Saturday, August 14, 2010

National Academies of Practice Welcomes New Members


Dominick Maino, OD, MEd, FAAO, FCOVD-A and Andrea Thau, FAAO, FCOVD were recently elected into the National Academies of Practice for 2010-11. This Washington DC based organization is composed of distinguished practitioners and scholars within various health care disciplines including: dentistry, medicine, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, podiatry, psychology, social work and veterinary medicine. Members work together to advance coordinated, accountable, accessible and affordable health care for all and to offer guidance and perspective to our health care policy makers within the United States and beyond.

As a Professor of Pediatrics/Binocular Vision at the Illinois College of Optometry, I am proud to note that my ICO colleagues Drs. Arol Augsburger, Sandra Block, Jan Jurkus, Alfred A. Rosenbloom (emeritus) and (off campus preceptors) Louise Sclafani, Joan Stelmack, Barry Eiden, and Tracy Williams are also members of NAP.

I am also proud of the many optometrists within the College of Optometrists in Vision Development who have been inducted into this elite institution as well including: Drs. Sandra Block, Kenneth Ciuffreda, Rachael Coulter, Paul B. Freeman, Daniel D. Gottlieb, Lynn F. Hellerstein, Eric T. Ikeda, Steven A. Levin, Sue E. Lowe, Carol E. Marusich, Robert B. Sanet, Arnold Sherman, and Glen T. Steele. (Emeritus members: Nathan Flax, Harold A. Solan).

The Artists of Casa Italia ConNeXxions Art Exhibition Great Success!


I had the honor of exhibiting about 17 of my photographs with some of the finest internationally known Italian American artists now living in the Chicago-land area. (Click on title above to see photographs of event.) The ConNeXxions art exhibition featured well known artists such as Walter S. Arnold, John Baggio, Horacio Baggio, Laura Baggio, Wayne Bertola, John Bucci, Mary Jo Bruno,
Christina Caruso, Vincent Coppola, Giovanna Cecchi-Hopkins, Franco Demonte, Dominick M. Maino, Louis F. Mustari, Tom Palazzolo, Thomas Amato, Lenice Colangelo, and Gloria Rigoni. These artists represent a wide range of the creative arts including painting, sculpting, stone carving and photography.

This exhibition will run at Casa Italia until August 16th and then be moved to the Addison Town Hall Rotunda in Addison, Il.

Want to know what an optometrist's Artist’s Statement would sounds like? Look below:

Dominick easily brings his profession into the act of photographic creation. As a Professor at the Illinois College of Optometry/Illinois Eye Institute, he is aware of the importance of single, clear, comfortable, two-eyed vision. Each of these concepts is applied to his photography. Whether he is photographing a single subject, a fire eater's flaming explosion, or a vase of colorful flowers. His art speaks of his clarity of vision; his ability to process visual information into an artful expression, and his enthusiastic outlook on the world. Dominick's exhibitions as a featured artist have taken place at the NINE2FIVEGallery (Kansas City); Gallery ABBA (Beloit, WI); a "Gallery of faith" (St. Bartholomew Church, Chicago), Addison Rotunda, Cook County Treasure’s Office and various other venues. His photographs have appeared in Kansas City Voices (juried art/literary journal), The Archdiocese of Chicago: A Journey of Faith and published on the covers of the Catholic New World, Optometric Education and Optometry & Vision Development.

Friday, August 13, 2010

3D TV Is Here, But Is It Harmful To Young Eyes?


...according to Dr. Dominick Maino, a Professor of Pediatrics specializing in Binocular Vision, and speaking on behalf of The American Optometric Association, there is "currently no evidence to support the belief that 3D movies harm the eyes."...this new technology, "can and does ... cause eye strain, double vision, headaches and even nausea" adding "it literally hurts to see." ...parents who may be concerned about the effects of 3D viewing to ensure their children receive regular comprehensive eye examinations that include an assessment of the binocular vision system. "[Eye exams] should be done at least once a year while a child is in school," advises Dr. Maino. "Parents may also want to limit 3D television/video game viewing time as well," he suggests, ...Finally, Dr. Maino says, "If family members do begin suffering from eye strain, double vision or any other symptoms associated with 3D movie viewing, they should know that optometric vision therapy can help correct the problems causing the pain."...

