Please join us as we honor the recipients of the 2022 American Academy of Optometry and American Academy of Optometry Foundation awards during a special ceremony at Academy 2022 in San Diego on Friday, October 28, from 8:00 - 10:00 am in Ballroom C at the San Diego Convention Center. Find inspiration in the awardees’ achievements in the advancement of optometry and vision science. Learn about the research of our Prentice and Fry award recipients through their COPE accredited lectures. Attendees receive one hour of continuing education credit for attending this special two-hour unopposed event.
The Charles F. Prentice Medal is the Academy’s top award and lecture at the annual meeting, presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge through research in the visual sciences.
The recipient of this year’s Prentice Medal is Ann E. Elsner, PhD, FAAO. Professor Elsner is a distinguished scientist with an impressive record of advancing knowledge in vision science. In particular, her research on infrared imaging of the retina laid the foundation for the retinal imaging devices used routinely in clinics today.
The Glenn A. Fry Award and Lecture is sponsored by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) and recognizes a distinguished scientist or clinician for his or her current research contributions.
James S. Wolffsohn, MBA, PhD, FAAO, is the recipient of the 2022 Fry Award. Professor Wolffsohn is an outstanding clinical vision scientist, as well as a prominent educator and academic leader. Over a period of just twenty years, he has made a contribution to optometry, particularly through his research in contact lenses, ophthalmic instrumentation, dry eye, presbyopia, low vision and myopia.
The Borish Award recognizes an outstanding young researcher who has shown exceptional promise to conduct independent optometric research directly related to etiology, prevention, detection, diagnosis, or management of clinical eye disorders. The 2022 Borish Award recipient is Jack Phu, OD, PhD, FAAO. Dr. Phu’s productivity and standing within the profession are as exemplary as they are uncommon at this early stage in his career. Besides his numerous published papers and presented abstracts, his work has also had a significant impact on clinical care. His recent work in SITAFaster not only demonstrated and explained the source of seeding point errors and high rates of low test reliability when using the algorithm, it proposed clinically-relevant methods for managing these errors in practice which is now employed in clinics.
The International Award recognizes an individual(s) or organization whose direct efforts and contributions have resulted in unquestionable significant and extraordinary advances in optometry and eye care internationally.
This year’s International Award will be awarded to Sajeesh Kumar, PhD, FAAO. Dr. Kumar’s contributions are in the area of international optometry informatics and teleoptometry services, research and training, resulting in pioneering digital delivery of optometric services in five continents.
The William Feinbloom Award is presented to an individual who has made a distinguished and significant contribution to clinical excellence and the direct clinical advancement of visual and optometric service and thus the visual enhancement of the public.
This year’s Feinbloom awardee is Jerry Cavallerano, OD, PhD, FAAO. Dr. Cavallerano has long encouraged the advancement of optometry through the prevention of blindness due to diabetes. He has been one of the key innovators and managers of the ocular telemedicine program, and has also participated in several important landmark studies that included Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) and Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT).
The Brien Holden Humanitarian Award recognizes an individual or organization who has made significant contributions to improve eye care within a country or region. In particular, the award acknowledges humanitarian efforts in the non-profit/ not-for-profit sector that build or support the development of sustainable eye care systems in developing communities.
The recipient of this year’s Holden Award is Hector C. Santiago, OD, PhD, FAAO. Dr. Santiago has always seen education as a gateway to creating access to eye care in Latin America and has worked on the development of the profession in that area through the Latin American Association of Optometry and Optics.
The Carel C. Koch Memorial Medal Award is presented to a person who has made outstanding contributions to the enhancement and development of relationships between optometry and other professions.
This year’s recipient is Loretta B. Szczotka-Flynn, OD, PhD, FAAO As the first female optometrist to be a full Professor within a medical school and a founding member of Women of Vision, she is a role model and pioneer. Dr. Szczotka-Flynn strengthens the bonds between optometry and ophthalmology by ably serving both in the clinical and the scientific realms.
The AAOF’s Julius F. Neumueller Award in Optics is awarded to a student pursuing the Doctor of Optometry degree in a school or college of optometry who submits a firstauthored original research paper on one of the following topics: Geometrical Optics, Physical Optics, Ophthalmic Optics; Optics of the Eye.
This year the Awards Committee selected the following student to honor with this award:
Evaluation of a Novel Method of Meridional Subjective Refraction, by Joseph C. Lehman, OD, MS, and Thomas W. Raasch, OD, PhD, FAAO, The Ohio State University College of Optometry.
The Vincent Ellerbrock Clinician Educator Award is presented to a distinguished clinician who has made outstanding and sustained contributions to the Academy’s Lectures and Workshops program.
The 2022 Ellerbrock award recipient is Sherry J. Bass, OD, FAAO. In the past 20 years Dr. Bass has presented 20 lectures and 13 workshops at our annual meetings, and has consistently been one of the highest rated speakers within the Academy programs.
Presented by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation, the Harris Award recognizes an optometric educator who has demonstrated ongoing and consistent excellence in education of optometry students and/or advancement of optometric education.
This year the Harris Award is awarded to Jason S. Ng, OD, PhD, FAAO. For fourteen years, Dr. Ng has demonstrated exemplary teaching at the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University. At a time when our educators were challenged beyond anyone’s wildest expectations, there are individuals such as Dr. Ng who proved his dedication to ensure that optometry students continued to learn and to thrive.
The Tony Adams Eminent Service Award honors those persons who have rendered extraordinary and/or distinguished long-term service to the Academy.
This year’s awardee is Joseph P. Shovlin, OD, FAAO While his most significant and lengthy service to the Academy occurred through his leadership in the Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies and on the Academy’s Board of Directors, Dr. Shovlin also served on the Ellerbrock Continuing Education Committee, the Board of the Pennsylvania Academy Chapter, and several leadership committees within the Ocular Disease Section.
The Garland Clay Award is presented to the authors of the manuscript published in Optometry and Vision Science (OVS) that has been among the top OVS papers cited in the world research literature in the preceding five years and has the majority vote of the Optometry and Vision Sciences Editorial Board.
The 2022 Clay Award paper is: Myopia Control: Why Each Diopter Matters, by Mark A. Bullimore, MCOptom, PhD, FAAO; Noel A. Brennan, MScOptom, PhD, FAAO Optometry and Vision Science 96(6):463-465, June 2019.
The Honorary Fellowship Award recognizes those who have rendered distinguished service to science and the art of optometry. The 2022 award recipient is Herbert Wertheim, OD, ScD, MD. Dr. Wertheim is known for his work as an optometrist, entrepreneur, inventor and investor, but he is perhaps best known as a philanthropist through his work with the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Family Foundation since 1977. The Wertheim Family Foundation has been active for 50 years fulfilling their mission statement: Making Life on Earth Better.
Life Fellowship honors Fellows who have contributed significantly to the Academy, often through many years of service.
In 2022, the Academy is honoring two Life Fellowship award recipients: Joan M. Exford, OD, FAAO and Chris A. Johnson, PhD, DSc, FAAO
Dr. Joan Exford became a Fellow of the Academy in 1965, and she has volunteered her time for the Academy ever since. In 1982 she was elected to the Board of Directors and was the Academy’s first female President in 1993 and 1994. She and her husband, Dr. Donald Korb, have also been ardent supports of the American Academy of Optometry Foundation.
Dr. Chris Johnson is known in many optometric circles because he advances our knowledge of vision science. From the fundamentals of spatial, temporal, and color vision to the groundbreaking work in perimetry and glaucoma, Dr. Johnson has enriched our profession at every level.
The inaugural AAOF Excellence in Diversity Awareness and Education Award recipient is Sherrol A. Reynolds, OD, FAAO. Besides being President of the National Optometric Association from 20182021, Dr. Reynolds also worked tirelessly for the Academy as the chair of the Strategic Plan’s Membership Pillar, developing a comprehensive plan for the Academy to better reflect the diversity of practicing optometrists and their patients. The plan included raising awareness among all Academy members of diversity and inclusion issues.
The inaugural AAOF Outstanding Leader Award recipient is Anne Tasaki, OD, FAAO. Dr. Tasaki’s leadership abilities have been demonstrated in service to the Alameda and Contra Costa County Optometric Society, first as Education Director and then serving as President. She has also served on the President’s Council/Leadership Conference of the California Optometric Association.
These awards will be presented at the Section Awards Ceremony and Max Schapero Lecture, Wednesday, October 26, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, in Room 31ABC of the Convention Center.
This award will be presented at the Section Awards Ceremony and Henry B. Peters Lecture, Thursday, October 27, 6:00 - 7:00 pm, in Indigo 202A of the Hilton Bayfront.
The Schapero Award, which is the Section’s highest award, honors a clinician, researcher, or scholar who has made a significant contribution to the cornea and contact lens field by virtue of his/her publications, lectures or research efforts
This year’s honoree is Robin L. Chalmers, OD, FAAO. Dr. Chalmers is not only a content expert, but has also engaged numerous academic and private practice clinicians to further the knowledge in the contact lens field. She continues to advocate for harnessing the data from the thousands of patients we collectively see on a daily basis in the interest of addressing significant gaps of knowledge both within and beyond the contact lens field.
The Founders’ Award is presented to the individual, group, or company who has made outstanding contribution to the clinical aspect of the art and science of contact lens fitting.
This year’s awardee is William D. Carter. In the 1990’s, Dr. Carter was approached by Menicon Co. Ltd, the largest contact lens manufacturer in Japan, to become the sole US manufacturer of the Menicon line of hyper-permeable contact lenses. Dr. Carter worked with the team from Nagoya to produce Menicon SFP and Menicon Z the first rigid lens to be granted approval for 30-day continuous wear in 2002. The Menicon Z material, tisilfocon A, is now the standard for lenses for overnight orthokeratology around the world.
This year’s recipient is Sandra Block, OD, MEd, MPH, FAAO. Dr. Block’s memberships, appointments, and invitations to public and eye health groups such as Prevent Blindness, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, American Optometric Association, Lions International, and of course the American Academy of Optometry, are too numerous to describe in detail. Dr. Block’s activity with the World Council of Optometry (WCO) has been instrumental in expanding the profession of optometry in Africa in particular and world wide. This work has expanded and standardized optometric education in developing countries in addition to supporting humanitarian efforts for vision care to many world citizens. Thus, Dr. Block’s service has directly improved access and standard of care for future optometrists and indirectly provided eye care to those in need.
We look forward to seeing you at these awards ceremonies to honor these distinguished individuals, acknowledging the countless contributions they have made in advancing our profession.
Academy 2022 San Diego is everything you expect and more as we recognize an important milestone, our Centennial Celebration. Things you can expect include honoring those who have played an important role in our growth and success these many years along with a massive timeline detailing our long and rich history. And to top off the meeting, we have an amazing party planned for you “Let’s Dance & Deal” you won’t want to miss it!
