LEWISTON – Dr. Reginald Mailhot, O.D., owner of the Family Eye Health and Contact Lens Center in Lewiston, is the new president of the Maine Optometric Association. The ceremony took place Dec. 1 at the annual meeting of the MOA, held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport.

MOA is working on projects in conjunction with Healthy Eyes, Healthy People 2010. The InfantSEE® program provides free eye assessments for infants between 6 and 12 months of age by participating doctors of optometry. This initiative provides early detection and prevention of potential eye health risks that can inhibit normal infant development. Also, the association is collaborating with other professional organizations to assure yearly dilated eye exams for patients with diabetes. Another public health initiative enhances school vision screenings so that fewer children will be left behind due to undetected vision problems. On the horizon for the association, the KIDS for ME Program will provide information to educate families, schools, and sports programs about the importance of sports eye safety and protection.