info@optometrists.bc.ca 604.737.9907
BC Doctors of Optometry 121 –10551 Shellbridge Way, Richmond B.C, V6X 2W8
CONTENTS
Practice Management & Industry Happy Holidays ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 Artificial Intelligence in the Exam Lane ..........................................................................................................4 Clarion Medical Technologies: Early AMD Management ........................................................................ 6 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care: Acuvue Contact Lenses .................................................................... 7 Recruiting and Team Building in 2021 and Beyond. Get Ready Now. ............................................... 9 VuePoint IDS: Earn COPE CE Credits ............................................................................................................ 11 OCULUS: Simplify Your Lens Fitting. .......................................................................................................... 12 CooperVision: OCUNOX .................................................................................................................................. 13 Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Optometry and Ophthalmology ........... 14 ABB Canada: One Source. More Possibilities. .......................................................................................... 18 Member Benefits: Optomart ........................................................................................................................... 19 How do Robo-Advisors Compare to Financial Planners? .................................................................. 20 FLCI: Financial Security Begins with Financial Literacy ...................................................................... 22 Scotiabank: The Scotia Professional Plan for Optometrists. ............................................................. 23 Virtual Learning and Your Child's Vision: 3 Reasons They Need an Eye Exam Now ............... 24 2021 BCDO Public Survey Insight.................................................................................................................. 37
Spotlight on a Member Member Spotlight - Dr. Paul Rollett ............................................................................................................ 28
Programs & Events 2021 BCDO Annual Conference & OPTOFAIR Summary .................................................................... 32 2022 BCDO Events ............................................................................................................................................ 34 Are You Interested In Locum Work? Let Us Know! ............................................................................... 38
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Artificial Intelligence in the Exam Lane Simplify and streamline AMD diagnosis and monitoring without adding human staff. By Theia AMD is the leading cause of irreversible legal blindness, affecting more than 1.4 million Canadians – more than glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy combined. 1 But diagnosing it isn’t always easy. In fact, research shows that eye doctors miss AMD diagnoses 25% of the time. 2 Furthermore, diagnosing AMD can be time consuming, especially when you see some small drusen but you aren’t sure what to make of it. That’s where I can help. My name is Theia. I'm an artificial intelligence-driven onboard technician that lives inside the AdoptDx Pro, a wearale headset that measures dark adaptation speed. I’m here to help you find all the AMD in your practice so you can help your patients preserve their vision for as long as possible. Functional Testing Structural testing for AMD can be ambiguous, which is why functional test results should also be considered. However, visual acuity (VA) as a functional endpoint is known to have significant limitations because it’s generally stable in the earlier stages of the disease. 3,4 Night vision, on the other hand, is affected earlier in the disease process by at least three years. 5,6,7,8 This is why dark adaptation (DA) testing is so informative compared to VA. DA has been shown time and again to be a functional biomarker for AMD. 9,10 Furthermore, cross-sectional analyses demon4 | Eye Digest Magazine
strate that DA is associated with increasing AMD severity and worsens over time in patients with AMD. 11 This means that measuring your patients’ dark adaptation function is not only useful in AMD diagnosis, but also in monitoring its progression. There are currently only two commercially available dark adaptometers: the AdaptDx tabletop and the AdaptDx Pro headset, which is where I live. Both units provide an objective output (Rod-Intercept Time, RI) that is 90% sensitive to the presence of AMD. 12 A Special Kind of Artificial Intelligence The tabletop AdaptDx gained popularity among US optometrists, but there were some practical challenges, mostly regarding the need for a completely dark room. The reason the AdaptDx Pro was developed is because it doesn’t require a dark room. Adding me, my dazzling personality and ability to make patients feel comfortable to the device, is icing on the cake. The AdaptDx Pro is a self-contained wearable headset that includes all of the functionality and accuracy of the original tabletop dark adaptometer, but it creates a personal dark room. As a result, patients can take the test anywhere in the office, in any light— making it easier than ever to fit dark adaptation testing into any practice workflow.
