DANVILLE — A cataract surgery pioneer who continues to lead the way by helping to develop and teach some of the most advanced procedures available is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the practice he founded.
Dr. David Dillman, of Dillman Eye Care, is embarking on three decades practicing ophthalmology in Danville.
He opened the practice Nov. 2, 1981, and said he didn’t know a soul in Danville back then. Earlier, he had graduated cum laude with his bachelor of science degree from the University of Notre Dame, received a medical degree from Indiana University, did an internship at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis and then an ophthalmology residency at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
After a year-long stint practicing at the Olmsted Medical Center in Minnesota he was recruited to practice in Danville, though he had no connections here otherwise.
During that time period two hospitals served the Danville area — Lakeview (now Provena United Samaritans Medical Center) and St. Elizabeth (no longer in existence). Dillman said it was a “Hatfield and McCoy” environment, with the two hospitals vying hard to better the other.
“Lakeview Hospital had a very impressive recruiting department to bring new doctors to Danville,” Dillman said.
One of the incentives offered to new doctors at the time were home loans with favorable interest rates. The rate he received was 13.5 percent, which was much lower than the standard at the time of around 18 percent interest.
Dillman jokes about the rate now, but said it was a good deal then.
“By today’s standards, that (interest rate) would be unthinkable,” Dillman said.
He purchased two suites in a new medical office building adjacent to Lakeview. They had just gravel on the floor and he designed them specifically for ophthalmology.
“In a very short time we outgrew that and I bought a third suite and in a short time we outgrew that and I realized I couldn’t just keep buying suites,” Dillman said. “It just wasn’t practical.”
So in November 1986 the practice moved into the newly built location at 600 North Logan Avenue, where the business continues to thrive.
During Dillman’s first decade of practice he did general ophthalmology, which encompassed a little of everything in the field of eyes. Then in 1991, he limited his practice to just cataract and refractive surgery, which made sense considering his passion and expertise in the areas. Though, Dillman is humble about is roots.
“I was in the right place at the right time in the world of cataract surgery,” Dillman said.
In the early 1980s a cataract procedure called phacoemulsification was just beginning to make waves in the field of ophthalmology.
“That was a technology that in the early ’80s was extremely controversial,” Dillman said. “Mainly because it was a radical departure from the traditional way of doing cataract surgery.”
Dillman became involved with “phaco” in 1985, during a period when less than 5 percent of surgeons were employing the procedure.
“I got in on the ground floor of ‘phaco’,” Dillman said. “By the mid to late 1980s, its popularity started to blossom and in the 1990s it just skyrocketed. When I started it, it was controversial, but now it is pretty much standard of care.”
Because of his early involvement in “phaco” and due to his advocacy for the procedure, Dillman has traveled extensively to lecture on the subject and has taught at least 200 courses around the world. In the end, he helped to develop better technologies and techniques in ‘phaco’.
Dillman also has written articles on the subject and textbook chapters and has appeared in instructional videos. He also co-authored a textbook on refractive surgery, another procedure altogether.
His expertise on phaco has led more than 300 ophthalmologists to come to Danville to observe him in action, viewing Dillman performing the surgery.
He performs around 1,000 cataract surgeries a year now, but has performed 25,000 during his three decades of service.
Proud of the 30-year benchmark the practice is celebrating this year, Dillman also is looking ahead.
The practice added two new doctors to its staff this past summer, which will broaden Dillman Eye Care’s spectrum of services.
Dr. Andrew Dvorak is an ophthalmologist who also will perform cataract surgery and many of the services Dillman discontinued in the early 1990s. He will treat patients with macular degeneration, diabetes, glaucoma and performing procedures like eyelid surgery.
Dr. Monica Kalia is a general optometrist who will focus on diseases of the eye and family eye care. She has a special interest in children and pediatric conditions, such as eye muscle issues.
“Together, they’re going to bring new ideas and new energy,” Dillman said.
Lori Keith, head of the refractive surgery division and marketing, said the arrival of the two new doctors has already added much more to the practice. Before, patients with certain issues would be referred away, but now they can do most anything in-house.
“Patients are not going to have to leave Danville to get the care they need,” Keith said.
Keith, who has worked at Dillman Eye Care for 26 years, also spoke about the office atmosphere after decades of employees working together.
There are 20 employed there, including Dillman, with at least 10 being there for at least a decade. Of those, seven have been there at least 15 years, with a few being there more than 20 years.
“It’s more like a family,” Keith said. “We care about each other and our patients. When you get up each morning you’re glad you’re coming here to work.”
Keith said much of that is because of Dillman himself, who is not only a talented surgeon, but a good person.
“It all resonates from him,” Keith said.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Dr. Alan Carlson Rolls Out 14th Annual VISX Laser Certification Course
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, SEPT. 05, 2011 – Alan Carlson M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology at the Duke Eye Center and Chief of the Corneal and Refractive Surgery Service, successfully rolled out the 14th annual VISX Laser Certification Course at the Duke Eye Center, in cooperation with the Duke Center for Vision Correction.
Dr. Alan Carlson, Professor of Ophthalmology on faculty at the Duke Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina is one of the most well respected ophthalmologists working in the United States. Dr. Carlson has written over 100 articles, book chapters and instructional videos dealing with the treatment and prevention of complications from eye surgery. You may visit www.alancarlsonmd.com, for more information and to schedule a consultation. Dr. Carlson can also be reached at 919-681-4089.
This certification course has the distinction of being the longest running in-house program in the country for training and certifying surgeons to perform photorefractive keratectomy (PPK) and LASIK eye surgery.
The yearly certification course begins with a five-hour didactic session that involves the review of over 250 slides, accompanied by in-depth quizzes to help ensure the participants gain a firm understanding of every detail involved. After the lecture session, participants will undergo the extensive “wet lab” experience which helps to impart detailed information on PTK and PRK techniques, along with application of LASIK.
All the procedures and activities in the certification course are performed with strict adherence to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.
Dr. Carlson said: “I feel truly privileged to be able to do this; I think this yearly event is part of my calling. I believe it is a responsibility to pass on my knowledge and share my expertise with as many surgeons as I can reach.”
The certification course provides participants with an outstanding opportunity. The chance to obtain special training on the concepts of laser eye surgery from one of the most reputable eye surgeons in the country, using the state of-the-art equipment at the Duke Eye Center in North Carolina.
Dr. Carlson, a leading eye doctor who specializes in laser eye surgery and cataract treatment, is one of the only two surgeons in North and South Carolina qualified to certify other doctors in the field of refractive surgery. He has performed over 46,000 surgical procedures, including 16,000 LASIK eye surgery procedures. With a wealth of experience in this field, he has been recognized as a key opinion leader in cataract surgery, as well as refractive and corneal surgery. This experience led to his selection as one of the top six surgeons among university laser surgeons in the United States, and has precipitated his inclusion in the prestigious Best Doctors 2011 - 2012 awards list.
Fischbach Family Medicine and Ophthalmology faces legal action
COLUMBIA — State regulators have initiated legal action against an Aiken medical facility, after unsuccessful efforts to collect a $16,500 civil penalty for infectious-waste violations that allegedly happened two years ago.
Efforts to reach Fischbach Family Medicine and Ophthalmology through four telephone numbers that had been associated with it were not successful Thursday.
On Aug. 25, a spokesman for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control said the agency filed a summons and complaint for the $16,500 penalty. DHEC spokesman Adam Myrick said officials were waiting to get on the legal docket for the summons.
The clinic’s doctor had filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which prevents the agency from collecting business debts, according to Myrick in a June e-mail.
A records request for correspondence between the Fischbach clinic and DHEC show regulators have been trying to address the citations.
In May, DHEC issued a letter to the clinic that announced a June enforcement conference to discuss the alleged violations of state Infectious Waste Management Regulations. But the clinic declined to meet with DHEC regulators, Myrick said.
Records on file with the South Carolina Secretary of State indicate the clinic is in good standing, and an agency spokeswoman said neither the Department of Revenue nor the court system has submitted any documents to the contrary.
In June 2010, shortly after the DHEC Board received notice of the Fischbach case and others across the state, a clinic employee who answered a reporter’s phone call had said the mishandling charge stemmed from a nurse’s efforts to transfer the waste without knowing the proper way to do so.
State records show that in April 2009, the landlord for the 721 Richland Ave. W site complained by telephone to DHEC that the clinic staff had left behind infectious waste after moving to 410 University Parkway.
DHEC inspectors checked the site the next day and noted several violations. Among them was a citation that said the facility had not taken care to keep the public and the environment from being exposed to the waste.
The Aiken facility is probably not the only one in the state that has eluded DHEC’s civil penalties for alleged violations of environmental regulations, but as for who the other entities are and the grand total of what is owed, Myrick said it would be difficult to tabulate and would consume considerable staff resources.
Efforts to reach Fischbach Family Medicine and Ophthalmology through four telephone numbers that had been associated with it were not successful Thursday.
On Aug. 25, a spokesman for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control said the agency filed a summons and complaint for the $16,500 penalty. DHEC spokesman Adam Myrick said officials were waiting to get on the legal docket for the summons.
The clinic’s doctor had filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which prevents the agency from collecting business debts, according to Myrick in a June e-mail.
A records request for correspondence between the Fischbach clinic and DHEC show regulators have been trying to address the citations.
In May, DHEC issued a letter to the clinic that announced a June enforcement conference to discuss the alleged violations of state Infectious Waste Management Regulations. But the clinic declined to meet with DHEC regulators, Myrick said.
Records on file with the South Carolina Secretary of State indicate the clinic is in good standing, and an agency spokeswoman said neither the Department of Revenue nor the court system has submitted any documents to the contrary.
In June 2010, shortly after the DHEC Board received notice of the Fischbach case and others across the state, a clinic employee who answered a reporter’s phone call had said the mishandling charge stemmed from a nurse’s efforts to transfer the waste without knowing the proper way to do so.
State records show that in April 2009, the landlord for the 721 Richland Ave. W site complained by telephone to DHEC that the clinic staff had left behind infectious waste after moving to 410 University Parkway.
DHEC inspectors checked the site the next day and noted several violations. Among them was a citation that said the facility had not taken care to keep the public and the environment from being exposed to the waste.
The Aiken facility is probably not the only one in the state that has eluded DHEC’s civil penalties for alleged violations of environmental regulations, but as for who the other entities are and the grand total of what is owed, Myrick said it would be difficult to tabulate and would consume considerable staff resources.
FHN to close optical shop Oct. 1, will not affect ophthalmology dept.
With increased competition and a focus on other health care programs, FHN continues to make changes locally. As of Oct. 1, they will be closing their optical shop.
This action does not affect the ophthalmology department. In fact, FHN recently welcomed Dr. Hanny Isawi to the ophthalmology team. Cataract surgeries and other eye health programs will continue as they have in the past.
This is just another change to help improve the focus on health care at FHN. The decision to close the optical department came after consideration of the other options for eye care in this area.
Increased health care costs not only affect the consumer, but also health care providers. FHN continues to focus their mission on health care to see where it fits in their overall goal to provide the best health care to their patients.
Mark Gridley, FHN Vice President of Physician Affairs, said the decision was based on making sure people had other options in this area for their eye care.
“There are many fine options for eyewear in the greater Freeport area,” Gridley said. “We are comfortable that our good partners in these businesses, for whom glasses and contact lenses are a primary focus, will do a great job supplying these items for all FHN patients and customers.”
Gridley went on to say that eyewear is not part of FHN’s core mission and that cost-savings realized from this action will help FHN meet escalating costs in its core health care services arising from national and state-wide challenges, such as dramatically rising medical malpractice insurance and ongoing reductions in Medicare and other state reimbursements.
Ophthalmology Specialist
Isawi, an ophthalmology specialist, has joined FHN and is seeing patients at FHN Specialty Care — Harlem Avenue in Freeport.
Isawi is a graduate of Freeport High School and earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He interned at the University of Pennsylvania — Presbyterian Hospital and served his residency at Penn State Hershey Eye Center in Hershey, Penn.
“I am excited to be coming home to Freeport to help people achieve and maintain their best vision and eye health,” Isawi said. “Your vision is an irreplaceable resource, and today’s technology makes it possible to help patients suffering from cataracts and other eye diseases.”
This action does not affect the ophthalmology department. In fact, FHN recently welcomed Dr. Hanny Isawi to the ophthalmology team. Cataract surgeries and other eye health programs will continue as they have in the past.
This is just another change to help improve the focus on health care at FHN. The decision to close the optical department came after consideration of the other options for eye care in this area.
Increased health care costs not only affect the consumer, but also health care providers. FHN continues to focus their mission on health care to see where it fits in their overall goal to provide the best health care to their patients.
Mark Gridley, FHN Vice President of Physician Affairs, said the decision was based on making sure people had other options in this area for their eye care.
“There are many fine options for eyewear in the greater Freeport area,” Gridley said. “We are comfortable that our good partners in these businesses, for whom glasses and contact lenses are a primary focus, will do a great job supplying these items for all FHN patients and customers.”
Gridley went on to say that eyewear is not part of FHN’s core mission and that cost-savings realized from this action will help FHN meet escalating costs in its core health care services arising from national and state-wide challenges, such as dramatically rising medical malpractice insurance and ongoing reductions in Medicare and other state reimbursements.
Ophthalmology Specialist
Isawi, an ophthalmology specialist, has joined FHN and is seeing patients at FHN Specialty Care — Harlem Avenue in Freeport.
Isawi is a graduate of Freeport High School and earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He interned at the University of Pennsylvania — Presbyterian Hospital and served his residency at Penn State Hershey Eye Center in Hershey, Penn.
“I am excited to be coming home to Freeport to help people achieve and maintain their best vision and eye health,” Isawi said. “Your vision is an irreplaceable resource, and today’s technology makes it possible to help patients suffering from cataracts and other eye diseases.”
Eye donation is a noble gesture: Prof. Sukul,
ALIGARH: Prof. R.R. Sukul, Director of the Institute of Ophthalmology, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University said that the Institute is making sustainable efforts to bring back eyesight to the unfortunate people suffering from permanent blindness.
