Volume 7, Issue 3│January 20, 2023
ASSOCIATION NEWS
IOA President & Chair Dr. Chelsey Moore hosted a Daisy girl scout troop in her office this week. The girls learned about their eyes and the field of optometry while earning their vision awareness patch. In all, 18 girl scouts earned their patch.

Interested in hosting your own scout troop? You can reach out to patients involved in boy or girl scouts to see if their troop is interested or contact your regional/metropolitan council to organize a troop visit with a local troop. Learn more about the requirements here.
Welcoming New IOA Team Member Theresia Davis

The IOA office is excited to welcome our newest IOA employee, Theresia Davis! Theresia Davis is the new Executive Assistant for the Illinois Optometric Association. Prior to joining the IOA team, she worked for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference for a total of ten years. The last five years were spent as the Assistant to two District Superintendents assisting nearly 200 pastors and churches. Her passion for people drives her to be in an environment where she can make a difference. Theresia is most passionate about her two sons: Jonathan (30) and Jacoby (2) and being a part-time Pastor to a small Non-Denominational church in Springfield. She also loves charity work, cooking, and event planning. She is extremely excited to join the team and looks forward to getting to know everyone.
Nominate for Paraoptometric and Hall of Fame Awards, Now Through Feb. 13

The AOA is now accepting nominations of deserving individuals for the 2023 AOA Paraoptometric of the Year, Paraoptometric Community Service and Paraoptometric Lifetime Achievement awards. This year, the AOA is also aligning the awards submission process and accepting nominations for the 2023 AOSA Student of the Year award, as well as the National Optometry Hall of Fame, administered by Optometry Cares®—The AOA Foundation.
  • Access criteria and nomination forms for the paraoptometric professional awards. 

  • Access criteria and nomination forms for the AOSA Student of the Year award. 

  • Access criteria and nomination forms for the National Optometry Hall of Fame.
Please consider nominating those individuals who embody passion for optometry and are committed to furthering the profession. The deadline for receipt of all award nominations is Feb. 13, 2023.
Award recipients will be honored throughout Optometry’s Meeting® in Washington, D.C., June 21-24, 2023.
Register Now the 2023 IOA CE Series

Registration is now open for 6-hour TQ courses on March 5, 2023, in Rosemont, IL, and March 19, 2023, in Alsip, IL.


Sunday, March 5, 2023 Rosemont, IL


Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm - 6 hrs TQ CE

Course: "New Technology Applications, Dry Eye Diagnosis & Management, and What’s New In Contact Lenses"

Speaker: Mile Brujic, OD
Sunday, March 19, 2023 Alsip, IL


Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm - 6 hrs TQ CE

Course: "Maximizing Therapeutics and Imaging in the Management of Ocular Disease: What’s New and What’s Next?"

Speaker: Jessica Steen, OD
September 28-October 1, 2023 - IOA Annual Meeting
Renaissance Schumburg Convention Center Hotel | Schaumburg, IL
Up to 18 hours TQ CE
Registration opens mid-July

November 2023
Southern IL CE
6 Hrs TQ
Details coming soon!
ICO AOSA Legislative Advocacy Event

On Friday, January 6, AOSA hosted an event for ICO students to learn about advocacy and legislative efforts at the state and national levels. IOA Board of Directors member Dr. Brandon Lernor and Indiana member Dr. Jeni Kohn talked to students about optometry being a legislated profession and the role of the IOA/AOA as advocates for the profession.
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Dr. Julie Steinhauer Discloses Vision Recovery After A Stroke
01-19-2023 08:41 AM CET | Health & Medicine
Press release from: Vision For Life and Success

Glen Carbon, IL - January 18, 2023 - Dr. Julie Steinhauer, OD, FCOVD, owner of Vision For Life and Success in Glen Carbon, and one of a select group of functional vision doctors in the nation, says all or part of one's vision can potentially be restored after a stroke.

An individual's normal field of vision can be compromised by a stroke, according to Dr. Steinhauer. Visual processing which occurs on the occipital, temporal, and parietal lobes of the brain can be impacted. The severity of the visual field loss is determined based on the location and extent of the brain injury.

Symptoms of post-stroke visual loss can include walking or bumping into objects, blurred vision while watching television, difficulty scanning or reading a page, or visual neglect where the patient is unable to react to stimuli on the right or left.
As detailed in her YouTube video, Can Vision Loss Post Stroke Be Corrected?, Dr. Steinhauer said the most common symptom of visual processing after a stroke is blurriness or a blind spot.

