OpticalCEUs Again Wows Attendees at Its Annual Fall Seminar for Continuing Education for Opticians

Linda Conlin, founder of OpticalCEUs, Joe Forte, and Deborah Kotob wowed a sell-out crowd at this past Sunday's OpticalCEUs Fall 2015 Continuing Education Seminar for licensed opticians.

There were more than twelve dozen opticians from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland, and New Hampshire. In the classy Celebrity Ballroom of the Fox Tower, these engaged opticians earned 7 ABO/NCLE credits, all valid for their licenses.

The presentationswere as follows: Exploring the Cornea; Light, the Eye and the Brain; Everywhere and Sportwrap – Understanding Digital Technology; Specialty Contact Lenses Are Not That Special; Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses; You Be the Judge: Opticians and Malpractice; The Nature of Light and Its Practical Applications.

For lunch, the attendees went into a connecting dining room where the Foxwoods Casino catering staff had set up 16 tables, seating eight, all with a centerpiece and a wonderful china setting.

The buffet table was stacked with large bowls of Philly cheesesteak, eggplant parmigiana, pulled pork, green tossed salad, pasta salad, and minestrone. On the desert table, there were lemon tarts, a blueberry crumble, and a chocolate thingy that disappeared quickly.

Almost forgot: OpticalCEUs raffled off five polo shirts with its distinguished lighthouse logo. Luxottica had a raffle for two Ray-Ban sunglasses.


Our Lecturers
Accredited lecturers Linda Conlin, Deborah Kotob of Vision-Ease and Joe Forte will present seven courses enabling you to earn ABO/NCLE credits. 

Linda Conlin

Deborah Kotob

For over 15 years Linda, an NAO Fellow Ambassador, has provided continuing education and training for opticians at the state and national levels. She is ABO and NCLE certified, licensed in CT, MA and RI, and has written for 20/20 and EyeWitness magazines.

She founded OpticalCEUs and launched OpticalCEU.com and Optical News from OpticalCEUs news blog for opticians. She is currently an adjunct professor in the Goodwin College's Ophthalmic Science Program.

Joe Forte

Deborah, the ECP Education Facilitator for Vision-Ease, creates and presents ABO, NCLE and JCAHPO seminars related to optics and best practices.

A Massachusetts-licensed optician, she has owned two optical businesses and was a sales representative for MODO and Luxottica. Deborah has achieved ABOM and NCLE certifications. 

Joe, the director of contact lens services for Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates, lectured at CUNY Tech, Vision Expo and Optifair. He is certified as an advanced level speaker, and was program director of the Interboro Institute College of Opticianry where he taught courses in various areas of contact lenses and optics.

Circumventing Visiting an Eye Doctor?

Opternative has "created an online eye test, all but cutting out the eye doctor entirely. 'The eye exam has evolved,' the company touts," reports The Week. "All you need to take the test is a computer, a smartphone, and 12 feet of space to put between you and your computer screen. A series of shapes, numbers, and letters will appear and your smartphone guides you through questions and serves as a remote control for selecting answers. Once the test is over, your results are sent to a licensed ophthalmologist for review. If everything looks normal, he or she writes you a prescription for glasses or contact lenses, which you can have filled anywhere. The process costs $40 for glasses or contacts, $60 for both. No copays or unexpected appointment fees. It's quick and convenient." Read more.

Increased Visual Scanning Helps Glaucoma Suffers Pass Driving Tests

"A new study shows how some drivers with glaucoma safely passed a driving test by increasing visual scanning to compensate for loss of visual field," says a post on Medical News Today. Read more.

Fed Charges Owners of 10 Southern Cal Stores for Selling Cosmetic Contact Lenses

"The feds say those Halloween zombie eyes could be a real nightmare and they're cracking down on illegal contact lenses," notes KOLO TV News. "The U.S. attorney's office says 10 Southern California stores and owners were charged Friday in Los Angeles with 'misbranding' contact lenses by selling them without prescriptions. Federal prosecutors say some of the Halloween and fashion lenses were found to be contaminated with germs..." Read more.

