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|By PR Newswire
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|August 12, 2014 08:01 AM EDT
PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Alohar Mobile, developer of PlaceUs, a free app that brings together trusted loved ones with context-awareness and location-based technology, today announced the results of its new Digital Milestones: Location Sharing survey in which 71% of smartphone users expressed their openness to mobile applications designed to share their whereabouts with loved ones. Key drivers include safety and convenience along with the trust that comes with certain relationship milestones.
An infographic with complete findings can be downloaded at:
Relationship Milestones
The study found smartphone users are comfortable sharing their whereabouts with those they're in a trusting relationship with, as long as they can opt in/out or control who sees what and when. While 66% of 18-29 year-olds express comfort with location sharing, older generations appear to be slightly more accepting with 73% of 30-60 year-olds and 74% of those over 60 reporting their comfort with location sharing.
The survey also suggests relationship milestones are key drivers in the growing adoption of location sharing. When asked which relationships were deemed most applicable to share one's locale, 60% ranked those between parents and children.
Top five relationships conducive to location sharing:
- #1: Parent to child
- #2: Adult son or daughter to elderly parent
- #3: Spouse to spouse
- #4: Significant other to significant other
- #5: Best friend to best friend
When asked at what point in a relationship they'd be comfortable discussing sharing whereabouts with a partner, 66% believe after engagement or marriage is appropriate while 31% reported being in a committed relationship would suffice.
"We were very heartened by the results of our Digital Milestones: Location Sharing survey, which showed adults are suddenly just as open to location sharing apps as their younger counterparts," said Sam Liang, CEO and founder of Alohar Mobile. "Whether they are entering new relationship milestones—i.e., recently married, sending a child off to college, or caring for aging parents—or simply concerned about safety and convenience, their attitudes towards location sharing have come a long way."
Finding Peace of Mind
Safety and convenience also play significant roles with 68% admitting there are times when they feel safer with a loved one knowing where they are and another 68% reporting they feel uneasy when a family member or loved one forgets to text or call and check in as planned. A little more than half of those who participated in the survey admit it can be difficult to keep in touch with the people they love and care about most despite the availability of social sharing networks such as Facebook.
Trust is Critical for Sharing
Another major milestone in securing one's comfort level in location sharing is establishing trust between contacts as well as with the specific social sharing network. While 80% would share their whereabouts with a trusted loved one at any time, 89% report they will sometimes withhold the sharing of certain information on such social networks as Facebook and Twitter due to low confidence in the network's ability to safeguard that information.
Control is also a key driver with 91% defining privacy as having control over who's allowed access to certain information about oneself vs. keeping all information about oneself completely hidden from everyone. But, even checking on one's location without their knowledge isn't considered a large breach of privacy as long as trust is in place: only 13% would feel violated or angered by it.
522 Android, iOS and Windows Phone mobile device users, 18 years-old and older, participated in the Alohar Digital Milestones: Location Sharing Survey conducted online during June, 2014.
About Alohar Mobile
Alohar Mobile develops context-aware and location-based applications for smartphones that help users be more in touch with people, the world, and themselves. PlaceUs, the company's flagship app, learns from a user's mobile routines to anticipate and assist with many of the daily interactions that occur between trusted loved ones while consuming very little battery power. Funded in part by Tim Draper of Draper Fisher Jurvetson and "Professor Billionaire" David Cheriton of Stanford University, Alohar is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.
SOURCE Alohar Mobile
The 3rd International Internet of @ThingsExpo, co-located with the 16th International Cloud Expo - to be held June 9-11, 2015, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY - announces that its Call for Papers is now open. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the biggest idea since the creation of the Worldwide Web more than 20 years ago.
Nov. 28, 2014 11:00 AM EST Reads: 1,059
The security devil is always in the details of the attack: the ones you've endured, the ones you prepare yourself to fend off, and the ones that, you fear, will catch you completely unaware and defenseless. The Internet of Things (IoT) is nothing if not an endless proliferation of details. It's the vision of a world in which continuous Internet connectivity and addressability is embedded into a growing range of human artifacts, into the natural world, and even into our smartphones, appliances, and physical persons. In the IoT vision, every new "thing" - sensor, actuator, data source, data con...
Nov. 27, 2014 04:00 PM EST Reads: 1,632
Cultural, regulatory, environmental, political and economic (CREPE) conditions over the past decade are creating cross-industry solution spaces that require processes and technologies from both the Internet of Things (IoT), and Data Management and Analytics (DMA). These solution spaces are evolving into Sensor Analytics Ecosystems (SAE) that represent significant new opportunities for organizations of all types. Public Utilities throughout the world, providing electricity, natural gas and water, are pursuing SmartGrid initiatives that represent one of the more mature examples of SAE. We have s...
Nov. 27, 2014 04:00 PM EST Reads: 1,292
How do APIs and IoT relate? The answer is not as simple as merely adding an API on top of a dumb device, but rather about understanding the architectural patterns for implementing an IoT fabric. There are typically two or three trends: Exposing the device to a management framework Exposing that management framework to a business centric logic Exposing that business layer and data to end users. This last trend is the IoT stack, which involves a new shift in the separation of what stuff happens, where data lives and where the interface lies. For instance, it's a mix of architectural styles ...
Nov. 27, 2014 03:00 PM EST Reads: 1,302
The Internet of Things is tied together with a thin strand that is known as time. Coincidentally, at the core of nearly all data analytics is a timestamp. When working with time series data there are a few core principles that everyone should consider, especially across datasets where time is the common boundary. In his session at Internet of @ThingsExpo, Jim Scott, Director of Enterprise Strategy & Architecture at MapR Technologies, discussed single-value, geo-spatial, and log time series data. By focusing on enterprise applications and the data center, he will use OpenTSDB as an example t...
Nov. 27, 2014 03:00 PM EST Reads: 1,469
An entirely new security model is needed for the Internet of Things, or is it? Can we save some old and tested controls for this new and different environment? In his session at @ThingsExpo, New York's at the Javits Center, Davi Ottenheimer, EMC Senior Director of Trust, reviewed hands-on lessons with IoT devices and reveal a new risk balance you might not expect. Davi Ottenheimer, EMC Senior Director of Trust, has more than nineteen years' experience managing global security operations and assessments, including a decade of leading incident response and digital forensics. He is co-author of t...
Nov. 27, 2014 01:00 PM EST Reads: 1,665
The Internet of Things will greatly expand the opportunities for data collection and new business models driven off of that data. In her session at @ThingsExpo, Esmeralda Swartz, CMO of MetraTech, discussed how for this to be effective you not only need to have infrastructure and operational models capable of utilizing this new phenomenon, but increasingly service providers will need to convince a skeptical public to participate. Get ready to show them the money!
Nov. 27, 2014 11:00 AM EST Reads: 1,281
The Internet of Things will put IT to its ultimate test by creating infinite new opportunities to digitize products and services, generate and analyze new data to improve customer satisfaction, and discover new ways to gain a competitive advantage across nearly every industry. In order to help corporate business units to capitalize on the rapidly evolving IoT opportunities, IT must stand up to a new set of challenges. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Jeff Kaplan, Managing Director of THINKstrategies, will examine why IT must finally fulfill its role in support of its SBUs or face a new round of...
Nov. 27, 2014 10:00 AM EST Reads: 1,227
One of the biggest challenges when developing connected devices is identifying user value and delivering it through successful user experiences. In his session at Internet of @ThingsExpo, Mike Kuniavsky, Principal Scientist, Innovation Services at PARC, described an IoT-specific approach to user experience design that combines approaches from interaction design, industrial design and service design to create experiences that go beyond simple connected gadgets to create lasting, multi-device experiences grounded in people's real needs and desires.