He said that as a part of its drive against the blindness, the Institute is organizing an eye donation fortnight programme under the aegis of J.N. Medical College from 25th August to 8th September. Prof. Sukul said that since its inception six years back, the Eye Bank of the Institute has brought back eyesight to large number of people through corneal transplantation. He said that there are several reasons for the spreading blindness prominent of which are cataract, glaucoma and other corneal problems. He said that the blindness rate in India is 0.5 percent comparing to 1.3 percent before launching of National Blindness Control Programme in 1976. He, however, said that the awareness level among people about eye donation is very low in our country.
Prof. Sukul observed that people generally fill-up the eye donation form but do not donate their eyes. The family members dither from accomplishing the deceased’s will. He said that a mass level awareness programme is needed to make people aware of the positive aspects of the eye donation. He said that the cornea of deceased remains live till six hours after the death and the doctors get it preserved and used later to provide eyesight to the needy.
It is a noble gesture and the people need to rise above all dogmas pertaining to eye donation. Prof. Sukul said that Eye Bank of the J.N. Medical College is observing Eye Donation fortnight to raise awareness among the people so that they may come forward to donate their eyes. He said that that all services at the Eye Bank are provided free of cost and further details may be had from Prof. Sukul on his mobile no. 9412272009 and Incharge of Eye Bank Dr. Adeeb Alam Khan on 9837252564.
He said that as a part of its drive against the blindness, the Institute is organizing an eye donation fortnight programme under the aegis of J.N. Medical College from 25th August to 8th September. Prof. Sukul said that since its inception six years back, the Eye Bank of the Institute has brought back eyesight to large number of people through corneal transplantation. He said that there are several reasons for the spreading blindness prominent of which are cataract, glaucoma and other corneal problems. He said that the blindness rate in India is 0.5 percent comparing to 1.3 percent before launching of National Blindness Control Programme in 1976. He, however, said that the awareness level among people about eye donation is very low in our country.
Prof. Sukul observed that people generally fill-up the eye donation form but do not donate their eyes. The family members dither from accomplishing the deceased’s will. He said that a mass level awareness programme is needed to make people aware of the positive aspects of the eye donation. He said that the cornea of deceased remains live till six hours after the death and the doctors get it preserved and used later to provide eyesight to the needy.
It is a noble gesture and the people need to rise above all dogmas pertaining to eye donation. Prof. Sukul said that Eye Bank of the J.N. Medical College is observing Eye Donation fortnight to raise awareness among the people so that they may come forward to donate their eyes. He said that that all services at the Eye Bank are provided free of cost and further details may be had from Prof. Sukul on his mobile no. 9412272009 and Incharge of Eye Bank Dr. Adeeb Alam Khan on 9837252564.
Eye on Ophthalmology
Shunts and Stents for Glaucoma |
| Steven Vold, MD |
| Do drainage devices implanted into the eye improve glaucoma surgery's outcomes compared to trabeculectomy, the current gold standard in filtration procedures? That depends on the type of glaucoma and patient being treated. Tube vs. trabeculectomy research seems to indicate that tube shunt surgery represents a viable option when compared to standard filtration surgery. |
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Ophthalmologist was skillful at humor, music and medicine
La Jolla ophthalmologist Max Smith was best known for two things: his “never met a stranger” attitude and his ability to pluck a mean string bass. Wearing Band-Aids to protect his surgeon’s fingertips, Dr. Smith was the musical backbone of a trio of doctors who performed in medically themed musical comedy sketches throughout the state for 20 years.
“Max was a humorist with a story for every occasion, and with his wife and son, provided the music for us,” said former ophthalmology partner and performer Art Edwards. “We performed for hospitals and medical conventions and in the La Jolla Village Vaudeville shows put on by the Soroptimists in the 1970s and 1980s.
“Max was important in the group because he gave a lot of time to practice and help us.”
Dr. Smith died after a brief illness on Aug. 7 at his La Jolla home. He was 82.
Particularly interested in helping patients with diminished eyesight lead more independent lives, Dr. Smith was instrumental in establishing the Partial Vision Center at Mericos Eye Institute. He served as associate director from the institute’s opening in 1982 until 1987.
Max Smith was born Feb. 26, 1929, in Laramie, Wyo., the second of five children to Sam Smith and Frume Vinacour. He received his bachelor of science degree in 1950 from the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy.
In 1951, he enlisted in the Army during the Korean War, serving three years as a lieutenant and platoon leader before returning to his studies. He graduated with a medical degree from the University of Colorado in 1957.
In 1959, he began his medical career as a general practitioner in Rawlins, Wyo., doing everything a small-town doctor was expected to do, from delivering babies and setting fractures to sewing up cuts and operating. In the mid-1960s, when the opportunity arose, he did his surgical residency in ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Dr. Smith moved to La Jolla in 1968 and served as chief of surgery at Sharp Memorial Hospital. That same year, he formed his ophthalmology practice in La Jolla.
“He was a wonderful physician, a skillful surgeon and a crackerjack entertainer — a cross between Marcus Welby and Henny Youngman,” said former patient Wendy Blair. “No one was ever rushed out of Max Smith’s office.
“I think he must have scheduled story time into each appointment.”
Dr. Smith is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Gloria Sebastian, of La Jolla; sons Rodger of Sacramento, Mark of Rancho Santa Fe, and Daniel of Scripps Ranch; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Services were private. Donations in Dr. Smith’s memory may be made to the Partial Vision Center at Mericos Eye Institute.
caroline.dipping@uniontrib.com (619) 293-2823
“Max was a humorist with a story for every occasion, and with his wife and son, provided the music for us,” said former ophthalmology partner and performer Art Edwards. “We performed for hospitals and medical conventions and in the La Jolla Village Vaudeville shows put on by the Soroptimists in the 1970s and 1980s.
“Max was important in the group because he gave a lot of time to practice and help us.”
Dr. Smith died after a brief illness on Aug. 7 at his La Jolla home. He was 82.
Particularly interested in helping patients with diminished eyesight lead more independent lives, Dr. Smith was instrumental in establishing the Partial Vision Center at Mericos Eye Institute. He served as associate director from the institute’s opening in 1982 until 1987.
Max Smith was born Feb. 26, 1929, in Laramie, Wyo., the second of five children to Sam Smith and Frume Vinacour. He received his bachelor of science degree in 1950 from the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy.
In 1951, he enlisted in the Army during the Korean War, serving three years as a lieutenant and platoon leader before returning to his studies. He graduated with a medical degree from the University of Colorado in 1957.
In 1959, he began his medical career as a general practitioner in Rawlins, Wyo., doing everything a small-town doctor was expected to do, from delivering babies and setting fractures to sewing up cuts and operating. In the mid-1960s, when the opportunity arose, he did his surgical residency in ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Dr. Smith moved to La Jolla in 1968 and served as chief of surgery at Sharp Memorial Hospital. That same year, he formed his ophthalmology practice in La Jolla.
“He was a wonderful physician, a skillful surgeon and a crackerjack entertainer — a cross between Marcus Welby and Henny Youngman,” said former patient Wendy Blair. “No one was ever rushed out of Max Smith’s office.
“I think he must have scheduled story time into each appointment.”
Dr. Smith is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Gloria Sebastian, of La Jolla; sons Rodger of Sacramento, Mark of Rancho Santa Fe, and Daniel of Scripps Ranch; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Services were private. Donations in Dr. Smith’s memory may be made to the Partial Vision Center at Mericos Eye Institute.
caroline.dipping@uniontrib.com (619) 293-2823
Long Island LASIK Surgeon Dr. Eric Donnenfeld Launches New Website
Prominent Long Island LASIK surgeon Dr. Eric Donnenfeld is excited to announce the launch of a new website and online marketing strategy designed to expand his practice’s presence on Long Island and throughout the surrounding areas. Dr. Donnenfeld is recognized as one of the most experienced refractive surgeons in the Tri-State area. By expanding his online presence, Dr. Donnenfeld hopes to bring his expertise and skill in the field of laser vision correction to more vision-impaired people throughout Long Island, New York.
LASIKLI.com, Dr. Donnenfeld’s new website, features a simple yet intuitive design that provides quick access to a variety of useful resources for people seeking laser vision correction procedures on Long Island. By browsing the site, visitors can learn more about Dr. Donnenfeld’s exceptional credentials and experience in the field of ophthalmology and the leading-edge treatments he offers, including LASIK, PRK and cataract surgery. In addition, prospective Long Island cataract surgery and LASIK patients can learn more about the state-of-the-art technology used at Dr. Donnenfeld’s practice.
Dr. Donnenfeld makes it extremely easy to schedule a consultation. Simply fill out the online form on his site and Dr. Donnenfeld’s team will contact you to set up a one-on-one consultation to discuss your vision correction options.
About Dr. Eric Donnenfeld
Dr. Eric Donnenfeld, MD, FAAO, FACS, is recognized as one of the most experienced laser eye surgeons on Long Island and has performed more than 37,000 vision correction procedures over the course of his career. He graduated from Dartmouth College and received a Degree in Medicine at Dartmouth Medical School. Dr. Donnenfeld received additional training in ophthalmology as a resident at the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital.
Dr. Donnenfeld is a member of several prominent medical associations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. He has also received numerous honors, including being named National Refractive Surgeon of the Year and one of the Top 50 Most Influential Ophthalmologists in the World by the prominent publication Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today.
If you are interested in receiving cataract surgery or LASIK on Long Island, please contact Dr. Eric Donnenfeld at (516) 593-7709 or online at www.lasikli.com.
LASIKLI.com, Dr. Donnenfeld’s new website, features a simple yet intuitive design that provides quick access to a variety of useful resources for people seeking laser vision correction procedures on Long Island. By browsing the site, visitors can learn more about Dr. Donnenfeld’s exceptional credentials and experience in the field of ophthalmology and the leading-edge treatments he offers, including LASIK, PRK and cataract surgery. In addition, prospective Long Island cataract surgery and LASIK patients can learn more about the state-of-the-art technology used at Dr. Donnenfeld’s practice.
Dr. Donnenfeld makes it extremely easy to schedule a consultation. Simply fill out the online form on his site and Dr. Donnenfeld’s team will contact you to set up a one-on-one consultation to discuss your vision correction options.
About Dr. Eric Donnenfeld
Dr. Eric Donnenfeld, MD, FAAO, FACS, is recognized as one of the most experienced laser eye surgeons on Long Island and has performed more than 37,000 vision correction procedures over the course of his career. He graduated from Dartmouth College and received a Degree in Medicine at Dartmouth Medical School. Dr. Donnenfeld received additional training in ophthalmology as a resident at the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital.
Dr. Donnenfeld is a member of several prominent medical associations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. He has also received numerous honors, including being named National Refractive Surgeon of the Year and one of the Top 50 Most Influential Ophthalmologists in the World by the prominent publication Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today.
If you are interested in receiving cataract surgery or LASIK on Long Island, please contact Dr. Eric Donnenfeld at (516) 593-7709 or online at www.lasikli.com.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Health Tap Selects Lasik Eye Surgeon Rajesh Khanna, MD as an Expert on Vision and Eyes
Health Tap taps Los Angeles LASIK eye Surgeon Rajesh Khanna, MD as a medical expert on LASIK and Vision Care. Dr.Khanna is Board Certified by American Board of Ophthalmology.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 23, 2011
Health Tap taps Top LASIK Doctor Rajesh Khanna, MD as a medical expert on LASIK and Vision Care. Health tap is a free health information portal for the patients. There is no sales involved, so the answers are likely to be genuine. Dr. Khanna felt "with an explosion in information on the internet, it is difficult for lay people to sift through it all. Many a time the information is misleading as non medical people have written it. " Cornea and Cataract Surgeon, Dr Khanna thinks this portal may be able to complement the health care in the country and could finally evolve into a cost saving for Health Insurance industry.
Dr.Khanna invites people to post their questions regarding lasik and cataract surgery on this portal. This may benefit even people living in other parts of the world.
Rajesh Khanna, MD is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He has specialized training in LASIK, Cataract and Corneal surgery from the University of Cincinnati.
Dr. Khanna is known as the LASIK surgeon to the stars, as he has performed over 10,000 vision correction procedures on many Olympic medal winners and Hollywood personalities like Disney stars Brenda Song and Corbin Bleu, "Hercules" Kevin Sorbo, UFC champion fighter Bas Rutten, and Butch Patrick who played Eddie Munster. He also performs Intacs Surgery for keratoconus.
Khanna is a voluntary member of the UCLA faculty, as well as of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive surgery.
The Khanna Vision Institute has centers in Beverly Hills at 240 S. La Cienega Blvd. #250 and Westlake Village at 179 Auburn Court #1.
Contact: Kelly Schneider
Company Name: Khanna Vision Institute
Telephone Number: (310) 482-1240
Fax Number: (805) 230-2199
For the original version on PRWeb visit: www.prweb.com/releases/prwebHealthtap/Lasikexpert/prweb8733203.htm
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 23, 2011
Health Tap taps Top LASIK Doctor Rajesh Khanna, MD as a medical expert on LASIK and Vision Care. Health tap is a free health information portal for the patients. There is no sales involved, so the answers are likely to be genuine. Dr. Khanna felt "with an explosion in information on the internet, it is difficult for lay people to sift through it all. Many a time the information is misleading as non medical people have written it. " Cornea and Cataract Surgeon, Dr Khanna thinks this portal may be able to complement the health care in the country and could finally evolve into a cost saving for Health Insurance industry.
Dr.Khanna invites people to post their questions regarding lasik and cataract surgery on this portal. This may benefit even people living in other parts of the world.
Rajesh Khanna, MD is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He has specialized training in LASIK, Cataract and Corneal surgery from the University of Cincinnati.
