Jan. 5 – Jan. 9, 2015
WEEKLY MEDIA
MONITORING HIGHLIGHTS
AOA’s Weekly Media Monitoring Reports are intended to provide an unfiltered look at news including the AOA, AOA members, and
state associations and affiliates. To provide you these news stories and to ensure you are reading the same articles patients might be,
the AOA does not review or edit the news summaries prior to distribution. The news stories included in the Weekly Media Monitoring
Reports in no way imply AOA's endorsement, agreement or promotion of a particular article.
Please note that due to guidelines regarding copyrights, in most cases we are only able to post the first few sentences of each article;
contact AOA Communications & Marketing to receive the full text of an article.
NATIONAL MEDIA OUTLETS
Go Figure (references the AOA and AOA member Dr. Geoffrey Goodfellow)
fitness (circulation: 1.5 million) | Staff | 02/01/2015
45-Average number of eyelashes you lose each month. Keep your fringe full with a daily dose of a lash conditioner, like
RevitaLash Advanced ($98 for a three month supply, revitalash.com). Trace the tiny brush along your lash line; the liquid
contains botanicals that prevent breakage.
Source: Geoffrey Goodfellow, a spokesman for the American Optometric Association
Controversial Contact Lenses Come with a Warning (references the AOA)
AOL.com (UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 52 million) (reposts include: CNN Indonesia and Banjarmasin
Post) | Staff | 12/31/2014
A controversial new fashion trend may be blinding... literally.
As Japanese Anime continues to become more popular, some fans of the artform want their own anime-style eyes.
Circle lenses, new contacts imported from Asia, give the illusion that wearers irises are larger than they really are, but
the look comes with a heavy risk.
Sites like PinkyPalace.com sell the lenses in a wide variety of colors including yellow, red, and white -- however, you
don't need a prescription.
Sam's Club Offers Free Health Screenings to Empower Your Health (references the AOA and the AAO)
Examiner.com (UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 15.6 million) | Debbie Nicholson | 01/07/2015
Many Americans strive each year to promise themselves to be healthier yet 67 million people have high blood pressure
and thousands of people do not even know they have it. Almost 70 percent of American adults are overweight or obese
and 71 million adults have high LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol.
Trying to improve the lives and well-being of people in the communities is Sam's Club. Sam's Club will be offering 10 free
health screenings to both members and non-members on the second Saturday of each month (Jan-Oct) at all locations
with a pharmacy. The first free health screening will take place on Saturday, January 10 from 11am-3pm. This month's
screening, valued at $250, includes the following tests:
-Blood pressure
-Total cholesterol
-HDL (good cholesterol)
-Risk ratio
-Glucose
-Body mass index (BMI)
-Vision (not available at all locations)
Pinson Optometrist Treats Computer Vision Syndrome (references the AOA)
Digital Journal, press release | Dr. Irwin Fingerman | 12/31/2014
Pinson, Alabama optometrist Dr. Irwin Fingerman of Dr. Optical eye care treats Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a
condition of pain, soreness, eye fatigue and dryness that results from hours spent staring into a computer screen.
Millions of people who work at a computer suffer from CVS symptoms without realizing why their eyes are sore, they
can't focus, or are experiencing headaches and dizziness after long hours at the desk. According to the American
Optometric Association, computer eye strain affects over 70% of the 143 million Americans who work at a computer on
a daily basis. It is known that prolonged periods of screen time put unnatural strain on the eyes, often causing eye
fatigue, discomfort, or other symptoms associated with CVS.
Unlike printed letters in a newspaper or book, characters on a computer screen can fade and diminish at the edges,
making them less clearly defined. After a few hours of computer use, the eyes will involuntarily drift toward a
comfortable resting point, causing eye muscles to continually flex to maintain focus on the screen in view. This results in
undue stress on the muscles around the eye and the eyes' lenses. Additionally, computer screen glare and screen
reflections from the surrounding environment also interfere with the eyes' ability to focus. These disruptions force the
eyes to work even harder to maintain constant focus. Incorrect positioning of the computer monitor exacerbates the
problem. If a monitor is placed too high, the eyes tend to stay wide open, blinking less and becoming easily dry and
irritated. Having an improperly placed monitor forces an unnatural sitting position, encouraging poor posture which
causes headaches and neck and back pain.
Fortunately Dr. Fingerman can treat Computer Vision Syndrome's short-term symptoms. Currently, no evidence suggests
long-term computer usage leads to permanent damage. Symptoms range from eye strain and fatigue, blurred or double
vision, painful squinting, dry and irritated eyes, difficulty focusing, neck and back pain and recurrent headaches. Fight
these conditions by adjusting computer monitors to stand 20" to 26" away, low enough that eyes focus 4" to 8" above
the center of the monitor. Dr. Fingerman may prescribe a pair of eyeglasses designed specifically for computer screen
use, which helps the eyes retain focus and avoid straining. Reduce the amount of environmental light that reflects off
the screen, use lubricating eye drops, and give the eyes a break every 20 to 60 minutes to further aid in alleviating CVS
symptoms.
