The graying of America is resulting in a growing incidence of low vision, particularly macular degeneration. In response, the American Optometric Association (AOA)/Low Vision Section and Optelec are teaming up to better prepare the optometrists of tomorrow. They intend to increase the number of eye care professionals who include low vision-care for individuals with macular degeneration and other vision impairments-as part of their practice. Low vision affects approximately 20 million Americans, more than half of whom have macular degeneration.
The Westford, Massachusetts, company is sponsoring a three-year program designed to increase awareness of low vision rehabilitation among today's optometry students. The program was launched on May 10, when AOA/Low Vision Section and Optelec representatives arrived at Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, CA, to spread the word about the growing number of people who struggle with vision that cannot be corrected with regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery.
Doctors of optometry examine, diagnose, treat and manage eye disorders. Each year, approximately 1,200 individuals graduate from the nation's 16 optometry colleges. But there is a growing need for optometrists who specialize in low vision.
"An aging baby-boomer population is creating the need for more low vision specialists," says R. Tracy Williams, OD, secretary of the AOA/Low Vision Section and executive director of the Deicke Center for Visual Rehabilitation in Wheaton, Illinois. Williams is a strong believer in the use of technology by individuals with low vision to maintain function and independence.
Optelec's ClearView video magnifier, which allows users to read and perform close work, is the market leader. According to Alan Rabin, president of Optelec, staff at the company helped develop the notion of making presentations at most of the nation's optometry colleges and brought the idea to the AOA/Low Vision Section. "Our organizations share the same goal-getting easy-to-use, effective technology into the hands of individuals with low vision," says Rabin. "Most people with low vision are unaware of today's vision aids."
"We want the optometrists of tomorrow to understand the impact they can have on the lives of their patients," says Williams. "This partnership with Optelec is helping to accomplish that."
When the AOA, which is based in St. Louis, Missouri, holds its 104th Congress in Boston, MA, from June 27 to July 1, Optelec will be formally recognized for its role in developing and funding the innovative optometry school program.
Optelec, a member of the Tieman Group, is the U.S. market leader for products that allow individuals with low vision, including macular degeneration, to perform many of their normal activities and remain independent. The company's premier product line, the ClearView video magnifier, combines outstanding optical technology with ease of use and has received broad endorsement from users and eye care professionals. Optelec, head-quartered in Westford, Massachusetts, is dedicated to raising awareness of low vision and continually developing new products for individuals with low vision. The company's products are available through a network of distributors that covers the U.S. and Canada.