More Images
WATERLOO, Ontario—The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published issue number 57 of its free online education magazine, Contact Lens Update. The latest edition looks at the unique events of 2020 through the eyes of 10 front-line practitioners who have been working with a fast-moving, ever-changing situation to continue delivering patient care. It is available here. Representing 10 countries, the international practitioners work in a number of clinical settings and specialize in several aspects of optometric practice, research and education.

They provide fascinating insights into the similarities and differences encountered during the year—and the passion, professionalism and resilience of the eyecare profession.

Some of their experiences are explored in depth within the latest edition, including mask design and dry eye.

The feature article provides a visual demonstration of the effect of wearing different types of face masks on the spread of aerosols and droplets from the mouth and nose when speaking, coughing and sneezing. An accompanying video created by Prateek Bahl of USNW Sydney and colleagues shows significant differences in efficacy between different designs of masks.

Mask-associated dry eye (MADE) is addressed in the Clinical Insight. This includes a downloadable graphic available in 32 languages for practitioners to use with patients that explains the phenomenon and simple steps to alleviate it.

The Conference Highlight shows how reported increases in dry eye are not solely confined to adults. A study from Amy Nau, who divides her time between clinical practice and research, examined the dry eye symptoms in a population of middle and high school students who commenced online home learning during the pandemic.

Published six times per year, Contact Lens Update provides a global platform for unbiased clinical insights based in current research. Since 2011, each issue has provided dependable and up-to-date ocular health information for more than 60,000 leading eyecare professionals.

The publication receives support from the educational arms of Alcon, CooperVision and Johnson & Johnson Vision.