WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — About 95% of ophthalmologists are sued for malpractice over a 35-year career, and pediatric ophthalmologists make the highest indemnity payments, a speaker told colleagues here.“Malpractice lawsuits are very common but quite variable depending on what specialty you are in,” Judy E. Kim, MD, said at Retina 2016. “It’s not a matter of if you get sued. It may be a matter of when you’re going to get sued.”
Author: Healio ophthalmology
VIDEO: Surgeon shares data on mutations causing macular dystophy
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — At Retina 2016, Kent Small, MD, shares data on his process in discovering mutations that cause North Carolina macular dystrophy, a lifelong pursuit of his that is published as the lead article in the January 2016 issue of Ophthalmology.
BioLight announces positive study results for TeaRx
The TeaRx multi-assay test for evaluating tear components successfully completed its clinical study of both healthy subjects and patients suffering from dry eye syndrome, according to a press release from BioLight.The study was conducted by Ora and con…
VIDEO: Evidence mounts showing advantages of anti-VEGF therapy in proliferative diabetic retinopathy
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — At Retina 2016, Michael S. Ip, MD, describes mounting evidence — anecdotal data, secondary outcomes data and study results from the DRCR.net Protocol S study — that anti-VEGF therapy is advantageous in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Response after three anti-VEGF injections predictive of long-term outcomes in DME, analysis shows
A post hoc analysis of Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network data showed that the long-term response to anti-VEGF treatment of diabetic macular edema can be assessed after three injections.The Early Anti-VEGF Response and Long-term Efficacy (E…
Katena Products acquires Sensor Medical Technology
Katena Products announced its acquisition of Sensor Medical Technology, in a press release.Sensor Medical Technology specializes in developing and manufacturing high quality single-use and reusable diagnostic and therapeutic lenses used by optometrists…
Novartis appoints Mike Ball to lead Alcon, announces business changes for 2016
Novartis has appointed Mike Ball as division head and CEO of Alcon, effective Feb. 1. He will succeed Jeff George.“I want to welcome Mike Ball as division head and CEO of Alcon. His expertise in ophthalmology, as well as medical devices, will be instrumental in accelerating innovation and growth at Alcon,” Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis, said in a press release.
Encore Vision completes enrollment for phase 1/2 trial of EV06 for presbyopia
Encore Vision has completed patient enrollment for a phase 1/2 trial of topical EV06 ophthalmic solution for the treatment of presbyopia, according to a press release. The prospective, randomized, doublemasked, multicenter trial will examine the safety…
Ocriplasmin not as cost-effective as vitrectomy for vitreomacular adhesion, macular hole
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — Jetrea may not be as safe or cost-effective as vitrectomy for vitreomacular adhesion and macular hole closure, a speaker told colleagues here.“You’ve got to decide what’s best for your patients, recognizing that ocriplasmin will not achieve a success rate anywhere near that of a single operation, and to look at this issue of cost-adjustment,” William F. Mieler, MD, said at Retina 2016. “Perhaps ocriplasmin is just as expensive as a surgery. These issues are still ongoing. I still use ocriplasmin on occasion, but I think most of (Read more...)
Participants to be inducted in seventh class of APAO Leadership Development Program
We are pleased to share with you that the APAO Leadership Development Program will be inducting its seventh class of 18 participants at the 31st APAO Congress to be held in Chinese Taipei from March 24 to 27. In the meantime, 14 participants in the gra…
Anti-VEGF use on the rise for treatment of diabetic retinopathy
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — Current data indicate that anti-VEGF injections are an effective form of treatment for diabetic retinopathy, according to a speaker here. “Our current algorithm is based off some very old but very good data, the Diabetic Retinopathy Study, that was published in Ophthalmology in 1978, so we really have not deviated much from that since that time, and it shows that panretinal photocoagulation reduces the risk of severe vision loss by 50%,” Michael S. Ip, MD, said at Retina 2016. “But it really is an inherently destructive treatment.”
First patient enrolled in EyeGate’s phase 3 trial of EGP-437 for noninfectious anterior uveitis
The first patient has been enrolled in a confirmatory phase 3 clinical trial of EGP-437 to treat noninfectious anterior uveitis, according to a press release from EyeGate Pharmaceuticals.EGP-437 is an iontophoretically delivered formulation of dexameth…
VIDEO: Ophthalmologists should consider laser PRK to yield better refractive outcomes
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — At Hawaiian Eye, Arun C. Gulani, MD, MS, encourages ophthalmologists to consider using laser photorefractive keratectomy to yield better refractive outcomes in patients with irregular corneas.
Trifocal IOL shows good vision at all distances at 1 year
One year of follow-up with the At Lisa tri 839MP IOL showed that vision at all distances was maintained, allowing complete spectacle independence.“Only [posterior capsule opacification] formation decreased the performance of the lens in some patients, as it may be expected with multifocal optics,” David P. Piñero, PhD, said in an interview with Ocular Surgery News.
OCT enables early detection of glaucoma progression
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — OCT can detect changes in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness before visual field abnormalities in glaucoma become apparent, a speaker told colleagues here.At Hawaiian Eye 2016, Joel S. Schuman, MD, discussed the use of OCT in the early detection and management of glaucoma.
Isunakinra does not meet primary endpoint in phase 3 trial for allergic conjunctivitis
Isunakinra did not meet its primary endpoint of achieving statistically significant results in ocular itching in a phase 3 trial, according to a press release from Eleven Biotherapeutics. The phase 3 clinical trial included 258 patients with moderate t…
Shire resubmits NDA for lifitegrast in response to FDA request for data
Shire has resubmitted its new drug application to the FDA for lifitegrast, an investigational treatment for dry eye disease, the company announced in a press release.Shire resubmitted the application in response to a complete response letter in which t…
VIDEO: AREDS2 formulation available in single-serving packets
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — At Hawaiian Eye, Jodi Luchs, MD, discusses the availability of OJO, a dissolvable form of the AREDS2 supplement packaged in single-serving packets.
Orient EuroPharma to distribute TissueTech products in Southeast Asia
In a new partnership, Orient EuroPharma will be TissueTech’s exclusive distributor of ophthalmic products in the Southeast Asia region, according to a TissueTech press release.Specifically, Orient EuroPharma will distribute to Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.
VIDEO: Surgeon finds uses for ReSure sealant extend beyond cataract surgery
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — At Hawaiian Eye, Elizabeth Yeu, MD, discusses her exploration of using the Ocular Therapeutix ReSure Sealant for corneal surgery.