Nov. 27, 2014 08:00 AM EST Reads: 1,237
Enthusiasm for the Internet of Things has reached an all-time high. In 2013 alone, venture capitalists spent more than $1 billion dollars investing in the IoT space. With "smart" appliances and devices, IoT covers wearable smart devices, cloud services to hardware companies. Nest, a Google company, detects temperatures inside homes and automatically adjusts it by tracking its user's habit. These technologies are quickly developing and with it come challenges such as bridging infrastructure gaps, abiding by privacy concerns and making the concept a reality. These challenges can't be addressed w...
Nov. 27, 2014 07:45 AM EST Reads: 1,520
The Domain Name Service (DNS) is one of the most important components in networking infrastructure, enabling users and services to access applications by translating URLs (names) into IP addresses (numbers). Because every icon and URL and all embedded content on a website requires a DNS lookup loading complex sites necessitates hundreds of DNS queries. In addition, as more internet-enabled 'Things' get connected, people will rely on DNS to name and find their fridges, toasters and toilets. According to a recent IDG Research Services Survey this rate of traffic will only grow. What's driving t...
Nov. 27, 2014 07:00 AM EST Reads: 1,493
Connected devices and the Internet of Things are getting significant momentum in 2014. In his session at Internet of @ThingsExpo, Jim Hunter, Chief Scientist & Technology Evangelist at Greenwave Systems, examined three key elements that together will drive mass adoption of the IoT before the end of 2015. The first element is the recent advent of robust open source protocols (like AllJoyn and WebRTC) that facilitate M2M communication. The second is broad availability of flexible, cost-effective storage designed to handle the massive surge in back-end data in a world where timely analytics is e...
Nov. 27, 2014 06:45 AM EST Reads: 1,326
Scott Jenson leads a project called The Physical Web within the Chrome team at Google. Project members are working to take the scalability and openness of the web and use it to talk to the exponentially exploding range of smart devices. Nearly every company today working on the IoT comes up with the same basic solution: use my server and you'll be fine. But if we really believe there will be trillions of these devices, that just can't scale. We need a system that is open a scalable and by using the URL as a basic building block, we open this up and get the same resilience that the web enjoys.
Nov. 27, 2014 06:45 AM EST Reads: 1,391
We are reaching the end of the beginning with WebRTC, and real systems using this technology have begun to appear. One challenge that faces every WebRTC deployment (in some form or another) is identity management. For example, if you have an existing service – possibly built on a variety of different PaaS/SaaS offerings – and you want to add real-time communications you are faced with a challenge relating to user management, authentication, authorization, and validation. Service providers will want to use their existing identities, but these will have credentials already that are (hopefully) i...
Nov. 27, 2014 04:00 AM EST Reads: 1,233
"Matrix is an ambitious open standard and implementation that's set up to break down the fragmentation problems that exist in IP messaging and VoIP communication," explained John Woolf, Technical Evangelist at Matrix, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at @ThingsExpo, held Nov 4–6, 2014, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Nov. 27, 2014 04:00 AM EST Reads: 1,183
P2P RTC will impact the landscape of communications, shifting from traditional telephony style communications models to OTT (Over-The-Top) cloud assisted & PaaS (Platform as a Service) communication services. The P2P shift will impact many areas of our lives, from mobile communication, human interactive web services, RTC and telephony infrastructure, user federation, security and privacy implications, business costs, and scalability. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Robin Raymond, Chief Architect at Hookflash, will walk through the shifting landscape of traditional telephone and voice services ...
Nov. 26, 2014 02:00 PM EST Reads: 1,620
Explosive growth in connected devices. Enormous amounts of data for collection and analysis. Critical use of data for split-second decision making and actionable information. All three are factors in making the Internet of Things a reality. Yet, any one factor would have an IT organization pondering its infrastructure strategy. How should your organization enhance its IT framework to enable an Internet of Things implementation? In his session at Internet of @ThingsExpo, James Kirkland, Chief Architect for the Internet of Things and Intelligent Systems at Red Hat, described how to revolutioniz...
Nov. 24, 2014 07:00 PM EST Reads: 1,718
Bit6 today issued a challenge to the technology community implementing Web Real Time Communication (WebRTC). To leap beyond WebRTC's significant limitations and fully leverage its underlying value to accelerate innovation, application developers need to consider the entire communications ecosystem.
Nov. 24, 2014 12:00 PM EST Reads: 1,623
The definition of IoT is not new, in fact it's been around for over a decade. What has changed is the public's awareness that the technology we use on a daily basis has caught up on the vision of an always on, always connected world. If you look into the details of what comprises the IoT, you'll see that it includes everything from cloud computing, Big Data analytics, "Things," Web communication, applications, network, storage, etc. It is essentially including everything connected online from hardware to software, or as we like to say, it's an Internet of many different things. The difference ...
Nov. 24, 2014 11:00 AM EST Reads: 1,748
Cloud Expo 2014 TV commercials will feature @ThingsExpo, which was launched in June, 2014 at New York City's Javits Center as the largest 'Internet of Things' event in the world.
Nov. 24, 2014 09:00 AM EST Reads: 1,783


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Shaler North Hills Library Book-A-Librarian program offers 1-on-1 help
When Jayne Conley needed help navigating her new Kindle Fire device, she contacted the Shaler North Hills Library to take advantage of a new program.
The Book-A-Librarian program, which started in February, enables patrons to make an appointment to work one-on-one with a reference librarian on a variety of topics.
During many Book-A-Librarian appointments, reference librarians said they help patrons with everything from filling out job applications or setting up a resume to learning how to use programs like Excel or new devices like electronic readers.
"I do computers but this Kindle was entirely different," said Conley, who wanted to learn how to use her Kindle as an e-reader when she set up her Book-A-Librarian appointment.
The librarian "showed me how to get around the Shaler (library) site through my Kindle. I went up two or three times before I got it and could do it right."
The Book-A-Librarian program replaces monthly, themed computer classes that were taught at the library. Already, reference librarians have helped close to 100 people, averaging 20 appointments per month.
"We were finding our classes weren't working out because people had different devices and what they wanted to use them for," said Sharon McRae, library director. "So we decided to do more one-on-one with the computer questions."
Patrons can call the library to make a one-hour appointment during the week, when two reference librarians are scheduled. There also are Book-A-Librarian computer classes in the computer lab on Wednesdays, to help patrons at any level.
"I think we're reaching more people, a diverse group of people," reference librarian Carolyn Cunningham said. "It's a great role for us to have to impart our knowledge on others."
Suzanne Raymond of Shaler Township said that while she attended computer classes led by Apple employees after purchasing her iPad 2 device, she took advantage of Book-A-Librarian for more direction on how to use the OverDrive platform to borrow library books on her device.
"After you search for hours at home (for the answer), it's wonderful to be able to drive up here to these nice ladies," Raymond said. "I'm very comfortable here."
Library patrons interested in setting up a Book-A-Librarian appointment can contact the library at 412-486-0211.
Bethany Hofstetter is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-772-6364 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Knights are shining lights at titles
Goulburn Valley Hockey Association players Grace Arnold, Mardi Petherick and Alyssa Roberts have played pivotal roles in the North East Country Knights' under-15 girls' team winning the Junior State Championships title.MATTHEW GALEA July 9, 2014 3:05am
Grace Arnold, Alyssa Roberts and Mardi Petherick were crucial to the under-15 girls Knights' triumph at the Junior State Championships.
Grace Arnold, Mardi Petherick and Alyssa Roberts knew they were playing in a good team from their first training session with the North East Country Knights under-15 girls.
It was such a good team, in fact, it took out the under-15 girls Junior State Championship title, defeating Western Wildcats via an eight-second shootout after drawing 2-2 after normal time.
''The Knights won last year, and I was expecting to win on the first day,'' Arnold said.
''But after the first day's play I wasn't so sure because everyone else was good as well.
''It was my first time playing JSC, so I wasn't sure what to expect.''
On the first day, the Knights drew 0-0 with Southern Sharks, before beating North West Country Lightning 5-0.
The Knights picked up another two wins on day two, beating Eastern Hotshots 2-1 and then knocking off Central Flames 2-0.