Comments: I was interviewed for Parents Television Council. DM

Therapy reboots vision system for brain injury patients

... For most of us, clear vision is as easy as opening our eyes. However, every year 1.4 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury that could affect their ability to see....Three years ago, a stroke injured the part of Bill Madison's brain that interprets vision.....Madison recovered from the stroke, but vision problems lingered ....“This can create a lot of anxiety for patients because they know that something is not right,” ... optometrist Dr. Sue Durham said....

Comments: Read all about it by clicking the title above. DM

AAO Papers Pediatrics, Binocular Vision, Special Populations


A sampling of the AAO Papers on Pediatrics, Binocular Vision, Special Populations November 17th 2010

CROWDING IN CHILDREN’S VISUAL ACUITY MEASUREMENT: THE IMPORTANCE OF GAZE CONTROL AND CONTOUR INTERACTION (100893) Yvonne Norgett, BSc, MCOptom, John Siderov, MScOptom, PhD, FAAO, Anglia Ruskin University

OPTIMIZING THE BENEFITS OF PERCEPTUAL LEARNING ON READING PERFORMANCE IN NORMAL PERIPHERAL VISION (100935) Amit Arunkumar, Jean-Baptiste Bernard, PhD, Susana TL Chung, OD, PhD, FAAO, University of California Berkeley

TINTED LENSES FOR IMPROVING COMFORT DURING COMPUTER USE (100919) James Kundart, OD, MEd, FAAO, Scott C. Cooper, OD, MEd, FAAO, James E. Sheedy, OD, PhD,FAAO, John R. Hayes, PhD, Pacific University

EFFECTIVENESS OF VISION THERAPY FOR IMPROVING ACCOMMODATIVE AMPLITUDE AND FACILITY (100793)Mitchell M. Scheiman, OD, FAAO FCOVD, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, G.Lynn Mitchell, BS, MAS, FAAO, Ohio State University, Susan A. Cotter, OD, MS, FAAO, Southern California College of Optometry, Marjean T. Kulp, OD, MS, FAAO, Ohio State University, Mary Bartuccio, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, Mark Boas, OD MS, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, Ida Chung, OD FCOVD FAAO, State University of New York College of Optometry, Michael F. Gallaway, OD, FAAO, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University Kristine B. Hopkins, OD, MSPH FAAO, University of Alabama at Birmingham, CITT Investigator Group

DOES ACCOMMODATIVE INSUFFICIENCY AFFECT SUCCESS OF CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY THERAPY? (100842)Marjean T. Kulp, OD, MS, FAAO, The Ohio State University College of Optometry, G. Lynn Mitchell,BS, MAS, FAAO, The Ohio State University College of Optometry, Mitchell M. Scheiman, OD, FAAO FCOVD, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, Susan A. Cotter, OD, MS, FAAO,Southern California College of Optometry, Ida Chung, OD, FCOVD, FAAO, State University of New York College of Optometry, Jeffrey Cooper, MS, OD, FAAO, State University of New York College of Optometry, Rachel A. Coulter, OD, FAAO, Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, Michael F. Gallaway, OD, FAAO, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, Richard Hertle, MD, Kristine B. Hopkins, OD, MSPH, FAAO, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Susanna Tamkins, OD, FAAO, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Yin C. Tea, OD, FAAO, Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, CITT Study Group

ADHD AND PROBLEM BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN WITH SYMPTOMATIC CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY (100132) Eric Borsting, OD, MS, FAAO, Southern California College of Optometry, G. Lynn Mitchell, BS, MAS, FAAO, Ohio State University, Mitchell M. Scheiman, OD, FAAO FCOVD, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, Chris Chase, PhD, FAAO, Western University of Health Sciences -College of Optometry, Marjean T. Kulp, OD, MS, FAAO, Ohio State University, Susan A. Cotter, OD, MS, FAAO, Southern California College of Optometry, Rachel A. Coulter, OD, FAAO, Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, Kristine B. Hopkins, OD, MSPH FAAO, University of Alabama at Birmingham Audra D Steiner, State University of New York College of Optometry, Susanna Tamkins, OD, FAAO, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, CITT-RS Study Group