FTC and DOJ Investigate Valeant's Eye Care Business

"Valeant Pharmaceuticals, which has been under the gun over its relationship with specialty pharmacies and price hikes on its heart medications, is facing new legal challenges as U.S. investigators look into the embattled company's growing eye care business," reports CTV. "Valeant disclosed Monday that it is subject to separate investigations launched by the Federal Trade Commission and Justice Department. The FTC has requested information and documentation related to its "non-public investigation" of Valeant's acquisition of Paragon Vision Sciences in May, the Laval, QB-based company said in a regulatory filing about its third-quarter results. Valeant also said the Justice Department has issued it a subpoena as part of a criminal investigation into Bausch & Lomb's payment to medical professionals related to its surgical products Crystalens IOL and Victus femtosecond laser platform. Valeant said it is co-operating with the investigation into possible violations of federal health-care laws." Read more.

Reuters News Service offered more about the company. "Valeant entered the contact lens business with its purchase of Bausch and Lomb in 2013 for $8.7 billion. At the time of the acquisition, Bausch and Lomb manufactured about 75% of the basic components of rigid gas permeable lenses, known as “buttons,” said Kurtis Brown, who worked for Bausch and Lomb prior to Valeant’s purchase. After manufacture, buttons are customized for individual patients, typically by laboratories specializing in that process. With the acquisition of Paragon Vision Sciences in May for an undisclosed sum, Valeant and Bausch and Lomb further consolidated their grip on the market, gaining control of more than 80% percent of the gas permeable button market, according to one of the sources familiar with Valeant’s operations and the representative of an industry group. Rigid lenses comprise only about 10% of the contact lens market." Read more.

New Eyewear from REM

"The leading Southern California, all-American eyewear brand, Lucky Brand, launches its fall 2015 collection with REM Eyewear, showcasing spectacles crafted from exceptional materials, designed to fit your everyday wardrobe needs," according to Midwest Lens. "Perfect for the always in-style Lucky Brand guy, the D302 and D403 radiate masculine aesthetics and sleek features with their bold, square shapes and rich, deep color combinations. The free-spirited woman who’s a Lucky Brand loyalist will be drawn to the feminine, cat-eye silhouettes from the D104 and D203 in energetic color ways. The fall 2015 Lucky Brand collection is beautifully crafted eyewear you’ll want to grab hold of and never let go." Read more.

New Eyewear from Altair Evolution

"The Altair Evolution 2015 Fall collection will take you on a road trip where West Coast style is always on the map," says Midwest Lens. "Vintage shapes and coastal colors showcase the retro spirit of these seven styles for men and women." Read more.

In the Hands of Kids, Non-Powdered Weapons Are Lethal

"Researchers at a Dallas children's hospital aim to show that nonpowder firearms such as airsoft, BB, and paintball guns should not be viewed as toys, but rather powerful weapons causing increasingly severe and sometimes life-threatening injuries in pediatric patients," observes Science Daily. "A new study being presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Conference and Exhibition in Washington, DC, looked at medical records of patients treated at Children's Medical Center Dallas after being injured by nonpowder guns between 2010 and 2013. Of the 176 patients studied, 87 percent were male and 30 percent were under 10 years of age, said lead researcher Nina Mizuki Fitzgerald, MD, FAAP, a pediatric emergency medicine fellow at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The majority of injuries were unintentional." Read more.

Latinos with African Ancestry Greater Risk of Glaucoma

"Latinos with African ancestry are at a higher risk for high pressure within the eye, a condition that if untreated can damage the optic nerve and impair vision, according to a report in the journal Ophthalmology," according to Medical News Today. "Greater African ancestry carried more risk for high intraocular pressure than high body mass index, older age and high blood pressure - factors known to contribute to increased pressure inside the eye. Researchers led by Xiaoyi Gao, associate professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences in the UIC College of Medicine, analyzed the genomes of 3,541 participants 40 and older from the Mexican American Glaucoma Genetic Study, part of the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study." Read more.