Health Tip: Have Your Child's Eyes Checked (references the AOA)
HealthDay News (reposts include: U.S. News & World Report, Aetna InteliHealth, The Winnipeg Free Press
(Winnipeg, MB), EHE & Me, HealingWell.com, The News International (Pakistan) and Houston Northwest
Medical Center) | Diana Kohnle | 01/01/2015
An annual vision exam is a good idea for children, starting in infancy. Kids at increased risk of vision problems may need
to get an exam more frequently.
The American Optometric Association says risk factors for childhood vision problems include:
Having low birth weight or being born prematurely.
Contact Lenses That Risk Blindness Are Still Wanted By Women (Translated from Indonesian to English:
references the AOA and AOA member Dr. S. Barry Eiden)
KOMPAS.com | Silvita Agmasari | 01/04/2015
Four years ago, the present innovation in the realm of beauty in the form of a contact lens that can make eyes look
bigger than it actually is. Until now, the type of contact lenses called circle lenses are still offered in the market,
complete with a variety of color options.
This type of contact lenses are very popular among women in Asia, particularly East Asia such as Japan, Korea, and
China. However, as the popularity and the number of high demand, in fact the doctors had warned that contact lens that
covers the white part of the eye can cause serious infections with the risk of blindness.
In 2010, Karen Riley, a spokeswoman for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), told the New York Times that if
you buy without a prescription from an eye specialist, circle lenses create a risk of injury to the eyes to blindness.
However, it seems there are still many women who do not care about the risks. Instead, this type of contact lenses is
growing demand.
Optometrists Alan Glazier and Justin Bazan to Debate Facebook's Relevancy on Jan. 7 'Power Hour' (features
AOA members Drs. Alan Glazier and Justin Bazan; references Essilor of America)
Vision Monday | Staff | 01/05/2015
Alan Glazier, OD, FAAO, founder of Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care in Rockville, Md., and ODs on Facebook, will join
Justin Bazan, OD, owner of Park Slope Eye of Brooklyn, N.Y., as the featured guests on the Jan. 7 edition of the “Power
Hour.” The weekly radio show is broadcast at 9:00 p.m. ET, hosted by Gary Gerber, OD, founder of The Power Practice.
The two optometrists will debate whether Facebook is still essential to promote your practice. Also during this week's
program, Gerber will share his best consulting tips to ensure 2015 gets off to a great start.
The Power Hour is sponsored by Essilor of America, Optovue, VisionWeb and VSP Global. Details about the shows,
including how to listen in and links to previous episodes, can be found online at PowerHourInfo.
Esteemed Optometrist Becomes Published in the Leading Physicians of the World (references the AOA, the
Pennsylvania Optometric Association, the Central Pennsylvania Optometic Society and Ohio State
University School of Optometry; features AOA member Dr. William E. Boshinski)
Before It’s News, press release | The Leading Physicians of the World | 01/05/2015
With an upcoming publication in The Leading Physicians of the World, The International Association of Healthcare
Professionals is proud add William E. Boshinski, OD to their prestigious organization. Dr. Boshinski works at the Boshinski
Eye Clinic in Mechanicsville, Pennsylvania. He specializes in the diagnosis of eye diseases, including low vision and ocular
nutrition maintenance. He is a federal legislature liaison for the state, and is an expert reviewer for the National
Diabetes Education Program.
He graduated from Ohio State University in 1984 with his Doctor of Optometry degree and maintains professional
memberships with the Optometric Ocular Surface Society, the National Glaucomic Soceity, the American Optometric
Association, the Pennsylvania Optometric Association, the Central Pennsylvania Optometic Society, and the Ocular
Nutrition Society to stay familiar with technological developments and advances.
Dr. Boshinski was diagnosed with an eye disease as a child, so he feels as though his experiences give him a better
perspective, and a heartfelt motivation to assist his patients. When he is not helping others, Dr. Boshinski enjoys
farming.
Controversies in Contact Lens Care (references the AOA, Ohio State University College of Optometry and
University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry; bylined by AOA members Drs. Thomas G. Quinn Jr.,
Jeffrey J. Walline, Jeffrey Sonsino, Edward Bennet, Shalu Pal, Glenda B. Secor and Randall F. Fuerst)
Contact Lens Spectrum | Thomas G. Quinn Jr., OD, MS; Jeffrey J. Walline, OD, PHD; Jeffrey Sonsino OD;
Edward S. Bennett, OD, MSED; Shalu Pal, OD; Glenda B. Secor, OD; and Randall F. Fuerst, OD | 01/05/2015
Rapidly evolving technology and knowledge have created excitement—and some controversy—in the contact lens
arena. The American Optometric Association (AOA) Contact Lens and Cornea Section (CLCS) presented an interactive
program “Controversies in Contact Lens Care” at the 2014 Optometry's Meeting in Philadelphia.
During the event, audience members were polled prior to the presentation of information on 12 very popular and
controversial areas. Audience responses were then compared to current evidence-based outcomes on topics such as
myopia control, contact lens care and replacement, case care, scleral lenses, and presbyopic preferences. This insight
can potentially assist the Council in the development of new ideas for future programs because not all audience
responses were predictable.
