SPECIAL AAO PREVIEW SECTION

New Orleans Puts Out the Welcome Mat

Visitors can expect a good experience.

Those who last visited New Orleans for the 2004 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting will recognize that the city has significantly changed as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Some aspects of the city have certainly been diminished but city tourism officials say that many of the attractions of importance to visitors have actually been improved.

Kelly Schulz, vice president of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), points to the $60 million total renovation of the Ernest H. Morial Convention Center and says that the facility "has always been one of the best in the country, but it's better now than it was on the first day that it opened."

Stay in the "Tourism Corridor"

Schulz also notes such improvements as a cleaner French Quarter, recently upgraded hotels and many new restaurants. She also assures visitors that taxicabs are plentiful, with drivers who receive training from the CVB in customer service and in choosing the most direct routes to visitor destinations.

The French Quarter houses many magnificent courtyard gardens.

However, Schulz also cautions that AAO attendees who arrive in the city in November (formal sessions are scheduled from Nov. 10 through 13) "should use common sense" and confine their activities to what she terms the city's "tourism corridor," where personal safety is more assured.

"It's like any big city," she says. "It's just wise to stay away from some of the outlying neighborhoods and remain in the highly populated areas that cater to visitors."

Schulz says that many recent visitors have remarked on the excellent service they have received during their stay in the city.

"We know that the national media focus is on us. We are subject to a lot of scrutiny. New Orleans has to prove itself all over again as a great place to visit," she says. "Our service people are thankful that major meetings are choosing our city. They are doing all that they can to deliver excellent service."

Improved Convention Center

Though some observers have described the city's overall recovery effort as slow and disorganized, one fact that is not in dispute is the amazing rehabilitation of the Convention Center. Immediately after Katrina it was widely believed that the facility had been so badly damaged and abused that it would have to fall to the wrecking ball.

However, less than 2 months after Katrina hit in late August of 2005, more than 80% of the debris had been cleaned out of the building, and less than 6 months following the storm, parts of the facility had reopened for small meetings. By June 2006, a largely refurbished Convention Center was again hosting major conventions. The Convention Center today boasts 1.1 million square-feet of exhibit space, 12 exhibit halls, 140 meeting rooms, two ballrooms and an auditorium.

Still, it is difficult to ignore the fact that beyond the Convention Center, the downtown hotels and the new restaurants is a city that is much different than it was the day before Katrina struck. A pre-Katrina population of approximately 450,000 has dwindled to about 300,000. Though New Orleans' famous jazz and Dixieland music is still performed nightly in many clubs, including such well-known spots as Preservation Hall and Snug Harbor, the city's live music scene has been hit hard by the loss of many talented musicians who have relocated to other cities.

The Ernst H. Morial Convention Center has recently undergone extensive renovations.

Tourism Received Priority

Overall, it's apparent that while some parts of what many hoped would be a citywide recovery effort have been neglected, the restoration of the visitor experience has been given top priority.

"Tourism is our bread and butter," says Schulz. "We don't have Fortune 500 companies headquartered here. Tourism is our number 1 industry."

That's why AAO meeting attendees will find that Harrah's casino near the Convention Center is humming, that the Garden District walking tours of historic homes are as interesting as ever, that the shops in the Magazine Street shopping district are busy and that Jackson Square is still the place to go to take in the storied New Orleans atmosphere.

And as an added attraction for AAO meeting attendees who are sports fans, the timing of the convention is fortuitous. The New Orleans Hornets of the NBA will host the champion San Antonio Spurs on Friday, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. at the New Orleans Arena and the NFL New Orleans Saints take on the St. Louis Rams at the Superdome at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11.

"Those are big games but I think tickets will be available if you plan in advance," says Schulz.

