Welcome To The OAO

2008 FIREWORKS SAFETY FACT SHEET

• In 2006, nine out of ten emergency room fireworks injuries involved fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use, according to the National Fire Protection Association.  “Safe and sane” fireworks caused more injuries than illegal fireworks, especially to preschool children.
• Fireworks devices were involved in an estimated 9,200 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2006, based on the 2007 Fireworks Annual Report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• An estimated 6,400 injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms during the one-month period surrounding the Fourth of July.

The following data is from the 6,400 estimates:

• Injuries to children were a major component of total fireworks-related injuries with children under 15 accounting for 36 percent of the estimated injuries.
• Children and young adults under 20 had 47 percent of the estimated injuries.
• Among different types of fireworks, firecrackers were associated with the greatest number of estimated injuries at 1,300. Rockets and sparklers were  associated with 800 and 1,000 injuries each, respectively.
• Sparklers accounted for one third of the injuries to children less than 5 years of age.
• The parts of the body most often injured were hands (estimated 2,300 injuries), eyes (1,500 injuries) and the head, face and ear (1,400 injuries).
• More than half of the injuries were burns. Burns were the most common injury to all parts of the body except the eyes, where contusions, lacerations and foreign bodies in the eye occurred more frequently.
• Males accounted for three-fourths (75%) of fireworks injuries.

The best defense against kids suffering severe eye injuries and burns is to not let kids play with any fireworks.

Do not purchase, use or store fireworks of any type. Protect yourself, your family and your friends by avoiding fireworks. Attend only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators, but be aware that even professional displays can be dangerous.

Prevent Blindness America supports the development and enforcement of bans on the importation, sale and use of all fireworks, except those used in authorized public displays by licensed operators, as the only effective means of eliminating the social and economic impact of fireworks-related trauma and damage.

 

THE OAO IS BRINGING TO YOU…

TRICKS AND TIPS OF MEDICARE BILLING
PRESENTED BY JACKIE MARRA

Jackie Marr is an optician at Casey Eye Institute.  Her presentation deals with common Medicare billing issues and proper coding for eyeglasses.  The class will also give you the opportunity to a hands on workshop and discussion on how to accurately fill out forms for maximum reimbursement.

ABO approved for 1 ABO CE credit

JULY 19, 2008
10:00 AM – 12:00 NOON

SWEEP OPTICAL
2145 CENTENNIAL PLAZA
EUGENE, OR

$10.00 class fee for non OAO members
Free to current OAO members

RSVP TO:
Diane Chrones
541-687-2522
This is has been a very popular class. Register early.

 

August 23, 2008

The Optician's Association of Oregon is presenting a one day workshop for opticians and contact lens.
Click here for the registration form and schedule.