On the occasion of World Glaucoma Week which will take place from March 8 to 14, 2020, Dr. Mark Eltis gives us an update on this disease now redefined as an optic neuropathy. Watch Dr. Mark Eltis during one of his presentations at one of the following events: Inside Optics (ON), OAC/OOA National Webcast (All Canada), Vision British Columbia and Salon Vision-R (QC). For more information, visit www.oaclive.ca
GLAUCOMA - By Dr. Mark Eltis, OD
For years glaucoma was considered to be a disease caused by high eye pressure (greater than 21 mmHg). The disease has been redefined as an optic neuropathy with field loss resulting from pressure unacceptably high for the optic nerve head. Therefore, the simplistic cut-off point of 21 mmHg seems outdated and invalid. Despite the prevalence of glaucoma, a universal definition of the disease is still absent.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. Approximately 2% of the U.S. population older than 40 have glaucoma and, with the aging of the population, the number of patients with the disease is expected to increase. Glaucomatous nerve damage generally has no symptoms until the advanced stages. There is a large body of evidence to suggest that an estimated 50% of those with glaucoma have not been diagnosed.
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common glaucoma represents 90-95% of cases. POAG is defined by optic neuropathy in the absence of an identifiable secondary cause. POAG is a bilateral condition, but disease progression may be asymmetric. The disease can be divided into high tension glaucoma (HTG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Although it is frequently accompanied by increased intra-ocular pressure (IOP), POAG can exist in patients with normal IOP. Up to 50% of patients with glaucoma never have an IOP above the statistical norm. Therefore, IOP alone is not reliable for glaucoma screening. However, IOP remains the only modifiable risk factor. Early detection is critical to prevent permanent structural damage and irreversible vision loss. Continue Reading...
EYES WIDE OPEN EPISODE 6: THE STATE OF THE NATION – AN OPTICIANRY PERSPECTIVE
Dr. Glen Chiasson explores a wide range of professional issues with guest Robert Dalton, Executive Director of the Opticians Association of Canada.
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a coronavirus. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold.
Symptoms of human coronaviruses may be very mild or more serious, such as: fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
The best way to prevent the spread of infections is to:
wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands;
avoid close contact with people who are sick;
cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hands; and
stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
VISION 2020: LIVING WITH VISION LOSS
The OAC is proud to be a contributing partner of the VISION 2020: Living with Vision Loss campaign launched in February 2020. This campaign objective is to raise awareness about the importance of vision health, the innovations in vision research, and products and devices available for those with vision loss.
This campaign was run in the Toronto Star, Ottawa Citizen, White Cane Magazine, and online at www.healthinsight.ca. Click here to read the digital campaign, and click here for the newspaper insert.
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT ROBERT GRIMARD THAT WE DON'T ALREADY KNOW? By Eric Salomon
Well, let me tell you a couple stories about the type of human he was.
No one knows this about me, but Robert helped me from my depression back in 2013. I moved here from Toronto in 2012 and I was working for an optometrist for over a year. I was miserable. It was dreadful. I was applying everywhere, and I couldn't get a break. So, I decided to call the Opticians Association of Canada and they gave me Robert’s cell phone number. I called Robert and we met for dinner at the restaurant right next to his St-Denis store. Within 10 minutes I was hired, and he put me in charge of the store. Let me tell you to have someone believe in you from the get-go without even knowing you is better than any praise a person can get. For that reason, I never let him down and I always pushed myself to do my best. I never wanted to disappoint him. I was welcomed to this amazing Grimard Optique family and for that I will always be grateful.
How can we talk about Robert and not mention his huge generosity? Continue Reading...
A NEW TYPEFACE – GREATER LEGIBILITY AND READABILITY FOR LOW VISION READERS
For Low vision readers, certain letters and numbers can be hard to distinguish from one another.
Atkinson Hyperlegible font is named after Braille Institute founder, Robert J. Atkinson. What makes it different from traditional typography design is that it focuses on letterform distinction to increase character recognition, ultimately improving readability. This typeface is free for anyone to use.
For more information and downloading it, click here.
OAC SPRING EVENTS ARE APPROACHING, REGISTER TODAY!
National Live Webcast April 19, 2020 | EST – Eastern Standard Time | Plan & Register Vision British Columbia April 26, 2020 | Kelowna, BC | Plan & Register Salon Vision-R May 1-3, 2020 | St-Sauveur, QC | Plan & Register Atlantic Conference 2020 May 2-3, 2020 | Amherst, NS | Plan & Register
NEW ONLINE CE AVAILABLE
10.173 eSight Learn about the various new devices available with artificial intelligence and augmented reality that are assisting patients with low vision. Learn their strengths and limitations and what areas are currently being worked on. NACOR #110.383 : 2 EC, PE : 1 EC | COO# 3636 : 1 EG/CL AOOQ: 1 Domaine professionnel, commercial | CCP: 12.2, 12.3
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