Anti-Reflective Lens Curriculum Introduced in Optometry Schools
Alexandria, VA (May 7, 2009) – The Vision Council has announced that it will provide an educational grant to the Association of Practice Management Educators (APME) to design and deliver learning modules to increase the understanding and awareness of prescribing anti-reflective technologies. Recently approved by the APME board, this will be the first time that a learning module on this subject will be included as part of the required practice management curriculum for all 17 colleges of optometry in the United States.

The module will be taught to second- or third-year students and will be supported with materials and tools in each on-campus clinic. Currently there is no mandatory education on anti-reflective lens technology in the optometry colleges.

“Current statistics show that anti-reflective usage in the United States is at 34 percent, far lower than the 70+ percent usage in Europe and 98 percent in Japan,” said John Quinn, chairman of The Vision Council’s Anti-Reflective Steering Committee. “Anti-reflective lenses can provide better vision. We are pleased to be able to assist APME and optical educators across the country so that the eye care professionals of the future fully understand the visual benefits of prescribing these lenses.”

Sam Quintero, president of APME also noted that “partnerships like the one with The Vision Council can go a long way to increase the implementation of new technologies in patient care all across the country.” He continued, “We envision these types of programs will enable us to provide our students with the tools, information, and product experience that will give them a solid foundation to become tomorrow's leaders in eye care."

For more information, please contact Jeff Endres, technical director for The Vision Council, at (703) 740-2245 or at jendres@thevisioncouncil.org.