Bionic Eye

6
| EDITORIAL |
|
This issue is largely about perception, starting with our feature on children’s
eyewear. When I was a kid, there was a clear social stigma attached to
wearing eyeglasses. Today, however, kids think that kids who wear glasses are
smarter and more honest, according to a recent study from Ohio State
University. See the feature for more details.
Another old world view of people who wear glasses, particularly those
who are myopic, is that they are introverted. A study from the University of
Melbourne has disproven this stereotype1.
In the world’s biggest study into factors linked to myopia, 633 twins and
a comparative group of 278 family members were involved in the study over
four years.
For the first time in a study into personality and myopia, participants were
analyzed using a state-of-the-art measure of five major personality factors
(Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism).
Results showed no link between myopia and introversion; however there was
a significant but small association with myopia and Agreeableness.
“We have literally busted the myth that people who wear glasses are
introverted or have particular personality characteristics,” says Associate
Professor Paul Baird of the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Eye Research
Australia. “These findings show that people, particularly children, should not
avoid or delay wearing glasses due to preconceived ideas about what it would
imply about their personalities.”
Another piece on perception in this issue is the article on visual
prosthesis, aka a “bionic eye”. Imagine how wonderful it must be for a blind
person to regain even some of their sight. This is actually happening right now
as part of research that is taking place in Australia and the United States. It
wasn’t too long ago that such developments would only take place in science
fiction.
The role of opticians is a matter of public perception as well. Read Mary
Field’s article on Internet Selling to learn about her perspective on this
important subject. You’ll also find articles on how to survive in this uncertain
economy, the importance of positive self talk, and how diet can affect
hypertensive retinopathy. As usual, lots in this issue of Vision Magazine to
keep you informed. I hope you’ll be reading it in a lounge by a lake! ISI
1 Myopia and Personality: The Genes in Myopia (GEM) Personality Study Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis.
Sci. 2008 49: 882-886.
VISION | jul_aug | 2008 | The Opticians Association of Canada |
Paddy Kamen
Editor-in-chief
The Opticians Association of Canada
Association des opticiens du Canada
2706-83 Garry Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4J9
(204) 982-6060 • 1-(800) 847-3155
E-mail : canada@opticians.ca
Web site : www.opticians.ca
2008
PROVINCIAL DIRECTORS |
ADMINISTRATEURS PROVINCIAUX
LORNE KASHIN
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Alberta
DAVID MCGOWAN
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CINDY KOSZEGI
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TODD SMITH
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MARIAN WALSH
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ROBERT DALTON
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LORNE KASHIN
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DALIE SCHELLEN
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