Ophthalmologists have long cautioned against purchasing toys that pose a danger to children’s eyes. This year we’re adding digital devices to our usual list of BB guns, Nerf guns, and slingshots. That’s because evidence is mounting that too much screen time and not enough time outside may be behind the recent rise in nearsightedness in children. To help, the Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology released a screen-free holiday gift guide focused on healthy kids and healthy eyes.
“As a parent, I know how hard it is to limit screen time, but several new studies conducted during the pandemic show increased time on digital devices for online learning and entertainment may be causing an increase in nearsightedness among children,” said Dianna Seldomridge, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “So, in addition to cautioning parents to avoid toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts, we’re asking parents to consider gifts that encourage kids to step away from their screens.”
A Sneak-Peak of What Ophthalmologists are Buying Their Kids
· Arts & crafts supplies for all ages. Get their creative juices flowing with paint sets, coloring books, easels, jewelry beads for younger kids or knitting/sewing kits for older kids. Just make sure to check the recommended age group on each before buying.
· Outdoor inspired gifts. Sports equipment like snow gear, roller skates, hiking boots, or the classic bicycle gift are all good ways to encourage healthy outdoor play. Have a kid athlete in your life? Get them the right protective eyewear for their sport of choice. For skiers or snowboarders, that means UV-protected goggles — cold weather does not shield the eyes from the sun!
Want to Learn More?
View the full holiday gift guide that ophthalmologists are using this year. For more information about the rise in nearsightedness in children, watch the Academy’s YouTube video.
November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness month, which is an opportunity to educate our communities about the serious impact diabetes can have on vision and the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and treatment. This observance month encourages individuals with diabetes to take proactive steps in managing their condition, including controlling blood sugar and getting annual eye exams to protect their eyesight.
Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Vision Loss
Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the United States among adults age 20 to 74 and is the fifth most common cause of preventable blindness globally. Among the 30 million Americans with diabetes, about one-third have diabetic retinopathy, the potentially blinding complication of diabetes.
Early Detection Saves Vision
People typically don't notice changes in their vision in the disease's early stages. But as it progresses, diabetic retinopathy usually causes vision loss that in many cases cannot be reversed. That’s why it’s so important that everyone with diabetes have yearly exams for early detection.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consistently reports that less than two-thirds of people with diabetes undergo their recommended annual dilated ophthalmic examination. These rates are even lower among children and adolescents with diabetes, with less than half of youth with type 2 diabetes receiving an examination within six years of diagnosis.
Education is Key
We encourage you to post about this month at your clinic and use relevant hashtags like #DiabeticEyeDiseaseMonth, #diabetes, and #diabeticeyedisease.
WAO was a proud sponsor of the 2025 annual Wisconsin Doctor Day. Members joined over 300 physicians from around the state to meet with legislators to talk about current issues.
May is Healthy Vision Month, an important time for ophthalmologists to educate patients about the importance of eye exams and eye health The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends all adults get regular eye exams, even if their vision seem fine, to help diagnose disease early when treatment is most effective. Help educate the public on the importance of seeing an ophthalmologist regularly!
Participating in Healthy Vision Month is a good way to inspire patients to prioritize their vision and eye health through regular eye exams, protective measures, and a healthy lifestyle to help prevent or delay vision problems and enhance overall health.
Post about this month at your clinic and use relevant hashtags like #HealthyVisionMonth, #EyeHealth, and #EyeExam.
AAO's Mid-Year Forum is one of the Academy’s most significant yearly meetings, bringing the ophthalmology community together to implement the highest quality of care for patients through politics, policy, and practice management. The 2025 Mid-Year Forum was held on April 2-5 in Washington, D.C., where WAO Ambassadors were able to attend educational sessions, join advocacy efforts, and network with fellow colleagues.
Shared by Breanna Aldred, MD, on her time at the Mid-Year Forum:
"I had an incredible time at AAO’s Mid-Year Forum in Washington, DC as an Advocacy Ambassador, sponsored by the Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology! This conference introduced me to advocacy and inspired me to continue advocating for our ophthalmology patients in the future. The ophthalmologists from Wisconsin had the opportunity to meet with staffers from our Wisconsin representatives and discuss ophthalmology- and healthcare-related bills. We focused on topics such as Medicare reimbursements, funding of the National Eye Institute, and ensuring safe surgery for our patients performed by ophthalmologists. The conference sessions prepared us well for these meetings, making this advocacy work accessible and enjoyable despite it being my first time. I forged many new connections within the ophthalmology community and learned valuable lessons during the Advocacy Ambassador LEAP (Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy, and Practice Management) session. This experience opened my eyes to the importance of advocacy work and inspired me to continue incorporating advocacy into my future career as a comprehensive ophthalmologist."
