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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: 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Background: There are epidemiological studies which suggest that the athletic population is underserved by the eye care professions. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the epidemiological and visual examination findings from a cohort of amateur athletes to a similar cohort of amateur athletes that had been tested 10 years previously. Methods: Data collected from the 2009 Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games (AAUJOG) was analyzed and compared to data gathered from the 1997 and 1998 AAUJOG. A total of 12 sports were represented by 116 athletes, ranging in age from 6 to 18 years. Protocols were similar between the two screening events and included a history and appropriate vision examinations. Performance-based testing was calculated and compared to previous research by age group and sporting activity. Results: Among the 2009 athletes, more than 29% of participants had not received eye care for >3 years, with more than 20% indicating that they had never been examined by an eye care professional. This was slightly better than the 1997/8 rates. None of the 2009 athletes used the appropriate protective eyewear to prevent ocular injuries as compared to 1% in 1997/8. The most common visual symptoms were headaches, difficulty seeing, and light sensitivity. Comparing performance between the two screening events, no significant differences were identified. Increased performance with increased age for most tests was documented. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a continued need for optometric services within the athletic population to ensure that the visual system is not limiting athletic performance and that eye protection is used to prevent injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optometrists are being asked to provide vision care to increasing numbers of individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, the complexity of both the vision-based, and non-vision-based symptoms and related problems, as well as the multiple levels of concurrent care provided by other health-related professionals, may make the task appear daunting. We propose a four-tiered, conceptual model of optometric care in these patients that should render the task more easily achievable. The four-tiered model includes the basic optometric examination, and analysis of ocular motor problems, non-ocular motor problems, and non-vision-based problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]