Archive for October, 2009

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME IN OPTICAL DISPENSING

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME IN OPTICAL DISPENSING

Richard Grills, Chairman) of Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association of Australia Ltd (ODMA) has announced that they, as part of their commitment to independent practitioners, have made available 6(six) scholarships to encourage and promote Optical Dispensing as a career.

OPTICAL DISPENSING CERTIFICATE IV

Would you like to become an Optical Dispenser?

To encourage quality optical dispensing five scholarships are available.

There is a correspondence course through the Open Training and Education Network (OTEN-TAFE), and on-site courses at Sydney Institute of Technology (TAFE), RMIT in Melbourne and vocational training providers in other States. Applicants must be working in the industry and be prepared to devote 2 years or more to completing the course. Applicants must undertake the Edging & Fitting component of the course.

One of these scholarships is to be known as the “Lyndsay McGregor Scholarship” in memory and respect of the late Lyndsay McGregor who played an important and active role in Optical Dispensing throughout Australia and Internationally.

OPHTHALMIC PRACTICE MANAGEMENT DIPLOMA

Would you like to learn how to manage an Optical Practice?

One Scholarship only, to be known as the “John Jackson Scholarship”. (John Jackson was recently awarded the OAM for his services to dispensing in Australia and internationally). This scholarship is open to Optical Dispensers (holding Certificate IV) and Optometrists. The Diploma has been prepared by the Australasian Dispensing Opticians Association (ADOA) and designed from the wide range of TAFE subjects to specifically cater for an Optical Practice, it is available by arrangement with ADOA and delivered by the Open Training and

Education Network (OTEN – TAFE) College. Eight modules which can be completed in two semesters over two years or less.

For further information on scholarships and application form please contact ODMA at Suite 401 Level 4, 3 Spring Street, Sydney or phone Finola Carey 02 8249 4380, e-mail exec@odma.com.au or Fax 02 8249 4922

Applications close 23rd November 2009, for 2010 TAFE enrolments.

‘Gecko vision’: Key to the multifocal contact lens of the future?

‘Gecko vision’: Key to the multifocal contact lens of the future?

Nocturnal geckos are among the very few living creatures able to see colors at night, and scientists’ discovery of series of distinct concentric zones may lead to insight into better cameras and contact lenses.

The key to the exceptional night vision of the nocturnal helmet gecko is a series of distinct concentric zones of different refractive powers, according to a study published in the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology’s peer-reviewed, online Journal of Vision (“The pupils and optical systems of gecko eyes,” http://www.journalofvision.org/9/3/27).

This multifocal optical system is comprised of large cones, which the researchers calculated to be more than 350 times more sensitive than human cone vision at the human color vision threshold.

“We were interested in the geckos because they – and other lizards – differ from most other vertebrates in having only cones in their retina,” said project leader Lina Roth, PhD, from the Department of Cell and Organism Biology at Lund University in Sweden. “With the knowledge from the gecko eyes we might be able to develop more effective cameras and maybe even useful multifocal contact lenses.”

The nocturnal geckos’ multifocal optical system gives them an advantage because light of different ranges of wavelengths can focus simultaneously on the retina. Another possible advantage of their optical structure is that their eyes allow them to focus on objects at different distances. Therefore the multifocal eye would generate a sharp image for at least two different depths. Geckos that are active during the day do not possess the distinct concentric zones and are considered monofocal, Roth said.

The scientists also developed a new method to gather optical data from live animals without harm with their modifications to the Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor.

“Studies of animals with relatively large eyes, such as owls and cats, have included surgery and fixation of the head,” the article states. “In this study, we demonstrate that it is possible to obtain high-resolution wavefront measurements of small, unharmed gecko eyes without completely controlling the gaze or the accommodation of the animal eyes.”

Experts Say Optical Industry Performing Well

Experts Say Optical Industry Performing Well

There is a lot to like about Transitions as a company. Products aside, the investment the company makes into the business development of the eye care professional is enormous.

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