The study compared the effectiveness of Irlen filters and traditional optometric intervention with 30 volunteers (ages 9-51). Pre- and posttesting revealed that subjects in both treatment groups were more comfortable after treatment, that only the vision therapy group showed improved visual functioning, and that the Irlen filter group did not show…

Surveyed entering optometry students (n=404) and again during their fourth year (n=314) for knowledge about and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS. Analysis indicated significant improvement from pre- to post-test for general HIV/AIDS knowledge and optometric-specific HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes. For universal precautions implementation, no change in…

Demographic information regarding mode of practice, income and satisfaction level is provided for 1978-82 graduates of the Illinois College of Optometry. A practice management questionnaire is appended. (Author/MLW)

Due to criticism that optometrists are not adequately trained to use drugs for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, the course of study taken by optometry students was compared to that taken by medical students in terms of faculty capability, courses content, and relationship to career needs.

A survey of optometric educational institutions, conducted by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association, is described. Information on student enrollment, academic achievement, financial aid, and student expenditures for the academic year 1980-81 is highlighted. (Author/MLW)

The Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory, with a vocational title called Optometry, was used to profile a sample of second-year optometry students and to compare them with samples of practicing optometrists. One conclusion questions these students' compatibility with older practitioners. (MLW)

Vision of 116 students, ages 6-19, with Down syndrome in the Brisbane (Australia) area was screened. Non-cycloplegic retinoscopy successfully assessed all the students for refractive error. Of the 99 children in special schools, about half did not show significant refractive error but 30 percent were farsighted, 14 percent nearsighted, and 21…

A study of characteristics of four classes entering the New England College of Optometry at five-year intervals were analyzed for a relationship between gender, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, and attrition. No interaction with gender was found, but lower SAT scores were found to be associated with higher attrition levels. (Author/MSE)

A survey of 16 optometry schools found 12 had a required course or portion of a required course dedicated to teaching ethics. Classroom hours varied from 0 to 60; the median was 7. Topics covered varied. Courses were usually offered in the first and third years. Faculty were typically, though not exclusively, optometrists. (MSE)

Study investigated whether poor performance on the case history portion of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry clinical skills examination was due to candidates' failure to inquire about major issues or explore issues thoroughly. Data from tests administered to 1,266 candidates were analyzed. Results indicate candidates generally…

A color microfiche containing ocular tissue section images was developed and introduced into an ocular history and embryology course to enhance student access to such images. Students found that the materials enhanced their ability to learn. Faculty found that the materials allowed students to prepare in advance for the laboratory, freeing class…

This paper investigates whether there is a correlation between a poor Visual Attention Span (VAS) and the child's optometric status. Convergence excess impacts most upon a male achieving a VAS-3 more than 75 per cent of the time. Fifty per cent of females with eye-teaming problems are unlikely to achieve a VAS-3 more than 25 per cent of the time.…

Second-year optometry students were asked to review videotapes of themselves performing two patient examinations to increase awareness of the examination process. A study of compliance with the assignment and later performance found that the perceived or potential gains from viewing one's own performance were not reflected in clinical evaluations.…

A survey of second- and third-year students at two optometry schools investigated how many students bought required textbooks, utility of the book, prices students were willing to pay, feelings about book price in relation to tuition, and reasons for not buying the text. Class size was also considered. (MSE)

Two classroom studies assessed the introduction of innovative instructional techniques, based on adult learning principles, in optometric education. The first involved group projects and related student presentations, and the second introduced active learning methods in place of lectures. (Author/MSE)