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Chronic dry eye (CDE) is one of the most common reasons patients visit their eye care professionals. An estimated 20.7 million Americans of all ages suffer from symptoms of dry eye (1). The prevalence of this ocular surface disease demands that optometrists actively diagnose and manage dry eye appropriately to increase patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Refractive errors are the commonest cause of vision impairment in Pakistan, but control efforts are hampered by a paucity of data for planning. To address these information gaps, a study design was developed to look at both the demand and supply sides. The objectives were to review the available human resources, determine the methods of provision of refractive services, determine the level and gaps in infrastructure available for refractive services, estimate the number of refractions provided and identify the training needs for these services. Methods: Stakeholder consultation between the National Steering Committee for Prevention of Blindness and the Pakistan Association of Opticians, to agree on objectives and method, desk research study, two population-based studies and situation analysis of refractive services provided by public and private sectors. Results: The prevalence of visually disabling refractive errors (visual acuity less than 6/12) is about 3.7% and rises with each decade after 30 years, mostly due to presbyopia. Over 6 million refractions are done annually by 868 ophthalmologists in the private sector, 235 hospitals, 1352 of the 2049 opticians and less than 200 optometrists. More than 2 million pairs of spectacles are dispensed per year. The training needs identified by opticians include optometry, refraction and contact lenses (65%), fitting of lenses and "edging" (57%), powering of lenses (45%), low vision (38%) and artificial eyes (35%). Conclusions: One of the strategies to control refractive errors is training and widespread deployment of optometrists/refractionists in public and private sectors. The current training programs cannot address the need; new programs must be set up, and existing programs must increase their intake. New programs are required for training dispensing opticians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a corporate profile of IRIS The Visual Group, a privately owned corporation and a nationwide network of optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists in Canada. With the changing needs of patients and providers, it says that IRIS, which began operations in 1986, is an example of a new model of eye care that has emerged as part of a transformation in the way optometry is practiced. Prior to its establishment, Iris has grown into a network that includes more than 500 optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists working together to provide patients with a full range of eye care including two ophthalmology clinics that focus on laser refractive surgery. It notes that throughout the growth period of IRIS, it has also faced significant challenges along the way.

The article provides several updates related to the eye care industry. According to the article, Eye-care firm, Alcon Inc., has asserted that its fourth-quarter earning rose on higher sales of prescription drugs. In addition, Essilor of America Inc., leading manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses, has announces the availability of its Thin&Lite high-index product. Furthermore, the Canadian Association of Optometrists have also revealed that their Motion M-409 bill was passed unanimously in the Parliament.

The article focuses on the effort of Dr. William J. Mallon to use innovative ideas for his new office and surgery center, the Center for Advanced Eye Care in Vero Beach, Florida. Mallon decides to run the blueprints by Paul A. DiFiore of Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc. Mallon wants his office to be futuristic that would offer him electronic access to all patient data and a network that linked all of his diagnostic equipment. To accomplish this, he bought two Chase and Associates LLC products such as the ophthalmic image processor and the ophthalmic portal.

The article discusses the importance of establishing professional relationships between eye care professionals (ECPs), which include opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists in Canada. It states that sharing of educational and professional knowledge is essential in achieving a huge goal in eye care. It mentions that the professional relationship will allow to build mutual respect among ECPs.

The article offers information on optical buying group. A buying group in the eye care industry is an organization comprised of optometrists and opticians who preferred pricing on optical products and services. It states that an eye care professional who wants to join a buying group needs to complete an application form that includes credit information. It suggests that an optometrist or optician should consider certain characteristic of a buying group like autonomy, flexibility and accommodation.