Further 2-0 and 1-0 wins against North East Red Devils and the Wildcats respectively set up a grand final rematch against the metro side.
The game finished 2-2, but with Victorian under-15 girls goalkeeper Isabel Kramer in goal, the Knights came out on top in the eight-second shootout — where players have eight seconds to score against the opposition keeper in a one-on-one contest — to seal the win.
Petherick was tasked with taking the first shot and succeeded, to help set up the win.
Petherick said it was great to be able to have the opportunity to play just with girls as opposed to the mixed Goulburn Valley Hockey Association competition, while Arnold felt the week was a great chance to develop skills.
''It's interesting to be with all those people and playing at that high standard,'' Petherick said.
''You learn a lot.''
Roberts, who played with Petherick in a Lightning side prior to GVHA's switch this year, said playing in the Knights exposed the girls to a higher calibre of player.
''We knew they were good because they won it last year,'' Roberts said.
Donna Sutherland coached the girls and predicted a bright future for all three after their strong performances in her zone side.
''All three of them were fantastic,'' Sutherland said.
''Alyssa played mainly in the forward line where her pace served her very well and she assisted a number of goals.
''All three of them were really versatile though and I think Mardi at one stage had played just about every position on the pitch.
''They're very talented, all-round girls and I think they have a bright future in the game if they stick with it.''
Thankyou for your comment.Your comment will appear once it has been approved by MMG staff.
Principal not Beaton around bush
Mooroopna Park Primary School principal Hayden Beaton has wasted no time improved his former school's student numbers.
Win a cruise with Yarrawonga Chronicle
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Tatura gives to collection
Last week Victorian Collections passed a major milestone, with the 50000th historical object record from the state's heritage collections uploaded to the site.
Annual toy run for Ulysses Club members
Echuca branch of the Ulysses Club is carrying out its annual toy run on November 29.
Equitana thrill for Rochester rider
Rochester Secondary College student Georgia Mundie will perform at an Equitana exhibition in Melbourne.
Get to know your Northern Victoria Region candidates
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Seymour Playgroup wins state award
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Finley appoints co-coaches for 2015
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Kids run for peace in Cobram, Katamatite
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World class course tests riders
South African course builder Brian Lavery, now based in Melbourne, set a testing track for the Hunter Group World Cup Showjumping Qualifier on Saturday that brought some of the sport's big names undone.
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My boyfriend and I had a lovely stay here. The view from the main terrace, where we were served breakfast every morning, was breathtaking. The owners go out of their way to make sure you have a good visit on the amalfi. Matteo picked us up upon arrival from the bus stop from a town over, dropped us off when... More
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Honey Locator
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Buzzin Bee Apiaries LLC
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Family owned and operated honey farm. We are commercial beekeepers and honey producers located in the north east Florida area. Our primary honey varieties include: Orange Blossom, Gallberry & Brazilian Pepper. We sell wholesale/bulk in 55 ...
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UA Global Inc. was created with the sole purpose of providing the highest quality natural organic food products available, that do not contain GMOs and preservatives. As a company we value integrity in our work ...


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Spreadsheets: Creating WorksheetsMar 2000by Robert Dinwiddie
Holy Macro! It's 1,600 Excel VBA ExamplesApr 28 2003by Hans Herber and Bill Jelen
Using Quicken 8 for DOSOct 1994by Linda S. Flanders and Steve Adams
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Therapy Groups: 1 to 20
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Therapy Groups in Montgomery County
Women's Art Therapy Group - Starts 9/17
Host: Laurel Greberman, MBA, ATR-BC, LPC
"A Women's Art Therapy Group begins on Wednesday, September 17th from 7:30 - 9:00. Women ages 30 and up are invited to meet and emotionally connect through art to learn additional means of self-expression and coping skills to manage every ..."
(215) 874-4434
Group meets in:Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania 19444
Sexual Abuse Education and Support for Parents
Host: Ashley Middleton Fronheiser, MSS, MLSP, LCSW
"As the first nationally registered Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist in Southeastern PA, I am well experienced and trained in education and treatment of individual and families who have been impacted by sexual abuse. Support and education regarding this sensitive and ..."
(917) 746-2751
Group meets in:Royersford, Pennsylvania 19468
Community in Dialogue
Host: Barbara R. Krasner, PhD, Inc
"A multi-disciplinary group whose basic goal is to convey the wisdom of contextual work to the next generation, with a focus on social justice and on the disorganization and consequences that often occur in the delivery of medical services. "
(610) 628-3466
Group meets in:King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406
Main Line Therapy Solutions, LLC
Host: Anna G Lipshutz, MSS, LCSW
"Group Psychotherapy practice providing Individual, Couples and Family Therapy to Adults, Children and Adolescents. Each of our clinicians has their own area of expertise and treatment specialty. Some specialties include: Children & Adolescents, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Disordered Eating, and work ..."
(610) 915-8672 x1
Mindfulness Based Practice for Health & Well-Being
Host: Yaacov J Kravitz, EdD
"This Group is for individuals seeking effective approaches for coping with emotional distress and pain. You will learn to * Let go of inner struggles * Increase psychological flexibility * Reduce pain, tension, depression, anxiety * Practice healthy responses to stress * Practice mindfulness meditation * ..."
(215) 392-2196
Group meets in:Jenkintown, Pennsylvania 19046
Yoga for Recovery
Host: Sarah Domis, MS, LPC
"This is a specific therapeutic yoga class for individuals in recovery AND loved ones. This class is open to the public and it is not required you be in counseling within our practice. It is a donation based class! "
(484) 494-2509
Couples Communication
Host: Orchard Counseling and Education
"Do your important conversations regularly turn into arguments? Instead of alienating each other, learn and practice skills that will help you feel deeply connected and understood--and help your partner feel heard and nurtured--all at the same time. You will learn ..."
(215) 995-0054
Group meets in:Jenkintown, Pennsylvania 19046
Comprehensive Pain Center at Crozer
Host: Bruce N Eimer, PhD, ABPP
"Let us help you get to the roots of your pain problem here at the Comprehensive Pain Center at Crozer. We can help you live with less pain through state of the art pain management interventions which include: Interventional Pain ..."
(215) 392-6308
Group meets in:Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania 19006
Your Body as Your GPS-Rest/Restore/Explore Wrkshp
Host: Brittiney George, BS, CRS, CEIM
"Your body is your vehicle in this life. It has been with you since birth. The make and model may change over the years, but it was, is, and will remain all yours. Trade-ins are not an option. This 4 ..."
(484) 866-8264
Mindfulness, Self-Compassion & Acceptance with MS
Host: John R Armando, LCSW
"This will be a time limited group for people living with MS focused on learning and practicing mindfulness, self-compassion, and acceptance. "
(610) 816-6719
DBT Skills Training Group
Host: Karen Zelaya-Kendall, PhD
"I offer a weekly DBT Skills training group as part of the DBT program(Individual DBT therapy, DBT skills training group, phone coaching). "
(484) 498-2980
Group meets in:Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004
Self-Injury Support for Adolescent Females
Host: Ashley Middleton Fronheiser, MSS, MLSP, LCSW
(917) 746-2751
Group meets in:Royersford, Pennsylvania 19468
Phoenix Resource Management LLC
Host: Barbara R. Krasner, PhD, Inc
"Lending aid, direction and resources to people caught in unanticipated events ranging from simple accidents to illness, divorce, deployment. We scout out competent and trustworthy resources within a locale -- face-to-face, on the phone, through letters, research and recommendations. "
(610) 628-3466
Group meets in:King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406
Mindfulness Based Behavior Therapy for OCD
Host: Christine Molnar, PhD
"In Mindfulness based behavior therapy (MBBT)you learn to manage OCD through confronting what you fear in- and outside of meetings. We call this exposure therapy and it allows you to learn experientially (on a body level) that your fear will ..."
