Public Health
Fun—and vision-friendly—holiday gift guides for kids
Share with parents these optometrist-recommended gifts that provide fun and vision development. Suggestions include toys and games that contribute to slowing myopia in children, as the prevalence of the eye condition rises worldwide.
Doctors of optometry have safely performed thousands of optometric laser procedures
A review of optometric laser procedures reveals there is “strong and compelling” evidence that extending optometric laser procedures to doctors of optometry is very safe for patients and calls for continued expansion into other states.
H5N1 ‘bird flu’ cases report conjunctivitis, teary eyes symptoms
Currently a “low public health risk,” human H5N1 cases could be underreported, reports say, leading to concerns among public health officials as poultry and livestock outbreaks mount.
Help patients understand the hazards of vaping to the eyes
The use of tobacco products is on the decline but not so for e-cigarette (e-cig) use. A recent literature review on vaping underscores its potential hazards to the ocular surface.
Spread Optometry's Message
Study underestimates doctors of optometry providing eye care to children
Doctors of optometry say they are underrepresented in a recent study, even though they provide the vast majority of eye care in the U.S.
As eclipse edges closer, AOA promotes safe viewing
Doctors of optometry demonstrate their expertise as excitement builds over the April 8 total solar eclipse. AOA President Ronald L. Benner, O.D., urges the public to watch the event “safely and wisely.”
Link between eye examinations and fall prevention in older adults
📽️ Comprehensive eye examinations are among the chief ways of preventing potentially deadly falls in adults 65 years and older, according to the American Public Health Association’s (APHA’s) newly released policy statement. For many people at risk of falling, an annual eye examination could be a lifesaver, the APHA statement says.
‘Inadequate to meet demand’: Report spotlights declining ophthalmology workforce as America’s eye health needs grow
Ophthalmology’s report paints a stark contrast between the two eye care physician workforces as the surgical specialty’s workforce adequacy plummets to second worst in coming decade.
Foresightedness on nearsightedness
With a prediction that half the world will have myopia by 2050, the AOA responds to doctors of optometry who express hesitance about jumping into the deep end of the myopia management pool. The AOA Contact Lens & Cornea Section takes on doctors’ doubts and builds them a support network for clinical decision-making.
AOA president: Annual eye exams set students up for success
It is said that a message must be repeated multiple times before it sinks in with an audience. During a satellite media tour, AOA President Ronald L. Benner, O.D., used that strategy to extol the essentialness of annual back-to-school eye examinations and link them to student performance in the classroom.