How Contact Lenses Have Influenced Research Developments in Optics and Vision Science

Initially, contact lenses were developed as the only viable option to provide improved vision for patients suffering from conditions which distortedthe corneal surface in an irregular fashion, rendering spectacle correction an unsatisfactory option. Developments in materials, fitting methods andmanufacturing technologies soon made contact lenses an appealing option for all spectacle wearers, particularly with the development of toricand multifocal lens options. Although the optical challenges of contact lenses appeared to be relatively straightforward in their early years, thedevelopment of improved in-vivo diagnostic and in-vitro metrology instrumentation led to a significantly greater understanding of the nature of theoptical errors (e.g. higher order wavefront aberrations) of the eye and contact lenses and the interactions between them when worn. The featuresof contact lenses having extremely steep curvatures and being aligned closely to the eye’s visual axis in all positions of gaze provide both uniquechallenges and opportunities for improving the visual performance of both physiological and pathological eyes, and have guided the efforts ofsignificant vison science research in more recent times.

Metamorphosis of Contact Lenses

In 1971, soft contact lenses were a striking addition to the ophthalmic field that related functionally to the existing hard contact lenses by correctingrefractive error, but their properties and description were different so as to confound ophthalmic professionals in their introduction. Their inventor Otto Wichterle, a Czechoslovakian chemist and anticommunist dissident, developed the soft lens in the 1950-60s with little knowledge of the hard lens, but its potential was broad enough to break through the communist barriers and to spark international consumer interest and development.Challenges in manufacturing and developing soft contact lenses created a complex discipline around the cornea and lid physiology, and optics. This expanded greatly the scientific knowledge of the eye and adnexa to allow a soft, hydrophilic lens to remain symbiotic with the eye. Challenges were met over the past 50 years with a change in nomenclature and in automated manufacturing closer to hard lenses, optical advancements, new materials and surface treatments, and lens disinfection methods. The science developing from the diminutive soft lens led to the incorporation of related biomedical and polymer science within the broader ophthalmic field that inordinately influenced optical advancements, instrumentation,and ocular pathology.

Observations on Optometry in the Veteran's Administration from an Optometric Educator's Perspective

This invited address was presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the National Association of Veteran’s Administration Optometrists (NAVAO), Thursday, October 24, 2019, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Orlando, FL. This paper discusses medicine, dentistry, and optometry’s entry into the Veteran’s Administrations System as well as optometry’s many challenges to become an Optometry Service. It also reviews the many challenges the profession has faced as it has endeavored to increase the number of VA optometry staff positions and the educational experience of optometry students, residents and fellows in providing eye care for America’s veterans.

Military Optometry from World War I to the Present

Optometry has made significant contributions to the United States military for over a century. Assuring good vision and eye health of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines is critical to maximizing the military functions necessary to achieve victory. There was little organization or recognition of the profession in World War I, but optometrists were essential in achieving the mission. Recognition of the profession of optometry was still limited in World War II but it was improving, especially with commissioning as officers occurring in the Navy. Through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, optometry grew in stature and strength with all services eventually commissioning all optometrists, and Army optometrists were assigned to combat divisions. Continuing through the more recent conflicts in the middle east, the profession has continued to make an impact and has become an essential part of the armed forces of the United States. Doctors of optometry are now an integral part of the Department of Defense. The nation cannot field an effective fighting force today without the dedicated performance of these officers.

News

Announcement of launch of the AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grants program, National Optometry Hall of Fame 2021 nominations, and a reminder that Hindsight is open to all AOA members at no cost.

Optometry and the Department of Veterans Affairs

This paper discusses the history of optometry in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), starting from minimum involvement and developing into an extensive level of activity benefiting both the profession of optometry and the VA. The author also recounts experiences which led him to a career in optometric education and work in VA optometry.

From the Editor

Editorial from David Goss, OD, PhD about the second military optometry issue.

Front Matter

Inside cover and table of contents.

News

Includes memoriams of Irving Bennett, O.D., James Boucher, O.D., and C. Clayton Powell, O.D., as well as a call for nominations for the 2021 National Optometry Hall of Fame.

End Matter

Back cover.