Welcome to the February/March edition of the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS)’s newsletter and Happy Save Your Vision Month! We’re announcing an exciting new study on myopia, looking for top advocates to participate in a unique opportunity, and more. Happy reading!

An Exciting New Study on Myopia

HCAPS is proud to announce that we are sponsoring a new study on myopia. The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine is conducting research to uncover why myopia cases are on the rise, the gaps and barriers to progress, and an agenda to better understand the biological and environmental factors that may explain its growth.

Stay tuned later this year as we share the results.

Complications Among Children Wearing Soft Contact Lenses

As more children are fitted for soft contact lenses in response to growing myopia cases, it’s vital to remember the side effects and dangers of unsafe use. A recent review by Eye & Contact Lens Science and Clinical Practice examines the incidence of microbial keratitis and corneal infiltrative events (CIEs) in children wearing soft contact lenses.

Take a look at the data.

Discuss Dangerous Contact Lens Sales with HCAPS

Do you have a powerful patient safety story to tell or a personal impact from deceptive contact lens sales? We are looking for advocates to participate in short interviews and draft op-eds in support of HCAPS’ mission. If you have an interest in participating, reply directly to this email or reach out to Executive Director, Ralph Kohl ([email protected]).

National Save Your Vision Month

It’s Save Your Vision Month! This observance asserts how doctors of optometry deliver essential health care and should be a critical component of patients’ health care process. The campaign also serves to promote good eye and vision health around the country. Use March as an opportunity to remind those in your lives of the importance of receiving an annual comprehensive eye exam.

Optometry’s Meeting 2023

Optometry’s Meeting is coming to Washington, D.C. on June 21-24 – and early registration is open! Don’t miss the opportunity to save on registration by RSVPing before April 1. Join us in the nation’s capital for this premier industry event full of continuing education, professional development, and the chance to attend Capitol Hill briefings to directly impact policies that promote patient safety and the doctor-patient relationship.

We hope to see you there for a jam-packed week of growth and learning!

Thank you for your continued support.