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Media Center
Press Releases
Cosmetic Contacts Can Be a 'Scary' Choice for Halloween
October 27, 2009
Optometrists warn consumers not to buy decorative contact lenses without a doctor’s prescription and fitting
Recession Cutting Into Doctor Visits, According to New Consumer Survey
September 29, 2009
American Optometric Association’s annual American Eye-Q® survey shows some consumers cut primary care and dental visits before other health appointments
Make Eye Exams Part of the Back to School Routine
June 27, 2009
Majority of children start school without ever having an eye examination
American Optometric Association Approves Optometric Board Certification at Annual Meeting
June 27, 2009
Keep an Eye on Harmful UV Rays
May 5, 2008
Survey reveals that the majority of Americans don’t consider UV protection the most important factor when purchasing sunglasses
New Analysis Indicates Community Health Centers Lack Resources to Provide Poor and Rural Communities with Much Needed Vision Care Services
Report reaffirms American Optometric Association’s commitment to end exclusion of doctors of optometry in National Health Service Corps and step up education on the importance of eye and vision care
Open Your Eyes to Healthy Eating Habits
Millions of Americans Can Protect Against Eye Diseases by Eating Healthier
Glaucoma – the “Sneak Thief of Sight” – Can Lead to Vision Loss
January 7, 2009
Although not preventable, glaucoma can be treated if detected early
Profession-Wide Optometric Organizations to Develop Guidelines for Commercial Support in Continuing Education
December 11, 2008
AOA, School Nurses Partner to Link Healthy Vision and Improved Classroom Learning
December 10, 2008
New Strategic Alliance Will Help Ensure that No Child is Left Behind Due to an Untreated or Undiagnosed Vision Problem
AOA-led Group Urges Obama to Increase Health Care Access, Affordability by Combating Provider Discrimination
December 4, 2008
Broad Coalition to Back New Provider Non-Discrimination Safeguards to Ensure Patient Access and Choice
A Comprehensive Eye Exam Important for Americans at Risk for or Diagnosed with Diabetes
November 3, 2008
Consumer Warning: Halloween Eye Wear Accessory May Permanently Damage Eyes
Consumers should not buy decorative contact lenses without a doctor’s prescription and fitting
Comprehensive Eye Exams Particularly Important for Classroom Success
Aug. 4, 2008
Few parents realize that one in four children have undetected vision problems, American Optometric Association survey shows
American Optometric Association Applauds Override of Medicare Cuts
Optometrists Lead Winning Patient Access Coalition
Statement from the CMS: Claims Paid Under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
Doctors of Optometry Urge Contact Lens Wearers to Be Vigilant with Lens Hygiene and Compliance in Flood Areas
June 19, 2008
Protect Your Eyes and Attend Professional Fireworks Displays
June 6, 2008
This year for the 4th of July celebrations, the American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests that families and friends stay away from private firework use and instead enjoy professional displays to protect and preserve eyesight.
AOA Champions National Effort to Combat Diabetes
May 8, 2008
Optometry-backed National Diabetes Goal would transform awareness into action
Majority of Sports-Related Eye Injuries are Preventable with Protective Eyewear
April 1, 2008
Each year, thousands of sports-related eye injuries occur in the United States. The arrival of spring brings more outdoor sports and with them, the increased danger of eye injuries. The American Optometric Association (AOA) urges even casual athletes to protect their sight-and that of teammates-by keeping street eyewear off the playing field and wearing proper protective eyewear instead. Conventional frames and lenses do not meet the minimum requirements for impact resistance in most sports, which can turn a small collision into a sight-threatening injury.
Vision Discomfort Associated with Computer Vision Syndrome
March 13, 2008
The American Optometric Association (AOA) today advised that Americans who use computers daily at work or at home could suffer from computer vision syndrome, which leaves them vulnerable to problems like dry eye, eyestrain, neck and/or backache, light sensitivity and fatigue. These symptoms can result from individual visual problems, poor work station configuration and improper work habits.
AOA Introduces Electronic Coding Resource Exclusively For Members
March 3, 2008
The AOA has introduced AOACodingToday.com, an online coding subscription service available only to AOA members through Physician Reimbursement Systems, Inc. The Coding Today product is all optometrists need to accurately bill private and government payers.
Reduce Your Risk of Developing AMD, Leading Cause of Vision Loss in Older Americans
January 31, 2008
With life expectancy figures continuing to climb, managing eye disease is essential for people to maintain healthy, happy and productive lives. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 50. The Centers for Disease Control and prevention estimate that 1.8 million people have the disease and another 7.3 million are at risk for vision loss from AMD.
