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Current IUSO COVID-19 Protocols

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IUSO COVID-19 Protocols

Students must follow the safety precautions outlined below to help keep the IU School of Optometry’s faculty, staff, and students healthy and safe.

Building/Room Access Protocols

The Optometry Building (800 E. Atwater Ave.)

  • Access permitted for scheduled lecture, lab, or practice time; study areas are available in designated seats indicated by red stickers.
  • Access only between 7:15 a.m. and 9 p.m. to allow for custodial staff to work unimpeded.
  • Aim to arrive at the building no more than 10 minutes prior to start of scheduled lecture, lab, or practice time. There should be no congregating in the corridors.
  • Leave the building immediately upon completion of this scheduled activity, with no congregating in the corridors.
  • Early arrivals for a lecture must wait in their assigned seat in the lecture hall. For labs, when the lecture hall has no class, students can wait in rooms 105 or 111 with one person per designated aisle.
  • Enter building via east or west door and clean hands upon entry.
  • Exit building via north or south door and clean hands prior to exit.
  • Hand sanitizer stations are at entry and exit points (east and west entries, north and south exits); always perform handwashing upon entry/exit.
  • Masks are required at all times while in the building.
  • If you need to wait as a result of a bus schedule or to attend an online class before your lab (with insufficient travel time between the two), you may use room 104, the communal spaces in the student academic center on the second floor, the tables in the basement, or the lobby on the third floor in that priority order. Only the chairs indicated with a red circular sticker may be occupied. These chairs must not be moved. Spaces are limited, so please respect the needs of our community. If the weather is good, you may clearly wait outside the building. If this system is not working well, please inform your course instructor.

Stairwells

  • The central stairwell should only be used to move down to a different floor. East and west stairwells should only be used to move up to a different floor

Elevator

  • Elevator will allow bi-directional movement (up/down), with a maximum of three people allowed at a time.

OPT 101

  • Access is only available between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to allow custodial staff to work unimpeded.
  • Practice times should be scheduled to maximize physical distancing.

OPT 102

  • Access is only available between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to allow custodial staff to work unimpeded.
  • Practice times should be scheduled to maximize physical distancing.

OPT 106

  • Access is only available between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to allow custodial staff to work unimpeded.
  • Practice times should be scheduled to maximize physical distancing.

OPT 108

  • Access is only available between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to allow custodial staff to work unimpeded.
  • Practice times should be scheduled to maximize physical distancing.

OPT 110

  • Access is only available between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to allow custodial staff to work unimpeded.
  • Available for injection arm practice and V653 labs.
  • Only one individual in room at a time.

OPT 104

  • When necessary, places indicated by a red sticker can be used.

Second Floor

  • The student study area and lunchroom are open.
  • To best maintain social distancing, it is recommended that you study and eat at home when possible.
  • If you must use these areas, sit only in in locations marked with a red sticker.
  • Since masks are removed when eating or drinking, do not congregate and observe social distancing.

Basement

  • When necessary, places indicated by a red sticker can be used.

Third Floor

  • When necessary, places in the lobby indicated by a red sticker can be used.

Fourth Floor

  • No access permitted.

Fifth Floor

  • Access permitted for appointments with faculty.

Front Desk

  • The front desk is in the east stairwell to help with check in and coordination.

Other Protocols

Masks

  • Students must always wear masks and adhere to physical distancing guidelines while in IUSO buildings.
  • For clinical labs, IUSO will provide students with several masks and an equal number of paper bags. After use, each surgical mask is to be placed in a specific labelled paper bag, and is not to be used again for at least 72 hours.

Sick?

  • Any student who is ill (fever, nausea, vomiting, etc.) or suspects they may be ill will immediately quarantine themselves.
  • Student will immediately contact COVID Health Services by going to one.iu.edu and searching for “COVID”.
  • Student will immediately report to Kim Kohne (kkohne@iu.edu) in IUSO Student Administration via email.
  • Student will immediately report to all course instructors via Canvas Inbox.

Recent Close Contact with a COVID-Positive Individual, or a Positive Test from Outside of IU?