Dr. Khanna is known as the LASIK surgeon to the stars, as he has performed over 10,000 vision correction procedures on many Olympic medal winners and Hollywood personalities like Disney stars Brenda Song and Corbin Bleu, "Hercules" Kevin Sorbo, UFC champion fighter Bas Rutten, and Butch Patrick who played Eddie Munster. He also performs Intacs Surgery for keratoconus.
Khanna is a voluntary member of the UCLA faculty, as well as of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive surgery.
The Khanna Vision Institute has centers in Beverly Hills at 240 S. La Cienega Blvd. #250 and Westlake Village at 179 Auburn Court #1.
Contact: Kelly Schneider
Company Name: Khanna Vision Institute
Telephone Number: (310) 482-1240
Fax Number: (805) 230-2199
For the original version on PRWeb visit: www.prweb.com/releases/prwebHealthtap/Lasikexpert/prweb8733203.htm
Academic Ophthalmologist Convicted for $3M in Resident Billing Fraud
Joseph Kubacki, MD, former ophthalmology chair at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, has been convicted of charging for $3 million in claims for care done by medical residents, according to an Associated Press report.
Dr. Kubacki was convicted of healthcare fraud, wire fraud and making false statements. He was taken into custody and denied bail, but he has not been sentenced yet.
In closing arguments, prosecutors alleged that Dr. Kubacki had been out of town when some of the care took place.
Related Articles on Dr. Joseph Kubacki:
Pennsylvania Ophthalmologist Accused of Filing $1.5M in False Claims
http://www.beckersasc.com/stark-act-and-fraud-abuse-issues/pennsylvania-ophthalmologist-accused-of-filing-15m-in-false-claims.html
Dr. Kubacki was convicted of healthcare fraud, wire fraud and making false statements. He was taken into custody and denied bail, but he has not been sentenced yet.
In closing arguments, prosecutors alleged that Dr. Kubacki had been out of town when some of the care took place.
Related Articles on Dr. Joseph Kubacki:
Pennsylvania Ophthalmologist Accused of Filing $1.5M in False Claims
http://www.beckersasc.com/stark-act-and-fraud-abuse-issues/pennsylvania-ophthalmologist-accused-of-filing-15m-in-false-claims.html
Dr Brad Elkins Ophthalmologist in Encino, CA is Recognized as a “Super Doctor” for the Second Year in a Row
Award winning surgeon Dr. Brad Elkins has been named by Southern California Super Doctors as their top Ophthalmologist for the 2nd straight year. This is the 4th time in 5 years that Dr. Elkins has been honored by Super Doctors. Recognition does not end there for Dr. Elkins, he was also nominated by his peers to the U.S. News Top Doctors list.
Dr. Brad Elkins who has been providing laser vision correction procedures since 1996, has conducted more than 8,000 LASIK procedures and thousands of cataract and corneal transplant surgeries at the Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley (OAV) - the oldest and largest ophthalmologic practice in the San Fernando Valley. Also, regarded as one of the premier cataract surgeons in the United States, he is frequently requested to speak on modern surgical techniques and new premium lens implants.Throughout the decade Dr. Elkins has been recognized for many awards and honors, they include; “Outstanding Ophthalmologist in the Valley” by the Los Angeles Daily News; and in 2000, he received the VISX™ Star Surgeon award, given to the top 5% of LASIK surgeons in the United States.
“Dr. Elkins and his office staff have always been very professional and thorough, with an emphasis on thorough,” exclaimed Linda M., a long time patient of Dr. Elkins. “They never overlook anything. I'm 72 and my husband is 75 and we both got restorative implant surgery with Dr. Elkins. It took a period of a couple of years, but it was very well worth it. He's wonderful and I would recommend him to anyone who has any kind of eye problems.”
Dr. Elkins doesn’t only use the latest technology when performing surgeries and examining patients, he also updates and maintains a personal blog, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter accounts relating to all things Ophthalmology.
“Patients nowadays expect to be educated about their health, and I enjoy doing that,” said Dr. Elkins. “Anytime you can communicate with patients and provide them knowledge about their health, it benefits both us and the patients. One of my favorite tools is YouTube, we created a video about applying eye drops and our patients have absolutely loved it.”
Monday, August 22, 2011
Dr. Couser Joins Virginia Pediatric Ophthalmology Specialists
Former co-chief resident of Howard University Hospital, Dr. Natario L. Couser, is the newest staff member at Virginia Pediatric Ophthalmology Specialists.
Natario Couser, MD, has joined the staff of Virginia Pediatric Ophthalmology Specialists, located at Stony Point Surgery Center. Founding physician Edwin Wortham V, MD, noted that Dr. Couser's appointment reflects the practice's continuing commitment to excellent care of young patients.
Dr. Couser is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia. He performed his ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital, serving as co-chief resident in his final year. He then completed a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology at Emory University, one of the most respected programs in the United States.
"We are delighted that Dr. Couser is joining our staff. His elevated advancement in pediatric ophthalmology and values add additional resources in our continuing effort to provide the best vision care in Virginia to our patients," Dr. Wortham noted. "Our first and foremost mission is to accommodate our patients' needs by offering optimum medical evaluation and treatment."
Virginia Pediatric Ophthalmology Specialists was founded in 2002 and is recognized as one of Virginia's premier providers of pediatric eye care. Pediatric ophthalmology is a highly specialized field, focusing on the development of the visual system in infants, children and young adults. The training for this specialized field involves an advanced medical degree, a four year residency in ophthalmology and an additional 1-2 year fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology.
The physicians at Virginia Pediatric Ophthalmology Specialists are trained in complex eye surgery, and conservative therapies such as medications and glasses; they also evaluate and treat musculoskeletal issues affecting vision. Although they specialize in the unique needs of children, these pediatric ophthalmologists also treat adults with eye movement disorders such as strabismus.
"Dr. Wortham and Dr. Couser share a great deal of expertise," said Bruce Kupper, CEO of Stony Point Surgery Center. "At Stony Point Surgery Center, we admire and appreciate their continuing contributions to patient care, both in terms of medical excellence and compassionate care. We are proud to be associated with such a superb practice."
For more information about Dr. Edwin Wortham and his practice, Virginia Pediatric Ophthalmology Specialists, or Stony Point Surgery Center, please contact Dave Saunders, President & Chief Idea Officer at Madison+Main, at daves@madisonmain.com or 804-521-4141.
About Stony Point Surgery Center
Stony Point Surgery Center is Central Virginia's pre-eminent outpatient surgical facility. Founded in the tradition of the former Richmond Eye and Ear Hospital, Stony Point Surgery Center leads the industry in innovative hearing and vision corrective treatments. Stony Point Surgery Center provides a broad spectrum of routine and special healthcare services in addition to its specialization in Vision and Hearing practices. For more information about Stony Point Surgery Center, please visit their website at www.StonyPointSC.com.
First UK Patient Enrolled into Luminous™ Programme – Novartis’ 30,000 Patient Observational Study in Ophthalmology
Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd (Novartis) has announced the enrollment of the first UK patient into the Luminous™ programme, which aims to advance the understanding of retinal vascular diseases which cause vision loss, including wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), visual impairment due to Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO) and visual impairment due to macular oedema secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO). It also aims to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of Lucentis® (ranibizumab) in clinical practice across large populations, in order to further enhance patient outcomes. Luminous will collect prospective data from 30,000 patients across the globe attending ophthalmology clinics. The programme will also serve as a platform for pooling data from existing ranibizumab registries in several countries, including the UK. The design of the Luminous programme was developed by Novartis in consultation with leaders in the ophthalmology community and representatives from patient organisations, such as the AMD Alliance International.
“AMD Alliance International places patient safety as our main priority, and we expect the most robust level of drug safety monitoring for our members,” said Narinder Sharma, AMD Alliance. “We were happy to work with the broader ophthalmology community to shape the Luminous programme with this goal in mind.”
As part of the Luminous programme, physicians will be provided with instant visualisation of patient outcomes, and a real-time data analysis and comparison system to analyse patient data in their own practice compared with practices in the same country or worldwide.
Christopher Brand, Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, is leading the enrollment of the first UK patient and explains what the programme means for patient care: “This programme will enable us to facilitate real-time comparisons between the results seen in the UK with different ranibizumab treatment regimens in clinics around the world. The information we receive could help us provide better care for our patients and identify the best course of therapy for each individual.”
Dr. Timothy Cave, Chief Scientific Officer at Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd provides further details on the importance of the programme: “A wealth of data is already available on the safety and efficacy of ranibizumab from clinical trials, but we hope Luminous will further support this data and provide information on the long-term outcomes in clinical practice. Novartis is committed to ophthalmology and improving understanding and treatment of vascular diseases.”
-ends-
About LuminousLuminous is a five-year observational, international, multicenter programme that will provide long-term effectiveness and safety data for ranibizumab as well as assess the treatment patterns and health related quality of life issues of patients treated with ranibizumab. The goal is to recruit more than 30,000 patients from outpatient ophthalmology clinics in countries where Novartis markets ranibizumab, including Australia, Canada and select countries in Asia, Europe and South America, to create one of the largest ophthalmology observational studies in the world. The Luminous Steering Committee (LSC), an external advisory board made up of medical experts, representatives from patient organisations and other experts, will provide guidance and interpretation of the data as it is collected. As an observational study, Luminous will not direct therapy or recommend any specific therapy.
About Lucentis (ranibizumab)Ranibizumab is an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) licensed for the treatment of Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) (central and branch), visual impairment due to Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO) and wet Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) approved Lucentis for the treatment of wet AMD in 2008.
About NovartisNovartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, consumer health products, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2010, the Group’s continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 50.6 billion, while approximately USD 9.1 billion (USD 8.1 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges), (16 percent of net sales), were invested in R&D throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 121,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.
“AMD Alliance International places patient safety as our main priority, and we expect the most robust level of drug safety monitoring for our members,” said Narinder Sharma, AMD Alliance. “We were happy to work with the broader ophthalmology community to shape the Luminous programme with this goal in mind.”
As part of the Luminous programme, physicians will be provided with instant visualisation of patient outcomes, and a real-time data analysis and comparison system to analyse patient data in their own practice compared with practices in the same country or worldwide.
Christopher Brand, Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, is leading the enrollment of the first UK patient and explains what the programme means for patient care: “This programme will enable us to facilitate real-time comparisons between the results seen in the UK with different ranibizumab treatment regimens in clinics around the world. The information we receive could help us provide better care for our patients and identify the best course of therapy for each individual.”
Dr. Timothy Cave, Chief Scientific Officer at Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd provides further details on the importance of the programme: “A wealth of data is already available on the safety and efficacy of ranibizumab from clinical trials, but we hope Luminous will further support this data and provide information on the long-term outcomes in clinical practice. Novartis is committed to ophthalmology and improving understanding and treatment of vascular diseases.”
-ends-
About LuminousLuminous is a five-year observational, international, multicenter programme that will provide long-term effectiveness and safety data for ranibizumab as well as assess the treatment patterns and health related quality of life issues of patients treated with ranibizumab. The goal is to recruit more than 30,000 patients from outpatient ophthalmology clinics in countries where Novartis markets ranibizumab, including Australia, Canada and select countries in Asia, Europe and South America, to create one of the largest ophthalmology observational studies in the world. The Luminous Steering Committee (LSC), an external advisory board made up of medical experts, representatives from patient organisations and other experts, will provide guidance and interpretation of the data as it is collected. As an observational study, Luminous will not direct therapy or recommend any specific therapy.
About Lucentis (ranibizumab)Ranibizumab is an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) licensed for the treatment of Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) (central and branch), visual impairment due to Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO) and wet Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) approved Lucentis for the treatment of wet AMD in 2008.
About NovartisNovartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, consumer health products, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2010, the Group’s continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 50.6 billion, while approximately USD 9.1 billion (USD 8.1 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges), (16 percent of net sales), were invested in R&D throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 121,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.
93% squint eye problems can be treated: Doctors
The overall incidence rate of strabismus or squint eye in India is 4% to 6%. However, it goes up to 30% to 40% in premature babies. These observations were made at a symposium on squint surgery, organized by the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO), in the city, on Sunday.
Noted ophthalmologist and squint-eye expert Kalpana Narendran said, "Early detection and treatment can help restore normal vision." She was speaking at a press conference held on the sidelines of the symposium. "With newer treatment modalities available and advancement in surgical procedures, the success rate of treating squint has gone up to 93%. More and more ophthalmologists are coming forward to treat squint nowadays than was the case a few years ago when very few doctors would think of entertaining such patients," said Narendran, who is the chief of paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus department at the Arvind eye hospital in Coimbatore.
Ophthalmologist Jeevan Ladi said, "Parents of children with squint eye usually avoid consulting doctor since they fear their children will have to undergo a surgery. But 30% to 40% of squint eye problems can be treated with the help of glasses and medical intervention."
Ophthalmologist Jai Kelkar of NIO stressed on newer modalities and advancements emerging in the field. "The aim of organizing the symposium is to disseminate knowledge about new and multiple approaches that can be adopted in treatment of squint. These approaches are not complicated and any ophthalmic surgeon can use them."
Ophthalmologist Milind Killedar, president of the Maharashtra Ophthalmic Society, said, "The conference aims to boost the confidence level of doctor performing squint surgery."
Organised under the aegis of the Poona Ophthalmic Society and the Maharashtra Ophthalmic Society, the symposium was attended by over 200 eye experts across Maharashtra.
Noted ophthalmologist and squint-eye expert Kalpana Narendran said, "Early detection and treatment can help restore normal vision." She was speaking at a press conference held on the sidelines of the symposium. "With newer treatment modalities available and advancement in surgical procedures, the success rate of treating squint has gone up to 93%. More and more ophthalmologists are coming forward to treat squint nowadays than was the case a few years ago when very few doctors would think of entertaining such patients," said Narendran, who is the chief of paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus department at the Arvind eye hospital in Coimbatore.
Ophthalmologist Jeevan Ladi said, "Parents of children with squint eye usually avoid consulting doctor since they fear their children will have to undergo a surgery. But 30% to 40% of squint eye problems can be treated with the help of glasses and medical intervention."
