In 2008 the WV Legislature amended the drivers’ license statute to require vision screening every time one renews their drivers’ licenses.  

The new law, §17B-2-12a requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to assure an eye screen test has been performed within 90 days every time someone applies or renews their license. A person can drive as long as their visual acuity is 20/60 or better in one eye, as long as the eye care specialist states that they feel the person has sufficient vision to safely operate a motor vehicle.  

 

Receiving the "Bull Dog Award" from the AAO on October 17 was Steve Powell, MD, Legislative Chair and Past President, WVAO.  Also in the picture is Daniel J. Briceland, MD, Secretary for State Affairs, Mary Louise Collins, MD, chair Committee for State Governmental Affairs, and Andrew M. Prince, chair Committee for State Organizational Development.

 
Receiving the 2010 Surgery by Surgeons Victory Award from the AAO on October 17 were Steve Powell, MD, Legislative Chair and Past President of the WVAEPS and Nancy Tonkin, Executive Director.  Also in the picture is Daniel J. Briceland, MD, Secretary for State Affairs, Mary Louise Collins, MD, chair Committee for State Governmental Affairs, and Andrew M. Prince, chair Committee for State Organizational Development.

Contact lenses that are decorative and over-the-counter, such as glow-in-the-dark or striped lenses, could be damaging to the eyes, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Wearing the lenses could lead to infections, inflammation, vision loss, and general pain, the AAO added.

Many of the decorative lenses are advertised as being fashion accessories, toys, or cosmetics, but researchers say all contact lenses need to be fitted by an eye doctor. During Halloween, many young people purchase odd-colored lenses to go with their costume.

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - SAN FRANCISCO – Men suffer from nearly three times as many eye injuries as women, according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) and the American Society of Ocular Trauma (ASOT). The annual Eye Injury Snapshot, a clinical survey of eye injuries across the U.S., conducted from May 16 to May 23 this year, found that men suffered the majority (73.5 percent) of the eye injuries. Annually, 2.5 million Americans suffer eye injuries and more than 52 percent of all injuries are taking place at home.

“It is often the most common household chores and activities that can lead to devastating eye injuries,” said Randolph L. Johnston, MD, president of the Academy. “Taking the time to protect your eyes while performing these tasks is the easiest way to protect your sight.”

 

Derek Sprunger, MD was recognized at the American Academy of Eye Physicians & Surgeons July 2010 Secretariat for State Affairs meeting for his service on the Secretariat.  Dr. Sprunger’s five-year term on the Secretariat will be complete at the end of this year.  The Secretariat for State Affairs is made up of two committees:  the Committee for State Governmental Affairs and the Committee for State Organizational Development.