<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Health – Eyezone International</title> <atom:link href="https://eyezoneinternational.com/category/health/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://eyezoneinternational.com</link> <description>First Arab optical magazine publishing news, eyecare research and events in MENA.</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:11:23 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-GB</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-android-chrome-192x192-1-32x32.png</url> <title>Health – Eyezone International</title> <link>https://eyezoneinternational.com</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>5 Ways to Better Co-Manage Diabetic Patients</title> <link>https://eyezoneinternational.com/5-ways-to-better-co-manage-diabetic-patients/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:06:06 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Business Management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eyecare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ophthalmology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optical News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optical Shop]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optician]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optometry]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Research and Studies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[business management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eye care professionals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eyezone115]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[optometry]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyezoneinternational.com/?p=13778</guid> <description><![CDATA[Diabetes is a significant health-care challenge. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 30.4 million Americans have diabetes, and one-in-four of them don’t know they have it. There are 84 million people with pre-diabetes, according to the CDC. What is your practice doing to serve these people? Not only is taking care of these patients by addressing their diabetes the right thing to do; it’s a great practice-builder. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="13778" class="elementor elementor-13778"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0d0d1b7 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="0d0d1b7" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c6e1f79" data-id="c6e1f79" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-45fe7a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="45fe7a7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Diabetes is a significant health-care challenge. According to the </span><b>Centers for Disease Control</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, 30.4 million Americans have diabetes, and one-in-four of them don’t know they have it. There are 84 million people with pre-diabetes, according to the CDC.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What is your practice doing to serve these people? Not only is taking care of these patients by addressing their diabetes the right thing to do; it’s a great practice-builder.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In my New York City-based private practice, about 20 percent of my patients are diabetic, and this number has been steadily growing. This number seems to be growing more rapidly in the past few years, likely due in part to stricter adherence to </span><b>HEDIS</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> measures by PCPs, increased patient knowledge on the need for diabetic eyecare and increased diabetes prevalence rates.</span></p><p><b>Get Equipped to Serve Diabetic Patients</b><b><br /></b><span style="font-weight: 400;">The essential instrumentation to providing basic eyecare to diabetic patients is a slit lamp and indirect ophthalmoscope. A comprehensive exam with dilated fundus examination will reveal the presence of diabetic retinopathy, at which point a referral can be made if further treatment is necessary or if the clinical findings are equivocal. But to provide truly high-quality care, retain patients and create an additional revenue source, equipment such as fundus photography and an OCT is essential. These diagnostic instruments can elevate the care you provide and ensure that you practice at the highest level of optometry.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I get a fundus photo and macular OCT on all patients with diabetic retinopathy. Though this goes beyond the care of preferred practice guidelines, I like to have a baseline fundus photo and macular OCT to compare to any subsequent changes. I like to get an OCT on these patients because sometimes you can pick up small pockets of macular edema that are not appreciated with funduscopy. I will often monitor asymptomatic patients with mild non-foveal macular edema and good visual acuity because I know the retinal specialist is unlikely to offer treatment. I stress adherence to medications and strict control of blood pressure and blood glucose to the patient, and follow-up within 6-10 weeks.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Patients with a significant increase in macular edema, poorer glucose control, or vision reduction, then will be co-managed with a retinal specialist to consider treatment. Because I always include a review of images with patients during the exam, my diabetic patients have started treating fundus photos and OCT images the same way that my glaucoma patients treat IOP; it’s usually one of the first things they ask about when I enter the room.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The cost of a fundus photos and OCT ranges from $25,000 to $75,000 and $40,000 to $60,000, respectively. Combination photo and OCT models are often cheaper than the combined cost of each unit individually and help save on space. Based on Medicare national averages, fundus photography reimburses $58 and OCT reimburses $38. The cost of these diagnostic instruments may seem staggering, but these devices allow one to practice medical optometry.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The medical model of optometry can be a separate source of income for refractive-only practices and a very professionally fulfilling part of one’s career. These devices can also be used for other purposes such as glaucoma care, monitoring of choroidal nevi, central serous chorioretinopathy and chorioretinal scars. These other uses for the instrument, and the potential new patients that come with it, must be considered when calculating return on investment.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are many ways to acquire these instruments including outright purchase, financing and leasing. Because I practice a significant amount of medical optometry, it made more sense for my office to buy the machines outright. Depending on your practice, the other options might seem more favorable.</span></p><p><b>Prepare Staff</b><b><br /></b><span style="font-weight: 400;">My support staff had to add two steps to their work flow to ensure that we properly take care of diabetic patients. The first was requesting the patient’s PCP address, phone number and fax number for all diabetic patients, and the second was to ask a short diabetic history: how long have you been diabetic, are you type 1 or type 2 diabetic, what was your last blood glucose reading and last hemoglobin A1C? It takes an extra minute to complete all this once technicians become familiar with the questions.</span></p><p><b>Generate Referrals: Make the Call</b><b><br /></b><span style="font-weight: 400;">I currently practice at a large hospital and at a private practice in New York City. I previously worked at a high-volume, multi-specialty practice where I provided refractive, medical and perioperative care.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My current practice is well-established, meaning decades-old, and many of my diabetic patients come with a generic note from their PCP for a diabetic exam from an eye doctor of their choosing. Due in part to my office’s promptness in scheduling an appointment and sending reports to the PCP, several primary medical doctors have begun sending me patients for diabetic exams. Many of my diabetic patients have referred their friends with diabetes for exams as well. With these word-of-mouth referrals, I also tend to get other family members who come in for refractive needs or wellness exams.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">About a year ago, I called several PCPs in the area, and asked to make appointments to discuss the services I provide and the possibility of establishing a referring relationship. A few times the PCP would give me a few minutes of their time, but more often I spoke to the office manager. I explained that I provide full-scope primary eyecare and that I can treat and manage most diseases that do not require surgical care.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I made sure to mention that I have many patients who have not had a medical exam in a year, and that I need a doctor to refer them to. I also asked if they would be willing to complete uveitis/inflammatory blood work evaluations on the patients I refer. I also let them know that I am available for phone consultation or to see an emergency patient when I am in the office.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The PCPs seemed to appreciate that I would fit in their patients in a timely manner, especially for emergencies, and admitted that some of their patients complain about long wait times for the next available eye appointment. Not all of these meetings went great. I sometimes felt like a salesman peddling my services, but I always tried to present myself as a doctor offering medical eyecare and that I just wanted them to be aware that I am in the area.</span></p><p><b>Always Report Back to PCP</b><b><br /></b><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is important to always send a report back to the PCP with pertinent information. For diabetic ocular wellness exams, I also make sure to include vision, anterior segment findings, posterior segment findings (most importantly the presence and grade of diabetic retinopathy), any secondary findings and my management plan.