We also believe that the Contact Lens Spectrum readership would benefit from learning about the results from this
program and their implications.
What's Going on Throughout the Area (quotes AOA member Dr. Jeff Walline; references the Ohio State
University College of Optometry)
Steubenville Herald-Star - Online (Steubenville, OH) | Staff | 01/06/2015
The Realeyes Vision Education Station, a free-standing kiosk that educates about eye safety and vision, will be on display
at the Schiappa branch of the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County on Thursday through Feb. 5.
*Full text is available to subscribers only
Contact Lens Design & Materials: When a Material Is Not Enough (bylined by AOA member Dr. David L.
Kading)
Contact Lens Spectrum | David L. Kading, OD, FAAO | 01/05/2015
Every day, we encounter patients who love their contact lenses. But, just as often, it seems that we encounter patients
who are struggling with their lens comfort or vision. In fact, a study by Nichols et al (2005) mentioned that as many as
52% of patients encounter dry eye symptoms with their lens wear. Surprisingly, it seems that these statistics have
remained unchanged since I graduated from optometry school. That being said, I still think that the quest for the holy
grail of contact lens materials continues, even though we are light years ahead of where we were 10 years ago.
The Definition of Insanity
Although I have a referral-based dry eye practice, I am becoming more and more aware of how complacent I have been
to contact lens wearers' ocular surface concerns. I recently asked myself why a particular patient is “dry” in this material
now, but he was not a year ago? Back then, he raved about his lens comfort.
Prescribing for Presbyopia: Managing Your Patients' Expectations (references the Michigan College of
Optometry and AOA member Dr. Amy Dinardo)
Contact Lens Spectrum | Craig W. Norman | 01/05/2015
Merriam-Webster's definition of “expectation” is 1) a belief that something will happen or is likely to happen, and 2) a
feeling or belief about how successful, good, etc., someone or something will be. Clinically, the management of patient
expectations is one of the key elements of the patient encounter. It might be counseling regarding how a therapy or
medication can be expected to work, how one's vision changes during aging, or how a spectacle or contact lens product
will function. For our older patients, this is especially important, as typically the visual system is not performing as
efficiently during our presbyopic years as it did earlier in life.
Practitioner Goals
This month I'd like to follow up on an article published in the November 2014 issue of Contact Lens Spectrum by Dr. Amy
Dinardo and Trevor Fosso from the Michigan College of Optometry titled “Multifocal Contact Lens Success: Fact or
Fiction?” The article reviews a pilot study that looked at the commonalities of 20 presbyopic patients who viewed
themselves as successful contact lens wearers; it analyzed wearing schedules, vision demands and acuity, contrast
sensitivity function, types of refractive errors, lens types, quality of life, and personality traits.
The method for subject recruitment in their study is noteworthy. Prospective enrollees were simply asked the question
“Are your contact lenses meeting your expectations?” If yes, they were invited to participate in the study. If no, they
were scheduled to return to the Michigan College of Optometry for further evaluation of their lenses in an attempt to
make improvements.
Contact Lens Care & Compliance: Lens Care and Compliance Research from AAO 2014 (features the
American Academy of Optometry)
Contact Lens Spectrum | Susan J. Gromacki, OD, MS, FAAO | 01/05/2015
The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) Annual Meeting does a terrific job of presenting excellent continuing
education and cutting-edge research. The recent meeting in November 2014 in Denver was no exception. At least 16
papers and posters related to contact lens care and compliance were presented. Following is a list of the research
involving contact lens care and compliance from the meeting's Scientific Program. (The studies' sponsors, if applicable,
follow in parentheses.)
Posters
Lens care and compliance posters from the meeting included:
1. Imayasu M, Nomachi M, Mori O, Cavanagh H. Efficacy of Progent system against protein deposits and Staphylococcus
epidermidis biofilm, isolated from contact-lens users. (Menicon)
NovaBay Announces New Business Strategy Focusing on Products for Eye Care (references the AOA, the
AAO and AOA member Dr. Art Epstein)
BusinessWire.com, press release | NovaBay® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 01/07/2015
NovaBay® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE MKT: NBY), a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing nonantibiotic anti-infective products, announces a refinement of business focus on products for the eye care market
featuring three primary components designed to deliver commercial and business success:
“Following a comprehensive review of our assets, competitive positions, markets and market dynamics we have
determined that focusing on eye care affords NovaBay the best opportunity for near-term revenue growth and,
ultimately, profitability and positive operating cash flow”
Revenue Growth – NovaBay is expanding its sales and marketing team for Avenova™ daily-use prescription eye care
product with more than 50 U.S. direct medical sales representatives expected to be in place in 2015.
Innovation – NovaBay will continue to develop innovative products for the eye care market and plans to add new
products currently in development in the next 12 to 18 months.
