Vision-Ease Expands Line of Photochromics

Vision-Ease Lens has added D28 bifocals, general purpose Novel, and short-corridor Novella progressives to its line of ChangeRx plastic photochromic lenses, reports Midwest Lens. "ChangeRx D28s are the first plastic photochromic bifocals from Vision-Ease Lens. The style offers a wide range of view for superior sight lines and vision. Novel and Novella ChangeRx combine the visual flexibility of progressives with added comfort by adjusting to various UV levels. ChangeRx lenses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, and are offered in gray and brown. ChangeRx D28s are available in 75mm diameter for -10.00 to +6.50 spheres, up to -4.00 cylinder. ChangeRx Novel and Novella progressives are available in 80mm and 75 mm diameters respectively, for -10.00 to +6.50 spheres." Read more.

Congratulations: Kotob Receives ABO Master in Ophthalmic Optics

Shortly before Deborah Kotob presented her talk at the OpticalCEUs Fall 2013 Continuing Education Conference, she received one of the highest honors available to an optician. She, a sales consultant for Vision-Ease, earned her ABO Master in Ophthalmic Optics certification.

"The ABO Master in Ophthalmic Optics designation demonstrates to the public and colleagues that an individual has attained a superior level in ophthalmic dispensing," notes the ABO website. The rigorous program requires candidates to pass a comprehensive exam and to write a Master's paper.

"It's an honor for such an accomplished optician to be a part of OpticalCEUs continuing education program," noted Linda Conlin, founder of OpticalCEUs. "Her continuing education classes always provide attendees with an intriguing look at optics, and our attendees appreciate the professionalism that she brings to every presentation."

"The Master optician certification is worth the effort," said Kotob. "Preparing for the exam and writing the research paper forced me to become more knowledgeable about optical theory and the effects of light, both good and bad, on ocular tissue."

When asked about what she enjoyed most about the program, she said, "The best part was learning. I'm an optician. I've dispensed. But to dig deep into all that is required for sight and how that little hockey puck of a lens corrects Ametropia or Asthenopia, to name a couple, was satisfying. Through this program, I expanded the depth and breadth of my understanding of ophthalmic optics."

Opticians from the Northeast Rav about Fall Conference

Scores of opticians from the Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island raved about the presentations at OpticalCEUs Annual Fall Conference. Presentation after presentation, veteran opticians approached speakers before they could leave the stage. The audience members were wishing them congratulations. "During your one presentation, I learned more than I did an entire other conference" was how one attendee expressed his appreciation to Deborah Kotob of Vision-Ease. Joe Forte of Raymond Opticians and Greenwich Ophthalmology, an Advanced Level III ABO/NCLE speaker, and Linda Conlin, founder of the conference, also received similar accolades after their presentations. "It was obvious that our attendees thought that the Fall 2013 continuing education conference was our most successful endeavor," reported Conlin. More details about the conference will be provided during the coming week.

Kotob Earns Advanced Certification from AB0/NCLE

Deborah Kotob, Vision-Ease and a speaker for OpticalCEUs, recently achieved ABO Advanced Certification. According to ABO/NCLE, “the Advanced Certification designation, ABOC-AC is earned only after a practitioner has attained several years experience, completes a prescribed curriculum of advanced education, and achieves a passing score on the rigorous examination. Professionals with advanced certification credential are equipped to work in a variety of practice settings, such as: independent opticians, ophthalmology practices, university hospitals, commercial offices, HMO/managed care offices, optometric offices, large clinics, optical product manufacturers. In short, Advanced Certification equips you in all settings which provide eyeglasses to clients."

"Please join me in congratulating Deb on her achievement,” noted Linda Conlin, founder of OpticalCEUs. “The Advanced Certification is a testament to her knowledge and expertise, and I am proud to have her as a speaker again this year."

Opticians Brave the Threat of Hurricane Sandy

With Hurricane Sandy just off the East Coast on October 28th more than 135 people braved the threat to attend OpticalCEU's annual Fall Seminar for Opticians at the Grand Pequot Hotel and Casino at Foxwoods.

“Opticians from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Florida defied the weather to attend. They were amazing,” notes Linda Conlin, president of OpticalCEUs. “It would be 24 hours before the storm made landfall in southern New Jersey. Yet some attendees came even though they would have to evacuate when they returned to their homes. Opticians are an amazing group of people. It was their presence, as it always is, that made the event a success.”

They listened and took notes to presentations by accredited lecturers Linda Conlin, Deborah Kotob of Vision-Ease, and Joe Forte in order to earn seven continuing education credits (three ABOs and four NCLEs). OpticalCEUs added a more comfortable learning environment to accompany its complimentary hot lunch buffet in the luxurious Grand Pequot Ballroom conference space.

According to an early sampling of attendee responses, the presentations were a huge success. As always, OpticalCEU's will post those results in the near future. The next continuing education seminar will be held in the spring. Look for updates here or on our OpticalCEUs website (www.opticalceu.com).

Speakers
For 14 years Linda, an NAO Fellow Ambassador and member of CLSA's University Review Committee, has provided continuing education for opticians at the state and national level. She is ABO and NCLE certified, licensed in CT, MA and RI, has a BS from Fairfield University and was a columnist for EyeWitness magazine.