(267) 287-8347
Group meets in:Melrose Park, Pennsylvania 19027
Partners support group
Host: Michele Saffier, LMFT, CSAT
"Partners of sex addicts seeking increased knowledge, understanding and releasing of shame "
(215) 600-4764
Teens and their Parents' Cancer Diagnosis
Host: Linda Velez Galietta, MS
"This group is intended for adolescents/teenagers who are struggling with their parents' cancer diagnosis. "
(267) 460-6788
Group meets in:North Wales, Pennsylvania 19454
Wholistic Women's Weight Loss Program
Host: Complete Wellness for Women
"This is a 6 week individualized program for those who need assistance with weight loss. You will be compassionately cared for by three women's specialists, a registered dietitian, a certified personal trainer, and a licensed psychotherapist. These three specialists will ..."
(267) 362-4150
Group meets in:North Wales, Pennsylvania 19454
Movement Therapy for Children with Special Needs
Host: Amy Sorrento, MA, BC-DMT, LPC, NCC, CCTP
"Please join us for a weekly creative expression group for children with special needs. This group will utilize dance/movement, rhythm, and creative expression to support children with special needs to develop self-awareness, increase self-esteem, learn coping skills, support peer relationships, ..."
(484) 480-9216
Teen Issues
Host: Jamie Witzel, MS
"Many teens experience internal conflict, stress, anxiety, and depression as part of their everyday lives - but you don't have to experience these feelings alone. Join us in a safe, judgment free, and confidential environment to learn how to give ..."
(610) 572-7192
Group meets in:Schwenksville, Pennsylvania 19473
Partners advanced group
Host: Michele Saffier, LMFT, CSAT
"Advanced partners group focus on releasing anger, resentment, helplessness and reconciling the "why"and "how" of their current state "
(215) 600-4764
Montgomery County Support Groups and Group Therapy
Group therapy takes many forms. The groups are variously referred to (often interchangeably) as Montgomery County counseling groups, Montgomery County support groups, Montgomery County mutual support groups or peer support groups, self help groups, stress coping groups, workshops and mental health groups. They are moderated by a professional group counselor, group therapist or group psychologist and generally focus on a specific issue or client profile (e.g. men or women etc).
Before joining a Montgomery County support group, first see if the issue focus is consistent with your needs. If there are no groups offering support around your issue, feel free to contact these professionals in Montgomery County to ask for a referral to alternative groups nearby.
What to expect in a Montgomery County group?
In a professionally operated support group in Montgomery County, members provide each other with various types of help for a particular shared issue. The help takes the form of relating personal experiences and listening to and accepting others' experiences. Montgomery County group members may also provide a sympathetic understanding and a social network.
Group Therapists or group counselors lead or facilitate the group and provide group counseling in Montgomery County. They are sometimes specifically trained in group dynamics and the understanding of small group processes. So 'interpersonal learning', which can involve unfiltered feedback and confrontation between group members (and can be threatening) is safely moderated by the group therapist or group counselor in Montgomery County.
What's the difference between individual and group therapy?


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BizReport : Mobile Marketing : April 24, 2014
Keyword carelessness inhibiting UK travel brands' discoverability in App Store
Many of the UK's top travel brands could improve their discoverability in the Apple App Store if they fixed a few problems, including their spelling.
Earlier this year, a survey of Travel Technology Europe attendees revealed that the vast majority (83%) expect their customers to spend more on new technology in 2014 of which 72% of that increased spend will be directed at mobile technology.
According to Travel Technology Europe event manager Sarina Patel, "not only is the travel technology world gearing up for the year of mobile, it is planning the relevant investments to deliver what is expected to be a real step change".
However, if new research from Yodel Mobile is an indication of travel brands' approach to mobile marketing, it could do with some improvement.
A report in Mobile Entertainment describes how Yodel Mobile analyzed the UK's top travel brands' use of keywords against three criteria:
Capacity - the percentage of the 20 permitted keywords used;
Relevancy - the success with which travel brands connected relevant, travel-related keywords to an app; and
Typos - the number of keywords spelt incorrectly.
The analysis revealed that only 30% of the 20 keyword limit was being used and, incredibly, 2 of the travel brands had used no keywords at all. In addition, over half of the travel brands failed to use relevant and obvious keywords such as cruise, flights, cheap or holiday.
Attention to detail was also lacking. Nearly half of all the travel brands had carelessly used incorrectly spelt keywords such as Londoni for London or airwaves for airways.
With a little more thought and care put into keyword selection and presentation, travel brands would get a lot more from their mobile app investments with greater discoverability in an already crowded App Store.
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Tags: apps, brand marketing, mobile, travel research, travel technology, UK
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Kukla's Korner Hockey
Changing Bruins Culture
by Alanah McGinley on 10/30/07 at 02:38 PM ET
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From Evan Grossman at NHL.com,
It happens all the time. New coach, new attitude, new results.
It happened in New York when the Islanders hired Ted Nolan. The tide turned across town when the Rangers brought Tom Renney on board. Columbus is buzzing with Ken Hitchcock teaching the Jackets how to play, just like the culture shifted when the Carolina Hurricanes hooked up with Peter Laviolette.
The Boston Bruins are hoping that first-year bench boss Claude Julien brings a similar reversal of fortune. The first order of business, right at the top of Julien's "to do" list, is always to change the culture.
"I don't know if there's a challenge, but the one thing you do want to do is establish an identity for this hockey club and we certainly want to have a better year this year," Julien told NHL.com.
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Easter for the Famiglia
By peter
4/4/12 - 1:22 pm
4/4/12 - 1:22 pm
The weather is perfect Spring. The garden is just beginning to sprout peas, turnips, parsnips, kale, broccoli raab, and lettuces. No signs of asparagus yet, but the fruit trees are in flower as are the forsythias, magnolia and daffodils. Please join us for Easter. We open at 5 pm.
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Study: CEOs active in social media more trustworthy
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- Suzanne Stevens, Web Editor - Portland Business Journal
Here's another reason to get your social media strategy in high gear.
A new survey has found that company CEOs who use social media are viewed as more trustworthy — and not just a little bit.
Check out these findings from The CEO, Social Media & Leadership survey from the social media consulting and data tracking firm BRANDfog:
- 86 percent of respondents rated CEO social media engagement as somewhat important, very important or mission critical.
- 82 percent of employee respondents said they trusted a company more when top executives communicated via social media.
- 77 percent of respondents said they were more likely or much more likely to buy from a company whose CEO uses social media to define company values.
It comes down to transparency and communication. A company that connects with clients or customers via multiple platforms is keeping the firm's message and vision in front of the people who matter most. That communication also creates familiarity, which can be a potent consumer motivator when it comes to making a purchasing decision.
When the messaging is coming from a senior executive, it carries more weight.
Many executives, however, still aren't convinced about the power of social media. Sixty-one percent of Fortune 500 brands were connecting with customers via Twitter as of January 2012, according to BRANDfog, but less than 2.5 percent of those companies' CEOs were actively participating on Twitter.
As more consumers look to their social media networks for product and service recommendations, those numbers are likely to rise.
Four more Atlanta companies on Tuesday joined the Atlanta Business Chronicle's Social Madness contest, presented by Capital One Spark Business. They are:
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Interest rate derivatives
Government needs to establish local rates standard, say global banks
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Standard Bank is a big player in its home market, with good international ties - now, the idea is to use those strengths to support the development of sub-Saharan Africa
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In this review of the visual development of children with Down syndrome we were specifically interested in how refractive error, binocular alignment and accommodation are different in Down syndrome from the general population. The differences and their aetiology will help practitioners make informed decisions about the visual assessment and management of these children.
Articles found using searches through Scopus, Medline and Google Scholar were evaluated by examining sample sizes, appropriate use of controls, methods of measurement and statistical significance of findings. Where the strength of evidence in an article might be weak, this is reported in the review.
The development of the visual and oculomotor systems is substantially different in Down syndrome compared with the general population. Assessment and optometric management of this special population need to be directed accordingly.