Nearly 95 Percent of Americans at Risk for Digital Eye Strain with Increased Device Use (The Vision Council
press release; quotes AOA member Dr. Dora Adamopoulos)
TheVisionCouncil.org, press release | The Vision Council | 01/07/2015
A new report by The Vision Council finds nearly 95 percent of Americans spend two or more hours every day on digital
devices, permeating all aspects of our personal lives – from waking, to exercising to cooking. The report, released today
at the International Consumer Electronics Show, found a lack of awareness about how this use affects our eyes and
vision health.
"On average, we look at our mobile phones more than 100 times a day, yet people aren't making the connection how
this constant use of technology is impacting vision health," said Dora Adamopoulos, OD, medical adviser to The Vision
Council. "Digital eye strain is likely to continue to grow as a health concern. However, there are tools and products that
can alleviate or even prevent the onset of symptoms as well as protect the eyes."
Digital eye strain – experienced by a majority of American adults – is characterized as temporary physical discomfort felt
after two or more hours in front of a digital screen and is associated with the close to mid-range distance of digital
screens. It is marked by symptoms such as redness, irritation or dry eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, back and neck pain
and headaches. Several environmental factors can contribute to fostering the condition, including the small size of the
text on screens; time spent staring at devices; posture; computer setup; existing, untreated vision issues; and the blue
light emitted from digital screens and lighting.
Dry Eye is the Wrong Diagnosis for Millions (quotes AOA member Dr. Donald R. Korb; references the
American Academy of Optometry, the New England College of Optometry, the Ohio State University College
of Optometry, the University of Illinois College of Optometry and the University of California – Berkeley
School of Optometry)
BioSpace.com, press release | TearScience, Inc. | 01/06/2015
A leading researcher believes dry eye is the wrong diagnosis for millions. Donald R. Korb, OD, the first to describe
meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) reports that it is the primary cause of dry eye symptoms in most patients.
Dry eye symptoms are among the most common complaints of eye care patients. Dry eye causes burning, redness, eye
fatigue, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, a gritty sensation, and discomfort in windy or dry conditions. It can hamper
daily activities, from reading or watching TV to driving or working on a computer, and may be disabling.
According to Korb, the tear film is much more complicated than many believe. Complex oils from meibomian glands in
the lids coat the tears and prevent evaporation and aid stability. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), first reported by
Korb in 1980, reduces available oil and leads to a variety of eye problems, many of which have been attributed to dry
eye. A world renowned expert in this area, Korb has been awarded more than 50 U.S. patents and published more than
100 scientific papers in medical journals over 35 years of research on the subject.
HIPAA in the Age of Social Media (bylined by AOA member Dr. Justin Bazan)
Optometry Times | Justin Bazan | 01/06/2015
Human beings are social creatures. We take tremendous pleasure in sharing our world with others. There is no better
evidence than to look at the social media revolution that has taken place over the last few years. Often, when we see
something cool, we want to share it with other people. As healthcare providers in an age where digital information can
be just as viral as the viruses we treat, it is of the utmost importance to understand the implications of our social media
posts.
So where does sharing something cool become troublesome? When you violate Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Social media has the power to amplify somebody's lapse of judgment to the point
where the content is seen by millions around the world in just a matter of minutes. Prior to social media, the error may
have not spread to much more than a handful of people—often avoiding implications—it now is often brought front and
center to the public's regulatory eye. It becomes very easy for a potential HIPPA violation to occur and get noticed. It is
quite impressive that upon HIPAA creation, disks were floppy and websites were rag tag, and we now find ourselves in
the midst of massive multi-million dollar penalties served to entities violating the act.
How to handle a bad online review
According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HIPAA called for the establishment of standards and
requirements for transmitting certain health information to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care
system while protecting patient privacy. This means that because protected health information is a major HIPAA theme,
it needs to be accurately defined. Defined in the law, “health information” means any information, whether oral or
recorded in any form or medium, that:
Last Minute Cancellations Canceled With Everseat App (quotes AOA member Dr. Richard Edlow)
Vision Monday | John Sailer | 01/06/2015
Everseat, the app that fills last minute cancellations, is only a year old and already serves over 40 specialties, including
optometry and ophthalmology. “When we can match up someone's need with our open time, it's an effective tool,” said
Richard Edlow, OD, an early adopter who uses the technology in his one location practice, Catonsville Eye Group, and in
two of Katzen Eye Group's five locations, both in the Baltimore metropolitan area.
Edlow's return on investment calculations after using Everseat for only a few months lead him to be a strong proponent
of the app. He estimates that each refilled last-minute cancellation generates about $280, based on a cost of about $2
per day for the monthly license, revenue of $80 for the average eye exam and $300 for the average eyewear sale (minus
one-third for cost of goods sold). “ROI is tangible, real and relatively fast,” said Everseat co-founder and CEO, Jeff Peres.
The app is particularly effective for practices with many appointments across multiple locations. The day dba
interviewed Edlow, 23 of 621 appointments were canceled. “If we can fill just one to two of those appointments, that's
significant,” Edlow told dba. He explained that the app is particularly effective for pediatric ophthalmologists: “Kids get
sick all the time, and lots of moms are home with kids and can bring them in at the last minute.”