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My EHR generates a report using my slit lamp findings, fundus findings and my impression and plan, so this part is easy for me. The report is then faxed directly to the PCP. The whole process takes me maybe 30 seconds. For patients referred for specific acute issues such as eye pain, eye redness, or vision loss, I make sure to be a little more detailed in my impression and plan so that the PCP understands my findings and treatment plan. I make sure not to use any abbreviations and to send an update to the PCP at each follow-up visit.</span></p><p><b>Market Your Services</b><b><br /></b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Quarterly we post a reminder on our practice Facebook page: “Don’t forget to get your yearly diabetic eye exam.” We also have a TV in our waiting room that plays informational segments, one of which is about the importance of diabetic eyecare.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Diabetes is affecting an overwhelming amount of people in the U.S., many of whom are already your patients. With a few tweaks to your office, you can seamlessly provide the proper care to these patients while building your practice and increasing revenue.</span></p><p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Originally published by Review of Optometric Business.</span></i></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1f2f408 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="1f2f408" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b036ed0" data-id="b036ed0" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2088bce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="2088bce" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h5>Share this post</h5> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-70a0557 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="70a0557" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cbdb41e" data-id="cbdb41e" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4f292dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-social-share" data-id="4f292dc" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="elementskit-social-share.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="ekit-wid-con" > <ul class="ekit_socialshare"> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-d7fc69a" data-social="facebook"> <div class="facebook"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-facebook"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-9adeae0" data-social="twitter"> <div class="twitter"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-twitter"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-8c4f818" data-social="linkedin"> <div class="linkedin"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-linkedin"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-b7c09f7" data-social="whatsapp"> <div class="whatsapp"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-whatsapp-1"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-3b9bcc1" data-social="pocket"> <div class="pocket"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="fab fa-get-pocket"></i> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-71e4585 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="71e4585" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ff613eb" data-id="ff613eb" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap"> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Studies Point to Potential Development of a Cataract Drug</title> <link>https://eyezoneinternational.com/studies-point-to-potential-development-of-a-cataract-drug/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 13:44:12 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Eyecare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optical News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optometry]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Research and Studies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eye care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eyesight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eyewear]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vision care]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyezoneinternational.com/?p=13684</guid> <description><![CDATA[A serious, irreversible eye disease known as myopic maculopathy is on the rise.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="13684" class="elementor elementor-13684"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0d0d1b7 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="0d0d1b7" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c6e1f79" data-id="c6e1f79" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-45fe7a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="45fe7a7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and their collaborators have identified a protein, known as RNF114, that reverses cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that occurs commonly in people as they age. The study, which was conducted in the 13-lined ground squirrel and rats, may represent a possible surgery-free strategy for managing cataracts, a common cause of vision loss. The study was published in the </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Journal of Clinical Investigation</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Scientists have long searched for an alternative to cataract surgery, which is effective, but not without risk. Lack of access to cataract surgery is a barrier to care in some parts of the world, causing untreated cataracts to be a leading cause of blindness worldwide,” said Xingchao Shentu, M.D., a cataract surgeon and the co-lead investigator from Zhejiang University, China.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This new discovery was part of ongoing research at NIH’s National Eye Institute (NEI) involving a mammalian hibernator, the 13-lined ground subject. In these ground subjects, the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells in the retina are mostly cones, which makes the ground subject helpful for studying cone-related properties, such as color vision. In addition, the subject’s ability to withstand months of cold and metabolic stress during hibernation make it a model for vision scientists to study a range of eye diseases.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researchers learned that during hibernation, the ground subject’s lenses become cloudy at around 4 degrees Celsius but quickly turns transparent after rewarming. By comparison, non-hibernators developed cataracts at low temperatures, but they did not resolve with rewarming.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cataract formation in hibernating subjects exposed to low temperatures is likely a cellular response to cold stress and is one of many changes their bodies undergo as their tissues adapt to freezing temperatures and metabolic stress. Humans do not develop cataracts when exposed to low temperatures.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Understanding the molecular drivers of this reversible cataract phenomenon might point us in a direction toward a potential treatment strategy,” said the study’s co-lead investigator, Wei Li, Ph.D., senior investigator in the NEI Retinal Neurophysiology Section.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The main job of the lens is to focus light onto the retina at the back of the eye. As we age, cataracts form when proteins in the lens start misfolding and forming clusters that block, scatter, and distort light as it passes through the lens. For reasons that are not clear, aging can disrupt protein homeostasis — a process that maintains the balance of newly made proteins and the turnover of old proteins.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To explore the ground subject’s reversible cataracts at the molecular level, the team developed a lab-based, lens-in-a-dish model using stem cells engineered from ground subject cells by the Li Lab at NEI. Using this platform, the researchers zeroed in on a part of an extensive network that maintains protein homeostasis in part by breaking down old proteins, known as the ubiquitin proteasome system.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Specifically, RNF114 was significantly elevated during rewarming in the ground squirrel, compared with the non-hibernating rat. RNF114 had previously been shown to help identify old proteins and facilitate their degradation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To look further at RNF114’s effect, they again used a non-hibernator cataract model by incubating its lenses at 4 degrees Celsius. Normally, such cataracts would not resolve with rewarming. However, when the lenses were pretreated with RNF114, there was a rapid clearing of the cataract upon rewarming.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the scientific team, these findings are proof-of-principle that it is possible to induce cataract clearance in animals. In future studies, the process will need to be fine-tuned so scientists can stimulate specific protein degradation to see how to precisely regulate protein stability and turnover. This mechanism is also an important factor in many neurodegenerative diseases, they said.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1f2f408 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="1f2f408" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b036ed0" data-id="b036ed0" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2088bce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="2088bce" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h5>Share this post</h5> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-70a0557 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="70a0557" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cbdb41e" data-id="cbdb41e" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4f292dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-social-share" data-id="4f292dc" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="elementskit-social-share.