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With advances in gene-based therapies for heritable retinal diseases, primary eye care clinicians should be informed on ocular genetics topics. This cross-sectional survey evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and concerns regarding genetic testing and gene therapy for retinal diseases among optometrists in Australia and New Zealand. Survey data included practitioner background, attitudes and practices towards genetic testing for monogenic inherited retinal disease (IRDs) and age-related macular degeneration, and knowledge of ocular genetics and gene therapy. Responses were received from 516 optometrists between 1 April and 31 December 2022. Key perceived barriers to accessing genetic testing were lack of clarity on referral pathways (81%), cost (65%), and lack of treatment options if a genetic cause is identified (50%). Almost all respondents (98%) believed that ophthalmologists should initiate genetic testing for IRDs and fewer understood the role of genetic counsellors and clinical geneticists. This study found that optometrists in Australia and New Zealand have a high level of interest in ocular genetics topics. However, knowledge gaps include referral pathways and awareness of genetic testing and gene therapy outcomes. Addressing perceived barriers to access and promoting sharing of knowledge between interdisciplinary networks can set the foundation for genetic education agendas in primary eye care., (© 2023 The Authors. Clinical Genetics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Improper refractive correction can be harmful to eye health, aggravating the burden of vision impairment. During most optometry clinical consultations, practitioner-patient interactions play a key role. Maybe it is feasible for patients themselves to do something to get high-quality optometry. But the present empirical research on the quality improvement of eye care needs to be strengthened. The study aims to test the effect of the brief verbal intervention (BVI) through patients on the quality of optometry service., Methods: This study will take unannounced standardized patient (USP) with refractive error as the core research tool, both in measurement and intervention. The USP case and the checklist will be developed through a standard protocol and assessed for validity and reliability before its full use. USP will be trained to provide standardized responses during optical visits and receive baseline refraction by the skilled study optometrist who will be recruited within each site. A multi-arm parallel-group randomized trial will be used, with one common control and three intervention groups. The study will be performed in four cities, Guangzhou and three cities in Inner Mongolia, China. A total of 480 optometry service providers (OSPs) will be stratified and randomly selected and divided into four groups. The common control group will receive USP usual visits (without intervention), and three intervention groups will separately receive USP visits with three kinds of BVI on the patient side. A detailed outcome evaluation will include the optometry accuracy, optometry process, patient satisfaction, cost information and service time. Descriptive analysis will be performed for the survey results, and the difference in outcomes between interventions and control providers will be compared and statistically tested using generalized linear models (GLMs)., Discussion: This research will help policymakers understand the current situation and influencing factors of refractive error care quality, and then implement precise policies; at the same time, explore short and easy interventions for patients to improve the quality of optometry service., Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200062819. Registered on August 19, 2022., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Uncorrected refractive errors pose a significant challenge globally, particularly in remote regions of low-middle income countries where access to optometric care is often limited. Telerefraction, which involves refraction by a trained technician followed by real-time consultation with remote optometrist, is a promising approach for such remote settings. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of this model. Methods: This prospective study, conducted in New Delhi, compared tele-refraction to in-person examinations. Trained technicians used a simple device, Click-check, to perform objective refraction and a tele-refraction platform to enter the findings of objective refraction. Final prescription was made after consulting a remote optometrist on that platform. Masked face-to-face optometrists served as the gold standard. The study involved refraction in 222 patients and 428 eyes. Results: Tele-refraction demonstrated a strong agreement with in-person optometry, achieving 84.6% in spherical correction and 81% conformity in spherical equivalent. The mean difference of spherical equivalent between the two arms was only 0.11 D. The consultation with a remote optometrist improved conformity of spherical equivalent by 14.8% over objective refraction. 82 percent eyes matched in best corrected visual acuity and 92 percent were within 0.1 logMAR difference. For cylindrical axis, 74% eye were within acceptable 10 degrees of difference. The mismatch amongst the individual trained technicians, in terms of difference between the tele-refraction arm and the face-to face optometrist arm was found to be significant for cylindrical axis and not for spherical power and spherical equivalent. Conclusion: Our study found tele-refraction by a trained technician comparable to refraction done by face-to-face optometrist. Tele-refraction, coupled with remote optometrist guidance can address the optometry resource gap in underserved areas. Thus, this model offers a transformative approach to enhancing the accessibility and quality of eye care services, which can significantly contribute to our efforts in achieving the global targets set by the World Health Organization for effective refractive error