AAO expands consumer site

San Francisco-The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has launched an updated and expanded version of its EyeSmart public education website. The organization says the site, found at www.GetEyeSmart.org, is designed to help educate consumers about eye diseases and conditions, vision correction, and the preservation of healthy vision.

“The [AAO] believes it is vital that the public have a trustworthy place to turn when they have questions about their eye health,” said David W. Parke II, MD, the organization’s chief executive officer. “The new EyeSmart website is backed by the [AAO’s] extensive resources, including our trusted educational information and the expertise and knowledge of our ‘Eye MDs.’ ”

EyeSmart delivers comprehensive information on the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of common eye diseases and conditions-illustrated with photos and interactive elements, including animations, diagrams, and videos. Much of the site is translated into Spanish. In addition, the website also provides:

• an extensive symptoms list, cross-referenced with potential associated conditions and diseases to help site visitors find relevant information quickly;

• recommendations for “Living EyeSmart” in a new section devoted to healthy vision tips and what consumers need to know about their eye health based on their age and other lifestyle factors;

• simulators to show how certain eye diseases and conditions can affect vision;

• “Ask an Eye MD,” a searchable database of commonly asked eye health questions that gives site visitors the ability to submit new questions to a panel of experts;

• “Find an Eye MD” service to locate a nearby ophthalmologist;

• tools to improve the site's readability for visitors with low vision; and

• a free electronic newsletter focusing on healthy vision.

The site will also feature up-to-date news on the latest research developments that can affect people's eye health. According to AAO, articles from GetEyeSmart.org will be easily shared to social networking sites.