Review of Optometry articles from August 2003

Review of Optometry archives from August 2003

Cole to give exams to 1-800 customers: will this drive contact lens patients from independent practices?(News Review)(Cole National )
August 15, 2003... 1-800 Contacts is giving contact lens wearers incentives to get their eyes examined and obtain updated prescriptions, but some say those incentives may encourage patients to visit chain locations instead of private practices. Does this...

LASIK candidates with large pupils.(In The News)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... LASIK candidates with large pupils can avoid night vision disturbances such as haloes and glare if the surgeon uses a larger laser treatment zone (6mm-8mm) on the underlying layers of the cornea, according to a study in the July issue of...

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and its "Surgical Scope Fund" are claiming victory in the defeat of optometric scope of practice legislation in Vermont.(In The News)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... The American Academy of Ophthalmology and its "Surgical Scope Fund" are claiming victory in the defeat of optometric scope of practice legislation in Vermont, which would have allowed O.D.s to Rx oral and injectible drugs.

Americans without drug coverage.(In The News)(uninsured patients pay more for pharmaceuticals than the United States government)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... Americans without drug coverage pay much more than the pharmaceutical industry's "most-favored" customer, the United States government, says a report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. Specifically, uninsured consumers pay 72% more...

Two new dry eye drugs are in the pipeline.(In The News)(diquafosol tetrasodium and tacrolimus)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... Two new dry eye drugs are in the pipeline. Inspire Pharmaceuticals submitted a new drug application to the FDA for approval to market diquafosol tetrasodium (INS365), which appears to stimulate P2Y2 receptors to boost secretion of water, salt,...

Should elderly drivers give up their keys?(News Review)
August 15, 2003... Research has proved that failing vision is one area that can affect an older driver's performance. With that said, should older patients who get behind the wheel be mandated to take periodic eye exams as part of their license renewal...

FDA accepting comments on contact lens petition.(News Review)(Food and Drug Administration)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... "Any optometrists wishing to express their frustration on illegal sales of contact lenses, this is your big chance. The FDA is listening," says optometrist Timothy Milburn, of Medina, Ohio. About half a year ago, Dr. Milburn and other...

Tight ties make IOP rise.(News Review)(neckties and intraocular pressure)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... For the style conscious, tightening up your tie for a tidier impression may cause more harm than good. A study published in the August issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that a tight necktie raised intraocular pressure and...

Studies find new predictors of multiple sclerosis.(News Review)(complications of optic neuritis)
August 15, 2003... Recently published studies on multiple sclerosis indicate optic neuritis and the presence of two antibodies can be predictors of the debilitating disease. The first study, published in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, found...

Change is good, but make it count: there's change inside the walls of your profession. But what does the public see?(Editor's Page)(Editorial)
August 15, 2003... You are fortunate to be practicing optometry in a unique time such as this. In the grand scheme of things, you are part of a very small percentage of optometrists throughout history who have the opportunity to witness, if not affect, the...

Marketing 101: the monty method: it's effective. It's inexpensive. It requires about as much effort as taking a nap.(Chairside)
August 15, 2003... Just because optometrists understand vision (unlike ophthalmologists), we are not perfect. For instance, we don't understand marketing. To that end, I myself am creating a new marketing philosophy--something I like to call "montying." My thesis...

B&L responds on toxicity issues.(Letters & E-mail)(Letter to the Editor)
August 15, 2003... With the May 15, 2003 issue, Review of Optometry packaged a supplement titled "Solutions to Contact Lens Problems: A Frank Discussion About Toxicity, Staining and Patient Comfort," which was presented through funding provided by Alcon. In this...

Find the perfect software for your practice: good office management and examination programs can make your life a lot easier.(26th annual technology report)
August 15, 2003... Now that words such as "downloading," "Bill Gates" and "PCs" are part of our vocabulary, it may be hard to remember when only a few practices had computers. But long before the computer boom hit, suitable software was a rarity. Today, most...

2003 ARVO review: the science of ocular allergy: ARVO 2003 provided clinicians with new information regarding modes of action for olopatadine 0.1% (Patanol) and provides a preview of olopatadine 0.2%; with once-a-day dosing.(Allergy Challenge Series II)
August 15, 2003... The number of individuals with allergy is increasing, and millions are already affected, experiencing the itchy red, swollen eyes of allergic conjunctivitis. Thus, the treatment of allergy is fast becoming a more central component of our...

