How do I enter the chat room?
Point your web browser to http://www.willsglaucoma.org/chatintro.html, read and agree to the terms and hit the submit button. You will be taken to the login page. At the bottom of that page, enter a nickname and click on "Connect" to enter the chat room. The nickname you enter will appear automatically in a small window on the right in the chat room. Please use the same name or nickname each time you visit the chat room. You will be in the Doctor's Suite when you enter the chat room.

What kind of browser do I need to chat?
To participate in the glaucoma chat support group you need a java-enabled Web browser. The chat room works best with Internet Explorer, version 4.0 or higher. Netscape Navigator for the Macintosh is not recommended. If you experience problems using the chat room we suggest upgrading to the latest version of Internet Explorer.

Can I connect to the chat room using Web TV?
Web TV users are currently not able to participate in chat because the Web TV browser does not support Java. If you are a Web TV user, you may click here to contact us with your questions related to upcoming topics.

Can I connect to the chat room using AOL?
Since AOL users may have problems, the use of an external web browser (Internet Explorer) is recommended. Connect to AOL, minimize your AOL screen, access Internet Explorer and proceed to the chat room.

Does Windows XP support Java?
Some versions of Windows XP do not come with a Java VM. You will need to download the latest one from Sun.

How do I check to make sure JVM is enabled with Windows XP?
Click on Start, then Control Panel, then switch to Classic View. Look for Java coffee cup icon labeled Java plug ins; double click, Java plug in control panel will appear; click Browser and check Internet Explorer.

Why am I have trouble connecting to the chat room using a Macintosh?
Macintosh users should use Internet Explorer, not Netscape, in the chat room. There are known problems with Macintosh, Netscape, and the chat room. We recommend using Internet Explorer if you are using a MAC. You should also be using the latest version of JVM (java virtual machine) with Internet Explorer. Click here to download the latest Java for Mac OS:
http://www.apple.com/java/

Can I connect to the chat room using a proxy server or a firewall?
If your system is using a firewall or proxy server, you may not be able to gain access to the chat room. You will need to make sure that Port 80 is open.The DigiChat client connects to the DigiChat server through six default TCP ports: 8396, 58396, 443, 110, 119, 25. If you have any other problems, please contact your system administrator.

Why do I sometimes get disconnected from the chat room?
The browser window must stay open to the chat entrance page or your connection will be lost. Another reason could be that your Internet connection is bad (as a phone connection can be bad). If so, your chat screen could be slow or your connection to the chat room may be lost. If your are encountering this type of problem, we suggest you disconnect from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and then reconnect. If this does not help, contact your ISP.

When I lose my connection to the chat room, why can't I re-enter the room using the same name?
You can use the same name, and it's best to do so. Just add a number after the name you use (for example, Harry1). If you lose your connection again, change the number, not your name (for example, Harry2).

Is there a back-up chat room entrance?
If you have been in the chat room before and are now having trouble connecting, please click here to enter using the back-up chat room entrance.

Where can I get the latest version of JVM?
Be sure you are using the latest version of your web browser and Java Virtual Machine (JVM). We recommend using Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher for both Microsoft Windows and Macintosh. Below are links to downloads for the latest version of Internet Explorer and JVM.

Download latest version of Internet Explorer
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.htm

Internet Explorer uses Microsoft Java for Windows:
http://java.com/en/index.jsp

Internet Explorer uses Macintosh Runtime for Java for Mac OS:
http://www.apple.com/java/

Netscape Communicator:
http://home.mcom.com/comprod/mirror/index.html
Netscape is not recommended for Macintosh users. Since Netscape uses its own Java Virtual Machine, updating to a later version will not help Netscape users.  You can increase your scroll speed by clicking on the "very fast" button in Settings in the chat room.

Java Virtual Machines for other platforms:
Follow the link below for the latest virtual machines. For other platforms such as Linux and Silicon Graphics' IRIX, you will need a virtual machine that is at least compatible with JDK 1.1.
http://java.sun.com/cgi-bin/java-ports.cgi

Can I use an IRC client to connect to the chat room?
No, the Glaucoma chat room cannot be accessed with an IRC client.

How can I change my profile in the chat room?

