News

The American Medical Association (AMA)-in responding to physicians’ demands for solutions to electronic health record (EHR) systems that have neglected usability as a necessary feature-has outlined eight priorities for improving EHR usability that would benefit caregivers and patients.

The recent agreement between Valeant and Croma-which would provide for the distribution of Croma’s ophthalmology products in Western Europe-is expected to expand Bausch + Lomb’s (B + L) ophthalmic portfolio in the United States.

Nicox S.A has agreed to acquire the Carragelose anti-viral eye drop program from Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH of Austria. The acquisition will provide Nicox with an anti-viral ophthalmic product, expected to launch in Europe within 2 years and pending CE marking.

The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) never fails to entice ophthalmology with cutting-edge technology, and the XXXII Congress in London has not disappointed attendees. This year’s congress has displayed a wide range of new technologies from cataract and refractive platforms to diagnostic units to surgical instruments. From all the equipment presented, IOL advances have again captured the attention of attendees.

In retrospect-even though Army life was not for me-going to France was a unique opportunity for a young man to gain perspective on the culture of Western Europe. With my 2-year “vacation” at an end, I was ready to focus on my future in ophthalmology.

Analyses of data from the Inhibition of VEGF in Age-related Choroidal Neovascularisation trial conducted to explore relationships between temporal changes in serum VEGF and safety events showed that at 1 year, a larger fall from baseline serum VEGF was associated with a lower hazard of death.

The self-pay, lifestyle health care market is poised for huge growth as the population of the United States ages. A new cooperative offers a host of tools and services to help board-certified ophthalmologists capitalize on opportunities in the self-pay market.

Practices with an offering of specialty eyewear-and with the knowledge for how to promote these products-not only will reap benefits for patients but also for the clinic financially.

Avedro has purchased the assets of IROC Innocross, a Swish company that has commercialized a cross-linking device for the treatment of keratoconus and other corneal pathologies.

Beaver-Visitec has announced the purchase of Endo Optiks, a company that focuses on the treatment of glaucoma and retinal diseases via minimally invasive endoscopy.