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Essilor and Optometry Giving Sight Announce Student Loans in Malawi

(Denver, CO). Essilor of America and Optometry Giving Sight have announced the recipients of study loans for students of Optometry at Mzuzu University in Malawi, Africa.

The loans will cover full tuition and living costs for the five years of the Bachelor of Vision Science, commencing in this Academic Year.

Dr. Purcell visited the program in November 2015 and was highly impressed with the School of Optometry, which was established in 2009 and has so far produced 35 graduates. There are currently 71 students enrolled in the program.

The Optometry Development program in Malawi is an initiative of the Brien Holden Vision Institute, Mzuzu University, Malawi College of Health Sciences and Optometry Giving Sight. The current Head of School at Mzuzu University is Dr. Sara McGowan, a graduate of UAB.

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The recipients of the Student Loans are (pictured from left to right): Adson Mitochi, Mariam Aliya, Gibson Nkhwekwe, Kettie Lozario, Tambuzai Liyo, and Thandiwe Nyirenda.

To read full press release, click HERE.

 

Introducing the CNIB National Youth Council Leadership Award

The CNIB National Youth Council (NYC) announces it is launching its first-ever CNIB National Youth Council Leadership Award. The award will recognize a blind and partially sighted youth who is reaching above and beyond to make a difference in their community, province, or country.

To be eligible for the award, applicants must be 30 years of age or younger and a CNIB client.

The winner will receive a plaque presented at the recipient’s provincial annual general meeting, with accommodations, travel and meals provided by CNIB for the recipient and one guest.

If you or someone you know would like to apply for the award, visit: http://www.cnib.ca/en/about/who/National-Youth-Council/Pages/NYC-Leadership-award.aspx​

Source: CNIB

Get the Star Look with Carribean Queen

Here comes a new star in the Vinyl Factory Icons galaxy. The Carribean Queen sunglasses display a festival of features: structure combining stainless steel with high end treatment, hand-crafted acetate, polarized lenses, laser engraved titanium nose pads… and last but not least, a stunning style!

Distributed by Optiman Inc.: www.optimaninc.com

Study finds Ethnic Differences in Patient-Reported AMD Symptoms

A newly published study in JAMA Ophthalmology has found differences in visual acuity between different ethnic populations living with AMD in Singapore, findings which could impact public policy decisions in combatting the disease.

The study, lead by Professor Ecosse L. Lamoureux of the Singapore Eye Research Institute, used patient-reported Visual Function Index (VFI-11) surveys (a questionnaire that grades the patient’s ability to perform everyday visual tasks such as reading a newspaper or filling out a form) and fundus images of 9962 adults living in Singapore divided into three ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay and Indian. 5.9 % (560) of the study population had early AMD, while 0.6 % (60) had late AMD.

Early AMD had a significant negative effect on vision specific functioning (VSF) in Chinese patients, but not with Indian and Malay patients. Chinese patients with late AMD had a 19.1% reduction in VSF, compared with 13.5% reduction among Malay patients and was not associated with a reduction in VSF among Indian patients.

According to the study authors, “Culturally sensitive interventions to improve VSF for Chinese and Malay people with AMD may be warranted. More research is needed to untangle the factors influencing the observed ethnic differences and inform communication strategies to help understand the impact of disease in different populations. Screening for early detection and management of AMD is needed to curb the progression of the disease and minimize its effect on VSF.”

Full article: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2613355

Active Show Floor, Media Buzz from Vision Expo East

As preliminary numbers roll in, International Vision Expo East 2017 has officially been labeled a success with reports of increased buying activity and media buzz.

This year’s show brought together exhibitors, attendees and media for more events than ever before. The first Vision Expo Press Preview gathered more than 30 consumer editors and fashion bloggers with 28 exhibitors to give a sneak-peak of the latest trends, garnering 12.7 million impressions for exhibitors before the show floor even opened.

“We’re thrilled with the feedback that has come in, both during the show and from attendees and exhibitors who have reached out since,” said Melissa Ashley, Senior Vice President of Reed Exhibitions. “Some exhibitors have noted their strongest sales activity in years, and attendees have indicated strong buying activity as well as positive feedback on the eyewear and lens technology offerings available.”

An annual showcase that draws strong interest from buyers and the media even before you enter the show, the Vision Expo Product Gallery is home to the latest product lines and technologies. Each year, the Vision Choice Awards distinguish the best of the best of these products, as voted upon by show attendees. The winners of the 2017 Vision Choice Awards are:

“Vision Expo has been really good to us,” said Specs of Wood Owner Ian Rubinstein. “This year is even better than previous years because we’re experiencing more of a global reach than ever. We’re meeting buyers from Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico—I even made a sale to somebody in Guadalupe.”

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Specs of Wood Owner Ian Rubinstein                             Specs of Wood booth

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