The Academy.22 meeting app is your master guide to all things Academy. Plan your daily schedule, decide on educational sessions, and map out your Exhibit Hall visits. You also can complete session evaluations and more.
Search for Academy.22 in the App Store or Google Play to download.
A tech desk will be available during the meeting on the second floor of the convention center near the Education Desk. Here you can receive assistance with your mobile app as well as help updating your profile or logging in to the Academy’s new member portal.
Our registration desk will be open throughout the meeting. Beat the rush on Wednesday morning by picking up your badge on Tuesday, October 25. Registration is available at two locations:
San Diego Convention Center Main Registration:
• Tuesday, October 25, from 1:00 - 7:00 pm
• Wednesday, October 26, from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
• Thursday, October 27, from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Friday, October 28, from 7:00 am 4:00 pm
• Saturday, October 29, from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Hilton Bayfront Satellite Registration:
• Tuesday, October 25, from 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
• Wednesday, October 26, from 7:00 - 9:00 am
• Thursday, October 27, from 7:00 - 9:00 am
Academy 2022 San Diego provides access to more than 300 hours of continuing education and the potential to earn up to 32 hours of continuing education credits. Aside from paid sessions such as the Leadership Academy, workshops, and Academy Classroom Exchange (ACE) courses, all sessions are available on a first come, first served basis.
This year’s Plenary Session features Michael F. Chiang, MD, director of the National Eye Institute. The title of this session will be, “Today’s Research, Tomorrow’s Practice: How Research and Technology are Evolving Optometric Practice: Perspectives from the National Eye Institute.” Dr. Chiang will discuss why the following four areas are important for the future of optometric practice and initiatives that the NEI is promoting in these areas: genetics/myopia, AI/data science, population health/diversity, and neuroscience/cerebral visual impairment. Please note, the plenary will take place offsite at the Hilton Bayfront.
The popular rapid-fire courses are back and offered each day. Tune in for these fast-paced, captivating 12-minute talks. Topics include Close Encounters of the Choroidal Kind and OCT Biomarkers: The Eye, Body, and Brain.
If you need Continuing Education with Examination (CEE) to fulfill your state license renewal requirements, examinations are offered through the University of Houston (testing fees may apply). Attendees who do not need CEE are welcome to attend these courses, which are indicated on the Education Grid. The American Academy of Optometry is accredited by COPE to provide continuing education to optometrists.
Interactive sessions are provided in a small group format. Consider adding an ACE course to your registration for $25. These courses are offered throughout the meeting and have limited seating.
For those seeking hands on skills, we provide several interesting and useful sessions for optometrists at all skill levels. Sign up for a workshop when you register. Prices vary by workshop. If you need assistance adding an ACE course or workshop to your registration, email registration@aaoptom.org.
This year’s Scientific Program is better than ever with poster and paper presentations and Hot Topic Paper sessions. Paper and poster sessions continue Saturday during Residents Day when current optometric residents will present their research projects and interesting case reports. Earn CE credit for every 15 minutes spent in a paper or poster session during the meeting. Check the Education Grid for dates, times, and locations.
This year, more than 100 exhibitors are featured in our Exhibit Hall and provide multiple opportunities to interact with leaders in the optometric industry. The Exhibit Hall opens on Wednesday, October 26, with a Welcome Reception from 5:007:00 pm. Come by to network, see the latest industry advances, and explore the many booths. Check the Academy.22 app for an updated list of hours and participating exhibitors.
The annual virtual press conference kicks off the meeting on Tuesday, October 25, beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT. The press conference showcases innovations from ten industry partners and ten Scientific Program papers and posters being presented in San Diego.
The Centennial Celebration theme is prominent throughout the week and includes lots of fun such as the “Let’s Dance & Deal” party on Friday, October 28, from 8:45 11:30 pm. Enjoy cocktails, a live musical performance, and Las Vegas-style games. Come prepared for a good time. Be sure to dress for your favorite decade or era!
Our Centennial year is a time to reflect on our history and consider where we have been, where we are today, and what is to come. Visit the “100 Years of the American Academy of Optometry” timeline for a look at the Academy’s rich history and a brief video presentation featuring Fellows and future Fellows who are making a difference in the profession.
One of the most special moments of the Celebration will be honoring 100 Fellows who have enriched our organization. Join us for special recognition of these individuals on Wednesday, October 26, at 4:30 pm, right before the Exhibit Hall doors open.
The Bright Ideas Pitch Competition kicks off its inaugural year with an exciting showdown between five competitors eager to impress our panel of judges with their ideas and innovations and ultimately be declared the winner. These five have climbed to the top of a pool of nearly 30 participants to appear at this live event. Prepare to be energized on Thursday, October 27, from 4:45 7:15 pm. The Pitch Competition is brought to you by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation in collaboration with the Innovation Council.
Once again, our generous sponsors are providing a full scope of informative events detailing new developments in the treatment and management of various ocular diseases. Check the Academy.22 app for a complete list of Breakfast Sessions, Vision Theaters, and Industry Innovation Lunch & Learns. Seating is first come, first served.
The 2022 Comprehensive Eye Care Section Annual Ocular Photography Contest received 170 image submissions. The submissions were divided into anterior and posterior segment categories, which received 82 and 88 submissions, respectively. Grand prizes were awarded for the anterior and posterior segment categories, followed by four honorable mentions from the combined submissions. Submissions were graded in seven categories, each assigned a numerical value between 1 and 10: focus, exposure, field of view, difficulty of capturing image, absence of distracting elements, lighting and visual impact (wow! factor). The total scores from eleven optometrist judges were averaged to determine the winners.
Special thanks to our judges: Elyse Chaglasian, Alissa Coyne, Crystal DeLuca, Amy Huddleston McDaniel, Caryn LaBuda, Alexis Malkin, Devina Patel, Mollie Saxon, Abby Tang, Karen Wadhams, and Bryan Wolynski.
L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Special Acknowledgment: Dr. Vishal R Raval, MS Ophthalmologist
Title: Retinal Capillary Hemangioblastoma
Image System: Zeiss Clarus 700
Caption: Ultra-wide field montage photograph of the right eye: A 27-year-old male presented with a large solitary retinal capillary hemangioblastoma. A dilated feeder artery, draining vein, pre-retinal fibrosis, and tractional retinal detachment can be seen. Two small retinal capillary hemangioblastomas and subretinal fluid involving the macula were also associated with the hemangioblastoma. Systemic and genetic work-up revealed a diagnosis of Von Hippel-Lindau disease.
Christine Sindt, OD, FAAO
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Special Acknowledgment: Jody Troyer
Title: Corneal Hydrops
Image System: Haag-Streit BX900
Caption: A 23-year-old male presented with advanced keratoconus and sudden vision decrease of the right eye.
L V Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Special Acknowledgment: Mangaljyoti Rath, B. Optom
Title: Whorled Pattern Pigmentary Retinal Dystrophy
Image System: Zeiss FF-450 Fundus camera
Caption: A montage color fundus image of a 24-year-old male with whorled pattern pigmentary retinal dystrophy. The patient reported a history of reduced vision in both eyes, first noticed at 4 years of age. Fundus images showed bilateral posterior staphyloma with retinal pigment epithelium atrophy at the macula, and pigmented scar at macula and periphery.
L V Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Special Acknowledgment: Suprava Sahoo, Ophthalmic photographer
Title: Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
Image System: Zeiss FF-450 Fundus camera
Caption: A montage color fundus image of a 24-year-old female with cytomegalovirus retinitis. The patient reported a history of sudden painless blurring of vision for 4 days. Fundus image of the right eye showed central fulminant retinitis, peripheral granular retinitis, and infiltrative disc edema and frosted branch angiitis.
Vinodh Kumar Uttaravilli, Junior Optometrist
L V Prasad Eye Institute, Visakhapatnam, Andhrapradesh, India
Special Acknowledgment: Dr. Anamika Patel and Bhanu
Title: Retinal Vasculitis
Image System: Zeiss Clarus 700
Caption: A 26-year-old female presented with bilateral blurred vision at distance and near, associated with fever and headache for 4 days. BCVA at distance was 20/160 in the right eye and 20/125 in the left eye. BCVA at near vision was N18 in the right eye and N12 in the left eye with the English chart at 30 cm. Slit lamp examination showed KP’s on the endothelium. Fundus examination showed contiguous hemorrhagic retinal vasculitis with pre-retinal exudates.
Klaus Ito, OD
University of Virginia Department of Ophthalmology, Charlottesville, Virginia
Title: Fuch’s Dystrophy
Image System: Canon EOS 70D with a Canon EF 100mm F/2.8 macro lens
Caption: This patient was given a Boston Keratoprosthesis (KPro) Type I after three failed DSAEKs on the right eye due to complications from Fuchs’ dystrophy.
The Leadership Task Force will recognize the accomplishments of 50 Academy Fellows who will celebrate the completion of the newly-designed Flom Leadership Academy in San Diego. These individuals have explored their own personal strengths and have examined how to leverage those strengths to become more effective leaders through a live introductory course and eight additional virtual modules during the past year. Virtual module topics included the following:
• Principles of Effective Leadership 1: Service and Ethics in Leadership
• Principles of Effective Leadership 2: Development and Implementation of Your Vision
• Embracing Diversity in Leadership
• Effective Communication in Leadership
• Leader’s Guide to Productive Meetings
• Public Speaking for Leaders
• Writing Skills for Leaders
• Mentorship for Present and Future Leaders
Warm congratulations to all who successfully completed this course, and sincere thanks to all course faculty members for their efforts to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills necessary to move our profession forward!
Stephanie Adams, OD, PhD
Ryan Anderson, OD, FAAO
Feyi Aworunse, OD, FAAO
Elena Biffi, OD, MSc, FAAO
Sandra Block, OD, MEd, MPH, FAAO
Timothy Bossie, OD, FAAO
Allegra Burgher, OD, FAAO
Luanne Chubb, OD, FAAO
The Leadership Task Force is pleased to unveil the new logo for the Merton C. Flom Leadership Academy. This special design incorporates a replicated signature of the original 1990’s Leadership program creator, Dr. Merton C. Flom - in honor and recognition of his exemplary dedication and significant contributions to the advancement of the optometric profession through Leadership training. The goose is symbolic in a few ways:
• Participants gain the knowledge and skills to “take flight” as leaders.
• The upward motion indicates participants are focused on moving toward the future.
• When geese fly in a V-formation, there is always a “leader.”
