Optometry Commons^™

Social Accountability: Introducing A New Dimension In Optometric Education, Vanessa Raquel Moodley, James Loughman, Kovin Naidoo

Articles

Optometry globally has undergone major developments yet poor eye health statistics remain. The World Health Organization (WHO) cites social accountability as key to addressing health challenges, urging the education sector to be more socially accountable and train according to the needs of society. A qualitative, descriptive study was used to determine the integration of social accountability within optometric education in sub-Saharan Africa. Eleven academic leaders and two student groups participated in key stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions respectively. Data was thematically analysed using interpretive content analysis. The study found that social accountability policies or practices were not formally integrated …

Preparatory Optometry Program 2016, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

College Of Optometry Overview 2016, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Health Professions Division 2016-2017 Catalog, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Nsu College Of Optometry The Visionary - Fall 2016, Nova Southeastern University

Visionary

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Soft Cl Wear On Corneal Curvature And Thickness And On The Outcomes Of Refractive Laser Surgery, Aoife Lloyd Mckernan

Doctoral

Introduction: Soft CL (SCL) wear can alter the cornea and have significant effects on vision quality (Hardten and Gosavi, 2009; Pflugfelder et al., 2002; Ryan and Jacob, 1996; Tseng et al., 2007). This may have implications for visual outcomes following corneal refractive surgery (CRS) (Tang et al., 2005). The time required for resolution of these SCL-induced changes can vary (González-Méijome et al., 2003a; Hashemi et al., 2008; Ng et al., 2007; Nourouzi et al., 2006; Schornack, 2003; Wang et al., 2002b). Despite this, current guidelines relating to cessation of SCL wear prior to CRS vary greatly, and are lacking in …

Physical Activity For Adults With Visual Impairments: Impact Of Socio-Demographic Factors, Justin A. Haegele, Xihe Zhu, Jihyun Lee, Lauren J. Lieberman

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Little is known about what factors influence physical activity participation for adult-aged individuals with visual impairments. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the impact of socio-demographic factors on the physical activity participation of adults with visual impairments. The international physical activity questionnaire-short form and a socio-demographic factor questionnaire were distributed to individuals with visual impairments. A total of 176 adults (M_age = 47.04, 52.8% female) completed the questionnaires. Physical activity and socio-demographic variables were analyzed descriptively and relationships were explored using correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. On average, participants reported 413.79 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical …

Conjunctival Gene Expression And Tear Biomarkers In Atopic And Non-Atopic Keratoconus Patients Relative To Matching Controls, Erika Marie Morrow

All ETDs from UAB

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Chromatic Sensitivity: A New Insight Into Color Discrimination, Micah Jason Kinney

All ETDs from UAB

Color discrimination varies between individuals even in the absence of a congenital color vision defect. Attempts to explain this variation have shown no link to macular pigment optical density, L:M cone ratios, non-verbal IQ, or female carriers of color vision deficiencies. This study examined individuals’ relative luminance and color-opponent systems sensitivity to their Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue (FM-100) color discrimination ability. Thirty normal color vision subjects performed FM-100 and increment threshold testing for white, blue, green and red on a 150 cd/m2 white background. White increment thresholds were compared to colored increment thresholds to produce a luminance to color-opponent system sensitivity ratio …

Elementary Photoreceptor Signaling In Human Vision, Kady Scarlett Bruce

All ETDs from UAB

To perceive a spot of light at photopic threshold, a minimum number of photons must be absorbed by cone photoreceptors. While many factors affecting psychophysical threshold have been studied, few have been examined at the single-cone level. Here we reveal how variation in synaptic weighting and signal integration among cones in the human retina occurs in vivo. Using an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) equipped with stimulation capabilities, we targeted cone-sized stimuli to single cones. Perceptual increment thresholds were measured from individual cones and cone pairs in 7 subjects using a Bayesian-based staircase method of threshold estimation. In 42 …

Histopathology And Image Validation Of Outer Retinal Tubulations In Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Katie M. Litts

All ETDs from UAB

High-resolution imaging of the retina using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) is revealing new information about photoreceptor degeneration in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other diseases impacting rod and cone photoreceptors. By SD-OCT, the hyperreflective outer retinal bands are visible due to the precise vertical compartmentalization and horizontal alignment of outer retinal cells and tissues (Müller cells, photoreceptors, RPE, and Bruch’s membrane). Validating these bands with normal eyes is difficult because the outer retina is very delicate making accurate histology requiring attached retina and vertically aligned photoreceptors challenging. Conversely, the bands are …

Large Reductions Are Possible In Older Driver Crashes At Intersections, Siby Samuel, Yusuke Yamani, Danald L. Fisher

