Summer babies are more likely to grow up to be myopes, according a study in Augusts Ophthalmology. Specifically, babies born in June or July have a 24% greater chance of becoming severely myopic than those born in December or January. The exact associating mechanism is not known but might be related to exposure to natural light during the early perinatal period, the authors write.

Three scientific researchers have received grants of $10,000 each from the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists Education and Research Foundation (CLAO ERF) to explore issues related to contact lens and ocular anterior segment science:

Loretta Szczotka-Flynn, O.D., M.S., University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland.

Danielle M. Robertson, O.D., UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.

Amanda Ackerman, University of California, Berkeley.

The AOA Paraoptometric Section designates September 16 to 22, 2007, as Paraoptometric Recognition Week. The section encourages doctors to be creative in planning festivities, and offers free Paraoptometric Recognition Week kits to help in making plans for the observance. To request a kit, send an e-mail to jvmurphy@aoa.org.