Anyone can write

Although there are around 100 optometric institutions across the country offering courses ranging in duration from 2 to 4 years leading to diploma and degree qualifications respectively, there’s hardly any institute to impart accredited training in opticianry.

And “the introduction of Government legislation to regulate the practice of optometry” not in immediate sight, it’s imperative that there be a text on basics of ophthalmic dispensing optics for the benefit of the bulk of unqualified opticians…with the ultimate aim of our people to receive better eyewear dispensing services from anywhere within the country.

It’s, therefore, proposed to bring out an ophthalmic dispensing book covering basic information on all aspects of ophthalmic dispensing along with relevant information in brief on related topics of anatomy and physiology of the eye, refractive errors and common eye diseases, and low vision aids and contact lenses etc.

To start with, this is an open invitation for anyone to contribute on the topic of “Frame materials”.

A write-up of 500 to 1,000 words, along with figures/illustrations, may be forwarded to OptometryToday@gmail.com by the deadline of 31st January 2009. The selected write-up will be included in the book along with the name of the contributing author, thus giving him/her the opportunity of being a part of this exciting educational project.

Dr. Narendra Kumar

Happy 2009

The "50th Anniversary of Indian Optometry Year 2008", December 2008 issue of Optometry Today carries the following interesting material:

- Dr. Hari Om Rastogi's narration of the optometric history
- Articles on
Enhancing optometry through internet,
Nutrition and vision,
Institution profile,
Sub-conjunctival hemorrhage,
Perfect fit of glasses,
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses,
Photochromic lenses,
Top 10 most beautiful eyes,
Normal age related vision changes,
A primer on vitamins,
Communicating with hard-of-hearing patients
- Book reviews
- Newsline
- Placement Guide
- Letters

The Year 2008 also saw the publication of my "Babloo goes for an eye test" book for children, parents and teachers.

Wishing you a very happy and prosperous 2009 full of peace and professional satisfaction,

Dr. Narendra Kumar

Recumbent Spectacles

Optometry Today (C4F/216 Janakpuri, New Delhi 110058, Phone +91-11-25599839 <OptometryToday@gmail.com>), maker of Ptosis Spectacle (to lift drooping upper lid), Hearing Aid Cords, and Ear Plugs (to muffle sound), announces the launch of Recumbent Spectacles (the device, consisting of optical prisms [that do not magnify], that allows bed-ridden patients to read, write notes and watch TV while lying down).

Dr. Narendra Kumar