  • Any student who has been in close contact (six feet or less for 15 or more minutes without masks) with a COVID-positive individual diagnosed in the past two weeks will immediately quarantine themselves.
  • Student will immediately complete the COVID-19 Self Reporting Form by going to one.iu.edu and searching for “COVID”.
  • Student will immediately report to Kim Kohne (kkohne@iu.edu) in IUSO Student Administration via email.

Temperature

  • Non-contact temperatures may be taken prior to lab entry.
  • Students implicitly consent to have this information gathered and recorded.

Cleaning Protocols

  • Regular hand cleaning is required, especially upon entering or exiting the building, your lab room, or when changing lab partners.
  • Students are responsible for disinfecting doorknobs, sneeze guards, platforms, slit lamp, stand, other equipment, and countertops with currently accepted cleaning protocols for the course at the start and conclusion of each lab or lab practice session.

COVID-19 Testing at IU

  • IU will test all students arriving on the Bloomington campus for the spring semester. Students who do not provide their arrival testing results will not be allowed on campus or in IUSO buildings.
  • IU will randomly test throughout the semester. All IUSO who are selected to test must provide a sample.

Clothing

  • Clothing must be washed prior to lab/practice. No clothing may be worn more than once after washing.

Goldmann Tonometry Probe

  • Each student provides their own Goldmann tonometry probe.
  • Probe owner cleans their probe prior to use on their eye(s).
  • Probe owner only allows their probe to be placed on their eye(s) during lab/practice.

Gonioscopy Lenses

  • Each student provides their own gonioscopy lenses.
  • Goniolens owner cleans their goniolens prior to use on their eye(s).
  • Goniolens owner only allows their goniolens to be placed on their eye(s) during lab/practice.

Breath Shields

  • Breath shields have been installed on each slit lamp in OPT 101 and OPT 106.
  • Optional breath shields are available for Keeler BIOs for free; Heine owners pay ~$18.

Myopia Management Clinic for Children Launched at IUSO’s Atwater Eye Care Center

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This year, IU School of Optometry’s Assistant Clinical Professor Dr. Katie Connolly launched the Myopia Management Clinic at the school’s Atwater Eye Care Center (AECC). Dr. Connolly, who is the chief of pediatric and binocular vision services at AECC, is leading the way in myopia management in children.

What is myopia?

myopia line diagram
A comparison of a normal eye with a myopic eye shows the myopic eye is longer.

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition in which a person can see objects that are close up, but objects farther away appear blurry. This occurs because an eye with myopia is longer than a normal eye, so the light rays entering the eye cannot focus directly on the back of the eye, therefore causing blurred vision.

Why is myopia on the rise?

Currently, about 35% of Americans are myopic, but by 2050, 58% of Americans are predicted to be myopic. But, why? Studies show the rapid change is a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

A child with a myopic parent is three times more likely to be myopic. Parents can’t change their genes, but they can help when it comes to environmental factors.

“Myopia has been linked to children who spend more time reading and working on handheld devices such as tablets and smartphones and less time spent outdoors,” says Dr. Connolly. “Since COVID hit, schools have had to move their learning environment online. There are concerns we will see more myopia cases due to even more time spent in front of screen for school work.”

What is the prognosis?

Myopia eye disease risk chartUnfortunately, the condition is progressive, but myopia can be managed. Once a child is diagnosed with myopia, it continues to worsen with age. As a child grows, the eyes also grow. This elongation of the eyes causes vital structures to be stretched.

“Myopic eyes are at a higher risk to develop eye diseases such as retinal detachment and glaucoma,” explains Dr. Connolly. “The higher the prescription, the higher the risk of these diseases. That is why it is so important to keep the myopia as low as possible.”

 

How to manage myopia

In the last 10 to 20 years, research has been ramped up regarding myopia and has found that the progress of the condition can be slowed with appropriate management. At the Atwater Eye Care Center, Dr. Connolly utilizes evidence-based options such as myopia management soft contact lenses, orthokeratology, and low-dose atropine eye drops. She also looks forward to utilizing new treatments as they are developed and is looking forward to a glasses option that is currently undergoing clinical trials.

