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TIPS, TRENDS & NEWS YOU CAN USE

IS YOUR PRACTICE CYBER-SECURE?

Almost Half of Small Businesses Are Victims of Cyber Attacks

■ A total of 44% of small businesses say they’ve been the victim of a cyber-attack, shows the National Small Business Association’s (NSBA) 2013 Small Business Technology Survey. Cyber-attack is defined as a computer virus, malware/spyware, etc.

Such attacks cost small businesses an average of $8,699 per attack, reveals the survey. The average losses of business banking accounts hacks were $6,927.

To protect your practice from a cyber-attack, hire a qualified tech firm to set up your network and network security, and get a second and third opinion on the recommendations before proceeding, says Alan Glazier, O.D., of Rockville, Md., who operates “ODs on Face-book. “Also, create an office policy prohibiting downloading without management permission. And, teach staff the differences between good links and bad links and how they might discern a phishing scam. Finally, make sure you have sufficient back up.”

Download the complete report, at www.nsba.biz/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Technology-Survey-2013.pdf.

OPTOMETRIST AWARDED BY TFOS

Nichols Receives Dry Eye Award

■ Kelly Nichols, O.D., M.P.H., received the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society’s (TFOS) Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes “outstanding services to TFOS and to the community.”

In addition to her OM Dry Eye column, Dr. Nichols is on the governing boards of TFOS and is a Foundation for Education and Research in Vision professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO). At UHCO, Dr. Nichols has co-piloted the formation of The Ocular Surface Institute “into a world-class research center that brings together well-recognized clinical and basic scientists to advance the field of ocular surface health,” according to the university.

Leandro Granato, from Argentina, snorts paint, holds his nose and expels the paint as tears from his eyes on a canvas. He calls the technique “Eye Painting.” He says he discovered pigments that weren’t damaging to his eyes or systemic health. “It was a difficult time when I decided to paint with my eye… imagine that,” he explains. “My whole family thought I was going crazy, as well as many other people,” he says on youtube. “But as time goes by, they start to understand me and my art.” Visit http://leandrogranato.com.ar for more information.

OPTICAL CHAIN REVAMPS DESIGN

Pearl Vision Reveals New Look

■ Pearl Vision has changed its logo, color palette and signage, floor plan and interior design, the latter of which eliminates walls between retail and the doctor’s office to create an “open flow and atmosphere,” says a company-issued press release.

The new Pearl Vision logo boasts rounded frames and “Est. 1961,” as a tribute to the company’s 50-years.

The new center “incorporates our rich history, provides a welcoming atmosphere and features eclectic displays and modern retail space,” says Pearl Vision’s senior vice president and general manager Srinivas Kumar.

The first Pearl Vision to feature a completely new interior and exterior opened in Cleveland, Ohio in mid-September (see photos). Current Pearle Vision licensees will have the opportunity to incorporate all or some of the new design elements into their centers.

The interior design features “modernized” displays and an open floor plan to foster consumer movement.