New Orleans City Map: Tourist areas and hotels

Map Legend: Hotels

Best Western St. Christopher Hotel
Comfort Suites Downtown
Country Inn & Suites
Courtyard by Marriott New Orleans Downtown
Doubletree Hotel New Orleans
Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans
Hampton Inn Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans French Quarter/CBD
Hilton New Orleans - St. Charles Avenue
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome
Holiday Inn Express Hotel
InterContinental New Orleans
International House
JW Marriott Hotel New Orleans
La Quinta Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown
Le Pavillon Hotel
Loews New Orleans Hotel
New Orleans Marriott Hotel
Omni Royal Crescent Hotel
Parc St. Charles
Pelham Hotel
Queen & Crescent Hotel
Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel
Royal St. Charles Hotel
Sheraton New Orleans
St. James Hotel
Staybridge Suites New Orleans
W New Orleans Hotel
Whitney Wyndham Hotel
Windsor Court Hotel
Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel
Bienville House Hotel
Bourbon Orleans - A Wyndham Historic Hotel
Chateau Dupre Hotel
Chateau LeMoyne French Quarter - Holiday Inn
Chateau Sonesta Hotel
French Market Inn
Holiday Inn French Quarter
Hotel Monteleone
Hotel Provincial
Iberville Suites New Orleans
Inn on Bourbon - Ramada Plaza Hotel
Maison Dupuy Hotel
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
Royal Sonesta Hotel
Saint Ann-Marie Antoinette Hotel
Saint Louis Hotel
W New Orleans - French Quarter
Wyndham New Orleans at Canal Place
Ambassador Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott New Orleans
Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans - Conv. Ctr.
Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center
Hilton Garden Inn New Orlean s Conv. Ctr.
Holiday Inn Select Convention Center
Hotel Le Cirque
Marriott New Orleans at the Convention Center
Renaissance Arts Hotel
Residence Inn by Marriott New Orleans Conv. Ctr.
Riverfront Hotel
Spring Hill Suites by Marriott New Orleans

New Orleans for Serious Diners

BY RENÉ LUTHE, SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Visitors to New Orleans for this month's American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting will learn that Hurricane Katrina did not damage the city's status as a premier dining destination. Ophthalmology Management consulted two residents of the area, Stephen Brint, M.D., and Josie Everly of Louisiana State University's Eye Center of Excellence, for the lowdown on which restaurants have street cred with the locals. Here are their recommendations, with the vital stats for each. Remember, with a convention in town, restaurants are likely to be crowded, so reservations are a good idea.

The Talk of the Town

These new restaurants have already won a following:

Cochon James Beard Award-winning Chef Donald Link offers traditional Cajun fare.
Service: Lunch and dinner
Address: 930 Tchoupitoulas St.
Phone: (504) 588-2123
Web: www.cochonrestaurant.com

Lilette Chef/owner John Harris, named one of the "Top 10 Best Chefs in America" by Food & Wine (2002) offers contemporary French and Italian cuisine. Everly describes it as "upscale and hip."
Service: Lunch and dinner
Address: 3637 Magazine St.
Phone: (504)-895-1636
Web: www.liletterestaurant.com

Lüke "Alsace meets New Orleans" is how Chef John Besh, a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef, describes the menu, saying it pays homage to New Orleans' German and Jewish immigrants from the late 19th century. It also offers a large selection of French, German and Belgian beers.
Service: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Address: 333 Charles St.
Phone: (504) 378-2840
Web: www.Lukeneworleans.com

Fresh oysters, a New Orleans favorite.

The Grande Dames

These landmark restaurants need no introduction, says Dr. Brint, "but they are more wonderful than ever":

Commander's Palace This family-owned New Orleans legend (it's been in business since 1880) features traditional Creole fare.
Service: Lunch and dinner
Address: 1403 Washington Ave.
Phone: (504) 899-8221
Web: www.commanderspalace.com

Cuvee Located next to the Saint James Hotel, this restaurant offers "contemporary Creole-Continental" fare, according to its Web site. Guests can choose from among 50 wine labels.
Service: Lunch and dinner
Address: 322 Magazine St.
Phone: (504) 587-9001
Web: www.restaurantcuvee.com

Emeril's If you own a television, you know who Emeril Lagasse is. The restaurant's eclectic menu features Creole/"New" American cuisine; patrons say that fame and fortune haven't gone to this establishment's head.
Service: Lunch and dinner
Address: 800 Tchoupitoulas St.
Phone: (504) 528-9393
Web: www.emerils.com

Galatoire's This landmark of the New Orleans restaurant scene (it opened its doors in 1905) offers Creole cuisine in a "lively atmosphere," Everly says. "You can reserve a table upstairs, but locals wait in line to be seated in the downstairs dining room."
Service: Lunch and dinner
Address: 209 Bourbon St.
Phone: (504) 525-2021
Web: www.galatoires.com

Where the Locals Eat

What better recommendation could you get?

