, extra-curricular and community activities, and financial need.

B. Applications must be postmarked on or before April 15th and submitted to:

OneSight Research Foundation
Scholarship Committee
2465 Joe Field Road
Dallas, Texas 75229

Scholarship winners will be notified in writing on or around June 15th. Please include your mailing address for this time period.

Please direct any questions to Trina Parasiliti (972)277-6191 – or view this document - Print Scholarship Guidelines HERE 

AOA Free Webinar Series – Register Today

Coding & Medicare Changes for 2012
Speaker: Chuck Brownlow, O.D., AOA Medical Records and Coding Consultant

As usual, the New Year will bring in some new procedure and diagnosis codes as well as changes in Medicare reimbursement for eye doctors. We’ll provide the latest information during each of these webinars.

1. Date: Tuesday, 12/13/11
   Time: 11 a.m. CST
   Click Here To Register
   
2. Date: Tuesday, 12/27/11
   Time: 11 a.m. CST
   Click Here To Register 

Making Sense of PQRS – Making it Simple!
Speaker: Rebecca Wartman, O.D., AOA Practice Advancement Committee

Confused about PQRS? Still not sure you will get the bonus money? Then attend this webinar for a review of all the changes for 2012 and how to make it simple.

1. Date: Tuesday, 12/20/11
   Time: 7 p.m. CST
   Click Here To Register
   
2. Date: Thursday, 01/05/12
   Time: 7 p.m. CST
   Click Here To Register 

Armani Group and Luxottica Sign Letter of Intent

By: Antonio Chirumbolo
SUNY 2013

November 27th 2011- The Armani and Luxottica Groups have announced the signing of a Letter of Intent, which will see an exclusive license agreement for the designing, manufacturing, and distribution of eyeglasses including prescription spectacles and sunglasses beginning January 2013. The Letter of Intent is only preliminary and will serve as a stepping stone for a potential ten-year licensing agreement. The Armani Group has already informed the Safilo Group (a leader in eyewear and one of the largest manufactures of optical frames and sunglasses) that they will not renew their contractual license beyond its expiration on December 31st, 2012.

Registration Open for NBEO Boards!

Registration Open for NBEO Boards!

Current third year students, registration for the March 2012 Part I (ABS) is now open and available.

Keep these dates in mind as you prepare to register for the boards:

ADA Request deadline – 1/3/2012
Special Site Request deadline – 1/3/2012
Withdrawal deadline – 2/1/2012
Registration deadline – 1/17/2012

Registering for boards is the easy part, studying for boards can be difficult. Be sure to look for the NBEO articles/study guide resources available on optometrystudents.com for guidance and direction.

Click here for all of the OptometryStudents articles on boards.

World Sight Day October 13th 2011 Time To Get Involved

This message is from Dr. Mary Anne Murphy : Chair, Optometry Giving Sight USA

Dear Optometry Student Leaders,

World Sight Day is THIS THURSDAY, October 13th and we hope that you will join us in a successful World Sight Day Student Challenge.

So far 11 Schools in the USA and Canada* have agreed to raise funds for projects in Latin America, Africa and Asia that will directly benefit students in these regions who are studying to become optometrists.

To see exactly what we are talking about, please take 10 minutes out of your busy schedule to look at this video from Lurio University in Mozambique. We guarantee that once you meet the first ever students to graduate as Optometrists in their country, you will be moved and inspired to make sure that you and your School are making a real effort to support the Student Challenge. Many of your colleagues are already doing great things.

·         At the University of Montreal, students raised $3,000 last week at a Dining in the Dark function and are continuing to sell t-shirts and do other fundraisers.

·         Illinois College of Optometry ran an all day stall on September 30. They gave a cupcake for every $5 donation from students and faculty and had prizes for their Glasses Rx Estimation Contest and Candy Eyeball Guessing Jar, raising more than $2200.

·         Indiana University School of Optometry is holding a raffle for $100 gift certificates as well as a pizza sale on World Sight Day.  There is fierce competition between the 2^nd and 3^rd year classes to see who will generate the most donations from friends, family, faculty and students!

·         Students at Southern College of Optometry found an optical sponsor to produce a special ‘Memphis’ t-shirt and are selling these to students to support their Challenge.

·         University of Houston College of Optometry hosted a talent show last week. Faculty and students were asked to perform and all admission fees were counted as donations.

For more information about the Student Challenge, including ideas for fundraising, please visit the website, email us, or call 1888-OGS-GIVE.