If you have a child diagnosed with myopia, ask your optometrist for a referral to the Myopia Management Clinic with either Dr. Connolly or the Pediatric Resident. She will conduct a myopia management evaluation, which is a comprehensive assessment of risk and then initiate appropriate long-term myopia management solutions. Once enrolled in myopia management, children will be monitored closely for progression and will see the myopia management clinic every six months on average. Children will continue to see their regular optometrist for their yearly routine comprehensive exam.

Questions and to schedule an appointment

Questions about myopia or myopia management? Contact Dr. Katie Connolly at ksconnol@indiana.edu.

Want to schedule an appointment? Have your optometrist contact the Myopia Management Clinic at the Atwater Eye Care Center at 812-855-8436 to make a referral.

A Profile of IUSO’s Doctor of Optometry Class of 2024

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The IU School of Optometry recently welcomed its new first-year OD students, the Class of 2024. Of the applicant pool of 490 candidates, 86 students started their first week of optometry classes at IUSO on Aug. 24.

Learn more about the newest members of IUSO.

Pieper Walton first day of classes at IUSO
Pieper Walton, IUSO Class of 2024
Aug. 24, 2020 (courtesy photo)

 

Allison McKamey first day at IUSO
Allison McKamey, IUSO Class of 2024
Aug. 24, 2020 (courtesy photo)

Where are they from?

  • 30 are Indiana residents.
  • 56 are non-residents
    • From 21 other U.S. states
    • 1 student from Canada

Who are the Class of 2024 students?

  • 53 are women, and 33 are men.
  • The students range in age from 21–37 years old, with the median age of 22 years old.
  • Of the new class, 15% are a minority and 5.8% are underrepresented minorities.
  • Their cumulative undergraduate mean GPA is 3.58.
Hannah Honaker first day at IUSO
Hannah Honaker, IUSO Class of 2024
Aug. 24, 2020 (courtesy photo)

What are their Optometry Admission Test (OAT) mean scores?

Their OAT Academic Average is 321, which is slightly higher than the Class of 2023. Here is the breakdown:

Biology = 319
Physics = 300
General Chemistry = 317
Organic Chemistry = 306
Total Science = 310
Reading Comprehension = 348
Quantitative Reasoning = 337

 

Best wishes to our future optometrists!

IU School of Optometry OD/MS Full-Tuition Scholarship Available

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The Indiana University School of Optometry will provide a full-tuition, 4-year scholarship for up to two highly-qualified optometry school applicants who are committed to completing the demanding rigors of both the OD degree and the MS in Vision Science. This scholarship is for incoming students, starting with the Fall 2021 school year. There will also be one scholarship available for current OD first-year students (members of the Class of 2024).

To qualify, students must apply to both the OD program and the scholarship program. The student should indicate interest in the dual-program on their OD IUSO Supplemental Application. (Note: While standardized tests are not required for admission to the OD program, students will have to submit GRE score report to be considered for the Full-Tuition Scholarship.)

 

Links to All Applications

Apply to the OD Program

Apply to the OD/MS Full-Tuition Scholarship (Application Deadline 1/15)

 

Scholarship Application

The scholarship application consists of:

  • General bio/demographic information
  • Submission of two recommendation letters
    • At least one letter must speak to the student’s research experience and/or potential
    • Letters submitted for the OD application can be reused
  • Submission of GRE score report
  • Submission of a statement of intent


Basic Requirements of the Program

Awardees will have an introduction to IU School of Optometry research remotely in the spring before they begin at IUSO. In the summer before starting the program, students will participate in either:

  • An early orientation: student is expected to come to Bloomington several weeks before optometry classes begin.

OR

  • A full summer session prior to starting Optometry School, for students with an interest and ability to start research or research rotations.

OD courses and specific graduate coursework will be completed over four calendar years, culminating with the submission of an MS research thesis.

Maintenance of the scholarship will require a graduate/OD program 3.5 GPA and an annual review of performance and progress that meet faculty expectations. In the first year, this may involve defining an interest and topic area, providing a brief literature review, and preparing a preliminary research proposal. In later years, actual research progress will be evaluated. Failure to meet these expectations will result in partial or full loss of scholarship.

The scholarship covers full tuition only. University and school lab fees, health insurance, as well as living expenses, are not included.

IU School of Optometry COVID-19 Testing Protocols

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Dear IUSO Faculty, Staff, and Students,

Although this message pertains to students primarily, everyone working at the IU School of Optometry should be aware of our school’s COVID-19 testing protocols.