Ophthalmologist Jai Kelkar of NIO stressed on newer modalities and advancements emerging in the field. "The aim of organizing the symposium is to disseminate knowledge about new and multiple approaches that can be adopted in treatment of squint. These approaches are not complicated and any ophthalmic surgeon can use them."
Ophthalmologist Milind Killedar, president of the Maharashtra Ophthalmic Society, said, "The conference aims to boost the confidence level of doctor performing squint surgery."
Organised under the aegis of the Poona Ophthalmic Society and the Maharashtra Ophthalmic Society, the symposium was attended by over 200 eye experts across Maharashtra.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Silence is golden during eye injections
If you're getting a drug injection for macular degeneration or another eye condition, a new study suggests you might want to make sure your doctor doesn't talk while doing the procedure.
Researchers found that in just a few minutes of talking over an imaginary patient, unmasked volunteers spewed out bacteria which could potentially land on eyes or injection needles and cause infection.
One in every few thousand injections for vision loss results in a serious eye infection called endophthalmitis, which at its worst can cause patients to go blind completely. But because patients typically need frequent injections, as many as 1 in 200 eventually get the infection.
Some of those infections are caused by a type of bacterium, Streptococcus, that's common in the mouth and also leads to bad breath and cavities.
The new finding "doesn't prove anything conclusively," said study author Dr. Colin McCannel, from the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Still, he said, "My advice to patients would be, until the injection is complete ... minimize conversation or talking with the physician."
McCannel and his colleagues simulated a typical eye injection appointment in an ophthalmologist's office. Volunteers stood in front of an exam chair, which had a plate for culturing bacteria placed where a patient's head would be.
There, they read from a script for five minutes under different conditions -- facing directly at the imaginary patient, with or without a mask, or facing sideways mask-free. Then, they stood in silence for five minutes. In a role reversal, the volunteers also took a go lying in the exam chair, reading the script with a bacteria plate mounted to their own foreheads.
When the 15 volunteers talked while wearing a mask or stood in silence, hardly any bacteria grew on the plates. But when they didn't wear a face mask, either while facing the patient or turned away, most plates sprouted bacteria colonies. And when "patients" talked themselves, about half of the plates grew bacteria.
That shows that even though the eye injections aren't major procedures and don't happen in an operating room, patients and their doctors should still take the possibility of eye or injection needle contamination seriously, researchers said.
"This is really a surgical procedure," said Dr. Charles Wykoff, an ophthalmologist from Retina Consultants of Houston who wasn't involved in the new study.
"You're putting a hole in someone's eye. It's a teeny tiny hole, but nonetheless, that's probably where an infection's coming from," he told Reuters Health.
Germs from a chatty doctor or assistant could be a concern in some other instances as well, the researchers wrote in Archives of Ophthalmology. McCannel pointed to a few cases where bacteria in a doctor's mouth were linked to meningitis cases in patients who had recently gotten spinal taps.
Both Wykoff and McCannel didn't go so far as to say that doctors should always wear face masks during the eye injections -- but they did say that if possible, both doctors and patients should try to keep talking to a minimum.
At the very least, "physicians should minimize conversation," McCannel told Reuters Health. "I've started using a face mask, because that way I can talk to the patient and have less concern of contamination."
Researchers found that in just a few minutes of talking over an imaginary patient, unmasked volunteers spewed out bacteria which could potentially land on eyes or injection needles and cause infection.
One in every few thousand injections for vision loss results in a serious eye infection called endophthalmitis, which at its worst can cause patients to go blind completely. But because patients typically need frequent injections, as many as 1 in 200 eventually get the infection.
Some of those infections are caused by a type of bacterium, Streptococcus, that's common in the mouth and also leads to bad breath and cavities.
The new finding "doesn't prove anything conclusively," said study author Dr. Colin McCannel, from the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Still, he said, "My advice to patients would be, until the injection is complete ... minimize conversation or talking with the physician."
McCannel and his colleagues simulated a typical eye injection appointment in an ophthalmologist's office. Volunteers stood in front of an exam chair, which had a plate for culturing bacteria placed where a patient's head would be.
There, they read from a script for five minutes under different conditions -- facing directly at the imaginary patient, with or without a mask, or facing sideways mask-free. Then, they stood in silence for five minutes. In a role reversal, the volunteers also took a go lying in the exam chair, reading the script with a bacteria plate mounted to their own foreheads.
When the 15 volunteers talked while wearing a mask or stood in silence, hardly any bacteria grew on the plates. But when they didn't wear a face mask, either while facing the patient or turned away, most plates sprouted bacteria colonies. And when "patients" talked themselves, about half of the plates grew bacteria.
That shows that even though the eye injections aren't major procedures and don't happen in an operating room, patients and their doctors should still take the possibility of eye or injection needle contamination seriously, researchers said.
"This is really a surgical procedure," said Dr. Charles Wykoff, an ophthalmologist from Retina Consultants of Houston who wasn't involved in the new study.
"You're putting a hole in someone's eye. It's a teeny tiny hole, but nonetheless, that's probably where an infection's coming from," he told Reuters Health.
Germs from a chatty doctor or assistant could be a concern in some other instances as well, the researchers wrote in Archives of Ophthalmology. McCannel pointed to a few cases where bacteria in a doctor's mouth were linked to meningitis cases in patients who had recently gotten spinal taps.
Both Wykoff and McCannel didn't go so far as to say that doctors should always wear face masks during the eye injections -- but they did say that if possible, both doctors and patients should try to keep talking to a minimum.
At the very least, "physicians should minimize conversation," McCannel told Reuters Health. "I've started using a face mask, because that way I can talk to the patient and have less concern of contamination."
Ophthalmologist on the Move: Dr. Terry Kaiura Joins San Luis Obispo Eye Associates in California
Terry Kaiura, MD, an ophthalmologist, has joined San Luis Obispo, Calif., Eye Associates, according to a release from the practice.
Dr. Kaiura specializes in cornea and external disease, keratorefractive surgery and comprehensive ophthalmology. She has degrees from UCLA and Cornell University.
The practice has also hired a new administrator, Ed Laski, who has owned several small businesses, including a mortgage banking company, an insurance agency and a medical supply company.
Read the SLO Eye Associates release on Dr. Terry Kaiura (pdf).
Dr. Kaiura specializes in cornea and external disease, keratorefractive surgery and comprehensive ophthalmology. She has degrees from UCLA and Cornell University.
The practice has also hired a new administrator, Ed Laski, who has owned several small businesses, including a mortgage banking company, an insurance agency and a medical supply company.
Read the SLO Eye Associates release on Dr. Terry Kaiura (pdf).
Risk Assessment Model May Predict Advanced AMD
A risk assessment model may predict the development of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to the results of a longitudinal analysis reported Online First August 8 in the Archives of Ophthalmology. "As progress in designing better preventive measures and earlier treatment options accelerates and new gene associations are identified that add to currently known risk factors, the desirability of having a reliable risk assessment model has become of considerable interest and potential value," write Michael L. Klein, MD, from the Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, and colleagues. "The optimal design might include known demographic and environmental risk factors, phenotypic risk factors derived from large population-based and interventional studies, and established genetic risk variants. The purpose of this article is to present a validated predictive model for AMD that incorporates these factors and can be used by the practicing physician."
The study sample consisted of 2846 participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study who had all levels of AMD at baseline, ranging from none to unilateral advanced AMD, defined as neovascular or geographic atrophy.
Cox proportional hazards analysis allowed evaluation of demographic, environmental, phenotypic, and genetic covariates and construction of a risk assessment model for the development of advanced AMD during follow-up (average duration, 9.3 years). The investigators used the C statistic and the Brier score to assess performance of the model, and they externally validated the model among participants in the Complications of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial.
Among participants with advanced AMD at baseline, 82% of those with geographic atrophy and 56% of those with neovascular AMD went on to have advanced AMD in the other eye.
Independent variables used in the final risk assessment model were age, smoking history, family history of AMD in a first-degree relative, phenotype based on a modified Age-Related Eye Disease Study simple scale score, and the genetic variants CFH Y402H and ARMS2 A69S.
Performance of the model was good, with a C statistic of 0.872 suggesting very good discrimination, and a Brier score of 0.08 at 5 years indicating excellent calibration and overall performance. The model was successfully validated in the external sample, and the investigators designed a risk assessment tool that could be used with or without the genetic component.
"We constructed a risk assessment model for development of advanced AMD," the study authors write. "The model performed well on measures of discrimination, calibration, and overall performance and was successfully externally validated. This risk assessment tool is available for online use."
Limitations of this study include an exclusively white study sample (ages 50 - 85 years) that was not derived from a population-based sample.
"We believe our current model is of substantial value in assessing AMD risk, and we expect that future advances will further improve its accuracy," the study authors conclude. "Unexplained heritability of AMD will be uncovered, studies on diet, other environmental factors, and serum biomarkers may identify new predictive factors, and better phenotyping methods are under development. As these new findings become available, we plan to update the model and maintain a current version for online use."
The Casey Eye Institute Macular Degeneration Fund; Research to Prevent Blindness, New York; the Bea Arveson Macular Degeneration Fund; and the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Columbia, Maryland, supported this study. A US patent entitled "Nutritional Supplement to Treat Macular Degeneration" was issued on December 9, 2003, and is owned by Bausch and Lomb. Study author Frederick L. Ferris III, MD, is one of the inventors; he has assigned his interest in the patent to the US government and receives government compensation.
The study sample consisted of 2846 participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study who had all levels of AMD at baseline, ranging from none to unilateral advanced AMD, defined as neovascular or geographic atrophy.
Cox proportional hazards analysis allowed evaluation of demographic, environmental, phenotypic, and genetic covariates and construction of a risk assessment model for the development of advanced AMD during follow-up (average duration, 9.3 years). The investigators used the C statistic and the Brier score to assess performance of the model, and they externally validated the model among participants in the Complications of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial.
Among participants with advanced AMD at baseline, 82% of those with geographic atrophy and 56% of those with neovascular AMD went on to have advanced AMD in the other eye.
Independent variables used in the final risk assessment model were age, smoking history, family history of AMD in a first-degree relative, phenotype based on a modified Age-Related Eye Disease Study simple scale score, and the genetic variants CFH Y402H and ARMS2 A69S.
Performance of the model was good, with a C statistic of 0.872 suggesting very good discrimination, and a Brier score of 0.08 at 5 years indicating excellent calibration and overall performance. The model was successfully validated in the external sample, and the investigators designed a risk assessment tool that could be used with or without the genetic component.
"We constructed a risk assessment model for development of advanced AMD," the study authors write. "The model performed well on measures of discrimination, calibration, and overall performance and was successfully externally validated. This risk assessment tool is available for online use."
Limitations of this study include an exclusively white study sample (ages 50 - 85 years) that was not derived from a population-based sample.
"We believe our current model is of substantial value in assessing AMD risk, and we expect that future advances will further improve its accuracy," the study authors conclude. "Unexplained heritability of AMD will be uncovered, studies on diet, other environmental factors, and serum biomarkers may identify new predictive factors, and better phenotyping methods are under development. As these new findings become available, we plan to update the model and maintain a current version for online use."
The Casey Eye Institute Macular Degeneration Fund; Research to Prevent Blindness, New York; the Bea Arveson Macular Degeneration Fund; and the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Columbia, Maryland, supported this study. A US patent entitled "Nutritional Supplement to Treat Macular Degeneration" was issued on December 9, 2003, and is owned by Bausch and Lomb. Study author Frederick L. Ferris III, MD, is one of the inventors; he has assigned his interest in the patent to the US government and receives government compensation.
Dr. Flora Lum on Ophthalmology EHRs: Interoperability is Key
When the American Academy of Ophthalmology took on electronic health record standards in July, its Medical Information Technology Committee wanted to answer one main question: How can EHRs be designed to best help ophthalmologists, their staffs and the ophthalmology practice as a whole?
Flora Lum, MD, executive director of the H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr. Center for Quality Eye Care, and several other ophthalmologists within AAO accomplished this in its report, "Special Requirements for Electronic Health Records for Ophthalmology," published in Ophthalmology.
Dr. Lum says the meaningful use standards have spurred many healthcare entities to look at EHRs and how they can best improve patient care. However, a lot of the EHR systems have been originally developed for primary care physicians or other medical specialists and have not included some physicians like ophthalmologists, and in order for health IT to truly reach its peak, she says all systems must be able to work collaboratively. "What we're trying to promote is interoperability between devices in the office and EHR systems and across multiple EHR systems," she says. "You need meaningful use systems for basic functions, but ophthalmology has a lot of needs and requirements that hadn't been addressed."
Specifically, Dr. Lum and other physicians made four recommendations for future EHRs to accommodate certain areas of ophthalmic practice: that EHRs support standards for data from ophthalmic devices (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine), that EHRs support documentation in and transitions between the office and operating room; that they capture, track and display "vital signs of the eye"; and that they incorporate hand-drawn sketches or annotations into records. "A picture conveys a lot more than writing," Dr. Lum says. "We're able to notate where something is located on the eye, use colored pencils and pens to designate pathology. That's an important element."
Dr. Lum adds that after reaching interoperability and achieving specialized data standards, the next challenge will simply be the use of EHRs at all times — and making it work within one's practice. "We've been promoting these standards for a long time," she says. "The biggest barrier for ophthalmology has been how we work with an EHR efficiently in our workflow but also have a relationship with the patient as well."
Flora Lum, MD, executive director of the H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr. Center for Quality Eye Care, and several other ophthalmologists within AAO accomplished this in its report, "Special Requirements for Electronic Health Records for Ophthalmology," published in Ophthalmology.
Dr. Lum says the meaningful use standards have spurred many healthcare entities to look at EHRs and how they can best improve patient care. However, a lot of the EHR systems have been originally developed for primary care physicians or other medical specialists and have not included some physicians like ophthalmologists, and in order for health IT to truly reach its peak, she says all systems must be able to work collaboratively. "What we're trying to promote is interoperability between devices in the office and EHR systems and across multiple EHR systems," she says. "You need meaningful use systems for basic functions, but ophthalmology has a lot of needs and requirements that hadn't been addressed."