Thank you in advance for your help.
Dr. Mary Anne Murphy
Chair, Optometry Giving Sight USA

* Participating schools to date: Illinois College of Optometry; Indiana University School of Optometry; Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry; Pacific University College of Optometry; Southern California College of Optometry; Southern College of Optometry; UMSL College of Optometry; University of California at Berkeley; University of Houston College of Optometry; University of West Indies; Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry

Self Adjust Glasses – Hope for Developing Countries

By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013

October 4th 2011 - In developing countries, where people do not have access to eye care professionals nor the economic luxury to afford glasses from optical stores; there is a new hope. Dr. Joshua Silver has been tinkering with liquid formed lenses since the 1980′s. Originally, Silver was modifying the power of liquid formed lenses by controlling levers that added or drained liquid. As liquid was added or drained, the power of the lens was made stronger or weaker.

Silver has used this idea to develop adjustable eyeglasses. Each eyeglass lens is filled with silicone fluid with an attaching dial on each arm. The wearer can twist the dials until the vision is deemed acceptable, and then the dials can be removed from the glasses for cosmetic purposes.

Unfortunately, the glasses do not correct for astigmatism, but to many people world wide, correcting for spherical refractive error can make a tremendous difference in their quality of life.

Dr. Silver will continue developing and perfecting the glasses with the ultimate objective of lowering costs and improving design.

Nine West Joins Marchon in 2012

September 25th 2011 - Beginning in early January 2012, Nine West eyewear collection will sold and distributed in optical chains and by eyecare professionals world wide. The Jones group has announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Marchon Eyewear, Inc. that will see its Nine West brand launched into production in January featuring over 20 optical styles and more. Nine West’s current license to Safilo Group will expire at the conclusion of this year.

By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013

Davis Vision’s Focus on America – Hats off to the Mets and Pirates!

September 9th 2011 - The New York Mets and the Pittsburgh Pirates have hit a grandslam for underserved children, as they have partnered with Davis Vision’s Focus on America outreach program for the past four years. The partnership has hosted free vision screenings for underserved children while providing a day of fun and enjoyment for all. In addition to vision screenings, the participants received giveaways, free game tickets, books, sunglasses, and to those requiring extra care, a voucher for a free comprehensive eye exam and glasses from Davis Vision retail stores in New York, and Visionworks and Total Vision Care stores in Pittsburgh. Early intervention and prevention of visual and ocular abnormalities can make a huge difference in children as they learn and develop.  Hats off to all parties involved for making difference.

-Antonio Chirumbolo
SUNY Optometry 2013

Medicare Reimbursement Cuts Threaten ODs; AOA Fully Engaged On Issue

August 30th 2011 – The AOA is back at it again, this time engaged with politicians on capitol hill to prevent a 30% cut Medicare reimbursements that could seriously hurt OD’s and other physicians. It is VERY important that Optometry Students at every optometry school understand what this will mean for our profession. It is important to stay active as an optometry student so we can make sure our profession grows and so that problems like this are averted!

Veiw the quote below from the AOA website - http://www.aoa.org/x20081.xml

“The AOA and other physician groups are now making preparations for what some experts in the nation’s capital are calling a potential Medicare payment “perfect storm” looming on the horizon.

In the coming months, Congress and the Obama administration will be forced to make important decisions on three separate plans that call for drastic changes to Medicare spending, which could mean massive cuts in payments to ODs and other physicians.

While the AOA has already been working to avert a nearly 30 percent cut set to take effect in 2012, the recently approved debt ceiling deal and the health law’s Medicare Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) also pose serious threats to Medicare physician reimbursement in the near future.

Knowing what is at stake for patients and providers, the AOA continues to work closely with key champions on Capitol Hill to highlight the important role that optometrists play in protecting the health of America’s seniors and also in stretching federal health care dollars by preventing more costly interventions down the road.”

 

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Texas Optometric Association Works To Achieve Legislative Victory

August 15th 2011 – The Texas Optometric Association deserves a pat on the back for a very important bill that was passed recently. Lately we have seen may bills passed that help the scope of practice for optometry, yet this bill helps optometrists in the area of vision and medical insurance.

You can find out more about this topic on ODwire.

“The relevant text if found in Article 12, towards the bottom of the lengthy bill. 

Medical insurers operating in Texas are now forbidden from requiring that optometrists accept the terms and conditions of any specific vision plan in order to join or remain on the company’s medical plans.

“Thomas A. Lucas, Jr., O.D.
Texas Optometric Association
Board of Directors”

Want to join the team and cover news stories just like this? The OptometryStudents.com Team could use your help so click here to let us know you are willing to lend a hand!

New Pennsylvania Bill to Set OD’s Back?