Brigsten's Chef Frank Brigsten was named 2001 Chef of the Year by New Orleans Magazine and was trained under the legendary Paul Prudhomme. The restaurant serves "updated Cajun/Creole" cuisine, says Everly.
Serving: Dinner
Address: 723 Dante St.
Phone: (504) 861-7610
Web: www.brigstens.com

Clancy's This restaurant features "great New Orleans [Creole] food," Dr. Brint says, but he advises taking a taxi — the uptown bistro is located in a residential neighborhood and is difficult to find.
Service: Lunch and dinner
Address: 6100 Annunciation St.
Phone: (504) 895-1111
Web: None

La Crepe Nanou This romantic French bistro has been serving locals for more than 20 years. It does not accept reservations.
Service: Dinner
Address: 1410 Robert St.
Phone: (504) 899-2670
Web: www.lacrepenanou.com

Mandina's Everly calls this "the ultimate New Orleans neighborhood restaurant." It offers a Creole/Italian menu.
Service: Lunch and dinner
Address: 3800 Canal St.
Phone: (504) 482-9179
Web: None

A New Orleans delight: trout with crawfish sauce.

Stella! Everly describes the food as "European/Asian/Creole fusion" in the setting of a French Country inn.
Service: Dinner and Sunday brunch
Address: 1032 Charles St.
Phone: (504) 587-0091
Web: www.restaurantstella.com

Upperline This favorite boasts a Creole menu and features more than 400 pieces of art collected over the past 40 years. It is also recommended by Southern Living magazine.
Service: Dinner
Address: 1413 Upperline St.
Phone: (504) 891-982
Web: www.upperline.com

Off the Beaten Path

Dr. Brint assures OM that these smaller restaurants are worth the trip:

Herbsaint This French-American style bistro is something of a New Orleans secret, Dr. Brint says, but it was named one of the top 50 restaurants in the United States by Gourmet magazine. It offers French/Creole style food.
Service: Lunch and dinner
Address: 701 St. Charles Ave.
Phone: (504) 524-4114
Web: www.herbsaint.com

La Petite Grocery The uptown bistro serves food that is "heavily French inspired," according to New Orleans Magazine.
Service: Dinner
Address: 4238 Magazine St.
Phone: (504) 891-3377
Web: www.lapetitegrocery.com

Tommy's New Orleans Food Located down the street from Emeril's, Tommy's serves Italian cuisine with a southern bent, Dr. Brint says.
Service: Dinner
Address: 746 Tchoupitoulas St.
Phone: (504) 581-1103
Web: www.tommyscuisine.com

AAO Attendees Can Make a Difference

EyeBuild brings "voluntourism" to New Orleans.

BY RACHEL M. RENSHAW, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Medical professionals have a long tradition of volunteerism and of offering their valuable services to communities in need. Ophthalmologists are no exception, as witnessed by charitable efforts of several organizations and individuals, many of whom Ophthalmology Management has featured in its monthly "Giving Back" feature. So it comes as no surprise that as this year's Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) drew near, several attendees responded positively to the idea of a program that would enable them to help the rebuilding effort in New Orleans.

As a result, the AAO has launched a new project titled EyeBuild, in conjunction with the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity.

EyeBuild is a 3-day project that will enable registrants to participate in building projects in the areas of New Orleans that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Registrants can sign up for 1 day, 2 days or all 3 days, says Debra Rosencrance, CMP, vice president of meetings and exhibits for the AAO.

Habitat for Humanity volunteers at Musicians' Village in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward.

"The cost for registration is $25 per day," says Rosencrance. "This money is actually going to be a donation to Habitat for Humanity and covers insurance and costs for items like goggles and gloves. So, in fact, we donate a check that includes $25 for every person we sign up."

Musicians' Village

Rosencrance says that the site most likely to be worked on during EyeBuild is Musicians' Village, which is in the Lower Ninth Ward, an area of New Orleans hit particularly hard by the flooding.

According to Habitat for Humanity, Musicians' Village is a project initiated by Harry Connick, Jr., and Branford Marsalis, both noted jazz musicians and honorary chairs of Operation Home Delivery, and is jointly sponsored by the New Orleans Areas Habitat for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity International. The homes built from this project will go to displaced musicians and other qualifying families to help bring back the culture of jazz, blues and zydeco, among other types of music, for which New Orleans is so famous.