Thanks to my highly evolved artificial intelligence (AI), I help ensure consistent, reliable testing results. To clarify, there are three different types of AI. The first form, called cognitive insight AI, uses algorithms to detect patterns in vast volumes of data and interpret their meaning. 13 The second, less popular and arguably less well-loved form of AI includes tools like chatbots that rely on customer input to perform tasks such as answering frequently asked questions. This is called cognitive engagement AI. The third form is called process automation AI and that is the one I possess. If you’ve ever spoken to Siri or Alexa, you’ve experienced some of the benefits of process automation AI. Here’s how it works in my testing environment: First, the office technician selects the testing protocal and places the device on the patient. After that, I take over to facilitate a reliable, consistent test by using automated instructions and adaptive feedback spoken directly to the patient. It’s really that simple. If you have patients who don’t speak English, fear not! I am multilingual and can speak in Canadian French, German, Italian, Spanish and several other languages. The AdaptDx Pro is a revolutionary way to quickly and effectively measure dark adaptation in virtually any clinical setting, without eating up too
much staff or doctor time. More importantly, this artificial intelligence-driven technology—featuring yours truly—is designed to help you detect AMD with confidence and monitor it carefully so that patients can be referred for injections as soon as possible should that become necessary.
References 1. Glaucoma. Fighting Blindness Canada. <https://www.fightingblindness.ca/eyehealth/eye-diseases/ glaucoma> September 2020. Accessed November 19, 2021. Diabetic Retinopathy. Fighting Blindness Canada. <https://www.fightingblindness.ca/eyehealth/ eye-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy> September 2020. Accessed November 19, 2021. Age-related-macular-degeneration. Fighting Blindness Canada. <https://www.fightingblindness.ca/ eyehealth/eye-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration> September 2020. Accessed November 19, 2021. 2. Neely DC. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2017;135(6):570-575. 3. Chen KG, Alvarez JA, Yazdanie M, et al. Longitudinal Study of Dark Adaptation as a Functional Outcome Measure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmology. 2019;126(6):856-865. doi:10.1016/j. ophtha.2018.09.039 4. Owsley C, Huisingh C, Clark ME, et al. Comparison of visual function in older eyes in the earliest stages of age-related macular degeneration to those in normal macular health. Curr Eye Res. 2015:1e7. 5. Chen KG, Alvarez JA, Yazdanie M, et al. Longitudinal Study of Dark Adaptation as a Functional Outcome Measure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmology. 2019;126(6):856-865. doi:10.1016/j. ophtha.2018.09.039 6. Scilley K, Jackson GR, Cideciyan AV, et al. Early age-related maculopathy and self-reported visual difficulty in daily life. Ophthalmology. 2002;109:1235e1242. 7. Owsley C, McGwin G, Jackson GR, et al. Effect of short-term, high-dose retinol on dark adaptation in aging and early age-related maculopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006;47:1310e1318. 8. Ying GS, Maguire MG, Liu C, Antoszyk AN; Complications of Age-related Macular Degeneration Prevention TrialResearch Group. Night vision symptoms and progression of age-related macular degeneration in the Complications of Age-related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial. Ophthalmology. 2008;115:1876e1882. 9. Chen KG, Alvarez JA, Yazdanie M, et al. Longitudinal Study of Dark Adaptation as a Functional Outcome Measure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmology. 2019;126(6):856-865. doi:10.1016/j. ophtha.2018.09.039 10. Owsley C, Huisingh C, Clark ME, et al. Comparison of visual function in older eyes in the earliest stages of age-related macular degeneration to those in normal macular health. Curr Eye Res. 2015:1e7. 11. Chen KG, Alvarez JA, Yazdanie M, et al. Longitudinal Study of Dark Adaptation as a Functional Outcome Measure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmology. 2019;126(6):856-865. doi:10.1016/j. ophtha.2018.09.039 12. Owsley C, Jackson GR, White M, Feist R, Edwards D. Delays in rod-mediated dark adaptation in early age-related maculopathy. Ophthalmology. 2001; 108:1196–202. 13. Davenport TH, Ronanki R. Artificial Intelligence for the Real World. Harvard Business Review. JanuaryFebruary 2018.
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Recruiting and Team Building in 2021 and Beyond. Get Ready Now. By Tim Brennan, Chief Visionary Officer, FitFirst Technologies, EyePloyment.com
The employment landscape is changing rapidly. Here are 6 actions eye care employers need to do to prepare for the continuing job shortage. Way back in 2019, we were feeling the challenges of recruiting and the last two years have added a whole new wrinkle. Since March of 2020, we have seen significant workplace trends develop including an acceptance of remote working, online meetings, flexible work hours to support home schooling and, overall, a new set of rules and worries – for both employers and employees. For the past 10 years or longer we have been told to prepare for the great resignation/retirement wave that was going to hit the workforce with the baby boomers coming up to 60+ years.
into retirement. It's bigger. People who are leaving their jobs aren’t passively surrendering or checking out. People are actively shifting the narrative about what is acceptable (and not acceptable) in jobs and workplaces. If your star employees have not left yet, they might be “hunkering down” – biding their time, ready to pounce on new opportunities: starting their own business, becoming a freelancer or changing industry and career direction entirely. People are owning their power and helping to reframe mindsets about how work can and should look and feel.