OBJECTIVE MEASURES OF THE EFFECTS OF THE “READ WITHOUT GLASSES METHOD” (100107)
Kristine B. Hopkins, OD, MSPH FAAO, Caroline B. Pate, OD, FAAO, David Corliss, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham

ACCOMMODATIVE FACILITY MEASURED BY +/-2.00 FLIPPER AND DIOPTRICALLY EQUIVALENT TARGET DISTANCES (100807) Angela M. Chen, OD, MS, Eric Borsting, OD, MS, FAAO, Mindy Lao, OD, Jinyu Yang, OD, Southern California College of Optometry

COLOR REDUCES ACCOMMODATIVE LAG FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH VISUAL STRESS AND DISCOMFORT (100933)Chris Chase, PhD, FAAO, Western University of Health Sciences - College of Optometry, Peter Allen,PhD, Anglia Ruskin University, Eric Borsting, OD, MS, FAAO, Southern California College of Optometry, William H. Ridder, OD, PhD, FAAO, Southern California College of Optometry, ChinastuTosha, PhD, Jules Stein Eye Institute

THE ROLE OF STIMULUS FORMAT IN MEASUREMENTS OF THE AC/A RATIO IN 3-YEAR-OLDS AND ADULTS (100404) Danielle F.W. Teel, OD, FAAO, Rowan Candy, MCOptom PhD, FAAO, Indiana University

THE STABILITY OF INDIVIDUALS’ RESPONSES TO BLUR AND DISPARITY DURING INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD (100410) Tawna Roberts, OD, Shrikant R. Bharadwaj, BS PhD, Rowan Candy, MCOptom PhD, FAAO, Indiana University

Optometric Education, Pediatrics, Binocular Vision. TBI Posters at the AAO on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Come to the American Academy of Optometry Meeting in San Francisco this November!
Here's some of what you will see!
Optometric Education, Pediatrics, Binocular Vision Posters at the AAO on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2010 (Boldfaced ICO presentations)

42. EDUCATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF A SCHOOL VISION SCREENING PROGRAM BY 1ST YEAR OPTOMETRY STUDENTS (105737)Kristy Remick-Waltman, OD, Daniel Kurtz, OD, PhD, FAAO, Western University of Health Sciences - College of Optometry

43. AN INVESTIGATION OF CLINICAL TEACHING METHODOLOGY AT TWO OPTOMETRY COLLEGES (105022)
Leon Nehmad, OD, MSW, FAAO, State University of New York College of Optometry, Aurora Denial, OD, FAAO, New England College of Optometry, Julia Appel, OD, FAAO, State University of New York College of Optometry

44. A COMPARISON OF LEARNING STYLES ACROSS THE DECADES (105129) Jill Pitts, OD, Tressa Eubank, OD, FAAO, Southern College of Optometry

45. FACULTY PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH (105131) Aurora Denial, OD, FAAO, The New England College of Optometry, Elizabeth Hoppe, OD,MPH, DrPH, FAAO, Western University of Health Sciences - College of Optometry

46. EXPERIENCE WITH AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS PODCAST-ASSISTED LEARNING AMONG STUDENTS AND FACULTY AT SALUS UNIVERSITY (SU) (105235) Shana M. Barrett, BS, Derek Mladenovich, OD, FAAO, MPH, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

47. PEER-TO-PEER TEACHING IN OPTOMETRIC EDUCATION (105402)Anne-Marie Lahr, BS, OD, Erica Turner, MPH, Michael Schumacher, BS, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University

48. A LOW COST FLEXIBLE SOFTWARE PLATFORM FOR VISUAL PERCEPTION LAB INSTRUCTION (105392)
Daniel R. Coates, MS, University of California Berkeley

49. INTERNATIONAL OPTOMETRIC BRIDGING PROGRAM: THE CORRELATION BETWEEN PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT AND CANADIAN STANDARD ASSESSMENT IN OPTOMETRY OUTCOMES (105421) Jenna M. Hildebrand, MSc, BSc, Susan Cooper, OD, FAAO, University of Waterloo