The Wisconsin Medical Society will be honoring John Ridley, MD, as the Emeritus Superhero of Medicine at their annual meeting on April 11. Dr. Ridley is a prominent ophthalmologist in Milwaukee and is known for being a trailblazer both in medicine and in his community. He has truly led by example and has, in a very true sense, changed the way others see the world around them. In short, he is without a doubt, the very definition of a Superhero of Medicine. Dr. Ridley is a past president of Medical Society of Milwaukee County, a past AMA Delegate past Wisconsin Medical Society Director, and past president of the Milwaukee Rotary Club. He has been one of the most influential and important physicians in Wisconsin for bringing awareness of historic racism in the Wisconsin medical community which lead to the Society issuing a formal apology for past exclusion of physicians of color. You can hear more about the amazing legacy he was a part of in this brief interview recorded by WUMW found here.
In learning of his award, Dr. Ridley shared, “Being an ophthalmologist has allowed me to witness—both literally and figuratively—the power of vision. The dreams, foresight and fortitude of my ancestors have paved my path, and I proudly bring their legacy into focus. In turn, I have dedicated my life to helping others see a future filled with possibility. Receiving this Superhero in Medicine award is a once-in-a-lifetime honor, and it serves as a reminder: You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. Thank you for this wonderful recognition.”
Visit the Wisconsin Medical Society website for more information on the Annual Meeting. If interested in attending the April 11 Awards Dinner, contact the WAO office about complementary tickets (WAO@badgerbay.co).
The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) is updating the guidelines used to build its initial certification exams. To inform these updates, it is a best practice to seek input from those in the field on the key tasks, skills, and knowledge required for competent performance as an ophthalmologist. The Board aims to include insights and perspectives from each subspecialty, demographic, and regional area.
To support this endeavor, the Board is sharing the ABO’s Practice Analysis Survey link and encouraging your participation. Any assistance you can provide in raising awareness about this important opportunity to shape the standards for board certification will help the ABO ensure that the data collected accurately reflects the expertise and expectations of practicing ophthalmologists.
Practice Survey Link: https://survey.sogolytics.com/survey1.aspx?k=RRsQYRYXSsQPTsPsPsP&lang=0
Help the American Academy of Ophthalmology through its EyeCare America program make a difference in YOUR community by spreading the word or becoming a volunteer ophthalmologist. Learn About EyeCare America Since 1985, EyeCare America, through its network of volunteer ophthalmologists, has helped more than 2 million people access a no out-of-pocket cost medical eye exam and eye health resources. The underserved in your neighborhood—especially seniors and those at risk for glaucoma—could benefit from the sight-saving services we provide. Access Free Resources We offer information you can easily use to help raise awareness about eye health and how those that qualify can obtain a no out-of-pocket cost medical eye exam. Access these materials which include newsletter blurbs, social media posts, flyers/handouts, presentations, TV and radio spots in English and Spanish, and more today! With your assistance in sharing information about EyeCare America, we can reach more adults and help them receive sight-saving eye care. Become a Volunteer If you are a practicing ophthalmologist member looking for a more hands-on approach to helping, you can volunteer, right from your offices! On average, volunteers see from one to three patients per year. To learn more, visit eyecareamerica.org, email eyecareamerica@aao.org, or call 877-887-6327. Thank you in advance for helping to protect sight and empower lives in YOUR community.
Christie Morse, MD Chair, EyeCare America Steering Committee
Best Clinical Practices for Patients with IRDs
Registration Link: bit.ly/3RSWc3H
The Foundation Fighting Blindness will host a free webinar on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. ET. This one-hour webinar will be presented by Rachel Huckfeldt M.D., assistant professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and a clinician-scientist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, and Rachelle Lin O.D., assistant professor at the Southern California College of Optometry, specializing in low vision rehabilitation and genetics.
Drs. Huckfeldt and Lin will review several topics related to the care and management of IRD patients, including:
Eye on the Cure Podcast, Episode 61: Dr. Jose Sahel
Dr. Jose Sahel, one of the most honored and accomplished leaders in the retinal disease research space, talks with host Ben Shaberman about his establishment and leadership of renowned ophthalmology clinical research centers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Institut de la Vision in Paris. They also discuss emerging inherited retinal disease therapies from SparingVision, a biotech co-founded by Dr. Sahel.
To listen, please visit http://tinyurl.com/eocep61
Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology
563 Carter Court, Suite BKimberly, WI 54136Ph: 920-560-5645 • WAO@badgerbay.co