Jacobi Cleaver, OD, FAAO
Alissa M. Coyne, OD, FASOS, FAAO
Sherry Day, OD, FAAO
Ashley Deemer, OD, FAAO
Christina Esposito, OD, FCOVD, FAAO
Jennifer Fisher, OD, FAAO
Jennifer Fogt, OD, MS, FSLS, FAAO
Ronald Gall, OD, MSc, FAAO Dana Garber, OD, FAAO
Maggie Man Ki Ho, OD, MS, FAAO
Saleel Jivraj, OD, MBA, FAAO
Essence Johnson, OD, FAAO
Joseph Kane, OD, FAAO
Sharon Keh, OD, FAAO
Lucy E. Kehinde, PhD, OD, FAAO
Laurel Kelley, OD, FAAO
Eilene Kinzer, OD, MEd VFL, FAAO
Jason Koschmeder, OD, FAAO
Andrea Lasby, OD, FSLS, FAAO
Cheryl Letheren, OD, FAAO
Sophia Leung, OD, FAAO
Jarett Mazzarella, OD, FAAO
Swati Modi, OD, FAAO
Kelly Morgese, OD, MPH, FAAO
Amy R. Moy, OD, FAAO
Sima Mozdbar, OD, FAAO
Laura Pardon, OD, PhD, FAAO
Caroline B. Pate, OD, FAAO
Christie Person, OD, FAAO
Joseph Pruitt, OD, MBA, FAAO
Kristin Reed, OD, FAAO
Jennifer Reilly, OD, MS, FAAO
Diane Russo, OD, MPH, FAAO
Daisy Shu, BOptom(Hons), BSci, FAAO
Jennifer S. Simonson, OD, FCOVD
Sowmya Srinivas, OD, MS, FAAO
Anne Tasaki, OD, FAAO
Jacqueline Theis, OD, FAAO
Erin Tomiyama, OD, MS, FAAO
Interactive Academy Classroom Exchange (ACE) Courses at Academy 2022 San Diego
Looking for a more interactive learning experience at the Academy meeting? The Academy recognizes that not all continuing education is suited for delivery in a large ballroom. ACE courses were designed to give participants small group learning experiences to maximize discussion and interaction among attendees and course presenters. To facilitate this learning environment, the class size is limited to 36 attendees. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to secure a seat in your preferred session and there is a $25 registration fee per course.
TD(PS)-02: ACE: OCT Interpretation of Optic Nerve Head and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Scans
One seat left!
October 26, 8:00 – 9:00 am
Speakers: Lee Vien, David Yang
SD-05: ACE: Corneal Manifestations of Systemic Disease (and Conjunctiva Too)
October 26, 9:00 - 10:00 am
Speaker: Joseph Shovlin
TD(PS)-04: ACE: OCT Angiography: The Next Chapter in Posterior Imaging
October 26, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Speakers: Carolyn Majcher, Julie Rodman
GO-05: ACE: Updating Clinical Practice With Myopia Control - A Roundtable Discussion
At capacity
October 26, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Speaker: Jeffrey Walline
CL-05: ACE: Corneal and Scleral G.P. Multifocal Fitting
October 26, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Speaker: Susan Gromacki
TD(AS)-12: ACE: Dissect and Diagnosis the Complex: Anterior Segment Edition
October 27, 9:00 - 10:00 am
Speakers: Zanna Kruoch, Andrew Kemp
TD(AS)-07: ACE: Case Presentation Series: Differentiate Ocular Surface Disease and Develop Best Treatment Plans
October 27, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Speakers: Pamela Theriot, Walter Whitley
GL-05: ACE: Critical Evaluation of the Optic Nerve in Glaucoma - A Triad Approach
October 27, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Speaker: Austin Lifferth
GL-06: ACE: Navigating the Medical Management of Glaucoma
October 27, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Speaker: Justin Schweitzer
GO-08: ACE: The Ocular Disease Optometry Match Game
October 28, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Speakers: Meghan Elkins, Kimberly Darke
FV-11: ACE: Screen Use and Children’s Eyes
October 28, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Speakers: Shamroze Khan, Deborah Jones
GL-16: ACE: Controversies in Glaucoma
October 28, 1:30 - 2:30 pm Speaker: Murray Fingeret
Here’s what 2021 attendees had to say about their ACE course experience in Boston:
“Amazing presentation and speaker, perfect level of difficulty, very engaging. I learned a lot!!”
“Enjoyed the course and thought it was an insightful way to approach and discuss this topic”
“Good interactive/lively session with interesting cases.”
TD(PS)-17: ACE: Genetic Testing in AMD: Critical, Useful, or Inappropriate?
October 28, 2:30 - 3:30 pm Speaker: Brad Sutton
GL-10: ACE: Is this Glaucoma? Systematic Approaches to Differential Diagnosis
October 28, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Speaker: Henrietta Wang
CL-17: ACE: Contact Lens Challenges: A Clinical Grand Round
October 29, 8:00 - 9:00 am
Speakers: Langis Michaud, Daniel Brazeau
GO-14: ACE: Clinical Decision Making for Myopia Management Based on Axial Length Data
October 29, 9:00 - 10:00 am
Speakers: Shalu Pal, Andrew Pucker
TD(AS)-16: ACE: Botulinum Toxin in Primary Eye Care: A Practical Hands-On Discussion
October 29, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Speaker: Leonid Skorin
LP-03: ACE: Shooting Pearls: SLT, LPI, and YAG Capsulotomy
October 29, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Speaker: Spencer Johnson
TD(AS)-04: ACE: Anterior Segment
Procedures For The Optometrist
October 29, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Speakers: Jeffrey Varanelli, Nicholas Colatrella
FV-21: ACE: Prescribing for Hyperopia in Infants, Toddlers and Preschool Age Children
October 29, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Speakers: Reena Patel, Kristine Huang
Each year the Scientific Program Committee evaluates hundreds of abstract submissions to curate the best lineup of optometric research for the Academy’s annual meeting. This year after reviewing a record breaking 815 abstract submissions, the Scientific Program is pleased to present the following paper and poster sessions in a wide variety of topic areas for your enrichment at Academy 2022 San Diego. Attendees may earn COPE-accredited CE in 15-minute increments when attending any of the below sessions.
P-01 Papers: Objective Functional Testing
8:15 - 9:45 am
P-02 Papers: Basic Cornea
9:00 - 10:00 am
P-03 Glaucoma Supersession: Toward Improving Clinical Glaucoma Management
1:00 - 3:00 pm
P-04 Papers: Color and Spatial Vision
1:00 - 3:00 pm
P-05 Papers: Clinical Treatment Trials
3:00 - 5:00 pm
P-06 Papers: Traumatic Brain Injury
3:30 - 4:45 pm
SE-11 Hot Topics: Glaucoma - Enhancing Clinical Glaucoma Care
8:00 - 9:00 am
SE-12 Late Breaking Hot Topics: Myopia
8:00 - 9:00 am
SE-13 Hot Topics: Anterior Segment
8:00 - 9:00 am
SE-14 Hot Topics: Cataract Surgery Outcomes
8:00 - 9:00 am
P-07 Papers: CL Performance
9:00 - 10:00 am
P-08 Papers: CL and Children
10:00 - 11:30 am
P-09 Papers: Artificial Intelligence/Deep Learning
1:30 - 2:30 pm
P-10 Papers: Mechanisms for Refractive Errors and Myopia
1:30 - 3:00 pm
P-11 Papers: Screening & Public Health
3:00 - 4:30 pm
P-12 Papers: Myopia Control - Optical Interventions
3:15 - 4:15 pm
P-13 Papers: Tear Film/DED
10:00 - 11:00 am
P-14 Papers: Structure & Function in Retinal Disease
1:30 - 2:40 pm
P-16 Papers: Low Vision
2:30 - 4:30 pm
P-15 Papers: Eye Movements and Amblyopia
3:00 - 4:30 pm
POS-01 Thursday Evening Poster Session
4:30 - 6:30 pm
POS-02 Friday Poster Session
1:00 - 3:00 pm
SE-15 Traumatic Brain InjuryToday’s Research, Tomorrow’s Practice
Thursday, October 27, 2:30 - 4:30 pm
This special blended session will consist of 1 hour of CE given by Tawna Roberts, followed by scientific paper presentations presented by Aparna Raghuram, Katherine Weise, Suresh Viswanathan, and Phillip Yuhas.
Fellows, participation in a Section’s Diplomate Preparatory Course will grant you a waiver for the $100 one-time Diplomate application fee! Sign up today when you register for Academy 2022 San Diego online.
The Binocular Vision, Perception, and Pediatric Optometry (BVPPO) Section is offering its annual Diplomate Preparatory Course on Tuesday, October 25, in San Diego to assist current and potential candidates in preparing for, and completing their Diplomate requirements. The fee for this day of education is $200.
Topics have been selected to facilitate successful completion of the various portions of the BVPPO Diplomate process. This includes topics that will assist you in writing case reports and in taking the written, practical, and oral examination portions.
Eight hours of continuing education credit will be awarded (COPE Accreditation Pending).
Management of Learning Related Vision Problems
8:00 – 9:30 am
Speaker: Stacey Coulter
Pediatric Ocular Disease
9:30 - 11:30 am
Speakers: Stanley Hatch, Ann Webber, and Marie Bodack
Treatment of Brain Injury
12:30 – 2:00 pm
Speaker: Catherine McDaniel
Treatment of Strabismus
2:00 – 5:00 pm
Speaker: Bruce Wick
On Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 – 5:00 pm, join the Comprehensive Eye Care Section to learn about the Comprehensive Eye Care Section Diplomate program! The fee for the afternoon is $100.
Diplomate Process Overview
1:00 – 1:50 pm
Speakers: Danielle Weiler, Bisant Labib, Mike Radoiu
Inherited Retinal Disease
2:00 – 2:50 pm
Speaker: Raman Bhakhri
Glaucoma Studies and their Impact on Clinical Management
3:00 – 3:50 pm
Speaker: Edward Chu
Ocular Adverse Events from Systemic Medications
4:00 – 4:50 pm
Speaker: Danielle Weiler
On Wednesday afternoon, 1:00 3:00 pm, join the Optometric Education Section Diplomate Committee to learn more about the program. Be on the lookout for an email with more information!
Thursday, October 27
Sign up for these focused sessions designed to help you prepare for the Glaucoma Diplomate program for only $25 each.
SE-07: A Structured Approach to Clinical Optic Nerve Evaluation
10:00 – 11:00 am
Speaker: Michael Sullivan-Mee
SE-06: Changing the Glaucoma Diagnostic Paradigm: Point/ Counterpoint
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Speaker: John O’Donnell
Join our Sections and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to hear the latest in their areas of focus!
1:00 - 3:00 pm
SS-01: From the Trenches: Complex Cases from Academic Medical Centers (AMCO SIG)
Speakers: Sherry Day, Julia Pulliam, Amanda Dieu, James Hoekel, Shyamanga Borooah, Wayne Cornblath, Doran Spencer
Through the discussion of atypical cases, the teamwork and interplay between professions will be highlighted, especially the vital role that optometrists play in academic medical centers. Panelists are invited to add their perspectives in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the cases. Time will also be allotted for a robust question and answer session with the attendees following each case. Through interactions of the speakers, panelists, and audience, we hope that each doctor will gain further insight and knowledge when faced with similar complicated cases in their practice.