IUSO Protocol for COVID Testing and Quarantine

An individual who experiences COVID symptoms or suspects they are experiencing COVID symptoms should:

  1. Contact the IU Health Virtual COVID-19 screening site by clicking here and CAS Authenticating. The site is also accessible via on.iu.edu by searching for COVID Health Services.
  2. If your IU Health Virtual COVID-19 screening session recommends that you get tested:
    1. Immediately self-quarantine.
    2. Notify Dr. Kim Kohn, your clinic supervisor, and all class/lab instructors as soon as possible to let them know that you experienced COVID symptoms and are self-quarantining and awaiting test results.
    3. If test results are positive:
      1. Follow the recommendations of the IU Health Virtual Screening with respect to self quarantine and returning to school.
    4.  If the test results are negative:
      1. Follow the recommendations of the IU Health Virtual Screening with respect to self quarantine and returning to school.
    5. Share all IU Health Virtual Screening Results and Recommendations with Dr. Kim Kohn, Associate Dean for Students, who will share with faculty and staff as necessary.

Those Who Are in Close Contact with COVID-Positive Individuals

What counts as close contact? 

  • You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes & not wearing masks.
  • You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.
  • You had direct physical contact with the person (touched, hugged, or kissed them).
  • You shared eating or drinking utensils.
  • They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you. 

For health care workers and IUSO students, close contact occurs only if the individuals were not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically a face mask or a respirator. If the infected individual was not wearing a face covering or face mask, the exposed individual must also have been wearing eye protection. 

An individual—including health care professionals (HCP) and student clinicians—who was in close contact with an individual who has tested COVID-positive within the last 10 days should:

  1. Contact the IU Health Virtual COVID-19 screening site by clicking on the link and CAS authenticating. The site is also accessible via one.iu.edu by searching for COVID Health Services. 
  2. If your IU Health Virtual COVID-19 screening session recommends that you get tested:
    1. Immediately self-quarantine.
    2. It is recommended that testing occur no earlier than five (5) days after the last contact with a COVID-positive individual to reduce the incidence of false-negative test results.
    3. Notify Dr. Kim Kohne, Associate Dean for Students, your clinic supervisor, and all class/lab instructors as soon as possible to let them know that you experienced COVID symptoms and are self-quarantining and awaiting test results.
    4. If test results are positive.
      1. Follow the recommendations of the IU Health Virtual Screening with respect to self-quarantine and returning to school.
    5. If test results are negative.
      1. Follow the recommendations of the IU Health Virtual Screening with respect to self-quarantine and returning to school.
      2. Upon returning to work, individuals should watch for development of COVID symptoms and follow the protocol for those who experience COVID symptoms if they develop.
    6. Share all IU Health Virtual Screening Results and Recommendations with Dr. Kim Kohne, Associate Dean for Students, who will share with faculty and staff as necessary.

Community Responsibility Acknowledgement Required

Everyone should go view IU’s Community Responsibility Acknowledgement, and sign it if you have not done so already.

Limit Social Interactions

Whereas we can control what happens in our clinic, clinical labs, and within the school, we cannot control what happens to you outside of these places. All optometry students have signed on to be healthcare providers. As such, you will be treated as professional healthcare providers during this public health emergency. This is necessary so that your education can proceed under these restrictive circumstances. Therefore, as a professional you will be expected to limit your social interactions so as to reduce potential exposure to COVID-positive individuals. The more people circulate, the more chance for exposure will cause more need for quarantining, and greater disruption to your education and those of your colleagues.

We have taken great pains to make clinic and the school as safe as possible and compatible with advancing your education without delay. Please help us continue by being super vigilant and responsible while you are outside the clinic or school.

Thank you,

Joseph A. Bonanno, OD, PhD, FAAO
Professor and Dean, Indiana University School of Optometry

IU School of Optometry Moving to Admission Test-Optional Approach

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Effective immediately, the submission of test scores from the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) will be optional at the Indiana University School of Optometry for students applying for Fall 2021 enrollment into the Doctor of Optometry program. IU School of Optometry Dean Joseph A. Bonanno, OD, PhD, FAAO, believes this puts the power in the hands of the student, so they may choose how to best tell their academic story.