Most American Adults Suffer From Digital Eye Strain, According to New Vision Council Report (features The
Vision Council; quotes AOA member Dr. Dora Adamopoulos)
Vision Monday | Staff | 01/07/2015
Most Americans are at risk of digital eye strain, yet are unaware of how using smartphones, tablets or other digital
devices affects their eyes and vision health, according to a report by The Vision Council that is being released today at
International CES.
“On average, we look at our mobile phones more than 100 times a day, yet people aren't making the connection how
this constant use of technology is impacting vision health,” observed Dora Adamopoulos, OD, medical adviser to The
Vision Council. “Digital eye strain is likely to continue to grow as a health concern. However, there are tools and
products that can alleviate or even prevent the onset of symptoms as well as protect the eyes.”
The Vision Council report found that 95 percent of Americans spend two or more hours every day using digital devices.
Digital eye strain—experienced by a majority of American adults—is characterized as temporary physical discomfort felt
after two or more hours in front of a digital screen and is associated with the close to mid-range distance of digital
screens.
Two-way Communication is Essential to Patient Care (bylined by AOA member Dr. Mark J. Uhler)
Optometry Times | Mark J. Uhler | 01/06/2015
Raising a child is no easy feat, and contemplating your own childhood and how you were raised can be daunting as well.
My mom and I were chatting the other day at lunch about my great-niece, Julianna, and the joys of raising a child at age
two. The conversation quickly had me wondering, “What was I like at age two?”
While I generally had a normal childhood, my mom shared that at the age of two, she had become increasing concerned
about me. I would not talk. I communicated just fine, but words were not part of my communication arsenal. When I
wanted something, I would just point at it. No surprise that I actually have a picture from that time period of me
communicating just as my mother described. I knew exactly what I wanted even at that tender age. Who would have
thought?
Patients say the darndest things
Concerned and upset by my lack of language development, my mom decided to take me to the pediatrician. The
pediatrician checked me out physically and concluded that I could, in fact, talk. The doctor advised my mom to make me
say what I wanted instead of just me pointing at it.
American Academy of Optometry Seeks Course Proposals for Academy 2015 (features the American
Academy of Optometry)
Vision Monday | Staff | 01/07/2015
The American Academy of Optometry is accepting submissions of course proposals for Academy 2015, to be held Oct. 7
to 10, 2015, in the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Each applicant can submit three course proposals
to be considered by the lectures and workshops committee as well as cases for consideration for grand rounds sessions.
Submissions will be accepted through Feb. 2, 2015. The Academy's annual meeting traditionally offers over 300 hours of
CE credit for optometrists, vision scientists and other professionals.
Course selection will be based on topical interest, outline content and course originality within mainline optometric
education and practice. Those submitting accepted presentations will be notified by March 15, 2015. Presenters will
receive a teaching stipend and reduced registration fees for Academy 2015 New Orleans.
Trends in Contact Lenses "Anime Eyes " Reaping Controversy (Translated from Indonesian to English;
references the AOA)
TabloidNova.com (Indonesia) | Ridho Nugroho | 01/08/2015
Round, full and large eyes have been the hallmark of the figures most recognizable Japanese anime. I was so obsessed
with the Japanese people and big round eyes, now there's even a contact lens that can make eyes seem bigger and look
just like the cartoon characters.
Large sphere contact lenses cover the white part of the eye, or sclera, thus giving the impression of a larger part of the
iris. This display trend is very popular in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea before sticking and loved as a trend by young
women in America in 2010. Lenses imported from Asia can also be color changing for everyday use, which have been
more attractive to women in the last year.
Controversial singer Lady Gaga also inspired trend contact lens "anime eyes" through her appearance in the music video
Bad Romance watched by as many as 48 million times by people worldwide.
Why Do Women Cry More Than Men? (quotes AOA member Dr. Geoffrey Goodfellow; references the Illinois
College of Optometry)
New York Magazine | Melissa Dahl | 01/07/2015
I cry incredibly, embarrassingly easily. When I was maid of honor at my best friend's wedding last summer, I burst into
tears the minute I started walking down the aisle. That's understandable, but I also cry at smaller, stupider things: during
nearly every distance-running race I've ever participated in, for instance, or at that Apple ad about the girl who makes
the sweet DIY duet for her grandmother.
Crying and me, we are very comfortable with one another, and I always assumed this was mostly owing to reasons best
explained by psychology, maybe also a little therapy, and possibly my gender. But a recent, lengthy email exchange with
“leading tear researcher” Ad Vingerhoets pointed me toward a simpler yet weirder explanation: Maybe I just have really
shallow tear ducts, which are more quickly filled up and spilled over. This appears to be the case for most women when
compared to men, and maybe this, plus some relevant hormonal changes that happen around puberty, is part of a
physiological explanation as to why men tend to cry less often than women.