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="ekit-wid-con" > <ul class="ekit_socialshare"> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-d7fc69a" data-social="facebook"> <div class="facebook"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-facebook"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-9adeae0" data-social="twitter"> <div class="twitter"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-twitter"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-8c4f818" data-social="linkedin"> <div class="linkedin"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-linkedin"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-b7c09f7" data-social="whatsapp"> <div class="whatsapp"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-whatsapp-1"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-3b9bcc1" data-social="pocket"> <div class="pocket"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="fab fa-get-pocket"></i> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-71e4585 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="71e4585" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ff613eb" data-id="ff613eb" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap"> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Researchers Use AI to Help People See More Clearly</title> <link>https://eyezoneinternational.com/researchers-use-ai-to-help-people-see-more-clearly/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 13:32:47 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Eyecare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optical News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optometry]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Research and Studies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eye care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eyesight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eyewear]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eyezone115]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fashion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[optical show]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyezoneinternational.com/?p=13675</guid> <description><![CDATA[A serious, irreversible eye disease known as myopic maculopathy is on the rise.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="13675" class="elementor elementor-13675"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0d0d1b7 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="0d0d1b7" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c6e1f79" data-id="c6e1f79" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-45fe7a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="45fe7a7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is on the rise, especially among children. Experts predict that by the year 2050, myopia will affect approximately 50% of the world’s population. Researchers believe that an increase in what’s called “near work” when we interact with close objects like phones and screens is partially to blame.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For many people, the struggle to see faraway objects is a problem easily managed with glasses or contacts, but for others this develops into a far more serious condition called myopic maculopathy.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A team of researchers in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence at Arizona State University, is developing new diagnostic tools that use the power of artificial intelligence, or AI, to more effectively screen for this disease. They have recently published the results of their work in the peer-reviewed research journal </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">JAMA Ophthalmology.</span></i></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Myopic maculopathy occurs when the part of the eye that helps us see straight ahead in sharp detail is stretched and damaged. Over time, the eye’s shape becomes elongated — more like a football and less like a sphere. When this happens, vision is distorted.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This serious condition is the leading cause of severe vision loss or blindness. In 2015, myopic maculopathy resulted in visual impairment in 10 million people. Unless things change, more than 55 million people are predicted to have vision loss and approximately 18 million people worldwide will be blind due to the disease by 2050.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Because myopic maculopathy is irreversible, experts want to intervene early. Catching the condition as soon as possible can improve health outcomes, a particularly urgent goal when children are concerned. Ophthalmologists can prescribe special contact lenses or eye drops that slow the progression of the disease.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yalin Wang, a Fulton Schools professor of computer science and engineering, says innovations in technology can provide important solutions.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“AI is ushering in a revolution that leverages global knowledge to improve diagnosis accuracy, especially in its earliest stage of the disease,” he says. “These advancements will reduce medical costs and improve the quality of life for entire societies.”</span></p><p><b>A Challenge to See Things in a New Way</b></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In response to this need, the Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention, or MICCAI, Society issued a challenge in 2023. The professional organization that seeks to drive innovation in biomedical research asked experts to improve computer-aided screening systems for retinal images.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Currently, myopic maculopathy is diagnosed using optical coherence tomography scans that use reflected light to create pictures of the back of the eye. These scans are then often manually inspected by an ophthalmologist, a time-consuming process that can require specialized experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wang and his team in the Geometry Systems Laboratory answered the call. The researchers were one of the winners of the MICCAI challenge.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For the first part of the work, Wang and his team, which includes computer engineering doctoral student Wenhui Zhu as well as neurologist and Fulton Schools adjunct faculty member Dr. Oana Dumitrascu, addressed the classification of myopic maculopathy. The disease has five classifications that describe its severity. Determining the correct level helps ophthalmologists to provide more tailored, effective solutions to the patient.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Fulton Schools researchers created new AI algorithms called NN-MobileNet. These sets of instructions that computer programs follow to do their work are designed to help software more effectively scan retinal images and predict the correct classification of the myopic maculopathy.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Next, the team turned their attention to efforts in the scientific community to use a type of AI called deep neural networks to predict the spherical equivalent in retinal scans. The spherical equivalent is an estimate of the eye’s refractive error that doctors need when prescribing glasses or contacts. In deep neural networks, researchers task computers with analyzing huge sets of data and apply AI-powered algorithms to draw helpful conclusions.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With a more accurate measure of the spherical equivalent, doctors can make more accurate treatment recommendations. Wang and the team again developed new algorithms that focused on data quality and relevance. Their new model of retinal image analysis achieved exceptional results while minimizing the amount of computing power needed. The results of this research were also published in JAMA Ophthalmology.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, Wang collaborated with other winning teams from the MICCAI challenge on a third research paper, published in JAMA Ophthalmology in September, that presented their collected results. The researchers from universities around the world made their challenge findings available to stimulate additional advancements and discoveries in the early and effective diagnosis of myopic maculopathy and improving health care outcomes for people across the globe.</span></p><p><b>A Better Vision For Global Health</b></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wang explains that one motivating force behind his work is to solve health disparities.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“People living in rural areas find it difficult to access sophisticated imaging devices and see physicians,” he says. “Once AI-powered technology becomes available, it will significantly improve the quality of life in worldwide populations, including those who live in developing countries.”</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ross Maciejewski, director of the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, says Wang’s project is an important example of the excellent work being done by faculty members in the medical space.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“With both myopia and myopic maculopathy increasing, solutions are needed to prevent vision loss and help health care professionals provide the best treatment options for their patients,” Maciejewski says. “Yalin Wang’s innovative research is a principled use of artificial intelligence to address this dire medical issue.”</span></p><p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1f2f408 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="1f2f408" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b036ed0" data-id="b036ed0" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2088bce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="2088bce" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h5>Share this post</h5> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-70a0557 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="70a0557" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cbdb41e" data-id="cbdb41e" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4f292dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-social-share" data-id="4f292dc" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="elementskit-social-share.