Volume 7, Issue 10 │March 10, 2023
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IOA VISION PLAN LEGISLATION UPDATE |
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This week, Matthew Jones, O.D. testified before the House Human Services committee on the need for vision plan reform. HB 3725, the Vision Care Regulation Act sponsored by Representative Anna Moeller, passed out of committee and will be held on second reading to allow the IOA and industry to negotiate an amendment. Additionally, the IOA anticipates that SB 1540 will be given a deadline extension to allow for negotiations to continue.
The IOA would like to thank the members of our Key Person Network for reaching out to their legislative members asking them to support this bill. Interested in becoming a Key Person for your local senator or representative? Sign up to be a Key Person here.
Read more about the bill and other legislation IOA is tracking at the link below.
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Register Now to Attend Legislative Day 2023
Consider also attending the 2023 Legislative Day in Springfield. Legislative Day will be held on Tuesday, May 2. IOA members will meet with legislators to discuss current IOA-proposed bills. Face-to-face interaction is a crucial way to build support for the proposed legislation. Meeting with your legislators helps to show elected officials why a proposed bill is important and what effect it may have on their community.
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This week, IOA member Vince Brandys, O.D. met with Congressman Jonathan Jackson (IL-01).
Thank you to Dr. Brandys for representing optometry!
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TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
Register Now for 6 TQ Hours in Alsip, IL on March 19
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Sunday, March 19, 2023 | Alsip, IL
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm - 6 hrs TQ CE
Course: "Maximizing Therapeutics and Imaging in the Management of Ocular Disease: What’s New and What’s Next?"
Speaker: Jessica Steen, OD
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ATTN 2013 - 2022 Graduates!
REGISTER NOW for the Young Professionals Event
The Young Professionals event on Saturday, March 18 is moving to a new location! The event will now be held at AceBounce Chicago. Join us for food, drinks, ping pong, shuffleboard, and networking. The event is open to members who graduated between 2013 and 2022.
If you have already RSVP'd for the event, please re-register at the link below!
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Winter 2023 Journal
The Winter 2023 edition of the IOA Journal is out now! Follow the link below to read highlights from the 2022 Annual Meeting, legislation we're following, and a message from IAO CEO Leigh Ann Vanausdoll.
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10 Years in Myopia Management: Milestones, Lessons Learned and a Bright Future Ahead
A decade ago, optometrist Andrew Neukirch, Medical Director of Carillon Vision Care in Glenview, Illinois, was exploring avenues to differentiate his practice and possibly move away from vision plans. This prompted him to attend a Vision by Design meeting, hosted by the American Academy of Orthokeratology (now the American Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control or AAOMC), where he signed up for an ortho-k boot camp.
“At the time, the conversation wasn’t really focused on myopia control, but ortho-k as a way to eliminate glasses or contacts for the patient during the day,” he recalls.
Despite purchasing a corneal topographer at the meeting, Dr. Neukirch only fit two ortho-k patients that first year, one of which was a staff member.
Following an internal marketing campaign, his practice’s ortho-k patient-base began to slowly grow until before he knew it, he had successfully fit over a hundred patients just a few years later.
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Black History Month Expo
This month ICO had the privilege of collaborating with our very own NOSA and BSU to celebrate and promote local black-owned businesses by hosting our first-ever Black History Month Expo!
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National Vision Names 2022-2023 Scholarship Program Winners, Giving $12,500 to Next Generation of ODs
Pictured from left to right: Tubene, Masood, Shahzad (Photo: Business Wire)
National Vision, Inc., the nation’s second largest optical retailer providing quality, affordable eye care and eyewear, announced the winners of its eighth annual scholarship program today, which recognizes the best and brightest optometry students based on essay or video submissions. This year’s applicants explored how technology can help break down barriers to receiving and providing quality eye care.
Pictured from left to right: Tubene, Masood, Shahzad (Photo: Business Wire)
“Our profession—and health care as a whole—has evolved incredibly over the last several years,” said Alex Smith, Vice President, Clinical Services and Development at National Vision. “We’re inspired to see that optometry students are mindful of that evolution and how it applies to their future optometry careers. Based on the strength of the entries we received this year, it’s clear those careers will be successful.”
