Most eye care professionals are able to provide
excellent care for their patients at a very high
level. Over the years, new technologies have
slowly been integrated, from the autorefractor
to advancements like topography, optical
coherence to…
Month: August 2014
Explaining the ABCs of Presbyopia
This issue of emAdvanced Ocular Care,/em with its Cover
Focus on the latest technology and feature
series on presbyopia in particular, offers articles
on the latest advances and newest approaches.
But before eye care providers can discuss …
Combining Autorefraction, Subjective Refraction in the Same Device
Achieving optimal visual outcomes in patients
requires careful measurement of their refractive
error. Typically, this is achieved by assessing
objective refraction using a retinoscope or
autorefractor and subjective refraction using a phoropte…
Facebook: More Than Just Candy Crush and Cat Memes
We have all witnessed the transformation
of previously printed resources to digital
content. Many textbooks now have
online versions. Many peer-reviewed
optometry and ophthalmology journals have transitioned
to online access only. And many tr…
The Last Hurdle— Taking Cataract Surgery Dropless
Without a doubt, the technology surrounding
cataract surgery is amazing. Femtosecond
lasers can drastically reduce the use of ultrasound
energy within the eye, premium IOLs
improve vision at all distances, and precise technology
can even elim…
Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Technologies Foster Patients’ Confidence
Point-of-care diagnostic tools are entering the
market at an unprecedented rate, but it can be
difficult for practitioners to determine whether
these tools will have a positive impact on their
practice environment. In my experience, patients f…
Wireless Eye Implant Continuously Measures Intraocular Pressure (VIDEO)
Measuring a person’s intraocular pressure (IOP) can help diagnose and monitor glaucoma, but just like blood pressure it varies and can be subject to the “white coat effect.” Continuous monitoring of IOP to detect spikes is practically impossible when using a traditional tonometer, but a new eye implant from Germany’s Impland (Read more...)
Iluvien receives marketing approval in Denmark for chronic DME
The Danish Health and Medicines Authority has granted marketing approval of Iluvien for the treatment of vision impairment associated with chronic diabetic macular edema, according to an Alimera press release.Denmark is the second country to grant national marketing authorization for Iluvien (190 mcg intravitreal implant in applicator, Alimera). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing the company’s new drug application.
Senate subcommittee examines new pricing policies for contact lenses
The Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust Competition Policy and Consumer Rights held a hearing July 30 to explore contact lens pricing strategies initiated recently by contact lens manufacturers that would affect retail price competition, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said as she presided over the proceedings.“This is intended as an exploratory hearing to give the subcommittee and regulators a better understanding of the reasons for the minimum pricing arrangements in this particular market,” Sen. Michael S. Lee (R-Utah) said at the hearing. “Price matters in this market. I’ve heard that as prices (Read more...)
Allergan files lawsuit against Valeant, Pershing Square for federal securities violations
Allergan has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court against Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Pershing Square Capital Management, and its principal, William A. Ackman, citing violations to federal securities laws prohibiting insider trading, engagement in fraudulent practices and failure to disclose legally required information.The complaint alleges that between February and April 2014, Pershing Square purchased Allergan stock and securities valued at more than $3.2 billion from unknowing Allergan stockholders, with full understanding of Valeant’s non-public takeover intensions.
ICD-10 implementation date set for Oct. 1, 2015
After a long wait, CMS has confirmed Oct. 1, 2015 as the implementation date for the use of ICD-10 codes. Controversy has surrounded the new coding system for its higher level of detail and the delay in setting a date for its implementation.
Kala initiates phase 2 trials for RVO, DME treatment
Kala Pharmaceuticals announced the initiation of a phase 2 clinical trial of KP-121, its loteprednol etabonate mucus penetrating particle platform, in patients with retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular edema.The company is also launching a phase…
BLOG: Managing associate optometrists in your practice, part 4
As with eye surgeons, not all optometrists are created equally. It’s a broad but true generalization that younger ODs are better trained and equipped to step into a busy ophthalmic practice. Sparky doctors, both in intelligence and energy, can see more patients than dull docs.Recruiting a high-quality optometrist is generally much easier than finding a top-flight ophthalmologist. It pays to aim for a higher-quality doctor; small increments in compensation can yield large benefits in productivity and ease of management. Here’s a sample ad with all the right buzz words
Reading glasses not necessary with vision-correcting display
What if computer screens had glasses instead of the people staring at the monitors? That concept is not too far afield from technology being developed by UC Berkeley computer and vision scientists.
FDA allows open access to adverse drug reaction database
The FDA announced it is making access to its adverse drug reaction reports easier to obtain, with open access to the public. In a press release, Taha Kass-Hout, MD, MS, chief health informatics officer at FDA, said that the information previously diffi…