ABSTRACT
For over 50 years, graduate programs in physiological optics (vision science) have been the primary source of supply to schools and colleges of optometry of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree recipients who teach and conduct research. To determine the supply of M.S. and Ph.D. degree recipients from 1938 through 1989 and the career pursuits of these recipients, a computerized data base was developed. A total of 456 degrees were awarded (287 M.S. and 169 Ph.D.). Among the M.S. recipients, 56 also completed a Ph.D. Although there was a steady increase in the number of degree recipients, the number who pursued optometric education as a career steadily declined, especially among those who received only a M.S. degree. Further analysis suggests that a loss of optometry faculty with graduate degrees, in particular those with Ph.D.'s, due to attrition will likely occur during this decade and become substantial during the first decade of the next century. Clearly, efforts need to be increased by schools and colleges of optometry in the very near future to foster graduate level study of physiological optics, and to encourage the pursuit of optometric education as a career.
Subject(s)
Education, Graduate/trends , Optics and Photonics , Optometry/education , Humans , Surveys and Questionnaires , United StatesABSTRACT
The crossed cylinder lens has been an integral part of clinical refraction for more than 100 years. Although the use of the crossed cylinder in refraction has been scrutinized throughout the 20th Century, it remains the most commonly used technique of clinical refraction for astigmatism. This paper provides a historical perspective of the evolution of the Jackson crossed cylinder technique through a literature review that begins at the mid-19th Century. This review addresses the utilization of the crossed cylinder lens in clinical refraction since its introduction, and the attempts to evaluate its validity and reliability.
Subject(s)
Optometry/history , Refraction, Ocular , History, 18th Century , HumansABSTRACT
Forty patients were selected to participate in a double-masked comparative study of the Seiko Plax 3 (P-3) and Varilux 2 progressive addition lenses. The study was designed to determine patient preference for either lens design. The patients wore each lens for 1 month. Following each period, a questionnaire relating to the patient's impressions of the lenses was completed. After both wearing periods, the patient's preference was determined. The results show that 89.7% of the patients preferred the Seiko lens over the Varilux. Further, 82.4% chose the Seiko lens and 44.1% chose the Varilux lens over their habitual multifocal design. The results of this study show that, in addition to a preference for the Seiko P-3 design, both progressive addition lenses are viable alternatives to the conventional multifocal lens.
Subject(s)
Eyeglasses/standards , Aged , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Female , Humans , Hyperopia/therapy , Male , Myopia/therapy , Optics and Photonics , Reference ValuesABSTRACT
The present longitudinal investigation evaluated the proficiency of the human ocular accommodation system during the 20-week period after birth. Fourteen human infants were tested at specific intervals during the age of 2 through 20 weeks. At each age the refractive state of the eyes during fixation of a vertical-striped, high-contrast stimulus pattern presented at viewing distances ranging from 10 to 50 cm was measured by dynamic retinoscopy. The accommodative performance of the infants demonstrated the following: (1) the newborn accommodation system executes reasonably appropriate responses to weak dioptric stimuli; (2) accommodative accuracy generally decreases from 2 through 8 weeks of age; and (3) accommodative accuracy increases beyond 8 weeks of age until adult-like levels of proficiency are attained between 16 and 20 weeks. Factors which could affect individual accommodative responses and explanations for the observed developmental pattern of accommodative performance are discussed.
Subject(s)
Accommodation, Ocular , Refraction, Ocular , Adult , Age Factors , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Vision Tests/instrumentation , Vision Tests/methodsABSTRACT
A retinoscopic method of assessing changes of the accommodative status of the young human infant with changes of the stimulus viewing distance id described. This method utilized dynamic retinoscopy and a series of patterned visual stimuli. Vertical, above-threshold, squarewave gratings presented at viewing distances of from 10 through 50 centimeters were utilized as fixation and accommodation stimuli. During fixation of the stimuli by the infants, the refractive state of the eyes was determined by location of the conjugate retinal focus. Comparison of the refractive state of the eye to the magnitude of the accommodative stimulus at a particular viewing distance can be utilized as an index of the accuracy of the accommodative response. The applicability of this retinoscopic method to private clinical practice is discussed.
Subject(s)
Accommodation, Ocular , Vision Tests/methods , Fixation, Ocular , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Photic StimulationABSTRACT
Fifty-four patients, selected to encompass the full range of bifocal additions were involved in a double masked study of Varilux II and Ultravue progressive addition lenses in which neither patient in or examiner knew the type of lens prescribed at a given trial. Measurements of width of near field were taken with each type prior to and following wearing periods of one month each. Subjects had complete freedom to select or substitute a form of bifocal of their own choice without extra costs. The paper indicates the selections made, and considers the variables influencing these choices. The final results imply that acceptance of variable focus lenses may rest more with the bias of the practitioner than the readiness of the patient.