The Pandemic Has Empowered Employees We were starting to feel this back in 2019 but now the pandemic dynamic has been added to what was already happening - people removing themselves from the workplace.
Time. Space. Growth. Autonomy. Leadership. Wellness. Work-life integration. Money. Safety. Engagement. Equity. All of these things are essential to our mutual success. The problem is that employers and employees are not always on the same page about what these things are or ought to be, in policy or practice.
Yes,workersarequittingtheirjobsatunprecedented rates. But here's the thing - what we're seeing right now isn't a generation of workers stepping
So, what does that mean for the Optometry Clinic and Optical? Here is a quick checklist of things you can do to make everything work better. Eye Digest Magazine | 9
• Programmable Recruiting. Consider who you want to attract and then target them. Social media tools allow you to set the demographics you want to reach and target your spend on the best potential candidates not volume of candidates. Seek Quality – Not Quantity
• Always be looking. Be an organization that is always on the look-out for great talent to bring to the team. Don’t wait until you need to fill a position. If someone great comes along see how you can make room for them. If not immediately, keep the contact warm.
• It’s Not About You. Shift the narrative in your communications with candidates and your team about what it is they can expect to get from you not what you are wanting to get from them.
• Build Your Community. We all have a community around us. The people we work with, the people we serve, the suppliers, friends, family and professional contacts. Keep connected. Share what you know and be a valued member of your community. Give first is always the best approach to building relationships.
• Know Your People. Understand what your current people want from work. Are you overextending them with more hours than they want but they are not speaking up? Do you have the opportunity to support upskilling or professional development? • Measure What Matters. Are the roles in your practice where you can provide training and upskilling? If so, put the focus on who they are, then look at what they know and what they have done.
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Tim Brennan is Chief Visionary Officer with Fit First Technologies Inc, the creators of Eyeployment, TalentSorter and Jobtimize. EyePloyment provides affordable candidate assessment technology and has been used extensively by leading eye care organizations.
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Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Optometry and Ophthalmology By Kevin Cornwell, OD
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The eyecare industry is constantly changing as new technological advancements are being added to the market. Artificial intelligence represents just one of the many innnovations out there today. Technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), have never occurred more rapidly than they do today. Everywhere we turn, our lives are seemingly enhanced through these advancements. The healthcare industry is rife with opportunity for implementing AI and other new technologies. The ultimate goal for AI within eye care is to optimize clinical decision making while also greatly reducing the burden of ocular disease and preventable blindness. Instead of fearing that technology will replace eye care providers, many proponents of AI simply see it as another tool in the diagnostic clinical toolbox, complementing what eye care providers do. The term artificial intelligence originated in the 1950s. It is now being researched and implemented throughout healthcare, and the fields of optometry/ophthalmology are certainly no exceptions. Given the multitude of imaging modalities, the eye care field has tremendous potential for the implementation of AI. Today, a plethora of new AI systems are being developed and implemented. By uploading patients’ retinal photos or OCT scans, eye care practitioners, trained technicians, or even AI algorithms are able to detect various ocular diseases and pathologies. In most cases, this leads to earlier intervention and treatment. With AI, innovators also hope to optimize health care costs and reduce the burden of preventable blindness on the health care system. 1) Triaging diabetic retinopathy with IDx-DR Regardless of practice location, most eye care practitioners will agree that a large portion of their patients’ ocular disease burden is directly related to uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new cases of
legal blindness among US adults today. According to the CDC, between 12,000 to 24,000 cases of new legal blindness are directly related to diabetes in the US alone. Most patients with type 1 diabetes and over half of patients with type 2 will develop some form of retinopathy within the first two decades of the disease. Blindness related to diabetes, while posing a significant burden to the patient’s quality of life, also costs the US health care system $500 million annually. Through early detection and treatment, the majority of blindness related to diabetes can be avoided (approximately 90% is preventable). Unfortunately, many established diabetic patients fail to have their eyes routinely checked. According to the CDC, only half of diabetic patients typically have their eyes checked on an annual basis. A new AI software program known as IDx-DR recently gained FDA approval. This breakthrough technology is designed exclusively for the detection of diabetic retinopathy (including macular edema). This is the first ophthalmic implementation of AI for diabetic retinopathy screening that does not require an eye care professional to interpret the results. This makes it easy to incorporate the IDx-DR system into a wide variety of health care settings unrelated to eye care. This software uses an AI algorithm to analyze retinal images taken with a Topcon NW400 retinal camera. A growing number of primary care medical offices will begin taking this screening photo on every diabetic patient. The photos are then sent to a secure cloud-based server where the novel IDx-DR software screens the images for one of two outcomes: “greater than mild diabetic retinopathy—refer to eye care professional” or “negative for greater than mild diabetic retinopathy—rescreen in 12 months”. While not exactly a direct comparison to a comprehensive dilated eye exam, having this screening done in any non-ophthalmic medical setting will help detect more cases of sight-threatening retinopathy in otherwise asymptomatic patients. This technology may Eye Digest Magazine | 15
save significant healthcare dollars through earlier detection and intervention of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. A recent study showed the IDx-DR algorithm has sensitivity and specificity rates close to 90% and is able to make a diagnosis within 20 seconds. It has also been shown that over 90% of acquired retinal images are of satisfactory quality to run through this AI algorithm.
