Tech: EyeDrops App
There is a new app to help people remember to take their vision meds. The app, called EyeDrops offers pull-down menus prompting users to enter drug regimen information, including dosages and schedules. Read more
Supreme Court Rules on Affordable Care Act
A recent momentous Supreme Court ruling upheld the constitutionality and basic provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, affirming its mandate but complicating the federal government’s plan to extend Medicaid coverage to the poorest Americans. Read more
2012 Most Beautiful Eyes Contest
Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has launched the 2012 Most Beautiful Eyes Contest. The national contest allows children across the country the chance to win a $10,000 educational scholarship. Read more
VSP Ranks Top 10 Eye Health Cities
VSP Vision Care has released a list of the top 10 most “eye healthy” cities in the U.S. The ranking indicates those cities whose residents get their eyes examined most frequently. Data for the study was based on the percentage of people who received an eye exam in 2011, who have VSP Vision Care benefits in markets where VSP covers 100,000 people or more. Read more
VisionAware Website Launched
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation have recently launched an informational website, VisionAware.org, to educate and assist adults with vision loss. Read more
Children’s Eyewear Detail
A recent study (completed in February 2012) compiled responses from 2932 parents with at least one child. The purpose of the study was to better understand the eyewear and purchasing habits of parents of children.
Among other interesting tidbits, the study uncovered that around 25% of children used some form of correction, and that the majority of these parents (around 64%) have never taken their children to a doctor for an eye exam because they believed there was no need.
Take a look at excerpts from The 2012 Parent Child Vision Care Report. This is important information, and is something that all parents should review.
VisionSpring Celebrates One Millionth Pair
VisionSpring celebrated its one millionth pair of eyeglasses provided to an individual in need with a small gathering of donors and optical industry leaders in Manhattan. The home of financier Steven Rattner provided the backdrop for the organization’s founder, Jordan Kassalow, OD, to thank those in attendance, and all the contributors that have helped achieve this milestone. Read more
May Is Health Vision Month
The National Eye Institute (NEI) issued a reminder that May is Healthy Vision Month.
Healthy Vision Month was recognized as a national eye health observance by the NEI in May, 2003. During Healthy Vision Month, NEI provides an increased awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment through outreach efforts aimed at the general public. Read more
AAO Helps At Risk Minority Groups Receive Eyecare
Based on the fact that minority groups are at greater risk for eye disease and visual impairment, and given that April is National Minority Health Month, a group called EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), wants to improve access to care for underserved communities by offering free or no-out-of-pocket cost eye exams to qualifying individuals. Read more
Steps Women Should Take To Protect Vision
Prevent Blindness America (PBA) reports that annually, more women than men are diagnosed with eye diseases and conditions such as cataracts, dry eye, Fuchs’ dystrophy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and Sjögren’s syndrome. Read more