Instrument survey: O.D.s add and upgrade: O.D.s are investing in new instruments and harnessing office technology to improve diagnosis and disease management.(26th annual technology report )(Doctor of Optometry)
August 15, 2003... If the economy looks poor, you wouldn't know it by looking at optometrists' buying patterns and plans for acquiring new diagnostic and practice-management tools. Indeed, much instrumentation in optometric practices is relatively new (post-Y2K),...

Wavefront analysis meets Manifest Refraction: the wavefront analyzer data for refractive error is often significantly different than the manifest refraction. As a result, it's prudent to use both. We call this combined measurement a Wavefront Assisted Manifest Refraction (WAMR).(26th annual technology report)
August 15, 2003... Imagine it's 1866, and John Green has just delivered one of the first distance test charts for astigmatism--the now familiar clock dial--to your office. Until the work of Franz C. Donders on astigmatism in 1860, there had only been 11 cases of...

The benefits of radiological tests: here's what these studies can teach you and how to best communicate referrals.(26th annual technology report)
August 15, 2003... One of my interns was about to finish his rotation, when his last patient presented with difficulty focusing his eyes, especially when driving. Further testing revealed a significant visual field defect, so we immediately ordered a magnetic...

Optometry schools raise the grade: with an increased focus on integrating coursework and clinical experience, this is not your father's optometry school.(Education Report)
August 15, 2003... When H. Andrew Ward, O.D., graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry 30 years ago, he and his fellow optometrists weren t even allowed to dilate the pupil. During his educational years, he saw maybe a couple hundred patients. ...

Case report: Focus[R] NIGHT & DAY[R] lenses, post radial keratotomy.
August 15, 2003... The patient is a 53-year-old white female whom I fit in contact lenses years ago prior to her undergoing radial keratotomy; one eye in 1985 and the second eye in 1988. She complained of blurred vision at far and near with her left eye being...

PCO's curriculum 2000: education overhaul: Pennsylvania College of Optometry undergoes an academic shift in the hopes of graduating better trained doctors of optometry.(Education Report)(Pennsylvania College of Optometry)
August 15, 2003... Day one at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, new students get a pep talk by renowned optometrist Irving Bennett, practice management visionary, followed by their first assignment: coloring their future. Each new student selects a Crayola...

Hallway controversies in dry eye: perspectives in etiology, diagnosis and treatment.
August 15, 2003... As with every disease that we do not fully understand, there are controversies surrounding the treatments, diagnosis, and testing of dry eyes. For example, many of us have asked to what extent dry eye signs matter when making a diagnosis. Some...

So much to do, so little time: the wealth of clinical knowledge that governs optometry expands every day. It's a lot to expect students to learn in four years. Are today's students keeping up?(Education Report)
August 15, 2003... Advances in optometry over the last decade have changed the way O.D.s practice on a daily basis. Clinical advances have expanded the scope of optometric practice to include more disease diagnosis and treatment. But, are optometry students...

Genetic frontiers: the era of molecular optometry: today's genetic research may change the way we treat ocular disease in the future.(Optometric Study Center)
August 15, 2003... This past April marked 50 years since James Watson and Francis Crick published their paper describing the structure of DNA, signaling the beginning of molecular genetics. (1) Since then, there has been a change in focus, and several important...

OSC quiz.(Optometric Study Center)
August 15, 2003... You may obtain transcript-quality continuing education credit through the Optometric Study Center. Complete the test form on page 81 and return it with the $30 fee to: Optometric CE, P.O. Box 488, Canal Street Station, New York, NY 10013. To be...

Special delivery: alternative to drops: implants, IOLs and contact lenses may provide effective new ways to deliver drugs.(Research Review)(intraocular lenses)
August 15, 2003... What's exciting about drug research is not only the new agents available, but the possibility of new delivery options. Research has led to pellets, polymers, and even intraocular lenses and contact lenses that can deliver drugs to the eye. One...

Did bone loss med cause reaction? Or, is there another reason for 10-week case of non-specific conjunctivitis?(Cornea & Contact Lens Q&A)
August 15, 2003... Q A 45-year-old female patient who has had a non-specific conjunctivitis for 10 weeks would like to resume contact lens wear. She presented with minimal follicular response and a generalized redness of the conjunctival vessels in both eyes, but...