Retinal macroaneurysms are an acquired vascular anomaly primarily associated with advancing age and hypertension. Although a rare pathology, it is not uncommon for a patient with a macroaneurysm to present to the primary care optometrist. Macroaneurysms have various presentations and they constitute one of the few clinical entities that can produce preretinal, intraretinal, subretinal or vitreal haemorrhage or any combination thereof. A review of the pathophysiology, differential diagnosis and newest treatments will be provided.
A 68-year-old Caucasian male patient with a history of a previously treated retinal macroaneurysm presented to the eye clinic with acute-onset visual loss in the same eye. The patient had a known diagnosis of hypertension and had been untreated by his primary care physician for one year. Dilated fundus examination revealed extensive multi-layered haemorrhaging along with significant macular oedema. A choroidal neovascular membrane was ruled out with fluorescein angiography. The patient was treated with monthly bevacizumab injections over a period of three months. At six months optical coherence tomography confirmed the resolution of macular oedema and the patient achieved a marked improvement in his visual acuity.
Retinal arterial macroaneurysm is one of the few clinical entities with the potential to produce any combination of preretinal, intraretinal, subretinal and/or vitreal haemorrhage. When the macula is threatened, treatment must be pursued. Although laser treatment has traditionally been used, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy has been used with promising visual outcomes.
The aim was to assess the macular parameters of glaucoma in highly myopic subjects.
In a retrospective study, we enrolled 72 highly myopic eyes (spherical equivalent up to -6.00 D), of which 31 had early to moderate glaucoma and 41 formed a control group. The diagnosis of early to moderate glaucoma was based on glaucomatous visual-field defects with a mean deviation better than -12 dB. All patients underwent imaging with Stratus optical coherence tomography. We subsequently performed analysis for macular volume and thickness parameters between two groups.
Using Stratus optical coherence tomography, we found significantly lower values in both macular thickness and volume over outer superior, outer nasal, outer inferior, inner temporal and inner inferior regions in highly myopic eyes with early to moderate glaucoma than in the control group. The macular outer inferior average thickness, macular outer inferior average volume and total average macular volume on Stratus optical coherence tomography had a best combination of sensitivity and specificity (85.4 and 74.2 per cent, respectively). The outer inferior average volume and outer inferior average thickness parameters showed areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.85 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.94), which were best for discriminating between early to moderate glaucoma and the control group.
Using Stratus optical coherence tomography, the outer inferior macular volume is the only independent predictor for detecting early to moderate glaucoma in high myopia. The macular outer inferior thickness and volume parameters showed good sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. These parameters may provide a complementary glaucomatous diagnosis in highly myopic eyes.
The prevalence of myopia is increasing in Western populations but in East Asian countries, it is increasing to epidemic levels, where there are also markedly increased rates of progression to pathological myopia. Measures to more effectively control the development and progression of myopia are urgently needed. Notwithstanding a large volume of research, especially regarding the different mechanisms for the development of myopia and the efficacy of particular methods of intervention, there is still a great need and scope for improvements in clinical efforts to prevent and/or control myopic progression. Too often clinical efforts may involve only one method of intervention; however, the heterogenous nature of myopia suggests that clinical intervention may be more successful when interventions are employed in combination. The decision to prescribe interventions for the control of myopia in children, especially prior to onset, may be better framed by a comprehensive estimation of the degree of risk for the development and/or progression of myopia. For example, rather than ascribing equal weight to any degree of parental myopia, more accurate estimates may be obtained, if risk is judged to increase with the degree of parental myopia and the extent of any associated degenerative pathology. Risk estimates may be limited to broad mild, moderate and severe classifications due to lack of accurate weighting of risk factors. Nevertheless, comprehensive assessment of risk factors appears likely to better inform a prognosis and discussions with parents. Consideration of numerous environmental influences, for example, such as continuity and intensity of near work and time spent outdoors, may contribute to better risk estimation. Family-based practice appears to be ideally suited for risk estimation and the clinical application of approaches to control myopia. A proactive approach to estimating risk of developing myopia prior to its onset may be beneficial. Earlier implementation of interventions to control myopia could significantly reduce the chance of progression to pathological myopia.]]>
There is a wide range of ocular surface conditions that can be diagnosed or treated with epithelial debridement. The purpose of this study is to analyse the indications, instrumentation and outcomes of corneal epithelial debridement for anterior segment pathology.
One hundred and thirty-three eyes of 129 patients with ocular surface disease were treated with epithelial debridement. Different methods were used, appropriate to the specific disease, aetiology and outcome measure.
The mean patient age was 56 years and 81 (60.9 per cent) were male. Sixty-two eyes (46.6 per cent) were undertaken for diagnosis and 71 (53.4 per cent) for therapy. Common indications for diagnostic corneal debridement included infective keratitis 48 (36.1 per cent), neoplasia 14 (10.5 per cent), while those for therapeutic corneal debridement included recurrent erosion 30 (22.5 per cent) and band keratopathy 16 (12.0 per cent). The most common post-operative complication was pain, occurring in all patients to some extent. Band keratopathy was seen to recur in two (12.5 per cent) of the treated eyes and there was a single relapse of recurrent erosion during the follow-up period.
The techniques presented can be undertaken in the office rather than a day procedural unit, improving time and cost-effectiveness for the ophthalmologist and patient.
Ophthalmic practitioners have to make a critical differential diagnosis in cases of an elevated optic nerve head. They have to discriminate between pseudopapilloedema (benign elevation of the optic nerve head) and true swelling of the optic nerve head. This decision has significant implications for appropriate patient management. Assessment of the optic disc prior to the advanced imaging techniques that are available today (particularly spectral domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence), has mainly used diagnostic tools, such as funduscopy and retinal photography. As these traditional methods rely on the subjective assessment by the clinician, evaluation of the elevated optic nerve head to differentiate pseudopapilloedema from true swelling of the optic nerve head can be a challenge in clinical practice with patients typically referred for further neuroimaging investigation when the diagnosis is uncertain. The use of multimodal ocular imaging tools such as spectral domain optical coherence tomography, short wavelength fundus autofluorescence and ultrasonography, can potentially aid in the differentiation of pseudopapilloedema from true swelling of the optic nerve head, in conjunction with other clinical findings. By doing so, unnecessary patient costs and anxiety in the case of pseudopapilloedema can be reduced, and appropriate urgent referral and management in the case of true swelling of the optic nerve head can be initiated.]]>
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases oxygen pressure and the concentration of reactive oxygen species in blood and tissues. Increased oxygen pressure may be beneficial in some diseases, such as in the treatment of diabetic leg ulcers and diabetic retinopathy; however, due to their cytotoxic properties, an excess of reactive oxygen species in tissues and/or deficiencies in antioxidant activity, may contribute to complications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, such as cataract.
This review examines the possibility that increased tissue concentrations of reactive oxygen species may also exacerbate other ocular diseases. For example, reactive oxygen species and deficiencies in antioxidant activities contribute to the pathogenetic processes in keratoconus. Such impact may be exacerbated by exposure to additional reactive oxygen species during hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The senescent eye may be particularly prone to oxidative damage as exemplified by conditions such as macular degeneration and cataract. Because of its high consumption of oxygen, the retina is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, which plays a major role in retinopathy. For example, under normal conditions age-related macular degeneration involves oxidative stress and death of the retinal pigment epithelial cells. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may exacerbate these processes.
In addition to cataract, age-related macular degeneration and keratoconus, there may be other ocular diseases for which exposure to hyperbaric oxygen therapy-related oxidative stress may be significantly adverse. In all such cases, careful pre-examination and evaluation of the potential risk and benefit from this form of therapy appears to be warranted. Unless it could interfere with the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, antioxidant dietary supplementation may be indicated in conjunction with any hyperbaric oxygen therapy, when there are co-existing diseases for which oxidative stress could have significantly adverse side effects. Delivery of hyperbaric oxygen therapy may need to be modified or it may even be contraindicated in these cases.
