Participants at a blindfolded fund-raising challenge at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry.
World Sight Day Student Challenge Winners Announced
Students from 30 schools of optometry and pre-optometry clubs across North America raised more than $40,000 as part of the 2016 World Sight Day Student Challenge. Every year, Optometry Giving Sight, in partnership with VOSH International, offers three travel stipends to the schools that raise the most in donations. The latest winners are the University of Montreal School of Optometry, the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science, and the University of Houston College of Optometry. givingsight.org
Eye Health is a National Priority
The American Optometric Association has called on government, private-sector and nonprofit stakeholders to join forces in making eye health and vision care a national priority by implementing recommendations made by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering & Medicine in their report, “Making Eye Health a Population Health Imperative: Vision for Tomorrow,” released last September. The plan elevates the importance of efforts by optometrists to expand clinical eyecare services and access to regular in-person comprehensive eye examinations for everyone by outlining strategies for improving access to vision care. aoa.org
Prevent Blindness Adds New Board Members
Prevent Blindness has announced that Andy Davis, COO of Bouchard Insurance; Charles Garcia, EVP, director of Treasury Management, Associated Bank, N.A.; Dr. Theodore Gillette, president & CEO, I2, LLC.; Dr. Stephanie Marioneaux; and Patrick McDermott, president and chief innovation officer, Transitions Optical; have been elected to the Prevent Blindness board of directors. The vote was held on Mar. 10 at the 2017 Prevent Blindness Spring Board Meeting in St. Petersburg, FL. preventblindness.org
Allergan ‘Eyepowers’ Dry Eye Sufferers
Allergan has launched a new campaign to raise awareness for chronic dry eye titled “Eyepowerment.” Through Eyepowerment the goal is to educate people on eye symptoms that may indicate chronic dry eye disease and empower them to talk to a doctor. The campaign highlights game changers, trail blazers and statement makers that have inspired and empowered others and who embody the spirit behind Eyepowerment. The campaign is fully integrated and includes digital, social, television, print and public relations support. eyepowerment.com
CooperVision Names 2017 Best Practices
CooperVision has announced 10 eyecare practice honorees as its 2017 Best Practices that advance the profession through innovation, industry leadership, and patient experience. This year’s honorees are Amarillo Vision Specialists, Blount County Eye Center, Caruso Eye Care, Castle Pines Eye Care, Complete Eye Care of Medina, Havasu Eye Center, Lawrenceville Family Eyecare, Little Eyes, Premier Eyecare, and Specialty Eyecare Group. All U.S. optometry practices currently fitting contact lenses were eligible for consideration in Fall 2016. CooperVision will open 2018 submissions this fall. eyecarebestpractices.com
This article originally appeared in the April 2017 edition of INVISION.