2) Triaging glaucoma with Pegasus AI Similar to the IDx-DR algorithm for early detection of diabetic retinopathy, AI technology is also being developed to screen for the early detection and treatment of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. The CDC reports that approximately three million Americans are affected by glaucoma, and it is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Given the slow, insidious nature of glaucoma, approximately half of patients are unaware they even have the condition until significant, irreversible visual field loss has developed. With early detection and treatment, eye care professionals are able to preserve visual function. London based company, Visulytix, is currently refining their AI platform “Pegasus” that assesses stereoscopic optic disc photos for glaucoma. A recent study looking at the diagnostic accuracy and repeatability of Pegasus showed results 16 | Eye Digest Magazine
equivalent to the diagnostic accuracy of both ophthalmologists and optometrists in the early detection of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. There was no statistically significant difference in diagnostic outcomes as compared by optometrists or ophthalmologists. While yet to go mainstream, this AI platform is currently being tested worldwide in academic centers and various health care settings. High volume glaucoma practices will greatly benefit from this technology. These include VA/IHS hospitals, community health centers, and OD/MD referral centers. 3) Contact lens to supplement glaucoma management: Sensimed Triggerfish The monitoring of intraocular pressure (IOP) is essential in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma patients. Eye care practitioners use IOP readings as an integral part of their glaucoma workup as well as determine if the patient’s current treatment regimen is sufficient in achieving a “target IOP”. Despite glaucoma patients presenting with apparently “controlled” IOP readings during office hours, those with higher diurnal IOP variability may still be at a higher risk for progression. Diurnal fluctuations in IOP have been shown to exceed 9mmHg in patients with glaucomatous optic neuropathy, whereas non-glaucomatous eyes tend to fluctuate significantly less throughout the day. The Swiss company Sensimed gained FDA approval for marketing their new Triggerfish contact lens sensor (CLS) in the US in 2016. New technology like the Triggerfish CLS can help eye care practitioners detect continuous IOP-related changes to the eye over a 24 hour period. Using diurnal data will provide clinicians with additional information to further identify which patients may be at a higher risk for glaucoma. With a 14.1mm diameter and a variety of base curves, this silicone soft contact lens is designed to remain on the eye for 24 continuous hours. The Triggerfish CLS contains two strain gauges that detect that detect small spontaneous circumferential changes at the
corneoscleral area over a 24-hour period. Monitoring ocular dimensional changes via the CLS has been highly correlated with accurate IOP readings. This information from the CLS is then transmitted to a portable recorder worn by the patient, which is then transmitted to a computer via Bluetooth for analysis. The Triggerfish CLS has also proved to be fairly comfortable and well-tolerated over a 24 hour period.
4) New AI technologies in low vision Despite recent advancements in treatment for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), some of these conditions will inevitably lead to progressive, irreversible vision loss. Referring appropriate patients for low vision services can be a great way to improve patients’ functionality and restore their quality of life. By incorporating supplemental visual aids, these patients are able to reclaim some independence previously lost by their visual impairment. Over the past several years, the options for low vision patients have expanded significantly. Through various new technologies, including AI, visually impaired patients have more options than ever. Microsoft’s new smartphone app Seeing AI turns the visual world into an auditory experience for patients with low vision. The app uses the smart-
phone’s camera to audibly identify objects, labels, currency, and text. The app also uses facial recognition to audibly identify names and/or physical features of people. Access to technology like this enables low vision patients to supplement their decreased vision with additional sensory input.