Click on the Settings button. A new window will appear with four tabs: Profile, Options, Fonts, Information. Click on Profile to add information about yourself in the appropriate spaces, e.g., name, gender, age, etc. After "Comments," enter a brief profile. The information in your profile saves time in the chat room and should include: gender, age (optional), type of glaucoma, when diagnosed, current glaucoma medication, laser, surgery, state or province where you reside, and any other relevant information you wish to provide. You may also list your email address, ICQ number, etc. When you have finished, be sure to click the "Save" button.

How can the scroll speed of the chat room window?
Click on the Settings button. A new window will appear with four tabs: Profile, Options, Fonts, Information. Click on Options to change the scroll speed. When you have finished, be sure to click the "Save" button.

How can I change the font size of the text in the chat room window?
Click on the Settings button. A new window will appear with four tabs: Profile, Options, Fonts, Information. Click on Font to select the type and size font and the colors you want to use. When you have finished, click on the Save button. You will return automatically to the chat room.

How can I get an icon (graphic) to appear next to my name in the chat room?
Click on the Settings button. A new window will appear with four tabs: Profile, Options, Fonts, Information. Click on Profile. At the bottom you will see a selection of icons. Move the arrows left or right to view more icons. Select an icon, or select a blank space if you prefer not to use one. When you have finished, be sure to click the Save button.

How do I make emotions appear in the chat room window?
To use emoticons in the chat room, type the appropriate characters in the text-entry box.  For example, type :)) for a happy face.

:)

:(

:0

:))

;)

zzz

When is there a doctor in the chat room?
A glaucoma specialist from Wills Eye Institute, or a guest specialist, joins the chat support group on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 8:30 p.m., E.T., to discuss a predetermined topic for 30 minutes. At approximately 9:00 p.m. the discussion is open for general glaucoma questions.

What times does the glaucoma chat support group meet?
The glaucoma chat support group meets every Monday at 8:00 p.m. (E.T.) for an open chat with newbies and old timers. The group meets again on the first and third Wednesday of the month until the glaucoma specialist arrives at 8:30 p.m. to discuss the scheduled topic. The doctor is in the chat room for approximately one hour. Some of the chatters stay past 9:30 p.m. for an open chat. The group meets again every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. for a fun chat. The chat room is always open. You can use the Bionic Eye message board to invite others to a chat at a particular time. Click here for chat room schedule of events.

I am new to the chat room. How can I get help while I am in the chat room?
You can double-click on the a moderator's name to send a private message and ask for help.

How do I send a private message to someone in the chat room?
Put your cursor on the person's name and double-click. A smaller chat window will open, and you can chat privately with that person. You can have more than one private chat window open at a time. However, depending on your computer's speed, having more than one private chat open at a time may slow down the chat room for you. You can also also open a private chat window by selecting the person's name and clicking the "chat privately button."

How do I re-size (increase or decrease the size of) my chat room window?
Put your cursor at the very top of the window (where it says, "Digi-Chat: Doctor's Suite: Your Name") and double-click your mouse to maximize the size of the chat room window. To minimize it, do the same.

How can I copy and paste text in the chat room window?
You cannot copy text from the chat room window, but you can copy and paste your prepared questions from a text file or a Word file. To copy prepared text, highlight the text, then hit Control+ C to copy. In the chat room, place your cursor in the small chat room window, and use Control + V to paste your test into the window. When you want to ask your question, press the "enter" key on your keyboard.

How can I find out more about the others in the chat room?
Select the person's name and click on the Information button. If the person has entered a profile, you will now be able to view it. You can also click here to visit the Glaucomate page to see if the person is listed.

How can I highlight a chatter's comments so they stand out in the chat room window?
Select the person's name and click on the Highlight User button.

What can I do if someone is harassing or annoying me in the chat room?
Select the person's name and click on the Ignore User button. You will no longer see that person's comments. Please contact a chat room moderator or monitor immediately if someone is annoying you. Click here to contact the webmaster and provide as much information as you can about the incident. If warranted, the person can be banned or blocked from entering the chat room.

How can I ignore another person in the chat room?
Select the person's name and click on the Ignore user button. You will no longer see comments from that user in the chat room.

Where can I find out more about chat room etiquette?
To ensure the Wills chat room's continuing success, please observe proper chat room etiquette. You an click here for more information on proper chat room etiquette.

Where can I get additional help?
For additional help, click here to contact the webmaster.