Month: June 2013

Accuracy of Matching Optic Discs with Visual Fields: The European Structure and Function Assessment Trial (ESAFAT) – Corrected Proof

Purpose: To determine the ability of ophthalmologists across Europe to match stereoscopic optic disc photographs to visual fields of varying severity.Design: Evaluation and comparison of 2 diagnostic tests.Participants: A total of 109 of 260 invited ophthalmologists in 11 European countries. These had participated in the previous European Optic Disc Assessment Trial (EODAT), a trial on glaucoma diagnostic accuracy based on optic discs only.Methods: Each participant matched stereo optic disc photographs of 40 healthy and 48 glaucomatous eyes to a visual field chosen from 4 options per disc. The 4 presented visual fields included the corresponding one and 3 other visual (Read more...)

Mitochondrial Retinal Dystrophy Associated with the m.3243A>G Mutation – Corrected Proof

Objective: To describe the spectrum of retinal abnormalities associated with the m.3243A>G mutation in the mitochondrial MTTL1 gene and to analyze putative correlations among the severity of retinal abnormalities, disease severity in other organ systems, and heteroplasmy levels.Design: Observational, cohort-based, cross-sectional study.Participants: Twenty-nine patients carrying the m.3243A>G mutation.Methods: Extensive clinical examinations, including visual acuity testing, indirect ophthalmoscopy, color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT), and central visual field analysis. In selected patients, Goldmann perimetry, fluorescein angiography, full-field electroretinography (ERG) and electro-oculography (EOG), and color vision testing were performed. Heteroplasmy levels of the m.3243A>G mutation were measured (Read more...)

BLOG: Merging a new associate into your practice: Part 1

It’s an exciting time and a big deal when a new doctor joins a group, no matter how many times its been done before.  Practices are composed of many moving parts, and complications can quickly crop up without a well-constructed plan of action.The “paperwork” part is easy if you keep a checklist and assign one person to take responsibility to assure all items are completed in a timely fashion.