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="ekit-wid-con" > <ul class="ekit_socialshare"> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-d7fc69a" data-social="facebook"> <div class="facebook"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-facebook"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-9adeae0" data-social="twitter"> <div class="twitter"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-twitter"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-8c4f818" data-social="linkedin"> <div class="linkedin"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-linkedin"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-b7c09f7" data-social="whatsapp"> <div class="whatsapp"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-whatsapp-1"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-3b9bcc1" data-social="pocket"> <div class="pocket"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="fab fa-get-pocket"></i> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-71e4585 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="71e4585" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ff613eb" data-id="ff613eb" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap"> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Photocatalyst: Using Light to Clean Up Forever Chemicals </title> <link>https://eyezoneinternational.com/photocatalyst-using-light-to-clean-up-forever-chemicals/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 13:07:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Eye Health Matters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eyecare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optical News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Research and Studies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eye condition]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eye health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eyezone115]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[optical research]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vision health]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyezoneinternational.com/?p=13638</guid> <description><![CDATA[Artificial intelligence is more readily available than ever before to improve patient care and business operations in optometry. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="13638" class="elementor elementor-13638"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0d0d1b7 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="0d0d1b7" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c6e1f79" data-id="c6e1f79" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-45fe7a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="45fe7a7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By Deborah Kotob </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once again, the impressive power of light is in science news. Recent research has uncovered the ability of the absorption of visible light by a catalyst, to break down PFAS (forever chemicals) and render them harmless. Perfluorinated polymers (PFs) chemicals came on the scene when Dr. Roy J. Plunkett invented Teflon in 1938. The stability, water resistance and heat resistance made PFASs and PFs ideal for cookware, firefighting foam and clothing, their stability, and resistance to water and heat. But these same properties mean they do not decompose unless exposed to extreme temperatures of 400 degrees centigrade.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Consequently, PFAS have been found in the water, soil and the bodies of humans where they cause hormonal disruptions and have carcinogenic effects. According to The Endocrine Society at endocrine.org, PFAS chemicals can affect our biology by mimicking fatty acids—the building blocks of fat in our bodies as well as the foods we eat. They also act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to their ability to interfere with hormone systems. Exposure to PFAS chemicals can cause adverse health effects. Studies conducted near Parkersburg, W. Va., found a probable link between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure and six disease categories: diagnosed high cholesterol, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, testicular cancer, kidney cancer and pregnancy-induced hypertension.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">PFASs and PFs wind up in landfills where they pose future contamination risks. Currently, these chemicals have been found in drinking water supplies, food and even in the soil of Antarctica. While there are plans to phase out PFAS production, the problem remains how to break them down to a benign substance. Researchers at Ritsumeikan University employed a photocatalytic method using visible light to break down PFAS and PFs, but also to recover and recycle fluorine in the process. Fluorine is a critical component in many industries, from pharmaceuticals to clean energy technologies. By recovering fluorine from waste PFAS, they reduce reliance on fluorine production and create a sustainable recycling process. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Their study, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition on 19 June 2024, details a photocatalytic method that uses visible light to break down PFAS and other fluorinated polymers (FPs) at room temperature into fluorine ions. Using this method, the researchers achieved 100 percent defluorination of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) within just eight hours of light exposure.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Photocatalyst is a combination of two words: photo related to photon and catalyst, a substance that alters the reaction rate in its presence. Photocatalysts are materials that absorb light and act as a semi-conductor, changing the rate of a chemical reaction when exposed to light. Photocatalytic technology has a low cost, excellent sustainability, high efficiency and low environmental impact. Photocatalytic technology can efficiently degrade and eventually convert to non harmful minerals. Photocatalysts are materials which decompose detrimental substances under sunlight containing UV rays. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Currently the predominant photocatalyst used in environmental cleanup is hybrid titanium dioxide TiO2, a non-toxic environmentally friendly and reusable photocatalyst. Photocatalysis includes reactions that take place by utilizing light and a semiconductor, a substrate that absorbs light and acts as a catalyst for chemical reactions. Photocatalysis is promising for many types of environmental remediation, particularly water purification and destroying wastewater contaminants. It has successfully degraded microorganisms and non-organic substances like dyes and chemicals in water.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Originally published in </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">20/20 Magazine.</span></i></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1f2f408 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="1f2f408" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b036ed0" data-id="b036ed0" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2088bce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="2088bce" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h5>Share this post</h5> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-70a0557 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="70a0557" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cbdb41e" data-id="cbdb41e" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4f292dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-social-share" data-id="4f292dc" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="elementskit-social-share.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="ekit-wid-con" > <ul class="ekit_socialshare"> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-d7fc69a" data-social="facebook"> <div class="facebook"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-facebook"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-9adeae0" data-social="twitter"> <div class="twitter"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-twitter"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-8c4f818" data-social="linkedin"> <div class="linkedin"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-linkedin"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-b7c09f7" data-social="whatsapp"> <div class="whatsapp"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-whatsapp-1"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-3b9bcc1" data-social="pocket"> <div class="pocket"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="fab fa-get-pocket"></i> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-71e4585 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="71e4585" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ff613eb" data-id="ff613eb" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap"> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>A Brain Fingerprint: Study Uncovers Unique Brain Plasticity in People Born Blind</title> <link>https://eyezoneinternational.com/a-brain-fingerprint-study-uncovers-unique-brain-plasticity-in-people-born-blind/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:24:40 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Eye Health Matters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eyecare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optical News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Research and Studies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eye condition]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eye disease]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eye health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eyezone115]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[optical research]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vision health]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyezoneinternational.com/?p=13622</guid> <description><![CDATA[Neuroscientists reveal that the part of the brain that receives and processes visual information in sighted people develops a unique connectivity pattern in people born blind. They say this pattern in the primary visual cortex is unique to each person -- akin to a fingerprint.