Recently, many colleges and universities, including Indiana University, have made admissions tests optional. This is a national trend. At IUSO, we have found that admission test scores are becoming a weaker predictor of future academic success. Using a holistic evaluation approach, applicants will still get a rigorous review of their applications.

“We believe the shift to test-optional will provide greater access to our program, for the betterment of IUSO, the optometric profession, and patients nationally,” said Dr. Bonanno.

IUSO will make the GRE and OAT admission tests optional for Doctor of Optometry program applicants for the next three years. After that period, IUSO administration will evaluate as to whether the applicant pool has changed or there has been any effect on academic progress.

IUSO prides itself on developing personal bonds with its students and caring for the individual as they pursue their degree. “As the school recruits new students and reviews their applications, we believe we can look beyond the test score and identify academically-qualified, hard-working, passionate individuals who will strive for excellence in our program,” said Dr. Bonanno. “We’re prepared to push our holistic application review process even further to identify the next bright minds for optometry.”

Joseph A. Bonanno, OD, PhD
Dean and Professor, IU School of Optometry

#BlackLivesMatter

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Hello IUSO community,

The IU School of Optometry community embraces diversity, spreads compassion, and respects peers, colleagues, family, and friends. During the past weeks, many communities nationwide have spoken out against the injustice of systemic racism.

The AOSA at IU does not tolerate such injustices. Whether through education, protest,  monetary donations, or providing resources, there are many ways you can engage in this fight against systematic racism. Therefore, we have an extensive list of Black Lives Matter action items and resources to participate and educate yourself on the current issue. We do ask, should you choose to protest, please do so safely as we are still in a pandemic. This list consists of both nationwide and local opportunities in order to facilitate change at many levels.

We are a community tasked to care for the health of eyes, but we must also remember the role we play in our community as a whole. Just as we support each other, we will continue to support a spirit of diversity and inclusion, even after the protests are over.

Through action, we will achieve change. To our Black community members: We hear you. We see you. We stand with you. #BlackLivesMatter.

Signed,

AOSA at IU

Click here for a PDF of Black Lives Matter Resources.

Update from IUSO Dean Bonanno (May 27)

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Dear IU School of Optometry Faculty, Students and Staff,

As the pandemic evolves, IU is beginning to roll out Restart Activities. I want to give you an update on activities at the school.

Clinics

On May 18, both the Atwater Eye Care Center and the Indianapolis Eye Care Center began seeing patients for routine care. Currently, only 4th-year students are in clinic. Many changes to clinic protocols have been put in place to limit viral spread.

Preclinical activities

In preparation for summer clinic, over the next 4 to 5 weeks, rising 3rd-year students are doing preclinical activities in small groups within the school. This occurs in Room 101 and is supervised by Drs. Khashayar Tonekaboni and Kim Kohne. They are following the same protective protocols that are being used in the clinics.

In July, V551 and V552 preclinical labs will begin in Rooms 101 and 106.

Research

Some essential research has been ongoing in the school building. Starting June 1, the remainder of research activities can start up. Please follow IU Vice President for Research Fred Cate’s directive to begin restarting lab activities within the school. Dr. Pete Kollbaum will be sending a PDF that includes IUSO specific information.

Should I be in the Optometry Building?

In summary, in this phase, the only people in the building should be:

  • Faculty supervising preclinical labs
  • Students assigned to preclinical labs
  • Principal investigators or their designated research staff and  graduate students
  • Staff given specific duties in the building assigned by their supervisor

Working from home is still encouraged, if possible.

If you are not in these groups and you need to go to the building, please let Kevin Collins (collinkf@indiana.edu) know the day and time, so that disinfection cleaning can be performed afterwards.

How to enter and exit the Optometry Building

Given the prospect of increased traffic within the building, we have put in place a uniform guide for entrance and exit to the building:

Everyone moving about the building MUST wear a mask. Exceptions include being alone in your office or lab.

Entry to the building is ONLY through the East and West End Doors. These stairwells are ONLY for going up. The elevator will be available at the end of June. This will likely be limited to one passenger or co-habitating individuals.

Exit from the building is only from the North and South Lobby Doors. The Central Stairway is ONLY for going down.