Deborah, a sales consultant for Vision-Ease, writes, edits and presents ABO seminars related to best practices. A Massachusetts-licensed optician, she has owned an optical business and was a sales representative for MODO and Luxottica. Deborah is certified by the ABO and NCLE.

Joe lectured at CUNY Tech, specializing in contact lenses and was program director of the Interboro Institute College of Opticianry where he taught courses in various areas of contact lenses and optics. He has lectured at Vision Expo and Optifair. He is currently director of contact lens services for Raymond Opticians.

Register Now for OpticalCEUs Spring Seminar, April 29th, at the Foxwoods Resort and Casinos

You asked, we listened. Since 1999, we’ve provided opticians with quality continuing education courses and fun at a great value. This year F.E. Enterprises has a full-day, 7-credit program at the MGM Grand, Foxwoods Resort and Casino on Sunday, April 29. In response to attendee requests, we’ve added a more comfortable learning environment to accompany our complimentary hot lunch buffet in the luxurious MGM Grand conference space.

Accredited lecturers OpticalCEUs Founder Linda Conlin, Jean Davidson and Deborah Kotob of Vision-Ease will present ABO and NCLE accredited courses. You can apply the credit from all courses toward your state license and your ABO/NCLE certification. So register now online at our secure registration site: RegistersNowSpring2012.

For 14 years Linda, an NAO Fellow Ambassador and member of CLSA's University Review Committee, has provided continuing education for opticians at the state and national level. She is ABO and NCLE certified, licensed in CT, MA and RI, has a BS from Fairfield University and was a columnist for EyeWitness magazine. She also manages the blog Optical News from OpticalCEUs.

With 40 years of optical experience, Jean now presents continuing education courses. She is certified by the ABO and NCLE. A Fellow of the National Academy of Opticianry, she has trained opticians across the country and authored several articles on vision and eyewear.

Deborah, a sales consultant for Vision-Ease, writes, edits and presents ABO seminars related to best practices. A Massachusetts-licensed optician, she has owned an optical business and was a sales representative for MODO and Luxottica. Deborah is certified by the ABO and NCLE.

Every year attendees enjoy the Foxwoods experience for continuing education and access to casino fun. We provide the best value for quality seminars in a first-class venue. Full-day, half-day and per course rates are available. Join us for lunch when you take any course. Seminars usually sell out, so reserve by April 20.

Foxwoods is located at 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, Connecticut 06338 on Route 2 between I-395 and I-95. Click here for directions. Valet parking is free. For accommodations, call Foxwoods at 1-800 PLAY BIG. Overnight reservations are not associated with the seminar.

See you at the MGM Grand!

OpticalCEUs Seminar Just Around the Corner

Register for OpticalCEUs Fall continuing education seminar at the MGM Grand, Foxwoods on Sunday, October 16.  To register, go to http://www.opticalceu.com/RegisterNowFall2011.html. The registration fee includes coffee and tea at registration at 8:30 on Sunday, Oct. 16, as well as the lavish luncheon prepared by the MGM Grand, compliments of OpticalCEUs. Here's a list of the courses being presented:

• 9-10: Ocular Allergies by Jean Davidson (1 NCLE);
• 10 1: In the Beginning: Embryonic Eye Development by Linda Conlin (1 NCLE);
• 11-Noon: The Healthy Eyecare Solution by Deborah Kotob (1 ABO);
• 1-2:The Pressure Is On by Jean Davidson (1 ABO pending);
• 2-3: The Three Bugs: Acanthamoeba, Pseudomonas, and Fusarium by Linda Conlin (1 NCLE);
• 3-4: Eye Know Why by Jean Davidson (1 ABO); and
• 4-5: Trends in Fitting Younger Contact Lens Patients by Linda Conlin (1 NCLE).

ECPs can apply their credits toward their state license and their ABO/NCLE certifications. Seminars usually sell out, so reserve by October 7. Any questions? Email f.e.enterprises@opticalceu.com.

OpticalCEUs Offers 7 Continuing Education Courses for Opticians, Oct. 16

Linda Conlin at OpticalCEUs Spring seminar

"Since 1999, our mission has been to provide quality continuing education courses at a value price to opticians and to have some fun. This year F.E. Enterprises has a full-day, 7-credit program at the MGM Grand, Foxwoods Resort and Casino [click link for directions] on Sunday, October 16." That's the word from Linda Conlin, who founded OpticalCEUs continuing education program more than 10 years ago.


Accredited lecturers Linda Conlin, Jean Davidson and Deborah Kotob of Vision-Ease will present ABO and NCLE accredited courses with complimentary luncheon. Here's a list of the courses being presented:

• Ocular Allergies by Jean Davidson (1 NCLE);
• In the Beginning: Embryonic Eye Development by Linda Conlin (1 NCLE);
• The Healthy Eyecare Solution by Deborah Kotob (1 ABO);
• The Pressure Is On by Jean Davidson (1 ABO pending);
• The Three Bugs: Acanthamoeba, Pseudomonas, and Fusarium by Linda Conlin (1 NCLE);
• Eye Know Why by Jean Davidson (1 ABO); and
• Trends in Fitting Younger Contact Lens Patients by Linda Conlin (1 NCLE).

Opticians and other ECPs can apply their credits toward their state license and their ABO/NCLE certification. Seminars usually sell out, so Conlin recommends that participants reserve by October 7. Any questions? Email f.e.enterprises@opticalceu.com.