The project, already under way, seeks to build 70 single-family homes on 8 acres of land.

"We did some photo shoots there when we made our marketing video. It's really quite a charming little neighborhood that they're rebuilding," Rosencrance says. "They're building similar housing as what's been in New Orleans for years, painting them in a variety of different colors. The structures are raised up to protect against future flooding."

What to Expect

A typical day participating in EyeBuild starts early. The workday begins at 7:30 a.m. The start time does not include transportation time, so participants should check with the program to see where and when their bus departs for the site, notes Rosencrance.

As for the actual work that participants will be doing, she says, "it really depends on where they [Habitat] are in the actual building process. But it could be actual building, as far as hammering nails and putting up the walls or sheetrock and such, or the finishing stage — painting or landscaping."

At press time, there were 497 people signed up for EyeBuild, according to Rosencrance.

"Most [registrants] are physicians. The exhibitors are still signing up the sponsoring companies are helping register their employees."

Volunteers construct framing at a Habitat for Humanity site in New Orleans.

In addition to helping supply workers from their employee base, sponsoring companies have donated funds to pay for the lunches and bus transportation to and from the worksite. All remaining money will be donated to the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity.

If all goes well with this year's EyeBuild project, the AAO may continue the volunteerism effort for the Annual Meeting past 2007, Rosencrance says. "We've had some younger ophthalmologists say that this is something they'd be interested in doing every year. We'll survey participants and, depending on the response, we may decide to extend the EyeBuild project to every Annual Meeting city we visit."

While fax registration is closed, the online registration is open for a few more days until Oct. 17. Visit www.AAO.org/meetings/annual_meeting/eyebuild.cfm for more details.

AAO Showcase

ACCUTOME

Accutome B-Scan Plus
■ The Accutome B-Scan Plus features 0.015-mm resolution, which is the highest in the medical industry, says Accutome. The B-Scan Plus also uses state-of-the-art probe design to produce more focused images due to the elimination of signal loss, and "Smooth Zoom" technology offers 2x full image zoom without distortion of real-time or captured scans, according to the company. The B-Scan Plus is also portable and the probe can be plugged into any laptop or PC.

Other features include unlimited 34-second film loops; built-in report templates containing image, diagnosi and patient and facility information; adaptable document transfer via paperless office, e-mail or printer; compact file storage; easily upgradable software; and a user-friendly interface. Visit Accutome at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) in November at Booth #853.
Accutome, Inc.
Phone: (800) 979-2020
www.accutome.com

ALLERGAN

Aphagan P
■ Alphagan P (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) effectively lowers IOP by approximately 2 to 6 mm Hg and is preserved with gentle-to-the-eyes Purite.

Alphagan P 0.1% and 0.15% are indicated for the lowering of IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Alphagan P 0.1% and 0.15% are contraindicated in patients receiving monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor therapy. Adverse events occurring in approximately 10% to 20% of the subjects included: allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia and eye pruritus.

See brief summary of prescribing information within this publication.

Lumigan
■ Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% is indicated to reduce IOP in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

In clinical studies, Lumigan reduced IOP 7 to 8 mm Hg from a 26 mm Hg baseline.

Lumigan has been reported to cause changes to pigmented tissues. The most frequently reported changes have been increased pigmentation of the iris, periorbital tissue and eyelashes and growth of eyelashes. Pigmentation is expected to increase as long as Lumigan is administered. After discontinuation of Lumigan, iris pigmentation is likely to be permanent while periorbital tissue pigmentation and eyelash changes have been reported to be reversible in some patients.

See brief summary of prescribing information within this publication.
Allergan, Inc.
Phone: (800) 347-4500
www.allergan.com

BD MEDICAL-OPHTHALMIC SYSTEMS

■ BD Atomic Edge silicon single-use safety slit knives are designed for incision control with non-sharpened sides to minimize the possibility of side cutting. BD Beaver Safety Cataract Knife System, a complete single-use cataract safety knife system includes safety slit, sideport and crescent knives. All BD Beaver and BD Atomic Edge safety knives have an integrated protective shield that is designed to protect healthcare workers from sharps injuries and guards the blade from possible damage.