50. ORTHOPTIC TRAINING: A MASKED PILOT STUDY COMPARING 3 EXERCISE REGIMES PERFORMED AT HOME BY ADULTS (105843) Marten F. Fortuin, BSc (hons), FAAO, Hogeschool Utrecht Opleiding Optometrie, Bruce JW Evans, BSc, PhD, FCOptom, Dip. CLP, FAAO, City University, David Edgar, City University,Silvia de Graaf Eye Hospital

51. VISION THERAPY MANAGEMENT FOR DISSOCIATED HORIZONTAL DEVIATION (105906) Yi Pang, PhD, OD, FAAO, Kelly A. Frantz, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, Illinois College of Optometry

52. IMPROVING STEREOACUITY IN PREVIOUSLY TREATED NON-STRABISMIC AMBLYOPIA THROUGH PERCEPTUAL LEARNING: A NOVEL TREATMENT APPROACH FOR SUBNORMAL STEREOPSIS (105677)
Roger W. Li, BSc (Optom), PhD, University of California Berkeley, Jennifer Luu, University of California Berkeley, Charlie V. Ngo, University of California Berkeley, Jenny Yuen, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Sharon Yang, University of California Berkeley, Chelsea Wong, University of California Berkeley, Sandy Chat, University of California Berkeley, Dennis M. Levi, OD, MS, PhD, FAAO, University of California Berkeley

53. THE CORRELATION BETWEEN INTELLIGENCE AND READING ABILITY IN CHILDREN WITH SYMPTOMATIC CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY (105082) G. Lynn Mitchell, BS, MAS, FAAO, Ohio State University, Eric Borsting, OD, MS, FAAO,Southern California College of Optometry, Chris Chase, PhD, FAAO, Western University of Health Sciences - College of Optometry, Mitchell M. Scheiman, OD, FAAO, FCOVD,Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, Marjean T. Kulp, OD, MS, FAAO, Ohio State University, Susan A. Cotter, OD, MS, FAAO, Southern California College of Optometry,Rachel A. Coulter, OD, FAAO, Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, Kristine B.Hopkins, OD, MSPH, FAAO, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Audra D. Steiner, State University of New York College of Optometry, Susanna Tamkins, OD, FAAO, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, CITT-RS Study Group

54. VALIDITY OF THE CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY SYMPTOM SURVEY IN ADULTS (105288)Sak Lee, Postgraduate, Eulji University Graduate School of Public Health, Mijeong Kwon, MPH,VPI, Pacific University College of Optometry, Seungsun Baek, PhD, Daejeon Health and Science College, Jeonghee Eom, PhD, Masan College, Kichoong Mah, PhD, FAAO, Eulji University Graduate School of Public Health

55. A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE OF VISUAL DEFICITS AFTER MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SECONDARY TO BLAST EXPOSURE DURING MILITARY DEPLOYMENT (105995)Catherine McDaniel, OD, MS, Suzanne Wickum, OD, FAAO, University of Houston

56. BINOCULAR VISION DYSFUNCTION POST BRAIN INJURY (105062) Joseph S. Conrad, BS, Marjean Taylor Kulp, OD, MS, FAAO, Ohio State University

57. BINOCULAR VERSUS MONOCULAR ACCOMMODATION IN MYOPIC AND EMMETROPIC CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT NEAR PHORIAS (105352) Vidhyapriya Sreenivasan, BSOptom, MSc, Elizabeth Irving, OD, PhD, William R. Bobier, OD,PhD, FAAO, MCOptom, University of Waterloo

58. PHORIA ADAPTATION TO NEAR WORK IN MYOPIC AND EMMETROPIC CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT PHORIAS (105363) Vidhyapriya Sreenivasan, BS Optom, MSc, Elizabeth Irving, OD, PhD, William R. Bobier, OD,PhD, FAAO, MCOptom, University of Waterloo

59. VISUAL FATIGUE EFFECTS ON ACCOMMODATIVE DYNAMICS (105957)Preethi Thiagarajan, BS Optom, MS, Kenneth J. Ciuffreda, OD, PhD, FAAO, Diplomate Binocular Vision, Perception, and Pediatric, State University of New York College of Optometry