coverage. More standardized training for these technicians on ClickCheckTM for detecting the cylindrical axis with better accuracy, can improve this model further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes three organizations devoted to various aspects of the history of eye and vision care. The Optometric Historical Society, founded in 1969, strives to promote the study, documentation and appreciation of optometry history. The Ophthalmic Antiques International Collectors' Club, founded in 1982, and the Ocular Heritage Society, founded in 1984, are societies of collectors of vision aids and other objects related to eye and vision care, and they work to promote the study of ophthalmic antiques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vision impairment (VI) affects people worldwide, and demographic factors like age are significantly linked to VI. Routine eye exams and other eye care treatments can detect and prevent common eye illnesses. However, many lack access to these services. Aim: This study’s major objective was to analyse the distribution and funding of eye care services by medical schemes in South Africa. Setting: The study was conducted in the private sector in South Africa for benefits paid by medical schemes to optometrists, ophthalmologists and orthoptists. Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal study of eye care services claim data from the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) annual reports. The review period was 2020, and scheme-level data were gathered and analysed at the aggregated rather than benefit option level. Results: In 2020, eye care benefits comprised 3.1% of total benefits paid; this proportion remained at the same levels throughout the review period. Closed schemes spent more per beneficiary per year than open schemes for optometrists, orthoptists and ophthalmologists. Self-administered schemes had 11% copayment for ophthalmology services, whereas outsourced schemes had less than 10%. Conclusion: Optometrists had higher copayments than ophthalmologists and orthoptists. Medical schemes with capitated models had a lower average expenditure than other types of models, and the operating model affected expenditure; self-administered schemes spent less on optometry benefits when adjusted for beneficiaries. The study suggests reviewing eye care benefit funding models (risk vs savings), administration activities and managed care models for cost savings and health quality. Contribution: This research contributes to the discussion and implementation of universal health insurance coverage through national health insurance in South Africa. The research shows that there are not enough eye care services in the public sector and that there are different funding gaps in the private sector.

On August 21, 2022, more than 100 individuals from at least nine different states gathered at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. Each of the three major eye care professions in the United States was amply represented. The occasion was to celebrate the contributions of John McAllister, Sr. and his descendants, whose early efforts led to the advancement of scientific knowledge, and to the evolution of eye care in the United States. John McAllister is widely regarded as the father (or grandfather) of optometry, since his work and the work of his progeny led to the beginning of optometry as an independent profession. The highlight of the event was the dedication of a historical marker honoring the ophthalmic legacy of the McAllister Family. The marker is situated in Old Town Philadelphia, very near where John’s original optical shoppe was located. The three eye care professions— opticianry, ophthalmology, and optometry—worked hand in hand to make this remarkable achievement possible. This paper tells the story of how and why it all came about. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current research in the realm of teleoptometric examinations is largely focused on the refractive and ocular health components of the exam. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of binocular vision and accommodative testing in a tele-optometric examination compared to an in-person examination. Methods: Thirty students, ≥18 years old, at the Illinois College of Optometry were recruited to participate in this study. A teleoptometric examination was completed using the DigitalOptometrics platform, followed by a standard in-person examination. The following tests were performed in both examinations: near horizontal heterophoria by von Graefe, near negative and positive fusional vergences (NFV and PFV, respectively) by Risley prism, and accommodative testing with fused cross-cylinder (FCC). Results: The mean near horizontal heterophoria by von Graefe was 2.09Δ ± 6.73∆ exophoria in the tele-optometric examinations and 2.07Δ ± 6.54∆ exophoria in the in-person examinations, with no statistically significant difference between the two examinations (p=0.98). The mean NFV break and recovery in the tele-optometric examination were 10.85∆ ± 3.17∆ and 7.08∆ ± 3.03∆, respectively, and 23.40∆ ± 7.71∆ and 15.38∆ ±7.31∆, respectively, in the in-person examination, with a statistically significant difference (for both, p<0.0001). The mean PFV break and recovery in the tele-optometric examination were 13.50Δ ± 4.24Δ and 9.36Δ ± 4.68Δ, respectively, and 25.86Δ ± 10.48Δ and 16.54Δ ± 7.18Δ, respectively, in the inperson examination, with a statistically significant difference (break: p=0.001, recovery: p=0.004). Agreement of NFV and PFV between the two examinations was poor. The average FCC in the tele-optometric versus in-person examination was +0.67 D ± 0.51 D and +0.96 D ± 0.33 D, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the two examinations (p=0.012). Conclusions: The tele-optometric and inperson examinations had fair agreement on near heterophoria but poor agreement on break and recovery values of NFV and PFV. Accommodative testing with FCC was not equivalent between the two exams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vision impairment (VI) affects people worldwide, and demographic factors like age are significantly linked to VI. Routine eye exams and other eye care treatments can detect and prevent common eye illnesses. However, many lack access to these services. Aim: This study's major objective was to analyse the distribution and funding of eye care services by medical schemes in South Africa. Setting: The study was conducted in the private sector in South Africa for benefits paid by medical schemes to optometrists, ophthalmologists and orthoptists. Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal study of eye care services claim data from the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) annual reports. The review period was 2020, and scheme-level data were gathered and analysed at the aggregated rather than benefit option level. Results: In 2020, eye care benefits comprised 3.1% of total benefits paid; this proportion remained at the same levels throughout the review period. Closed schemes spent more per beneficiary per year than open schemes for optometrists, orthoptists and ophthalmologists. Self-administered schemes had 11% copayment for ophthalmology services, whereas outsourced schemes had less than 10%. Conclusion: Optometrists had higher copayments than ophthalmologists and orthoptists. Medical schemes with capitated models had a lower average expenditure than other types of models, and the operating model affected expenditure; self-administered schemes spent less on optometry benefits when adjusted for beneficiaries. The study suggests reviewing eye care benefit funding models (risk vs savings), administration activities and managed care models for cost savings and health quality. Contribution: This research contributes to the discussion and implementation of universal health insurance coverage through national health insurance in South Africa. The research shows that there are not enough eye care services in the public sector and that there are different funding gaps in the private sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Public eye care services in South Africa are relatively underdeveloped. This is, in part, due to optometry services historically being private sector-focussed, as well as a lack of ophthalmologists in the country. Optometry students who engage in service learning at public health facilities are well placed to share their perceptions of this service. Aim: To investigate the perceptions and experiences of optometry students regarding public eye care services in South Africa. Setting: Data were collected on the Phelophepa Health Care Train while it was stationed at Musina and Polokwane in 2019. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using focus group interviews to collect data from South African optometry students. Two focus group sessions were held, with a total sample of 18 representing two different higher education institutions. Interview recordings were transcribed, and data were thematically analysed using interpretive content analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged, namely 'inability to deliver quality services', 'negative perceptions about public eye care services' and 'potential to improve public eye care services'. Strengthening infrastructure and human resource capacity were seen as fundamental steps to improving public eye care services in South Africa. Conclusion: Strengthening public eye care services in South Africa is necessary in order to improve the experience-based perceptions of optometry students towards this sector. Addressing eye health system weaknesses through appropriate resourcing will likely contribute to attracting this potential future human resource to the sector, and assist in alleviating the shortage of human resources for eye health within South Africa's public health service. Contribution: Optometry education and professional practice in South Africa is increasingly adopting a more public health approach. This shift towards strengthening public eye care services and improving human resources capacity for the same is both important and necessary to address unmet eye health needs in the country. However, current gaps and challenges within the public health system may deter new graduates in South Africa from choosing this practice path if the overall challenges of resourcing and capacity to deliver quality services are not addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenital aniridia and oculocutaneous albinism impair ocular development and frequently present with overlapping signs and symptoms. Similar manifestations include foveal hypoplasia, optic nerve hypoplasia, iris abnormalities, congenital nystagmus, strabismus, and decreased visual acuity, which hinder quality of life in affected individuals. Case Report: We present a case of a six-yearold male with both familial congenital aniridia and oculocutaneous albinism yielding secondary visual impairment. His low vision optometric care included refractive error correction, photophobia control, low vision device evaluation, strabismus and amblyopia treatment, ocular health examination and management, and functional vision assessment. The patient's specialty care team included a low vision optometrist, a pediatric glaucoma specialist, a strabismus specialist, a teacher of the visually impaired, an orientation and mobility specialist, and an occupational therapist. Conclusions: The unique contributions of each member of the care team facilitate the holistic development of pediatric low vision patients. Appropriate management, including a multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach to care, is critical to maximize quality of life and visual potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced many eye care providers to implement telehealth services while in-person visits were reserved for essential and/or emergency eye care. Objective: This study documents how an optometry group successfully implemented telehealth to care for patients during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Design: Retrospective, comparative case series. Methods: Records were reviewed for