A revised version of the Efron Grading Scales for contact lens complications has been published by Johnson & Johnson under the name The Vision Care Institute Clinical Assessment Guide. Originator Professor Nathan Efron welcomed the revisions, which include information on slit-lamp illumination techniques, staining and lid assessment, corneal inflammation and assessment and signs of oxygen deficiency.
Around 350 designer frames and cases have been stolen from an optical practice after burglars broke through a barred window. The thieves took Silhouette, Boz, Gucci, Elle, Ted Baker, Armani and Givenchy branded goods from Colin Lee Opticians in Lichfield, Staffordshire during the weekend of October 15/16. Practices in the area suspiciously offered frames or sunglasses are urged to contact Staffordshire Police officer PC Coleman on 07854 775363, quoting crime reference FR/69384/11.
A strong association has been found in India between depleted vitamin C levels and cataract development. A study published in this month's Ophthalmology Journal looked at a random sample of over 5,500 villagers in north and south India. Each had a blood test and their lenses photographed. There was a strong inverse association between cataract and serum vitamin C levels. The researchers also found an inverse association, though not to the same degree, between cataract and lutein, zeaxanthin and retinol.
The British Orthokeratology Society will be closed following the formation of a new association. UK practitioners have been urged to join the European Academy of Orthokeratology (EurOK) instead, which has become part of the International Academy of Orthokeratology (IAO). EurOK fees for the first year until December 2012 will be €150, but the British Orthokeratology Society has offered 24 bursaries of £100 each to the first 24 UK practitioners to join.