SS-02: Visuomotor, Oculomotor, and Sensory Deficits in Amblyopia and Strabismus: Newest Discoveries (BVPPO Section)
Speakers: Angela Chen, Tawna Roberts, Ann Webber, Benjamin Thompson, Krista Kelly, Jonathan Horton
Speakers involved in cutting-edge research on sensory and motor deficits associated with amblyopia and strabismus will discuss deficits in reading, visuomotor skills, and visual attention in amblyopia. We will also discuss motor deficits in intermittent exotropia.
SS-03: Neurogenic Considerations in Anterior Segment Disease; From Classroom to Clinic (Anterior Segment Section)
Speakers: Jacob Lang, Stephanie Cox, Fiona Stapleton, Scott Hauswirth
This presentation is a panel-led discussion of the neurologic influence of corneal and anterior segment diseases. A discussion of current understandings of anatomy and pathologic response as well as an overview of the DEWS II Pain and Sensation Report will be followed by a panel discussion of clinical cases. The panelists’ perspectives of the case and their viewpoints of the role of neurology and nerve function to the disease process and how this can be applied to therapeutic considerations will be a focus.
SS-05: Considerations for a Treatment Algorithm (Glaucoma Section)
Speakers: Lisa Young, Pathik Amin, Richard Madonna, Andrew Rixon
This course will be a concise overview of important management considerations for glaucoma (focusing on primary open angle glaucoma) with emphasis on setting and reaching target pressures as well as utilizing technology to evaluate appropriate management end points are met. Considerations for following a therapeutic algorithm when it comes to initiating and changing drugs will be discussed.
SS-07: Retinal Manifestations of Neurodegenerative Disease: From Mouse to Man (Public Health and Environmental Vision Section)
Speakers: Sandra Wang-Harris, Andrew Norman, Amir Kashani, Robert Rissman
Over the last few decades, several lines of evidence have demonstrated significant retinal manifestations of neurodegenerative disease ranging from mouse models to human patients. The eye is closely related and positioned to the brain and is neuronal tissue. As prior studies have shown, the retina is a potential source for development of a biomarker for alzheimer’s disease (AD), not only because it is embryologically-derived from neuronal tissue, but also because it can be easily imaged non-invasively at the micrometer level using different imaging modalities. In this manner, imaging of the eye has the potential to provide a more patient-friendly biomarker tool compared to the currently established biomarkers that are either costly (MRI/PET imaging) or invasive (CSF through lumbar puncture). Although the full potential of eye imaging is unknown at this state, research in this field is increasing and involves collaboration among disparate backgrounds of researchers (ophthalmology, neurology, pathology, technology etc.).
SS-09: Co-management Conundrum: A Neuro-Retinal Disease Symposium (Comprehensive Eye Care Section)
Speakers: Bisant Labib, Joshua Greene, Ashley Maglione
This symposium explores the complexity in diagnosis and decisionmaking challenges with overlapping retinal and neuro-ophthalmic diseases. A unique series of cases will be presented by a primary care provider, a neuro-optometrist, and retinal specialist, where the diagnosis and management require knowledge of both fields. Using clinical pearls and panel discussions from leading experts in the area, the comprehensive eye care provider will have an advanced understanding of various, overlapping neuro-retinal disorders and how to provide timely, effective care and referrals in often emergent cases.
Thursday, October 27
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
SS-06: Larry Gray Memorial
Symposium: Orbital Disorders in Neuro-Ophthalmic Disease
Speakers: Kelsey Mileski, Catherine Liu, Bobby Korn, Philip Kim
Orbital disorders can present with a wide range of ocular symptoms including irritation, injection, proptosis, ptosis and diplopia. It is crucial to be able to identify and localize the patients’ complaints to the orbit to target an appropriate workup in addition to treating symptoms. This course will discuss common orbital disorders seen in neuro-ophthalmic disease. The roles of surgical and nonsurgical treatment will be discussed by two oculoplastics specialists and a neurooptometrist.
Speakers: Andrew Pucker, Robin Chalmers, Rex Ballinger
Conducting research in a clinical practice setting can be challenging due to constraints on time. Yet, practitioners in clinical practice observe and manage many important eye conditions that warrant research to further understand the condition’s epidemiology, natural history, or response to treatments. This symposium aims to introduce clinicians to three well-established research strategies that can be implemented in many settings, which could allow clinicians an avenue to participant in clinical research without involvement in randomized clinical trials.
1:30 - 3:30 pm
SS-10: Innovations in Presbyopia
Management: New Takes on an Old Topic (Vision in Aging SIG)
Speakers: Janet Garza, Angelina Tran, Chris Lievens, Derek Cunningham, Michelle Hoff, David Geffen
The visual demands of today’s lifestyle are ever evolving, and presbyopic patients present with diverse visual needs requiring novel solutions. Innovations in presbyopia management offer optometrists a range of tools to choose from, allowing them to provide a tailored approach for each patient’s individual needs. This symposium provides insight to current and emerging options in presbyopia management, including optical solutions, pharmaceuticals, and surgery.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
SS-04: All About the Choroid (Retina SIG)
Speakers: Barbara Mihalik, Matthew Ohr, Colleen Cebulla
This symposium will feature two separate discussions centered on the choroid. The first part will include an in-depth discussion on choroidal melanoma including current management and treatment modalities. It will also dive into BAP1 mutations and its use in predicting melanoma and the associated prognosis. The second half of the symposium will briefly review the unmet need for new therapies in the treatment of neovascular AMD. In particular, the surgical management of patients with Susvimo-Port Delivery System with Ranibizumab (PDS) will be described.
SS-11: Teaching Serious Illness Conversations
in Low Vision Care and Beyond (Joint Low Vision and Optometric Education Sections)
Speakers: Roanne Flom, Andrew Lawton, Marlee Spafford
This symposium focuses on the challenges of teaching communications skills for the serious conversations that take place in the low vision setting and throughout eye care. We will explore issues in meeting learning goals and will offer specific teaching tools for facilitating communication skills development. We will introduce drills to prepare learners for serious news conversations, and will demonstrate strategies for teachers and learners to share communication roles with patients. We will also explore tools for addressing specific teaching challenges identified by attendees.
SS-12: Wearable Technology in Vision Research and Patient Management (Vision Science Section)
Speakers: Lisa Ostrin, Kristina Haworth, Robert Weinreb, Ava Bittner, Kenneth Tran, Chris Johnson
With advancing technology, wearable sensors have become more prevalent in vision research and patient care. Wearable devices provide the opportunity for objective, continuous, ambulatory data collection and monitoring, and have demonstrated utility in areas such as glaucoma, myopia, and low vision. Wearable technology has proven especially valuable in the era of COVID-19, where patients and research participants may be unable to visit a clinic or research laboratory. Here, recent advances in wearable technology in vision research and patient care will be discussed.
1:30 – 3:30 pm
SS-13: Improving Students’ Patient Care Management Using the Thinker’s Guide to Clinical Reasoning (Optometric Education Section)
Speakers: Marc Taub, Jacqueline Singleton, Lavina Myers, Julie Drury
This course helps educators work with students to plan, individualize patient care and communicate more effectively with their patients. Patients have different needs yet often students provide the same instructions to every patient. The lack of clinical reasoning can be frustrating to educators. A guide is provided to get students to think through clinical issues regarding diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of clinical problems. Case studies provide opportunities for participants to apply the guide’s standards and elements of clinical reasoning to improve students’ patient care management.
Immediately following the symposium, please be sure to attend the workshop at 3:30 - 4:30 pm!
SS-13B Workshop: Improving Students’ Patient Care Management Using the Thinker’s Guide to Clinical Reasoning
SS-14: The Optometrist’s Emerging Role in the Lyme Epidemic (Nutrition, Disease Prevention and Wellness SIG)
Speakers: April Lewis, Christine Winter-Rundell, William Padula, Nicola Ducharme
Lyme disease is a growing epidemic in the continental United States. Its ocular symptoms include not only uveitis, but also effects on visual acuity, motility, and visual-cognitive processes. This symposium will look at the disease, the ocular implications, and diagnosis and treatment.
SS-15: Amniotic Membrane and Drug Infuse Contact Lenses Evolving Technologies: How Will These Change the Future of Vision Care? (Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies Section)
Speakers: Robert Davis, Sheffer Tseng, Moshe Schwartz, Shalu Pal, Houman Hemmati
We are continuing to evolve our therapeutic options. Drug eluting contact lenses and amniotic membrane utilization are driving these medicinal changes. The Corneal Contact Lens and Refractive Technology Symposium will discuss inclusion of these therapies into our everyday patient management. After decades of research drug eluting contact lenses are finally here. Drops have long been the standard way to deliver medications to the eye to treat eye diseases. However, these eye drops are fraught with shortcomings, such as low bioavailability, noncompliance and preservative side effects, resulting in inferior patient outcomes. The use of contact lenses as ocular delivery stems is finally emerging as a viable treatment option. Practitioners alike will benefit from a new treatment paradigm for eye diseases and conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye, end-of-day comfort and allergy. In this course learn about this new technology, challenges and how these lenses will positively impact the quality of life, compliance and treatment outcomes of your patients.
AMCO SIG Business Meeting
Anterior Segment Section Business Meeting
BVPPO Section Business Meeting
CCLRT Section Business Meeting
CECS Section Business Meeting
FDR SIG Business Meeting
Glaucoma Section Business Meeting
Low Vision Section Business Meeting
Neuro-ophthalmic Disorders in Optometry SIG Business Meeting
Nutrition, Disease Prevention, Wellness SIG Business Meeting
Optometric Education Section Business Meeting
PHEV Business Meeting
Retina SIG Business Meeting
Vision in Aging SIG Business Meeting
Vision Science Section Business Meeting
Offsite dinner
Aqua Salon D (Hilton)
Aqua 314 (Hilton)
Sapphire Ballroom I
Aqua 300A (Hilton)
Aqua 309 (Hilton)
Aqua 300A (Hilton)
Aqua Salon BC (Hilton)
Aqua 310 B (Hilton)
Aqua 309 (Hilton)
Aqua 311 (Hilton)
Indigo 202B (Hilton)
Aqua Board Room (Hilton)
Aqua Board Room (Hilton)
Aqua Salon F (Hilton)
Sapphire 400 (Hilton)
Friday, 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Wednesday evening
Friday, 12:00 1:30 pm
Wednesday, 4:00 6:00 pm
Friday, 12:00 1:30 pm
Friday, 7:00 - 7:50 am
Tuesday, 5:30 6:30 pm
Friday, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Wednesday, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Friday, 7:00 8:30 am
Friday, 4:30 5:30 pm
Friday, 7:00 - 7:50 am
Thursday, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Friday, 7:00 - 7:50 am
Thursday, 5:00 6:30 pm
Thursday, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
The Academy meeting is more than exceptional education. It’s also networking, celebrating, and collaborating with the optometric profession outside the lecture hall. Join friends and colleagues from across the world at these exciting events!
