🚨Important message for all ophthalmologists: Finding alternatives to help visually impaired people continue with their lives is just as important as finding a cure for blindness. Listen to the latest Academy podcast with Jake Koch and his dog Forli to learn what ophthalmologists should know about guide dogs, including: How do you “prescribe” a guide dog? Where do guide dogs come from for our patients with visual impairment or blindness? Who qualifies and how much does it cost? Link in bio to listen to the podcast. In honor of October’s Blindness Awareness Month, we also wanted to share some Do’s & Don’ts of interacting with a guide dog team from Koch’s organization, Guide Dogs for the Blind @guidedogsfortheblind Please do not pet or talk to a guide dog. It is ok, however, to ask someone to meet their guide. Many people enjoy introducing their dogs if the time is right. Do not offer a guide dog food or other distracting treats. Please don’t touch or steer a guide dog’s harness. Keep your pet dog leashed and at a respectful distance. Refrain from calling out directions to a person with a guide dog or intentionally obstructing their path. Please don’t offer toys to a guide dog without asking the person’s permission. The Academy also has resources on its website for people with low vision: https://aao.info/3Q6Cfpe