Faculty and staff should come into the building on the side that their office or lab is located.

Students can come in either East or West End Doors. This reduces the possibility of crowding at one entry for preclinic labs.

Research subjects come up the stairwell end where the lab is located. Research groups must take responsibility for guiding them up, triage for symptoms, and masking. [When arranging the visit, subjects should be given the standard COVID questions: Have a new cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, or muscle aches, shaking with chills, headache, or new loss of taste or smell?, and asked if they have a mask. If not, tell them we can provide one, but they must wear it, no exceptions. PIs can request surgical masks from Kristy’s supply (Dunlap, Kristy M at kmdunlap@indiana.edu) based on the anticipated need. Details will be included in Dr. Kollbaum’s instructions to IUSO researchers.]

A receptionist will be placed at both East and West End entrances 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All entrants will log in. These logs will be kept for at least two weeks to aid in contact tracing.

Deliveries and visitors will be directed to the East End Doors only and they must exit the North or South End Doors.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Joesph A. Bonanno, OD, PhD
Dean and Professor, IU School of Optometry

Update from IUSO Dean Bonanno (May 10)

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Dear IUSO Students, Staff, and Faculty,

I wanted to keep in touch with everyone about what has happened, what is being planned, what is likely, and what is unknown going forward during the pandemic. Some of you may remember the famous wisdom from former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld that “There are known knowns, known unknowns, and unknown unknowns.” In our context we know that the campus is currently only open for “essential” activity (Known Known). We know that Monroe and Marion Counties have extended the “stay-at-home” order, but we don’t know if the open date (May 18) will change (Known Unknown). However, we don’t know what the fall semester will look like, which could change if the public health situation changes (Unknown Unknown).

Other Known and Unknown Issues

Online spring courses and 4th-year clinical case analyses are completed. Kudos to all spring faculty for being able to pivot quickly to provide online delivery. This could not have been done without the excellent coordination and help of Associate Dean Rowan Candy and Extern Director Elli Kollbaum!

Fourth-year students are graduated and we had a zoom commencement on Friday! Congratulations.

Now, we are entering the summer sessions. Some online courses will start soon and others later in the summer. AECC and IECC faculty and staff are preparing for 4th-year intern patient care, currently planned for May 18 and 3rd-year interns in June. Activities will ramp up slowly so that everyone can get use to the new protocols being put in place to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Also, starting in July, lab courses will take place on the 1st floor of the school. Drs. Rowan Candy, Jeffrey Perotti, and other lab instructors have been working steadily in planning these labs. Our goal is to provide an educational and training experience equivalent to normal times, while keeping all as safe as possible. Dr. Perotti has taken the lead in the development of schedules, student flow and practice times, and safety protocols and as we get closer to July he will provide detailed instructions to all students involved. If anyone has a question about the summer lab courses, please contact Dr. Perotti at jperotti@iu.edu.

Access to the Building

Between now and the start of the labs, optometry students should not be coming to the school. If a student feels that they have a compelling reason, contact Associate Dean for Students Dr. Kim Kohne at kkohne@iu.edu to get permission. Fourth-year interns should remove any needed equipment from their school lockers and not be coming back and forth from clinic to school through the summer. Let Dr. Kohne know if you will come to your locker to get equipment. In addition, for the time being and probably through the summer, rooms 108, 110, the 2nd floor student lounge, and the study area associated with the library will be closed to minimize areas where people can congregate. Signs will be placed on the doors reminding you that these areas are closed.  As the university currently advises that only essential activities should take place on campus, this phase should have minimal impact on our community. These spaces will likely open up with social distancing by fall semester.

Moving forward, there may be times and situations when students, faculty, and staff need access to the building or restricted rooms. In that case, please contact IUSO Fiscal Officer Kevin Collins at collinkf@iu.edu or Dr. Perotti in advance so that we can arrange appropriate accommodations. If you have general building questions, you can contact the building manager, Angie Marshall at asorrell@iu.edu.

In this regard, the elevator modernization project has commenced. The contractors are now able to bring heavy items up or down. If you need this, contact Angie Marshall. IU Architect’s Office is displaying their usual “diligence” in keeping this project on track. The finish date is expected to be around June 22.

