OpticalCEUs 2015 Spring Continuing Education Seminar for Opticians a Success

"Judge" Linda Conlin, founder of OpticalCEUs,
lecturing about malpractice at the recent
OpticalCEUs continuing education
seminar at Foxwoods.

Around 12 dozen opticians came to the Grand Pequot Ballroom, Foxwoods Resort and Casino on Sunday, April 26. By the end of the day and after a delicious hot lunch, they returned home with 7 ABO/NCLE credits. They listened, took notes, and discussed presented at seven sessions from four excellent speakers:

Miru 1day – New Technology in Daily Disposable Lenses Speaker: Donna Schaub (1 NCLE) 9am-10am

Blue Perspective Speaker: Deborah Kotob (1 ABO) 10am-11am

Night Vision Speaker: Deborah Kotob (1 NCLE) 11am-Noon

Day By Day Speaker: Joe Forte (1 NCLE) 1pm-2pm

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Lenses, But Were Afraid to Ask Speaker: Joe Forte (1 ABO) 2pm-3pm

You Be the Judge: Opticians and Malpractice Speaker: Linda Conlin (1 NCLE) 3pm-4pm

Reflecting on Refraction. Speaker: Joe Forte (1 ABO) 4pm-5 pm.

New Nicole Miller Eyewear from L’Amy America

"Glamorous, feminine and summer ready-to-wear are the trademarks of the six new styles-three ophthalmic, three sun – L’Amy America is launching in their Nicole Miller collection, ready for Summer 2015 wearing." That's the word from Midwest Lens. Read more.

Microsoft Gets Patent for Agumented Reality Eyewear

"The artificial-intelligence race could be heading back to the eyeglass shop," reports the Wall Street Journal's Digits. "Google Glass may be stumbling, but Microsoft MSFT -0.30% appears to be taking a fresh look at the idea of smart glasses. Microsoft cinched a U.S. patent for Internet-connected, see-through glasses. But here’s the twist: They would be able to detect and interpret the emotions of people within their field of vision. The patent for 'a wearable emotion detection feedback system,' was filed in October 2012, and awarded earlier this week, according to a public filing by the U.S. patent office. It’s unclear whether Microsoft is serious about any near-term commercial applications, or is just tinkering. A spokeswoman said, 'Microsoft regularly applies for and receives patents as part of its business practice; not all patents applied for or received will be incorporated into a Microsoft product.'" Read more.

Children's Eye Injries from "Toy" Guns on Rise

"Over 3000 children were treated in U.S. emergency departments in 2012 for eye injuries related to paintball guns, airsoft guns, BB guns and pellet guns, which are popular non-powder guns. A new report published in the Journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) analyzes the trends in hospital admissions associated with different types of firearms and suggests regulations that can help prevent serious injuries." That's the word from Science Daily. Read more.

Dry Eye Finally Linked to Allergens in New Study

"New ophthalmology research from the University of Miami shows that dry eye - the little understood culprit behind red, watery, gritty feeling eyes - strikes most often in spring, just as airborne allergens are surging," according to Medical News Today. "The study marks the first time that researchers have discovered a direct correlation between seasonal allergens and dry eye, with both pollen and dry eye cases reaching a yearly peak in the month of April. The paper was published online in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology." Read more.

Computerized Vision Screening for Children Works, Says Study

"A new report published in the Journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) describes the effectiveness of a new computer-based vision-screening test, the Jaeb Visual Acuity Screener (JVAS), which is suitable for use in schools and pediatrician's offices," according to Science Daily. "'Broad adoption of this tool would result in a more standardized approach to pediatric vision screening in diverse medical and community office settings,' commented lead investigator Tomohiko Yamada, OD, of the Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. 'In comparison to traditional vision testing methodologies, this software-based tool provides the advantage of running on any windows-based PC in a pediatrician's examination room -- avoiding testing in distracting office hallways.' JVAS is a computerized screening program developed by the Jaeb Center for Health Research that is designed to identify children with subnormal visual acuity in a rapid and reproducible manner. It uses a set testing algorithm to minimize subjective tester bias. It also uses age-specific visual acuity standards to provide a simple pass/fail result for four age groups (3, 4, 5 or 6, and 7 and over)." Read more.

Simple Eye Test for 7 Year Olds Predicts Onset of Myopia

"Researchers have found that a simple eye test in first grade could predict the onset of nearsightedness by eight grade," reports Medical News Today. "Such a test could enable parents to plan eye testing schedules and glasses, and even opens up the research opportunities into therapies that could prevent the need for glasses.A study of over 4,500 children published in JAMA Ophthalmology identified 414 who became nearsighted (had myopia, in which further distances are seen as blurry) by the time they were between 7 and 13 years of age." Read more.

New Crocs Eyewear from A&A Optical

"A&A Optical announces the release of two new adult styles from Crocs eyewear: CF332 and CF619. Crocs eyewear interprets the relaxed and distinctly fun Crocs spirit, incorporating the unique style and creative design in terms of colors, shapes, materials and comfort of Crocs branded products," reports Midwest Lens. "The collection uses an assortment of high quality materials such as ultra lightweight stainless steel, hypo-allergenic silicone rubber and flexible polymer." Read more.