Wall-eyed bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia (WEBINO) is an uncommon disorder of ocular motility that possesses a unique spectrum of clinical findings, consisting of primary gaze exotropia, adduction impairment and nystagmus of the abducting eye. WEBINO is a variant of internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) sharing similar pathophysiology and aetiologies. Much of the literature published on internuclear ophthalmoplegia and its variants focuses on aetiology and pathophysiology, whereas there has been less information addressing prognosis and management. This review will provide current perspectives on the pathogenesis, prognosis and management of WEBINO syndrome.]]>
The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and risk factors of symptomatic dry eye disease (SDED) in Singapore.
A cross-sectional dry eye survey was carried out using the McMonnies dry eye questionnaire. Members of the public were interviewed at the 46 (out of 62) randomly-selected mass rapid transit (MRT) stations and their vicinity. A total of 1,004 questionnaires were collected from participants aged between 15 and 83 years. Symptomatic dry eye disease (SDED) was defined as at least one of five self-reported symptoms that were reported as often or constantly. Non-dry eye (NDE) subjects were those with no related symptoms reported. Prevalence of symptomatic dry eye disease in the studied population and confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Risk factors were also evaluated using logistic regression analysis at 95% CI.
The prevalence for symptomatic dry eye disease was found to be 12.3 per cent with prevalence greater in females than males. Symptomatic dry eye disease was significantly associated with contact lens wear (odds ratio [OR] 2.96, 95% CI: 1.81 to 4.83), those having had previous treatment for dry eye (OR 2.09, 95% CI: 1.33 to 3.29), those taking medication (OR 1.84, 95% CI: 0.99 to 3.44), those with unusual sensitivity of eyes (OR 3.04, 95% CI: 1.92 to 4.83), constant mucous membrane dryness (OR 4.11, 95% CI: 1.62 to 10.45) and irritation on waking (OR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.34 to 4.22). Smoking was not found to be associated with symptomatic dry eye disease.
Singapore has a symptomatic dry eye disease prevalence of 12.3 per cent and was associated with contact lens wear, those who had previous treatment for dry eye, medication, those having unusual sensitivity of eyes, mucous membrane dryness and waking irritation. These new data will be of value to the eye-care community in Singapore and elsewhere.
In Tanzania, the prevalence of refractive error and presbyopia have not been comprehensively assessed, limiting appropriate planning and implementation of delivery of vision care. This study sought to determine the prevalence of refractive error and presbyopia, spectacle coverage and the barriers to uptake of refractive services in people aged 15 years and older in the Kahama district of Tanzania.
A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted using 54 randomly selected clusters. Respondents 15 years and older were interviewed and underwent standardised clinical eye examinations. Uncorrected refractive error (URE) was defined as presenting vision worse than 6/12 that could be corrected to better than 6/12 using a pinhole. Spectacle coverage was defined as the proportion of need that was met (those that improved from unaided vision with their own spectacle correction).
A total of 3,230 subjects (99.75 per cent of 3,240 eligible) participated in the study with 57.2 per cent males and the median age of participants was 35 years (inter-quartile range, 24 to 49). The prevalence of visual impairment was 10.4 per cent (95% CI 9.4 to 11.4) and was lower in those who had completed their primary school education (odds ratio (OR) 0.54, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.72) and highest in subjects 40 years and older (OR 3.17, 95% CI: 2.14 to 4.70) and farmers (OR 8.57 95% CI: 2.27 to 32.43). Refractive error prevalence was 7.5 per cent (95% CI: 6.65 to 8.54) and this was highest in participants over 40 years (OR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.14 to 2.25) and in students (OR 3.64, 95% CI: 1.35 to 9.86). Prevalence of presbyopia was 46.5 per cent (773/1,663, 95% CI: 44.34 to 48.75). Spectacle coverage for refractive error and presbyopia was 1.69% (95% CI: 0 to 3.29) and 0.42% (95% CI: 0 to 1.26), respectively.
Uncorrected refractive error is a public health challenge in the Kahama district and sustainable service delivery and health promotion efforts are needed.
The aim was to determine whether latitudinal (Queensland versus Tasmania) variation in reported disease frequency in Australia may be biased by differences in population.
A retrospective analysis was conducted from data of two large Australian twin studies (n = 1,835) having undertaken ophthalmic examination, namely, Twins Eye Study in Tasmania (TEST) and the Brisbane Adolescent Twins Study (BATS). Ordinal logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios and predicted probabilities for each category of eye colour by state.
Tasmanian residence was associated with lower odds of darker iris colour (odds ratio 0.77, 95% CI [0.63–0.95]) signifying that participants living in Tasmania (TAS) are less likely to have darker-coloured irides than those residing in Queensland (QLD). For individuals living in Tasmania the predicted probability (TAS versus QLD) of having light blue eyes was greater (16.7 versus 13.3 per cent), approximately the same for green eyes and less for brown/dark brown-coloured eyes (6.2 versus 7.9 per cent).
We found a general trend of individuals living in the southern states (TAS/VIC) of Australia having lighter-coloured irides compared to those living in the north (QLD). This finding has potential implications for all epidemiological research conducted to explore differences in UV-associated disease frequency in Australia, as population heterogeneity may confound the estimates obtained.
The aim was to investigate the effects of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser capsulotomy on the main numerical parameters of the anterior segment with Pentacam in patients with opacification of the posterior capsule.
Thirty eyes of 30 patients (19 male, mean age 66.9 ± 8.1 years) with visually significant posterior capsular opacification were enrolled. Patients had undergone phacoemulsification surgery with three-piece intraocular lens (Sensar, AMO, USA) implantation. Full ocular examination was performed before and after capsulotomy. Intraocular pressure (Goldmann applanation tonometry) and refractive changes were measured. Pentacam measurements of the patients before and one week and one month after capsulotomy were obtained.
Mean visual acuity (logMAR) improved pre-operatively (0.50 ± 0.36) to one week (0.04 ± 0.07) and one month after capsulotomy (0.03 ± 0.06; p < 0.001). Mean spherical and cylindrical powers were 0.50 ± 0.98 DS and -1.61 ± 1.00 DC before the procedure and 0.10 ± 0.80 DS and -0.92 ± 0.66 DC at one month, respectively. There was a significant decrease in cylindrical errors (p = 0.001) and a myopic shift in spherical errors (p = 0.01) after the procedure. Mean anterior chamber depth (ACD) was 4.26 ± 0.63 mm before the procedure, 3.73 ± 0.56 mm at one week and 3.75 ± 0.56 mm at one month. The decrements in anterior chamber depth were significant (p < 0.001). The mean of the anterior chamber angle measurements was 43.41 ± 6.87 degrees before the procedure, increased to 45.56 ± 7.01 degrees at one week and decreased to 44.56 ± 6.13 degrees at one month. The increments in anterior chamber angle at the first week of the procedure were significant (p = 0.01). Mean central corneal thickness was 549.60 ± 41.70 μm before the procedure, increased to 551.40 ± 39.72 μm at one week and decreased to 542.30 ± 35.48 μm at one month. The decrements in central corneal thickness were significant (p = 0.048).
Mean anterior chamber depth decreased by approximately 0.5 mm after capsulotomy. This decrement in anterior chamber depth might be a clue for associated complications, such as unwelcome refractive errors, changes at intraocular lens position, post-procedure intraocular pressure increases and acute glaucoma.
