#Donnie Rhett Koonce

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An Overview of Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy

Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy is a serious side effect associated with prolonged use of hydroxychloroquine, a medication commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as malaria. This condition primarily affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, and can lead to irreversible vision loss if not detected and managed promptly.

Several factors contribute to an individual’s risk of developing hydroxychloroquine retinopathy, including the duration and dosage of use, age, weight, existing eye conditions, and kidney or liver disease. Symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages, but can include blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading, color vision changes, and blind spots in the visual field as the condition progresses.

Early detection is crucial, and routine ophthalmologic screening is recommended for all patients on long-term hydroxychloroquine therapy. Diagnostic tools such as visual field testing, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) help identify retinal abnormalities.

Preventive measures include adherence to dosage guidelines, regular eye examinations, consideration of alternative medications for high-risk patients, and awareness of individual risk factors. By implementing these precautions, patients and healthcare providers can mitigate the risk of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy while maximizing the drug’s therapeutic benefits.

It’s important for healthcare providers to educate patients about the potential risks associated with hydroxychloroquine use, and to closely monitor their ocular health throughout the course of treatment. Additionally, patients should report any changes in vision or other symptoms promptly to their healthcare provider for further evaluation.

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Jack and Jill of America Empowers Youth to Become Philanthropists

Jack and Jill of America, one of the most prominent African American family organizations, has partnered with Nickelodeon to launch an initiative aimed at empowering children worldwide with the resources they need to become philanthropists from a young age. The initiative targets the next generation of leaders, envisioning a world where children are equipped to make positive change. Through this partnership, Nickelodeon will provide guidance to children on philanthropic opportunities, fostering a spirit of giving and social responsibility.

Marva Smalls, executive vice president of public affairs at Nickelodeon and global head of inclusion at Paramount, emphasized Nickelodeon’s commitment to empowering children globally through the “Our World” initiative. This initiative reflects Nickelodeon’s longstanding tradition of promoting social good and fostering community relationships. Smalls expressed hope that the initiative would inspire children worldwide to take action and make a difference in their communities.

In her remarks, Kornisha McGill Brown, national president of Jack and Jill of America, highlighted the organization’s 85-year history of empowering children to succeed. She expressed excitement about Jack and Jill of America’s role as the primary coalition partner for Nickelodeon’s “Our World” initiative, emphasizing its alignment with the organization’s core principles.

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An Overview of Optical Screenings

Optical screening plays a crucial role in health care, providing valuable insights into visual health and aiding in the early detection of various eye conditions. Optical screening identifies vision problems at an early stage. Regular screenings help detect refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, which can impact daily life and overall well-being.

Optical screenings also contribute to the early detection of glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention and significantly reduces the risk of vision impairment or loss.

Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes often experience eye-related complications. Regular optical screenings are crucial for monitoring and managing these conditions, helping healthcare professionals intervene promptly.

Advanced technologies such as autorefractors and aberrometers provide objective measurements of refractive errors, aiding in the determination of precise prescriptions for corrective lenses. Retinal imaging technologies such as fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), allow detailed retina examinations. These tools help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the back of the eye.

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Michael Jordan’s Hands-On Approach as Charlotte Hornets Owner

In June 2023, North Carolina native and NBA great Michael Jordan finalized the sale of a majority ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets. The $3 billion sale was to an investment group led by a hedge fund executive who already owned a minority stake in the franchise.

Having started with the Hornets as minority investor in 2006, Jordan took over a majority stake in 2010 and maintained a hands-on approach throughout his tenure with the team. The first former NBA player to gain principal ownership of an NBA franchise, he signed off on all basketball decisions.

This translated into often personal relationships with players. As Nicolas Batum, who played forward with the Hornets from 2015 to 2020, recounted it to The Athletic, he got a call from Michael Jordan when he was traded to the team, welcoming him to the organization. As someone who had grown up as a Bulls fan (though Scottie Pippen was his favorite), Batum was shocked to get that kind of treatment, and it indicated he was not simply another player being slotted into a money-making venture.

Ramon Sessions, a Hornets player from 2016 to 2017, seconded that perception, describing Jordan as the type of owner who would help organize turkey drives for local families and take part in other community events. As another member of the Hornets organization described it, “he’s still a player inside.”

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How the Human Eye and Brain Perceive Colors

One unique human capacity is the ability to see the world in color. This is enabled by specialized cells known as cones and rods that cover the retina, at the back of the eye. They react to various wavelengths in ways that are transmitted through the optic nerve, via electrical signals, to the brain’s thalamus.