The Making of Contact Lenses in 1948

"More than 30 million people in the U.S. wear contact lenses. But as this 1948 newsreel footage shows, today's common vision corrective was once a novel and strange medical device," reports Smithsonian Magazine. "The newsreel, which British Pathé recently unearthed, opens with a close-up shot of a woman without glasses. "This girl is wearing glasses," a narrator says—but of course, she's wearing contact lenses. With the cheery speed typical of mid-century newsreels, the narrator describes how the lenses were made: the eye is anesthetized, then the optician—a man named Penrhyn Thomas, who was apparently Australia's only contact lens maker—uses an "impression cup" to make a cast of the eyeball." See the video.

New Eyewear from Vera Bradley

Midwest Lens writes, "Isla, Antonia, and Ronnie M feature retro flair and the latest playful Vera Bradley prints. Vibrant hues combine with metal finishes to create the perfect look for any Vera Bradley lover!" Read more.

OpticalCEUs Fall Continuing Education on Oct. 25th Has Sold Out

Almost twelve dozen opticians are registered for OpticalCEU's Fall 2015 continuing education seminar, selling out the available seats. The 7 ABO/NCLE credit program will start registration Sunday morning at 8:30 at the CELEBRITY BALLROOM, FOX TOWER (formerly MGM Grand), 2nd Level, Foxwoods Resort and Casino on Sunday, October 25.

As always, conference attendees can enjoy a delicious hot buffet lunch compliments of OpticalCEUs in one of the finest banquet rooms in New England.

Program Schedule

• Explore the Cornea Speaker: Linda Conlin (1 NCLE) 9am-10am – NEW!
• Light, the Eye and the Brain Speaker: Deborah Kotob (1 ABO) 10am-11am – NEW!
• Everywhere and Sportwrap – Understanding Digital Technology Speaker: Deborah Kotob (1 ABO pending) 11am-Noon – NEW!
• Specialty Contact Lenses are Not That Special Speaker: Joe Forte (1 NCLE pending) 1pm-2pm – NEW!
• Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses Speaker: Joe Forte (1 NCLE pending) 2pm-3pm – NEW!
• You Be the Judge: Opticians and Malpractice Speaker: Linda Conlin (1 NCLE) 3pm-4pm
• The Nature of Light and Its Practical Applications Speaker: Joe Forte (1 ABO pending) 4pm-5pm – NEW!

Our Lecturers
Accredited lecturers Linda Conlin, Deborah Kotob of Vision-Ease and Joe Forte will present seven courses enabling you to earn ABO/NCLE credits. 

For over 15 years Linda, an NAO Fellow Ambassador, has provided continuing education and training for opticians at the state and national levels. She is ABO and NCLE certified, licensed in CT, MA and RI, and has written for 20/20 and EyeWitness magazines. She founded OpticalCEUs and launched OpticalCEU.com and Optical News from OpticalCEUs news blog for opticians. She is currently an adjunct professor in the Goodwin College's Ophthalmic Science Program.

Deborah, the ECP Education Facilitator for Vision-Ease, creates and presents ABO, NCLE and JCAHPO seminars related to optics and best practices. A Massachusetts-licensed optician, she has owned two optical businesses and was a sales representative for MODO and Luxottica. Deborah has achieved ABOM and NCLE certifications. 

Joe, the director of contact lens services for Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates, lectured at CUNY Tech, Vision Expo and Optifair. He is certified as an advanced level speaker, and was program director of the Interboro Institute College of Opticianry where he taught courses in various areas of contact lenses and optics.

Directions
FOX TOWER, Foxwoods is located at 39 Norwich-Westerly Rd., Ledyard. CT 06339, on Route 2 between I-395 and I-95. Go to http://www.opticalceu.com/DirectionsToCelebrityBallroom.pdf for map and directions. Valet parking is free. For accommodations, call Foxwoods at 1-800 PLAY BIG. Overnight reservations are not associated with the seminar.

New Contact Lens Grade Scale for Free

Brien Holden Vision Institute has a new grading scales for monitoring common contact lens complications, and can be downloaded for free from our Academy website. You can download it for free at academy.brienholdenvision.org.

