SHARE:  

Black History & Macular Degeneration -

Low Vision Awareness Month

Dr. Jones.png

Message From our President


February is Black History month, Macular Degeneration Month,

and Low Vision Awareness Month


February is national age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and low vision awareness month. AMD is the leading cause of low vision and blindness in Americans age 60 years and older and affects 1.6 million Americans. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the rates of AMD are expected to reach “epidemic proportions”. The number of people diagnosed with A.M.D. is expected to increase to 288 million by 2040. AMD is a progressive disease with no known cure. It slowly steals vision as it affects the retina, a paper-thin tissue lining the back of the eye, and causes the cells in the area to die. As a result, if you have AMD, you see blind spots, grayness and other distortions in the center frame of your vision.

The exact cause of AMD is not known. But there are a number of risk factors that may play a role. Some you can help control, some you can’t. The same things that put you at risk for heart disease and stroke also put you at risk for AMD. These include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes (2022 study Metformin use >5yr.  reduced AMD risk)
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Risks you cannot control include age, family history, gender and race.

* UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA PUBLISHED ON February 1, 2021 SOCIAL MEDIA SHARE this article.


Symptoms

AMD symptoms include blurriness, wavy lines, or a blind spot. You may also notice visual distortions such as:

  • Straight lines or faces appearing wavy
  • Doorways seeming crooked
  • Objects appearing smaller or farther away

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see an optometrist and ophthalmologist as soon as possible. If you are diagnosed with wet or dry AMD, it is important to see a Retina Specialist for care.


Reducing the risk for AMD

Even though there is no known cure for AMD, practicing healthy daily lifestyle habits can reduce your risk for it. A healthy diet, not smoking and maintaining healthy blood pressure are important first steps. Other healthy habits that can lower the risk of AMD include:

  • Eat a diet with plenty of green, leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, and fresh fruit.
  • Fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids is good for eye health. Try to include it in your diet at least once or twice a week. Types of fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, and albacore tuna.
  • It’s important to keep your body healthy. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The healthier your body, the more it can foster good eye health.
  • Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses and a hat with a visor in bright sunlight to protect your eyes from potentially harmful ultra-violet (UV) light and blue light.


Living with AMD

Millions of people have macular degeneration and millions of them continue to do everything they always did. Because you never become blind with AMD, there is always sight available if you know how to use it.

 The worldwide expense of vision loss is about three trillion U.S. dollars for the 733 million people diagnosed with blindness and low vision worldwide.

If you are losing sight, there are some simple things you can do on your own to improve your ability to see. Don’t become discouraged! You will probably need to try out multiple devices before you find one that works for you. (See a “Low Vision, Optometric Specialist”)


Things you can do on your own (and teach our patients):

  • Improve the lighting in your home and office. This may not necessarily mean that you should increase the lighting or the brightness, but instead reduce the glare, which is often a problem for people with low vision.
  • Use high contrast for reading and writing. Write in large letters with a broad felt tip pen on white or light paper.
  • Use large print books or try other media, like books on CD’s or a e-reader.
  • Use a handheld magnifier.


About 78% of A.M.D. patients have irreversible vision loss by the time they seek treatment. According to Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU), Casey Eye Institute, Casey is one of the sites conducting an international gene therapy study involving surgical treatment for dry AMD. The study entails a procedure in which surgeons replace or augment a gene associated with dry AMD.


In patients with AMD, the cells in the retina start to degenerate and disappear. A research team at Casey is exploring cell-based therapy to restore function, by transplanting cells back into the retina. The research is still in its early stages, but there is reason to be optimistic about this cutting-edge treatment.

NOA 1969 First Meeting in Richmond, Virginia



Dr. C. Clayton Powell and Dr. John Howlette formed the NOA for Blacks to have a voice at the national level to stop and expose the lingering Jim Crow acts troubling black OD's.

Click Here to Donate

African American Historical Facts

Honoring Dr. Anita Myrtle Williams Christopher


The NOA honored the late Dr. Anita Myrtle Williams Christopher with the founder's award.

Dr. Christopher built a life of distinction and service and was a trailblazer in our profession. She was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With dreams of becoming an optometrist, Dr. Christopher graduated from Northern Illinois College of Optometry in 1950. She was the third African-American woman licensed to practice in the United States and the first African- American (male or female) licensed to practice in Oklahoma.