Sponsored by
EssilorLuxottica Academic Challenge
at Academy Stadium
Sponsored by
Wednesday, October 26
7:30 10:00 pm
Young ODs Reception
Sponsored by
Wednesday, October 26
8:00 – 10:00 pm
Residents Reception
Sponsored by
Wednesday, October 26
8:00 – 10:00 pm
Student and Resident Awards Breakfast
Thursday, October 27
8:00 – 9:00 am
Student Focus Exhibit Hall Hour
Thursday, October 27
10:00 - 11:00 am
Thursday, October 27 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Residency and Graduate Program Fair
Friday, October 28
11:30 am 1:30 pm
Resident Practitioner Reception
Sponsored by
Friday, October 28 5:00 6:30 pm
Saturday, October 29
Residents Day Papers 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Residents Day Luncheon 12:00 1:30 pm
Residents Day Posters
1:30 3:30 pm
Residents Day Reception 3:30 4:30 pm
The Academy is pleased to feature more than 150 exhibitors in our exhibit hall during Academy 2022 San Diego with multiple opportunities to interact with leaders of the optometric industry. Our industry partners are ready and equipped to help take your practice to the next level. Be sure to stop by and see what they have to offer the optometric community.
Wednesday, October 26
5:00 - 7:00 pm
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Open & Welcome Reception
Thursday, October 27
10:00 am - 6:30 pm
10:00 - 11:00 am Student Focus Hour
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
1:30 - 3:30 pm
Exhibit Hall Closed
4:30 - 6:30 pm
Attendee Reception
Friday, October 28
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall Welcome Reception
Wednesday, October 26
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Join us for appetizers, drinks, and the excitement of Academy 2022 San Diego’s first few hours of exhibits.
Stop by booth 327 to get your photo taken by a professional photographer and emailed directly to you. These photos will be the perfect reminder of your time at Academy 2022 San Diego.
Academy 2022 San Diego Passport
Gateway to Academy 2023 New Orleans
Download the Academy.22 app to play along with this year’s exhibit booth scavenger hunt. Visit all participating companies and you will be entered for a chance to win free registration to Academy 2023 New Orleans.
Wednesday, October 26
12:00 - 1:00 pm
This year the Academy is pleased to present 11 sponsored lunches following the conclusion of the Plenary Session on Wednesday, October 26. These informative 60-minute sessions include lunch and cover an array of topics. Check the Academy.22 app for the list of companies participating and the room location. Seating is first come, first served.
8:00 - 8:45 am
On both Thursday and Friday during the annual meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to start their day with one of our eight sponsored Academy Breakfast Talks. These 45-minute presentations will leave attendees with a breadth of new industry related knowledge. Check the Academy.22 app for the list of companies participating and the room location. Seating is first come, first served.
Located in Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center, the Academy’s Vision Theater will offer eight sponsored 30-minute presentations on Thursday and Friday. These short presentations are the perfect way to learn about the new developments in treatment and management of various ocular diseases. Stop by for coffee or tea and a snack! Check the Academy.22 app for the list of companies participating and the room location. Seating is first come, first served.
Alumni receptions are back! Join your colleagues on Friday, October 28. The following schools will be hosting events. Room assignments and reception start times can be found in the Academy.22 mobile app.
• Arizona College of Optometry, Midwestern University
• Canadian Reception (University of Waterloo/University of Montreal)
• Illinois College of Optometry
• Indiana University School of Optometry
• Marshall B. Ketchum University
• MCPHS University School of Optometry
• New England College of Optometry
• Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry
• Pacific University College of Optometry
• Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University
• Southern College of Optometry
• SUNY College of Optometry
• The Ohio State University College of Optometry
• University of California Berkeley School of Optometry
• University of Houston College of Optometry
• University of Missouri at St. Louis College of Optometry
• University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Optometry
• Western University of Health Sciences
2Eyes Vision 1327
ABB OPTICAL GROUP 323
Academy Sections & SIGS ..... 143
Alcon Vision, LLC 601
Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. 1038
Allergan, an Abbvie Company 625
American Academy of Optometry Membership & Foundation ......................... 537
American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners 302
American Board of Optometry 1002
American Vision Partners 1000 Art Optical Contact Lens, Inc.814 Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry 1516 Avellino Labs......................... 1014
Bausch + Lomb 327
Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation ......... 425 Bernell VTP 1415
BQ Ergonomics 1231
BRUDER HEALTHCARE COMPANY 819
CATS Tonometer, LLC 406 Celularity Inc. ......................... 720
CHADWICK OPTICAL 1414
Choroideremia Research Foundation (CRF) 1227 Coburn Technologies 1315
Compulink Healthcare Solutions 936
Contamac 816 CooperVision, Inc. .................. 415 CRO (Clinical & Refractive Optometry) Journal 1428 Crystal Practice Management 926
Designs for Vision, Inc. ..........402 DGH Technology Inc. 717
DOCTOR MULTIMEDIA 1015 Dompé 818
Dry Eye Foundation ...............1118 Dry Eye Guys | ThermaEye IPL | MiBoFlo 1343
E-SWIN USA 316 Elsevier, Inc. 615 epipole Inc ...............................917
Eschenbach Optik of America 536
eSight ..................................... 825
EssilorLuxottica 1537
EssilorLuxottica Eye Care 1427
Euclid Vision Corporation (formerly Euclid Systems Corporation)..................... 1027
EyeCare Partners 815 Eyenovia, Inc. 422 Family HealthCare Network . 303 Fellows Doing Research SIG 137 Glaukos 325 Good-Lite Company 400 Haag-Streit Group ................ 1017 Heidelberg Engineering 831
HEINE 930
Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science ................................. 211 Horizon Therapeutics 1028 Icare-USA 901
ILLUMINIX Industries 905 iMatrix.................................. 1029
INVISION Magazine 928 Iveric Bio 540
Johnson & Johnson Vision 1117 Kaiser Permanente / The Southeast Permanente Medical Group 308 Katena/Corza 1024 Keeler USA ............................. 619 Konan Medical USA ............... 837 Lacrivera 721
LENZ Therapeutics 500 LKC Technologies, Inc. ........... 401 Lombart Instrument 404 Lumenis 1421 LumiThera, Inc. 718
M&S Technologies .................820 Marco 300 Med Learning Group 1243 Meivertor 1042
Menicon America 221
merakris therapeutics 1229
Midwestern UniversityAZCOPT & CCO 310
Modern Optometry / Bryn Mawr Communications 1116 Moptim 1317 MyEyeDr.
1120 Nanodropper 1025
National Board of Examiners in Optometry
421 National Vision 410 Neurolens 307
NIDEK
408
Notal Vision 437
Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry ......... 715 Novartis Pharmaceuticals 1037
NovaSight Ltd. 937 OCULUS, Inc. 918 OcuSci Inc
1004 OCuSOFT Inc. 1326 Ocutech, Inc. 411
Olleyes
508
Sight Sciences 1237
SightRite 1514
Sun Ophthalmics
737
SynergEyes, Inc. 217
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
1437
The Circle of Least Confusion™
1018
The Dry Eye Doctor, Inc. 524
Thea Pharma, Inc. 301
Topcon Healthcare 510
TruForm Optics
719
US Ophthalmic, LLC. 925
Valley Contax, Inc. 714
Versea Ophthalmics 405 Virtual Field
Vision Source 1426
VISIONARY CONTACT LENS, INC. 904
Visionary Optics 1026
Visioneering Technologies, Inc. 1020
Visionix 1329
Vispero
908
Vital Tears 1108
Volk Optical Inc. 1337
VOSH International 409
502
Optometry Giving Sight 1330 Optometry Times 439 OptoPrep 827 Optos
Oyster Point Pharma, Inc. 1001 Pharmanex 617 Phelcom Technologies 1430 Precision Vision, Inc.
520 Quidel Corporation 1036 Radius XR 1321 Regener-Eyes® 805 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 336
VSP Vision
1124
Warby Parker 226
Weave 311 & 915
Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry
403
Wolters Kluwer 900
World Council of Optometry
1328
YOUNGER OPTICS 839
Zeiss 1009
Review of Optometry
914 Review Wave 924 RevitalVision 1416 RX Loupes 1110
Santen Inc.