Specifically, Dr. Lum and other physicians made four recommendations for future EHRs to accommodate certain areas of ophthalmic practice: that EHRs support standards for data from ophthalmic devices (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine), that EHRs support documentation in and transitions between the office and operating room; that they capture, track and display "vital signs of the eye"; and that they incorporate hand-drawn sketches or annotations into records. "A picture conveys a lot more than writing," Dr. Lum says. "We're able to notate where something is located on the eye, use colored pencils and pens to designate pathology. That's an important element."
Dr. Lum adds that after reaching interoperability and achieving specialized data standards, the next challenge will simply be the use of EHRs at all times — and making it work within one's practice. "We've been promoting these standards for a long time," she says. "The biggest barrier for ophthalmology has been how we work with an EHR efficiently in our workflow but also have a relationship with the patient as well."
Eyebuzz Announces the Launch of its Advanced Ophthalmology Job Portal
Eyebuzz.net has announced the launch of its more advancedand user friendly Ophthalmology Job portal. Eyebuzz is a leading ophthalmology job solution provider that has initiated an endeavor to bridge this void between the ophthalmic job providers to the ophthalmic job seekers. The site is aimed at providing a one stop recruitment resource for ophthalmic positions like ophthalmic technicians, ophthalmic photographers (certified retinal angiographers), ophthalmic administrators, ophthalmic scribes, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and ophthalmic nurses.
Optician jobs, also in great demand, can be found at eyebuzz.net. With the Baby Boom generation reaching retirement age, when eye diseases become more prevalent, practices are meeting the increase in demand by adding professional ophthalmology manpower. The popularity of this portal is increasing rapidly with the focus on its user friendliness and professionalism. In the not too distant future, this portal will be ruling the ophthalmology job information segment.
“Being in a highly specialized field, we offer an intuitive Click and Easy Post-a-Position or Find-a-Position feature on our website to help ophthalmic professionals get the latest ophthalmology job postings”, said Jane Shuman, President of EyeBuzz.net. Job seekers can register themselves at the site to post their resumes, receive job alerts by email while ophthalmic administrators and ophthalmologists can register to post jobs, search resumes and also receive resumes by email. Employers are able to post their position for 60 days for only $249.00. The site’s easy to use search function makes job searching simple, fast and effective. Eyebuzz.net’s intelligent search and matching saves jobs seekers the trouble of searching through hundreds of jobs and brings the candidates and recruiters together in one platform.
In addition to postings made directly on www.eyebuzz.net, ophthalmic job vacancies from other online job sites, periodicals and other agencies are added to the site every day. Are you searching for your dream ophthalmic technician job online? Visit this portal today at http://www.eyebuzz.net to explore opportunities and catch the buzz
Optician jobs, also in great demand, can be found at eyebuzz.net. With the Baby Boom generation reaching retirement age, when eye diseases become more prevalent, practices are meeting the increase in demand by adding professional ophthalmology manpower. The popularity of this portal is increasing rapidly with the focus on its user friendliness and professionalism. In the not too distant future, this portal will be ruling the ophthalmology job information segment.
“Being in a highly specialized field, we offer an intuitive Click and Easy Post-a-Position or Find-a-Position feature on our website to help ophthalmic professionals get the latest ophthalmology job postings”, said Jane Shuman, President of EyeBuzz.net. Job seekers can register themselves at the site to post their resumes, receive job alerts by email while ophthalmic administrators and ophthalmologists can register to post jobs, search resumes and also receive resumes by email. Employers are able to post their position for 60 days for only $249.00. The site’s easy to use search function makes job searching simple, fast and effective. Eyebuzz.net’s intelligent search and matching saves jobs seekers the trouble of searching through hundreds of jobs and brings the candidates and recruiters together in one platform.
In addition to postings made directly on www.eyebuzz.net, ophthalmic job vacancies from other online job sites, periodicals and other agencies are added to the site every day. Are you searching for your dream ophthalmic technician job online? Visit this portal today at http://www.eyebuzz.net to explore opportunities and catch the buzz
Working hard to fight blindness
Every year, millions of lives are ruined or at least hampered as people lose their sight, something that can effect families and stop people doing the things they love.
Across the planet, experts are hard at work on new studies looking to identify the causes of many diseases and reduce the effect that they are having on people, while many organisations receive regular donations to help fund this research.
However, these smaller donations are often not enough to help get to the root of the problem, which is why larger benefactors are so vitally needed.
One of these is Dr Geneva Matlock, a retired anaesthesiologist and graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, who has a personal interest in curing one particular disease.
The expert was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration ten years ago and, through treatment, has been able to retain her vision and is still able to drive.
However, Dr Matlock's mother, who died at the age of 99, was blind for the last decade of her life and, though she was never officially diagnosed, her family is of the opinion that she may have suffered from the disease as well.
This is why Dr Matlock recently contributed $4 million (£2.4 million) to the University of Louisville to fund research in macular degeneration, bringing her total contributions to the facility to more than $5 million in the past three years as she looks to continue her effort to fight the disease she believes took her mother's eyesight.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people aged 55 and over and often manifests itself gradually, with many failing to notice any symptoms at first, which makes it all the harder to detect.
Over time, as the retina degenerates, patients can begin to experience a loss of the sharp, central vision that allows them to see objects clearly.
There are two forms of macular degeneration - wet macular degeneration, which occurs when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid, quickly causing damage to the central retina.
Meanwhile, dry macular degeneration develops when the light-sensitive cells in the retina slowly break down, gradually blurring vision and also eventually leading to the loss of central vision.
Dr Henry Kaplan, Evans Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the university, which will receive the donation, paid tribune to Dr Matlock's generosity and devotion to find a cure for macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of global blindness.
"Dr Matlock's extraordinarily generous support of our research in macular degeneration speaks to the compassionate and selfless person she is, both as a physician and as a human being.
"We continue to be humbled and incredibly grateful for the confidence she has shown in us," he explained.
His tribute was echoed by Dr James Ramsey, University of Louisville president, who said Dr Matlock is a "perfect example" of the university's 'family'
He noted that the facility's graduates are well-known for making their mark on the world, before giving back to the university.
Such unselfishness creates opportunities for others and a chance to avoid some of the "terrible diseases" that experts are fighting every day, Dr Ramsay added.
Dr Matlock revealed that the personal quest at the heart of her donation will not be complete until major developments have occurred in the treatment of macular degeneration.
"I'm focusing on the eye because of my personal experience. I'm hoping that no one else will go blind as my mother did or as I probably would have if I were not getting the care I am now," she added.
As an estimated ten million people suffer from macular degeneration in the US alone, according to the latest American Macular Degeneration Foundation, and millions more round the world, the sooner a cure is found for the disease, the better.
Across the planet, experts are hard at work on new studies looking to identify the causes of many diseases and reduce the effect that they are having on people, while many organisations receive regular donations to help fund this research.
However, these smaller donations are often not enough to help get to the root of the problem, which is why larger benefactors are so vitally needed.
One of these is Dr Geneva Matlock, a retired anaesthesiologist and graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, who has a personal interest in curing one particular disease.
The expert was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration ten years ago and, through treatment, has been able to retain her vision and is still able to drive.
However, Dr Matlock's mother, who died at the age of 99, was blind for the last decade of her life and, though she was never officially diagnosed, her family is of the opinion that she may have suffered from the disease as well.
This is why Dr Matlock recently contributed $4 million (£2.4 million) to the University of Louisville to fund research in macular degeneration, bringing her total contributions to the facility to more than $5 million in the past three years as she looks to continue her effort to fight the disease she believes took her mother's eyesight.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people aged 55 and over and often manifests itself gradually, with many failing to notice any symptoms at first, which makes it all the harder to detect.
Over time, as the retina degenerates, patients can begin to experience a loss of the sharp, central vision that allows them to see objects clearly.
There are two forms of macular degeneration - wet macular degeneration, which occurs when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid, quickly causing damage to the central retina.
Meanwhile, dry macular degeneration develops when the light-sensitive cells in the retina slowly break down, gradually blurring vision and also eventually leading to the loss of central vision.
Dr Henry Kaplan, Evans Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the university, which will receive the donation, paid tribune to Dr Matlock's generosity and devotion to find a cure for macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of global blindness.
"Dr Matlock's extraordinarily generous support of our research in macular degeneration speaks to the compassionate and selfless person she is, both as a physician and as a human being.
"We continue to be humbled and incredibly grateful for the confidence she has shown in us," he explained.
His tribute was echoed by Dr James Ramsey, University of Louisville president, who said Dr Matlock is a "perfect example" of the university's 'family'
He noted that the facility's graduates are well-known for making their mark on the world, before giving back to the university.
Such unselfishness creates opportunities for others and a chance to avoid some of the "terrible diseases" that experts are fighting every day, Dr Ramsay added.
Dr Matlock revealed that the personal quest at the heart of her donation will not be complete until major developments have occurred in the treatment of macular degeneration.
"I'm focusing on the eye because of my personal experience. I'm hoping that no one else will go blind as my mother did or as I probably would have if I were not getting the care I am now," she added.
As an estimated ten million people suffer from macular degeneration in the US alone, according to the latest American Macular Degeneration Foundation, and millions more round the world, the sooner a cure is found for the disease, the better.
Ophthalmologists Eye EHRs
Electronic health record systems designed for primary-care physicians and other generalists won't work well for ophthalmologists unless they include features tailored to the specialty, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says.
For one thing, electronic health records must incorporate hand-drawn sketches and annotations, ophthalmologists told EHR vendors last month. The academy says EHRs for ophthalmology practices also should:
* Capture, track and display "vital signs of the eye," such as visual acuity.
* Allow documentation in and transitions between the office and surgical suite.
* Support data from ophthalmologic measuring and imaging devices.
Those recommendations were made in a webinar for EHR vendors led by Flora Lum, deputy director of the H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr. Center for Quality Eye Care in San Francisco, according to an academy news release and an article in Becker's Ambulatory Surgery Centers Review.
A more detailed list of EHR requirements is included in a paper, "Special Requirements for Electronic Health Records for Ophthalmology," published in this month's issue of the journal Ophthalmology (subscription required). The guidelines are intended to help ophthalmologists identify important features to look for when selecting EHR systems, the academy says.
In the paper, Dr. Michael F. Chiang listed 17 "essential" and six "desirable" features for EHRs in the above areas as well as laboratory studies, medical management and surgical management. Chiang, an assistant professor of ophthalmology and biomedical informatics at the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, chairs the academy's Medical Information Technology Committee.
For one thing, electronic health records must incorporate hand-drawn sketches and annotations, ophthalmologists told EHR vendors last month. The academy says EHRs for ophthalmology practices also should:
* Capture, track and display "vital signs of the eye," such as visual acuity.
* Allow documentation in and transitions between the office and surgical suite.
* Support data from ophthalmologic measuring and imaging devices.
Those recommendations were made in a webinar for EHR vendors led by Flora Lum, deputy director of the H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr. Center for Quality Eye Care in San Francisco, according to an academy news release and an article in Becker's Ambulatory Surgery Centers Review.
A more detailed list of EHR requirements is included in a paper, "Special Requirements for Electronic Health Records for Ophthalmology," published in this month's issue of the journal Ophthalmology (subscription required). The guidelines are intended to help ophthalmologists identify important features to look for when selecting EHR systems, the academy says.
In the paper, Dr. Michael F. Chiang listed 17 "essential" and six "desirable" features for EHRs in the above areas as well as laboratory studies, medical management and surgical management. Chiang, an assistant professor of ophthalmology and biomedical informatics at the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, chairs the academy's Medical Information Technology Committee.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Eyes can help detect many diseases, say doctors
Eyes need not just be our window to a person's soul, they can even be helpful in signifying the advent of various diseases and their early detection. Ophthalmology has grown beyond the diseases like cataract and glaucoma with the doctors using the science in conditions like diabetes and even some types of cancer. These facts were reinforced by the medicos present at a CME titled 'Ocular Imaging - The Third Eye', organized by the department of ophthalmology and medical education technology (MET) unit of NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre.
"Not just having an in-depth information about the person and the earliest possible detection of various diseases using the latest technologies of imaging can even help in management of diseases," said well-known eye surgeon Dr Narendra Patil.
Dr Nitin Shetty, the vitreo retina consultant at Manipal Hospital of Bangalore, said, "The improved techniques are especially useful in diabetes as a non invasive method of investigating the extent of the disease." He said not only has this just reduced the time of gathering information about the patient but also made follow-up treatments a lot easier.
"Till a few years ago, age related deterioration of vision was thought to be untreatable. Only a few people would be aware that this can be arrested and even reversed with timely intervention," Shetty added.
"Some minor changes in retina can say a lot about the start of some diseases even before the physical manifestations can be observed. This can be especially used by neurosurgeons as the eyes can provide much information about the condition of the brain. Several times it has been useful to detect brain tumours particularly in children," informed Dr Rekha Khandelwal, head of the ophthalmology department at Salve Institute.
"Even in cases of traumatic accidents, deformities of bones near the eyes can affect one's vision. In most such cases, detection of the vision related problems takes a long time and sometimes the problem has grown beyond control," informed Dr Milind naik, head of the aesthetic clinic at LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad. He suggests that any team that is monitoring the condition of a victim of a tragic accident should consist of an ophthalmologist.
Supporting his colleague, Dr Patil recollected a case when the patient had been rejected by some of the most reputed hospitals of the country. "The young man had cancer in lacrymal glands which are located near the eye. After a 12-hour long reconstructive surgery, we were able to save his life. Five years after the surgery, he is still living a happy and healthy life," he said.
"Not just having an in-depth information about the person and the earliest possible detection of various diseases using the latest technologies of imaging can even help in management of diseases," said well-known eye surgeon Dr Narendra Patil.