60. THE PREVALENCE OF BINOCULAR VISION ANOMALIES IN THE ELDERLY (105972)Susan J. Leat, PhD, FAAO, FCOptom, University of Waterloo, Priya Maharaj, Patricia K. Hrynchak, OD, FAAO, Andrea Mittelstaedt, Carolyn M. Machan, OD, Elizabeth L. Irving, OD,PhD

61. STEADY-STATE VARIABILITY AS AN INDICATOR FOR VERGENCE FATIGUE (105961) Preethi Thiagarajan, BSOptometry, MS, Kenneth J. Ciuffreda, OD, PhD, FAAO, Diplomate,Binocular Vision, Perception, and Pediatric, Diana Ludlam, BS, VT, State University of New York College of Optometry

62. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AMBLYOPIA THERAPY AND INTEROCULAR INTERACTION EFFECTS (105155) Xinjie Lai, MOptom, University of New South Wales, Jack Alexander, PhD, University of New
South Wales, Zhikuan Yang, MD, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Mingguang He, MD,Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Catherine M. Suttle, PhD, MCOptom, University of New South Wales

63. EVALUATION OF BINOCULAR FUNCTION AMONG PRE/EARLY PRESBYOPES WITH ASTHENOPIA (105221)
William T Reindel, OD, MS, Bausch & Lomb Inc., Gerard Cairns, PhD, MCOptom, FBCLA FAAO, Bausch & Lomb Inc., Lening Zhang, PhD, Bausch & Lomb Inc., Kirk Bateman, MS,Bausch & Lomb Inc.

64. THE 3 D VISION SYNDROME:A CASE REPORT (105835)Dominick M. Maino, OD, MEd, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry


65. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH STRABISMUS IN SPINA BIFIDA MYELOMENINGOCELE (105937)Heather Anne Anderson, OD, PhD, FAAO, University of Houston, Karla Stuebing, PhD,University of Houston, Ray Buncic, MD, FRCSC, University of Toronto, Malcolm Mazow, MD,FACS, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Jack Fletcher, PhD, University of Houston

66. SENSORY ADAPTATION CONSIDERATIONS IN STRABISMICS: A CASE REPORT FOCUSING ON HORROR FUSIONALIS (105074) Kelly C. Kao, OD, M.H. Esther Han, OD, FCOVD, Steven Shaby, OD, FCOVD, State University of New York College of Optometry

Search here for more posters.

AAO Poster Information


The American Academy of Optometry was kind enough to accept two of my poster submissions. These can be reviewed on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2010 Third Floor Lobby

I will be at my poster:

64. THE 3 D VISION SYNDROME:A CASE REPORT (105835)
Dominick M. Maino, OD, MEd, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry

from 2 to 4 PM. Please come by so we can talk, discuss, debate and share great ideas!

My other poster presentation is

10. TRISOMY 8 TURNERS SYNDROME & TRIPLE X:A CASE REPORT (105832)
Dominick M. Maino, OD, MEd, FAAO, Illinois College of Optometry, Alicia Feis, OD

Come to the poster session on

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 Third Floor Lobby and I will be present to again talk, discuss, and share great ideas from 1:30 - 3:30pm.

See you in San Francisco! DM

Thursday, August 12, 2010

News Releases You Should Not Have Missed!

Vision, Learning & Dyslexia - All-Pro Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald Sets the Record Straight

Most Back to School Shopping Lists Are Missing 17 Critical Items - Doctors offer advice to parents to ensure academic success

From 3D Vision to Acquired Brain Injury: New Issue of Optometric Journal Shares Insights for All

Is Your Child Ready for 'How to Train Your Dragon' 3D Movie?

Millions Suffer From Undiagnosed Vision Problems

Back-to-School Checklist Should Include Trip to Eye Doctor

New Moms Encouraged To Schedule Eye Assessment For Infants

New AOA Report Reveals High Number of Infants With Untreated Eye and Vision Problems

Prevent Blindness America Wants All Children to be Star Pupils

Migraine with aura in children

... Migraine with aura in children is reviewed, including migraine equivalents such as abdominal migraine and the particular presentation of hemiplegic migraine. An approach to the prophylactic and acute treatment for children with migraine with aura is offered....

