O.D. Scene

THE ENTERTAINING SIDE OF OPTOMETRY

O.D. Scene creator, writer and editor Jack Schaeffer, O.D.

U.S. optometrists, through the help of the AOA and state officials, have been very fortunate to achieve an ever-expanding scope of practice. Optometrists in other countries have not always been as fortunate, yet they continue to be inspired by the leaps we have made, prompting them to actively seek the same rights to practice to the full extent of their abilities.

I have been lucky to work with some of these exceptional international optometrists, and this month is the first in a three-part series on them.

To start, I speak with Canada’s Barbara Caffery, who focused on dry eye disease and contact lens complications long before either became popular subjects. In addition, I talk to Nick Rumney, of the U.K., who has and continues to push for more therapeutic privileges in England.

This month’s section also includes an Industry Insights interview with Essilor’s Howard Purcell, O.D., who talks the future of ophthalmic lenses, and a look at fall/winter fashion trends — scarfs and more — by OM’s resident fashionista, Jenn Falik.

Key Opinion Leaders Weigh in…

Barbara Caffery, O.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.O., Toronto, Ont., and Nick Rumney, O.D., Hereford, U.K.

Q: Can you describe your practice or optometric position?

BC: I’m an associate at Toronto Eye Care, in downtown Toronto, Ontario. Before I moved here two years ago, I ran my own practice for 35 years. I love the freedom of being an associate. I have more time for research and fewer worries. I am also a member of the University Health Network Multidisciplinary Sjogren’s Syndrome Clinic. I have worked in this clinic with rheumatology, ophthalmology, dentistry and ENT for 20 years.

NR: I’m majority owner of a full-scope optometry practice in rural England. We have a therapeutic license and actively manage and co-manage many patients for many conditions, such as CL-induced problems, allergy and dry eye. Also, we provide low vision services and operate a 3D OCT. We have a strong commitment to education with a focus on clinical assistants, techs, dispensing opticians, therapeutic residents and optometrists studying for a Ph.D.

Q: What are the educational and practice differences between your country and the United States?

BC: Our school of optometry in Waterloo is the only English-speaking optometry school. This makes it difficult for many bright students to attend. In the United States, there are many schools. In terms of practice, I think it’s the same: Many young graduates are forced to work in corporate practices, and many join practices with aging O.D.s like me.

Dr. Rumney with pal Caroline Christie.

NR: Educationally speaking, our optometrists go straight into optometry school at age 18 and are usually registered clinicians by age 22. Education is no longer free, but the loans system is really a sort of fancy off-balance sheet. Accounting for the government, the accumulated debt at graduation is maybe $55,000 and repaid via payroll — the debt dying after 20 years.

Dr. Caffery with Conlan, her great nephew, and husband Art.

Q: What would you like to change about optometry in your country?

BC: I want my colleagues to spend more time in clinical research. We are a small group and could easily band together to follow patients through time. I want better cooperation with ophthalmology. I want optometrists to experience the hands-on hospital training that ophthalmology is privy to.

NR: It would be nice if the government gave us full recognition for what we do for the nation’s ocular health rather than lip service. Some places, such as Scotland, have fully embraced the role of the optometrist in ocular health, making use of new federal-style legislation to develop optometric services. Another change I’d like is to have optometry classified as a clinical discipline within university education. At present, it’s regarded as a science course, like physics, so the funding does not reflect the profession’s clinical training, which is ridiculous.

Q: What is your favorite U.S. optometry meeting and why?

BC: It is important for me to disclose that I am on the Board of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). Having said that, I will tell you that I am on that Board because I think the Academy holds the best meeting in optometry. It is the blend of science and clinic that makes it so very important.

NR: I’m an AAO groupie. This year, I will experience my 13th anniversary of attending. I keep coming back for the networking, education, innovation and, now, friendship.

Q: What is your favorite international meeting and why?

BC: I am very involved in the contact lens world, so I love the International Society for Contact Lens Research (ISCLR) meeting. Because of my interest in dry eye, I also enjoy the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) meeting.

NR: The next exotic location I haven’t been to yet! I jumped at the chance to go to Buenos Aires in 2008 for the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists meeting and wonder whether Columbia in August 2015 for the World Council of Optometry will be next.

Q: Who is your optometric mentor and why?

BC: I have so many. Mert Flom, O.D., former AAO president, believed in me and helped me join the Academy Board. Robin Chalmers, clinical trial consultant, pushes me to get my research done, and Karla Zadnik, O.D., Ph.D., Dean of The Ohio State University School of Optometry, made me believe in myself. I could go on.

NR: Professor Barry Cole, O.D., who gave me the opportunity to become a graduate student in Melbourne, and almost single-handedly expressed the vision of what Australian optometry could be and then delivered it, and Lou Catania, an American therapeutics guru who inspired me to force the slow deferential agenda to therapeutics in the U.K.

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be and why?

BC: Joan Didion, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Frances Ford Coppola. The first two are some of my favorite writers, and movies are the most wonderful entertainment.

NR: Sir Ernest Shackleton because I think he was the greatest explorer, bar none.

Q: Who are your family members, and what do you like to do for fun?

BC: I am married to Art Caspary, a psychoanalyst. I have two girls, Lisa and Kare, who are my ex-step children, but I love them like my own. The oldest is expecting a baby boy. I will be a nannie at last. I have a sister and a brother, two nieces and two nephews and a great nephew named Conlan who is the love of my life.

For fun, I like reading and writing, cooking, opera, ballet and watching sports, especially hockey.