patients seen in an academic optometry clinic from 23 March through 7 April 2020, the period of the Massachusetts stay-at-home advisory issued in response to COVID-19. Patients who completed telehealth visits were compared with those who received in-person care. Services delivered by telehealth included a check of symptoms, medication refills, health education, and assurance of future follow up. The study took into account the reason for each visit, as well as the rate of scheduled and completed follow-up appointments. Patient satisfaction with in-person care was evaluated by Press Ganey patient experience surveys. Results: Out of 855 patients scheduled, 421 patients completed telehealth encounters (49%), and 46 patients completed in-clinic visits (5.4%). A further 272 patients canceled appointments (32%), 123 patients were unable to be contacted (14%), and 8 patients declined care offered by telehealth (0.94%). Most patients who were cared for by telehealth returned to see optometrists (88%). By contrast, most patients who required in-person visits during this period were subsequently seen by ophthalmologists (58%, p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction remained high for in-person visits that took place during the COVID-19-related emergency, with improvements noted in patient satisfaction regarding 'information about delays' (47 % versus 100%, p = 0.007) and 'concern for questions or worries' (76% versus 100%, p = 0.037) compared with the same period 1 year prior. Conclusion: Optometrists rapidly embraced telehealth to deliver eye care to their patients during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Most eye issues were able to be addressed through telehealth; urgent eye problems were triaged and referred to the optometry clinic, when appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Taiwan has one of the highest myopia prevalences in the world and its eye care services are provided by both ophthalmologists and optometrists. The law on the practice of optometry was passed on December 18, 2015, by the legislature; thus began a new chapter for the development of optometry. This note aims to share some information about this newly recognized eye care profession in Taiwan and share some thoughts on the future development of the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the ocular features of patients with PD who presented with visual complaints to a tertiary eye care center.Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out between January 2015 and March 2020 at the Neuro-Optometry clinic of a tertiary eye care center in Southern India. All PD patients with ocular complaints examined by the neuro- ophthalmologists were referred to Neuro-Optometry Clinic for detailed evaluation. Patients with other neurodegenerative disorders, brain injury, and other causes of vision loss or extraocular motility disorders were excluded.Results: A total of 43 patients (7 females, 36 males) between 50 and 86 years of age (mean: 70 ± 8.9 years) with a mean duration of PD of 4.5 ± 4.5 years were studied. Decreased vision associated with reading difficulty (40%) was common in PD patients. In terms of gaze restriction, vertical gaze involvement (35%) was more than horizontal involvement (7%). Convergence insufficiency (CI) was the most common binocular vision dysfunction (30%), followed by CI with oculomotor dysfunction (14%) and vertical gaze palsy (18%). Ground prisms were recommended for 26 patients (61%) and home vision therapy for 5 patients (12%) as corrective measures.Conclusion: Binocular vision dysfunction is highly prevalent among PD patients. This could potentially contribute to the reading difficulties and double vision encountered by these patients. Assessment of binocular vision and oculomotor parameters thus becomes important to understand and manage the reading difficulties in patients with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Just as the COVID19 virus evolves and continues to affect the lives of billions of people around the globe, neuro-developmental optometric physicians are constantly monitoring, making changes, and updating their offices, as well as the treatment and care of their patients, to keep both patients and staff safe. Each day, more and more information is becoming available about COVID. We now know more about its transmission, which steps help reduce its transmission, and which steps do not. As we learn more about COVID and adapt to the safety precautions necessary to keep our communities safe, we adapt our protocols. The following article will discuss COVID protocols instituted at the Vision & Conceptual Development Center due to COVID, what has been updated, and what policies may be maintained even when the pandemic ends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This invited address was presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the National Association of Veteran's Administration Optometrists (NAVAO), Thursday, October 24, 2019, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Orlando, FL. This paper discusses medicine, dentistry, and optometry's entry into the Veteran's Administrations System as well as optometry's many challenges to become an Optometry Service. It also reviews the many challenges the profession has faced as it has endeavored to increase the number of VA optometry staff positions and the educational experience of optometry students, residents and fellows in providing eye care for America's veterans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optometry has made significant contributions to the United States military for over a century. Assuring good vision and eye health of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines is critical to maximizing the military functions necessary to achieve victory. There was little organization or recognition of the profession in World War I, but optometrists were essential in achieving the mission. Recognition of the profession of optometry was still limited in World War II but it was improving, especially with commissioning as officers occurring in the