Wavefront Measurement of Refractive State, 2012 Charles F. Prentice Lecture

Abstract

The American Academy of Optometry awarded Dr. Thibos the 2012 Prentice Medal in recognition of contributions to advancement of knowledge in the visual sciences. In accepting the award, Dr. Thibos presented a lecture describing modern efforts to define and measure the refractive state of human eyes. These efforts have led to new insights about the nature of refractive error, the quality of the retinal image, the interplay of the crystalline lens and the eye's pupil during accommodation, dynamic changes in optical quality of eyes caused by tear film deterioration, and outcome assessment of refractive therapies. In this video recording of his lecture, Dr. Thibos explains in simple terms the underlying optical concepts of wavefront aberrometry to help educators, clinicians, and patients understand the approach used by researchers to learn about the eye's optical aberrations and treatment methodologies. A companion transcript is also available for the hearing impaired.