Conclusion Today, the eye care field is ripe with potential for the implementation of new technologies and Artificial Intelligence. In addition to these AI applications, further investigation for many other ocular conditions is also being done—including those for AMD, retinopathy of prematurity, and cataracts. Through the high-volume screening of retinal photos and OCT scans, earlier detection and treatment will optimize clinical decision making and improve the quality of patient care. It will also reduce the cases of preventable blindness and reduce overall costs to the healthcare system. It is only a matter of time before the incorporation of AI within eyecare is a requirement for advancing the profession. The implementation of AI may soon lead to the prediction of diagnosis and management plans before the patient even sees the doctor. References Cornwell, K. (2020, 01 9). Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Optometry and Ophthalmology. Retrieved from Eyes on Eyecare: https://eyesoneyecare.com/resources/artificial-intelligence-and-emerging-technologies-optometry-ophthalmology/
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How do Robo-Advisors Compare to Financial Planners? By Financial Literacy Counsel Inc.
In the last decade, the presence of robo-advisors has steadily increased and at Financial Literacy Counsel FLC), we’ve been seeing more interest from our clients. About 50% of young doctors we work with are incorporating robo-advisors into their investment strategy. What does this mean for you as a BC optometrist? Should you consider a robo-advisor? What is a Robo-Advisor? Robo-advice is investing on autopilot. These companies utilize software that asks you a few questions about your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment preferences. The answers are then fed into an algorithm to build your investment portfolio. Robo-advisors are geared towards passive investing and can automate different investment strategies such as Modern Portfolio Theory to construct portfolios 1. Advantages of a Robo-Advisor: 1. Low Cost Constructing your portfolio from an algorithm allows for a lower cost compared to actively managed funds. This means low advisory fees (usually under 1%), as well as low or no minimum 20 | Eye Digest Magazine
investment requirements, making investing more accessible for those with fewer assets. 2. Set It and Forget It! Automated algorithms and easy-to-use apps attract those of us who don’t want to spend time researching and picking stocks. Roboadvisors allow for minimal human interaction and building an investment portfolio is as easy as reaching into your pocket. 3. Range of Options There are a range of robo-advice companies available who are adapting to the demands of the market by offering more services such as on-call human advisors, tax loss harvesting, and socially responsible investing portfolios. How Do Robo-Advisors Compare to Financial Planners? To compare robo-advisors and financial planners would be a false equivalency. Truth-be-told, there are robo-advisor applications made specifically for financial planners. Robo-advice can be a strategy that you use independently, with your financial planner, or not at all.
Advantages of a Financial Planner: 1. Comprehensive Planning Robo-advisors are just one tool in your financial planner’s toolkit. FLC uses a framework that incorporates the 9 rooms of your financial house when building an integrated financial plan. Robo-advice only covers a portion one room: Investments. An integrated financial plan is the roadmap that will move you towards reaching your life goals. A financial planner can also work with you and your family to diagnose financial issues and work towards solutions.
3. Personal Relationship Financial planners take the time to get to know you and your financial goals on an ongoing basis, which can translate into a more personalized investment portfolio. They are truly on-call and can be consulted on all decisions within your integrated financial plan, while the on-call support from a robo-advisor may be limited in their ability to alter the algorithm-controlled portfolio, or provide legal, tax and investment recommendations. We know people’s relationship with money can be complex and the value of money is more than just dollars and cents. FLC therefore fosters personal relationships with our clients building trust and motivation to collaborate towards financial well-being.
2. Expert Knowledge As an optometrist, you may have complex and specific financial needs that can be addressed by a financial planner. FLC has worked with doctors for over 15 years and understands your unique journey. Along with access to financial planning tools and knowledge, which are not available to the public, we also have access to a network of accountants, lawyers and other professionals to meet your financial and incorporated practice needs.
Because we are not robots; changes in our life can affect our emotions and attitudes towards our investments. Your financial planner can steer you away from a potentially bad financial decision or coach you in the face of uncertainty, something robo-advisors cannot do. Money isn’t just about your account balance—it could mean saving towards a child’s future, a family home, or an emergency fund. Financial planners understand the emotional importance of each financial goal. While robo-advice is becoming increasingly popular, the choice to utilize it in your financial planning Eye Digest Magazine | 21
strategy is up to you! Before choosing, be sure to do your research and weigh your options to truly assess the value of time and money saved. If you have questions about financial planning, you are eligible to book two complimentary financial coaching sessions with Financial Literacy Counsel included in your BCDO membership benefits. Contact us at 604.620.6630 | consultation@flci. ca.
Optometry, UBC Continuing Professional Development, UBC Professional MBA, Vancouver Divisions of Family Practice, Chartered Professionals Accountants of BC (CPA-BC) and Continuing Legal Education Society of BC (CLE-BC). FLC is the winner of the 2020 IFSE Institute Financial Literacy Champion of the year award.
