Optometric Glaucoma Society formed

SAN DIEGO -- The inaugural meeting of the Optometric Glaucoma Society (OGS) was held on Dec. 11, 2002, preceding the American Academy of Optometry annual meeting here. President Murray Fingeret, OD, vice president Thomas L. Lewis, OD, PhD, and secretary Mike Patella, OD, founded the society in order to provide an optometric group that brings together leading clinicians, educators and scientists who are interested in glaucoma management. The mission of the OGS is to promote excellence in the care of patients with glaucoma through professional education and scientific investigation. The major objectives of this society are to promote education of the membership and other health care providers related to all forms of glaucoma, to promote the acquisition of new knowledge about glaucoma, to facilitate the dissemination of information about glaucoma to health care providers and the public and to establish collaborative relationships with other related organizations. Each year the OGS plans to recognize individuals for their achievements in glaucoma research, education and care. This year the OGS honored renowned educator, author, physician and scientist Robert N. Weinreb, MD, for his contributions to the science and care of individuals with glaucoma. The society is in its formative stages and plans to create a Web site, develop educational programs and act as a conduit to bring the science, education and care of glaucoma together in one body for the optometric profession. For more information contact Murray Fingeret, OD, at murrayf@optonline.net or Mark Dunbar, OD, membership chair, at mdunbar@med.miami.edu.