Navy. Through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, optometry grew in stature and strength with all services eventually commissioning all optometrists, and Army optometrists were assigned to combat divisions. Continuing through the more recent conflicts in the Middle East, the profession has continued to make an impact and has become an essential part of the armed forces of the United States. Doctors of optometry are now an integral part of the Department of Defense. The nation cannot field an effective fighting force today without the dedicated performance of these officers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Retinal diseases are very difficult to treat. So, early diagnoses and preventions are very important. But, few eye doctors can treat patients with retinal diseases in Nepal. Retina Eye Care of Nepal (RECON) project was designed to strengthen retina eye care services in Nepal.Methods: RECON was implemented from May 2016 to February 2019 in Nepal. Four Master Eye Doctors (MED) received Training of Trainers (TOT) from Tokushima University, Japan. MEDs developed training materials for different cadres of ophthalmic human resources, enhanced retina eye care facilities, and conducted retina-screening camp in Nepal.Results: Twenty ophthalmologists, 16 optometrists, 48 ophthalmic assistants and 17 ophthalmic nurses, 76 physicians and 28 health workers were trained in retina care. Eight outreach retina camps were conducted.Conclusions: The project was a novel approach to strengthen retina services in Nepal. The aim of the project was accomplished with the ultimate benefits to the needy retina patients who otherwise were going to miss the retina services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This research investigates the distribution of optometrists in Canada relative to population health needs and self-reported use of vision services.Methods: Optometrist locations were gathered from provincial regulatory bodies. Optometrist-to-population ratios (i.e. the number of providers per 10,000 people at the health region level) were then calculated. Utilization of vision care services was extracted from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2013-2014 question regarding self-reported contacts with optometrists or ophthalmologists. Data from the 2016 Statistics Canada census were used to create three population 'need' subgroups (65 years and over; low-income; and people aged 15 and over with less than a high school diploma). Cross-classification mapping compared optometrist distribution to self-reported use of vision care services in relation to need. Each variable was converted into three classes (i.e., low, moderate, and high) using a standard deviation (SD) classification scheme where ±0.5SD from the mean was considered as a cut-off. Three classes: low (< - 0.5SD), moderate (- 0.5 to 0.5SD), and high (> 0.5SD) were used for demonstrating distribution of each variable across health regions.Results: A total of 5959 optometrists across ten Canadian provinces were included in this analysis. The nationwide distribution of optometrists is variable across Canada; they are predominantly concentrated in urban areas. The national mean ratio of optometrists was 1.70 optometrists per 10,000 people (range = 0.13 to 2.92). Out of 109 health regions (HRs), 26 were classified as low ratios, 51 HRs were classified as moderate ratios, and 32 HRs were high ratios. Thirty-five HRs were classified as low utilization, 39 HRs were classified as moderate, and 32 HRs as high utilization. HRs with a low optometrist ratio relative to eye care utilization and a high proportion of key sociodemographic characteristics (e.g. older age, low income) are located throughout Canada and identified with maps indicating areas of likely greater need for optometry services.Conclusion: This research provides a nationwide overview of vision care provided by optometrists identifying gaps in geographic availability relative to "supply" and "need" factors. This examination of variation in accessibility to optometric services will be useful to inform workforce planning and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethiopia is a developing African country with a population of more than 110 million. Visual impairment and blindness are among the public health problems in the country. The development of the eye health sector is promising although not adequate to fully address the existing problems that are relatively serious. The country is making an effort towards reaching VISION 2020, the right to sight initiative. For successfully accomplishing this goal, training primary eye care providers like optometrists plays a key role. This article provides an overview of the journey of 13 long years of the training programme in optometry in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deaf patients represent a subset of the population that may present to primary care optometrists. Deaf patients have a heightened need to maximize visual function due to their pre-existing sensory deficit. This clinical procedures manuscript aims to identify special considerations in the provision of eye care to deaf patients before, during, and after the exam encounter. Traditional methods of healthcare communication may need to be adjusted, and deaf cultural sensitivity is paramount. Specific examination strategies are discussed with the intent to equip the primary care optometrist with a particular skill set and additional resources in order to examine deaf patients efficiently and effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents the extent to which engagement in research and new developments in clinical practice alike have contributed to the establishment and development of the primary vision care profession in New Zealand that is Optometry. Many notable changes have occurred in the scope of practice of the profession over the past three decades and an important role of visual neuroscience, neurobiology and pharmaceuticals allowed the introduction of therapeutic prescribing responsibilities to a previously optics dominated