Low Vision/Geriatrics News

BOSTON – “As you’re aware, the population is aging and, thus, the criticality of treating our older patients is in crisis…we need every optometrist to take on this cause of practicing some low vision and incorporating this into their primary care in order to serve these patients,” Nicole C. Ross, OD, MSc, FAAO, said here at Optometry’s Meeting.

Former American Optometric Association president and board of trustees’ member Victor J. Connors, OD, passed away on Monday. He was a native of Wonewoc, WI.

Patients with low vision who used a miniature camera with optical character-recognition technology mounted on their eyeglasses experienced dramatic improvement in their ability to perform activities of daily living, according to a study in JAMA Ophthalmology.

NuEyes and Osterhout Design Group announced the release of portable smart glasses for patients with low vision.

I have a tendency to be influenced by the people that I meet and talk with. I often find the stories of the events and happenings of other people’s lives at least interesting and many times fascinating. I believe that this is one of the reasons that I love optometry. We are truly in the “people” business.

Laura Walker, PhD, said the Envision Research Institute is dedicated to looking at applied research in low vision for individuals of all ages. The group’s goal is to develop oculomotor therapies and accessibility technology and work with industry and academic partners to determine how multidisciplinary teams can address low vision.

Older adults' use of prescription medications and dietary supplements, and their concurrent use of interacting medications, has increased, according to recently published findings.

In older adults, researchers discovered that increasing gaze position farther ahead from stepping locations and the presence of blur negatively impact the stepping accuracy.

Optometrists specializing in low vision are working with retinal and corneal surgeons and occupational therapists to restore central vision in patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration.

The National Institutes of Health announced it will fund the development of three innovative co-robots, which work cooperatively with people, as part of the National Robotics Initiative.