Actress Dame Maggie Smith has agreed to be patron of the International Glaucoma Association (IGA). The winner of two Academy Awards and five BAFTAs said it was important to raise the profile of the charity so the public have a greater understanding of glaucoma and the treatments available. IGA chief executive David Wright added: 'I'm enormously grateful to Dame Maggie for agreeing to be our patron. Glaucoma is so important and so often overlooked, and the value that someone of her standing can bring to the IGA is incalculable.'
Abstracts on accreditation, development of the profession and increasing capacity to deliver eye care have been invited for a forthcoming overseas conference. Research will be brought together at next year's European Academy of Optometry and Optics' annual conference, scheduled for April 19-21 in Malaga, Spain. Academy president Roger Crelier said: 'I urge eye care professionals to get involved in this event and submit abstracts to allow people from other countries to learn from their work to advance the profession and improve standards around the world.'
Hazards associated with the use of washing machine capsules known as liquitabs have continued to make headlines in the UK. A story in The Sun newspaper told how a toddler in Kent had bitten into one of the capsules thinking it was a sweet, before the detergent caused his eye to temporarily swell shut. The tabloid also reported how a Glasgow hospital had treated five youngsters under the same circumstances this year, which was consistent with press coverage earlier in the month (News 14.09.12).
Optician would like to clarify that Hoya's new progressive lens is called the Hoyalux iD LifeStyle V+ and not the Hoyalux iD MyStyle V+ as suggested last week. Optician apologises for any embarrassment this may have caused.