Vingerhoets is a clinical psychologist at Tilburg University and the author of the book Why Only Humans Weep:
Unravelling the Mysteries of Tears; he's also one of the few researchers out there currently studying emotional tears —
those triggered by feelings rather than, say, onions or other irritants. His work suggests that the stereotype about
women crying more is true: Women cry 30 to 64 times a year, whereas men cry just 6 to 17 times per year. (Or they say
they do, at least. Much of this research relies on self-reporting, which means men could be underreporting how much
they tear up. But Vingerhoets's estimate is in line with past research conducted by others — although that was also selfreported.)
The Digital Disease: Too Much Time on Tech Devices Means Our Eyes are Suffering (references The Vision
Council; quotes AOA member Dr. Dora Adamopoulos)
Yahoo! News (UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 39.2 million) (reposts include: TheMalayMailOnline.com and
iAfrica.com) | Relaxnews | 01/08/2015
Americans are so addicted to their digital devices that it is posing a threat to their eyesight, a new report indicates.
According to a report by The Vision Council, 93.3 percent of Americans spend two or more hours every day on digital
devices for work or play, resulting in "digital eye strain". A shocking 30 percent spend more than half of their waking
hours (nine hours or more) using a digital device.
The condition is defined as "temporary physical discomfort" felt following two or more hours in front of a digital screen.
Its symptoms include redness, irritation, dry eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, back and neck pain and headaches.
Digital Eye Strain Study Reports 95 Percent of Americans at Risk Due to Device Brightness (references The
Vision Council; quotes AOA members Dr. Dora Adamopoulos)
Hacked.com | Clay Gillespie | 01/08/2015
We've all had those long days, slaving over a bright computer to get work done. Once we clock out, we head home and
watch TV or stare at our phones into the night. After all the lights are out, we lay in bed and do some last-minute social
networking or gaming before bed. Eventually, we fall asleep, wake up and start again by picking up our phones and
checking our missed Snapchats.
What we don't realize though, is that we're damaging our eyes immensely. According to a new report by The Vision
Council, nearly 95 percent of Americans are at risk of suffering from digital eye strain.
“On average, we look at our mobile phones more than 100 times a day, yet people aren't making the connection how
this constant use of technology is impacting vision health,” said Dora Adamopoulos, OD, medical adviser to The Vision
Council. “Digital eye strain is likely to continue to grow as a health concern. However, there are tools and products that
can alleviate or even prevent the onset of symptoms as well as protect the eyes.”
Bay Area Biopharma NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Inc Beefs up Salesforce to Promote Breakthrough Eye Drug
(references the AOA and the AAO)
BioSpace.com | Riley McDermid | 01/08/2015
Bay Area anti-infective biopharma NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NBY) said Wednesday that it is refining its business
model to focus on products for the eye care market, and as such has will be adding 50 new sales reps by July 2015. It
added that it may see some lay offs while implementing the new streamlining plan, but did not give an estimated
number of jobs that could be lost.
The Emeryville, Calif.-based company said that under its new plan, it will be pushing to expand the presence of its
Avenova daily-use prescription eye care product, which will need a beefed-up salesforce as the company comes calling.
“Based on the metrics and current performance, we will be expanding the sales force to 35 representatives by February
and to approximately 50 representatives by July,” said NovaBay in a statement. “These sales representatives will be
calling on ophthalmologists and optometrists across the United States. NovaBay's distribution agreements with
McKesson Corporation and Vision Source have made this game-changing product available in 90 percent of the nation's
67,000 pharmacies and in optometrists' and ophthalmologists' offices all across the country.”
Embracing New Contact Lens Technology (bylined by AOA member Dr. Ernie Bowling; references AOA
member Dr. David Geffen)
Optometry Times | Ernie Bowling, OD, FAAO | 01/08/2015
I recently attended one of our Optometry Times webinars, “Increasing your successful multifocal fits,” presented by our
Editorial Advisory Board member David Geffen, OD, FAAO. David is one of the sharpest ODs I know, and his mastery of
the subject matter was evident. I consider myself to be up to speed on this topic and was amazed at what I didn't know!
The webinar is available on our website (http://www.modernmedicine.com/webinars#eyecare).
Dr. Geffen: Prevening lens dropout with presbyopic patients
After the presentation, I wondered: with all the outstanding multifocal options for our contact lens patients, why in the
world would anyone still choose monovision as a primary selection? Monovision is an antiquated technology dating back
at least to the 1960s1 and goes against almost every tenet we've been taught regarding binocular vision. At its inception,
it was the only method we had to keep our presbyopic patients in their contact lenses. Not a week goes by where I don't
see a patient wearing this modality. Many come to my office on the recommendation of a family member or friend who
raved about their improved vision after I fitted them with multifocals.
NovaBay Renames i-Lid Cleanser (quotes AOA member Dr. Art Epstein)
Close-Up Media | Staff | 01/08/2015
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals reported the rebranding of its i-Lid Cleanser with Neutrox as Avenova with Neutrox.
According to the company, th3 name change, effective immediately, helps NovaBay to differentiate prescription
Avenova from other products marketed as eye cleaners, in particular over-the-counter products not intended for
continuous daily use.
