The American Optometric Association has appointed Barry J. Barresi, O.D., Ph.D., to serve as executive director, starting July 1. Dr. Barresi is currently president of the New England Eye Institute and vice president of clinical affairs at New England College of Optometry. He replaces Michael D. Jones, O.D., who has served as the AOA executive director for 10 years.

 

On January 28, President Bush signed into law the Military Eye Trauma Treatment measure. The legislation will establish a Center of Excellence within the Department of Defense to improve the tracking, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for active-duty service members who suffer serious eye injuries.

 

To provide a collegial forum about the role of nutrition in systemic and ocular health, optometrist Jeff Anshel has organized the Optometric Nutrition Society. The purpose of the non-profit organization is to sponsor professional symposia as well as a Web site (www.OptometricNutritionSociety.org), and to provide relevant resources about nutritional support for the management of ocular and systemic disease.

 

Kevin Alexander, O.D., current president of the American Optometric Association, will become president of the Southern California College of Optometry starting July 1. Currently the dean of the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, Dr. Alexander succeeds Lesley Walls, O.D., M.D., who is retiring after 11 years as SCCO president.

 

By February 2009, all television will be digital due to a government mandate. By making a change to the decoder that makes digital television images possible, scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute have found that every digital TV can be altered to enhance the contrast of images so that people with low vision can improve their ability to see and enjoy television. Their study is in the January Journal of the Optical Society of America.

 

The International Library, Archives and Museum of Optometry (ILAMO) is celebrating 100 years of service. To commemorate the event, ILAMO is planning a dessert reception and mini-casino event following the opening reception at Optometrys Meeting in Seattle in June. The foundation will also issue a commemorative booklet detailing the history of ILAMO and the many services the library offers. The optometric community is asked to take out a congratulatory advertisement or listing in the booklet. For further information, call Ellen Dickman, ILAMO librarian, at 1-800-365-2219, ext. 4117.

 

Bausch & Lomb named Gerald M. Ostrov its new chairman and chief executive officer, effective immediately. From 1998 to 2006, Mr. Ostrov was company group chairman of Worldwide Vision Care for Johnson & Johnson. Current chairman and CEO Ronald L. Zarrella will retire in March and serve as chairman emeritus.