Psychology Faculty Publications

Among all crash types, the largest percentage of older driver fatalities occur at intersections. Many explanations have been offered for older drivers' increased risks of crashing at intersections; however, only recently was it determined that older drivers were much less likely to glance for latent threats after entering an intersection than middle-aged drivers. In response, training programmes were designed to increase the frequency of such glances. The programmes have proven effective, doubling the frequency of these glances for up to a period of two years post-training. The programmes take only an hour to administer and are not directly targeted at …

Influence Of Macular Pigment Optical Density Spatial Distribution On Intraocular Scatter/Influencia De La Distribución Espacial De La Densidad Óptica Del Pigmento Macular Sobre La Dispersión Intraocular, Christopher M. Putnam, Pauline J. Bland, Carl Bassi

Educator Preparation & Leadership Faculty Works

Purpose

Methods

Diary Of A Cataract Surgeon 2045, Claire E. Mcdonnell

Articles

No abstract provided.

Efficient In Vitro Development Of Photoreceptors From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells, Joseph C. Reynolds

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Degeneration of the rod and cone photoreceptors in the human retina is among the most common causes of blindness. Replacing these damaged photoreceptors may help to restore vision. Repairing the damaged retina relies on the insertion of new, healthy cells. Embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are two possible sources of photoreceptors to restore vision. Previous data shows that human ES cells and iPS cells can be differentiated into photoreceptors and transplanted into the eye to restore some vision. However, this process is inefficient, and costly. Here, we show a new method for inducing photoreceptor production …

Macular Pigment Spatial Distribution Effects On Glare Disability/Efectos De La Distribución Espacial Del Pigmento Macular En El Nivel De Discapacidad Por Deslumbramiento, Christopher M. Putnam, Carl J. Bassi

Educator Preparation & Leadership Faculty Works

Purpose

Methods

Visionary Winter 2015, College Of Optometry

Visionary

No abstract provided.

Macular Pigment Spatial Distribution Effects On Glare Disability, Christopher Putnam, Carl Bassi

College of Optometry Faculty Works

Purpose This project explored the relationship of the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) spatial profile with measures of glare disability (GD) across the macula. Results The cHFP identified reliable MPOD spatial distribution maps demonstrating a 1st-order exponential decay as a function of increasing eccentricity. There was a significant negative correlation between both measures of foveal MPOD and GD using 6cycles per degree (cpd) and 9cpd stimuli. Significant correlations were found between corresponding parafoveal MPOD measures and GD at 2 and 4° of eccentricity using 9cpd stimuli with greater MPOD associated with less glare disability. Conclusions These results are consistent with …

Health Professions Division Catalog 2015-2016, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Preparatory Optometry Program 2014-2015, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Visionary Fall 2015, College Of Optometry

Visionary

No abstract provided.

Rapid Assessment Of Refractive Error, Presbyopia, And Visual Impairment And Associated Quality Of Life In Nampula, Mozambique, James Loughman, Lindelwa Nxele, Cesar Faria, Stephen Thompson, Prasidh Ramson, Farai Chinanyi, Kovin S. Naidoo

Articles

Introduction: Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide and leads to an impaired quality of life. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of uncorrected refractive error and presbyopia, to assess spectacle coverage, and to evaluate visual health-related quality of life among persons aged 15–50 years old in Nampula, Mozambique.

Methods: Participants were assessed using a validated rapid assessment of refractive error protocol, comprised of a demographic questionnaire, a standardized ophthalmic assessment to determine refractive status and spectacle coverage, and a modified vision-related quality of life questionnaire to assess the impact of uncorrected refractive error …

Barriers To Utilisation Of Refractive Services In Mozambique., James Loughman, Stephen Thompson, Carmen Gonzalez-Alvarez, Kovin Naidoo, Farai Chinanayi, Geoff Harris

Articles

Mozambique has a population of more than 25 million people.1 Nampula Province has just fewer than 4 million people.2 Although Mozambique is currently experiencing unprecedented economic growth rates, buoyed by the discovery of natural resources, significant challenges remain for the population, such as adequate health care, including eye health services. VISION 2020 is a global initiative to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020. Its core strategies are focused on human resource development, infrastructure development, and disease control.3 The Mozambique Eyecare Project delivered a regional optometry model for Lusophone Africa, based on the VISION 2020 core strategies. A key output …

Trailmaking Test Performance Contributes To Subjective Judgment Of Visual Efficiency In Older Adults, Annalisa Setti, James Loughman, George Savva, Rose Anne Kenny

Articles

Introduction.