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare movement disorder and a member of the 'parkinsonian syndromes', which also include Parkinson's disease (PD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Multiple system atrophy is a complex syndrome, in which patients exhibit a variety of signs and symptoms, including parkinsonism, ataxia and autonomic dysfunction. It can be difficult to separate MSA from the other parkinsonian syndromes but if ocular signs and symptoms are present, they may aid differential diagnosis. Typical ocular features of MSA include blepharospasm, excessive square-wave jerks, mild to moderate hypometria of saccades, impaired vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR), nystagmus and impaired event-related evoked potentials. Less typical features include slowing of saccadic eye movements, the presence of vertical gaze palsy, visual hallucinations and an impaired electroretinogram (ERG). Aspects of primary vision such as visual acuity, colour vision or visual fields are usually unaffected. Management of the disease to deal with problems of walking, movement, daily tasks and speech problems is important in MSA. Optometrists can work in collaboration with the patient and health-care providers to identify and manage the patient's visual deficits. A more specific role for the optometrist is to correct vision to prevent falls and to monitor the anterior eye to prevent dry eye and control blepharospasm.]]>
This review examines methods for estimating the risk of post-surgical ectasia in candidates for refractive surgery by establishing a diagnosis of keratoconus suspect as a contraindication for proceeding with surgery. Notwithstanding the desirability of achieving 100 per cent sensitivity, any associated reduction in specificity and increased numbers of false positives might deny some candidates the opportunity to proceed with refractive surgery. The introduction of a model for the risk of ectasia involving both pre- and post-surgical findings has been followed by a plethora of attempts to achieve the same purpose based on topographic and/or tomographic evaluation before surgery. The desirability of being able to depend on objective assessment using one type of instrument needs to be weighed against the possibility that subjective assessments may contribute significantly to screening success. For example, consideration of ethnicity, family history of keratoconus, a history of atopy or ocular allergies in particular, a history of significant exposure to corneal trauma associated with abnormal rubbing habits or with vocational, leisure or geographically increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation or with contact lens wear trauma or a history of significant exposure to activities which elevate intraocular pressure may improve screening success. To the extent that these factors could contribute to increased risk of the development of keratoconus, they may be useful in estimating the risk of post-surgical ectasia. If any combination of these factors helps to explain the development of keratoconus in normal or even thicker than normal corneas, they may have more significance for those corneas, which have been thinned surgically.]]>
This review analyses the literature on screening for congenital colour vision deficiency in school students, which predominantly uses the Ishihara test. The review was framed with respect to the established Wilson and Jungner criteria for screening programs. These criteria relate to the characteristics of the condition concerned, the performance of the screening test, the existence of treatment options and the performance of screening programs.
The literature reviewed suggests that congenital colour vision deficiency has not been shown to increase risk of road traffic crashes and is not a preclusion to driver licensing in most developed countries. The occurrence of congenital colour vision deficiency has been used to limit entry into certain occupations; however, the value of screening school students with regard to occupational preclusion is questionable. Stronger evidence exists indicating no association between congenital colour vision deficiency and level of educational achievement. Studies showing any association between congenital colour vision deficiency and other health and lifestyle impacts were rare. The most commonly used screening test (using Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates) performs well with respect to detecting red-green colour vision deficiencies. Finally, the only interventions we identified for congenital colour vision deficiency were management ones around the availability of specific tinted lenses and computer programs to aid colour perception in certain tasks.
Given this picture, the weight of evidence appears to be in favour of not adopting (or discontinuing) routine colour vision screening programs for school students; however, it may be worthwhile for a career advisor to refer school students to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for colour vision screening, upon expression of interest in an occupation where normal colour vision is either particularly desirable or is a regulatory requirement.
A literature review and case presentation are used to discuss the diagnostic value of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in the assessment and management of congenital achromatopsia. A 24-year-old Hispanic man presented to the clinic with a longstanding history of decreased vision and associated possible recent progression. A comprehensive eye examination and a battery of tests including SD-OCT, fundus photography, electroretinogram (ERG) and Farnsworth D-15 were completed. SD-OCT and photopic ERG confirmed the clinical diagnosis of congenital achromatopsia. There was the classic subfoveal flattened hyporeflective 'punched out' zone, resulting from an absence of inner segment/outer segment junction.
SD-OCT findings associated with congenital achromatopsia have been documented recently, helping in the diagnosis of the condition. The SD-OCT findings have further expanded our knowledge of congenital achromatopsia, while also aiding in the management of the disease.
This study sought to document current refractive services in the northern and central regions of Ghana as a first step toward evidence-based planning of refractive services.
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out in health facilities in the northern and central regions of Ghana, which provided eye-care services. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to gather information on each facility type, human resources providing refractive services, assessment of refraction and spectacle dispensing output and provider barriers to the services.
Current outputs of refraction in the northern and central regions were 0.5 and 1.2 per cent of the estimated refractive needs, respectively. Spectacle dispensing services were below the outputs of refraction. Lack of equipment (36.8 per cent) and cost of providing spectacles frames (31.6 per cent), were identified as the main barriers to providing refractive services.
The provision of refractive services in the study regions was inadequate. Lack of infrastructure and inadequate human resource were the major reasons for the limited service provision. This should be considered for planning refractive services in the study regions and Ghana as a whole.
The aim of this study was to evaluate a clinical procedure based on trial rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses fitting to assess the real pre-operative visual acuity (VA) of highly myopic eyes undergoing surgery with an implantable collamer lens.
Highly myopic eyes with a spectacle visual acuity (SVA) of 0.2 logMAR (6/9.6 Snellen) or worse were enrolled. A trial RGP contact lens with high dioptric power was fitted before collamer lens implantation. The trial contact lens residual refractive error was corrected by spectacle over-refraction to estimate contact lens VA (CLVA). The three-month post-operative uncorrected vision and visual acuities were also measured. The safety and efficacy indices of collamer lens implantation were calculated based on pre-operative SVA and CLVA, respectively.
The study enrolled 42 patients with 68 highly myopic eyes with a mean pre-operative spherical equivalent of -16.40 ± 4.43 D. The mean pre-operative SVA was 0.38 ± 0.19 logMAR. Pre-operative trial RGP contact lens fitting resulted in a significant improvement of VA (2.02 ± 1.05 lines), which was statistically insignificantly different from the VA with the implantable collamer lens (2.07 ± 0.8 lines). The safety index of collamer lens implantation was 1.70 ± 0.38 in reference to the pre-operative SVA but significantly decreased to 1.02 ± 0.17 in reference to CLVA. Similarly, the efficacy index of 1.17 ± 0.48 on SVA decreased to 0.71 ± 0.28 on CLVA.
Trial RGP contact lens fitting was found to indicate the potential implantable collamer lens VA more accurately than spectacle refraction. Consideration should be given to the use a trial RGP contact lens as part of the pre-operative work-up prior to collamer lens implantation in order to provide an assessment of the patient's potential post-operative VA.
Measurements of refractive errors through subjective or automated refraction are not always possible in rapid assessment studies and community vision screening programs; however, measurements of vision with habitual correction and with a pinhole can easily be made. Although improvements in vision with a pinhole are assumed to mean that a refractive error is present, no studies have investigated the magnitude of improvement in vision with pinhole that is predictive of refractive error. The aim was to measure the sensitivity and specificity of 'vision improvement with pinhole' in predicting the presence of refractive error in a community setting.
Vision and vision with pinhole were measured using a logMAR chart for 488 of 582 individuals aged 15 to 50 years. Refractive errors were measured using non-cycloplegic autorefraction and subjective refraction. The presence of refractive error was defined using spherical equivalent refraction (SER) at two levels: SER greater than ± 0.50 D sphere (DS) and SER greater than ±1.00 DS. Three definitions for significant improvement in vision with a pinhole were used: 1. Presenting vision less than 6/12 and improving to 6/12 or better, 2. Improvement in vision of more than one logMAR line and 3. Improvement in vision of more than two logMAR lines.
For refractive error defined as spherical equivalent refraction greater than ± 0.50 DS, the sensitivities and specificities for the pinhole test predicting the presence of refractive error were 83.9 per cent (95% CI: 74.5 to 90.9) and 98.8 per cent (95% CI: 97.1 to 99.6), respectively for definition 1. Definition 2 had a sensitivity 89.7 per cent (95% CI: 81.3 to 95.2) and specificity 88.0 per cent (95% CI: 4.4 to 91.0). Definition 3 had a sensitivity of 75.9 per cent (95% CI: 65.5 to 84.4) and specificity of 97.8 per cent (95% CI: 95.8 to 99.0). Similar results were found with spherical equivalent refraction greater than ±1.00 DS, when tested against the three pinhole-based definitions.