"In many cases, the individual may not even be aware a change in their visual field has occurred. It's important for the stroke victim to talk to their loved ones and set up an evaluation with an eye care professional as soon as possible," said Dr. Steinhauer. "The longer one waits the greater possibility of increased vision loss."

After a stroke with vision loss, most patients will have had a specialized visual field test run to determine the severity of vision loss. For many, this test will reveal what is called a Homonymous Hemianopsia where one-half of their vision is missing for each eye.

"For example, a stroke in the left side of the brain causes a Right Homonymous Hemianopsia where the right side of vision goes missing," added Dr. Steinhauer. "Should the evaluation reveal a loss in the visual field, a customized therapy program specifically designed to restore the visual field can be created to help turn on the damaged visual pathway in the brain and recover vision."
Dr. Steinhauer added a stroke can damage the visual pathway and syntonics, or light therapy, can stimulate blind spots or blurriness that may have occurred. "It works well on patients of all ages. The colored lights impact the neurons in the brain. Together, with the customized therapy program, it can help restore as much of the visual field as possible."

"In most cases, depending on the stroke and its severity, our uniquely designed visual field restoration therapy program can help a patient not only regain some of their normal field loss but, in some cases, all of it."

She emphasized it is important to seek treatment as quickly as possible post-stroke, although patients can recover some vision a year or more later. Optimally, people should seek treatment within the first 6 months after a stroke.

Dr. Steinhauer, now in her 22nd year of practice, is a developmental optometrist specializing in vision-related learning problems, sports vision, and rehabilitative optometry. She is board certified in vision development as a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Dr. Steinhauer is a member of the Illinois Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, College of Optometrists in Vision Development, Optometric Extension Program, the College of Syntonic Optometry, and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association. https://visionforlifeworks.com
Future Optometric Doctors Program

Dr. Connor Robbs hosted Providence St. Mel at the Illinois College of Optometry for his Future Optometric Doctors Program. These students took retinal photos, shadowed in clinic, and discussed how to be a competitive optometry applicant in the future!
Retired Mokena Eye Doctor Hopes To Help Others Struggling With Vision

Derrald Taylor, OD is part of a local not-for-profit offering free monthly workshops designed to educate residents experiencing vision loss.

Patch Staff

MOKENA, IL — A Mokena resident and former professor of optometry is hoping to bring awareness to area residents who may be struggling with their eyesight through a series of free informational workshops.
Derrald Taylor, a retired optometrist and professor at the Illinois College of Optometry, now serves as a board member for Oasis For People With Vision Loss, a not-for-profit organization geared at helping residents who may be experiencing vision loss continue to live full, independent lives.
The group meets on the second Thursday of every month at the Founders Center in Frankfort. The meetings run from 12:30-2 p.m. and seeks to provide information about vision issues resources, adaptive devices, and social outings for persons who are visually impaired or blind.

There is no cost for the workshops and while resources for the group are limited, the not-for-profit hopes to offer transportation to anyone in need. The not-for-profit is partially supported by the Lions Club of Mokena and Frankfort.
The meetings provide information about new technology that allows residents struggling with vision issues to maintain their maximum personal independence as well as conventional devices and adaptive techniques, Taylor said.
“Macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are increasing every year, especially with our aging population but even diabetics among younger people,” Taylor wrote in an email.
“Once permanent vision loss occurs the person can lose a variety of independent functions such as driving, reading their mail or even a restaurant menu much less with more severe loss even their ability to travel safely outside their home. These are not medical problems. They are rehabilitation problems and medical eye doctors should refer for appropriate services but few do and do not offer information about adaptive services and devices that will help the person maintain as much personal independence as possible.”
Taylor said that as vision problems worsen, he anticipates the number of people needing assistance will only grow.
“There are hundreds of tasks we do every day guided by our vision and if lost to different degrees can greatly limit our personal independence,” Taylor said. “There is an adjustment period to vision loss and some people will resign vision loss to age or hope for a cure.
“In addition, vision loss can be very isolating, and our group offers some social interaction. Often one member will solve a functional problem for another. People feel less isolated.”
More information about Oasis Vision’s services can be found by calling (779) 324-2025 or by visiting the Oasis Vision website.
IN MEMORIAM
It is with great sadness that the IOA regrets to inform you of the passing of former IOA Assistant Executive Director, Charlene Marsh.

Char grew up in Springfield, IL, and began her career working for the state of Illinois after graduating from Western Illinois University. In 1992, she left the state to join the Illinois Optometric Association with then Executive Director Mike Horstman.

The two helped to strengthen the association over the next 24 years, overseeing numerous scope expansions and forging lifelong relationships with optometrists from all over the state.