Health
829
Mrs. Mabel Adams, St. Ives, Cornwall, UK
Mr. Trevor Adams, St. Ives, Cornwall, UK
Dr. Rishi Agarwal, London, UK
Dr. John Amos, Vestavia Hills, AL
Dr. Arnold Bierman, Lansdale, PA
Dr. Irwin Gladstone, Bensalem, PA
Dr. David Glick, Melbourne, FL
Dr. Ronald Harris, Petaluma, CA
Dr. Barry Kolom, Encino, CA
Dr. Jerome Legerton, Tequesta, FL
Dr. Dale Lervick, Lakewood, CO
Dr. Dennis Levi, Berkeley, CA
Dr. Alan Lewis, Carlisle, MA
Dr. Melvin Lilly, Beaver Falls, PA
Dr. James Long, II, Fort Wayne, IN
Dr. William McLaughlin, San Antonio, TX
Dr. Charles Meyer, Whitefield, ME
Dr. William Miller, Winston Salem, NC
Dr. Raymond Myers, Maryville, IL
Dr. Scott Pelcyger, Butler, NJ
Dr. Louis Phillips, Pittsburgh, PA
Dr. Michael Polasky, Hilliard, OH
Dr. Dennis Ratinoff, San Jose, CA
Dr. Ralph Rosere, Dartmouth, NS
Dr. Kenneth Schwaderer, Saratoga, CA
Dr. Bernard Shannon, Scottsdale, AZ
Dr. William Thomas, Gallipolis, OH
Dr. Joan Turnbull, Mississauga, ON
Dr. Satya Verma, Elkins Park, PA
Dr. Sam Williams, Leesburg, FL
Dr. Barry Winter, Etobicoke, ON
Dr. Arthur Young, Fort Myers, FL Dr. Barry Zelesnick, Nokomis, FL
Dr. Raymond Applegate, Houston, TX
Dr. Brett Bence, Mukilteo, WA
Dr. William Benjamin, Hoover, AL Dr. Steven Bennett, Ann Arbor, MI
Dr. Leslie Brodsky, Wayne, PA
Dr. Kenneth Brookman, Fullerton, CA
Dr. Michael Chamberlain, Santa Cruz, CA Dr. Peter Col, Pine Grove, CA
Dr. David Cook, Marietta, GA
Dr. Robert Crowe, Morgan Hill, CA
Dr. Robert Davis, Oak Lawn, IL Dr. Vincent Devita, South Burlington, VT Dr. Paul Dowd, Parma, OH Dr. Neil Falasca, Williston Park, NY Dr. Kenneth Falknor, El Paso, TX Dr. Mark Forrest, Bensalem, PA Dr. Kathleen Goff, El Paso, TX Dr. Michael Greenberg, Beachwood, OH Dr. Rodney Gutner, Framingham, MA Dr. Harvey Hanlen, Boalsburg, PA Dr. Richard Hom, San Mateo, CA Prof. Abbie Hughes, Eaglemont, AUS Dr. Clark Jensen, Grinnell, IA
Dr. Robert Johnson, Latrobe, PA
Dr. Joshua Josephson, Toronto, ON Dr. Christopher Kerr, London, UK Dr. Dominick Maino, Chicago, IL
Dr. Harvey Mayers, Toronto, ON Dr. Dennis Miller, Mishawaka, IN Dr. Pamela Miller, Highland, CA
Dr. Gary Moss, Williston, FL
Dr. Rod Nowakowski, Birmingham, AL
Dr. James Parks, Tucson, AZ
Dr. Thomas Quinn, Athens, OH
Dr. Edward Revelli, Orinda, CA
Dr. Donald Salmon, Montreal, QC
Dr. Leonard Savedoff, Syracuse, NY
Dr. David Schurgin, Stoneham, MA Dr. Glenda Secor, Huntington Beach, CA Dr. Arkady Selenow, New York, NY Dr. Leo Semes, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Dr. Dennis Siemsen, Rochester, MN
Dr. Harry Snyder, West Palm Beach, FL
Dr. James Thimons, Fairfield, CT
Dr. Mark Topolewski, Kimball, MI
Dr. John Townsend, Ellicott City, MD
Dr. Paula Ulmer, Pine Bush, NY
Dr. Donald Vanderfeltz, California, MO
Dr. Robert Vandervort, Omaha, NE
Dr. Joseph Viviano, Summit, NJ
Dr. Caren Weisz, Crest Hill, IL
Dr. John Wells, Tallahassee, FL
Dr. Marlan Anderson, San Antonio, TX
Dr. Lisa Badowski, Broomfield, CO
Dr. Don Bagwell, Columbus, GA
Dr. Brenda Begin, Colorado Springs, CO
Dr. Hal Bohlman, Mountain Home, TN
Dr. Mary Boname, Skillman, NJ
Dr. Christine Broeder, Saint Louis, MO
Dr. Scott Cooper, Portland, OR
Dr. James Cornetta, Portsmouth, VA
Dr. Daniel Crawford, El Paso, TX
Dr. Lynn Cyert, Tulsa, OK
Dr. Michele Palazzolo, Warwick, RI
Dr. Ana Perez, Houston, TX
Dr. James Pickard, Bigfork, MT
Dr. Joseph Pizzimenti, Orlando, FL
Dr. Bruce Rakusin, Framingham, MA
Prof. Prithipaul Ramkissoon, New Castle, SA
Dr. Lewis Reich, Memphis, TN
Dr. Anne Rozwat, Chicago, IL
Dr. Neil Rubin, Wantagh, NY
Dr. Thomas Samson, Bismarck, ND
Dr. Mark Sawamura, Fullerton, CA
Mr. John Sheinman, Northants, UK
Dr. Angela Shen, Midlothian, VA
Dr. Gary Shute, Warner Springs, CA
Dr. Rodney Smith, Cape Coral, FL
Dr. Mary Spencer, Portsmouth, RI
Dr. Timothy Strand, Whitefish, MT
Dr. Rodney Tahran, Lake Oswego, OR
Dr. Tammy Than, Sun City, AZ
Dr. Judy Tong, Fullerton, CA
Dr. Charles Dale, Fox Island, WA
Dr. Mark Davis, Rocky River, OH
Dr. Robert Davis, Ellensburg, WA
Dr. Steve Davis, Franklin, NC
Dr. Dawn DeCarlo, Vestavia, AL
Dr. Diane DeWitt, Clovis, NM
Dr. Robert Esposito, Scottsdale, AZ
Dr. Samuel Estes, Dewitt, MI
Dr. Raymond Fada, Weldon Spring, MO
Dr. Curtis Farrar, Pryor, OK
Dr. Mary Flynn Roberts, Chicago, IL
Dr. Carrie Gaines, Webster Groves, MO
Dr. Veronique Germaine, New Rochelle, NY
Dr. Heath Gilbert, Dayton, OH
Dr. Jeffery Graf, St George, UT
Dr. Susan Gromacki, Dayton, MD
Dr. James Grove, Chambersburg, PA
Dr. Lori Grover, Scottsdale, AZ
Dr. Anthony Guadagno, Schererville, IN
Dr. Richard Hatch, Provo, UT
Dr. Sheila Hickson-Curran, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Dr. Richard Jamara, Randolph, MA
Dr. Glenn Kirk, Indianapolis, IN
Dr. Susan Kovacich, Bloomington, IN
Dr. Lionel Lemos, Cumberland, RI
Dr. Martin Lloyd, Dayton, OH
Mr. Bill Long, Dacula, GA
Dr. Jeffrey Martin, Tucson, AZ
Dr. Libertad Melendez, Warner Robins, GA
Dr. Julie Miavez, Palm City, FL
Dr. Robert Molter, Charlevoix, MI
Dr. Wilson Movic, Bloomington, IL
Dr. Andrea Murray, Adelaide, AUS
Dr. Don Nicholson, College Station, TX
Dr. Thomas Norton, Birmingham, AL
Dr. Regina O’Nan, Port Hueneme, CA
Dr. Jeanette Oo, Manila , PH
Dr. Mark Ventocilla, Spring Lake, MI
Dr. Cornelis Verezen, Voorburg, NL
Dr. Shao-Ling Wang, Honolulu, HI
Dr. Daniel Wolf, Centralia, IL
Dr. Stanley Woo, Waterloo, ON
Dr. Kathy Yang-Williams, Seattle, WA
Dr. Page Yarwood, Glendale, CA
Dr. Paul Zerbinopoulos, N. Kingstown, RI
Academy Fellows Drs. Sheila Hickson-Curran and Monica Roy at the 2012 Foundation Celebration Luncheon. Dr. Tammy Than receiving the 2018 Vincent Ellerbrock Award for contributions to the Academy’s Lectures & Workshops Program.
Do your patients frequently ask about the negative effects of blue light and of prolonged screen use on their eyes? I get the question all the time, too, especially since screen time for work and for pleasure has increased with the pandemic.1 Providing an evidencebased and digestible answer to the inquiry can be a minefield for two reasons. First, there is a plethora of conflicting information on how blue light affects the eyes and the visual system. Sorting through what is true and what is marketing hype is a challenge. Second, the answer is not as simple as, screens and blue light are, or are not, bad for your eyes. Instead, a complete response requires some nuance and tact. I deliver my message in three parts.
First, I emphasize that light emitted from electronic screens is likely not bright enough to damage the eyes. Both sunlight and “screenlight” contain high levels of blue light, compared to the other colors in
the visible spectrum. However, even a cloudy afternoon is brighter than a smartphone screen at full intensity. A sunny afternoon is one-thousand times brighter than a tablet screen – an enormous discrepancy. Although there are reports of a link between sun exposure and the incidence or progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD),2-4 many large epidemiological studies have not reported an association between the two.5-10 Given the lack of conclusive evidence that bright sunlight causes AMD, it should be no surprise that long-term exposure to relatively dim screens is not considered a risk factor for retinal disease.11
Second, I acknowledge that light exposure before bedtime can disrupt sleep. Several hours of screen time in the evening has been linked to delayed melatonin onset, longer sleep latency, less rapid-eye-movement sleep, and next-day decreases in alertness and in brain activity.12 Blue light is not the only culprit for light-related sleep disturbances, however. Ganglion cell photoreceptors are the direct conduit between the eye and the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the body’s master clock. These photon-counting neurons capture light independently from rod-cone input and are mostly, but not only, sensitive to blue light.13,14 They can also capture relatively long-wavelength light, and they receive input from bipolar cells that synapse with rods and cones. Therefore, any light that elicits
a response from outer-segment photoreceptors will drive ganglion cell photoreceptor signaling to the SCN.
Finally, I discuss best practices for keeping the patient’s eyes safe and comfortable while using screens. My first recommendation is to turn down the brightness of any screens used before bedtime. This task can be done manually or by deploying the nighttime filter that comes with many personal electronic devices. These filters likely have a more positive impact on nighttime melatonin production than socalled blue-blocking antireflective coatings.15 I say “so-called” because most of these products block only small amounts of blue light, about ten percent.16 One can get the same reduction in blue light by moving his or her smartphone from twelve inches to thirteen inches in front of the spectacle plane. Moreover, blue-blocking lenses do not lessen digital eye strain any more than equivalent neutral density lenses.17 Second, I stress the importance of maintaining a healthy ocular surface. Blink rate drops from about twelve blinks per minute to about six blinks per minute while using a screen.18 This sharp decrease may cause the ocular surface to dry out and become inflamed due to a lack of tear replenishment. Therefore, I suggest that patients use a highquality artificial tear before starting a long computer session. I also recommend frequent “blink breaks” while using screens. The American Optometric Association’s 20-2020 Rule is a good place to start,
and there are smartphone applications that remind the user to take a break. The 20-20-20 Rule may help prevent digital eyestrain by instructing patients to take a twenty-second break from screens every twenty minutes to look at something twenty feet away. If these two suggestions do not provide relief from the strains of screen use, then a
References
thorough dry-eye or binocular-vision workup is indicated.
Blue light and screens are here to stay. Providing a clear and concise message to your patients about the effects that they have on the eyes and on the visual system will provide them with the information that they need to make
informed decisions about their health. It will also bolster your confidence that you are delivering the best care.
1 Trott M, Driscoll R, Iraldo E et al. Changes and correlates of screen time in adults and children during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. eClinicalMedicine 2022; 48.
2 Taylor HR, West S, Munoz B et al. The long-term effects of visible light on the eye. Arch Ophthalmol 1992; 110: 99-104.
3 Cruickshanks KJ, Klein R, Klein BE et al. Sunlight and the 5-year incidence of early age-related maculopathy: the beaver dam eye study. Arch Ophthalmol 2001; 119: 246-250.
4 Tomany SC, Cruickshanks KJ, Klein R et al. Sunlight and the 10-year incidence of age-related maculopathy: the Beaver Dam Eye Study. Arch Ophthalmol 2004; 122: 750-757.
5 Risk factors for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group. Arch Ophthalmol 1992; 110: 1701-1708.
6 Hirvela H, Luukinen H, Laara E et al. Risk factors of agerelated maculopathy in a population 70 years of age or older. Ophthalmology 1996; 103: 871-877.
7 Darzins P, Mitchell P, Heller RF. Sun exposure and agerelated macular degeneration. An Australian case-control study. Ophthalmology 1997; 104: 770-776.
8 Delcourt C, Carriere I, Ponton-Sanchez A et al. Light exposure and the risk of age-related macular degeneration: the Pathologies Oculaires Liees a l’Age (POLA) study. Arch Ophthalmol 2001; 119: 1463-1468.
9 McCarty CA, Mukesh BN, Fu CL et al. Risk factors for agerelated maculopathy: the Visual Impairment Project. Arch Ophthalmol 2001; 119: 1455-1462.