Updated Ophthalmic Career Progression Program Available from NAO

The National Academy of Opticianry has updated it Ophthalmic Career Progression Program text. The text reportedly "very closely follows the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Task Analoysis, the basis for the National ABO Certification Exam." The text consists of four illustrated volumes, each with an exam. There's also a final exam. NAO also has a fifth volume that focuses on contact lenses.The text was written by three renowned academics in opticianry:

• Diane F. Drake, LDO, ABOM, FCLSA, FNAO
• David F. Meldrum, LDO, ABOM, FNAO, and
• Randall L. Smith, M.S., ABOM, NCLEC, FNAO.

The OCPP is a convenient, affordable home-study, on-the-job training tool for apprenticing opticians. Several states accept it as a viable method to achieve required training and education for licensing and national certification. It is also widely used in states that don't require licensing and certification as a quality, thorough base-line for on-the-job training. To find out more about the program go to www.nao.org and click into the Ophthalmic Career Progression Program (OCPP) for more information or call NAO (800-229-4828).

OpticalCEUs Fall 2014 Conference--the Movie

New Method for Measuring Low Light Vision

"A simple method of testing 'twilight vision' gives reliable results in identifying people who have decreased visual acuity under low light conditions, according to a new study," according to Science Codex. "Using filters to test at a light level 100 times lower than for daylight visual acuity testing, vision care professionals can obtain 'reliable and repeatable' measurements of twilight vision, report Jason S. Ng, OD, PhD, and colleagues of Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University in Fullerton, Calif." Read more.

Earning Almost $300K, Ophthalmologists Don't Think to Get Paid Enough

"Ophthalmologists are in the middle of the pack when it comes to compensation and professional satisfaction. Yet the majority of ophthalmologists think they should be better paid, according to the Medscape Ophthalmologist Compensation Report 2015," notes Medscape. "Ophthalmologists surveyed reported earning $292,000 per year on average in 2014. That is more than $100,000 higher than pediatricians, the lowest earners ($189,000), but a roughly equal amount below that of the perennial highest earners, orthopedists ($421,000). Ophthalmologists are also right in the center for earnings not linked to patient care (such as expert witness duties, product sales, or speaking engagements), picking up an average of $14,000 in outside work, on par with rheumatologists, general surgeons, and gastroenterologists." Read more. Maybe they should join the thousands of fast-food workers protesting throughout the U.S. for $15 an hour or $30K per year.

Luxottica and Google Working on New Version of Google Glass

"A new version of Google Glass is in the works and will be out soon, the chief executive of Italian eyewear maker Luxottica said Friday," reports the Wall Street Journal's Digits. "The partnership with the U.S. tech giant to build Glass—the Internet-connected eyewear—is going ahead, said Massimo Vian, speaking at the company’s general meeting in Milan, Italy. Earlier this year, Google stopped selling the first version of Glass and shut its Explorer program, moving the project out of its Google X research lab into a standalone unit. Yet the firm made clear that it was still working to make the eyewear ready for users. The changes sparked speculation that Google would abandon Glass. However, Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt told The Wall Street Journal that it has been put under the watch of Tony Fadell, head of Google’s Nest connected home division, 'to make it ready for users.'" Read more.

The Family of Optical Leader Dennis Antonucci Asks for Your Help

"Two years ago Dennis Antonucci, my brother, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is more popularly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Since that time, he has experienced progressive muscular degeneration through his arms and neck.  This degeneration has made even the smallest of tasks difficult to do without assistance from others. Dennis is very fortunate to have help from his family and friends but today this help is not enough." That's the start of the opening YouCaring.com site for Glastonbury resident Dennis Antonucci. As a laboratory business consultant for Essilor, a licensed optician, and graduate of Middlesex Community College, Dennis earned the respect of opticians throughout the region. He donated his time. Now he and his family need our help, as his brother notes.

"During December 2014, Dennis was selected to participate in a stem cell therapy study. Stem cell therapy is a treatment which involves the injection healthy neural cells directly into a patient’s spine in order to assist the immune system in its fight against a disease. As a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the hospital staff administering the treatment does not know if the patient is getting healthy cells or a placebo. Consequently, Dennis does not know if he received healthy stem cells or a placebo. Assuming Dennis received healthy cells, it will be many months before it is known whether the treatment was successful.

"Since his participation in the study, Dennis has continued to experience muscular degeneration as evidenced by worsening speech and more difficulty in swallowing food. In fact, his inability to eat has gotten so bad that Dennis had to be fitted with a feeding tube in order to stop his weight loss. Needless to say, the ongoing degeneration is a constant struggle for Dennis and his family and friends.