They worked to move the IOA office from Oak Brook, IL to Springfield, IL, doing much of the renovations to the new building themselves, including the landscaping.

Char spent decades building up the IOA Convention to be one of the best state association meetings in the nation. She worked with countless speakers, exhibitors, and hotel vendors throughout her career.

She helped countless new graduates to find their footing as they entered their profession and helped ODs with day-to-day issues they faced during their careers.

In 2018, Char was awarded the Dr. Floyd Mizener Friend of Optometry Award, presented by Dr. Mizener himself. She retired from the IOA at the end of 2018 after 26 years with the association.

In her free time, Char enjoyed horseback riding with her husband, Armin, and cooking.

She is survived by her husband Armin Hesterberg and her son Andrew Marsh.

Visitation services will be held on Saturday, January 21 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gifford, IL from 10am-12pm, with the funeral immediately following.
AOA NEWS
AOA Challenges Baseless Attacks, Mischaracterizations of Optometric Care

Despite a vocal few denouncing gains in optometric care, the profession defines itself through the everyday application of quality clinical care, reinforced by optometry’s advocates’ vigilant outreach.
Optometry’s significant patient access and care achievements elicited factually dubious—and outright inaccurate—comments from a vocal few in the medical community, drawing swift rejoinders from the AOA and advocates to set the record straight.


We want to hear your memories of the IOA! In celebration of our 125th anniversary in 2023, the IOA is collecting your stories about the organization.

Please share your thoughts on the importance of IOA membership, favorite memories from IOA, or your thoughts on the history of the IOA.
IOA/AOA Membership Renewal Update

2023 membership invoices have been mailed out, so members should begin receiving invoices soon! Those on a recurring monthly or quarterly payment do not need to respond as your payment schedule will be automatically renewed.

On September 30, 2022, the IOA Board of Directors voted to keep IOA membership dues at the same rate as 2022. Likewise, the AOA Board of Directors did not issue a dues increase, so IOA/AOA membership fees will remain the same in 2023.
2023 Dues Contest - Time is Running Out

Pay membership dues in full by 1/31/2023 and be entered into a drawing to win FREE registration to the 2023 IOA Annual Meeting in Schaumburg, Illinois! This includes your registration for the meeting and all CE testing fees associated with your registration but does not include hotel reservations.
Report illegal and unsafe contact lens sales to the FDA & FTC
Check out the newest IOA classifieds here!

Perez Eye Care is currently seeking an experienced Optometrist to join our team in Chicago, IL 60608 (Read more)

Looking for a dedicated optometrist with strong diagnostic skills - Oak Lawn, IL (Read more)

Rosin Eyecare is seeking candidates for a full time position in Homewood, IL (Read more)

Rosin Eyecare is seeking candidates for a full time position in Woodstock, IL (Read more)


Northwest Illinois - Retiring optometrist wishes to sell a well-established practice (Read more)

Chicago Western Suburbs - Retiring doctor ready to turn over the keys to a well-established (Read more)
SAVE THE DATE
BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK
Offer a Discounted or Free Product/Service

Free trials and new or existing patient discounts draw new customers by offering incentives for their interest in your practice. You can also encourage referrals by offering patients deals they can share or rewards for those used as referrals. On the other hand, free samples and trials give prospective or current patients a chance to try new products.
ILLINOIS NEWS
Welch Announces House Committee Chairs

The Illinois House of Representatives has laid out the heads of its committees for the coming legislative session.

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, said in a statement the committee chairs are “passionate and educated on the topics that will come before them, and they will provide strong guidance as they vet and advance legislative priorities that are most important to Illinoisans."

Among the notable healthcare committee appointments include:

  • Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, will chair the Appropriations-Health and Human Services Committee.
  • Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, will chair the Health Care Licenses Committee.
  • Rep. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, will chair the Health Care Availability and Access Committee.
  • Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, will chair the Human Services Committee.
  • Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, will chair the Insurance Committee.
  • Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, will chair the Mental Health Committee.
  • Rep. Jawaharial Williams, D-Chicago, will chair the Prescription Drug Affordability Committee.
  • Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Naperville, will chair the Public Health Committee.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Reviewing a Patient’s Systemic History is Critical When Treating for OSD

January 16, 2023

Staying up-to-date on all things ocular is imperative in ocular surface disease.
When triaging patients suspected of having ocular surface disease, reviewing systemic history and medications is critical. As the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II reported, there are myriad systemic medications associated with dry eye, and the list grows every year1 as more adverse effects (AEs) from old medications are reported and new medications are brought to market. Below is a unique case of conjunctivitis with limbitis in a patient on dupilumab (Dupixent; Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals), a systemic medication used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis that has been associated with a variety of AEs involving the anterior eye.
World Council of Optometry Hosting Global Myopia Management Virtual Event

Industry experts will share their insights on how they have made myopia management an integral part of their work at a virtual event next month.