Other phases of re-opening will be announced in the upcoming weeks along with associated safety precautions. For example, current non-essential Research will likely be the first activity allowed to return to the campus. Associate Dean for Research Pete Kollbaum (kollbaum@iu.edu) will be providing instructions and protocols for all PIs, research staff, and graduate students. Please be on the lookout for these communications and read them carefully. Note that these precautions may change with changing guidance from the University, the city, the state, and the federal government.  And while we recognize that these precautions are generally not part of our normal routine, we thank each member of our community for working together to ensure that the entire IUSO community remains healthy.

Safety Precautions

Remember, frequent hand washing, following social distancing guidelines, using a mask or respirator in public areas, and minimizing what you touch is encouraged, as these have been shown to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. Additionally, if you are sick or experiencing coronavirus symptoms (click here for a list of symptoms) contact your health care provider or IU Student Health and follow their advice (stay at home, come in for testing, etc.).

Going forward, I will serve as the COVID coordinator for the school building and Dr. Neil Pence for the clinics. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Thanks for your patience, diligence, and cooperation as we move through this public health emergency.

Sincerely,

Joesph A. Bonanno, OD, PhD
Dean and Professor, IU School of Optometry

Update from IUSO Dean Bonanno (April 28)

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Dear IU School of Optometry Faculty, Staff, and Students,

I hope you are safe and healthy during these unprecedented times. The public health crisis has upended what is normal in our daily lives as well as for us trying to deliver an education and for students trying to get one.

Spring 2020

Currently, spring semester courses are proceeding online and quickly coming to a close. IUSO Executive Associate Dean Rowan Candy is doing an excellent job coordinating faculty who are providing the online delivery. This has not been ideal, but it has forced all of us to think out of the box and experiment with different approaches. Some worked well and others needed adjustment. Overall, I am proud at how well our faculty have stepped up to deal with these circumstances. They have shown amazing resourcefulness, patience, and creativity.

By spring break, when stay at home directives were beginning, 4th-year students had completed 87.5% of their planned rotations, which has provided ample patient encounters and ability to evaluate performance suitable to graduate. In addition, this has been supplemented by online case analysis and review, which was coordinated by IUSO Externship Director Elli Kollbaum with the help of all clinical faculty.

The usual May Commencement has been canceled. In this regard, Dr. Kim Kohne is in conversations with student leaders about alternate dates. However, it is difficult to plan, given so much uncertainty.

Since clinical training with patient encounters is a core element of an OD degree, we want our clinics and affiliated rotations to begin activities soon, while providing a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and patients. Residents and faculty have been providing urgent care and they are supported by staff at the clinic or working from home. The governor of Indiana has now allowed optometrists to provide standard care as long as suitable safety precautions are taken. Using CDC guidelines and advice from the AOA, Dr. Neil Pence and clinical faculty have developed a COVID-19 operating procedure that includes triage of patients as well as students, faculty and staff; social distancing and limiting numbers of people in the clinic; strict disinfection routines; and surgical masks to name a few. Currently, our plan at IUSO is to begin regular clinic activities on May 11. This start date is subject to change depending on evolving public health advice and having the necessary protective equipment.

Summer 2020

For current 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-year students, critical clinical training labs were suspended and are planned for this summer starting in July. The laser and minor surgery labs will be rescheduled at the end of 4th-year rotations. Except for the labs, courses this summer are online in order to avoid large groups. The small group clinical training labs that start in July will follow the same COVID-19 operating procedures as clinic. IUSO staff have been working hard keeping up with normal school business, but more importantly planning to make sure the building is routinely disinfected and that protective materials are on hand.

Fall 2020

Indiana University as a whole is currently planning for fall. As you can imagine, there are several potential scenarios. Face-to-face classes would have many requirements including widespread testing, availability of which is uncertain. A hybrid program with online large classes and small face-to-face group “classes” and labs, similar to what we are planning to do this summer, is a more likely possibility. Whatever is decided, IUSO we will provide education that is essential and safe for all involved.

Thank you all for your cooperation, understanding, and patience as we navigate these unchartered times. Stay safe.

Sincerely,

Joseph A. Bonanno, OD PhD
Dean and Professor, IU School of Optometry

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