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="13622" class="elementor elementor-13622"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0d0d1b7 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="0d0d1b7" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c6e1f79" data-id="c6e1f79" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-45fe7a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="45fe7a7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A study led by Georgetown University neuroscientists reveals that the part of the brain that receives and processes visual information in sighted people develops a unique connectivity pattern in people born blind. They say this pattern in the primary visual cortex is unique to each person — akin to a fingerprint.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The findings, described 30 July 2024 in PNAS, have profound implications for understanding brain development and could help launch personalized rehabilitation and sight restoration strategies.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For decades, scientists have known that the visual cortex in people born blind responds to a myriad of stimuli, including touch, smell, sound localization, memory recall and response to language. However, the lack of a common thread linking the tasks that activate primary areas in the visual cortex has perplexed researchers. The new study, led by Lenia Amaral, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher; and Ella Striem-Amit, PhD, the Edwin H. Richard and Elisabeth Richard von Matsch Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Georgetown University’s School of Medicine, offers a compelling explanation: differences in how each individual’s brain organizes itself.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We don’t see this level of variation in the visual cortex connectivity among individuals who can see — the connectivity of the visual cortex is usually fairly consistent,” said Striem-Amit, who leads the Sensory and Motor Plasticity Lab at Georgetown. “The connectivity pattern in people born blind is more different across people, like an individual fingerprint, and is stable over time — so much so that the individual person can be identified from the connectivity pattern.”</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The study included a small sample of people born blind who underwent repeated functional MRI scans over two years. The researchers used a neuroimaging technique to analyze neural connectivity across the brain.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The visual cortex in people born blind showed remarkable stability in its connectivity patterns over time,” Amaral explained. “Our study found that these patterns did not change significantly based on the task at hand — whether participants were localizing sounds, identifying shapes, or simply resting. Instead, the connectivity patterns were unique to each individual and remained stable over the two-year study period.”</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Striem-Amit said these findings tell us how the brain develops. “Our findings suggest that experiences after birth shape the diverse ways our brains can develop, especially if growing up without sight. Brain plasticity in these cases frees the brain to develop, possibly even for different possible uses for the visual cortex among different people born blind,” Striem-Amit said.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The researchers posit that understanding each person’s individual connectivity may be important to better tailor solutions for rehabilitation and sight restoration to individuals with blindness, each based on their own individual brain connectivity pattern.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The authors report having no personal financial interests related to the study.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This work was supported by a grant from National Institutes of Health NEI/OBSSR (R01EY034515) and funds from the Edwin H. Richard and Elisabeth Richard von Matsch Distinguished Professorship in Neurological Diseases.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1f2f408 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="1f2f408" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b036ed0" data-id="b036ed0" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2088bce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="2088bce" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h5>Share this post</h5> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-70a0557 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="70a0557" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cbdb41e" data-id="cbdb41e" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4f292dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-social-share" data-id="4f292dc" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="elementskit-social-share.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="ekit-wid-con" > <ul class="ekit_socialshare"> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-d7fc69a" data-social="facebook"> <div class="facebook"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-facebook"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-9adeae0" data-social="twitter"> <div class="twitter"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-twitter"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-8c4f818" data-social="linkedin"> <div class="linkedin"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-linkedin"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-b7c09f7" data-social="whatsapp"> <div class="whatsapp"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-whatsapp-1"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-3b9bcc1" data-social="pocket"> <div class="pocket"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="fab fa-get-pocket"></i> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-71e4585 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="71e4585" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ff613eb" data-id="ff613eb" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap"> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Saudi Scientific Conference and OptiVision Exhibition</title> <link>https://eyezoneinternational.com/saudi-scientific-conference-and-optivision-exhibition-2/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 16 Nov 2024 16:35:39 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Eye Health Matters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Events]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eyecare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optical News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyezoneinternational.com/?p=13585</guid> <description><![CDATA[https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-16-at-2.41.13-AM.mp4 Share this post This is the heading Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="13585" class="elementor elementor-13585"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-71e4585 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="71e4585" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ff613eb" data-id="ff613eb" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-7a7c536 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video" data-id="7a7c536" data-element_type="widget" data-settings="{"video_type":"hosted","controls":"yes"}" data-widget_type="video.default"> <div 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Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.</p></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div>]]></content:encoded> <enclosure url="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-16-at-2.41.13-AM.mp4" length="32473731" type="video/mp4" /> </item> <item> <title>Saudi Scientific Conference and OptiVision Exhibition</title> <link>https://eyezoneinternational.com/saudi-scientific-conference-and-optivision-exhibition/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 10 Nov 2024 22:38:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Eye Health Matters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Events]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eyecare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optical News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyezoneinternational.com/?p=13562</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Saudi Optometry Conference stands as the premier event for the vision care industry in the Middle East. As the largest and most comprehensive optometry conference in the region, this annual gathering brings together leading professionals, researchers, and innovators from across the spectrum of eye health. Visit the official website for more info. https://www.sso2024.net/en/sso-home/ Share […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="13562" class="elementor elementor-13562"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-71e4585 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="71e4585" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ff613eb" data-id="ff613eb" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-f92a922 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="f92a922" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-fc2d692" data-id="fc2d692" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-d744c03 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="d744c03" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #000000;">The Saudi Optometry Conference stands as the premier event for the vision care industry in the Middle East. As the largest and most comprehensive optometry conference in the region, this annual gathering brings together leading professionals, researchers, and innovators from across the spectrum of eye health. Visit the official website for more info. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a style="color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://www.sso2024.net/en/sso-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.sso2024.net/en/sso-home/</a></strong></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1f2f408 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="1f2f408" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b036ed0" data-id="b036ed0" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2088bce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="2088bce" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h5>Share this post</h5> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-70a0557 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="70a0557" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cbdb41e" data-id="cbdb41e" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4f292dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-social-share" data-id="4f292dc" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="elementskit-social-share.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="ekit-wid-con" > <ul class="ekit_socialshare"> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-d7fc69a" data-social="facebook"> <div class="facebook"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-facebook"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-9adeae0" data-social="twitter"> <div class="twitter"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-twitter"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-8c4f818" data-social="linkedin"> <div class="linkedin"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-linkedin"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-b7c09f7" data-social="whatsapp"> <div class="whatsapp"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-whatsapp-1"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-3b9bcc1" data-social="pocket"> <div class="pocket"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="fab fa-get-pocket"></i> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div>]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>New Horizons in Optometry: The 9th Saudi Optometry Conference and OptiVision Exhibition</title> <link>https://eyezoneinternational.com/new-horizons-in-optometry-the-9th-saudi-optometry-conference-and-optivision-exhibition/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 10 Nov 2024 22:11:29 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Eye Health Matters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Events]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eyecare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optical News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyezoneinternational.com/?p=13461</guid> <description><![CDATA[New Horizons in Optometry: The 9th Saudi Optometry Conference and OptiVision Exhibition]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="13461" class="elementor elementor-13461"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0d0d1b7 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="0d0d1b7" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c6e1f79" data-id="c6e1f79" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-45fe7a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="45fe7a7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p>We are delighted to welcome you to the <strong>9th Saudi Optometry</strong> Conference and the <strong>OptiVision</strong> Exhibition, the premier optometry event in the Middle East.</p><p>Under the patronage of the <strong>Ministry of Health</strong>, this conference gathers distinguished experts and specialists from within the Kingdom and abroad. With over <strong>50 speakers</strong>, we aim to discuss the latest developments and innovations in optometry, enhancing collaboration and knowledge exchange.</p><p>The accompanying <strong>OptiVision</strong> Exhibition—the first of its kind in the region—offers a unique opportunity for leading local and international companies to showcase cutting-edge products and technologies. It serves as an ideal platform for networking and exploring new market opportunities.</p><p>Hosting this significant event—including the launch of the first optometry hackathon—reflects the <strong>Saudi Optometry Society’s</strong> commitment to advancing the optometry sector professionally, scientifically, and commercially, in alignment with <strong>Saudi Vision 2030</strong>. We strive to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and to encourage research and innovation in this vital field.</p><p>We look forward to your active participation and hope this conference marks the beginning of further development and prosperity in optometry within the Kingdom and the region.</p><p>Best regards,<br /><strong>Dr. Waleed M. Alghamdi</strong><br /><strong>President</strong><br /><strong>Saudi Society of Optometry</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.sso2024.net/en/sso-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-13454 size-full" src="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA.jpg" alt="" width="710" height="100" srcset="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA.jpg 710w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA-600x85.jpg 600w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA-220x31.jpg 220w" sizes="(max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px" /></a></p><p>Saudi Society for Optometry and Vision Science (SSO) is the official national umbrella for all specialists in optometry, both citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SSO holds annual scientific meetings, including an annual conference in Riyadh, as well as various scientific days in different regions of the Kingdom, which contribute to the development of the profession and the specialty.</p><p>The annual scientific conference of SSO is the largest conference and scientific gathering for optometry of its kind in the Middle East. The conference has seen significant development in recent years, reaching an international level.</p><p>The conference has hosted speakers from various countries around the world with specialized expertise and extensive experience in the field, enriching the scientific program with lectures and workshops. As a result, the conference recently witnessed notable attendance from specialists and students from various regions of the Kingdom and neighboring countries.</p><p>Additionally, several accompanying activities are held annually alongside the conference, such as an exhibition center featuring well-known companies in the optometry sector, as well as cultural and recreational activities targeting students and attendees in general.</p><p><strong>Dr. Mosaad Alhassan</strong></p><p><strong>Vice President of the Saudi Society of Optometry and Vision Science</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.sso2024.net/en/sso-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-13454 size-full" style="text-align: right;" src="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA.jpg" alt="" width="710" height="100" srcset="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA.jpg 710w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA-600x85.jpg 600w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA-220x31.jpg 220w" sizes="(max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px" /></a></p><h3><strong>Advancing Optometry Together: A Welcome from the scientific of the Scientific Committee</strong></h3><figure id="attachment_13511" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13511" style="width: 222px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-13511" src="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1.png" alt="" width="222" height="222" srcset="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1.png 203w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1-100x100.png 100w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1-50x50.png 50w" sizes="(max-width: 222px) 100vw, 222px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13511" class="wp-caption-text">Khaled S Alzahrani PhD, Scientific Committee/Chairman</figcaption></figure><p>It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to SSO2024, the 9th Annual Saudi Optometry Conference.</p><p>Our Scientific Committee has meticulously designed a dynamic and comprehensive program featuring leading national and international speakers who will share the latest advancements in optometry and eye care. The conference will<br />encompass keynote lectures, workshops, symposia, and poster presentations covering a wide array of topics.</p><p>This event provides a valuable opportunity to learn, network, and contribute to the advancement of optometry in Saudi Arabia and beyond. We are confident that the knowledge exchanged and the connections made here will inspire innovation and foster collaborations that will shape the future of our profession.</p><p>I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Scientific Committee, the Organizing Committee, and<br />the dedicated volunteers whose efforts have made this event possible.</p><p>Warm regards,<br />Dr. Khaled Saad Alzahrani<br />Head of Scientific Committee, SSO2024</p><p><a style="color: #13aff0; text-decoration-style: dotted; transition-property: all; text-decoration-skip-ink: none;" href="https://www.sso2024.net/en/sso-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-13454 size-full" style="text-align: right;" src="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA.jpg" alt="" width="710" height="100" srcset="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA.jpg 710w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA-600x85.jpg 600w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA-220x31.jpg 220w" sizes="(max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px" /></a></p><p>The OptiVision First Optometry and Eyewear Show in Riyadh is poised to be a groundbreaking event in the world of vision care. From November 14-16, 2024, the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center will become the epicenter of all things optical, bringing together professionals, enthusiasts, and visionaries from across the globe. This event isn’t just about business—it’s a celebration of innovation, culture, and the future of eyewear.