Optometric Extension Program
The Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF) is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the discipline of optometry, with recent emphasis on behavioral optometry and vision therapy.[1] The OEPF produces the monthly Optometry & Visual Performance (OVP) journal, and previously published the Journal of Behavioral Optometry. OEPF also reprints writings and lectures relating to vision.
The OEP Foundation has its origins in a continuing education program developed by the Oklahoma Optometric Association for its members in the 1920s.[1] Optometrists E.B. Alexander (the secretary of the Oklahoma Extension Program) and A.M. Skeffington ("the father of behavioral optometry") have been credited as establishing the OEP Foundation in 1928.[2][3][4] The OEP Foundation began with 51 members and has developed into an international organization with 3,500 members worldwide.[2][3]
References
- David A. Goss. "History of Optometry." Web posted lecture handout. Accessed November 10, 2020.
- http://www.opt.indiana.edu/ohs/sample.htm Archived 2006-09-18 at the Wayback Machine Hindsight: Newsletter of the Optometric Historical Society. Vol. 29, Jul. 1998, No. 3. Accessed September 19, 2006.
- "A.M. Skeffington, O.D.: The Father of Behavioral Optometry." Archived 2006-10-17 at the Wayback Machine Visionaries (Reprinted from January-December 1991 Issues of Review of Optometry) Copyright 1999 Review of Optometry. Accessed September 19, 2006.
- "Team of the Century. Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians. Accessed September 19, 2006. [Note: This reference credits E.B. Alexander and Billy Farmer as co-founders of the optometric extension program.]