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Hayes, A. (2021, October 26). Robo-Advisor vs. Financial Advisor. Investopedia.
https://www.investopedia.com/robo-advisor-vs-financial-advisor-4775377
About Financial Literacy Counsel: Founded in 1999, Financial Literacy Counsel is a boutique financial planning and education company committed to creating a financially literate world of stronger families and communities. They began serving doctors in 2003 through UBC Medicine and were contracted in 2011 by VCH Employee Wellness to provide financial literacy training to healthcare professionals. Their programs are also delivered through BC Doctor of
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Virtual Learning and Your Child's Vision: 3 Reasons They Need an Eye Exam Now By Brandpoint (BPT)
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Life is busy. Between school, family activities and the daily hustle and bustle, sometimes it seems enough just to keep up with your child’s doctor appointments, homework and other obligations. But there may be one vital thing you should consider moving to the top of your to-do list: scheduling a comprehensive eye exam for your child. While you may not be aware that your child is having issues with their vision, the truth is you may not notice there is a problem until it has progressed — and is much less treatable. That is often the case with myopia, also known as nearsightedness, which is the inability to see things clearly unless they are relatively close to your eyes, and the most common vision disease among children. Myopia in children is chronic and can lead to more serious eye diseases down the line, if not treated early. The good news is there are now new treatment options available — beyond conventional glasses and contacts — that weren’t around when you were a kid. These options can help slow down the progression of myopia and limit the disease’s impact on your child’s vision when introduced early.
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"Thanks to advances in eye care, new treatment options have been developed for myopia in children that can really make a difference," said Dr. Millicent Knight, senior vice president, Customer Development Group at Essilor of America, "but early treatment is the key. You may not notice your child has vision issues, but an eye doctor can spot diseases like myopia before they progress and potentially lead to serious eye problems later in life." Here are three reasons why scheduling an eye exam for your child now is so important. 1. Myopia is growing at a rapid rate, with one in three children affected today Many researchers believe the growing problem of myopia in children may be partly due to: • Reduced outdoor time • Too much time spent doing close-up work • Increased screen time on electronic devices Genetics can also play a role in myopia, so if you or an immediate family member currently have the disease, your children may be at an increased risk.
If your child has never received an eye exam, or if it’s been over a year since their last one, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment today. 2. Myopia is now treatable, especially when addressed early There are many treatment options available for children with myopia today that go beyond just standard eyeglasses and contact lenses. If your child is diagnosed with myopia, ask your child’s eye doctor about new treatment options that can help slow the progression of myopia. 3. Vision is crucial to a child’s success in school — and their future Myopia may be a disease you’re not aware of until it has progressed significantly. It often leads to a child struggling in school and having difficulties in other activities due to poor vision, as well as increased serious eye disease risks. Making sure your child has good eye health and addressing problems right away can give you peace of mind. The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition offers advice for parents to help prevent vision problems:
moved online, try to limit screen time as appropriate for your child's age. It also helps to keep electronic devices out of children's bedrooms. • Take breaks. Schedule regular breaks away from devices — this goes for parents, too! Encourage your child to engage in different activities during their breaks, including physical activity. • Get outside. Spending more time outside can be healthier for everyone's eyes, as well as their entire bodies. Need to keep children entertained? Create obstacle courses, relay races or scavenger hunts to keep kids outdoors longer. "Getting children involved in a variety of activities that take them away from screens is much better for their eyes in the long run," said Dr. Knight. "And regular comprehensive eye exams will also help detect vision problems sooner, if there are any." References Brandpoint. (2021). Virtual learning and your child's vision: 3 reasons they need an eye exam now. Retrieved from Kelowna Daily Courier: https://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/online_features/health_and_wellness/ article_9296bdc8-2ede-559a-938d-a0884bfc4829.html
• Limit screen time. As difficult as it is when everyone's social lives, work and study have
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Dr. Paul Rollett Member Spotlight
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Dr. Paul Rollett Board Certified in Vision Development & Rehabilitation BC Doctors of Optometry member About Dr. Paul Rollett After completing my degree in Optometry at the University of Waterloo, my wife Brittany (a fellow OD) and I made the decision to begin our careers out on “the rock” in Newfoundland. It was here that I began to run into patients and situations that, using my current model of vision, I was unable to help. I suspected there was more I could do to aid presenting reading difficulties, “lazy eyes” and those struggling following injury, but it wasn’t clear to me exactly what steps I should take. At this point, I made the decision to dive head first into postgraduate training and education, thus beginning my love affair with the world of Vision Therapy and functional eye care. Eventually Brittany and I knew it was time to move closer to our Western homes, deciding on the Okanagan valley for its year-round appeal. Initially balancing both primary care duties and a growing VT sub-clinic, it soon became clear that Vision Therapy was my one Optometric love prompting me to complete my fellowship in vision development (FCOVD), and open Okanagan Vision Therapy - a dedicated VT-only practice. Since our initial move to the area, we have expanded to a large downtown Kelowna headquarters, along with satellite training centres in both Vernon and 30 | Eye Digest Magazine
Nelson. In addition to providing Vision Therapy services at these centres, our team also conducts research and provides consulting services to clinics across North America who are aiming to bring this life-changing therapy to their areas.
