Author: Healio ophthalmology

Glaukos posts $1.3 million in quarterly net income

Glaukos posted a net income of $1.3 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2017 compared with a net income of $1.2 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2016, according to a press release.
Net sales increased to $40.4 million compared with $29.6 million in the same quarter of 2016, which Glaukos attributed to higher selling prices and an expansion of its direct sales operations in new international markets.
Operating expenses rose from $24.7 million in 2016’s third quarter to $33.9 (Read more...)

ACP proposes ways to improve testing new payment models

In a letter to CMS, the ACP voiced its support of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s move towards value-based payment models, but also expressed several significant reservations on the testing approaches for new payment models, as well as their impact on disadvantaged patients.
“There are a number of components of these principles that ACP supports; however, we also have significant concerns about some of the language used in terms of what it will mean for the implementation of the key concepts,” Jacqueline Fincher, MD, MACP, chair of ACP’s (Read more...)

VIDEO: IRIS Registry study shows diabetic macular edema undertreated in US

NEW ORLEANS ― At the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting here, Jeffrey R. Willis, MD, PhD, assistant medical director at Genentech, discusses a large retrospective study using the IRIS Registry to observe patients identified with diabetic macular edema and the treatments most used. The study found most patients were not treated regularly enough over a 1-year interval.

EyeGate reports $4.1 million quarterly loss

EyeGate Pharmaceuticals reported a net loss of $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2017 compared with a net loss of $3.4 million in the same time period of 2016.
Revenues were down from $0.274 million in 2016’s third quarter to $0.075 million in the third quarter of 2017, according to a press release.
Research and development costs rose to $3.2 million in the quarter from $2.5 million in 2016’s third quarter, while general and administrative costs were down to $1 million from $1.2 million.
The company reported cash and (Read more...)

IOPtima acquired by Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceutical Group

Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceutical Group, a China-based company, purchased IOPtima, according to a press release.

A $7 million investment into IOPtima began the four-stage transaction, which will continue with Chengdu Kanghong gradually acquiring all of the company’s shares by 2021. Chengdu Kanghong will also be IOPtima’s distributor in China.

IOPtima manufactures the IOPtiMate system for surgically treating glaucoma and is developing laser products and accessories for glaucoma and other ophthalmic diseases. The main ophthalmic product from Chengdu Kanghong is conbercept for wet

Ophthotech net income reaches $189.1 million in third quarter

Ophthotech reported a net income of $189.1 million, or $5.25 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2017 compared with a net loss of $60.9 million, or $1.71 per diluted share, in the same quarter of last year.
Quarterly collaboration revenue was $206.7 million compared with $1.7 million in the same period a year ago. The increase was attributed to Ophthotech completing “all deliverables required under its licensing and commercialization agreement with Novartis Pharma AG” and recognizing associated deferred revenue, according to a press release.
General and administrative

VIDEO: Study finds most adjunctive glaucoma therapies used only twice a day

NEW ORLEANS ― At the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting here, Savak “Sev” Teymoorian, MD, MBA, discusses a survey of adjunctive glaucoma therapy prescribing by ophthalmologists that shows the majority prescribe twice a day as opposed to the labeled three times daily treatment. The study found adherence and patient quality of life were the main factors.

Many live near ophthalmologist office in states with expanded optometrist practice

In three U.S. states where optometrists have expanded scope of practice, more than 40% of residents live within 10 minutes of an ophthalmologist office, according to a study.
“These sorts of analyses provide researchers and health policy makers with a stronger basis for evaluating whether legislation expanding the scope of practice of optometrists in these states is achieving its stated purpose, which was to expand access,” the study authors wrote.
Using 2010 U.S. census data, an American Academy of Ophthalmology member database and Medicare beneficiary data, the authors analyzed

VA hospitals frequently fail to report disciplinary action against health care providers

Officials with VA medical centers often failed to report health care providers who faced review after questions were raised about their clinical care, according to a report released by the Government Accountability Office, or GAO.
Further, reviews of privileged providers – independent physicians and dentists approved to provide specific services for the VA – frequently went undocumented and were conducted months or even years after the initial complaint, the GAO reported.
“In 2015, GAO put the VHA on our high-risk list for a number of reasons, including ambiguous policies and

Aerie posts $32.4 million quarterly loss

Aerie Pharmaceuticals reported a net loss of $32.4 million, or $0.89 per share, in 2017’s third quarter compared with a net loss of $23.8 million, or $0.81 per share, in the same quarter last year, according to a press release.
Total operating expenses were $32.2 million, which includes $12.4 million in research and development costs and $19.8 million in selling, general and administrative costs, whereas 2016’s third quarter operating expenses totaled $23.8 million. The increase was attributed to more activities to support the growth of operations and preparation for

Surgeons prefer internal approach to ptosis repair

NEW ORLEANS — Michael G. Neimkin, MD, and Steven M. Couch, MD, FACS, presented the results of a survey of American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery members, which found the majority of respondents preferred an internal approach during ptosis repair.
“The problem with internal ptosis repair is if a patient has extra skin in their eye, if they have dermatochalasis, then a separate incision is needed for removal of that skin,” Couch said at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting. The most common complication of ptosis repair is (Read more...)

FDA approves Light Adjustable Lens from RxSight

The FDA has approved the Light Adjustable Lens and Light Delivery Device from RxSight, according to an FDA press release.
This is the first medical device system that can make adjustments to the lens power after cataract surgery to correct refractive errors.
The IOL is made of a material that will react to UV light, which the Light Delivery Device provides, at 17 to 21 days after surgery, according to the release. Patients will have three to four light treatments over 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the amount of (Read more...)