10 Clemons TE, Milton RC, Klein R et al. Risk factors for the incidence of Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) AREDS report no. 19. Ophthalmology 2005; 112: 533-539.
11 O’Hagan JB, Khazova M, Price LL. Low-energy light bulbs, computers, tablets and the blue light hazard. Eye (Lond) 2016; 30: 230-233.
12 Chang AM, Aeschbach D, Duffy JF et al. Evening use of lightemitting eReaders negatively affects sleep, circadian timing, and next-morning alertness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112: 1232-1237.
13 Berson DM, Dunn FA, Takao M. Phototransduction by retinal ganglion cells that set the circadian clock. Science 2002; 295: 1070-1073.
14 Hattar S, Liao HW, Takao M et al. Melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells: architecture, projections, and intrinsic photosensitivity. Science 2002; 295: 1065-1070.
15 Teran E, Yee-Rendon CM, Ortega-Salazar J et al. Evaluation of Two Strategies for Alleviating the Impact on the Circadian Cycle of Smartphone Screens. Optom Vis Sci 2020; 97: 207217.
16 Leung TW, Li RW, Kee CS. Blue-Light Filtering Spectacle Lenses: Optical and Clinical Performances. Plos One 2017; 12: e0169114.
17 Rosenfield M, Li RT, Kirsch NT. A double-blind test of blueblocking filters on symptoms of digital eye strain. Work 2020; 65: 343-348.
18 Freudenthaler N, Neuf H, Kadner G et al. Characteristics of spontaneous eyeblink activity during video display terminal use in healthy volunteers. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2003; 241: 914-920.
The ninth annual fall meeting of the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Optometry was held on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Midwestern University. Approximately 95 optometrists and students were in attendance at the six hour CE event.
The diverse CE program featured our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Elizabeth Escobedo, who presented a two hour lecture entitled, A Journey with Myopia. Dr. Carla Engelke presented a one hour CE lecture entitled, Uveitis Management Updates, and Dr. Matthew Roe presented a one hour CE lecture entitled, The Phone in the Room: Screen Time, Childhood Development, and Optometry’s Role.
The program concluded with two hours of grand rounds CE featuring Drs. Renee Doss, Simran Brar, Timothy Hug, and Brayden Lundquist. Grand Rounds topics included cavernous hemangioma, pediatric retinoblastoma, conjunctival lymphoma, and conjunctival granuloma formation in a scleral contact lens wearer.
The Arizona Chapter is happy to provide educational travel fellowships in the amount of $750 to one resident and one student within the state to attend the annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry. At the Chapter’s meeting, Dr. Kennedy Hall, a resident at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, was awarded the Chapter’s Resident Travel Fellowship, and Jeremiah Gagnon, a student at the Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry, was announced as the recipient of the Chapter’s Student Travel Fellowship.
The Arizona Chapter’s spring meeting will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023.
Over the last year, the India Chapter has been hard at work supporting future Fellows of the Academy. In October 2021, the chapter offered virtual group coaching sessions to help the 11 Fellowship candidates successful pass their oral examination during Academy 2021 Boston. The Chapter later offered a virtual FAQ session about Fellowship in November 2021 in preparation for the 2022 application cycle. More than 700 optometrists tuned in for this session which can be viewed here. More recently, one of the 2021 new Fellows, Dr. Maanasi Mahalingam presented a workshop on “How to Write a Case Report,” diving into recommended guidelines and the case report review process.
As part of low vision awareness month in February, the India Chapter in collaboration with the local state association offered a CME on “Integrating low vision case into primary eye care.” This session can be viewed on demand here. The chapter has also been working with the Optometry Council of India (OCI) to form special interest groups (SIGs) on clinical optometry, binocular vision, low vision case, and ocular diagnostics.
2021 new Fellow Maanasi Mahalingam shared her tips for case report writing for Academy Fellowship.
This year, Nova will be sending six third year students to present their research at Academy 2022 San Diego.
Nestor Garcia will be presenting a paper titled, “Pupil size and axial length growth in myopic children treated with orthokeratology.” This research was a joint collaboration between Nova Southeastern University and Tianjin Medical University in China. Other authors are Drs. Gregory Hill, Amanda Aker, Hua Bi, Shuxian Zhang, Xiaoyan Yang, and Bin Zhang.
Nova Southeastern University 2022 presenters. (left to right) Xiaofeng Tao, Da Shi, Nestor Garcia, Julia Malon, Ilira Caboku, Cassidy Lawless.
Da Shi will be presenting a poster titled, “The Effect of Cycloplegia on The Spatial Distribution of Relative Peripheral Retina Defocus.” This research was a joint collaboration between Nova Southeastern University and Wenzhou Medical University in China. Other authors are Drs. Hua Bi, Xiaojing Yu, Ruijing Xia, Gregory Hill, and Bin Zhang.
Xiaofeng Tao will be presenting a poster titled, “Playing ‘3D’ Video Games Improves Contrast Sensitivity in Adult Amblyopia.” This research was a joint collaboration between Nova Southeastern University and University of California, Berkeley. Other authors are Drs. Michelle M. Antonucci, Betty Z. Li, Dennis M. Levi, and Roger W. Li.
Ilira Caboku, Cassidy Lawless, and Julia Malone have been working in the same lab under Drs. Kevin Willeford and Zoeanne Schinas. Their group will be presenting a talk titled, “Habitual slow fusional vergence minimizes fusional demand across gaze positions” and a poster titled, “The pupil size artifact is gaze- and time-dependent.”
The chapter is proud of the hard work of these students and grateful to the faculty at Nova for providing such wonderful opportunities.
To fundraise for the American Academy of Optometry Foundation Student Giving Matching Travel Grant program, the chapter organized two events. One was a game night with a silent auction where attendees could purchase tickets for prizes such as local restaurant gift cards, school apparel, sunglasses, LA County Fair tickets, and more. Students, faculty, friends, and family enjoyed a wide array of board games and card games. In addition, our oculomotor skills were put to the test during custommade word search competitions with varying topics from optometry terms to TV show titles. Additionally, the chapter held a virtual raffle with prizes such as a Heine hand-held slit lamp, sunglasses, and suturing kits.
The chapter also awarded two students with $375 VSP Travel “GO” Grants for Academy 2022 San Diego. Thanks to these fundraising endeavors, the school raised $1,500 to be matched by the Foundation.
Western University Student Chapter members engage in a game of jenga during game night.
A future WUCO optometrist participates in the chapter’s virtual raffle.
As we move from the summer to fall semester, I can’t believe how fast the year has gone. As a Fellow, every fall I look forward to the Academy meeting and I am so excited that we are just a few weeks away from Academy 2022 San Diego! This meeting marks the 75th anniversary of your Foundation. The board and I can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with all of you.
During the last year, the American Academy of Optometry Foundation has continued to provide annual grants and awards to students, residents, researchers and faculty. Thanks to the generous support of donors and industry partners, the Foundation provided $850,000 in scholarships, awards and grants and special funds in 2021.
As you are aware, the Foundation has developed six new programs to support the strategic plan of the Academy. We have been working on these during the pandemic and launching programs as they are ready. This year we launch our last campaign program, the Bright Ideas Pitch Competition. Please join us to watch the innovative presentations and future of eye care during Academy 2022 San Diego.
We also hope you will check out our other programs if you haven’t yet. They are value added to Fellows and represent the hard work of AAOF volunteers. First, over the last year we have launched our research podcasts. These are short video podcasts available to all members that discuss new research. Keep up with the latest findings between patients or in your car on the way to the office.
We launched new pilot grants in 2022 to continue our goal of funding top level optometric research and continue our commitment to supporting OD to PhD bridges, with new applications opening soon.
In 2021, we launched our staff training program for newly onboarded staff, available at no cost to Academy Fellows, and the Clinical Investigator Certification (CIC) course, teaching the skills required to conduct rigorous, sponsored clinical trials within your current practice setting. The CIC has had several successful classes over the last two years with a new application window opening in the coming months.
Your Foundation’s commitment to promoting optometric research and furthering eye health and vision remains strong. I hope you will visit the Foundation booth #537, located in the exhibit hall during the Academy meeting to learn more about these programs that have been developed for you or look at our website for these programs.
Please reach out if you would like to help the Foundation with your time and talents or consider making a donation. Every little bit helps our success and your support makes all of our programs possible.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely, Wendy Harrison, OD, PhD, FAAO President, AAOF
This year the Foundation has selected 15 outstanding vision researchers to receive the prestigious Ezell Fellowships. For 74 years, the Ezell Fellowship program, named after Foundation founder Dr. William C. Ezell, has recognized talented optometric researchers pursuing careers in research and education. The Ezell Fellowship program is made possible through the generous endowments and ongoing contributions from members, donors, corporate leaders, and friends of the Foundation.
University of California Berkeley School of Optometry
Research Focus: Photoreceptor Structure and Function in Normal and Retinal Diseases
“I am honored to be a second-time Ezell awardee as the AAO Centennial Ezell Fellow. I am grateful for the Foundation’s support of my research and my career goal to be a vision scientist. I would like to thank my advisors Drs. Austin Roorda, William Tuten, and Jacque Duncan for their exceptional guidance and mentorship. I am also very grateful that Berkeley Optometry has given me invaluable support since the very beginning of my research career.”
University of Houston College of Optometry
Research Focus: Investigating Diurnal Cycles within the Eye
“A PhD program is a transitional season that stretches students to greater capacities that demand greater responsibilities. Through daily mentorship from Dr. Lisa Ostrin and the support from the Foundation, I have the resources to transition from student to teacher; novice to expert; mentee to mentor.”
Technological University Dublin Ireland
Research Focus: The Contribution of Choroidal Thickness to Myopia Progression and Treatment in Myopic Children
“It’s an honor and privilege to receive the Ezell Fellowship to support my PhD research project, which focuses on the contribution of choroidal thickness to myopia progression and treatment in myopic children. I believe this award will contribute toward achieving my career goals in optometry and vision science. I am very grateful to my supervisors and mentors at Technological University Dublin, Prof. James Loughman and Prof. Ian Flitcroft, for their guidance and immense support.”
Indiana University School of Optometry
Research Focus: Obstacle Negotiation in Low Vision
“I am honored to receive the 2022 American Academy of Optometry (AAO) Ezell Fellowship. This award strengthens my ability to be a leader in the field of vision and gait. I am grateful that the AAO is committed to supporting optometric clinician scientists, particularly in low vision research. I want to thank the AAO and my mentor, Dr. Shirin Hassan, for their support in my journey to excel as a clinician scientist.”
The Ohio State University College of Optometry
Research Focus: Driving with Vision Impairment
“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the 2022 American Academy of Optometry Foundation Ezell Fellow. I am immensely grateful for the Foundation’s support as I continue work towards my PhD in vision science at The Ohio State University. I look forward to continuing research in vision impairment and low vision rehabilitation in my career. I would also like to extend my thanks to my advisor, Dr. Bradley E. Dougherty, for his continued encouragement.”