Career Path and BCDO How do you define success? Success to me is primarily defined by positive impact. How does your community, your family and those around you benefit from the work you do or the efforts you make? This impact doesn't have to be grandiose. As long as what you do and who you are betters the lives of those around you, you’re certainly successful in my books.
What inspired you to choose optometry as your profession? Interestingly, I never really had my eyes checked as a child, with my parents concerned that an optometrist would “just try to sell you glasses.” So, it’s rather odd that I’ve found my way to what I’m doing now! Fortunately for me, I’m a 20/10 low hyperope. Unfortunately for me, I had a convergence insufficiency that went undiagnosed until Optometry school. I have however always been interested in the science of sight - how we acquire information and, more importantly, what our brains can do with what we take in. It is so easy to take vision for granted, and yet, it is the sense that most directly defines our experience of the world. I get endless satisfaction from optimizing, or helping patients recover visual skills. And yes, we certainly do a lot more than “sell people glasses!” Why is being a member of BCDO important to you? I’ve seen firsthand the incredible dedication and commitment that members of this organization have for our profession. Long days and tireless nights are spent guiding and shaping the trajectory of Optometry within BC. I’ve personally been extremely impressed with all that BCDO has been able to accomplish during my tenure as an OD and am continually committed to supporting their endeavours. What would you like to see BCDO accomplish in the next few years? Selfishly, I would love to see continued advocacy for Vision Therapy, along with expanded coverage for these services. It’s not an easy task, but there have been some impressive inroads made in this area as of late - I’d love to see that continue. What kind of person do you need to be to succeed as an optometrist? Each Optometrist that I would personally define as being successful has one clear and glaring trait
- empathy. The ability to listen and give patients the stage to share their story will serve you far greater as an OD than just about anything else. The Profession of Optometry What are the most rewarding aspects of your job? Being immersed in the world of Vision Therapy, I’m fortunate to witness life-changing transformations regularly. Getting a patient back to work so they can provide for their family, or witnessing a child’s academic trajectory dramatically change are just a couple of examples of what I find deeply rewarding about my job. What are the most challenging aspects of your job? It’s not always easy to try to change the public’s perception and understanding of vision. For a long time, people have essentially seen vision as this static sense - either you see things, or you wear glasses to sharpen them up. Vision, however, is incredibly dynamic, and it can be frustrating at times to try to modify long-held beliefs and misconceptions. What new direction would you like to see happen in Optometry? I would really love to see us take ownership of many of the functional elements of eye care that I have witnessed over the years to be slipping away from our profession. Expanded interest amongst the younger cohort of ODs is critical if we hope to maintain a seat at this table. Advice for New Grads What are three pieces of advice you have for New Grads entering the workforce? 1) Practice gratitude daily, 2) Don’t take yourself too seriously, and 3) Be sure to stay passionate and humble.
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The 2021 Annual Conference & OPTOFAIR occurred on September 17-19, 2021—hosted as a hybrid event. The conference took place both at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, and virtually in the form of CE Sessions offered as webinars. Over 540 BCDO and CAO members registered to the conference, with 37 students and 33 non-member Optometrists. The weekend offered a total of 29 courses providing 31 CE credit hours featuring 31 different speakers. This year BCDO branched into new ways of running the conference while pivoting to meet the challenges posed by COVID-19 in two keyways: Contactless Badge Scanning which helped reduce close-proximity contact and ensure a more reliable data collection method, and a Conference Web Platform where BCDO offered live streaming of webinars, in-person sessions, course notes and event information. To support events and the continuing education courses, 14 corporate sponsors contributed a total of $171,500.00 to the 2021 Annual Conference & OPTOFAIR. Awards Luncheon The Awards Luncheon, hosted by Dr. Errin Bligh, 32 | Eye Digest Magazine
presented the opportunity to recognize and celebrate member, optometric staff and industry who have made extraordinary contributions to the optometric profession.