BD Medical-Ophthalmic Systems also provides BD Beaver blades and knives and BD Visitec Disposable Instruments including: Bonn Forceps, Capsulorhexis Forceps, Macpherson Forceps, Moorfield Forceps, Eye Speculum, Needle Holder, Vannas Scissors, Westcott Scissors, Buratto's Hook and Straight Micro-manipulator, as well as BD Visitec cannulae, accessories, drapes, BD CustomEyes custom kits, BD Limbal Relaxing Incision Kits and BD Readypak kits. Visit BD Medical-Ophthalmic Systems at the AAO at Booth #3913.
BD Medical-Ophthalmic Systems
Phone: (866) 906-8080
www.bd.com/ophthalmology

DGH Technology Inc.

Scanmate B DGH 8000
■ DGH's new B-Scan is fast, compact, portable, easy and affordable, says the company. The Scanmate B DGH 8000 is designed to enhance your practice's diagnostic capabilities and, according to DGH, many eyecare professionals find the B-Scan essential in a myriad of cases.
DGH Technology Inc.
Phone: (800) 722-3883
www.dghkoi.com

ESCALON DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

E5 Camera System
■ The new E5 camera system from Escalon Digital Solutions is designed to fit the needs of any practice and provides best-in-class image quality, says the company. The Escalon Digital Solutions OphthaVision software platform provides auto-exposure bracketing, image overlay and Auto EyeMap montage. According to Escalon, OphthaVision can now seamlessly integrate all diagnostic images from different modalities into a centralized database, at a fraction of the cost of competitive systems.

Visit Escalon Digital Solutions at the AAO at Booth #4113.
Escalon Digital Solutions
Phone: (800) 676-0043
www.escalondigitalsolutions.com

ELLEX

■ The Solitaire, Integre and Integre Duo photocoagulators are all solid-state systems featuring True Spot Optics and superior, even energy distribution.

The Ultra Q and Super Q photo-disruptors feature low-energy optical breakdown and fast firing rates for precision capsulotomy and iridotomy.

The Tango and Solo SLT systems are designed for managing intraocular pressure associated with open-angle glaucoma.

The Eye Cubed features real-time imaging, movie mode and is customizable with A- and B-scan modes.
Ellex
Phone: (800) 824-7444
www.ellex.com

EYEMAGINATIONS

3D-Eye Office
■ The latest version of 3D-Eye Office has been designed to maximize patient education, office efficiency and revenue. Eyemaginations' software provides new enhanced-reality animations, now in a simplified point-and-click user-accessible format, says the company.

This 3-D animated computer-based technology increases patient flow while allowing for a higher level of patient education and introduces patients to new developments, products and procedures.

New products include 3D-Eye Consent, a comprehensive interactive presentation that delivers important informed consent concepts to patients to help protect your practice, and 3D-Eye Online, designed to enhance your practice website by incorporating dynamic animations.

Visit Eyemaginations at the AAO at Booth #4055.
Eyemaginations
Phone: (877) 321-5481
www.eyemaginations.com

HAAG-STREIT USA

Octopus 900 Goldmann Perimeter
■ The Octopus 900, a full field perimeter, offers Goldmann kinetic perimetry in manual, semi and fully automated modes. The Octopus 900 performs a full 90° field with 2.5 minute central 30° testing. Its compact design features a Goldmann full-size spherical bowl that covers the entire 90° field.

The Octopus 900 offers all perimetry examination methods in one instrument. A stand alone PC operates the Octopus and can network to other office computers. The 100% fixation, unique to the Octopus product line, assures accurate and reproducible results, says Haag-Streit.

The Auto Eye Tracking feature automatically moves the eye to the correct position if the patient shifts on the chin rest.

Camera Module (CM) 900 & Imaging Module (IM) 900
■ The CM 900 and IM 900 retrofit to any existing BP 900 or BD 900 slit lamp. Freeze technology captures images before and after you trigger the camera and allows for high-speed capture and data transfer. The History Trigger function allows you to shoot the perfect image every time, says the company. Easy Touch technology offers precise image control and depth-of-field control.
Haag-Streit USA
Phone: (866) 417-3802
www.haag-streit-usa.com

HEINE

OMEGA 500 Unplugged
■ The Omega 500 Unplugged will be coming in November 2007 with a lighter, smaller and better design, says Heine.