Alzheimer's Affects Vision

"'Her car keys are right in front of her and she doesn’t see them,' her husband complained. 'Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise, because I’m worried about her driving too. She scraped the side of the garage twice last week when she was parking. She just got a new pair of glasses, but they haven’t helped a bit.'” That's the start of a Bright Focus post about the impact of Alzheimer's on vision. "Mrs. W* looked at the ground, embarrassed. She knew her husband’s concern was a reflection of his love and frustration. At age 59, she thought she was young to have Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but also felt certain that something was wrong with her thinking. She was getting more and more worried about this. Neuropsychiatric assessment found her memory to be only mildly impaired..." Read more.

Possibilities for Flexible Artificial Eye Lenses Improving

"A University of Leeds researcher is developing a new eye lens, made from the same material found in smartphone and TV screens, which could restore long-sightedness in older people," reports Science Daily. "As people age, their lenses lose flexibility and elasticity. This leads to a condition known as presbyopia, common in people over 45 years old, and can require optical aids, such as reading glasses. Devesh Mistry, a postgraduate research student in the School of Physics and Astronomy, is now working with liquid crystal to create a truly adjustable artificial lens." Read more.

New Eyewear from ProDesign Denmark

"With a design inspired by nature and architecture, the ProDesign Zense collection is a combination between a 45 degrees rotation hinge and a high quality flex. No visible screws in the hinge, and likewise in the front, combined with the all over squared shaping," write Midwest Lens. "The three shapes in full aluminum, and one with rim in titanium, are all made as the perfect match to the man who wants a classic, sporty and exclusive look. The rubber on the inside makes this a perfect “no slip” construction with straight temples, but can of course be adjusted individual behind the ears if preferred. The colors of the front are all made by adonization while the hinges are made with PVD. Both recognized for a superior no peeling quality. For more information please visit their website at prodesigndenmark.com. Read more.

New Eyewear from Elle

"Elle is the embodiment of everything that is Paris," starts the Midwest Lens write-up. "The Elle woman is an ambassador for Parisian style and flair. She likes to experiment with contrasts. Whether chic one day, or cool the next – she is always modern and feminine. Her weekends are spent soaking up the atmosphere of Paris in a small local café before setting off with a friend on a new shopping adventure – and loving every second of it! Elle Eyewear’s new autumnal collection draws its inspiration from the purity of minimalism and fluid forms currently dominating Paris catwalks. This trend has been beautifully interpreted in stunning frames with clean, flowing lines. A mélange of autumn colors is combined with traces of gold and silver for added sophistication. Selected extraordinary lightweight styles within the collection offer exceptional wearing comfort." Read more.

New Converse Eyewear from REM

"Made for the young and hip at heart, the new fall 2015 Converse All Star and Converse Jack Purcell eyewear collections by REM offers consumers unique design, unmatched quality and the chance to unleash their creative spirit," according to Midwest Lens. "Just like the brand mantra, the new Converse All Star optical styles strive for authenticity. The collection features one-of-a-kind elements such as the edgy snake skin raised pattern on the Q049, a show stopping cut away two-layer acetate with wood grain on the Q050 and unexpected color combinations on the Q051 and Q052 that will give you the incomparable flair." Read more.

New Eyewear from XOXO

"XOXO October Optical Collection offers a trendy mix of metal and acetate with bold patterns and colors. Cha Cha and Samba are the perfect XOXO start to the fall season." That's the word from Midwest Lens. Read more.

Sun Powdered Contact Lenses from Google

"The eyewear of the future may look like the contact lenses of today, but don’t be fooled — if Google has its way, nothing in the world of contact lenses will ever be the same again. In a new patent filed on October 13, the Internet giant turned purveyor of all things cool unveiled its plan for a 'contact lens employing optical signals for power and/or communication,'" reports Digital Trends. "The futuristic device will be solar-powered, as it will purportedly sport a 'photo-detector that harvests light received and generates power from the harvested light,' and will do far more than just let you see — it’ll open up a whole new world. As per the filed patent, Google hopes that its new solar-powered lens would allow the wearer to access information about his or her surrounding environment, including the presence of allergens, 'hazardous materials,' or other atmospheric particles that may have a deleterious effect on your health. Moreover, your contact lenses could actually be connected to your mobile device (if those are still around by the time this comes to fruition), and communicate data about your body temperature or blood-alcohol level." Read more.