By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013

August 15th 2011 - House Bill 838 is making its way through state legislature. House Bill 838 essentially defines what is and what is not considered ophthalmic surgery, and if passed, would certainly put shackles on any future advancement in the scope of practice for optometrists in the state of Pennsylvania. One of the highlights of the bill specifically prohibits the use of lasers and other high-tech instruments used in surgical procedures. The bill has already made its way through the House and is now pending approval by Senate. The legislative committee is currently on recess for the summer, but in September, the committee could resume deliberation.

This is yet another example of why students and optometrists in must be involved or at least knowledgeable about the legislative battles engulfing our profession. Optometry will not be able to grow and the scope of practice will not be able to expand if bills like House Bill 838 are continuously manufactured and allowed to pass through legislation unopposed.

Want to join the team and cover news stories just like this? The OptometryStudents.com Team could use your help so click here to let us know you are willing to lend a hand!

Font Size & Viewing Distance On Smart Phones – Students at SUNY Perform Study

July 20th 2011- Congratulations to SUNY Optometry 2013 Students Yuliya Bababekova, Jennifer Hue and Rae Huang and Optometrist Mark Rosenfield, for preforming the study Front Size and Viewing Distance of Handheld Smartphones which was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Optometry.

These students really went above and beyond by taking a closer look at the interaction between smart phones and an individuals vision. With nearly everyone owning a smart phone now a days this study was perfectly timed to coincide with this pressing use.

The study found that the average distance of where people read from their smart phones is “somewhere between 12 and 14 inches on average, and some people as close as 7 inches,” according to Dr. Rosenfield. The problem is that holding the device so close is that it puts extra demands on the eyes and this means eye strain, tired eyes and headaches.

Click her for ABC news coverage of the study

OptometryStudents.com would like to congratulate Yuliya Bababekova, Jennifer Hue and Rae Huang on their accomplishment and hard work.

New Mobile App by Jobson Internet Solutions – Patients can virtually try on glasses

July 17th 2011 - There’s an App for that!

A new App developed by Jobson Internet Solutions will allow people to virtually try-on different eyeglasses and sunglasses of various styles from a range of top designers. The App called EyeTrends, available on iPhone and iPad, will allow users to search for eyewear, try-on, and find locations (retailers and eye-care professionals) to purchase that eyewear, all while receiving savings in the forms of discounts and coupons. The App works by utilizing the camera function on the aforementioned devices. Users can take pictures of themselves and then select a picture of a frame within the app to virtually envision what he/she may look like wearing that particular eyewear.

The app is currently available on iTunes and an Android version of the App will be available later this month.

So when you are working in the dispensary at your optometry school or at an optometry practice, give this tip to your patients! You will make their lives easier and will help you become their “go-to” optometrist!

1-800Contacts Launches New Website – www.glasses.com

1-800 Contacts recently launched a new website, www.glasses.com, for existing and new customers to purchase prescription eyeglasses online. In addition to purchasing contact lenses online, customers will now have the opportunity to choose various styles and selections of single vision glasses, including 11 women’s frame brands and eight men’s frame brands. The company expects to add new frame styles and brands as the site progresses, as well as offering PALs (progressive lenses) in the future.

How will this affect the business aspect of Optometry for private practicing OD’s out there?

Understand that our profession is going through changes and that students must be active to make sure that Optometry moves in the right direction.

Want to join OptometryStudents.com and help move optometry in a positive direction? Contact us here! We need your help!

VEGF Trap-Eye: Time for FDA Approval?

A drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. offering a new treatment option for the neovascular form of AMD (age related macular degeneration) has been receiving vast support from the Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA, urging the FDA to approve the treatment called Eylea, also known as VEGF Trap-Eye.

What’s the big deal about Eyelea versus other similar drugs like Lucentis? Both drugs are injected into the eye, yet patients on Eylea would get injections every eight weeks (following three initial doses given every four weeks). Lucentis patients on the other would get injections every four weeks.

Will this drug be another weapon available for eye-care professionals to combat a disease that commonly leads to loss of central vision? Time will tell.

AOA Elects First Ever Woman President, Dori Carlson O.D.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – OptometryStudents.com would like to congratulate Dori Carlson, O.D on becoming the president of the American Optometric Association during Optometry’s Meeting on June 18th 2011. Dr. Carlson is the first ever, woman president of the AOA and is succeeding Joe Ellis O.D.

Carlson told VMail, “Of course being the first woman AOA president is a tremendous honor, but I’ve tried really hard to be the right person for this position, and not just because I wear a skirt. I want to make sure I’m the right person at the right time, and I think I am.”

The OptometryStudents.com team has been fortunate enough to meet Dr. Carlson and reports that she is enthusiastic, intelligent and has a powerful connection with not only OD’s but with optometry students all over the country.