Dr. Christopher was personally impacted by the Tulsa Race Massacre. Her grandparents owned businesses on Tulsa's historic Black Wall Street. The Dreamland Theater, Williams's Confectionary Store, and the Williams's Garage were all destroyed in the 1921 race riot.


Congratulations Dean Keisha Elder


We celebrate Black History Month in Optometry with our first African American Dean of an optometry school in 2022! Congratulations, Dean Keisha Elder of University of Missouri Saint Louis Optometry School. She inspires all young women of color to become leaders in optometry.

"Just Right and Getting Better"

The Legacy of Dr. C. Clayton Powell Sr.



Written By Dr. Edwin Marshall

Click the image to read full article.

February Question

Are Low Vision Resources Accessible To Your Patients? If so, How Often Do You Refer To A Low Vision Specialist?


Email your answer to

mainoffice@natoptassoc.org

"Know Your Family's Eye Health History" 

By the National Eye Institute


National Optometric Association

Is Seeking Volunteers!

Interested?!

Click Here to Apply!

Save the Date

Click here to register for 2023 NOA Conference
Click here to reserve lodging at the Westin Resort
Click Here to Volunteer!

KNOWLEDGE ROUNDS!!

Trivia TIME__ _1_.png

Can these optical illusions fool your vision??

Try this quiz to find out!!!

Which word do you see?
TAIL
FAIL
FALL
TALL
Which word do you see?
TILE
MEAL
RAIL
TEAL

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION!


Join the legacy of "Advancing the Visual Heath of Minority Populations." NOA is committed to delivering eye health services and education to diverse, underrepresented, and underserved communities on an equal and equitable basis.



Visit our Website



Please Email the NOA Main Office For any career opportunities or items for sale that you may have!


mainoffice@natoptassoc.org





Share your favorite memory of an NOA convention that you attended. 


Email mainoffice@natoptassoc.org  

with your name and memory!

Employment Opportunities

Click Here to Apply!

Clinical Faculty—Adult Primary Care/Ocular Disease;

Low Vision; Pediatrics


Southern College of Optometry, a leading optometric educational institution located in Memphis, Tennessee is currently recruiting for faculty openings in Adult Primary Care/Ocular Disease, Low Vision and Pediatrics areas. 


JOB SUMMARY

Full-time faculty positions teaching and providing patient care in one or more of the College’s three clinical facilities. Supports the mission of the College to educate the very best possible healthcare providers while working alongside renowned clinical faculty in the areas of adult primary care/ocular disease, low vision or pediatrics. 


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Clinical Education

·       Provides clinical education to interns participating in the comprehensive eye health and vision care of patients           

·       Employs effective teaching methods and assesses feedback for continual improvement of teaching effectiveness

·       Precepts and monitors assigned interns providing timely feedback through direct interaction and Electronic Clinical Grading System

·       May participate in didactic/laboratory activities

 

Patient Care

·        Delivers full-scope, problem-focused patient care as a TN licensed optometric physician in one of the largest clinical settings in the state and maintains clinical privileges as outlined and granted by the VP for Clinical Programs.

·        Completes electronic health record documentation and related patient care activities in compliance with governing standards and in a timely manner. 

·        Works with referral care managers to assure timely coordination of care.


Scholarship

·        Continues to pursue academic attainment, engaging in activities to develop expertise as a scholar and educator. Contributes to the body of professional knowledge through scholarly activities such as clinical research and contributions to professional literature.


Service

·        Demonstrates a personal commitment to service through active participation in SCO service events, college priorities including committee participation and service to greater optometric community.


 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

·        Doctor of Optometry degree, with Optometric Residency preferred

·        Licensed in TN or must have ability to obtain a TN license with the highest current scope of practice applicable

·        Minimum of 10 years of experience practicing Optometry comparable to the experience obtained in an Optometric Residency may be considered in lieu of proof of residency training

·        While teaching and research experience is desired, clinical faculty must demonstrate the ability and desire to function as an educator to fulfill the mission of Southern College of Optometry.

·        Each advancement in rank represents enhanced experience and advancing competence in teaching, increased contribution to the body of optometric scholarly work, and continued exposure to increasing depth of service to the school or profession.

 

NOTE: RESIDENCY IN ADULT PRIMARY CARE OR OCULAR DISEASE, LOW VISION OR PEDIATRICS IS PREFERRED. CANDIDATES WILLING TO GROW INTO DIDACTIC AND/OR LAB INSTRUCTORS ARE PREFERRED.