The thalamus processes the signals as color, reprocessing and repackaging some into information that it distributes to other regions of the brain. The visual cortex receives such information, with some cells reacting to the shapes of what is seen and others to the color. These converge as a fully processed image, for example of a basketball that is orange.

The image is then sent to other areas of the brain for further processing, including the prefrontal cortex. Situated behind the forehead, the prefrontal cortex makes sense of the entire range of information received and directs action. For example, if the basketball is traveling toward the head at a high speed, the natural reaction is to shield the face or duck.

Abnormal color vision becomes more prevalent as one ages, with at least half of people over 70 experiencing color recognition issues, particularly when perceiving blue or yellow colors. Lighter shades of blue may be mistaken for purple, while yellow may be mistaken for yellow-green or green. Among the potential causes are decreased pupil size, changes in vision pathway acuity, and a yellowing of the lens within the eye.

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3 Must-Download Recipe and Cooking Apps

With a master of science in biomedical science from Wake Forest University, Donnie Rhett Koonce is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based ophthalmic technician at Charlotte Optometric Clinic. His responsibilities include conducting glaucoma and blood pressure screenings and color vision testing. Away from work, Donnie Rhett Koonce enjoys cooking and creating new recipes.

Whether you're looking for cooking inspiration or entirely new recipes to try out, here's a look at three recipe apps you need to download:

1. Paprika Recipe Manager - Available for Android and iOS, Paprika has a built-in web browser that allows you to search cooking websites for various recipes. Other features include tools to create shopping lists, plan meals, and convert measurements. It also keeps your phone from dimming when open, so you'll no longer have to unlock it with messy fingers.

2. BigOven - This app has over 350,000 recipes created by home cooks and includes a Recent Raves section highlighting positively-reviewed recipes. You can also automatically import your family recipes with BigOven's recipe scanner.

3. Forks Over Knives - Those switching to plant-based diets can get recipe inspiration from Forks Over Knives, which features a library of recipes involving more than 400 whole foods. New recipes are uploaded every week. It does require a $5 sign-up fee, however.

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Three Types of Cooking Methods

With an MS in Biomedical science from Wake Forest University, Donnie Rhett Koonce is an experienced ophthalmic technician. Donnie Rhett Koonce has various hobbies such as reading, playing the piano, and cooking.

Knowing how to blend various types of vegetables, seafood, and meats with the appropriate cooking methods is crucial for effective meal preparation. However, dry heat cooking, wet heat cooking, and combination cooking are the three types of cooking.

There is no requirement for moisture in dry heat cooking. Instead, heat is transmitted to meals via hot air circulation or fat contact. Browning is a phenomenon in which food's amino acids and sugars darken and provide a distinct aroma and flavor when heated to 300 degrees or above. The unique odors of toasted bread or seared meat define dry heat cooking at work.

As the name indicates, moist heat cooking relies on the presence of liquid or steam to cook dishes. This method may be used to make healthy foods that don't require any extra fat or oil. Moisture-heated cooking softens fibrous veggies and lentils until they're just perfect. Unlike dry heat cooking, cooking with moist heat does not produce a browned crust.

Finally, in combination cooking, both dry and wet cooking procedures are employed. Foods are cooked in liquids at low heat for a long time, resulting in fork-tender outcomes. This process works best with the toughest cuts of meat since the fibers are carefully broken down until they dissolve in the liquid.

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A former amateur sports journalist, Donnie Rhett Koonce is knowledgeable about basketball. Donnie Rhett Koonce gained a wide variety of experience reporting on collegiate sports as well as major league games.

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Common Retinal Diseases

The recipient of a master of science in biomedical science from Wake Forest University, Donnie Rhett Koonce is an ophthalmic assistant at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates. Donnie Rhett Koonce also helps operate retinareference.com, a resource for information related to retinal disease. The retina, a thin tissue layer inside the back wall of the eye, consists of millions of light-sensitive cells (cone cells and rod cells. It also contains nerve cells that process and receive visual information. Common symptoms of retinal disease include blurred or distorted vision, vision loss, and peripheral vision defects. Certain retinal diseases, if left untreated, can cause blindness. However, treatments are available for most retinal diseases. Here are some common retinal conditions and diseases: Diabetic Retinopathy: Occurring in patients with diabetes, this disease is characterized by swelling of the retina due to fluid leaking under and into the retina. It may cause blurred or distorted vision. Retinitis Pigmentosa: An inherited disease, retinitis pigmentosa progresses with loss of side vision and night blindness. Retinal Detachment: This is an upward shift in the position of the retina due to the accumulation of fluid underneath.