Dr. Carlson says a few of her main goals are…

1. Making sure the pediatric vision benefit in the upcoming health care reform means eye exams, not just screenings, for young children.
2. Continuing the “20/20 Tour” of 20 optometry schools and colleges in 20 months.
3. Promote AOA membership among students to ensure a healthy future profession
4. Working to make the AOA “as proactive as we possibly can” when it comes to health care reform involving eye care.

OptometryStudents.com will be around to cover Dr. Carlson’s AOA Presidency and we wish her the best of luck.

YouTube Video about Dr. Carlson

Optometry’s Meeting a HUGE Success

Optometry’s Meeting in Salt Lake City was a huge success this year. Packed with over 800 students and thousands of O.D’s, the meeting was a great place to network, have fun with friends, see the latest trends in optometry and also to kick back and enjoy the beautiful Salt Lake City.

The meeting was home to some of the best Continuing Education around and included some great events like the induction of Dori Carlson O.D. as the new AOA president.

OptometryStudents.com will be covering the event in full detail later this week so check back soon.

A generic version of Xalatan has become available

By: Matt Geller SUNY Optometry 2013

At this time, a generic version of Xalatan (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) is available. The generic form, available in one strength as latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution, is made by a variety of companies. These eye drop bottles each contain 2.5 mL of solution, with 1.5 mcg of latanoprost in each drop. It belongs to a group of medications known as prostaglandins. The brand-name medicine is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc.

VSP Now a Retail Optical?

VSP, the largest non-profit vision care provider in the United States, has in a sense increased its scope of services, by opening an optical dispensary in San Jose, CA, inside the Cisco Campus. Now a direct provider of eyewear, what does this mean for practicing Optometrists? Will the private practice doctors suffer as a result of this new-found competition? Or will this allow for increased collaboration between VSP and the doctors who accept this plan in their practices?

We will bring you more news on the issue as it comes out, be sure to tune in!

Want to be a student reporter and help add news stories just like this? Contact us to join the team!

New Appalachian College of Optometry – Hot News!

New Appalachian College of Optometry

A new College of Optometry is set to open in the near future. The Appalachian College of Optometry has received funding for development, which will be located in Buchanan County, Virginia. The new Optometry school will become the 21st educational institution offering a doctorate level degree in Optometry. The first class of students is expected to begin in August 2013.

What does the opening of another school of optometry mean to current students? Is this a good or bad thing? While there is always room for great doctors in a growing profession, does fear of saturation begin to fill the minds of current students? There is already talk of saturation, where supply is exceeding demand in optometric care; however, maybe this is what will drive students to seek specialization in residencies, or future graduates to look for jobs in smaller underserved cities. Only time will tell.

Want to be a student reporter and help add news stories just like this? Contact us to join the team!

Ontario gets TPA’s

By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY Optometry 2013

The scope of practice in Ontario, Canada expanded in April 2011, with new privileges in prescribing medications earned by Optometrists. Optometrists can now prescribe medications to treat various eye and eye related conditions such as bacterial and viral eye infections, CLARE, glaucoma, as well as eye pain and allergies among other things.

Optometrists who have received and exhibited pertinent educational background, training, and proof of competency can now utilize TPAs to deliver the standard of care to their patients presenting with these conditions.
This is a huge step forward for Ontario as current students and future professionals, who are educated and taught how to utilize TPAs to treat the aforementioned eye conditions, can now put that knowledge acquired in school and training to use. This also means that patients with these conditions now have better access to care with reduced wait-times and a more direct form of treatment.

Want to be a student reporter and help add news stories just like this? Contact us to join the team!

Cheaper Avastin appears to be as effective as the more costly Lucentis for treatment of AMD

By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY Optometry 2013

It has been regarded for some time now that Avastin is as effective as Lucentis for treating AMD. Although not FDA approved to treat AMD, Avastin appears to provide similar benefits as Lucentis at a cheaper cost to the patient. As reported in the May 15, 2011 edition of Review of Optometry, supporting the equality of the two drugs are the recent results of the CATT (Comparison of AMD Treatment Trials) study, where improvement in visual acuity was nearly identical when using either drug on monthly basis.

The CATT study will continue to monitor patients for an additional year of treatment.

For students learning about Avastin and Lucentis, and how to utilize these drugs to manage patients with AMD, this is certainly exciting news. Preserving and improving the visual acuity in patients with this condition, while providing them with a more economical option, may just make Avastin the standard of care, which is why as students, it is vital to keep up with these clinical trials and case studies. Patients, who may benefit from a drug like Lucentis but cannot afford it, may now have another viable option in Avastin.

Want to be a student reporter and help add news stories just like this? Contact us to join the team!