Generous employee benefits package includes: health, dental, life and both short and long-term disability insurance; student loan repayment program, in addition to any potential federal loan forgiveness benefit working for a non-profit entity; retirement contributions with the requirement to match; state and federal licensure/certification coverage along with AOA/TAOP membership payment; generous paid time off in addition to academic year holidays; additional support for advanced degrees; continuing education package and conference travel stipends; relocation assistance, trailing-spouse support and more.


Southern College of Optometry is committed to preparing future generations of our nation’s optometrists to serve diverse patients and communities in the United States and around the world. In support of our mission to “educate the best possible healthcare providers,” SCO values the strengths that diversity and inclusion bring to the education and healthcare experiences of our students.


SCO does not discriminate on any basis within our educational programs or in our employment practices. Our success as an academic institution requires an ongoing commitment to fostering an accepting and inclusive campus atmosphere because we recognize that each individual deserves to feel included and respected.


Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

 

Click Here to Apply!

Health Science Clinical Faculty Pool – HS Clinical Instructor, HS Assistant/Associate/Full Clinical Professor - School of Optometry


Clinical Professor - School of Optometry

Job #JPF03458

  • Optometry Clinic / School of Optometry / UC Berkeley

POSITION OVERVIEW

Salary range: Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Percent time: 20 - 100%

Anticipated start: Screening of applicants begins immediately and will continue as needed. Appointments for fall semester are usually reviewed in May, and for spring semester in November (if applicable).

Position duration: One year, with possibility for reappointment on an annual basis.


APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date: May 9, 2022

Most recent review date: Tuesday, Nov 1, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Monday, May 8, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.


POSITION DESCRIPTION

The School of Optometry at the University of California, Berkeley invites applications for a pool of qualified health science clinical faculty members at the Clinical Instructor, Assistant, Associate, or Full Clinical Professor level to teach in the School of Optometry and/or Berkeley Optometry partner off-campus clinics, should an opening arise. The number of positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the department. The pool will remain in place for one calendar year; those interested in remaining in the pool beyond that time must reapply.

The responsibilities of the health science clinical faculty members include teaching optometric student clinicians in the patient care environment, performing direct patient care when student clinicians are unavailable both on or off the UC Berkeley campus, and/or teaching optometric student clinicians the basics of eye examinations sequence in the pre-clinical environment. They may also perform service to the school and community through education or various outreach programs on or off the UC Berkeley campus.

Appointees will be eligible for advancement through the ranks of the Health Sciences Clinical Professor series, based on performance in teaching, professional activity, scholarly and creative activity, and service.

The School of Optometry has excellent clinical facilities and a large, diverse patient population. Over 70,000 patient visits are seen annually within our on campus clinic. About 65 optometry students are graduated annually. We seek candidates whose experience, teaching, or community service has prepared them to contribute to diversity and excellence. The Department is committed to addressing the family needs of faculty, including dual career couples and single parents.

UC Berkeley has an excellent benefits package as well as a number of policies and programs to support employees as they balance work and family.

Department: https://optometry.berkeley.edu


QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

At the time of application candidates must have an OD, MD, DDS, DO, NP, or equivalent clinical degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent international degree).

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Candidates must be licensed in the State of California by their respective governing board by the start date and maintain active licensure throughout their term of employment. To be eligible to work, clinic employees must comply with all UC Berkeley Optometry Clinic annual immunization and medical screening requirements, trainings, and University and School policies.

Preferred qualifications- Residency training and Clinical teaching experience are preferred but not required.


APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Statement of Education & Teaching Experience
  • Cover Letter (Optional)
  • Statement on Contributions to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion if hired at Berkeley (for additional information go to https://ofew.berkeley.edu/recruitment/contributions-diversity).
  • (Optional)

Reference requirements

  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

Candidates should provide the contact information for at least three, but not more than five references at the time of application. Letters of reference will only be solicited for finalists.

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF03458

Help contact: malegria@berkeley.edu


CAMPUS INFORMATION

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values at UC Berkeley. Our excellence can only be fully realized by faculty, students, and academic and non-academic staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates for our academic positions will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Positions that are represented by a collective bargaining unit or agent have particular contracts. For more information, please refer to the relevant contract: Lecturer contractPostdoctoral contractResearch Series contract, and Librarian contract. Questions about represented positions can be directed to the hiring unit.


JOB LOCATION

Berkeley, California



Click Here to Apply!
Facebook  Instagram