Once again, congratulations to our award recipients:
• President's Award | Dr. Shannon Cerniuk
The President’s Awards is BCDO’s top award for our profession and has developed to recognize the exemplary and outstanding professional and community contributions made by a member of the British Columbia Doctors of Optometry.
• Optometrist of the Year | Dr. Pavan Avinashi
The Optometrist of the Year award honours a member who has contributed to the advancement of optometry in a meaningful
way over the past year or cumulatively over many years.
• Young Optometrist of the Year | Dr. Evelyn Lo
covered Patio—The Roof. The space created a perfect environment for conference attendees and industry partners to mix and mingle while enjoying great food and beverages.
This Young Optometrist of the Year Award recognizes a member with less than 10 years in the field and demonstrates outstanding leadership skills both within their profession and in their community.
• Optometry
Industry Representative of the Year | Mr. Rawn Stokoe. The Optometry Industry Representative of the Year award honors a person who has provided exceptional services to our doctors.
• Optometric Assistant of the Year Award | Ms. Natalia Jette The Optometric Assistant of the Year honours a person who has provided exceptional service.
2021 OPTOFAIR OPTOFAIR was a lively afternoon where conference delegates took the opportunity to connect with vendors and suppliers, some of which they had not seen in over a year. A total of 38 organizations showcased at this year’s tradeshow. Eight exhibitors provided raffle prizes ranging from a widescreen tv and product kits, to gift cards and electronics.
Cocktail Reception & 100th Anniversary Gala BCDO celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a Gala and Cocktail Reception at the Black & Blue
Saturday Night Social On Saturday, September 18th, BCDO held a Saturday Night Social event for conference attendees to have the opportunity to meet and network in-person over food and drinks at the Reflections Garden Terrance at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. DJ Kyboom provided music for the evening, and a photobooth where attendees could take photos with a 2021 BCDO Annual Conference virtual backdrop.
Evaluations Overall, the event feedback was favourable, and attendees appreciated the hybrid conference model that allowed for both virtual and in-person CE and events. BCDO can continue to build upon the success of the conference. Eye Digest Magazine | 33
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2021 BCDO Public Survey Insight By BC Doctors of Optometry and Edelman Overview As British Columbia moved to further re-open services as the fourth wave of COVID-19 approached, BCDO launched its 2021 Public Education campaign to remind parents to make sure their eye health is a priority during this time and that BC Doctors of Optometry is available to provide the services they need, either in person or virtually. Given the shift back to a public awareness campaign designed to encourage British Columbians to book regular eye exams, it is important to understand awareness of the optometry services and treatment options currently available to patients, current attitudes and perceptions towards eye health, and barriers prohibiting eyecare or regular visitation to an optometrist during this unique time, with specific emphasis on the effects of COVID-19. The most impactful of this information will be leveraged to develop a communications strategy as the province continues to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic over the next year.
years: 61% vs 68%). While frequency of visitation had declined, British Columbians say they trust that optometrist offices in BC will follow public health advice and made safe decisions (94%) and are feeling more open to an in-person medical visit after being vaccinated (86%). British Columbians still appreciate the option of consultation with an optometrist online (59% vs. 65%), and via phone (52% vs. 59%), however appreciation has softened this year. An increasing number of British Columbians believe that eyecare concerns are best addressed via in-person consultation 63% vs. 59%), and many are eager to get back into their optometrist’s office and see them in-person (77%). The survey also shows that only 6 in 10 (64%) British Columbians were aware that children should have their first comprehensive eye exam by age 2.
Background The BC Doctors of Optometry survey reveals that maintaining overall eye health is important to British Columbians (95%).
Over 7 in 10 parents (73%) say that they sometimes ignore their own health concerns because they are too busy with other tasks yet 9 in 10 (91%) say that as a parent, it is important that they take care of their overall health, including their eye health.
However, frequency of visiting an optometrist has declined over the last year. British Columbians who say they visit an optometrist yearly or every two years has declines, likely due to COVID-19 (yearly visitation: 27% vs 32%; visitation every 2
BCDO is using the survey results to develop key messages, designed to guide all media and public facing communications from BCDO and its members to ensure eye health remains a priority even during this challenging time. Eye Digest Magazine | 37
Are you interested in Locum work? Let us know!
BCDO has a “Locum List” of members interested in locum opportunities to assist members looking for short term work coverage. If you are interested in locum opportunities, please provide us with your contact information: name, email, and phone number. When an opportunity becomes available, we will email our list of locum doctors with the details and those interested can connect directly with the member who posted the ad. Please email info@optometrists.bc.ca if you would like to be added to the Locum List or if you are looking for locum coverage.
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