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A 40th Reunion from City University was recently celebrated with an afternoon of lectures, a Fight for Sight Optometry Clinic tour followed by dinner and dancing. It was interesting who remembered whom and how much anyone had changed - some more than others.
The Alumni of City University sponsored the daytime proceedings which started with Judith Morris, now being a member of staff, welcoming everyone and describing what is happening at City after 40 years since graduating.
Professor David Henson of Manchester, whose latest model of the Henson Field Analyser, Henson 8000, is to be launched soon, initially explained how long it takes to administrate the start of a research project to explain what he does all day. He then enlightened everyone on the problems of end-stage glaucoma cases turning up at an eye department suffered by those who have never bothered to have an eye examination. The importance of this simple factor was made very clear.
This was followed by Professor Dan O'Leary who gave an overview of why the eye becomes myopic, outlining under-correction, lag of accommodation and peripheral retinal images, discussing recently published projects on the use of contact lenses and progressive addition lenses. He then outlined the Cambridge Anterior Myopia Study which involved spherical aberration manipulation and vision training. Vision training had no effect on control but the younger the child the more spherical aberration manipulation had an impact, taking into account the need to keep the lag of accommodation at a low level. In general, younger children benefited more from any treatment than older age groups.
UV blocking after laser surgery
Professor Jan Bergmanson, over from Houston, Texas gave an entertaining presentation on UV and related problems, particularly on the conjunctiva and in the cornea. He highlighted the vital filter of the crystalline lens for the retina and the substantial absorption that takes place in the corneal stroma. This has an interesting aspect when considering those who have had refractive surgery with the result of a thinned corneal stroma which could give rise to early cataracts. As a generalisation, keratoconics and post refractive surgery patients need ultraviolet radiation (UVR) blocking contact lenses for protection. He then discussed the threat of pterygium, a common disease whose only scientifically known risk factor is UVR exposure. This is highest in Greenland, southern parts of the US, Mexico and Australia. A potential treatment option is a UV-blocking soft lens due to the incident light path being from the medial side.
The evening of dinner and dancing had 60s and 70s music which gave rise to nostalgic reminisces and lots of catching-up conversations. Everyone thanked Wendy Kepetzis and Judith for their work in organising the event, hoping for one again in five years' time. ?