profession. Scientific, optometric, medical and clinical research are factors leading the changes in scope of practice of Optometrists. These advancements have significantly expanded the scope of practice since Optometry training began in the 1960s, and has been supported by close working relationships with other health professionals in New Zealand. This article describes the history of Optometry in New Zealand from early practitioners, to the establishment of a degree programme at the University of Auckland. Along with undergraduate teaching, a strong tradition of vision science research has established New Zealand as a centre of internationally recognised expertise in a range of areas including myopia and visual neuroscience. The Optometry profession has developed to deliver primary eye care at a community level across the country in a range of areas of special interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the history of optometry in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), starting from minimum involvement and developing into an extensive level of activity benefiting both the profession of optometry and the VA. The author also recounts experiences which led him to a career in optometric education and work in VA optometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The UK National Health Service aims to provide universal availability of healthcare, and eye-care availability was a primary driver in the development of the Scottish General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) model. Accordingly, a relatively equal distribution of optometry practices across socio-economic areas is required. We examined practice distribution relative to deprivation. Methods 672 practices were sampled from nine Health Boards within Scotland. Practices were assigned a deprivation ranking by referencing their postcode with the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) tool (Scottish Executive National Statistics: General Report. 2016). Results Averaged across Health Boards, the share of practices for the five deprivation quintiles was 25, 33, 18, 14 and 11% from most to least deprived area, respectively. Although there was some variation of relative practice distribution in individual Health Boards, 17 of the 45 regions (nine Health Boards, five quintiles) had a close balance between population and share of practices. There was no clear pattern of practice distribution as a function of deprivation rank. Analysis revealed good correlation between practice and population share for each Health Board, and for the combined data (R 2 = 0.898, P < 0.01). Conclusion Distribution of optometry practices is relatively balanced across socio-economic areas, suggesting that differences in eye-examination uptake across social strata are unrelated to service availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the more common types of congenital synkinetic abnormalities is Marcus Gunn Jaw Winking Syndrome. It is typically a unilateral condition in which the affected superior eyelid moves with mouth movement, and the identified ptosis improves upon opening the mouth. Case Report: A ten-week-old infant presented to The Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry due to the right superior lid moving simultaneously with mouth movement. The child had been seen at eight weeks of age for the same presentation at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, where neurological testing was found to be normal. At TEC, she was diagnosed with Marcus Gunn Jaw Winking Syndrome. Possible sequelae of this condition include, but are not limited to, binocular vision and accommodative dysfunctions and potential amblyopia of the affected eye. Conclusion: This case presentation will serve to help other eye care professionals to recognize and to understand Marcus Gunn Jaw Winking Syndrome in the pediatric patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact lens-related eye infections, which can lead to serious outcomes, including blindness, are associated with several risk factors, including sleeping in lenses, exposing lenses to water, not adhering to replacement schedules, and reusing disinfecting solution (1). In some studies, adolescent and young adult contact lens wearers have been reported to be more likely than older adult contact lens wearers to develop eye infections (2,3) and more likely to have poor contact lens hygiene practices (2). In 2015, CDC reported the number and demographics of adult contact lens wearers in the United States to define the population at risk for contact lens-related eye infections (4); however, this estimate did not include adolescents. To better understand this group of younger contact lens wearers and guide prevention efforts, a population-based survey was used to assess contact lens wear, care behaviors, risk factors, and demographics among persons aged 12-17 years (referred to as adolescents in this report), young adults aged 18-24 years, and older adults aged ≥25 years in the United States. In 2016, an estimated 3.6 million adolescents (14.5%) wore contact lenses. Of the adolescents who wore contact lenses, 85% reported at least one behavior that put them at risk for a contact lens-related eye infection, compared with 81% of young adults, and 88% of older adults. These findings can inform the creation of age-specific targeted prevention messages aimed at contact lens wearers and establish a baseline for evaluating trends in contact lens wear, care habits, and contact lens-related risk behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most optometrists are taught to determine which lens produces the best acuity. Those who practice the art and science of optometry understand that there is a range of lens powers through which a patient can see clearly. The determination of a prescription is a negotiation between the clinician and the patient. This paper will introduce the concept of Range of Clarity and demonstrate its usefulness in the examination process and in determining the stage of refractive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]