"Avenova is uniquely suited for daily use by the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic eye conditions like
blepharitis and dry eye. Yet far too many ophthalmologists and optometrists have confused prescription Avenova with
OTC surfactant lid cleaners," explained Glenn Moro, NovaBay's Vice President for Sales and Marketing. "While those OTC
products are effective for their intended uses, none is designed for continuous daily eyelid hygiene."
Why Do Women Cry More Than Men? (New York Magazine repost; quotes AOA member Dr. Geoffrey
Goodfellow; references the Illinois College of Optometry)
SBS Online | Melissa Dahl | 01/09/2015
I cry incredibly, embarrassingly easily. When I was maid of honor at my best friend's wedding last summer, I burst into
tears the minute I started walking down the aisle. That's understandable, but I also cry at smaller, stupider things: during
nearly every distance-running race I've ever participated in, for instance, or at that Apple ad about the girl who
makesthe sweet DIY duet for her grandmother.
Crying and me, we are very comfortable with one another, and I always assumed this was mostly owing to reasons best
explained by psychology, maybe also a little therapy, and possibly my gender. But a recent, lengthy email exchange with
“leading tear researcher” Ad Vingerhoets pointed me toward a simpler yet weirder explanation: Maybe I just have really
shallow tear ducts, which are more quickly filled up and spilled over. This appears to be the case for most women when
compared to men, and maybe this, plus some relevant hormonal changes that happen around puberty, is part of a
physiological explanation as to why men tend to cry less often than women.
Vingerhoets is a clinical psychologist at Tilburg University and the author of thebook Why Only Humans Weep:
Unravelling the Mysteries of Tears; he's also one of the few researchers out there currently studying emotional tears —
those triggered by feelings rather than, say, onions or other irritants. His work suggests that the stereotype about
women crying more is true: Women cry 30 to 64 times a year, whereas men cry just 6 to 17 times per year. (Or they say
they do, at least. Much of this research relies on self-reporting, which means men could be underreporting how much
they tear up. But Vingerhoets's estimate is in line with past research conducted by others — although that was also selfreported.)
Digital Devices Damage Vision: Report (Relaxnews repost: references The Vision Council; quotes AOA
member Dr. Dora Adamopoulos)
NewsMaxHealth.com (reposts include: The Star Online (Malaysia)) | Relaxnews | 01/09/2015
Americans are so addicted to their digital devices that it is posing a threat to their eyesight, a new report indicates.
According to a report by The Vision Council, 93.3 percent of Americans spend two or more hours every day on digital
devices for work or play, resulting in "digital eye strain." A shocking 30 percent spend more than half of their waking
hours (nine hours or more) using a digital device.
The condition is defined as "temporary physical discomfort" felt following two or more hours in front of a digital screen.
Its symptoms include redness, irritation, dry eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, back and neck pain and headaches.
LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS
Is Vision Loss Inevitable with Age? (references the AOA)
The Daily Herald (Provo, UT) | Staff | 01/01/2015
Eighty-three percent of U.S. adults believe their eyesight will worsen as they age, no matter what preventive steps they
take, according to a recent DSM Nutritional Products survey.
While genetics and lifestyle factors do play a role for some serious eye conditions that cause vision loss such as agerelated macular degeneration (AMD), years of proper nutrition may protect vision in the long term.
More than two million Americans age 50 and older suffer from AMD and it is especially prevalent among Caucasian
women. "You don't want to reach your 40s and realize that you're beginning to have vision problems," said Dr. Kimberly
Reed, optometrist and Ocular Nutrition Society board member. "Following a few simple recommendations can help
support your vision, and your family's vision, now and in the future."
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month (references the AOA and the Kentucky Optometric Association;
quotes AOA member Dr. Joseph Hammond)
SurfKY.com (Lexington, KY) | Carla Blanton | 01/06/2015
Glaucoma affects 2.7 million people in the United States and is the second leading cause of blindness, yet understanding
and awareness of the disease is low.
In fact, 72 percent of Americans don't know that glaucoma typically has no early warning signs or symptoms, according
to a national survey from the American Optometric Association.
That's why, during Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, the Kentucky Optometric Association is urging people take
control of their eye health through early detection to help minimize the risk of developing the disease.
Local Business Donates Bears to SPD to Help Young Victims Get Through Tough Times (quotes AOA member
Dr. Brett Hagen; references AOA member Dr. Jezzarae Hedlund)
KHQ-TV (Spokane, WA) (reposts include: KFBB-TV (Great Falls, MT)) | Giovanni Yanez | 12/30/2014
It came in the form of about a dozen cuddly, well dressed and neatly accessorized teddy bears, a very generous donation
made to the Spokane Police Department.
Drs. Brett Hagen and Jezzarae Hedlund, both optometrists with Vision Source wanted to incorporate an element of
giving back into the company's Christmas party this year. In the past Dr. Hagen says they have done mission projects
with Union Gospel Mission but were looking for a way to expand their service to the community this holiday season.
"I had remembered in years past police officers talking about keeping teddy bears in their cars," says Hagen.
