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 PRIO Donates High-Tech Computer Vision Screening Devices to (Beaverton, OREGON) PRIO Corporation has donated two computer vision testing instruments to the New England College of Optometry in Boston—one for adults and the other for children. It is the latest of many such donations made to optometry schools by the Beaverton, Oregon company. In addition to the units themselves, PRIO provides continuing education to faculty members and students. "PRIO is committed to supporting the future of optometry," said Jon Torrey, President and CEO of PRIO Corp. "Computer vision care is the fastest growing segment of the optometric market and by donating this state-of-the-art equipment to optometry schools, we are helping to prepare future optometrists to provide the best in patient care." The PRIO Vision Tester enables doctors to determine the correct prescription for special eyeglasses worn while working at the computer. It is the only medical device available that simulates a computer screen and accurately measures a patient's visual response to the computer. "By the year 2006, it is estimated that there will be 150 million people working and that 49 percent, or 74 million of them will work at a computer for at least two hours each day," added Torrey. "Millions of computer users will be affected and will need optometry's help." According to the American Optometric Association, computer vision problems are more widespread than carpal tunnel syndrome, affecting more than 75% of computer users. In fact, more than 15 million Americans annually report to their eye doctors that they suffer from eyestrain while using a computer. The condition, known as Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, is characterized by headaches, blurry vision, eyestrain, difficulty focusing and neck and shoulder pain. It can affect both adults and children who work more than two hours a day at a computer. To help prepare students at the New England College of Optometry for the PRIO testers, Dr. Charles Newell, O.D., who practices in Connecticut and is a graduate of the school, will give a seminar on May 2 to students and faculty members on the CVS. "The PRIO instrument affords the students state-of-the-art technology for the assessment of patients with computer vision problems," said Dr. Newell. "It is a skill that they will need if they want to provide their patients with best in vision care." CVS is caused by the refocusing effort required when viewing an image on a computer screen. The images are difficult to focus on and users must constantly re-focus to see the computer screen clearly. This stresses the eye muscles, causing eyestrain, headaches and other symptoms. The PRIO instrument simulates a computer screen as the patient sits in the doctor's exam chair. While the patient reads the text shown on the backlit display, the optometrist performs retinoscopy to determine an eyeglass prescription that will eliminate the constant refocusing and the symptoms it causes. "We offer every school of optometry PRIO instruments and continuing education support in order to assist them in building the best computer vision care programs available," said Torrey. For more information on PRIO Corporation and the PRIO Provider Network of eye doctors, call or visit the company's website at www.prio.com. PRIO® is a registered trademark of PRIO Corporation. |
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