Barry J. Barresi, O.D., Ph.D., Appointed Executive Director of the American Optometric Association
January 18, 2008
The American Optometric Association has appointed prominent health policy expert and educator Barry J. Barresi, O.D., Ph.D., to serve as executive director of the 34,000-member organization, effective July 1, 2008.
New Research Shows Consumers Who Purchase Contact Lenses Online Face Greater Eye Health Risks Due To Not Following FDA Safety Recommendations
January 4, 2008
Research indicates that Internet lens purchasers typically don’t follow their eye doctor’s recommendations, placing them at greater risk for harmful eye care practices and eye health complications
Early Detection Critical to Treating Glaucoma, Preventing Blindness
January 3, 2008
The American Optometric Association emphasizes importance of comprehensive eye exams during National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Diabetes: A Top Cause of Blindness Among Adults
November 1, 2007
The American Optometric Association reminds patients about the importance of comprehensive eye exams during November’s National Diabetes Month
New Survey Shows Few Americans Taking Care of Their Most Valued Sense: Eyesight
October 18, 2007
Misconceptions still surround eye health, according to American Optometric Association.
Warning for Consumers: Popular Halloween Eye Wear Accessory Can Permanently Damage Eyes
October 4, 2007
Consumers urged not to buy decorative contact lenses without a prescription
Computer Vision Syndrome Threatens Returning Students
August 7, 2007
Few parents worry that prolonged computer use may damage their child’s eyes, American Optometric Association survey shows
Doctors of Optometry Support AMO’s Voluntary Solution Recall, Urge Contact Lens Wearers to Discontinue Use
May 29, 2007
AOA Advising Contact Lens Wearers to Take Proper Precautions as Investigation Continues
Survey Quizzes Americans’ Knowledge of Eye Care Topics
March 1, 2007
Save Your Vision Month promotes regular eye care for all ages
Congress Rejects Attacks on Optometry
December 13, 2006
Reps. Whitfield and Allen to Continue Crackdown on Irresponsible Internet Contact Lens Sellers in 2007
Diabetes Is the Leading Cause of Blindness Among Most Adults
November 2, 2006
The American Optometric Association reminds patients about the importance of comprehensive eye exams during November’s National Diabetes Month
AOA Low Vision University Receives Support From Kemin Health
September 29, 2006
The AOA Low Vision Rehabilitation Section is pleased to announce an unrestricted educational grant from Kemin Health for its Low Vision University™ educational program.
AOA Backs Contact Lens Patient Safety Bill Sponsored by Kentucky's Rep. Whitfield
September 21, 2006
Federal Measure Would Protect Consumers
Former President Carter and American Optometric Association Celebrate InfantSEE's First Birthday by Announcing Results
June 22, 2006
Assessments show that 1 in 20 babies have abnormal prescription status.
American College of Nurse-Midwives Endorses American Optometric Association InfantSEE® Program
May 2, 2006
Doctors of Optometry Support Bausch & Lomb's Solution Recall, Urge Contact Lens Wearers to Discontinue Use
April 14, 2006
Following Bausch & Lomb’s voluntary recall on Thursday of its ReNu® with MoistureLoc® brand contact lens solution, doctors of optometry from the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) Contact Lens and Cornea Section concur with the company’s decision to remove the product nationwide.
Federal Agencies Investigate Soft Contact Lens Use, Solution as Cause of Serious Eye Fungus
April 11, 2006
Following warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about increased reports of a serious eye fungus among Americans, doctors of optometry from the American Optometric Association's (AOA) Contact Lens and Cornea Section urge contact lens wearers to take proper precautions to prevent the potentially sight-threatening eye infection called Fusarium keratitis.
Eye Fungus Reports Increase as Cases Emerge in United States
March 31, 2006
Doctors of optometry from the American Optometric Association's (AOA) Contact Lens and Cornea Section today urged contact lens wearers to take proper precautions amid reports of a potentially sight-threatening eye fungus appearing in the United States with increased frequency.
Optometrists Anticipate “Boom” in Eye Diseases as Baby Boomers Turn 60
March 1, 2006
In a year where an estimated 2.8 million baby boomers will celebrate their 60th birthday, age-related eye diseases are becoming increasingly important health issues, according to the American Optometric Association. As part of national Save Your Vision Month in March, the AOA is reminding Americans 60 and older that early detection through a comprehensive eye exam can prevent or slow vision loss due to cataracts and other age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
AOA Children's Educational Materials Features New Animated Characters
January 6, 2006
Wise Eyes™ and Spex™ teach children to “Be Wise About Your Eyes”