Tips to Keep your Child's Eyes Safe While Using Technology (quotes AOA members Drs. Nick Feipel and
Kathleen Busby)
WNDU-TV (South Bend, IN) | Terry McFadden | 01/02/2015
From the moment they wake up, your kids are surrounded by screens, whether they're at home or at school they're
staring at computers, tablets, smartphones or smart boards.
Now many parents are worried about how that screen time might affect their child's vision.
"My kids probably spend more time on devices then what I would like, but it varies from day to day," said Angie Barnes.
Eye Doc Finds Unique Way to Help Others on Christmas (quotes AOA member Dr. Jeffry D. Gerson)
The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle (Fairway, KS) | Barbara Bayer | 01/01/2015
Since Dec. 25 is a national holiday when most people do not have to work, Jewish people often look for ways to spend
the day. Optometrist Jeffry D. Gerson decided to spend it helping Jewish people in need by providing comprehensive eye
exams, and in some cases, eyeglasses as well.
Dr. Gerson has been an optometrist for 17 years and about six months ago joined the Grin Eye Care practice. In
November the practice, which has been anchored in Olathe, added a second location in the Fox Hill Medical Building in
Leawood.
He's provided free eye care for those in need several times during his career. The first time he did this mitzvah was close
to 15 years ago and he did it on Dec. 25 then, too.
LensCrafters Closing (references AOA members Drs. David Czerny and Jessica Czerny)
Rapid City Journal (Rapid City, SD) | Staff | 01/04/2015
After nearly 17 years of operating at the Rushmore Mall, LensCrafters will shut down on Tuesday, leaving a dozen
employees out of work.
Kendra Wood, general manager of LensCrafters at the mall, said the store was notified by its corporate office at the
beginning of the December that the business would cease operations.
"Basically, we had 30 days notice that we were going to close," she said.
N.C. Board of Opticians Sees Higher Fees as Only Solution to Avoid Financial Cliff (references the North
Carolina Board of Optometry)
Triangle Business Journal (Raleigh, NC) | Jason deBruyn | 12/31/2014
Although the N.C. State Board of Opticians recognizes it will soon run out of cash, its leaders argue it should remain an
independent organization. To become cash-flow positive again, the board wants permission from state lawmakers to
increase the fees it charges to opticians.
On Tuesday, state auditors released a report showing the Board of Opticians will run out of money in only a few months.
Board leaders didn't quarrel with that point – indeed they see the financial writing on the wall – but disagree on how to
remedy the impending problem.
Auditors offered a solution in which the Board of Opticians joins forces with another board, say the Board of Optometry
for example, but the Board of Opticians disagreed.
Living with Blindness is Possible (references the AOA)
Aiken Standard (Aiken, SC) | Stephanie Turner | 01/04/2015
For centuries, people who are blind have been known to produce memorable music, snag silver and gold medals and
even review films.
“People couldn't understand why my mama would have this blind kid out doing things like cutting wood for the fire. But
her thing was he may be blind, but he ain't stupid,” blind famed musician Ray Charles once said. “Vision is something
that you have in your mind.”
The National Federation of the Blind defines blindness as having “sight bad enough, even with corrective lenses, that
they must use alternative methods to engage in any activity that persons with normal vision would do using their eyes,”
according to its official website.
Eye Health: Visit Your Eye Doctor, Improve Diet, Sunglasses Among Tips for Healthier Eyes (references the
AOA, the Kentucky Optometric Association and the Illinois College of Optometry; bylined by AOA member
Dr. Dawn Stratton)
KyForward.com (Lexington, KY) | Dr. Dawn Stratton | 01/05/2015
Happy holidays! I am sure you are rushing around taking care of gifts, decorating and baking. I hope you plan to take
some time off during the season to focus not only on those you love, but also on yourself.
In that downtime, here are a few things to think about when it comes to your eye health in 2015, five tips for improving
your eye health:
Make an appointment to see your eye doctor. Getting a basic eye exam can reveal some more serious diseases that may
affect more than just your vision. An exam with your eye doctor can potentially uncover hidden medical conditions such
as high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammations, and infections.
AARP to Offer Smart Driver Course on Jan. 7 (references the AOA)
The Times-Independent (Moab, UT) | Staff | 12/31/2014
The next AARP Smart Driver Course will be held Wednesday, Jan. 7 at the Grand Center, 182 North 500 West, in Moab.
from 12:30-4:30 p.m.
The course, which is designed to help aging drivers maintain safe driving skills, will cover a variety of topics, including
aging drivers and the changes that take place as people age, such as vision, hearing, reaction time and agility, changes in
the vehicles people drive and the numerous features and devices designed to improve safety while driving, changes in
roads and highways and the numerous modifications that have been made to roadways, as well as information about
new traffic laws that have been passed in recent years.
“The course contains many new video clips relating to the topics mentioned that will enhance the [participant's
experience,” AARP's Leonard Miller said in a news release. “These videos contain latest information from
[Massachusetts Institute of Technology's] Age Lab, the American Optometric Association, the American Occupational
Therapy Association, and other professional resources.”