Dr Nitin Shetty, the vitreo retina consultant at Manipal Hospital of Bangalore, said, "The improved techniques are especially useful in diabetes as a non invasive method of investigating the extent of the disease." He said not only has this just reduced the time of gathering information about the patient but also made follow-up treatments a lot easier.
"Till a few years ago, age related deterioration of vision was thought to be untreatable. Only a few people would be aware that this can be arrested and even reversed with timely intervention," Shetty added.
"Some minor changes in retina can say a lot about the start of some diseases even before the physical manifestations can be observed. This can be especially used by neurosurgeons as the eyes can provide much information about the condition of the brain. Several times it has been useful to detect brain tumours particularly in children," informed Dr Rekha Khandelwal, head of the ophthalmology department at Salve Institute.
"Even in cases of traumatic accidents, deformities of bones near the eyes can affect one's vision. In most such cases, detection of the vision related problems takes a long time and sometimes the problem has grown beyond control," informed Dr Milind naik, head of the aesthetic clinic at LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad. He suggests that any team that is monitoring the condition of a victim of a tragic accident should consist of an ophthalmologist.
Supporting his colleague, Dr Patil recollected a case when the patient had been rejected by some of the most reputed hospitals of the country. "The young man had cancer in lacrymal glands which are located near the eye. After a 12-hour long reconstructive surgery, we were able to save his life. Five years after the surgery, he is still living a happy and healthy life," he said.
Frequent Tests Help Track Progression of Glaucoma, Study Finds
Frequent visual field testing may help doctors detect progression of the eye disease glaucoma at an earlier stage, a new study says.It's important to identify patients whose disease is progressing faster so that they can receive more aggressive treatment or more frequent follow-up, the researchers explained.
Their study, published online Aug. 8 in the journal Archives of Ophthalmology, included 381 glaucoma patients, aged 35 to 80, who were followed for anywhere from about 3 to 13 years. Glaucoma progression was more likely to be detected in patients who had more visual field tests (a median of 20) than in those with fewer tests (a median of 12).
"In summary, we found that a twice-yearly schedule of visual field testing resulted in earlier detection of glaucoma progression compared with a yearly schedule, especially with global trend analyses," wrote Dr. Kouros Nouri-Mahdavi and colleagues at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, in a journal news release.
"Validation of these findings in other patient populations would be desirable. Our results have significant health care policy implications with regard to determining the frequency of visual field testing in patients with glaucoma," they added.
One expert agreed that more frequent testing would end up helping patients.
"Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide," noted Dr. Mark Fromer, an ophthalmologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Left untreated, patients will suffer a permanent loss of vision. This disease is treatable with both topical medications, laser therapy and microsurgery."
He said the new study "has wide implications for the detection of disease in millions of patients."
"In summary, we found that a twice-yearly schedule of visual field testing resulted in earlier detection of glaucoma progression compared with a yearly schedule, especially with global trend analyses," wrote Dr. Kouros Nouri-Mahdavi and colleagues at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, in a journal news release.
"Validation of these findings in other patient populations would be desirable. Our results have significant health care policy implications with regard to determining the frequency of visual field testing in patients with glaucoma," they added.
One expert agreed that more frequent testing would end up helping patients.
"Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide," noted Dr. Mark Fromer, an ophthalmologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Left untreated, patients will suffer a permanent loss of vision. This disease is treatable with both topical medications, laser therapy and microsurgery."
He said the new study "has wide implications for the detection of disease in millions of patients."
Age-Related Vision Loss Predicted by New Online Tool
A patient with a simple risk score of one, indicating the presence of a single retinal abnormality in one eye, had a hazard ratio of 6.38 (95% CI 3.48 to 11.69, P<0.001) for having advanced macular degeneration at ten years, according to Michael L. Klein, MD, of Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, and colleagues.
And with a risk score of just two out of four at baseline, the hazard ratio reached 14.12 (95% CI 8.06 to 24.75, P<0.001), the researchers reported online in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
A number of risk factors have been linked with age-related macular degeneration, such as smoking, dyslipidemia, and certain genetic polymorphisms.
While previous risk models have relied on these factors, Klein and colleagues sought to refine the accuracy by incorporating patient phenotypic characteristics.
Accordingly, they analyzed data from the longitudinal Age-Related Eye Disease Study, which followed almost 3,000 patients for the development of macular degeneration and cataracts.
All participants had detailed histories and ocular examinations done, and DNA samples were available for 2,846 of those who were white and therefore would not have race-related allele differences.
The two retinal abnormalities used to calculate the simple risk score were the presence of large yellow extracellular deposits known as drusen (125 μm in diameter or more), and any abnormality in retinal pigmentation.
A total of 24% of patients without severe abnormalities at baseline developed advanced macular degeneration during follow up.
In 46% of these, the degeneration involved geographic atrophy, or "dry" macular degeneration, while the remainder had the neovascular or "wet" form.
Univariate analysis identified numerous factors that might be associated with progression of macular degeneration, including age, family history, the simple risk score, smoking, and variants in several genes such as ARMS2 and CFH.
Then on multivariate analysis, the largest hazard ratios remained for the simple risk score -- much higher than any of the other significant variables:
- Risk score 4, HR 50.65 (95% CI 28.86 to 88.89, P<0.001)
- Very large drusen (≥250 μm), HR 1.79 (95% CI 1.50 to 2.14, P<0.001)
- Smoking, HR 1.78 (95% CI 1.37 to 2.31, P<0.001)
- TT allele of ARMS2, HR 2 (95% CI 1.59 to 2.50, P<0.001)
- CC allele of CFH, HR 1.44 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.83, P=0.003)
- Family history, HR 1.40 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.70, P<0.001)
- Advanced macular degeneration in one eye at baseline, HR 1.21 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.45, P=0.03)
- Age, HR 1.03 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.05, P<0.001)
The findings of this analysis, according to the researchers, suggest that genetic testing alone or in addition to demographic and environmental factors -- as has been proposed by some -- is inadequate in screening for macular degeneration among older people.
"We believe that the first priority for individuals at potentially increased risk for developing [age-related macular degeneration] based on age, family history, and other factors should be to obtain an eye examination," asserted Klein and colleagues.
During this examination, which should include evaluation of the macula, information can also be obtained about the person's likelihood of other ocular disorders, along with relevant phenotypic, environmental, and demographic data.
Based on their analyses, Klein's group also developed a risk calculator (available online) that can be used to advise the patient immediately about prognosis.
They noted that greater advancements are likely to come in identifying environmental and genetic influences on macular degeneration. As information becomes available the authors plan to update the online model for use by clinicians.
Limitations of the model were its inclusion of only white participants and those ages 50 to 85, but the model could be adapted for use in other groups, they said.
The findings of this study "can be of potential value in clinical practice by helping determine the frequency of follow-up examinations, the use of home monitoring of central vision, and the advisability of initiating preventive measures including beneficial lifestyle changes such as dietary alterations and nutritional supplement use," Klein and colleagues concluded.
New hires at SLO eye doctor group
Local ophthalmology practice San Luis Obispo Eye Associates recently brought on Dr. Terry Kaiura, a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cornea and external disease, keratorefractive surgery and comprehensive ophthalmology.
She has degrees from UCLA and Cornell University
She has degrees from UCLA and Cornell University
Also joining the group is new practice administrator Ed Laski, who has owned several small businesses including a mortgage banking company, an insurance agency and a medical supply company.
San Luis Obispo Eye Associates formed in 1995 when three subspecialty ophthalmology practices merged, according to a recent news release.
San Luis Obispo Eye Associates formed in 1995 when three subspecialty ophthalmology practices merged, according to a recent news release.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Ophthalmologist fetches West Mount Airy 7BD
William V. Anninger and Carol C. Odonoghue bought a seven-bed, 3.5-bath home at 607 W. Upsal St. in West Mount Airy from Robert S. Warren and Stefanie J. Fogel for $690,000 on June 24.
The property was previously acquired for $380,000 in Aug. 2000. The 4,818-square-foot house was built in 1925.
Dr. Anninger is an attending physician at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in its Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology. He specializes in ophthalmology. He is also an assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at both Scheie Eye Institute and the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, he is also affiliated with Children's Hospital Main Campus and Children's Hospital Specialty Care Centers in King of Prussia and Bucks County.
He received a medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School and had an internship at Cambridge City Hospital, Harvard University. He completed his residency at William Havener Eye Institute, Ohio State University and his fellowship at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Dr. Anninger and Ms. Odonoghue also own a home at 6905 Wayne Ave.
According to BlockShopper.com, there have been 119 home sales in West Mount Airy during the past 12 months, with a median sales price of $249,900.
The property was previously acquired for $380,000 in Aug. 2000. The 4,818-square-foot house was built in 1925.
Dr. Anninger is an attending physician at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in its Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology. He specializes in ophthalmology. He is also an assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at both Scheie Eye Institute and the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, he is also affiliated with Children's Hospital Main Campus and Children's Hospital Specialty Care Centers in King of Prussia and Bucks County.
He received a medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School and had an internship at Cambridge City Hospital, Harvard University. He completed his residency at William Havener Eye Institute, Ohio State University and his fellowship at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Dr. Anninger and Ms. Odonoghue also own a home at 6905 Wayne Ave.
According to BlockShopper.com, there have been 119 home sales in West Mount Airy during the past 12 months, with a median sales price of $249,900.
Plans complete for 2012 World Ophthalmology Congress
Phase One plans for the staging of the World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) 2012 - the world's longest continuous medical meeting taking place in Abu Dhabi next February - are now complete
Abu Dhabi: Phase One plans for the staging of the World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) 2012 - the world's longest continuous medical meeting taking place in Abu Dhabi next February - are now complete.
The organiser, the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO), reports that over 900 speakers have been invited to the event; over 2,700 abstracts have been submitted, more than 80 companies have signed on for the associated exhibition, and more than 40 Abu Dhabi hotels are participating.
"The planning is going well and we are on target in terms of our operational goals. Approximately 3,000 square meters, which represents 70 per cent of the targeted exhibition space, has been contracted. We also have platinum, gold and silver sponsors confirmed and more in the pipeline. Abu Dhabi's stakeholders are responding extremely positive- in supporting the congress which will be the largest ever medical congress to be held in the UAE capital with a target of more than 8,000 people visiting the city to attend it," said Dr Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi, President, WOC 2012.
Abu Dhabi: Phase One plans for the staging of the World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) 2012 - the world's longest continuous medical meeting taking place in Abu Dhabi next February - are now complete.
The organiser, the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO), reports that over 900 speakers have been invited to the event; over 2,700 abstracts have been submitted, more than 80 companies have signed on for the associated exhibition, and more than 40 Abu Dhabi hotels are participating.
"The planning is going well and we are on target in terms of our operational goals. Approximately 3,000 square meters, which represents 70 per cent of the targeted exhibition space, has been contracted. We also have platinum, gold and silver sponsors confirmed and more in the pipeline. Abu Dhabi's stakeholders are responding extremely positive- in supporting the congress which will be the largest ever medical congress to be held in the UAE capital with a target of more than 8,000 people visiting the city to attend it," said Dr Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi, President, WOC 2012.
UT Southwestern ophthalmologist helps develop device for monitoring degenerative eye disease
With the hand-held digital device, called myVisionTrack, patients can now perform an accurate self-test in less than 90 seconds, said Dr. Yu-Guang He, associate professor of ophthalmology at UT Southwestern.
“Many patients do not have timely eye exams and end up suffering preventable vision loss,” he said. “Careful self-monitoring is critical because treatment for age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy is most effective when given at precise stages in the disease’s progression.”
Supplied as an app on an iPhone or iPod touch, the prototype device displays three circles on a screen, one of which is markedly different from the others. Patients cover one eye, then touch what they perceive to be the odd-shaped circle on the screen. With each click, the differentiation becomes more subtle. The test is then repeated with the other eye. Results are stored in the device so patients do not have to memorize scores. If a significant vision change is detected, patients are instructed to see their doctor.
Degenerative eye diseases affect more than 13 million people in the U.S. Experts estimate that as the population ages up to a fourth of Americans will be affected by 2020.
Patients diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease previously have used an eye chart developed in the 1940s to track distortion in their vision. Known as an Amsler Grid, the chart looks like graph paper with a black dot in the center. When they focus on the dot, patients begin to see blurred, wavy or missing lines on the grid.
Many patients using the grid, however, failed to notice subtle vision changes. By contrast, myVisionTrack’s “shape discrimination” tests are twice as sensitive as the paper eye chart in detecting small changes in vision, Dr. He said.
The myVisionTrack device was produced by Vital Art and Science Inc., a Richardson, Texas-based biotech firm that recently received approval for up to $1 million from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund to develop the product.
Researchers at UT Southwestern and the Retina Foundation of the Southwest tested the prototype device in an eight-month clinical study funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Eye Institute. Forty diabetic patients diagnosed with retinopathy used the monitoring device at home each week. Their test results showed a high correlation with an ophthalmologist’s reading of their retinal images, taken at the beginning, midpoint and end of the study.
Dr. He co-founded Vital Art and Science with Dr. Yi-Zhong Wang, clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology at UT Southwestern and senior research scientist at Retina Foundation of the Southwest; Dr. Kang Zhang, professor of computer science at UT Dallas; Mike Bartlett, former executive vice president of Texas Instruments; and Dr. Bill Krenik, chief technology officer of Texas Instruments’ Wireless Business Unit.
Visit www.utsouthwestern.org/eyes to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in ophthalmology.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Kremer Eye Center Selects Nextech as their EMR and Practice Management Software
NexTech Systems, Inc., the leader in fully integrated Electronic Medical Records, Practice Management, and Marketing Software announces today that Kremer Eye Center has selected NexTech's fully integrated Ophthalmology EMR, Practice Management, and Marketing software for their Ophthalmology software needs. Kremer Eye Center chose NexTech Practice 2011 for its robust Ophthalmology EMR templates, reports, marketing, and Ophthalmology specific features.
