Feature Archives
Two Join ASCO Journal as Associate Editors
Jamie Althoff, OD, and Keshia S. Elder, OD, MS, FAAO, have been selected as Associate Editors for ASCO’s journal, Optometric Education. Dr. Althoff, a 2007 graduate of the Ferris State University Michigan College of Optometry, is currently an Assistant Professor at the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry where she also serves as the Director […]ASCO’s Public Awareness Campaign “Optometry Gives Me Life” Surpasses Benchmarks
In the eight months since its March 2019 launch, ASCO’s public awareness campaign ― Optometry Gives Me Life ― has gained impressive momentum. The online, e-mail and social media ads associated with the campaign have been viewed nearly 35 million times.1 According to the media and communications agency partnered with ASCO on the initiative, the […]The Use of Social Media to Enhance Academic Careers
In June 2019, I had the opportunity to attend a conference, “Writing, Publishing, and Social Media for Healthcare Professionals,” sponsored by Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Psychological Association. The conference was interesting and educational. The most enlightening aspect was information presented on the use of social media to enhance health professionals’ careers. I like […]Lymphoproliferative Disorders of the Ocular Adnexa: a Teaching Case Report of Conjunctival MALT Lymphoma and Lymphoid Hyperplasia
Background Ocular adnexal lymphoproliferative disorders (OALD) range from the benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasias (RLHs) to the malignant lymphomas. Both benign and malignant ocular lymphoproliferative disorders typically affect the conjunctiva, orbit and lacrimal gland and are most often unilateral.1-5 OALD has a slight female predilection and typically presents between the 5th and 7th decades.4,6 Malignant lymphomas […]Optic Nerve Melanoctyoma: a Teaching Case Report
Background Optic nerve head melanocytoma (ONM) typically appears as black or dark-brown tumors with feathery or “fuzzy” margins located on the optic disc that often extend into the adjacent retina, choroid and vitreous.1 ONM was first reported in 1907 by Coats, who suspected melanocytomas were benign tumors. In 1962 Zimmerman and Garron described the histopathological […]
Development of a Polymeric Eye Model
for Foreign Body Removal
Introduction Corneal foreign bodies, such as particulates of metal, glass, wood, plastic or sand, are among the most common causes of ocular injury.1-3 When left untreated, they can potentially lead to tissue death, infections and vision loss.1,2 Unfortunately, physicians are often poorly trained in the removal of corneal foreign bodies, which may lead to delayed […]
Student Performance and Attitudes During the Transition from Paper to Computer-Based Examinations
Background Standardized assessments used for professional licensure and to measure pre-professional aptitude have been administered electronically for decades. Computer-based test (CBT) platforms have also been introduced in many undergraduate and professional programs, and their use has coincided with the emergence of cognitive learning theories that stress integration of classroom teaching and assessment.1 Most health profession […]Does Practice Make Perfect? Relating Student Performance to Training Hours
Background We have all heard the phrase “practice makes perfect.” The Latin proverb “usus est magister optimus” translates to “practice is the best master,” and Aristotle said, “For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”1 Emphasis on the importance of practice is seen clearly in every […]