</p><p>Expect to see the latest in optical technology, stunning frames, and cutting-edge contact lenses. With over 100 brands exhibiting, there’s something for everyone. It’s more than a show; it’s a community where ideas are shared, partnerships are formed, and the future of vision care is shaped. Whether you’re an industry leader or just passionate about eyewear, OptiVision promises an experience filled with discovery, learning, and inspiration.</p><p>Raafat Al Attar</p><p>OptiVision Project Manager</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.sso2024.net/en/sso-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-13454 size-full" src="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA.jpg" alt="" width="710" height="100" srcset="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA.jpg 710w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA-600x85.jpg 600w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA-220x31.jpg 220w" sizes="(max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px" /></a></p><h3> </h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Scientific Committee/SSO2024</h3><figure id="attachment_13511" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13511" style="width: 203px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-13511" src="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1.png" alt="" width="203" height="203" srcset="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1.png 203w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1-100x100.png 100w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1-50x50.png 50w" sizes="(max-width: 203px) 100vw, 203px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13511" class="wp-caption-text"><span style="color: #000000;">Khaled S Alzahrani PhD</span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Scientific Committee/Chairman</span></figcaption></figure> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="194" height="193" src="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.png" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" link="none" size="medium" ids="13512,13513,13514,13515,13516,13517,13518,13528" orderby="post__in" include="13512,13513,13514,13515,13516,13517,13518,13528" srcset="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2.png 194w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2-100x100.png 100w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2-50x50.png 50w" sizes="(max-width: 194px) 100vw, 194px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="197" height="197" src="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/3.png" class="attachment-medium size-medium" alt="" link="none" size="medium" ids="13512,13513,13514,13515,13516,13517,13518,13528" orderby="post__in" include="13512,13513,13514,13515,13516,13517,13518,13528" srcset="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/3.png 197w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/3-100x100.png 100w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/3-50x50.png 50w" sizes="(max-width: 197px) 100vw, 197px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" 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link="none" size="medium" ids="13512,13513,13514,13515,13516,13517,13518,13528" orderby="post__in" include="13512,13513,13514,13515,13516,13517,13518,13528" srcset="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9.png 213w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9-100x100.png 100w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9-50x50.png 50w" sizes="(max-width: 213px) 100vw, 213px" /> <p><a href="https://www.sso2024.net/en/sso-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-13454 size-full" src="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA.jpg" alt="" width="710" height="100" srcset="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA.jpg 710w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA-600x85.jpg 600w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/710x100-ARA-220x31.jpg 220w" sizes="(max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px" /></a></p><p style="text-align: right;"> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1f2f408 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="1f2f408" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b036ed0" data-id="b036ed0" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2088bce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="2088bce" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h5>Share this post</h5> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section 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class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ff613eb" data-id="ff613eb" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap"> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>IAPB Announces World Sight Day Photos of the Year</title> <link>https://eyezoneinternational.com/iapb-announces-world-sight-day-photos-of-the-year/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 10 Nov 2024 18:40:37 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Eye Health Matters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Events]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eyecare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optical News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[optical news]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyezoneinternational.com/?p=13499</guid> <description><![CDATA[The IAPB World Sight Day Photo Competition invites amateur and professional photographers to demonstrate their skills and share with the world what they see and what it means to #LoveYourEyes.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="13499" class="elementor elementor-13499"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0d0d1b7 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="0d0d1b7" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c6e1f79" data-id="c6e1f79" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-45fe7a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="45fe7a7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <table id="templateContainer" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td id="email-wrapper" align="center" valign="top"> <table class="textContainer" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> <td valign="top"> <p>IAPB announces the winners of the World Sight Day 2024 Photo Competition. </p> <p>The judges have chosen ‘We Love Our Eyes!’ by Abdullah Almajed,<strong> </strong>for King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, as this year’s winning professional Photo of the Year and ‘Post Op visual test’, by Namkhen Lama, for Tilganga, as the winning amateur Photo of the Year.</p> <p>“The quality, creativity and skillset – all was amazingly beautiful…Every picture had a story behind it and serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise eye health, particularly for children – the future generations,” said Fatima Zehar, LRBT, Programme Manager, Inclusive Eye Health Programme and World Sight Day Photo Competition Judge.</p> <p>Michelle Sylvanowicz, Global Advocacy Director, Ophthalmology for Bayer, echoed the excitement, saying, “At Bayer, we are always impressed with each year’s submissions; the competition grows stronger each year.”</p> <p>Winners were selected from over 600 images submitted from dozens of countries. Courtenay Holden, Head of Communications and Campaigns for IAPB, said, “Each year, we are continually inspired by the hundreds of beautiful submissions that capture the impact of sight-loss and the importance of ensuring everyone, everywhere has access to the eye care they need. These photos truly celebrate World Sight Day and the spirit of ‘Love Your Eyes,’ reflecting our shared commitment to eye care for all.”</p> <p>Since its inception in 2015, the World Sight Day Photo Competition has helped tell the story of eye care; the social and economic impact of having accessible, available and affordable eye care and the flip side. </p> <p>“We are continually thrilled that so many talented photographers are keen to be part of the competition. We sincerely thank everyone who entered and congratulations to our incredible winners,” added Holden.</p> <p>The judging panel consisted of Busisiwe Mzyece, Zimbabwe, Head of Programmes, Council for the Blind, Fatima Zehra, Programme Manager, Inclusive Eye Health Programme, LRBT, Lowri Moore, Author, Ambassador, Activist & IAPB Campaigner of the Year, Emily McCormick, Editor, Optometry Today, and Michelle Sylvanowicz, Global Advocacy Director, Ophthalmology for Bayer.</p> <p>When asked to consider the importance of imagery that displays and celebrates the impact of eye care, Judge, Busisiwe Mzyece, replied, ‘These images are a powerful reminder that every picture tells a story – and every story has the power to change the world.” </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.iapb.world/photo_competition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAPB World Sight Day Photo Competition</a> is made possible with support from Bayer. The competition is part of the #LoveYourEyes, World Sight Day campaign. </p> <p>—</p> <p><strong>About IAPB</strong></p> <p>IAPB is the overarching alliance for the global eye care sector with almost 250 members worldwide drawn from NGOs and civil society, corporate organisations, professional bodies and research and eye care institutions. You can learn more about IAPB at <a href="https://ukc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/www.iapb.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.iapb.org</a>.</p> <p><strong>About World Sight Day </strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.iapb.world/world_sight_day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Sight Day</a> is coordinated by IAPB and is an annual day of awareness, held on the second Thursday of October. It is an opportunity to focus the world’s attention on eye care. World Sight Day 2024 was held on Thursday 10 October 2024. The IAPB World Sight Day Photo Competition is the largest, most prestigious eye health photo competition. Since 2015 the competition has attracted thousands of entries from around the world.