Authors
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The new normal: Marketing eyewear in tough timesThe retail optical industry is down 2.5% in 2009, according to industry published data.
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Schepens Lecturer Dr. Russell Van Gelder: Could small molecule photoswitches be the ‘miracle’ of vision restoration?Thanks to researchers like Russell N. Van Gelder, MD, PhD, the possibility of restoring sight to patients blinded by age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigments is another step closer to reality.
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ARVO 2018 says ‘Aloha!’ to Hawaii for annual eventClinical researchers, experts share the latest news in vision research, focusing on the power of genetic therapy
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Improve efficiency and patient satisfaction using simple techniquesToday ophthalmologists are facing decreasing reimbursement rates and increasing costs. John R. Fitz, MD points out that ophthalmology is a high fixed-overhead business, and to be successful a practice first needs to reach the break even point. Some strategies for increasing profits include cutting a staff member and increasing patient volume. To increase patients he suggests adding IOLs, increasing the amount of patients seen, and making the experience better for the patient. Dr. Fitz also suggests being diligent about filling out paperwork.
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Retinal camera produces 3-D stereo images in one shotA 3-D simultaneous stereoscopic retinal camera that allows stereo images to be taken in one shot, offers an automatic mosaic merge function, and provides a full 45-degree field angle in two-dimensional mode has been introduced by Kowa Optimed Inc.
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New treatment reduces corneal oedema after cataract surgeryOccasionally, post-cataract surgery endothelial cells don’t function well enough to keep the cornea clear, which can commonly cause corneal oedema. Here, Prof. Feinbaum describes a new treatment modality that has been designed to reduce and in most cases stop the oedema in 24–48 hours.
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5 steps to help create an estate planWhile many put off estate planning because it can be difficult, there are several tips one can follow that can make the process less stressful.
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5 steps to help create an estate planWhile many put off estate planning because it can be difficult, there are several tips one can follow that can make the process less stressful.
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Triple procedure puts IOP on 'ICE'An ophthalmologist explains how he and some colleagues have had excellent success with a new combination procedure ICE: iStent, Cataract, and Endocyclophotocoagulation.
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Tallying financial, environmental costs of medical waste in cataract surgeryEye drops went unused more often than any other medication, due to standard procedures
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Friedenwald family provided eye care for BaltimoreFrom 1860 through 1955, a Friedenwald performed refractions and gave ophthalmic care to inhabitants of Baltimore. Not many families are that fortunate to have given three generations of distinguished care to ophthalmology.
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Simple questionnaires provide useful baseline for dry eye diagnosisA dry eye questionnaire can be a useful tool in clinical practice for characterizing the type and severity of dry eye that a patient is experiencing and evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention.
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Increase returns with alternative investmentsThe question was asked how to use alternative investments to protect assets and let them grow at the same time. The Grandes respond: as assets grow, expand the asset classes that are invested into. Theoretically, this lowers risk while increasing the expected rate of return. This is accomplished by reducing the overall volatility of a portfolio. Structured products do offer a viable solution to investing in hard-to-reach assets.
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Increase returns with alternative investmentsThe question was asked how to use alternative investments to protect assets and let them grow at the same time. The Grandes respond: as assets grow, expand the asset classes that are invested into. Theoretically, this lowers risk while increasing the expected rate of return. This is accomplished by reducing the overall volatility of a portfolio. Structured products do offer a viable solution to investing in hard-to-reach assets.
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PhRMA code revisions are meant to bolster declining public perception of drug companiesTo help combat the unfavorable view the public has about pharmaceutical companies, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) recently published updates to their "Code on Interactions with Health-care Professionals," which went into effect Jan. 1. PhRMA's basis for the updates is that "interactions should be focused on informing health-care professionals about products, providing scientific and educational information, and supporting medical education." Changes have been made in three major categories: gifting, consulting, and enforcement of the code.
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Dry-eye drops and the different implications for patientsImportant differences exist between the various classes of over-the-counter eye drops. Physicians play a vital role in explaining these differences, as well as their potential implications in the treatment of the symptoms of dry eye and other conditions, to patients. Educating patients about the available formulations not only may expedite the relief of their symptoms but also may save them time and money.
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Eye drops for contact lens wearers are found to be safeA clinical trial tested the safety and efficacy of Optive eye drops (Allergan) in contact lens wearers. Participants reported no adverse events and that their lenses were more comfortable to wear; clinical assessment found no adverse events or complications after 4 weeks of treatment.
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PhRMA code revisions are meant to bolster declining public perception of drug companiesTo help combat the unfavorable view the public has about pharmaceutical companies, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) recently published updates to their "Code on Interactions with Health-care Professionals," which went into effect Jan. 1. PhRMA's basis for the updates is that "interactions should be focused on informing health-care professionals about products, providing scientific and educational information, and supporting medical education." Changes have been made in three major categories: gifting, consulting, and enforcement of the code.
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FDA approves OVD for use in ophthalmic surgeryBausch + Lomb’s ClearVisc dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical device has received FDA approval for use in ophthalmic surgery.
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Vision care is lacking for children todayHealthy vision is vital for success in life and should begin with regular vision screenings during childhood, but the level of inadequate vision care for children in the United States is significant, however. The author addresses ways to address this issue to positively affect high school graduation rates, social and emotional problems, juvenile delinquency, adult literacy problems, incarcerations, and workforce quality and productivity.
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Presbia unveils implantable micro-lensPresbia Coöperatief U.A. of Amsterdam unveiled an implantable micro-lens treatment (Flexivue System) for presbyopia at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons annual meeting.
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Patient presents with bilateral blurred visionA 51-year-old Latin woman presented to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute with a complaint of blurry vision in both eyes over the last 6 months. The visual loss was described as gradual, affecting both distance and near vision. The patient denied other symptoms of pain, redness, photophobia, floaters, or photopsias. The patient also denied any relevant medical history, medication use, or history of trauma. Family history was non-contributory. Ocular history was significant for "poor vision in my right eye since childhood," but no history of strabismus existed. The patient worked as a clerk at a dairy company and had a 15 pack-year smoking history, with occasional alcohol use.
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Patient presents with bilateral blurred visionA 51-year-old Latin woman presented to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute with a complaint of blurry vision in both eyes over the last 6 months. The visual loss was described as gradual, affecting both distance and near vision. The patient denied other symptoms of pain, redness, photophobia, floaters, or photopsias. The patient also denied any relevant medical history, medication use, or history of trauma. Family history was non-contributory. Ocular history was significant for "poor vision in my right eye since childhood," but no history of strabismus existed. The patient worked as a clerk at a dairy company and had a 15 pack-year smoking history, with occasional alcohol use.
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Vision Expo West: Win big in VegasVision Expo West takes place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Las Vegas.
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Advance Beneficiary Notice shifts responsibility for paymentBased on a physician's knowledge of the risk of non-payment, Medicare's Advance Beneficiary Notice should be used when the physician believes the service is unlikely to be covered since it may not be medically necessary or reasonable. The ABN explains to the patient that even though Medicare does not pay for a certain item or service does not mean that the patient shouldn't have it. The –GA modifier should be used on the ABN. If –GA is not appended, the patient will be informed in the Explanation of Benefits that they are not responsible for payment.
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(Part 2) From ophthalmology’s lockdown to lasting change: The pandemic habits that stuckFrom revised patient flow to smarter tech adoption, ophthalmologists share which changes from 2020 have become cornerstones of modern care—and how they’re preparing for the next big disruption
