STAPLE Program

Soft Toric and Multifocal Lens Workshops

Real Patients

Real Life Results
Real Life Experience

The session begins with a guest speaker reviewing the how to, what to, and why to fit that session's category of lenses. Small groups of students then work with a preceptor to determine the best initial lens to fit for the patient. They then select the lens from the diagnostic set, apply the lens, evaluate the fit and vision, and fine tune the fit.

Each of these programs offer optometry students an opportunity to fit patients with the leading brands of soft toric or multifocal lenses. In addition to a practical hands-on fitting experience, guest speakers provide students with tips and tools for success. Educators and students alike will appreciate the generic nature of the education by attending these industry sponsored events.

The workshops are scheduled when it best fits the school's current curriculum, supporting and enhancing the education already offered. The STAPLE Program brings together students, industry, and patients in a valuable, non-biased, hands-on fitting workshop.

Testimonials

"The STAPLE Program provides great hands on experience for our students in areas of specialty soft contact lens fitting. The STAPLE Program's effectiveness in student training can be attributed to the efficient program schedule, the expert speaker faculty, and the diversity of contact lens modality and exposure. The foundation of this program is largely in thanks to the coordinated support from all the industry sponsors and their genuine interest in the involvement of student and eye care education. We are happy to be a part of the STAPLE Program from the beginning and are looking forward to continue this valuable experience for our students."

Nicky Lai, OD, MS, FAAO

We are so thankful to our industry partners for sponsoring the STAPLE workshops at SCO. The workshops are an integral part of our students' contact lens education. It would be difficult get them pre-clinic experience with torics and multifocals without this amazing program. Thank you!

John Mark Jackson, OD, MS, FAAO

"The STAPLE Program is unique in that it brings all the major industry players together, focusing on one thing: educating the students. This is a huge shift from the days of old when each manufacturer would fight to get into each school to offer their own program. The STAPLE Program has now reached over 7000 students! I'm so proud of what the STAPLE Workshops offer, and humbled to be the lead instructor for the 100th workshop."

Thomas G. Quinn, OD, MS

“I am so grateful for the STAPLE program. When it comes to learning, I learn best with hands on experience. It was great to have extra time to work through the process without worrying about keeping on time in clinic. It was a wonderful experience being able to work with my classmates and preceptors to truly understand the process of fitting contact lenses. We even got to talk to the awesome representatives from each company and become more knowledgeable on specific designs of particular lenses and ask any questions about the company and the products. I felt more confident in my fitting abilities thanks to the STAPLE program”

Heather Ashley

O.D. Candidate | Class of 2019

Southern College of Optometry

It was an honor working with the STAPLE program! It was a great opportunity to learn about different brands of toric and multifocal contact lenses and work directly with the brands and brand ambassadors. Thank you for giving me the chance to work with this team!

Madhavi Uppal

Class President, Graduate 2019

Inter American University of PR, School of Optometry

I have had the privilege of experiencing the STAPLE program as a student, contact lens resident, and now faculty speaker. The STAPLE program is a unique opportunity for students to bridge the gap between the classroom and the clinic. The collaborative workshop setting provides a stress-free environment for students to gain hands-on experience and confidence in fitting contact lenses.

Rob Ensley, OD, FAAO, FSLS

Gaddie Eye Centers

Louisville, KY

I have the unique pleasure of experiencing the STAPLE program from a student, resident, and faculty perspective. The STAPLE program has shaped my career in ways I would not have expected as a third year Optometry student. During my first experience with the STAPLE program in Optometry school, I had the opportunity to not only learn clinical contact lens applications on real patients, but the program also connected me with one of my now mentors, and good friend, Dr. Shalu Pal. She was the contact lens expert chosen to represent the "real world" of Optometry in private practice, and I was impressed with her communication and lecturing skills. As I chatted with her throughout the workshop, she mentioned that she had completed a residency at Northeastern State University, Oklahoma College of Optometry, in contact lenses. Her description of her experience inspired me to following in her footsteps, and I was accepted for the same NSUOCO Cornea and Contact Lens Residency program a year later. As a resident, I again was able to participate in the program, by helping to line up volunteer patients for the workshop and guide the students with step by step instructions while in the workshop. As a resident, I could see what an impact this program had on the students. They were able to try a variety of contact lenses on real patients in a short amount of time, which left them confident as they started their contact lens rotations in the clinic.

Now, as a owner of my own private practice, I've been honored to return to several schools across North America to continue speaking for the STAPLE program, ensuring the next generation of Optometrists feels confident prescribing any toric or multifocal lens they come across! My interactions with the students have always been very rewarding, and every year they seem to become more proficient with contact lenses. STAPLE initially gave me the clinical tools I would need to become a competent Optometrist, but little did I know it would also give me the networking opportunities and professional speaking opportunities to open career paths down the road I could not imagine as a student. I could not be a more enthusiastic supporter of the STAPLE program. This opportunity would not have been possible without the leadership and support of the industry sponsors. I hope our industry leaders will continue to participate this program for years to come.

Andrea Lasby, O.D., F.A.A.O., F.S.L.S.

Mission Eye Care

2206 2 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 3C5

STAPLE Program

Testimonials

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