"While everyone is pitching in to help Dennis, his poor health has reached a point where he needs specialized equipment and trained individuals dedicated to his care. This equipment and care requires financial contributions beyond those covered by insurance and available from Dennis’ circle of family and friends. We are asking for donations to help Dennis. These donations can be in the form of cash, check, and credit card or by clicking donate now. As the administrator of this site and co-administrator of donations, I promise that every donated dollar will be used only for devises and home care to assist Dennis in sustaining his health." So far, the YouCaring site has received more than $8,000 in donations. The family is looking for $50,000. Please donate today so the family can reach its goal and continue its support of Dennis, who gave often to the optical community. Donate now.

Goodwin's Ophthalmic Science Department to Open Optical Training Store

On May 11, the Ophthalmic Science department of Goodwin College will open its Optical Training Store, licensed by the Connecticut's Department of Health. Under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor, the department's students will use the skills learned during their previous three semesters to assist with and to fit eyewear for Goodwin College students, the college's employees, and on-campus employees of Goodwin contractors. Naturally the store will model a setting of a traditional optical practice. The store will operate on a walk-in basis to patients presenting prescriptions less than a year old. It will not work with insurance plans, but the store says that it will offer "substantial" discounts. To find out more about the optical training program and the store, go to Ophthalmic Science department of Goodwin College.

New Eyewear from ClearVision

"With a nod to the brand’s vibrant styling splashed with a tropical vibe, the three Op 'Sherbet'releases light up youthful faces with a colorful palette of sweet, on trend designs," notes Midwest Lens. "Featuring a menu of delectable, “frozen treat” shades like Chocolate, Mint, Cherry and Blueberry, each of the full acetate styles is available in six colors and one size each." Read more.

Elton John's Heart-Shaped Glasses Stolen from Museum

"Officials say a pair of Elton John's heart-shaped glasses has been stolen from a display case at a Memphis museum," according to the Kelowna Daily. "Memphis police said Wednesday the glasses were taken from the Memphis Rock n' Soul Museum. Officers were called to the museum Tuesday night, when employees noticed the glasses were missing. Officers said the case holding the glasses sustained no real damage. Police said a museum manager told officers someone would have to use a set of tools to remove the item from the case. An officer processed the case for fingerprints." Read more.

New Kids Eyewear from Safilo

"Safilo presents the new Kids by Safilo eyewear collection: a ground-breaking eyewear project devoted to 0-8 year olds, conceived for children’s necessities, designed with a medical-scientific approach and engineered with advanced technologies and materials," reports Midwest Lens. "Kids by Safilo optical frames are created to respond to children’s unmet needs. As the ideal blend of innovation and comfort, the new eyewear collection perfectly matches children’s requirements and, at the same time, their parents’ expectations. Through the collaboration with SIOP (Società Italiana di Oftalmologia Pediatrica) and in compliance with the guidelines of WSPOS (World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus), Safilo has created a specific product with the adoption of a medical-scientific approach to meet the key needs of children in terms of eyewear." Read more.

While J&J and Costco Duke It Out in California, Costco Sides with Utah about Contact Lens Pricing

"Johnson & Johnson’s contact lens unit on Friday urged a California federal judge to toss Costco Wholesale Corp.’s antitrust suit alleging J&J drives up prices by cutting off retailers that sell its lenses at a discount, arguing its unilateral pricing policies are 'entirely lawful,'" notes Law 360. "Cotsco’s suit is one of many related suits recently filed in California federal court over the allegedly anticompetitive pricing floor. The discount retailer has alleged that other contact retailers pressured Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc. to set an anticompetitive minimum retail." Read more.

"Warehouse store giant Costco is siding with the state of Utah in a lawsuit filed over a bill that bans price-fixing of contact lenses," reports Fox 13, the Fox affiliate in Salt Lake City. "In a motion filed Monday in federal court and obtained by Fox 13, Costco Wholesale seeks to intervene in a series of lawsuits filed by contact lens manufacturers against the state over Senate Bill 169, which was signed into law by Governor Gary Herbert last month. Court records show U.S. District Court Judge Dee Benson granted Costco’s motion to intervene. Former federal judge Paul Cassell is representing 1-800-CONTACTS, which is also siding with the state." Read more.

Louisiana Contact Lens Wearer Sues Manufacturers

"A woman has brought an anti-trust lawsuit against several major optical suppliers, alleging unfair trade practices dating to 2013," reports the Louisiana Record. "Jennifer L. Crose filed a class action complaint against CooperVision Inc. of Pleasanton, Calif.; Alcon Laboratories Inc. of Fort Worth; Bausch and Lomb Inc. of Bridgewater, N.J.; Johnson and Johnson Vision Care Inc. of Jacksonville, Fla.; and ABB/Con-Cise Optical Group LLC (a.k.a. ABB Optical Group) of Coral Springs, Fla., in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 31. According to the lawsuit, the defendants engaged in conspiratorial behavior to artificially control the price of contact lenses. Seeking to represent herself and class members who purchased contact lenses sold by the defendants collectively, Crose alleges that the manufacturers, who allegedly control more than 97 percent of the market, sought to fix, raise, maintain and/or stabilize the product prices by imposing price floor policies (PFPs) originating in mid-2013." Read more.