Refractive error definitions based on improvement in vision with the pinhole shows good sensitivity and specificity at predicting the presence of significant refractive errors. These definitions can be used in rapid assessment surveys and community-based vision screenings.
Rarebit perimetry (RBP) is a computer-based perimetric testing program with sensitivity and specificity for detection of visual field defects comparable to traditional automated perimetry. To make large-scale screening more efficient, we developed a parallel rarebit perimetric method to screen groups of subjects simultaneously. We then used this method to report the mean hit rate (MHR) among subjects aged 13 to 19 years.
Rarebit perimetry was installed on computers in an existing school computer laboratory. All subjects provided medical and demographic information and underwent a basic visual examination. Testing instructions were provided to groups of up to 35 subjects and rarebit perimetry was subsequently administered. Two or three test supervisors answered questions and ensured that subjects were well aligned with their test screens. Mean hit rate, reaction times, error rates and testing time were calculated, and time estimates for rarebit, frequency doubling perimetry and Humphrey 24-2 Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm (SITA) fast test were compared.
A total of 364 rarebit perimetric tests were conducted on 182 subjects. Of these, 154 subjects met our inclusion criteria for the reference range (three testing errors or less and visual acuity 6/9 or better). The average mean hit rate was 94.3 ± 4.63 per cent. Screening of 500 subjects using this parallel rarebit perimetric method would require approximately nine hours, which is far less than an estimated 77 hours required for frequency doubling perimetry C-20 screening tests or an estimated 127 hours required for Humphrey 24-2 SITA fast tests.
Using our methods, rarebit perimetry can be administered in parallel to groups of subjects. The mean hit rate was comparable to that reported in previously published studies. This parallel technique may improve the efficiency of large-scale visual field screenings.
The rabbit is one of the most common animal models used for preclinical safety evaluation of new cataract surgery and laser vision-correction technologies in ophthalmic research; however, the distributions of wavefront aberrations in rabbit eyes are unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the similarities and differences of wavefront aberrations between rabbit and human eyes.
Monochromatic wavefront aberrations of left and right eyes of 12 rabbits and 12 human subjects with normal vision were measured by a commercial aberrometer (WaveScan Wavefront System, Abbott Medical Optics Inc, California, USA). Comparison of wavefront aberrations in rabbit and human eyes is based on a 6.0 mm pupil.
The rabbit eyes have an average spherical refraction of 1.51 ± 0.83 D and a cylindrical refraction of -1.03 ± 0.63 D. The average spherical refractive error of the human eyes used in this study was -2.03 ± 2.59 D with a cylindrical refraction of -1.27 ± 1.01 D. The average wavefront error root-mean-square (RMS) from higher-order aberrations is 0.34 μm in rabbits (6.0 mm pupil), which is higher compared to the wavefront error RMS value of human eyes (0.26 μm). The largest higher-order aberration in rabbit eyes is vertical coma (Z7, 0.19 ± 0.16 μm), whereas the largest higher-order aberration in human eyes is spherical aberration (Z12, 0.07 ± 0.13 μm). Wavefront error RMS, vertical coma and some higher-order aberrations are significantly correlated between the right and left rabbit eye.
Compared to wavefront aberrations in the human eye measured in this study, the rabbit eye has less refractive error but larger higher-order aberrations both in wavefront error RMS and some higher-order aberration terms. Similar to human eyes, wavefront error and some higher-order aberrations are significantly correlated between the right and left rabbit eye.
This study is an investigation of how Australian and New Zealand schools of optometry prepare students for culturally competent practice. The aims are: (1) to review how optometric courses and educators teach and prepare their students to work with culturally diverse patients; and (2) to determine the demographic characteristics of current optometric students and obtain their views on cultural diversity.
All Australian and New Zealand schools of optometry were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected with two surveys: a curriculum survey about the content of the optometric courses in relation to cultural competency issues and a survey for second year optometry students containing questions in relation to cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity and attitudes to cultural diversity.
Four schools of optometry participated in the curriculum survey (Deakin University, Flinders University, University of Melbourne and University of New South Wales). Sixty-three students (22.3 per cent) from these four schools as well as the University of Auckland participated in the student survey. Cultural competency training was reported to be included in the curriculum of some schools, to varying degrees in terms of structure, content, teaching method and hours of teaching. Among second year optometry students across Australia and New Zealand, training in cultural diversity issues was the strongest predictor of cultural awareness and sensitivity after adjusting for school, age, gender, country of birth and language other than English.
This study provides some evidence that previous cultural competency-related training is associated with better cultural awareness and sensitivity among optometric students. The variable approaches to cultural competency training reported by the schools of optometry participating in the study suggest that there may be opportunity for further development in all schools to consider best practice training in cultural competency.
This study was performed to investigate the interocular symmetry of peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness, as measured by Cirrus high-definition spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), in healthy eyes. A wide range of subject ages and refractive errors was examined.
The retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was measured in 1,234 healthy eyes from 617 subjects using OCT. Interocular differences (right eye minus left eye) in global area and quadrant nerve fibre layer thicknesses were measured. The effect of age and refractive error on interocular nerve fibre layer thickness difference was also examined.
Means (and standard deviations) of subjects' ages and average subject refractive errors were 36.4 ± 19.8 years (range: five to 80 years) and -2.67 ± 2.91 D (range: -14.13 to +5.75 D), respectively. Cutoff limits for normal interocular nerve fibre layer thickness differences (2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of normative data) in the global area and in the superior, nasal, inferior and temporal quadrants were 9.5, 23.0, 15.6, 20.0 and 22.6 μm, respectively. Mean interocular retinal nerve fibre layer thickness differences in global area and in superior, nasal, inferior and temporal quadrants were 0.7 (p < 0.001), -3.9 (p < 0.001), 2.6 (p < 0.001), 1.1 (p = 0.007) and 3.0 (p < 0.001) μm, respectively. Interocular nerve fibre layer thickness differences were not significantly correlated with age or refractive error (average of right and left eyes, both p > 0.05).
Significant interocular differences in peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness exist in healthy eyes, particularly in the superior quadrant. This finding should be considered when comparing retinal nerve fibre layer thickness between right and left eyes.
In this study, the reliability of perimetric contrast sensitivity measurements favouring the achromatic, the red-green and the blue-yellow post-receptorial mechanisms was analysed.
A new technique, multichannel ATD perimetry, provides spatial and temporal stimuli favouring the detection by an achromatic mechanism (A), from a magno or parvocellular origin or by a red-green (RG) chromatic mechanism, with a parvocellular origin or a blue-yellow (BY) mechanism, with a koniocellular origin. The repeatability and reproducibility of contrast sensitivity measurements with these stimuli were studied in a group of 40 healthy subjects. The analysis was carried out on 21 testing points within a 60° by 40° fovea-centred region of the visual field.
The within-observer repeatability for the four mechanisms studied is either good or excellent when the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) can be calculated. For the remaining points, the Friedman's test finds that the measurements are repeatable. The between-observer reproducibility was either excellent or good in cases where the ICC was applied and according to the Friedman's test all results were reproducible.
The results obtained showed good repeatability and reproducibility with A, RG and BY stimuli, although with BY stimuli repeatability is slightly worse. Future studies on the diagnostic validity of this device are based on the fact that changes of sensitivity can be compared by means of a visual single task, contrast sensitivity measurement and using a common metric.
Eye health-care in Australia encompasses patients with chronic disorders being referred to ophthalmologists for detailed assessment and subsequent management. An increasing case load and relative decrease in ophthalmologists predicted over the next few years portend of an upcoming bottleneck in care delivery. To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of patient care within a rapidly changing health system, we propose that minor adjustments to existing services could improve the proficiency of resources. Such changes will require service providers to rethink their positions and roles and actively collaborate with each other for improved patient outcomes.]]>