Accepted

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The development of my thesis was a long a arduous process, one which I could never have completed alone. I would like to express my thanks first off to my committee, Dr. Ronald L. Cook, O.D. and Dr. John Puig, M.D. Both of which took time out of their busy schedules to assist me with my thesis and pushed me further into the subject matter for a deeper understanding. I would also like to thank Pamela L. George for her support, material, and expertise. I will always be grateful to Clark Houser for his editorial support, problem solving abilities and encouragement, allowing me to complete this paper despite all the hurdles and obstacles that were entailed. I would also like to thank my wife, Laura for her editorial assistance and encouragement in completing this thesis. Lastly, I would like to thank Dr. Michael Schoenecke and Ms. Linda Gregston for their guidance, encouragement, and their endless patience