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Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students - History and Mission

After spending six years as an ophthalmic technician for the Charlotte Optometric Clinic, Donnie Rhett Koonce started a role as an ophthalmic associate with the Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. A graduate of the Wake Forest University biomedical science program, Donnie Rhett Koonce was involved with the Minority Association of Premedical Students (MAPS). MAPS was founded by Dr. Jeffrey Sterling while pursuing his medical degree at Northwestern University. Since its formalized recognition by the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) in 1989, the organization has established a presence in more than 200 medical schools across the country. Chapters have been opened at some of the most prestigious institutions, including Harvard College and Yale University. Today, more than 30 percent of SNMA members are also involved with MAPS. MAPS’ mission is to increase opportunities for minority pre-medical students and improve minority patient care. In addition to hosting networking and training events, MAPS members perform community service and conduct research to highlight healthcare disparities impacting people from minority backgrounds.

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What Is the Order of the Arrow?

An experienced ophthalmic assistant and technician, Donnie Rhett Koonce specializes in data analysis, patient screenings, and surgical audits at Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose, & Throat Associates in North Carolina. Prior to his work in the medical industry, Donnie Rhett Koonce participated in the Boy Scouts of America as an Eagle Scout Award and member of the Order of the Arrow. The Boy Scouts of America’s Order of the Arrow has recognized scouts who epitomize the values of the organization in their daily lives for more than a century. The order, which was founded in 1915, currently includes over 150,000 members across the United States. Order of the Arrow members are expected to embody the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The oath consists of a commitment to keep oneself physically fit, mentally awake, and morally just, in addition to a promise to serve God and country. Alternatively, the Scout’s Law covers 12 values that scout’s should aspire to. These include trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, friendliness, courtesy, kindness, obedience, cheerfulness, thriftiness, bravery, cleanliness, and reverence. For further information on the Order of the Arrow, visit www.oa-bsa.org.

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An Overview of NSBE Membership Tiers

Donnie Rhett Koonce is an accomplished medical professional who currently serves as an ophthalmic technician and assistant at several clinics in North Carolina. Outside of his professional work, Donnie Rhett Koonce has participated in nonprofit organizations such as Jack and Jill of America and the National Society of Black Engineers. Since its inception in 1974, the National Society of Black Engineers has stimulated interest in the engineering field among people of color while advocating for issues and policies that affect black engineers. The organization, which also offers a number of professional resources to its members, currently offers three tiers of membership: NSBE Jr. - A junior-level membership that provides college admission prep that includes standardized testing resources and scholarship assistance. Moreover, junior members have access to society events, networking opportunities, and leadership development programs. Collegiate - A membership tier that focuses on academic and career supports while also preparing students to be future leaders in the engineering field. The collegiate tier also enables access to society events, volunteer programs, and professional resources like the NSBE Magazine. Professional - A career-focused membership that provides career supports ranging from leadership and professional development to engineering magazine subscriptions and discounted event registrations. In addition, professional members have access to career fairs, mentoring, and special interest groups.

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The Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

Donnie Rhett Koonce is an ophthalmic professional interested in fighting for the inclusion and fair treatment of minorities. When in university, he co-founded a safe space for minority males to hold discussions and was the president of the Minority Association of Premedical Students. Donnie Rhett Koonce also does research focusing on healthcare for low-income individuals and diabetes. People with diabetes are faced with a higher risk of vision loss due to the likelihood of developing some eye conditions such as open-angle glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy (DR). The primary cause of DR is that high blood sugar levels weaken the retina's blood vessels, which is the layer of tissue in the back of the eye. DR is asymptomatic at first, but it can further develop more severe symptoms. In later stages of DR, the retina blood vessels start to bleed into the vitreous, leading to blurred vision and floating streaks or spots. If not treated, bleeding can occur again. With the growth of new vessels, additional pressure is applied in the retina, potentially tearing it and causing scarring that further develops into blindness. DR is directly correlated to glucose levels in the blood, which means that people with diabetes can prevent DR by keeping the blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Another way to avoid DR is to control your cholesterol levels and blood pressure, since these can influence the development of the condition.