Comments: Free PDF of this article is available by clicking on the title above. DM

For infant sleep, receptiveness more important than routine

...In the study, which examined mothers' behaviors during infants' bedtimes, parents had the most success with their children's sleep when they responded appropriately to their children's cues. These include showing disinterest in an activity or simply glancing inquisitively at a parent. For example, one mother in the study talked quietly and gently to her 6-month-old infant while breastfeeding. ...

Majority Of Medical School Students Say Virtual Reality Exercises Could Help Them To Develop Skills.



HealthDay (8/11, Mozes) reported that "the vast majority of medical school students believe that technology in the form of virtual reality exercises could help them to develop the skills they will need as future doctors," according to the results of a survey published online in BMC Medical Education. Researchers found that "four out of five of those polled said that video games can have educational value, while more than three-quarters said they would be willing to engage in an online role-play in a virtual healthcare setting alongside other student players, if it could help them meet educational goals."

APHA Annual Meeting & Exposition


...The APHA Annual Meeting & Exposition is the premier Public Health Educational Forum! Learn from the experts in the field, hear about cutting edge research and exceptional best practices, discover the latest public health products and services, and share your public health experience with your peers. The world of public health is in continual motion, and there is no better way to stay abreast of the research and learn about emerging issues....

Comments: This is a most amazing organization. Please condering joining up....and going to this meeting if possible. The APHA has been most supportivie of optometry. DM

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Complications of strabismus surgery.

...Damage to structures adjacent to muscles and scleral perforations ...Orbital inflammations and anterior segment ischemia .... Slippage of muscles ....Conjunctival cysts and wound irregularities ... Postoperative alignment may be compromised ... Nausea and vomiting ...serious anesthesia complications ....

Comments: A second opinion is always a good idea. DM

You Play Video Games Like A Cyclops


...You might have a pair of eyes, but when you’re playing first-person video games, you’re no better than a cyclops. Neuroscientist Mark Changizi explains how our cyclops-vision helps pinpoint what we’re missing out on when we lose an eye....

Revising the rules of perception

...The adult brain has more plasticity than previously thought...
The human brain never stops adapting to its environment in a constant quest to formulate what the mind perceives based on what the eyes see, according to findings from a research team that includes two Vanderbilt neuroscientists. The article, “Experience-driven plasticity in binocular vision,” is slated for the July 29 issue of Current Biology.

Seaside Therapeutics Reports Data From Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Study In Fragile X Syndrome

....clinically meaningful improvements on global and specific neurobehavioral outcomes were observed in the general study population. The improvements were statistically significant in pediatric patients with more severe impairments in sociability -- a core symptom of fragile X syndrome...

Vision issues can impact kids' learning

...For children returning to school, vision problems can mean more than just making sure your child has 20/20 vision. In fact, there are some common conditions that can really get in the way of kids' ability to learn. Katie Both, a sixth-grader, had vision problems which really hurt her reading skills....her eyes would hurt, .. ended up rubbing them...."When she would read, she would squirm and wiggle around and just be real anxious," ...Katie has binocular dysfunction, which means her brain is not syncing up the muscles that coordinate her eyes....

Dorsal midbrain syndrome

These patients may present with convergence insufficiency...but should be referred for a neurological consultation. DM

Green Laser Pointers May Emit High Levels Of Invisible, Potentially Dangerous Infrared Light.


Green Laser Pointers May Emit High Levels Of Invisible, Potentially Dangerous Infrared Light.

WebMD reported that, according to research detailed in the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Technical Note 1668, "green laser pointers may emit high levels of invisible and potentially dangerous infrared light." Researchers "bought three low-cost green laser pointers that had been advertised to have a power output of 10 milliwatts," but found that one particular laser "delivered infrared levels of nearly 20 milliwatts," enough light to cause retinal damage. The investigators pointed out that inadequate testing during manufacturing may account for the intense infrared emissions found in some laser pointers....

Bad News for 3D TV Makers: 10 Percent of Viewers Can’t See in 3D


Having only one eye, the cyclops does not have to worry about seeing in 3D. He can't! If you can't see in 3D...see me...or any of the fine docs who are members of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. DM

...There is a throwaway line in the 1998 movie Can't Hardly Wait, where a character laments how a bully-inflicted eye injury ruined a movie going experience. "My parents took me to a 3D film. I saw no third dimension." To many that statement of seeing no third dimension rings true, even as 3D HDTVs arrive in the home.....