The World Council of Optometry (WCO), in partnership with CooperVision, is hosting the complimentary online event, ‘Myopia Management: Advancing the Global Standard of Care’, on 16 February 2023. It will focus on the three pillars of mitigation, measurement, and management.

The WCO introduced the myopia management standard of care resolution in April 2021, defining an evidence-based standard of care comprised of the three main pillars.

WCO president-elect Dr Sandra Block said optometrists and other eyecare professionals from around the world are invited to attend this virtual event.

“It will help the listener gain a broader perspective on how to incorporate myopia management as the standard of care in their practices,” she said.

“As myopia has risen to an epidemic level globally, early mitigation, measurement, and management of myopia in young patients can help reduce the risk of serious eye health issues as adults. The World Council of Optometry is grateful to CooperVision for its partnership in this important mission to spread the word.”

Registration and resources
Visit the World Council of Optometry myopia management online resource featuring the standard of care pledge signup page, resolution, and practical tools and information for optometrists here.
Register for the ‘Myopia Management: Advancing the Global Standard of Care’ virtual event, delivered in multiple time zones worldwide here.
FEEL GOOD STORY OF THE WEEK
Girl Had Her Eyesight and Life Saved by Specsavers Appointment

@rebeccanew7 Digital Journalist

Carly Stewart, 19, began feeling light-headed and experiencing jelly legs and ended up in A&E last year.
After a CT scan didn't show anything, she took some painkillers but the next day things took a turn for the worse. 

Carly, from Bishopbriggs, said: "I was almost blind and the pain caused me to vomit – so I used the voice assistant on my mobile and called my gran.

"Because my vision was affected, she recommended I seek an urgent appointment with an optician."

She called her local Specsavers and was urged to come in immediately by practice manager Vicky Cassidy for an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan.
Optometrist director Neil Drain found that Carly's optic nerve had swollen and she needed urgent treatment, so he made an emergency referral to Gartnavel Hospital Eye Department’s Acute Referral Centre.

Doctors found cerebrospinal fluid - a liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord - which was putting three times the pressure on her eye than is normal, and Carly needed it to be punctured.
After a few attempts to puncture the fluid caused Carly “the most extreme pain I’ve ever known”, she felt relief after it was finally managed.
She said it was "like they had popped a balloon in my head".

The team at Specsavers is convinced that the quick action saved not only Carly's eyesight but also her life. 
Neil said: "We are so pleased to see Carly is making a great recovery and her general well-being has improved after she came to us in such distress last year.
"Her condition was serious and the treatment she received was without a doubt sight-saving, maybe even lifesaving.

"Importantly, Carly is now comfortable reaching out to us when symptoms recur which gives us a great head start if it were to happen again."
Carly has been colourblind since her health scare, but Neil has stressed that waiting to make an appointment could be more dangerous.
 
He added: "Carly’s story is a great example of the importance of regular eye testing, and shows the benefit of OCT scans which show us the inside of the eye in incredible detail and can help us detect a range of eye and health conditions.
"I would urge anyone who is concerned about any kind of visual disturbance to contact their local optician."
Carly added: "When I went back into Specsavers, Vicky gave me such a warm embrace - I felt everyone at the store understood my whole experience and were so supportive.
"I can’t thank Vicky, Neil and the rest of the team enough."
NATIONAL NEWS
New Poll Shows Jump in Adults Who Rate the Quality of US Health Care as ‘Poor’

By Deidre McPhillips, CNN
Updated 7:05 AM EST, Thu January 19, 2023

CNN — 
Most adults in the US consider the quality of the country’s health care to be unfavorable, according to a new survey. This is the first time in a 20-year trend from Gallup polls that the share of adults who rated the quality of the nation’s health care to be “excellent” or “good” dipped below 50%. The share of adults who rated it as “poor” jumped above 20%, also for the first time.
Nearly half of adults said that the system has “major problems.” Another one in five adults said that US health care is in a “state of crisis,” the largest share in about a decade.
Ratings of health care cost and coverage were low – less than a quarter of adults say they are satisfied with the cost of health care in the country and less than a third of adults view health care coverage favorably – but those views have held relatively steady over the years.
For the past two decades, there has been a “clear distinction between the high regard people had for the quality of care in the country versus the problems they saw in healthcare administration, including coverage and cost,” according to the Gallup report, which published Thursday and is based on interviews collected in November.
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