Kremer Eye Center provides advanced cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment and refractive surgery including bladeless LASIK and the Visian lens implant. With 11 Surgeons and 8 Optometrists, Kremer Eye Center has surgical centers, satellite offices,and over 500 Affiliate Optometrist Offices throughout Pennsilvaynia, New Jersey, and Deleware. Switching to NexTech for their Electronic Medical Records, Practice Management, and Marketing software needs will streamline their practice and offer better patient care.
“I am extremely excited and eager to begin the implementation of the NexTech Software. The service that I had received during my decision making process was extraordinary, and we definitely put their software to the test. But outside of the quality of service we received, what ultimately lead to our decision to purchase NexTech was the marketing and reporting tools, as well as the customizability of the Electronic Medical Records. NexTech did not just say “yes we can build that template” or “yes we can create that report,” they either had it already in existence, or they built the templates for the doctors in advance,” Stephanie Cohen, Assistant Vice President of Kremer Eye Center.
“For Kremer Eye Center to choose NexTech says a great deal about our product and organization as a whole. With so many options given to doctors these days it means a great deal to us that such a prestigious group has chosen us for their practice,” Kamal Majeed, Ph.D., President and CEO of NexTech.
About Kremer Eye Center
Kremer Eye Center provides advanced cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment and refractive surgery including bladeless LASIK and the Visian lens implant. Founded in 1980, Kremer is a leader in cataract treatment, pioneering no-stitch/no-injection surgery, and in the field of refractive surgery. Kremer doctors performed the first LASIK surgery in North America, and are committed to utilizing the most advanced technologies and procedures to accelerate recovery time and improve patients' vision.
Kremer staff includes the most experienced and trusted cataract specialists, glaucoma experts, corneal specialists and an oculoplastics surgeon to provide medical eye care at three surgical centers throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Pre- and post-operative care are conveniently provided at satellite offices and at over 500 Affiliate Optometrist Offices throughout the Tri-State Area. http://www.kremereyecenter.com
About NexTech
NexTech Practice 2011 is an ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 Complete EHR. A powerful and complete Ophthalmology and Refractive Surgery software solution, NexTech Practice 2011 is fully integrated EMR, Practice Management, and Marketing software designed specifically for Ophthalmologists and Refractive Surgeons. With a client base of over 3,500 surgeons and physicians and 30,000 in staff worldwide.
Main modules and features include Electronic Medical Records, Scheduling, Financial Accounting, E-Prescribing, E-Billing, Marketing, Inventory (Contacts & Glasses), Optical Shop Management, Surgery Center Management, Contact Management, Patient/Prospect Tracking, Procedure & Surgery Quotes, Patient Education Forms, Microsoft Word Mass Merge, Reporting, Website Integration, Image Archiving, Interfaces with many Ophthalmic Devices and Equipment, and Links to PDAs and Smart Phones.
NexTech was among the first Ophthalmology specific EMR company to certify for meaningful use through CCHIT® for ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 Certification, with its product, NexTech Practice 2011 version 9.7. NexTech Practice 2011 is a Certified, Fully-Customizable, Template-Driven EMR. It is the COMPLETE SOLUTION! For more information visit http://www.nextech.com
Kremer Eye Center provides advanced cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment and refractive surgery including bladeless LASIK and the Visian lens implant. With 11 Surgeons and 8 Optometrists, Kremer Eye Center has surgical centers, satellite offices,and over 500 Affiliate Optometrist Offices throughout Pennsilvaynia, New Jersey, and Deleware. Switching to NexTech for their Electronic Medical Records, Practice Management, and Marketing software needs will streamline their practice and offer better patient care.
“I am extremely excited and eager to begin the implementation of the NexTech Software. The service that I had received during my decision making process was extraordinary, and we definitely put their software to the test. But outside of the quality of service we received, what ultimately lead to our decision to purchase NexTech was the marketing and reporting tools, as well as the customizability of the Electronic Medical Records. NexTech did not just say “yes we can build that template” or “yes we can create that report,” they either had it already in existence, or they built the templates for the doctors in advance,” Stephanie Cohen, Assistant Vice President of Kremer Eye Center.
“For Kremer Eye Center to choose NexTech says a great deal about our product and organization as a whole. With so many options given to doctors these days it means a great deal to us that such a prestigious group has chosen us for their practice,” Kamal Majeed, Ph.D., President and CEO of NexTech.
About Kremer Eye Center
Kremer Eye Center provides advanced cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment and refractive surgery including bladeless LASIK and the Visian lens implant. Founded in 1980, Kremer is a leader in cataract treatment, pioneering no-stitch/no-injection surgery, and in the field of refractive surgery. Kremer doctors performed the first LASIK surgery in North America, and are committed to utilizing the most advanced technologies and procedures to accelerate recovery time and improve patients' vision.
Kremer staff includes the most experienced and trusted cataract specialists, glaucoma experts, corneal specialists and an oculoplastics surgeon to provide medical eye care at three surgical centers throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Pre- and post-operative care are conveniently provided at satellite offices and at over 500 Affiliate Optometrist Offices throughout the Tri-State Area. http://www.kremereyecenter.com
About NexTech
NexTech Practice 2011 is an ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 Complete EHR. A powerful and complete Ophthalmology and Refractive Surgery software solution, NexTech Practice 2011 is fully integrated EMR, Practice Management, and Marketing software designed specifically for Ophthalmologists and Refractive Surgeons. With a client base of over 3,500 surgeons and physicians and 30,000 in staff worldwide.
Main modules and features include Electronic Medical Records, Scheduling, Financial Accounting, E-Prescribing, E-Billing, Marketing, Inventory (Contacts & Glasses), Optical Shop Management, Surgery Center Management, Contact Management, Patient/Prospect Tracking, Procedure & Surgery Quotes, Patient Education Forms, Microsoft Word Mass Merge, Reporting, Website Integration, Image Archiving, Interfaces with many Ophthalmic Devices and Equipment, and Links to PDAs and Smart Phones.
NexTech was among the first Ophthalmology specific EMR company to certify for meaningful use through CCHIT® for ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 Certification, with its product, NexTech Practice 2011 version 9.7. NexTech Practice 2011 is a Certified, Fully-Customizable, Template-Driven EMR. It is the COMPLETE SOLUTION! For more information visit http://www.nextech.com
Topcon penetrates ophthalmology market with new devices, systems
Collagen cross-linking for treating keratoconus and ectasia, laser photocoagulation of retinal disease and integration of electronic imaging records are among the areas of the ophthalmology market where Topcon Medical Systems is making inroads.
Topcon is funding three ongoing trials to assess the potential use of corneal collagen cross-linking while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers the treatment for post-LASIK ectasia and keratoconus. This effort follows on the heels of Topcon’s acquisition of the Pascal system and, more recently, the release of the updated comprehensive software platform EyeRoute Synergy.
Additionally, Sooft, for which Topcon serves as an exclusive distributor, has released in the European Union Ricrolin TE, a transepithelial formulation of the drug that offers the same clinical benefits as Ricrolin but does not require the removal of the epithelium.
“That means less procedure time and less patient discomfort,” Robert Gibson, Topcon vice president of marketing, told Ocular Surgery News.
“What we’re trying to show is that using [cross-linking] will stop the progression of keratoconus, so that the patient doesn’t have to go to a corneal transplant,” he said.
In August 2010, OptiMedica sold its retina and glaucoma assets to Topcon Medical Laser Systems, a then newly established subsidiary that received ownership of all related intellectual property, manufacturing rights and facilities, as well as sales and distribution rights worldwide.
The Pascal (Pattern Scan Laser) system, initially developed at Stanford University to treat a variety of retinal conditions including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and retinal vascular occlusive disease, was acquired in the exchange. According to a company press release, the Pascal photocoagulation system, due to its ability to deliver gentle photocoagulation with reduced heat diffusion and provide shortened treatment durations through the use of multi-spot, rapid laser pulse technology, had already achieved sales success under OptiMedica. Success has continued under Topcon, which has exceeded sales plans in both units sold and dollar revenue.
“What we’ve been doing is simply utilizing the full Topcon sales channel,” Greg Halstead, Topcon director of sales and marketing, said. “We have direct sales in the U.S., most of Europe, large parts of Asia and Japan. [We’re] putting the emphasis of all of Topcon behind it.”
Regarding Topcon Medical Laser Systems, Mr. Halstead said, “We have been testing and evaluating 577-nm lasers and are releasing those to countries as registration permits. [We] should be ready for the majority of the global market by the [American Academy of Ophthalmology] meeting.”
Topcon is funding three ongoing trials to assess the potential use of corneal collagen cross-linking while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers the treatment for post-LASIK ectasia and keratoconus. This effort follows on the heels of Topcon’s acquisition of the Pascal system and, more recently, the release of the updated comprehensive software platform EyeRoute Synergy.
Corneal cross-linking
Corneal cross-linking, a process in which the cornea is strengthened through a combination of riboflavin administered to the cornea and application of ultraviolet light, is not yet approved by the FDA. In some cases, the riboflavin product is applied after the epithelium is removed; in other cases, the epithelium is left on and a transepithelial product is used. According to Sooft Italia literature, in the corneal cross-linking procedure under study sponsored by Topcon, after the epithelium is removed, the cornea is saturated with Ricrolin (Sooft Italia) and then exposed to a customized dose of ultraviolet light.Additionally, Sooft, for which Topcon serves as an exclusive distributor, has released in the European Union Ricrolin TE, a transepithelial formulation of the drug that offers the same clinical benefits as Ricrolin but does not require the removal of the epithelium.
“That means less procedure time and less patient discomfort,” Robert Gibson, Topcon vice president of marketing, told Ocular Surgery News.
“What we’re trying to show is that using [cross-linking] will stop the progression of keratoconus, so that the patient doesn’t have to go to a corneal transplant,” he said.
Pascal system
Topcon’s focus is not just on the surface of the eye.In August 2010, OptiMedica sold its retina and glaucoma assets to Topcon Medical Laser Systems, a then newly established subsidiary that received ownership of all related intellectual property, manufacturing rights and facilities, as well as sales and distribution rights worldwide.
The Pascal (Pattern Scan Laser) system, initially developed at Stanford University to treat a variety of retinal conditions including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and retinal vascular occlusive disease, was acquired in the exchange. According to a company press release, the Pascal photocoagulation system, due to its ability to deliver gentle photocoagulation with reduced heat diffusion and provide shortened treatment durations through the use of multi-spot, rapid laser pulse technology, had already achieved sales success under OptiMedica. Success has continued under Topcon, which has exceeded sales plans in both units sold and dollar revenue.
“What we’ve been doing is simply utilizing the full Topcon sales channel,” Greg Halstead, Topcon director of sales and marketing, said. “We have direct sales in the U.S., most of Europe, large parts of Asia and Japan. [We’re] putting the emphasis of all of Topcon behind it.”
Regarding Topcon Medical Laser Systems, Mr. Halstead said, “We have been testing and evaluating 577-nm lasers and are releasing those to countries as registration permits. [We] should be ready for the majority of the global market by the [American Academy of Ophthalmology] meeting.”
Report: Many Ophthalmologists' EHRs Don't Meet Their Needs
A new report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology noted that many electronic health record systems used by ophthalmologists do not meet their needs, according to an AAO news release.
The report by the academy's IT committee specified the areas where these EHRs, designed for primary care physicians, don't mesh with ophthalmologic practices and described how they could be improved.
EHRs designed specifically for ophthalmologists tend to be made by small companies that may not have the resources to upgrade software to meet federal Meaningful Use standards.
Read the American Academy of Ophthalmology release on ophthalmologist EHR systems.
The report by the academy's IT committee specified the areas where these EHRs, designed for primary care physicians, don't mesh with ophthalmologic practices and described how they could be improved.
EHRs designed specifically for ophthalmologists tend to be made by small companies that may not have the resources to upgrade software to meet federal Meaningful Use standards.
Read the American Academy of Ophthalmology release on ophthalmologist EHR systems.
World Ophthalmology Congress® 2012 - Plans Take Shape 900 Speakers Invited. 2,750 Abstracts, 80 Exhibitors Confirmed. 40 Abu Dhabi Hotels Participating.
Phase One plans for the staging of the World Ophthalmology Congress® (WOC) 2012 – the world’s longest continuous medical meeting taking place in Abu Dhabi next February – are now complete. The organizer, the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO), reports that over 900 speakers have been invited to the event; over 2,700 abstracts have been submitted, more than 80 companies have signed on for the associated exhibition, and more than 40 Abu Dhabi hotels are participating.
“The planning is going well and we are on target in terms of our operational goals,” commented Dr. Abdulaziz Al Rajhi, President, WOC 2012. “Approximately 3,000 square meters, which represents 70% of the targeted exhibition space, has been contracted. We also have platinum, gold and silver sponsors confirmed and more in the pipeline. Abu Dhabi’s stakeholders are responding extremely positive- in supporting the congress which will be the largest ever medical congress to be held in the UAE capital with a target of more than 8,000 people visiting the city to attend it.
“An official hotel programme is now in place with around 40 participating hotels now bookable online through www.woc2012.org.”
The organizer, together with a delegation from Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) which is supporting the congress, are to launch a major WOC 2012 ‘push’ at the 24th Congress of the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons, which will be held from 17-21 September in Vienna.
“We will be on hand to answer any questions potential delegates have before they make final travel decisions,” explained Mubarak Al Nuaimi, International Promotions Manager of ADTA. “Our hope is to convince them that Abu Dhabi is the right choice for the World Ophthalmology Congress and that they can expect a welcome like no other when they arrive in the UAE capital.”
“The planning is going well and we are on target in terms of our operational goals,” commented Dr. Abdulaziz Al Rajhi, President, WOC 2012. “Approximately 3,000 square meters, which represents 70% of the targeted exhibition space, has been contracted. We also have platinum, gold and silver sponsors confirmed and more in the pipeline. Abu Dhabi’s stakeholders are responding extremely positive- in supporting the congress which will be the largest ever medical congress to be held in the UAE capital with a target of more than 8,000 people visiting the city to attend it.