The True Health Risks of 3D TV


...Dizziness, nausea and spilled popcorn, we can deal with. But does watching 3D TV have any long-term health risks? Will 3D TV make us sick?...

CI: The Private Eye Goes Public - Part 1

...As concerned parents we all want the best for our children. ...What? How could a child in the year 2010 be suffering from a significant eye disorder in the US and yet have a high probability that the disorder will not be recognized and properly managed by a large percentage of eye doctors?...

Comments: Check out this blog today!

The Effect of Bifocal Add on Accommodative Lag in Myopic Children with High Accommodative Lag

...A +2.00-D bifocal add did not eliminate accommodative lag and reduced lag by less than 25% of the bifocal power, indicating that children mainly responded to a bifocal by decreasing accommodation. If myopic progression is substantial, measuring lag with full correction can overestimate the hyperopic retinal blur that a child most recently experienced....

Comments: Hats off to my fine colleagues, Drs. David A Berntsen, Donald O Mutti, and Karla Zadnik for publishnig this article in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science DM

Spinal fluid proteins can help diagnose Alzheimer's

..........Measuring certain proteins in spinal fluid can accurately diagnose Alzheimer's and predict which patients with memory problems will develop the fatal brain-wasting disease, ....And they may also help identify early signs of the disease in healthy people...

Autism and Antidepressants

...One in 100 children born today will be diagnosed with Autism. But a frequently prescribed drug may not be the best treatment for these kids. A new study suggests antidepressants should not be recommended....Autism spectrum disorders are often difficult to treat. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most commonly-prescribed drugs. However, these medications have not been specifically approved by any drug authority for the treatment of autism....

Eye Health for the Workplace


...Do you ever experience red or watery eyes, blurry vision or have difficulty focusing after an eight-hour day at work? Together these symptoms may result in computer-related eye problems, but someone can have them without working on a computer. The patients that come to my office often have physical and visual symptoms resulting from an office work environment. Here are some common symptoms and possible solutions to help your eye health during work....

Comments: My friend and colleague, Dr. Nathan Bonilla-Warford of Bright Eyes Family Vision Care, recently commented on Computer Vision Syndrome for the folks at VSP. Click the title above to read all about it! DM

Learning disability could be vision issue


....Here's an important fact to keep in mind as students head back to school - vision disorders are the No. 1 handicapping condition of children....Unfortunately, this problem exists because vision problems often go untreated or are misdiagnosed....August is National Children's Vision and Learning Month. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development has promoted this awareness month for years....The organization's goal is to inform parents and educators about the critical link between vision and learning....

Comments: Goto http://www.covd.org for more info about children's vision and how to diagnose and treat vision problems that can affect learning, sports...even watching 3D movies! DM

Monday, August 9, 2010

An Evening with Stereo Sue


The Pediatric and Binocular Vision Service (PBVS) of the Michigan College of Optometry is proud to announce an informative and educational evening with Dr. Susan Barry. Please plan to spend the evening of September 17th, 2010 with us.

Dr. Susan Barry is a neuroscience researcher, educator and author who specializes in stereovision and neuroplasticity. Following multiple surgical corrections for infantile esotropia, Dr. Barry had been told for the majority of her adult life that she was stereoblind and beyond the critical period for recovering binocular vision. However, in 2002she embarked on a program of vision therapy that not only relieved her from occasional double vision but actually restored her stereovision.

Dr. Barry now incorporates her own perspective as a patient into her teaching and writing about neuroplasticity and vision to her students, and audiences of parents, patients, and doctors across the country. She recently authored an autobiographical account of her experience in Fixing My Gaze: A Scientist’s Journey into Seeing in Three Dimensions. Lucky for us, Dr. Barry has agreed to help us celebrate the construction of the new home for the Michigan College of Optometry and help us raise money for the Pediatric and Binocular Vision Service.


Comments: If you haven't heard Sue speak....this is a "must go to" event! DM