Dr. Rumney with a new way to navigate his optical.

NR: Linda, my wife, is Scots and a nurse. She’s my rock, and we have two children: David, a trainee engineer, and Fiona, a trainee paramedic. For fun, I enjoy driving my Aston Martin DB7 on the track and learning about historic automobiles and airplanes and Irish and South African history.

Q: What is your favorite book, movie, band and adult beverage?

BC: Book: Of the moment All My Puny Sorrows; Movie: The Godfather; Band: The Tragically Hip; Adult beverage: Wine and champagne.

NR: Book: The works of C.S. Lewis; Movie: Apollo 13; Band: The Commitments; Adult beverage: Butty Bach British ale.

Dr. Caffery holding her favorite ice cream, Kawartha Dairy, a Candadian treat.

Fashion by FALIK

Jenn Falik is a style and beauty expert who has appeared on The View, The Today Show, The Rachel Ray Show and E! News. This month, she discusses fall/winter must-haves for her and him.

● The Perfect Coat

For Her: A robe coat, wrapped tightly at the waist, is sophisticated and flattering, while also quite practical. You can change up the belt to easily transform the look, and there is no limit to how many layers you can sport underneath.

For Him: Quilted styles are sporty but also can be sleek and stylish this season. Look for a coat that hits at the waist and fits snug to the body. You will still get the warmth, without the Michelin-Man pouf factor.

● A Polished Scarf

For Her: Play with patterns (psychedelic floral or a modern take on classic plaid). To maximize versatility, opt for a thin wool knit scarf that can be wrapped infinity-style around the neck for function, then loosely draped over a blazer or little black dress for fashion.

For Him: Opt for something in a signature shade of the season, such as deep maroon or rich navy. Also, you want a thick knit that wraps around the neck loosely and can work nicely with browns, blacks and grays.

● The Best Boot

For Her: A riding style boot in gray is a new way to wear the iconic footwear favorite.

For Him: Chelsea-style boots are both work and weekend appropriate. The style hits just above the ankle, slipping seamlessly under slacks. If you want to make a bold statement, look for shiny metallic buckle details. Otherwise, keep it subtle with antiqued hardware elements.

Key Industry Leader

Howard Purcell, O.D., Senior Vice President, Customer Development Group, Essilor of America

Dr. Purcell with Miami Heat Chris Bosh.

What is your job at Essilor?

A: My responsibilities include the brand sales organization, ECP education and professional relations. I see one of my key roles as the voice of the customer.

What is the greatest lesson, John Carrier, Essilor president and CEO, has taught you?

A: To have a heated debate, in which both sides are allowed to express their position, assuring that once the debate has been settled, we move on without any lingering issues. I admire and aspire to do this better myself.

There seems to be major consolidation in the lab and eyecare business. What do you see as the future of these two areas?

A: With regard to lens labs, I believe you will see continued improvement in lab quality and service as a result of resource availability and attention to detail. Labs will do what they do best, which may differ from lab to lab, and work will be coordinated to provide the best outcomes, quality and turn time, with a service promise and communication level that is far above what exists today.

As far as eyecare practices are concerned, I think our profession has become so broad and diverse that it makes sense to collaborate and to join forces with other colleagues who can bring a variety of expertise to the practice. In this manner, we can provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, allowing for an optimal experience with superior outcomes.

Quality lenses are getting expensive. Where do you feel this is going, and how do we educate our patients as to their value?

A: Innovation is critical to our continued success. When I say “our,” I am referring to practitioners and industry. We must continue to improve products and services that deliver real consumer value and address consumer/patient needs. It will be equally as important for industry and practitioners to work closely together to continue to modify and improve our ability to explain the innovation and technology in a way that it is easy for a patient to understand. In addition, we must develop more impactful ways to demonstrate the value of innovation and help the consumer appreciate and accept the attributes they are receiving and how they address true needs.

Do you miss the actual practice of optometry?

A: At times, I do. I truly enjoyed every day of practice with my father. The opportunity to learn from him was immense, and I miss the interactions with patients and making a difference for them one on one.

Who have been your mentors or inspirations in your career?

A: It all began with my father. The opportunity to see how much he enjoyed practicing optometry was clear to me from a young age. In addition, I learned the business of optometric practice from my Dad. The 10 years I spent with him are at the core of any success I have achieved as a professional and person. He always encouraged me to speak my mind and to stand firm behind what I believe.

Who are your family members, and what do you like to do for fun?

A: I’ve been married to Lisa for 25 years, and I have four children — Erika (24), Cameron (23), Connor (21) and Hallie (15) — who all mean the world to me. For fun, I enjoy playing my drums, exercising, going to the beach and watching sports, especially Miami teams. I ran into Chris Bosh, of the Miami Heat, at a restaurant in Dallas, and he invited me to join him. Now, that was a fun meal!

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

A: Nelson Mandela because of his unrelenting commitment to what he believed, his willingness to die for his belief and his lack of any hatred or anger against those who wronged him.

What is your favorite book, movie, band and adult beverage of choice?

A: Book: Huckleberry Finn; Movie: An Officer and a Gentleman, Band: Green Day (Eagles a close second); Adult beverage: Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey.

What is your prediction for the future of the profession?

A: I am very confident and optimistic about the continued critical role eyecare providers will play in helping to optimize the vision and ocular health of the consumer. In the end, what is best for the patient/consumer always “wins.” I believe that it is critical we move beyond normalizing vision and seek to optimize vision, allowing patients to achieve the best possible visual performance, which is far beyond 20/20.