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Vistakon opens Vision Care Institute
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Vistakon Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc. launched the Vision Care Institute here March 10. The mission of this new institute is to enhance the technical training of students and practitioners and to serve as a resource for the most current information in the field of vision care.
In its first year, the Vision Care Institute will work with optometry schools and colleges to give fourth-year students hands-on, patient-focused experiences using the latest professional products, including those from Vistakon.
At the grand opening ceremony, Vistakon President Phil Keefer said, “We see this as a global enterprise on our behalf in working with eye care professionals around the world.”
Institute Director Howard B. Purcell, OD, FAA, told attendees at the ceremony, “The Vision Care Institute is dedicated to assisting in the transition from aspiring student to bonafide eye care provider.” He said Vistakon’s goal is for all fourth-year optometry school students to pass through its program.
The 7,000-square-foot facility includes eight exams rooms, plus an “exam room of the future.” Students will be provided with a history of Vistakon, hands-on patient care, mentoring opportunities with local optometrists, communication skills training, sales training and a technical skills workshop, said Dr. Purcell.
According to a company press release, Vistakon estimates that half of the approximately 1,100 fourth-year optometry school students will attend The Vision Care Institute in 2004. The first class — of a total of 20 scheduled sessions this year — was held late last month. All travel arrangements and accommodations are provided by Vistakon.
More information is available at (800) 874-6690 or www.thevisioncareinstitute.com.