University of New South Wales
Research Focus: Bioimaging of Tear Film Using Nanoparticles
“I am honored to receive the 2022 Bert C. & Lydia M. Corwin Ezell Fellowship. I would like to acknowledge the American Academy of Optometry Foundation for providing support to graduate students through the Ezell Fellowship program. I am incredibly grateful to my supervisors for their continuous guidance. As an Ezell Fellow, I aim to undertake clinically relevant research and improve patient care standards.”
Indiana University School of Optometry
Research Focus: Optical, Imaging and Perceptual
Implications of Myopia Control Strategies in Children
“I am extremely honored to be a second-time Ezell Fellowship recipient. I would like to thank the Foundation, Danne Ventura, and Essilor of America for this prestigious recognition. I extend my gratitude to my advisor, Dr. Pete Kollbaum, for his exceptional guidance and continued encouragement, and to the entire Indiana University School of Optometry community for their support during the past few years. I am also very grateful to the many mentors who guided and supported me. I am committed to upholding Ezell legacy as I continue along my journey as a vision scientist and optometric educator.”
University of Houston College of Optometry
Research Focus: Pathologic Effects of Diet on the Ocular Surface and Interventional Strategies for Mitigating these Pathologies
“I am a PhD candidate in the University of Houston Vision Science graduate program, working under the mentorship of Dr. Alan Burns. Being awarded the Irvin M. Borish/Essilor Ezell Fellowship is a significant and welcomed recognition of my graduate research career. This will be a great springboard to achieving my research ambition.”
The Ohio State University College of Optometry
Research Focus: Population Vision Health in the Pediatric Population
“I am honored to be the recipient of the 2022 John N. Schoen Ezell Fellowship. I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Dean A. VanNasdale, for his support and mentorship. I would also like to thank Dr. John Crews, my BVP clinic colleagues at The Ohio State University for their continued support and mentorship, and my friends and family. Pediatric vision care accessibility and health literacy patient population is at the core of my research drive, and I feel truly honored and grateful that the Foundation chose to support my endeavors this year.”
University of Houston College of Optometry
Research Focus: Use of Multifocal Electroretinography and Retinal Oximetry as Correlated Biomarkers to Improve Early Functional Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy
“The Ezell Fellowship supports graduate students by funding the works of those inspired to change their communities and countries through novel research, as well as promote higher learning for the scientific exploration of ideas that may alter our current knowledge for the betterment of human vision. The Ezell Fellowship has done this and more for my journey, under the mentorship of Dr. Wendy Harrison, to becoming an independent researcher with a passion to prevent diabetic retinopathy.”
University of New South Wales Research Focus: Implementing Evidence-based Diabetic Eyecare in Optometry Practices
“I am incredibly honored to be a second-time Ezell awardee, and to be named the 2022 Merton C. Flom Leadership Ezell Fellow is truly humbling. I have found inspiration in Dr. Flom’s extraordinary contribution to optometric education and vision research. I am very grateful to the Flom family and the American Academy of Optometry Foundation for this recognition, which has reinvigorated my commitment to optometric education and impactful eyecare research. Thank you to my mentors at UNSW Sydney, A/Prof. Isabelle Jalbert, Prof Fiona Stapleton, and Prof Lisa Keay, and my wife, Sushma, for their unwavering support.”
Pacific University College of Optometry
Research Focus: Educational Equity and Equality
“To be awarded the Ezell Fellowship again is such a great honor and privilege. I am truly grateful for the Academy, the Foundation, my research committee, mentors, and Pacific University for always believing in me! Thank you for this amazing honor.”
The Ohio State University College of Optometry
Research Focus: Measuring Eye Shape with B-Scan Ultrasonography
“My dissertation work seeks to better evaluate ocular shape and growth in myopic individuals undergoing myopia control treatments. I am grateful for the crucial support provided by the Ezell Fellowship, allowing me the freedom to focus fully on the pursuit of my educational goals with the mentorship of Dr. Donald Mutti at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.”
State University of New York College of Optometry
Research Focus: The Effect of Myopia on Retinal ganglion cells, astrocytes and vasculature, and its relationship to glaucoma susceptibility
“I am immensely grateful to have received the Optometric Glaucoma Society Ezell Fellowship. This Ezell Fellowship has enhanced my passion for optometric research and will support my career goal of becoming a leading clinician-scientist in optometry. My project is not possible without my mentor, Dr. Alexandra Benavente-Perez.”
University of Houston College of Optometry
Research Focus: Myopia – Optical Modelling and
Assessments of Visual Performance with Lens Designs for Myopia Control
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the 2022 Rod Tahran/Essilor Ezell Fellowship. I am thankful to Dr. Rod Tahran, Essilor, and the Foundation for making this award possible. This Ezell Fellowship will support me in my research to better understand and develop novel myopia control options and in my goal of becoming an independent clinician scientist. I am grateful to my supervisor, Dr. David Berntsen, and the University of Houston College of Optometry for their continued support.”
Mike Daley/Essilor Ezell Fellow Michael G. Harris Ezell FellowThe American Academy of Optometry Foundation was pleased to announce the inaugural 2021 Rhonda S. Robinson Contact Lens Residency Award Recipient, Dr. Elizabeth Cho. Dr. Cho completed a residency in cornea and contact lens at the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University (SCCO).
Dr. Robinson was noted as being one of the “10 female optometrists making an indelible impact on the profession.”
She was an adjunct faculty member at SCCO and was involved in many other organizations before her passing. This award administered in her honor is intended to promote the practice and development of the field of contact lenses by providing incentive and support to talented optometric residents who demonstrate a passion and commitment to practice, research, and education.
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation appreciates the generous support of President’s Circle members. We are pleased to present the new members with special thanks from the American Academy of Optometry Foundation Board of Directors.
Amy Nau
Andrew McLeod
Anne Mika Moy
Brian Kawasaki and Cindy Lum
Chris Wilmer
Esaam Ismail and Sonya Braudway
Evan Kaplan
Fraser Horn
Jeffrey Krohn
John and Jenelle Gialousakis
Julie Schornack
Lakshman Subbaraman and Sruthi Srinivasan
Laura Pardon
Leah Johnson
Linda Rouse
Mike Bacigalupi
Murray and Linda Johnson
Phillip and Emily Yuhas
Wendy Harrison, OD, PhD, FAAO President
Rachel “Stacey” Coulter, OD, MS, FAAO President-Elect
Pete Kollbaum, OD, PhD, FAAO
Immediate Past President
Valerie Sharpe, OD, FAAO Secretary-Treasurer
Kerry A. Giedd, OD, MS, FAAO
April Jasper, OD, FAAO
Kathryn Richdale, OD, PhD, FAAO
David G. Sattler, FAAO
Loretta B. Szczotka-Flynn, OD, PhD, FAAO
Danne Ventura, FNAO, FAAO
A. Mika Moy, OD, FAAO
Suresh Viswanathan, MS, PhD, FAAO
Jennifer L. Coyle, OD, MS, FAAO, Board Liaison
Daniel Roberts, OD, PhD, FAAO, Research Committee Liaison
www.aaopt.org/AAOF
Bob Gray, MS
Vice President, Philanthropy
Richard Jones, CPA Interim Chief Executive Officer
(LeftA W O R D
A c a d e m y 2 0 2 2 S a n D i e g o h a s i t a l l a n d t h e n s o m e — e d u c a t i o n , e x h i b i t s , n e t w o r k i n g , e v e n t s , P L U S a v e r y i m p o r t a n t m i l e s t o n e — t h e A c a d e m y ’s C e n t e n n i a l C e l e b r a t i o n . I t ’s q u i t e a n A c a d e my — d o n ’t m i s s i t !
F R O M T H E B I R D : A c a d e m y 2 0 2 2 S a n D i e g o h a s i t a l l a n d t h e n s o m e — e d u c a t i o n , e x h i b i t s , n e t w o r k i n g , e v e n t s , P L U S a v e r y i m p o r t a n t m i l e s t o n e t h e A c a d e m y ’s C e n t e n n i a l C e l e b r a t i o n . I t ’s q u i t e a n A c a d e my — d o n ’t m i s s i t ! R e g i s t e r a t a a o p t . o r g R. e g i s t e r a t a a o p t . o r g .
American Academy of Optometry
622 E. Washington St. Ste. 300 Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Phone: 321-319-4860 Toll-Free: 844-323-EYES (3937) www.aaopt.org www.academymeeting.org
Communications Committee Chair: Tammy Than, MS, OD, FAAO, Sun City, AZ
Editors:
Michelle Edwards, Orlando, FL
Kayla Ritten, MBA, CAE, Orlando, FL
President: Timothy T. McMahon, OD, FAAO, Chicago, IL
President-Elect: Susan A. Cotter, OD, MS, FAAO, Fullerton, CA
Secretary-Treasurer: Jeffrey J. Walline, OD, PhD, FAAO, Columbus, OH
Immediate Past President: Barbara Caffery, OD, PhD, FAAO, Toronto, Canada
Board Member: Jennifer L. Coyle, OD, MS, FAAO, Forest Grove, OR Board Member: Andrew B. Mick, OD, FAAO, San Francisco, CA Board Member: Carl H. Spear, OD, MBA, FAAO, Pensacola, FL Board Member: Chris S. Wilmer, OD, FAAO, Oakland, CA
Richard Jones, CPA
Interim Chief Executive Officer
RichardJ@aaoptom.org
Noraine Caballero
Data Specialist NoraineC@aaoptom.org
Steve Dunne
Event Operations Specialist SteveD@aaoptom.org
Dana Edwards, MLIS Directory, Information Technology DanaE@aaoptom.org
Michelle Edwards
Vice President, Marketing MichelleE@aaoptom.org
Bob Gray, MS Vice President, Philanthropy BobG@aaoptom.org
David Harrison Director, Digital Engagement DavidH@aaoptom.org
Sarah Kidd
Human Resources Manager SarahK@aaoptom.org
Ewa Koguciuk Coordinator, Education EwaK@aaoptom.org
JoEl LaBorde Vice President, Strategic Initiatives JoL@aaoptom.org
Zaide LaBoy Coordinator, Meetings & Industry Relations ZaideL@aaoptom.org
Amy Loy Meetings Manager AmyL@aaoptom.org
Michael Markese Coordinator, Accounting MichaelM@aaoptom.org
Ian Mitchell, CPA, MBA Accounting Manager IanM@aaoptom.org
Kayla Ritten, MBA, CAE Director, Membership KaylaR@aaoptom.org
Sherry Sreekrisenjee Accounting Manager SherryS@aaoptom.org
Betty Taylor, CEM Vice President, Meetings & Industry Relations BettyT@aaoptom.org
Christina Velasquez Director, Education ChristinaV@aaoptom.org
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Adrienne Wilhoite
Exhibits & Corporate Support Manager AdrienneW@aaoptom.org