New John Varvatos Eyewear from REM

"Making a statement without saying a word is easy with the new fall 2015 John Varvatos optical and sun collection from REM. Carefully crafted from cutting edge materials and featuring fresh, innovative designs, the new styles set the standard in eyewear," according to Midwest Lens. "The idea of informal, yet stylish spectacles is amped up this fall with innovative energy from John Varvatos Eyewear. Standout styles include the Artisan Collection’s V152 optical frame which features a sophisticated, round silhouette and a combo front with metal coining on its rim, while the collection’s V799 sunglass lends way to the same classic shape, and rich leather detail on its rim. The Classic Collection’s V366 boasts a new Tortoise Grey colorway and the Bowery Collection’s V153 optical and V510 sun frame offer time-tested shapes, crafted from rich acetate with unique hand finishings." Read more.

New Jimmy Crystal Eyewear from A&A Optical

"A&A Optical announces the release of two new ophthalmic frames from luxury collection: Jimmy Crystal New York," notes Midwest Lens. "The designer eyewear collection is comprised of striking limited edition pieces reminiscent of a collector’s item. Each style is unique and special, featuring hand set Swarovski elements. Jimmy Crystal New York™ was established in 1991 and is renowned for fashionforward designs and superior quality accessories. Designer pieces include ophthalmic eyewear, sunglasses and reading glasses in acetate, metal and combinations." Read more.

I'm Not Going to Take Off My Stinking Glasses, Says Jeb

"'I can’t see without glasses,' Bush said with exasperation, drawing laughs from the audience as he spoke at a town hall in Lebanon, New Hampshire. 'I’m not going to take off my stinking glasses,'" reports WQAD. "Aiming to appear authentic, politicians rarely reveal the image-conscious side of their campaigns. But Bush did so Tuesday for that exact reason, showing some vulnerabilities in an effort to convince voters of his authenticity. Asked later by reporters why he was told to remove his glasses, Bush joked that perhaps it was their combination with his “bushy eyebrows” that turned people off." Read more.

Marcolin Extends Partnership with Montblanc

"The Marcolin Group has renewed and extended its exclusive license agreement for the design, manufacture and worldwide distribution of Montblanc sun and optical eyewear with Montblanc International," according to a TRBusiness post. Read more.

New Eyewear from Jonathan Adler Eyewear

"Inspired by mid-century Americana – a bit of Miami Beach and the 1964 World’s Fair, a dash of Liberace – the fall 2015 Jonathan Adler Eyewear collection for women is practical enough for everyday living, but glamorous enough for jet setting, fashionably across the globe," goes the Midwest Lens post. "Exuding modern American glamour at its best, the optical JA 307 and sun Monte Carlo styles boast a show-stopping a rich, two-layer acetate lamination throughout and picturesque cat-eye silhouette, respectively. Designed with a playfulness that rests on a practical and sophisticated foundation, the optical JA308 features a bold, round shape, along with a custom-made digital printed acetate pattern inside the temples, while the equally fabulous Mustique and Ipanema sun frames display a stunning Jonathan Adler logo plaque on its temples and CR39 lenses with the laser-engraved JA logo. This collection is playful, modern and gorgeous." Read more.

Kering Pulls Design In-House and Why

"In September 2014, French luxury conglomerate Kering announced that it was bringing most of its eyewear business in-house," starts the Moodie Report. "It was a major step on every level. Until then, nine out of 11 Kering eyewear brands had been managed through licence agreements (with five different partners), generating consolidated royalties of approximately €50 million. Kering’s partnership with its major partner, Safilo, included eyewear licences for such lustrous names as Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen. The decision to repatriate the brands in-house followed a lengthy assessment of growth prospects in the burgeoning eyewear category, particularly in the luxury and sport & lifestyle sectors that Kering’s main brands are part of." Read more.

New Eyewear from Tura

"Tura Inc., the inventor of fashion eyewear in 1938, expands its eponymous house brand with the introduction of additional women’s ophthalmic styles in October," reports Midwest Lens. "The new Tura models continue to carry on the tradition of crafting fashionable eyewear, as an accessory for the face. Tura always considers all details of the frame by offering high quality, comfort, and elegant design." Read more.