The 2022-2023 scholarship program winners include:
- First Place ($7,500): Lydie Tubene, Illinois College of Optometry, Class of 2023
- Runner-Up ($2,500): Sara Masood, New England College of Optometry, Class of 2024
- Runner-Up ($2,500): Mahnoor Shahzad, Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry, Class of 2023
Inspired by National Vision’s mission to make quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible, this year’s prompt challenged students to evaluate how remote care can help overcome the geographic, physical, monetary and time barriers that can prevent patients from receiving an exam. Third- and fourth-year optometry students were invited to answer the prompt with written essays or video submissions. A panel of judges consisting of licensed optometrists reviewed each submission, ultimately picking the first-place winner and two runners-up out of the pack for their unique, polished points of view.
“Our three winners represent a bright path forward for primary eye care,” Smith said. “We’re proud to play a small role in their educational journeys and look forward to seeing all that they accomplish in the years to come.”
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AOA's Updated Clinical Guideline Reinforces Importance of Annual Eye Exams, Comprehensive Eye Care with Doctors of Optometry
Citing the significant public and economic impact posed by an aging population, increased visual impairments and blindness in the U.S., the American Optometric Association (AOA) has issued its revised, research-based clinical practice guideline to assist doctors of optometry in providing eye and vision examinations for adults and highlight the importance of annual, in-person exams for all Americans.
The guideline recommends annual comprehensive eye exams “for persons 18 through 64 years of age to optimize visual function, evaluate eye changes, and provide for the early detection of sight-threatening eye and systemic health conditions,” which is likely to result in “earlier diagnosis of eye and vision problems and the prevention or reduction in vision loss.” Additionally, the guideline establishes guidance for timely diagnosis, intervention, and, when necessary, referral for consultation with and/or treatment by another health care provider.
The AOA's Clinical Practice Guidelines are recommendations for patient care which are developed through a formal process and revised to meet the National Academies' of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine - Health and Medicine Division (NASEM) evidence-based standards.
To view AOA's Second Edition of the Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for the Comprehensive Adult Eye and Vision Examination, click here.
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DEADLINE EXTENDED for AOA+ Travel Grants for New Doctors, Educators Eligible
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Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation Announces 2023 Scholarship Recipients
The 2023 scholarships have been awarded to three deserving students.
ST. LOUIS, MI — Optometry Cares — The AOA Foundation shares the 2023 scholarships, including the Larry J. Alexander Scholarship for Education, Dr. Seymour Galina Scholarship and Bernard Maitenaz Scholarship, have been awarded to three deserving students. This year’s scholarship recipients include:
- Sara Masood, New England College of Optometry – Larry J. Alexander Scholarship for Education
- Eunice Hwang, The Ohio State University College of Optometry – Dr. Seymour Galina Scholarship
- Hannah Payne Morrison, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry – Bernard Maitenaz Scholarship
The $2,500 Larry J. Alexander Scholarship for Education, supported by Optovue, honors Dr. Alexander’s dedication to mentoring and leading the profession. As an ode to Dr. Alexander’s passion for helping others, the scholarship application calls for third-year students to describe a moment they served their community and how they plan to contribute to those in need following graduation.
In her application, Sara wrote “My plan to help others through my optometric practice is simple yet transformative. I will reflect and expand on learnings from life experiences to discover new insights, consistently evolve in ways feasible, fuel leadership development, craft a meaningful purpose and translate that purpose into action – with hope to inspire others and belief that even small changes and contributions can have an enormous impact.”
One of the earliest endowed gifts to Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation, the $2,500 Dr. Seymour Galina Scholarship was established through a bequest from long-time AOA member, Dr. Galina. The Foundation manages the endowment by investing the original gift and then using the earnings to fund the Dr. Seymour Galina Scholarship Grant in perpetuity.
The scholarship application requires that third-year students identify qualities they developed through either financial planning or work experience that will be useful following graduation.
In her application, Eunice wrote “We really started with barely anything and my parents have worked hard to provide for both of us now. My sister and I are both in professional school which majorly was because of my parents’ sacrifice and financial management.” She also shared, “Some of the most important lessons from my parents were to prepare for the unexpected, spend rationally, keep track of expenses, budget, and don’t give up. I was taught to not always buy the first thing I see on the market; take time to research and find the best price.”
The $10,000 Bernard Maitenaz Scholarship, supported by EssilorLuxottica, honors the numerous contributions and optometric legacy made by Mr. Maitenaz. The scholarship application requires third-year students submit an innovative toolkit for social media that directly communicates the importance of eye exams to parents and caregivers.
