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New organization translates ocular nutrient information for ODs
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As an increasing number of clinical studies are being performed to test the effectiveness of nutrients on eye health, the Optometric Nutrition Society (ONS) has formed in an attempt to evaluate this information and educate optometrists.
ONS mission
Founded by Jeffrey Anshel, OD, the group aims to educate practitioners on the nutritional impact of food, vitamins and individuals’ lifestyle habits on eyesight.
“I’ve been involved in nutrition for several years, and I’d go to courses and hear conflicting information from different speakers,” Dr. Anshel, ONS president, said in an interview with Primary Care Optometry News. “And what’s the truth? I got together with several colleagues who also lecture on nutrition, and we came up with an idea to have a base where people can come to and focus on the science of nutrition and vision.”
The ONS is a non-profit educational body that plans to teach professionals about the role nutritional support plays in systemic and ocular health.
“We need to get them some good information so they can make intelligent recommendations to their patients based on real science — what works, what doesn’t work,” Dr. Anshel said.
Debunking myths
“Doctors will learn about the myths of various nutrients and supplements (i.e., are carrots really ‘good for the eyes’) as well as how to recommend a balanced approach to treating eye and systemic visual disorders,” he continued.
ONS plans to educate optometrists through an annual symposium and Web site. According to an OSN press release, these forums will provide a collegial atmosphere where health care professionals can meet to exchange ideas and information pertaining to nutritional influences on vision. The ONS will manage and collect a database of refereed studies as well as validate claims from the industry regarding the quality and efficacy of nutritional supplements for eye health.
The ONS also hopes to implement nutritional education in optometric schools. “That’s a big push we want to eventually get involved with, to get the education process into the school system and have students learn it as part of their curriculum,” Dr. Anshel said.
For more information:
- Jeffrey Anshel, OD, has written numerous articles regarding nutritional influences on vision, stress factors that affect visual performance and computer vision concerns. The second edition of his book, “Smart Medicine For Your Eyes,” is scheduled for publication this year. Dr. Anshel maintains a private practice in Carlsbad, Calif. He can be reached at Corporate Vision Consulting, 842 Arden Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024; (760) 944-1200; e-mail: eyedoc@adnc.com. The Optometric Nutrition Society can be reached at www.optometricnutritionsociety.org.