Visit Heine at the AAO at Booth #4729.
Heine North America
Phone: (800) 367-4872
www.heine.com

MARCO

3-D Wave
■ Now, with a single device, you can obtain refraction, corneal topography, optical path difference (OPD) and wavefront analysis in a matter of seconds, says Marco. The 3-D Wave allows you to evaluate your patient comprehensively, perform day and night vision assessments, refractive and cataract surgery screenings and understand postoperative complaints.

Measuring both low- and high-order aberrations on a single axis, the 3-D Wave gives you the power to diagnose patient complaints that simply would not be diagnosed before, the company says. Visit Marco at the AAO at Booth #1245.
Marco
Phone: (800) 874-5274
www.marco.com

SONOMED, INC.

VuMax-II
■ Sonomed's VuMax-II, Ultrasonic Bio-Microscope high-resolution, high-frequency ultrasound system provides unmatched image resolution, and precise measurement tools such as sulcus-to-sulcus and angle measurements in degrees, says the company. Users can adjust their focus on different areas or structures within the anterior segment through four different pre-configured settings, providing high resolution of angle structures and a clear view behind the iris. Powerful processing tools and proprietary image enhancing "Focus" software delivers clearer, sharper details, according to the company. The system is PC-based, networkable and capable of storing up to 300 frames per session. The 18.5-mm × 14-mm deep scanning field captures the entire anterior segment in one scan and provides advanced intraocular measurement capabilities. The video clip recording capability allows playback, adjustment of Gain, TGC and Contrast, live magnification settings and a post-processing zoom feature. Visit Sonomed at the AAO at Booth #4113.
Sonomed, Inc.
Phone: (800) 227-1285
www.sonomedinc.com

Stat Tracker: Eye Disease on the Rise

Few realize the risk.

A survey of 1,200 Americans conducted for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) found that most Americans are unaware of the risks associated with age-related eye diseases, despite a projected 65% spike in those conditions by the year 2020.

The survey indicates that few respondents see themselves truly at risk for eye disease and that populations most at risk for developing eye disease are unaware of the factors that make them susceptible. It also shows that most Americans rank blindness and vision loss relatively low on their list of health concerns.

The survey finds only 11% of Americans perceive themselves at high risk for eye disease. Only 10% of Americans age 65 and over believe they are personally at risk and more than a third of those do not even get annual eye examinations.

Additionally, Americans with a family history of eye disease know strikingly little about specific risk factors and are no more likely to get screened than people without a family history of eye disease.

Only 15% of all respondents were correctly able to identify 50% or more risk factors from a list of factors for age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and dry eye presented in the survey.

Age-related eye diseases are expected to increase from 28 million today to 43 million by the year 2020. Despite this statistic, Americans remain relatively unconcerned about vision loss. The Academy's survey reveals that less than a quarter of Americans are very concerned about losing their vision, while a majority feel weight gain or joint and back pain are of greater concern than vision loss.

The Academy is issuing a new eye disease screening recommendation for aging adults and is launching a new public initiative called EyeSmart to educate Americans about the risks they face.

They recommend that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40. Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams. For individuals at any age with symptoms of, or at risk for eye disease, the Academy recommends that individuals see their ophthalmologist to determine how frequently they should be examined.

EyeSmart will support the Academy's new eye health recommendations by empowering individuals and families to take charge of their eye health. The Academy is partnering with EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the AAO, on the effort.

In order to impact the chief healthcare decision makers of American families, EyeSmart will focus on reaching women over 40. These women are more likely to serve as caregivers for their own families and increasingly their aging parents, and they frequently act upon and share with friends and loved ones positive healthcare information.

EyeSmart also aims to reach people who don't traditionally consider themselves at risk, such as individuals who do not wear glasses or contacts. The survey revealed that 96% of individuals without glasses or contacts do not think they are at high risk for eye disease. Wearing glasses or contacts has no impact on contracting age-related eye diseases. OM

About these data: The Americans, Eye Health, and Eye Disease National Survey was conducted by Greenberg, Quinlan & Rosner Research Inc. The survey, conducted in June 2007, was a telephone survey of 1,200 adults. The margin of error is +/-2.8 percentage points.

PentaVision

Ophthalmology Management

AAO Preview Section

SPECIAL AAO PREVIEW SECTION

New Orleans Puts Out the Welcome Mat