Take a trip back in time with me, to your Biology 101 undergraduate course, freshman year, first semester.  I know for some of us freshman year is a bit hazy, but I am assuming you attended MOST of your classes. Try and recall that first introduction to the brain, where your professor said “The brain can not regenerate; our neurons are genetically pre-determined and we make no new connections after the brain has stopped growing.” I’m sure you believed it to be a valid and true statement; after all, it was in every textbook you were cramming from. Well let me tell you a different and more recent version of the story; the neurons in your brain in fact DO make new connections, and Optometry is at the forefront of that discovery. OD’s everywhere are proving the existence of “neuroplasticity” in their practices daily, where patients who once thought themselves incapable of binocular and clear vision are discovering quite the opposite.

Neuroplasticity is understood as the capability of neurons and neural networks in the brain to change their connections and behavior in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, damage, or dysfunction. Although neural networks carry out specific functions, they retain the capacity to deviate from their usual functions and to reorganize themselves. This property is the basis for optometric vision therapy and visual rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury. While certain facets of our brain are genetically programmed, changes can occur as a result of experience. These experience-dependent changes can transpire throughout infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Neuroplasticity is the basis of neurorehabilitation, and this includes speech and language therapy, motor control, cognitive functions, and vision rehabilitation. Scientists believed that once a human had passed their “critical period” rehabilitation exercises for vision and other neurologically controlled systems were mostly ineffective. The “critical period” is a limited time in which a biological event must occur in order for a cortical brain change to be fully functional, which is approximately until age 12 for humans.

Simply put, brain function can be modified and molded by the environment with which it interacts. How is this possible and how is Optometry proving it? Our discipline has been working with these concepts for years, mainly in the treatment of amblyopia and strabismus. Techniques such as patching the “seeing” eye, forces the brain to interpret stimuli that is being received by the amblyopic eye. New cortical connections within the brain form, and the previously under or un-developed cells designated for visual perception are stimulated, leading to better vision and resolution of detail. Although ODs have been offering special therapies for children with vision disorders such as amblyopia with great success, the question remained as to whether or not these same therapies would be just as effective in adults. After all, the critical period had passed, and biology was in favor of a limited time only type of treatment protocol.

Recent research indicates that indeed adult brains exhibit neuroplasticity, and adult neural stem cells are now known to generate new neurons throughout our lives. Success stories of vision therapy are abundant in the current literature, with patients regaining use of their amblyopic eye and acquiring stereopsis for the first time in middle age. Although prognosis may be guarded, vision therapy treatments are no longer taboo in the adult population. Approximately 70% of all sensory input fibers to the brain are related to vision and visual processing, so ODs play a critical role in the rehabilitation of visually related problems. Regardless of age, patient attention, awareness, and task repetition during vision therapy techniques have proven to be beneficial. With this new information, ODs have found a new niche and gained more rewarding experiences with their patients. For more information about neuroplasticity, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury, please consult the following organizations:

COVD (College of Optometrists on Vision Development)

OEPF (The Optometric Extension Program Foundation)

NORA (The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association)

Article By: Stefania Paniccia; IAUPR 2013 optometry student

(featured image courtesy of aaronbrimhall)

Whether you are in the middle of optometry school trying to network for the future, or on the cusp of graduating preparing to look for job, or already have secured a position and are looking to establish your presence in the community of the optometric profession, the AOA has a great opportunity everyone should take advantage of.

Regardless of where students are in their professional career, the AOA is offering a set of 250 personalized business cards that will represent you as an individual and your dedication to the profession by recognizing your AOA membership.

Currently, 2nd and 4th year students with active AOA/AOSA memberships who are enrolled at a school or college of optometry are eligible for this offer.

Visit the AOA’s website HERE for instructions on how to go about ordering and receiving your business cards.

Don’t hesitate, every meeting, conference, or event is an opportunity to network and establish a presence for yourself.

1. Having a great looking business card is an excellent way to show you are professional optometry student. Also OD’s like to see that you support organized optometry so an AOA biz card is the way to go!
2. Carry a pen with you and put some personalized information on the back of your business card. This is an excellent way to make your encounter more memorable.
3. Providing your patients with your business card is an excellent way to build referrals!
4. Use the back of your business card to write down recommendations to your patients. This way they can follow your recommendation and contact you if need be.
5. There are countless meetings you will attend in optometry school and having a business card is an excellent way to network with others. Whether its Optometry’s Meeting, Vision Expo or a local school event having a business card is essential.

