WHAT IS AN OPTICIAN?
Ask the average American what an optician does, and many are at a loss for words. That’s why Transitions and the Opticians Association of America are teaming up for the Great American Opticians’ Video Contest: to explain the role of an optician and promote the profession to the general public. To enter, create a 30- to 90-second video on that topic and upload it to YouTube by June 30. Any optical student, state optical association, filmmakers or individual who resides in the United States can participate. Winning videos will garner prize money and be shown on the OAA website and at Vision Expo West in September. More information at oaa.org
TIME TO LAUNCH YOUR CAREER?
So you finally have your optometry degree. It’s time to find a job and — yes — pay off those student loans. A new website from the American Optometric Association has information designed to help you get your career off to a good start. Look to it for articles on licensing, insurance, clinical skills and practice management. Create a user profile and get access to download the free e-book, “How to Get Your Optometry License—A Guide to All 50 States,” and to access content that will be updated monthly. Get started at newgradoptometry.com
‘POWER OF 3’ OFFERS REBATES
Essilor has announced a promotion, the Power of 3, to drive patients into independent eyecare professionals’ practices and offer them rebates on Crizal No-Glare, Transitions Adaptive and Varilux progressive lenses. Advertising campaigns will encourage people to find an independent eyecare professional through an exclusive online locator tool. “This event will create the opportunity for ECPs to maximize their expertise and further educate their patients on the benefits of premium lenses that not only provide correction, but also protection,” says Carl Bracy of Essilor of America. Get details at powerof3event.com
SEE JANE SEE PROVIDES RESOURCES
See Jane See: Women’s Healthy Eyes Now is a program from Prevent Blindness as a response to a new survey showing that fewer than one in 10 people realize that women are at a greater risk of suffering permanent vision loss than men. (See the study at visionproblemsus.org.) The See Jane See site includes free education and resources on everything from eye disease to cosmetic safety to vision changes during pregnancy. More at seejanesee.org
ADLENS to INDIES: JOIN THE CLUB
Variable power optics pioneer Adlens is rolling out its Focuss line of continuously adjustable prescription glasses via select LensCrafters stores this year, but the company has also set up a VPO Priority Club to offer incentives and support to eyecare providers across North America. For info, email: vpo@adlens.com
APP FOR GLAUCOMA, CATARACT PATIENTS
CheckedUp, a new app designed to decrease anxiety and boost knowledge among glaucoma and cataract patients, was introduced by ophthalmologist Dr. Richard Awdeh in a presentation at SECO. He explained that in patients with glaucoma, a mobile health application could change patient behavior through alerts and, therefore, improve clinical outcomes. “We’re in a time where we’re seeing such revolution in technology, and I think that intersection of health care and technology is where we’re going to see some of the most exciting developments both in ophthalmology and optometry but also outside of our specialty of health care,” Awdeh says. Watch optometrist Dr. Mark Dunbar describe the presentation at invmag.us/5142 or visit checkedup.com