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OUR EXPERTS DISCUSS THE HOT TOPICS IN OPTOMETRY

GLAUCOMA EDUCATION Milton Hom, O.D., F.A.A.O.: Just as we have seen in ocular surface, I think the sophistication of optometric practice has risen greatly within glaucoma through the years. I seem to remember hearing that O.D.s make up a big percentage of the OCT sales base, and our market share of prescribing glaucoma medications is increasing. The more we are involved in the research and cutting edge technology, the better.

Ben Gaddie, O.D., F.A.A.O.: Optometrists play a key role in research for many aspects of glaucoma. In fact, it is remarkable that we had 17 Optometric Glaucoma Society (OGS) optometrist members and one OGS ophthalmologist member presenting at the World Glaucoma Congress (WGC) in Vancouver, British Columbia this past July.

M.H.: Ben, I heard you attended the WGC. It looks like the world’s largest glaucoma meeting, and the organization seems to welcome optometrists. How was it? Is this a mustattend for glaucoma experts?

B.G.: The WGC is held every two years and involves members from more than 70 worldwide glaucoma societies and represents a worldwide collective of glaucoma researchers, surgeons and clinicians.

I’m not sure it is a “must attend” for all optometric glaucoma clinicians, but for those looking for a vast array of educational sessions and posters, the WGC represents a unique opportunity to witness the entirety of the world glaucoma scene. The exhibit hall is represented by international vendors, so it’s cool to see what is happening with new technology and new techniques that aren’t available in the U.S. And, as you mentioned, optometrists with an interest in glaucoma are absolutely welcomed by the WGC organization. The next WGC will be held in Hong Kong, June 6-9, 2015. OM

DR. HOM PRACTICES IN AZUSA, CALIF. HE IS A MULTI-AWARD WINNER, MOST RECENTLY WINNING THE 2012 AOA CLCS LEGEND AWARD. E-MAIL HIM AT EYEMAGE@MMINTERNET.COM.

DR. GADDIE IS THE OWNER AND DIRECTOR OF THE GADDIE EYE CENTERS, A MULTI-LOCATION, FULL-SERVICE PRACTICE IN LOUISVILLE, KY., AND IS CURRENTLY THE CHAIR OF THE CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMITTEE FOR THE AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION. E-MAIL HIM AT IBGADDIE@ME.COM, OR SEND COMMENTS TO OPTOMETRIC MANAGEMENT@GMAIL.COM.

The authors report no financial interest in any of the above.