“I truly have a passion for optometry, and more specifically pediatric optometry,” said Hannah Payne Morrison. “The social media tool kit and hashtag I created, #supersight, is important to me because I want children to see their glasses as empowering and be a source of confidence for them. My hope is that through my video and social media tool kit, glasses will be seen as fun and powerful, and will allow children and their parents to see the benefits of wearing glasses and having early and often eye exams.”
The 2024 scholarship applications will open on September 1, 2023. Applications and criteria will be posted on the Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation website.
Support for scholarship grants is one of the most important investments that contributes to the present and future success of optometry students. The Endowment and Scholarship Fund is an established entity of Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation that offers those who wish to make donations in support of the profession of optometry, primarily in the form of scholarships and tributes. To contribute to Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation, click here. For more information on the scholarships, visit aoafoundation.org.
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Orlou Reitz Raeber Burkemeper, O.D.
May 11, 1926 - February 15, 2023
Waterloo, Illinois -
Orlou Reitz Raeber Burkemper, O.D., 96, died peacefully, surrounded by family, Wednesday, Feb. 15. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, caregiver, friend and humanitarian.
Dr. Reitz was born on May 11, 1926 in Waterloo. Ill. She was third oldest of 10 children born to the late Frederick and Leora (nee Reinhold) Reitz. She and her first husband Glenn (Johnny) Raeber, whom she married in 1947, reared 11 children of their own.
Dr. Reitz was the first optometrist in Waterloo. After graduating from Waterloo High School in 1944, she attended Northern Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, where she earned her Doctor of Optometry degree in 1947. She began her practice in September 1947 and for 20 years was the only eye doctor serving the community.
During her professional career, Dr. Reitz became active with the humanitarian organization Volunteer Optometrists in Service to Humanity (VOSH). As a member of VOSH she made two trips into the rainforest of Guatemala to provide eye care to the indigenous people living there.
After she finished her 40-year career in 1987, she and her husband, Robert, joined the Peace Corps briefly before spending 20 years volunteering with the U.S. National Park Service. Much of that time they spent working as campground hosts at Glacier National Park in Montana. They also volunteered at Bryce Canyon, Zion and Big Bend National Parks.
Dr. Reitz' adventures took her to 16 countries on four continents and to all 50 states.
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We want to hear your memories of the IOA! In celebration of our 125th anniversary in 2023, the IOA is collecting your stories about the organization.
Please share your thoughts on the importance of IOA membership, favorite memories from IOA, or your thoughts on the history of the IOA.
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Report illegal and unsafe contact lens sales to the FDA & FTC
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Where: AceBounce - Chicago, IL
When: 6 - 9pm
June 4, 2023: Member Appreciation Day at Brookfield Zoo
September 28-October 1, 2023 - IOA Annual Meeting
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel | Schaumburg, IL
Up to 18 hours TQ CE
Registration opens mid-July
November 2023
Southern IL CE
6 Hrs TQ
Details coming soon!
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Check out the newest IOA classifieds here!
Technology-driven two location private practice seeking associate, with opportunity for partnership ( Read more)
The University of Chicago's Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science seeks Clinical Associates in Optometry at 100% effort for a renewable two-year term. ( Read more)
Correctional centers across southern IL seek experienced, compassionate doctors who advocate for a better quality of life, patient care, and patient education. (Read more)
Experienced Optician needed that is experienced in all aspects of Optometric care including sales, dispensing, adjustments, teaching I and R, pre-testing and willing to become manager of the practice (Read more)
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Participate in Networking Events
Networking events play a crucial role in your professional success. They allow like-minded career professionals to meet, connect, and learn.
In-person networking events help you build an emotional connection to your work and to others in your field. The energy from an in-person conversation or event can help inspire and motivate you. These events can also put you directly in touch with others who may be able to share their knowledge or provide you with a unique perspective.
Virtual or online events are effective for meeting a wider variety of people. Virtual or online events enable you to meet others from across the country or the world without having to travel and can expand the scope of expertise you are exposed to.
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Carbondale Native wins Prestigious Scholarship from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis
LES O'DELL The Southern Mar 6, 2023
Maddie Williard of Carbondale, a first-year student at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis has earned the college’s Presidential Endowed Scholarship. The award is valued at $80,000 over the course of a four-year doctorate program.
Williard is a graduate of Carbondale Community High School and Truman State University.