Seats Going Fast for OpticalCEUs Fall 2015 Seminar for Opticians

Reservations are coming in quickly for OpticalCEUs Fall 2015 Seminar for opticians looking for seven ABO/NCLE credits and ABO/NCLE certification. The deadline for reservations is Oct. 16, this Friday. You shouldn't wait, though. Seats are limited.

Register now and earn your ABO/NCLE credits with 7 courses at the CELEBRITY BALLROOM, FOX TOWER (formerly MGM Grand), 2nd Level, Foxwoods Resort and Casino on Sunday, October 25. You can find details about the courses at OpticalCEUs homepage or on the registration page.



Our Lecturers

Linda Conlin

Accredited lecturers Linda Conlin, Deborah Kotob of Vision-Ease and Joe Forte will present seven courses enabling you to earn ABO/NCLE credits.

For over 15 years Linda, an NAO Fellow Ambassador, has provided continuing education and training for opticians at the state and national levels. She is ABO and NCLE certified, licensed in CT, MA and RI, and has written for 20/20 and EyeWitness magazines. She founded OpticalCEUs and launched OpticalCEU.com and Optical News from OpticalCEUs news blog for opticians.

Deborah Kotob

Deborah, the ECP Education Facilitator for Vision-Ease, creates and presents ABO, NCLE and JCAHPO seminars related to optics and best practices. A Massachusetts-licensed optician, she has owned two optical businesses and was a sales representative for MODO and Luxottica. Deborah has achieved ABOM and NCLE certifications.

Joe Forte

Joe, the director of contact lens services for Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates, lectured at CUNY Tech, Vision Expo and Optifair. He is certified as an advanced level speaker, and was program director of the Interboro Institute College of Opticianry where he taught courses in various areas of contact lenses and optics.



Directions
FOX TOWER, Foxwoods is located at 39 Norwich-Westerly Rd., Ledyard. CT 06339, on Route 2 between I-395 and I-95. Go to http://www.opticalceu.com/DirectionsToCelebrityBallroom.pdf for map and directions. Valet parking is free. For accommodations, call Foxwoods at 1-800 PLAY BIG. Overnight reservations are not associated with the seminar.

New Daily Contact Lens for Hyperops from Alcon

"Alcon announced that Dailies Total1 single-use contact lenses will be available in plus powers in November," reports Healio. "The expanded power range will include -0.50 D to -6.00 D in 0.25-D steps, -6.50 D to -10 D in 0.50-D steps and now +0.50 D to +6.00 D in 0.25-D steps, the company announced at a press conference here at the American Academy of Optometry meeting." Read more.

New Badgley Mischka Eyewear from McGee Group

Here's the start of the Midwest Lens post about the new eyewear from Badgley Mischka: "Introducing the 2015 Badgley Mischka men’s optical collection. Exquisite attention to detail is directly translated through optical styles, while featuring only the highest quality products and design elements." Read more.

New Eyewear from Anne Klein

"Anne Klein Eyewear transitions from summer to fall with five optical and three sun styles infusing classic shapes, feminine touches, and sophisticated Leo Lion logo treatments. The modern treatment of the iconic trademark embodies both the versatility and careful attention to detail showcased in this collection," according to Midwest Lens. "Three vintage-inspired shapes integrate wearability with a contemporary logo design for sophisticated style. The Leo Lion logo cut out on temples adds a modern detail to a beloved classic. AK5043 offers a deep square shape in solid handmade acetate and is available in Black, Merlot and Tortoise. AK5044 features a soft cat eye shape in milled metal/acetate and is available in Black, Mocha and Merlot while AK5045 is a subtle square shape in milled metal/acetate and is available in Black, Mocha and Merlot." Read more.

Gene Therapy Treats Inherited Eye Disease

"What could become the first gene therapy to win approval in the United States moved closer to market on Monday, when its developer announced that the medicine had succeeded in a late-stage clinical trial in treating an inherited eye disease that can cause blindness," according to the New York Times. "The developer, Spark Therapeutics, said the treatment had allowed people with certain so-called inherited retinal dystrophies to more easily maneuver in dimmer light than they could before. The company said it planned to apply to the Food and Drug Administration next year for approval to sell the product. 'We saw substantial restoration of vision in patients who were progressing toward complete blindness,' Dr. Albert M. Maguire, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania and a lead researcher in the study, said in a news release being issued by Spark." Read more.