</p> <p>World Sight Day is supported by <a href="https://www.iapb.world/lye_global_partners" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAPB Love Your Eyes Global Partners</a>, including Abbvie, Amgen, Bayer, CBM, CooperVision, Hoya, Johnson & Johnson Vision, National Vision, Roche, Safilo, Seva Foundation, and Sightsavers.</p> <p><strong>About the Love Your Eyes Campaign</strong></p> <p>The <a href="https://www.iapb.world/love-your-eyes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Love Your Eyes campaign</a> was launched as part of World Sight Day 2021, it is a year-round campaign to raise the profile of accessible, available and affordable eye health for all by 2030. Since the campaign launched, Love Your Eyes has gained significant global momentum. Over the last three years, the Love Your Eyes campaign has millions of individuals who pledged to #LoveYour Eyes, and garnered over 56,000 pieces of media, leading to almost one billion media impressions and nearly US$200 million in Advertising Value.</p> <p><strong>About Bayer</strong></p> <p>Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life, aligned with Bayer’s mission: Health for all, Hunger for none. This mission fuels us at Bayer every day as we strive to give everyone a chance for a better life by developing groundbreaking solutions that help put food on our tables and offer innovations in self-care and medicine so people can live better lives. Bayer is committed to creating value through innovation, growth, and high-earning power while upholding the principles of sustainable development and its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. </p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-13500" src="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Image-by-Abdullah-Almajed-courtesy-of-IAPB.jpg" alt="" width="471" height="315" srcset="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Image-by-Abdullah-Almajed-courtesy-of-IAPB.jpg 799w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Image-by-Abdullah-Almajed-courtesy-of-IAPB-768x512.jpg 768w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Image-by-Abdullah-Almajed-courtesy-of-IAPB-600x400.jpg 600w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Image-by-Abdullah-Almajed-courtesy-of-IAPB-75x50.jpg 75w" sizes="(max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px" /> </p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Image by Abdullah Almajed courtesy of IAPB.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-13501" src="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Image-by-Namkhen-Lama-courtesy-of-IAPB.jpg" alt="" width="505" height="674" srcset="https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Image-by-Namkhen-Lama-courtesy-of-IAPB.jpg 600w, https://eyezoneinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Image-by-Namkhen-Lama-courtesy-of-IAPB-38x50.jpg 38w" sizes="(max-width: 505px) 100vw, 505px" /></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Image by Namkhen Lama courtesy of IAPB.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1f2f408 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="1f2f408" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div 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class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4f292dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-social-share" data-id="4f292dc" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="elementskit-social-share.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="ekit-wid-con" > <ul class="ekit_socialshare"> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-d7fc69a" data-social="facebook"> <div class="facebook"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-facebook"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-9adeae0" data-social="twitter"> <div class="twitter"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-twitter"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-8c4f818" data-social="linkedin"> <div class="linkedin"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-linkedin"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-b7c09f7" data-social="whatsapp"> <div class="whatsapp"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-whatsapp-1"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-3b9bcc1" data-social="pocket"> <div class="pocket"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="fab fa-get-pocket"></i> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-71e4585 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="71e4585" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ff613eb" data-id="ff613eb" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap"> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Cameras at the Ready – World Sight Day Photo Competition is Back</title> <link>https://eyezoneinternational.com/cameras-at-the-ready-world-sight-day-photo-competition-is-back/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:36:27 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Eye Health Matters]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Events]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Eyecare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Optical News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eye care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[headlines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[IAPB]]></category> <category><![CDATA[IAPB photo competition]]></category> <category><![CDATA[optical news]]></category> <category><![CDATA[photo competition]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vision care]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eyezoneinternational.com/?p=13296</guid> <description><![CDATA[The IAPB World Sight Day Photo Competition invites amateur and professional photographers to demonstrate their skills and share with the world what they see and what it means to #LoveYourEyes.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="13296" class="elementor elementor-13296"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0d0d1b7 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="0d0d1b7" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c6e1f79" data-id="c6e1f79" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-45fe7a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="45fe7a7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness’ World Sight Day Photo Competition is back with creative new categories and great prizes to be won. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As with every year, the competition will have two streams for entry – professional and amateur – allowing everyone to take part from those at home behind the lens to those who are new to the craft. With prizes of up to $1,000 up for grabs, IAPB is inviting everyone to start snapping. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This year’s categories include: </span></p><h5><b>Love Your Eyes</b></h5><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A picture capturing the magic of a moment. This category showcases the importance of eye health, rehabilitation and access to services. </span></p><h5><b>Love Your Child’s Eyes</b></h5><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A picture showcasing the importance of eye health for a child(ren). This category celebrates the positive aspects of a young life impacted by clear, healthy vision. Can be posed or observed. </span></p><h5><b>Love Health For All</b></h5><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A picture capturing subjects delivering health services. Health professionals, eye health and otherwise. This category celebrates their tireless efforts to ensure no one is left behind. </span></p><h5><b>Eye-Sights </b></h5><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This category celebrates the intimate connection between photography and eyes. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Find out more on </span><a href="https://www.iapb.world/photo_competition" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">IAPB’s official website</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Photo by Abdullah Almajed, KKESH, Health Education Department, Saudi Arabia | IAPB</span></p><p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1f2f408 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="1f2f408" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b036ed0" data-id="b036ed0" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-2088bce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="2088bce" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h5>Share this post</h5> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-70a0557 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="70a0557" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cbdb41e" data-id="cbdb41e" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4f292dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-social-share" data-id="4f292dc" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="elementskit-social-share.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="ekit-wid-con" > <ul class="ekit_socialshare"> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-d7fc69a" data-social="facebook"> <div class="facebook"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-facebook"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-9adeae0" data-social="twitter"> <div class="twitter"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-twitter"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-8c4f818" data-social="linkedin"> <div class="linkedin"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-linkedin"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-b7c09f7" data-social="whatsapp"> <div class="whatsapp"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-whatsapp-1"></i> </div> </li> <li class="elementor-repeater-item-3b9bcc1" data-social="pocket"> <div class="pocket"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="fab fa-get-pocket"></i> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-71e4585 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="71e4585" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ff613eb" data-id="ff613eb" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap"> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>