Resources for Your Presentations in the Community

Presentations in your community – schools, health fairs, senior centers or professional organizations – are one way that you can help spread the message about the importance of getting routine comprehensive eye exams. The following list compiled by COA offer additional resources, information and/or materials that may be helpful in your community presentations to raise awareness about eye health.

COA Resources

Eyehelp offers  a wealth of information and resources focused on your (and your family's) eye health. 

See to Read Bookmark Program

See to Read is a vision awareness program, sponsored by the California Optometric Association. The program focuses on increasing parent consciousness regarding children's vision problems and the potential related effects on school performance. Bookmarks are distributed annually to public and county libraries in the state. Help to further the important vision awareness message by handing out these bookmarks in your practice, distribute at your presentation or drop off a supply at your local school or library. Request a supply by contacting John Istilart at (800) 877-5738, ext. 221 or jistilart@coavision.org. 

Media Resources

COA’s PR team offers a wealth of sage advice for communicating with the media. For more information, contact COA 800-877-5738, or contact@coavision.org

American Optometric Association
www.aoa.org
(800) 365-2219
publicrelations@aoa.org
The AOA provides certain news releases for your use to communicate with the media. You can also find press releases, media briefs, templates and summaries about optometry in the media, online at the AOA Communications Center at www.aoa.org
AUDIO/VISUAL AIDS

Contact the following resources to help in developing your presentation. You may be able to borrow materials or to request copies for a nominal fee.

American Optometric Association
www.aoa.org
(800) 365-2219
publicrelations@aoa.org
AOA’s communications staff has a growing library of PowerPoint presentations, which can be requested free of charge. Topics cover: children’s vision, information for school nurses, eye safety, diabetes, glaucoma and aging vision.

Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry Career Promotion Corps
www.opted.org  (click on Career Promotion Corps)
admini@opted.org
This Web site offers comprehensive information for students interested in pursuing the profession of optometry.
Optometrists can sign up for an “Each One, Reach One” New Members’ Kit to help the profession increase its applicant pool at US schools and colleges of optometry.
Explore the section about Student & Advisor information
Find information here about becoming an optometrist
Optometry Career Guide

InfantSEE®
www.infantsee.org
InfantSEE® is a public health program designed to ensure that eye and vision care becomes an integral part of infant wellness care to improve a child’s quality of life.
Access their resource section for doctors to find out about these materials:

• InfantSEE® Promotional Posters
• Windows to the World DVD
• InfantSEE® Community Presentation (PowerPoint)
• NEW!Community-Focused Powerpoint Presentation
• NEW!Letter Template for Sending a Follow-Up Report to Every Baby's Pediatrician

International Library, Archives and Museum of Optometry (ILAMO)
www.aoa.org (visit the ILAMO section)
(800) 365-2219
ILAMO@aoa.org
Offered through AOA, ILAMO is one of the most comprehensive visual science libraries in the U.S. It offers research services, audio-visuals, reference books and journals. ILAMO’s extensive collection of slide shows, videotapes, CD-ROMs, and audiocassettes includes clinical material for professional use, staff training, and presentations to lay audiences.

National Eye Institute (NEI)
www.nei.nih.gov
As one of the Federal government's National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NEI conducts and supports research that helps prevent and treat eye diseases and other disorders of vision. Resources on their web site include:

• Photos, Images, and Video
• A teaching guide, VISION--A School Program, for grades 4-8, available for download
• Publications and Materials List—see the activity books they have available for children