“An official hotel programme is now in place with around 40 participating hotels now bookable online through www.woc2012.org.”
The organizer, together with a delegation from Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) which is supporting the congress, are to launch a major WOC 2012 ‘push’ at the 24th Congress of the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons, which will be held from 17-21 September in Vienna.
“We will be on hand to answer any questions potential delegates have before they make final travel decisions,” explained Mubarak Al Nuaimi, International Promotions Manager of ADTA. “Our hope is to convince them that Abu Dhabi is the right choice for the World Ophthalmology Congress and that they can expect a welcome like no other when they arrive in the UAE capital.”
Monday, July 25, 2011
EyeCare America Encourages Everyone to Get The Facts During August's Cataract Awareness Month
Education is Vital to Preventing, Treating Leading Worldwide Cause of Vision Loss
SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Though cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss worldwide, myths persist about their cause and treatment. More than 20 million people in the US older than 40 have cataracts, and more than half of them will develop cataracts by age 80, according to the National Eye Institute.
"Cataracts are not preventable, but they are treatable," said Richard P. Mills, M.D., "and the best way to ensure vision stays healthy for a lifetime is to schedule a visit with an ophthalmologist. In fact, more than 90 percent of the people who have cataract surgery regain useful vision."
In honor of Cataract Awareness Month, EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides eye exams at no out-of-pocket cost to people age 65 and older [The medication assistance isn't relevant to cataracts]. The eye exams are provided by a corps of nearly 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Those interested in the program can visit www.eyecareamerica.org to see if they are eligible. The organization's online referral center also enables friends and family members to find out instantly if their loved ones are eligible to be matched with an EyeCare America volunteer ophthalmologist
Separating Cataract Fact from Fiction
Cataracts are a natural result of aging. As the eye's lens, which sits behind the pupil, grows older, its cells die and accumulate, turning the lens yellowed and cloudy. The result is blurred vision and "fuzzy" images. Eye injuries, certain medications and diseases such as diabetes are also known to cause cataracts. In the early stages, stronger lighting and eyeglasses may lessen vision problems caused by cataracts. But at a certain point, cataract surgery—the most frequently performed operation in the United States—may be necessary to improve vision.
Five common Cataract myths to dispel:
EyeCare America is designed for people who:
To see immediately if you, a loved one or a friend, 65 or older, is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, visit www.eyecareamerica.org.
EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon. The program is endorsed by state and subspecialty ophthalmological societies.
About EyeCare America
Established in 1985, EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides eye care services to medically underserved seniors and those at increased risk for eye disease through its corps of nearly 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. Since its inception, EyeCare America has helped more than 1.5 million people. EyeCare America is a non-profit program whose success is made possible through charitable contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. More information can be found at: www.eyecareamerica.org
SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Though cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss worldwide, myths persist about their cause and treatment. More than 20 million people in the US older than 40 have cataracts, and more than half of them will develop cataracts by age 80, according to the National Eye Institute.
"Cataracts are not preventable, but they are treatable," said Richard P. Mills, M.D., "and the best way to ensure vision stays healthy for a lifetime is to schedule a visit with an ophthalmologist. In fact, more than 90 percent of the people who have cataract surgery regain useful vision."
In honor of Cataract Awareness Month, EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides eye exams at no out-of-pocket cost to people age 65 and older [The medication assistance isn't relevant to cataracts]. The eye exams are provided by a corps of nearly 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Those interested in the program can visit www.eyecareamerica.org to see if they are eligible. The organization's online referral center also enables friends and family members to find out instantly if their loved ones are eligible to be matched with an EyeCare America volunteer ophthalmologist
Separating Cataract Fact from Fiction
Cataracts are a natural result of aging. As the eye's lens, which sits behind the pupil, grows older, its cells die and accumulate, turning the lens yellowed and cloudy. The result is blurred vision and "fuzzy" images. Eye injuries, certain medications and diseases such as diabetes are also known to cause cataracts. In the early stages, stronger lighting and eyeglasses may lessen vision problems caused by cataracts. But at a certain point, cataract surgery—the most frequently performed operation in the United States—may be necessary to improve vision.
Five common Cataract myths to dispel:
- MYTH 1: Eye drops can prevent or dissolve cataracts.
- FACT: No. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drops that cure or delay cataracts. Some such products claim they can prevent cataracts, but cataract formation is a natural part of the eye's aging process. Other products claim they can "dissolve" cataracts. But since cataracts are not a "substance," there is nothing for the drops to dissolve.
- MYTH 2: Close-up tasks like reading or sewing make cataracts worse.
- FACT: No. Cataracts are not caused by how people use their eyes. However, cataracts likely become more noticeable during close work. One sign of a cataract is the need for more light to do the same activities well.
- MYTH 3: Cataracts are reversible.
- FACT: No. The lens naturally clouds as it ages. This process is unavoidable. However, its progress can be slowed by quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet and wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.
- MYTH 4: Cataract surgery is dangerous, and recovery takes months.
- FACT: No. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most highly perfected surgical procedures in medicine, with a 95 percent success rate. Of course, as with any surgery, risks do exist and should be discussed with a doctor before the procedure. Patients will need to avoid bending or lifting anything heavy for up to three weeks after the procedure, as well as refrain from rubbing or pressing the eye. Normal activities may be resumed the day after surgery, when the eye patch is removed. Cataract patients often notice vision improvement immediately following surgery, and others will notice more gradual improvement for a few months afterward.
- MYTH 5: Cataracts "grow back."
- FACT: No. Cataracts develop as the lens's cells die and accumulate; they are not a "growth" that sits on top of the eye. Occasionally patients do develop a different, secondary cataract, though. When the membrane that holds the new lens implant becomes cloudy, vision can be compromised. But this can easily be treated with laser surgery, a painless, 15-minute procedure usually done at a doctor's office.
EyeCare America is designed for people who:
- Are U.S. citizens or legal residents
- Are age 65 and older
- Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
- Do not belong to an HMO or receive eye care benefits through the VA
To see immediately if you, a loved one or a friend, 65 or older, is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, visit www.eyecareamerica.org.
EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon. The program is endorsed by state and subspecialty ophthalmological societies.
About EyeCare America
Established in 1985, EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides eye care services to medically underserved seniors and those at increased risk for eye disease through its corps of nearly 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. Since its inception, EyeCare America has helped more than 1.5 million people. EyeCare America is a non-profit program whose success is made possible through charitable contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. More information can be found at: www.eyecareamerica.org
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Docs debate eye surgery bill
Doctors on Thursday debated the amount of training needed for optometrists to perform some minor eye surgeries allowed under legislation approved in February by the Kentucky General Assembly.
Senate Bill 110 raised eyebrows for the short time it took both chambers to pass the bill - 10 days - and the Kentucky Optometric Association's political action committee giving more than $400,000 in campaign contributions to lawmakers and the gubernatorial campaigns of Gov. Steve Beshear and Senate President David Williams in the past two years.
The bill will allow optometrists to do some procedures previously reserved only for ophthalmologists. Kentucky becomes the second state to allow optometrists to perform these types of surgeries, behind Oklahoma.
The Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners held a public forum Thursday in Lexington on regulations that would set the standards of certification for optometrists to perform these procedures, which include the use of lasers for some conditions involved with cataract surgery and the injection with a needle of certain medications. It would not allow optometrists to perform LASIK surgery.
The current proposed regulations would require optometrists to complete courses approved by the Board of Optometric Examiners.
Optometrists said the need is there so they can provide services to rural areas in the state where there aren't ophthalmologists.
James Sawyer, an optometrist from Wayne County in southeastern Kentucky, testified Thursday that many residents in that county don't have the option to go to an ophthalmologist.
"It is medically underserved," Sawyer said. "Wayne County has a high number of Medicaid recipients and many elderly residents. Getting our folks to travel to another county to get health care is a challenge. Many cannot afford gas and cannot drive."
Ophthalmologists Thursday urged for the revamping of the requirements, which they said puts patients at risk. They criticized a flyer advertising a 16-hour weekend course in September to grant surgical privileges to optometrists.
The regulations don't specify the teacher credentials or length of training and are vague in many areas, said Woodford Van Meter, chief of ophthalmology at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington and president of the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. He said Senate Bill 110 is an "abysmal failure" to protect patients.
"One cannot become an eye surgeon in 16 hours," Van Meter said.
It stands in contrast to the extensive training and education ophthalmologists go through to become medical doctors, said William Richardson, an ophthalmologist from Georgetown.
"It is at this point, eight years, 17,000 hours, 1,200 hours in operating room, 626 hours of lab instruction, a minimum of 3,000 patients and board certification when we are considered qualified to safely perform surgery on our own," Richardson said.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care.
Optometrists are licensed to provide primary eye care services such as conducting exams, diagnosing diseases, prescribing glasses and performing minor procedures of the eye. This requires an undergraduate degree and four years of education in a college of optometry.
Senate Bill 110 is similar to when optometrists in Kentucky faced opposition but successfully lobbied the General Assembly for the right to dilate eyes with eye drops, said Darlene Eakin, executive director of the Kentucky Optometric Association.
"History shows that optometrists exercise this privilege frequently to the benefit of thousands of Kentuckians," Eakin said.
This law allows optometrists to do in office procedures without general anesthesia and doesn't allow major procedures, she said. The more labor-intensive procedures allowed under the bill we require more than a weekend course, she said.
"That course has some areas covered, but that's not everything they would have to have," Eakin said.
Florence optometrist and councilwoman Julie Metzger Aubuchon testified in support of Senate Bill 110 and said optometrists will be just as qualified for these procedures as ophthalmologists.
"Many references have been made to a weekend course," Aubuchon said. "I submit to you that many ophthalmologists that testified here today did not learn the current procedures in medical school. They had to go back. They had to learn those things in a course."
The way the bill passed through the General Assembly concerned local ophthalmologist James Sanitato, who practices in ophthalmology in Cincinnati and Crestview Hills.
"It is not in the purview of the legislature to redefine surgery in bills that were rushed through," Sanitato said.
The Kentucky Board of Examiners before Aug. 15 will send proposed regulations to the General Assembly. If approved by a sub-committee, they could go into effect by November. The public can send written comments until Aug. 1 to the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 163 W. Short St., Suite 550, Lexington, KY 40507.
Senate Bill 110 raised eyebrows for the short time it took both chambers to pass the bill - 10 days - and the Kentucky Optometric Association's political action committee giving more than $400,000 in campaign contributions to lawmakers and the gubernatorial campaigns of Gov. Steve Beshear and Senate President David Williams in the past two years.
The bill will allow optometrists to do some procedures previously reserved only for ophthalmologists. Kentucky becomes the second state to allow optometrists to perform these types of surgeries, behind Oklahoma.
The Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners held a public forum Thursday in Lexington on regulations that would set the standards of certification for optometrists to perform these procedures, which include the use of lasers for some conditions involved with cataract surgery and the injection with a needle of certain medications. It would not allow optometrists to perform LASIK surgery.
The current proposed regulations would require optometrists to complete courses approved by the Board of Optometric Examiners.
Optometrists said the need is there so they can provide services to rural areas in the state where there aren't ophthalmologists.
James Sawyer, an optometrist from Wayne County in southeastern Kentucky, testified Thursday that many residents in that county don't have the option to go to an ophthalmologist.
"It is medically underserved," Sawyer said. "Wayne County has a high number of Medicaid recipients and many elderly residents. Getting our folks to travel to another county to get health care is a challenge. Many cannot afford gas and cannot drive."
Ophthalmologists Thursday urged for the revamping of the requirements, which they said puts patients at risk. They criticized a flyer advertising a 16-hour weekend course in September to grant surgical privileges to optometrists.
The regulations don't specify the teacher credentials or length of training and are vague in many areas, said Woodford Van Meter, chief of ophthalmology at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington and president of the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. He said Senate Bill 110 is an "abysmal failure" to protect patients.
"One cannot become an eye surgeon in 16 hours," Van Meter said.
It stands in contrast to the extensive training and education ophthalmologists go through to become medical doctors, said William Richardson, an ophthalmologist from Georgetown.
"It is at this point, eight years, 17,000 hours, 1,200 hours in operating room, 626 hours of lab instruction, a minimum of 3,000 patients and board certification when we are considered qualified to safely perform surgery on our own," Richardson said.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care.
Optometrists are licensed to provide primary eye care services such as conducting exams, diagnosing diseases, prescribing glasses and performing minor procedures of the eye. This requires an undergraduate degree and four years of education in a college of optometry.
Senate Bill 110 is similar to when optometrists in Kentucky faced opposition but successfully lobbied the General Assembly for the right to dilate eyes with eye drops, said Darlene Eakin, executive director of the Kentucky Optometric Association.
"History shows that optometrists exercise this privilege frequently to the benefit of thousands of Kentuckians," Eakin said.
This law allows optometrists to do in office procedures without general anesthesia and doesn't allow major procedures, she said. The more labor-intensive procedures allowed under the bill we require more than a weekend course, she said.
"That course has some areas covered, but that's not everything they would have to have," Eakin said.
Florence optometrist and councilwoman Julie Metzger Aubuchon testified in support of Senate Bill 110 and said optometrists will be just as qualified for these procedures as ophthalmologists.
"Many references have been made to a weekend course," Aubuchon said. "I submit to you that many ophthalmologists that testified here today did not learn the current procedures in medical school. They had to go back. They had to learn those things in a course."
The way the bill passed through the General Assembly concerned local ophthalmologist James Sanitato, who practices in ophthalmology in Cincinnati and Crestview Hills.
"It is not in the purview of the legislature to redefine surgery in bills that were rushed through," Sanitato said.
The Kentucky Board of Examiners before Aug. 15 will send proposed regulations to the General Assembly. If approved by a sub-committee, they could go into effect by November. The public can send written comments until Aug. 1 to the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 163 W. Short St., Suite 550, Lexington, KY 40507.
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