Birth Weight and Growth Associated with Poor Vision

"A study of up to 433,390 UK adults, led by The University of Manchester, has linked being under and overweight at birth with poorer hearing, vision and cognition in middle age," reports Medical News Today. "Researchers in Manchester, Nottingham, Cincinnati and Madison, Wisconsin analysed data from up to 433,390 UK adults from the UK Biobank study. Associations with birth weight - an index of prenatal growth - were complex. Larger babies falling within the 10th and 90th percentile of weight had better hearing, vision and cognition in adulthood. But very small and very large babies had the poorest hearing, vision and cognitive function. Better growth during childhood (as indexed by adult height) was associated with better hearing, vision and cognition in adulthood." Read more.

New Macular Degeneration Treatment with Stem Cells

"Age-related macular degeneration (AMRD) could be treated by transplanting photoreceptors produced by the directed differentiation of stem cells, thanks to findings published today by Professor Gilbert Bernier of the University of Montreal and its affiliated Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital. ARMD is a common eye problem caused by the loss of cones, " according to Medical News Today. "Bernier's team has developed a highly effective in vitro technique for producing light sensitive retina cells from human embryonic stem cells. 'Our method has the capacity to differentiate 80% of the stem cells into pure cones,' Professor Gilbert explained. 'Within 45 days, the cones that we allowed to grow towards confluence spontaneously formed organised retinal tissue that was 150 microns thick. This has never been achieved before.'" Read more.

New Eyewear from Modern Optical International

"Modern Art makes elegance and sophistication accessible to all women. Ultra-feminine detailing and tasteful embellishments define this well-curated collection," writes Midwest Lens. "Practical as well as beautiful, many styles include highly desirable features such as spring hinges, deeper silhouettes, and silicone nose pads. With 57 styles in a diverse color palette, Modern Art designs range from sleek chic to modern vintage. Every woman deserves her very own piece of Modern Art! Modern Optical International debuts five new Modern Art styles representing an eclectic selection of contemporary designs." Read more.

New Eyewear from Morel

"This fun feminine frame adds a light, contemporary and comfortable option to Lightec," according to Midwest Lens. "Alpha 35B features a two-toned acetate front which is laser etched with lines that continue onto the .8mm stainless steel temples. The combination of the two-toned acetate with the indented details creates a graphic design." Read more.

New Eyewear from Cyclists from Kopin

"Kopin Corporation, a leading developer and provider of innovative wearable technologies and solutions for head-worn computing and display systems, unleashes Solos, an ultra-lightweight performance eyewear streamlined for aerodynamics, style and comfort," posts Midwest Lens. "Solos allows cyclists to easily access real-time performance data from their smartphone or wearable sensors on its high-resolution head-up display." Read more.

3D Printers Take Eyewear Design to Unusual Level

"We have seen impressive applications of 3D printing technology in such realms as clothing fashion, jewelry, and footwear, and now, thanks to Iranian architect Nasim Sehat, 3D printing’s role in fashion and design is being extended into eyewear with her most recent design venture called Biz Eyes." That's the start of a post on 3ders. Read more.

Goodwin College's Ophthalmic Science Department Offering Free ABO/NCLE Test Review on Oct. 18

For the expense of an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food items, individuals in the optical field will receive a six-hour ABO/NCLE test review. Goodwin College will host the event on Sunday, Oct. 18, at its East Hartford campus. Registration will begin at eight. The school will provide lunch, and the afternoon sessions will end at four.

Do you want to attend? You will need to pre-register by emailing Maryann Santos msantos@goodwin.edu, who is the director of Goodwin's Ophthalmic Science Department. You will receive a registration form by email that must be filled out and submitted in advance.