Article By: Antonio Chirumbolo, SUNY 2013

Since opening its doors, the program has been committed to fostering academic and clinical excellence, professional growth and community outreach. The curriculum emphasizes early hands-on clinical care integrated with didactic course work. The students regularly perform vision screenings and eye health exams for the economically disadvantaged and underserved citizens of San Antonio. Services are provided both on and off the campus, with each location offering a wide range of clinical optometric services, comprised of comprehensive eye and vision care including refraction and dispensing, detection, diagnosis, management and rehabilitation of the conditions of the visual system.

Located in the heart of San Antonio (the 7^th largest city in the nation), the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry promotes life-long learning and nurtures the development of the whole person. The University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic institution that welcomes to its community persons of diverse backgrounds and spiritual faiths, in the belief that their respectful interaction advances the discovery of truth, mutual understanding, self-realization, and the common good.

Article by optometry student, Roya Attarhousseini Class of 2013

What did we fight for? – Click each bill to find out more about it - HR 1219 - HR 1195

I went and I filmed… I filmed the entire weekend capturing the gut feelings of students and optometrists. I asked these people why they came to Washington DC to lobby and I asked them why they support their profession. The answers I got were astounding all captured and edited down to the 5 minute video you are about to watch.

Optometry is powerful, when students and optometrists unite we can do great things. For those students not involved in some way or another, we greet you with open arms to join us.

The 5 minute short film you are about watch features some of the biggest names in organized optometry and it looks deep into the hearts and minds of optometrists and optometry students.

- Matthew Geller; Founder OptometryStudents.com

Name: Stephen Smith
School: Michigan College of Optometry
Year: Class of 2014

1. Congrats on winning Student of the Month! – Please tell us exactly why you won student of the month?

I believe I was selected based on my success and involvement in a multitude of areas for optometry. I have been able to maintain a quality GPA while being involved in many organizations and volunteering my time to represent optometry well and improve the scope of practice

2. Can you give a few words of advice to other students out there striving to achieve certain goals while in Optometry school?

Good time management has always served me well. I have always kept a detailed planner for each semester so I am aware of what is coming up, but I try not to look too far ahead and become overwhelmed by the work load. Also, staying involved in optometry events has really made me feel a part of optometry, and I have had great learning opportunities through them

3. Where are you from, where did you attend undergrad?

I am from Grand Rapids, MI and attended Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI

4. What did you study in undergrad, and what ultimately drove you to Optometry?

I majored in Human Biology at MSU. I became interested in optometry through my mom. She has always had vision problems and through attending some of her appointments, I became intrigued with the profession. Her optometrist offered shadowing times for me throughout high school and college which reaffirmed my interest in optometry.

5. What made you choose your school?

There were a lot of reasons why MCO was the right choice for me. I like being an hour from home, the small class size gives a lot more one-on-one time with the doctors, and the new optometry building offers state of the art procedure lanes, classrooms, and other technology.

6. Are you involved in any Optometry organizations, do you hold any special positions at school or have any other creative optometry ventures going on?

Member of AOSA (American Optometric Student Association)(2010-present), Member of the AOA (American Optometric Association) (2010-present), Member of the MOA (Michigan Optometric Association), Member of the MOSA (Michigan Optometric Student Association), Member of SVOSH (Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity), Sports Vision Section (SVS) Member (2010-present), Member of MOSPPA (Michigan Optometric Student Private Practice Association), Member of Michigan College of Optometry’s Student Governement Committee, Member of CLCS (Contact lens and cornea section), Member of COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision Development), Member of AOA-PAC (political action committee)

7. What academic subject have you found most interesting in school thus far?

Contacts Lenses

8. What was the most difficult class for you thus far?

Geometric Optics

9. What was the most difficult clinical skill to learn?

The biomicroscope

10. If you’ve already started seeing patients in clinic, how did you help make the transition from student to intern? What techniques do you utilize to help develop a good rapport with the patients that you see?

Having done all the proficiencies to get to the clinic intern level, I feel confident in my base skill level to conduct a primary care exam. The hours of practice and lecture for the procedures really help provide a solid foundation of understanding of each exam element. A thorough case history allows me to get a good start to the exam and makes the patient know I want to resolve their chief complaint. Also, explaining the tests to the patient and educating them on findings allows them to feel a part of their health care.

11. Will you be doing a residency? Why or why not?

I have been considering doing a residency in contact lens or ocular disease. I feel it would make me a more valuable asset to a practice. I will put more thought into this upcoming year.

