About :: California Optometric Association

COA Policies

Relationship of Computer Vision Syndrome to Musculoskeletal Disorders

The California Optometric Association (COA) recognizes that Computer Related Vision Syndrome (to include ocular discomfort, muscular strain and stress) has a significant impact on the comfort and productivity of individuals who engage in computer use in the work place and in their personal lives.

COA urges Doctors of Optometry to actively educate their patients, and where feasible employers, relating to the important role of eye and vision care to minimize the symptoms and enhance the visual performance and overall efficiency of individuals working at a computer.

A copy of the position paper entitled,“The Relationship of Computer Vision Syndrome to Musculoskeletal Disorders,” published by the American Optometric Association, has been archived for review in conjunction with this policy resolution.

Adopted by the 2007 House of Delegates

Eye Care Services in Nursing Facilities

The California Optometric Association (COA) has affirmed its support for regular vision and eye care, and an increased access to such care by those (often elderly) individuals residing in long term care facilities by Doctors of Optometry.

The Board of Trustees of the California Optometric Association will investigate the feasibility of sponsoring legislation to modify the statutes, regulations, or rules that directly or indirectly restrict or encumber access to eye care services within nursing facilities.

A copy of the position statement entitled, “Position Statement on Eye Care Services in Nursing Facilities,” or the most recent revision published by the American Optometric Association has been archived for review in conjunction with this policy resolution.

Adopted by the 2007 House of Delegates

Regular Optometric Care

It is the policy of the California Optometric Association (COA) that at a minimum regular comprehensive eye examinations be administered by an eye care professional according to the following schedule:

Patient Age	Examination Interval
	Asymptomatic/Risk Free	At Risk
Birth to 24 Months	By 6 months of age	By 6 months of age or as recommended
2 to 5 years	At 3 years of age	At 3 years of age or as recommended
6 to 18 years	Before first grade and every two years thereafter	Annually or as recommended
18 to 40 years	Every two to three years	Every one to two years or as recommended
41 to 60 years	Every two years	Every one to two years or as recommended
61 and older	Annually	Annually or as recommended

A copy of the position statement entitled, “Recommendations for Regular Optometric Care,” published and revised by the American Optometric Association, has been archived for review in conjunction with this policy resolution.

Adopted by the 2007 House of Delegates

Vision, Learning and Dyslexia

It is the policy of the California Optometric Association (COA) that:

People at risk for learning-related vision problems should receive a comprehensive optometric evaluation. This evaluation should be conducted as part of a multidisciplinary approach in which all appropriate areas of function are evaluated and managed.
The role of the optometrist when evaluating patients for learning-related vision problems is to conduct a thorough assessment of eye health and visual functions and communicate the results and recommendations.
The expected outcome of optometric intervention is an improvement in visual function for patients with learning-related vision problems by therapy which may include lenses, prisms, and vision therapy

A copy of the position statement entitled, “Vision, Learning, and Dyslexia,” published and revised by the American Optometric Association be suitably archived for review in conjunction with this policy resolution.

Adopted by the 2007 House of Delegates