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Optometry Giving Sight Issues Call for 2023 Grant Applications
OGS will consider applications for multi-year funding.
March 7, 2023
(PRESS RELEASE) GOLDEN, CO — In support of its mission to end preventable blindness and vision impairment through the establishment of long-term solutions around the world, Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) has opened the call for applications for its 2023 grant cycle.
OGS funds organizations that focus on optometry-centric programs including the establishment or support of optometry schools, eye clinics, vision centers, and optical labs; the delivery of eye exams and low or no-cost glasses to underserved or marginalized populations; integrated, long-term programs with a view toward providing sustained eye care to communities; and service delivery tied to the education and/or development of optometry.
“Hundreds of millions of people around the world do not have access to basic eye care, and as a result suffer from avoidable uncorrected refractive error. The organizations and projects we support are dedicated to providing more than short-term care; they expand optometry’s reach and long-term impact. By enabling people in underserved communities to pursue education and training in this field, they are able to deliver vision care to change the lives of thousands of others for years to come,” said Lois Schoenbrun, CAE (Ret.), FAAO, OGS executive director, North America. “We firmly believe in the importance of this type of work, which is unique to OGS, and look forward to helping fund the organizations that make it happen.”
Grants average $25,000 to $45,000 USD/CAD, and can range up to $100,000. Awards are contingent upon the nature of the project, the amount of funds available, and the number and range of applications submitted. For the first time this year, OGS will consider applications for multi-year funding.
Domestic and international nonprofit organizations interested in applying for funding from OGS must complete a pre-qualification questionnaire by March 20. Organizations that qualify for further consideration will be emailed access to the full application by the end of the month. Funding decisions will be announced in July.
To be eligible for funding, organizations must qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or be a registered Canadian or international charity. For further information about eligibility and the OGS grant process, visit here.
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The Future of Optometry Shines Brightly at OIS @ SECO Innovation Showcase
Mar 8, 2023
Emily Kaiser, Assistant Managing Editor
Photo courtesy of @kasto
In Atlanta, Georgia, the OIS @ SECO Innovation Showcase highlighted the best and the brightest optometric and ophthalmic drugs, therapies, and tech we hope to see come to fruition.
On March 1, Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, director of cornea and external disease at Kentucky Eye Institute, associate professor at Kentucky College of Optometry, kicked off the Innovation Showcase of the Ophthalmic Innovation Summit (OIS) at SECO 2023. The presentations spanned from gene therapy for neurotrophic keratitis (NK) to a volume-reducing adaptor for dropper bottles.
OIS has been present at ophthalmology meetings since 2017, but it is still relatively new to optometry. The evolution makes sense: Optometry touts an estimated growth of 10% from 2021 to 2031.1 Meanwhile, eye care as a whole must contend with the staggering increase in average age of the population, which correlates to increased rates of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other age-related ocular diseases that are often referred out to ophthalmologists.
“Optometry is only going to grow because we don’t have enough surgeons,” Karpecki stressed. “And surgeons want to do surgery.”
From portable osmolarity testing to drug-eluting contact lenses for pain management, the eye care industry is keeping optometrists at the forefront of their latest tech. What follows below is just a slice of the innovation happening within eye care.
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FDA: Two More Eyedrop Brands Recalled Due to Risks
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials are alerting consumers about two more recalls of eyedrops due to contamination risks that could lead to vision problems and serious injury.
There’s no indication the latest recalls are related to those products.
The Food and Drug Administration posted separate recall notices for certain eyedrops distributed by Pharmedica and Apotex after the companies said they are voluntarily pulling several lots of their products from the market. Both companies said the recalls were conducted in consultation with the FDA.
Pharmedica on Friday said it is recalling two lots of Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops due to problems “that could result in blindness.” The over-the-counter drops are designed to treat eye irritation. The Phoenix-based company said consumers should immediately stop using the drops and return them to the place they were purchased.
The recall affects nearly 2,900 bottles, according to the company. The drops were manufactured in Arizona.
Last week, the FDA posted a separate recall announcement from Apotex recalling six lots of prescription eyedrops used to treat a form of glaucoma. The company said it launched the recall after finding cracks in a handful of bottle caps.
The drops are distributed as Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution. 0.15% and were sold between last April through February.
Apotex said in an email that the eyedrops were manufactured in Canada. The company hasn’t received any reports of injuries related to the drops.
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THANK YOU TO OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS! |
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