The determinant factors that influence self-reported quality of vision have yet to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated a range of contextual information, established psychophysical tests, and in particular, a series of cognitive tests as potentially novel determinant factors.

Materials &Methods. Community dwelling adults (aged 50+) recruited to Wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, excluding those registered blind, participated in this study (N = 5,021). Self-reports of vision were analysed in relation to visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, ocular pathology, visual (Choice Response Time task; TrailMaking Test) and global cognition. Contextual factors such as having visited …

Visual Function And Its Relationship With Severity Of Early, And Activity Of Neovascular, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, James Loughman, Sarah Sabour-Pickett, John M. Nolan, Barbara Klein, Ron Klein, Stephen Beatty

Articles

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between visual function and severity of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and activity of neovascular (nv-) AMD.

Methods: The following data was collected from 66 eyes of 66 subjects with early AMD and 47 eyes of 47 subjects with active nv-AMD: corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA); contrast sensitivity (CS); glare disability (GD); and retinotopic ocular sensitivity (ROS) of the central 5° of the retina, by microperimetry. Fundus photographic grading of early AMD was performed in a masked fashion. Mean foveal thickness (MFT) was measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography in patients with nv-AMD.

Results: …

Recruitment And Selection Strategies In Optometric Education Towards Addressing Human Resource Disparities In Sub-Saharan Africa, Vanessa Moodley, James Loughman, Kovin S. Naidoo

Articles

The dire need for eye care services and a dearth of human resources (HR) in sub-Saharan Africa motivated the setting up of new optometry programmes. However, to make a meaningful impact, geographical, gender, economic and educational disparities must additionally be addressed. A qualitative study utilizing purposive sampling to select academic leadership and students from optometry programmes in sub-Saharan Africa was conducted. Individual and focus group interviews produced data that were coded and analysed using a deductive thematic analysis approach. The themes that emerged as contributing to disparities in access through recruitment and selection were institutional barriers (student intake numbers, programme …

Refraction In Mozambique: Evaluations Of Practice And Development Of Competency Frameworks For Eye Care Personnel, Kajal Shah

Doctoral

Purpose The development of competency- based education for optometrists and mid-level eye-care personnel has been identified as an important component in the elimination of avoidable blindness and vision impairment. The Mozambique Eye care Project (MEP) is a multi-institutional collaboration, which seeks to facilitate greater access to training in eye health professions, which will ultimately contribute to providing affordable and accessible eye care within the public health system in Mozambique. An important tenet of the MEP is to develop and enhance the refraction training of all existing (ophthalmic technicians) and new eye care personnel (four-year training of optometrists and eighteen-month training …

The Unfolded Protein Response And Calcium Dysregulation In Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa Animal Models., Vishal Madhukar Shinde

All ETDs from UAB

The photoreceptor cell death in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP) is associated with molecular changes that occur due to mutations in a specific gene. S334ter RHO and P23H RHO are two ADRP rat models expressing mutant rhodopsin. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a cellular stress response involved in the pathophysiology of several retinal disorders including P23H RHO rats. Considering our previous findings, we started our investigation by examining the status of UPR in S334ter RHO rats. As UPR tightly regulates several signaling pathways, we further studied whether UPR activation in S334ter and P23H RHO retina is accompanied by the …

Transferring Virtual Reality Training To Real World Settings In Individuals With Low Vision And Dual-Sensory Impairments, Ellen Lambert Bowman

All ETDs from UAB

TRANSFERRING VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING TO REAL WORLD SETTINGS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH LOW VISION AND DUAL-SENSORY IMPAIRMENTS ELLEN LAMBERT BOWMAN VISION SCIENCE GRADUATE PROGRAM ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to determine if individuals with low vision could learn useful visual skills in Virtual Reality and could transfer these skills to the real world. To achieve this goal, one set of Orientation & Mobility (O&M) skills, using the near lane parallel traffic surge to decide the safest timing to cross a signal controlled street, was selected. Twelve participants with vision too poor to use pedestrian signals were randomly assigned to …

Predictive Modeling Of Ocular Surface Disease States Using Multiple Inflammatory Biomarkers, John L. Bradley

All ETDs from UAB

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this study was to adapt conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) and RNA isolation and processing procedures for gene expression analysis of ocular surface inflammatory biomarkers. The RNA yield and quality should be sufficient to enable quantitative real-time PCR of no less than 12 key target genes, with the goal of differentiating among dry eye groups. This study used the optimized inflammatory biomarker gene expression assay in a patient study to identify differences between dry eye and control participants. Materials and Methods CIC was used to collect conjunctival surface cells from 53 qualifying dry eye and control …