Registration on Oct. 18	8:00-8:30
ABO Review by Rebecca Soto	8:45-11:45 1:00-4:00
NCLE Review by Maryann Santos	8:45-11:45 1:00-4:00
Lunch provided by Goodwin College’s Ophthalmic Science Department

Remember. Goodwin's Ophthalmic Science Department is offering this opportunity only for the cost of an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food, which it will distribute to underprivileged families in the East Hartford community.

Decorative Contact Lenses Test Positive for Chlorine and Other Chemicals

A recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) shows that several varities of costume contact lenses tested positive for chlorine and other harmful chemicals. 

The research found chlorine in three types of non-prescription costume contact lenses. Iron was found on four pairs of lenses. The chemicals may come from colorants used to tint and create playful patterns on the lenses. One pair seeped chlorine after a routine rinse, prompting concern from researchers about toxicity to the eye. The study also noted that colorants printed or pressed onto some decorative lenses create an uneven texture. Those rough surfaces could scratch the eyes, potentially allowing in bacteria that can cause infection and even blindness. 

Four of the five lenses in the study are not available legally in the United States the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has not approved them. Contact lenses not approved by the FDA may be made with materials that can harm the eyes, causing corneal ulcers or keratitis. Both of these conditions can result in scarring that impairs vision or causes blindness. For this reason, the Academy advises against wearing decorative lenses without a prescription. Even so, consumers can buy these and many other decorative potentially dangerous lenses online. Around Halloween, they often crop up for sale at beauty parlors or even gas stations.  

Guidelines to Pass Onto Your Patients

To safely wear decorative contact lenses this Halloween or any time of year, the AAO recommends following these guidelines:

• Only buy decorative contact lenses from retailers who require a prescription and sell FDA-approved products.
• Obtain a valid prescription and eye exam from an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
• Even those with good vision need an examine so the lenses fit properly. Ill-fitting lenses can scratch the surface of the eye, creating an opening for infection.
• Redness, swelling, excessive discharge, pain or discomfort can signal eye infection. If you have these symptoms, immediately see an ophthalmologist. Eye infections can cause blindness if left untreated.
• For more information on costume contact lenses, visit the Academy's public information website, www.geteyesmart.org.

Retina Sets Bio Rhythm with Neuropsin

Medical News Today reports that "researchers at Johns Hopkins and the University of Washington report new research that sheds light on how the retina sets its own biological rhythm using a novel light-sensitive pigment, called neuropsin, found in nerve cells at the back of the eye." Read more.

We May See More Colors Than Previously Thought

"Researchers from Tohoku University's Research Institute of Electrical Communication and RIKEN BSI have found the presence of neurons in the human brain which can each selectively respond to an intermediate color; not just neurons of red, green, yellow and blue," according to a post on Medical News Today. "It was previously believed that the human visual system encoded color information through combinations of four opponent colors - red/green, yellow/blue - and dark/light components. In this format, orange can be represented as the combination of red and yellow, and purple as a combination of blue and red. However, recent electrophysiological studies in primates have revealed the presence of neurons in the visual cortex, each of which are selective to intermediate color." Read more.

Sunglass Brand Barton Perreira Creates Video

"Tim Cadiente, photographer and president of luxury eyewear brand Barton Perreira, shot and debuted a short film for the brand's Fall/Winter 2015 collection of sunglasses," notes Fashion Times. "The film is entitled "My Dear, My Darling," named for the song by Sir Madam playing in the background throughout the film. The three-minute short was filmed in Southern California amidst a landscape of rolling hills and vistas and was shot using aerial drones." Read more.

New Eyewear from Diva

"Designed by Antonio Coffen, the creator of the Diva Eyewear brand, the release is comprised of four metal and two acetate styles. Each style’s finely crafted details demonstrate the brand’s commitment to luxury and sophistication," reports Midwest Lens. "Metal work is often layered, rippled, and cut into feminine, artful, inspired treatments. Acetate parts are contoured, beveled, and cut into beautiful lines and shapes. Each style is graced with a tasteful array of Austrian Swarovski Crystals. Of particular note is the wide range of color techniques utilized throughout the collection. Examples include fades, the utilizing of three colors on a single frame, and matching the Swarovskis to a style’s color scheme. Metal styles utilize a gold or silver base while acetates mix a variety of exotic floral patterns and crystal-laminates." Read more.