12. If you could change one thing about Optometry, what would it be?

I would want general eye exams to be covered as part of annual health care plans. This would increase patients coming in to be seen and prevent progressive vision problems for those without vision insurance.

13. How do you feel about the legislative battles surrounding Optometry?

I strongly support the work the AOA-PAC does concerning the legal issues of optometry and will continue to support them in mission for the advancement of optometry.

14. Where do you see yourself practicing after graduation? Where? What type of modality? Are you more interested in research, teaching, organized Optometry, or private practice?

I wouldn’t mind staying in the vicinity of my hometown, Grand Rapids, preferably near Lake Michigan. If no opportunities are available here, I have always like the Pacific Northwest region and would like to be live out there. I see myself working in a private practice upon graduation and later buying out the practice. It would be ideal for me to have one partner in the practice.

15. How will you make Optometry grow as a profession?

I am a current member of AOA-PAC and will continue to be active with this organization and the AOA in general.

16. What are some things you feel Optometry is lacking? Any ideas to combat this?

Being in Washington D.C. this past week, it has been eye opening to the issues optometry is currently dealing with. We lobbied for bill HR 1195 to allow optometry students to have the opportunity to apply for loan reimbursement upon graduation if working in an underserved area. We are one of the only health professions not included in this program. Also, we lobbied for bill HR 1219 to update the language between the Medicare and Medicaid programs so optometrists are regarded as physicians in both and can be reimbursed for their services. In both cases the passage of these bills would not only benefit optometrists, but those in need of eye care as well. The best way to make a difference here is continual advocacy of these issues to your representatives and senators.

17. Are you satisfied with your decision to pursue Optometry? Or can you see yourself doing something else?

I am completely satisfied with my decision to become an optometrist.

18. If you had a time machine, what would you change in history and why?

I would have gone back and prevented 9/11 from occurring. It was a great tragedy for the US. It really affected a lot of people/families and changed our society.

19. If you could go anywhere in the world for vacation, where would you go?

I have enjoyed traveling to the US national parks and have made it to over half of them so far. I would love to go to Alaska where there are 8 national parks.

20. If you were stranded on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?

A phoropter, polarized Maui Jim sunglasses to protect me from UV rays, and 20D lens to make fire from the sunlight.

21. What was your greatest achievement?

Once ate 24 chicken mcnuggets in one sitting.

22. What is your biggest strength / weakness?

Organization would be a strength for me and something I consider a weakness right now would be that I like to be in control of what I am doing and as a student that is not always the case pertaining to the exam lane, course schedule, etc.

23. What interests you most outside of Optometry?

Geography and traveling

24. You can cure one eye-disease, what would you cure?

Macular Degeneration

25. Would you rather be 5D Hyperopic or 6D Myopic? Why?

I would want to be a 6D Myopic, so when I get older I can just take my glasses off to read. A 5D hyperope would have to accommodate both at distance and near.

26. If you discovered/invented an ocular phenomenon or ophthalmic technique would you name it after yourself or would you name it after what it is/does? Why?

I would name it after what it does, so as not to torture future optometry students trying to remember what my technique or phenomenon was.

New “information” seems to appear every day (some contradictory to what you read last week) and keeping up with all of it can be just as hard as avoiding the drive-thru window. How do you know what is real, what is purely marketing, and where the science fits in? Optometry students and ODs are well versed in this knowledge and educate their patients with specific eye diseases as to the nutrients that will best preserve vision and prevent disease. Has anyone asked you the questions “Do carrots really improve eyesight?” or “Do those OTC eye vitamins actually help?” Let’s now talk about the science and biochemistry behind the answers to those questions.

Free radicals: Most of us are familiar with this term, but do you know what it means and where it comes from? Free radicals are atoms, molecules, or ions with unpaired electrons; meaning they can have a positive, negative, or zero charge. They are typically the result of a chemical process where bonds between molecules are broken and energy is released.  Free radicals are not necessarily detrimental, as they play a very important role in many biochemical processes. Some types aid our immune system in killing bacteria and signaling other cells to multiply or form specific proteins. So, if they are essential, why all of the negativity? These molecules are highly chemically reactive, due to their capability of carrying a charge. More specifically, those of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) are potentially dangerous in high quantities. These are produced by our mitochondria, the metabolic center of our cells. With environmental stressors (UV or heat exposure) they bind to normal proteins, such as DNA and fatty acids, causing instability of the normal chemical structure. Free radicals in excess can cause damage throughout our organism, and our eyes are no exception. Our lens and retina are very vulnerable to damage from these molecules via exposure to UV light. Two diseases specifically have been linked through research to free radical damage: Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) and Cataracts.

