OVS Editorial Co-Authored by Dr. Harb

Dr. Elise Harb is an author on a guest editorial in Optometry and Vision Science (OVS) that discusses an exciting joint educational program between the AAO and the Cochrane Eyes and Vision (US) Group. The editorial, "Empowering optometrists with evidence: The American Academy of Optometry and Cochrane Eyes and Vision Educational Program," states that "As the world grapples with an overwhelming influx of data, the need for evidence-informed health care has never been more critical."

Through comprehensive training and mentorship in systematic reviews, the program’s first cohort tackled critical topics like glaucoma treatment adherence and contact lens safety in children. Dr. Debora Lee Chen was the first author on "Interventions for improving adherence to amblyopia treatment in children." This initiative has proven invaluable in fostering a collaborative learning environment and enhancing the clinical impact of optometrists across the field!

In fact, the number of Cochrane Eyes and Vision optometry authors has more than doubled through the inaugural cohort’s work. We are so proud that the program’s second cohort has strong additional Berkeley faculty and alumni participation including, Dr. Michelle Hoff (Clinical Mentor), Dr. Jasmine Junge (participant), Dr. Nathan Cheung (participant), Dr. Jennifer Fisher (participant), Dr. Angela Shahbazian (participant), and Dr. Mark Sherstinsky (participant).