ARMD is a multifactorial disease, and nutrition therapy has been the focus of prevention and intervention. The macula is a source of high metabolic activity, and is therefore exposed to high ROS levels. Levels of ROS increase with age, as our mitochondria become less efficient in carrying out metabolic reactions. Accumulation of metabolic wastes eventually compromise central vision, and it is often progressive. Macular pigment is a natural barrier protecting the central retina against damage. It is formed by two dihydroxycarotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which act as optical filters against UV light.  Eyes with a genetic predisposition to develop ARMD or which already have developed the disease have considerably less macular pigment and a greater risk of oxidative damage compared with healthy eyes. Investigations have shown that a diet poor in antioxidant micronutrients (vitamins C and E, carotenoids, zinc) and low plasma levels of antioxidants may favor the development of ARMD.

“Antioxidants” is also a very familiar term to most of us. These compounds bind to free radicals before they can cause damage to our vital molecules. For ARMD, The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was developed as botha study of the clinical course of AMD and lens opacities aswell as a randomized controlled trial of high-dose antioxidantsand zinc to reduce progression of these diseases. The resultsof AREDS revealed a statistically significant benefit of thecombination of high-dose antioxidant vitamins and zinc, providinga moderate reduction of the risk of developing advancedARMD in persons considered highrisk. Herein lies the proof, that you can in fact, eat your way to healthy eyes.

The antioxidants and compounds scientifically proven to improve ocular health are as follows:

Zinc: Present in high concentrations in ocular tissue and has been proven to regulate neural signals responsible for vision, as well as maintenance of photoreceptor health. Add peanuts, dark chocolate, garlic and chickpeas to your grocery list, or, if you enjoy something more exotic, a trip to the raw bar for some oysters will suffice.

Vitamin C: A water-soluble vitamin that helps maintain corneal integrity and hasbeen shown in some studies to delay cataract formation. It is also beneficial for ARMD. Citrus fruits, guava, strawberries, and the loathed Brussels sprout contain generous amounts of Vitamin C.

Vitamin E: An antioxidant that is in fact, a group of 8 compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. According to the AREDS study, consuming Vitamin E lowers the risk of advanced ARMD by 25%. Sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach and tomatoes should be incorporated raw into the diet.

Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A): Effective for ARMD, dry eye, and superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis. It has also shown promise in combination with lutein for Retinitis Pigmentosa. Animal-based Vitamin A sources (retinol) include beef liver, whole milk and cheese. Plant-based Vitamin A sources (carotenoids) include carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in flaxseed and cold water fish (salmon, tuna and sardines), this essential component of cells has been found to benefit those with dry eye and ARMD. This fatty acid is also essential for normal infant vision development.

Zeaxanthin: A carotenoid that filters high-energy wavelengths of light and has been proven to reduce cataract formation. It is also beneficial as an antioxidant for the treatment of ARMD and is found in large quantities in the macula. Kale, spinach and broccoli are natural sources of Zeaxanthin.

With advances in scientific research, vision care has now transcended from the ODs office and routine yearly dilation to your kitchen. Bon Appetit!

By: Stefania Paniccia, IAUPR 2013

We have all given our fair share of presentations throughout our weathered educational trail to get to where we are today. And a few of us will be doing presentations on scholarly research while we are in optometry school.  And obviously, we are so used to doing case presentations that we rattle them off with ease.  But, have you ever considered talking to the public about eye health?  Have you thought about effective ways to explain large jumbled jargon like age-related macular degeneration to your patients? To practice, give a presentation about eye health to a group of lay-persons?  This not only helps yourself become a better communicator with your patients, but also promotes public health and promotes optometry.

In the SUNY APHA student organization, we are getting in touch with Senior Centers in New York City to offer a free eye health presentation.  Our goal is to reach out to promote healthy vision by raising awareness about common conditions and diseases associated with aging.  We hope that more seniors will have a yearly dilated exam to catch treatable conditions early, like glaucoma.  While promoting public health, we also put in a plug for optometry explaining that optometrists are the primary eye care physician fully trained to detect, diagnose, and treat eye conditions associated with aging.  We need to remind the community of our skills and knowledge. One great way to do that is to go to them and spread the word!

I recently presented conditions associated with aging eyes to a local Senior Community Center.  Certainly, being just a first year student, my knowledge and experience with these diseases and conditions is extremely limited.  Many of you may think it would be quite difficult to prepare for an eye health presentation for senior citizens.  Actually, it is quite easy when you take advantage of great, free educational resources. I resorted to the National Eye Institute’s educational materials as my primary source of information.  The NEI’s educational resources highlight the main conditions associated with aging in laymen’s terms, giving important information like who is most at risk, what are the signs and symptoms, and what common treatments are.  The NEI’s pre-made educational materials made it extremely easy for me to confidently present to the senior citizens. I did not put together any fancy powerpoints or visual aids.

I brought in a model eye and was able to explain to them the different parts of the eye and how they changed with age or disease. I was even able to leave the group with a glaucoma awareness pamphlet!   The pamphlets are offered by NEI in their publications catalog.  (You can order up to 50 for free!) You don’t need anything thing fancy to pull off a successful, professional eye health presentation; simply take advantage of the resources available to you.

The presentation was relatively short and only to a small number of people, but it was very well received. The audience members explained that they often felt that doctors did not explain various eye conditions very well because of the lack of chair-time. I answered all of their questions to the best of my ability.  When I didn’t know the answer, I would explain that I am simply a student still in training and that they can ask those more detailed questions to their doctor at their next exam.  It’s okay if you don’t know everything when you do one of these types of presentations.  Your main objective is to get the public thinking about their eye health and the value of regular eye exams.  And, as a bonus to us, we become more confident talking about eye health and promote our profession!

Check out the most recent issue here

As students we are pretty busy studying and busting our butts in clinic during 10 hour shifts but there is definitely certain topics of Optometry you shouldn’t neglect. So take a look at this newsletter, I think you will find it valuable!

In this Winter 2012 issue you will find information on..

• AOSA free resources
• 10 habits of highly successful optometrists
• Optometry’s Meeting Travel Grants
• Putting 3D into practice
• The DC advocacy conference
• Sports Vision
• much more!

All EOTF content is written with one goal – to help you become a successful optometrist. Check out the most recent issue here. 

To view the spring/summer 2011 issue, click here
To view the winter issue 2011, click here

By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013

The class of 2013 has reached the midpoint of 3^rd year (when this article was written). As we have spent more time treating patients on our own now, we certainly have begun to improve our skills and knowledge as clinicians. Spending time in primary care clinic, as well as various other clinics like ocular disease, contact lens, pediatrics, vision therapy, and even some experience in the dispensary, has introduced us to such an expansive variety of patients with diverse conditions. This has provided an outside learning opportunity to not only aid in the detection of different types of ocular conditions, but how to properly manage them.

Looking back at the past several months in clinic and talking to fellow colleagues, I was able to compile a list representing a small sample of some of the ocular conditions encountered. From the very common conditions such as dry eye and belpharitis, to more complex and uncommon conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, there is no question that clinic so far has proved to be an extremely gratifying experience as we begin to apply all of that didactic learning clinically to our patients.

Here is a small sample of some of the conditions encountered by 3^rd year interns:

What have you seen that has proved to be a very unique learning experience? Tell us in the comments!

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Become a member of the OptometryStudents.com Team and be heard on social media’s leading optometry student voice.

Many optometrists are recognized for their roles in furthering our profession and health care in general, but few have also made an impact outside the sphere of optometry.  One such remarkable example is Dr. Melvin Shipp, O.D., Ph.D., current Dean of Ohio State University College of Optometry, and the first-ever optometrist to be elected president of the American Public Health Association.

Dr. Shipp graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry, went on to obtain a Master of Public Health at HarvardUniversity and a subsequent Doctorate of Public Health at University of Michigan.  Dr. Shipp’sextensive work experience in public health include positions at the Food and Drug Administration, the Health Resources andServices Administration and the National Eye Institute, where he served on the NEI National Advisory Eye Council.  In the early 1990’s, he was a member of the committee for National Eye Health Education Project (NEHEP), a national program that worked towards preventing blindness through public education.  Upon joining APHA over 25 years ago, Dr. Shipp served on a host of different committees including Treasurer and Founding Chair of the APHA Education Committee before being elected to presidency last year.

Dr. Shipp’s passion for public health resonates in every endeavour of his career.  From his decision to become an optometrist to his doctoral thesis on the correlation between blindness and mortality rates to his current appointment to head of APHA, Dr. Shipp has always strived to make far-reaching impact on health.

This interview delves into optometry’s role in public health, and how we can expand it moving forward.