Vision declines in one working eye: dilated veins and blot hemorrhages further confound the diagnosis.(Retina Quiz)(diagnosing ocular ischemia syndrome)
August 15, 2003... A 54-year-old Hispanic female presented complaining of blurred vision in her left eye, her only functioning eye. She reported flashes of light in the center of her vision several times daily and said she sees a halo at other times. She has...

HRT: what you need to know: risks of hormone replacement therapy can impact patient's ocular health.(Therapeutic Review)(hormone replacement therapy)
August 15, 2003... The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) from the National Institutes of Health recommends that all health care providers remain current regarding these studies and integrate the findings into their practices to maximize the health of their female...

Progressive progress: ophthlamic lenses.(Product Review)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... Rodenstock USA's Progressiv AT line is now available in polycarbonate. The lenses also come in 1.56, 1.56 ColorMatic Extra and 1.60 materials. Progressive AT features wide intermediate and near channels to increase field of view and...

Power-up.(Product Review)(new eye products)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... Essilor has added three plus base curves--5.25D, 6.50D and 8.00D--to its Varilux Panamic Thin & Lite 1.67 line. Powers are from +8.00D to -12.00D. You can order updated availability charts and a 2003 reference guide from your local sales...

A new point of vue: contact lenses.(Product Review)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... The C-Vue GP is a new aspheric multifocal in rigid Paragon materials. The lens features a center-distance design and an aspheric front surface to provide exceptional acuity at all distances, according to Unilens Corp., the manufacturer. A...

What's new on the web.(Product Review)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... Several new web sites provide access to research, product information and educational resources. Some examples: * Essilor's www.crizaloro.com site includes frequently requested information on the company's Crizal lens coating. You can also...

The next dimension.(Product Review)(color contact lenses)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... CIBA Vision has launched its new Freshlook Dimension enhancing color contact lenses specifically for light eyes. The new line combines a charcoal outer starburst pattern with translucent colors to make eyes appear bigger and with added depth...

A new addition.(Product Review)(improved contact lens design)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... CooperVision now offers its Frequency 55 Multifocal contact in a +1.00D add. Frequency 55 uses a two-lens system that combines spherical and aspheric optics with unique zone sizes. The lenses have a base curve of 8.7mm with a 14.4mm diameter....

The next wave: diagnostic instruments.(Product Review)(3-D Wave system from Marco Ophthalmic )(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... The new 3-D Wave system from Marco Ophthalmic incorporates an autorefractor/keratometer, corneal topographer, zonal refractor and wavefront in one instrument in one registration, eliminating the need to move patients from one instrument to the...

Delegate to patients.(Product Review)(patient assisted eye equipment)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... Topcon Medical Systems introduces the BV-100 patient assisted refraction system. Voice prompts and interactive touch-screen displays guide the patient through the steps of a thorough refraction. The BV-100 includes an objective simultaneous...

Designer dazzle.(Ophthalmic Frames)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... Marchon Eyewear's Fendi Occhiali collection has added new frames to its optical line for women. F571 and F572 feature temples adorned with rhinestone baguettes, and are available in colors bronze, palladium, golden elegance and lavender. F571...

New York classic.(Ophthalmic Frames)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... Three new rental and plastic frames round out Luxottica's Anne Klein New York ophthalmic frame collection for women. * AK 8021, an elongated bowtie in sizes 49/17-135 and 51/17-140. * AK 8025, a deep rectangle shape in sizes 51/16-135...

Timing is everything.(Ophthalmic Frames)(Perfect Timing optical frames from Viva International's Geoffrey Beene line)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... Perfect Timing, the new men's optical grouping from Viva International's Geoffrey Beene line, offers these lightweight styles: * GB 1234, a rectangle frame in size 50/18-140. * GB 1235, a semi-rimless square in sizes 50/19-140 and...

Bits and pieces: optical dispensing.(Product Review)(drill bit and miller kit from Breitfield and Schliekert)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... A new drill bit and miller kit from Breitfield & Schliekert Optical Tools is available for use with plastic, polycarbonate and non-precious metals. The kit includes six drill bits finished with a polished surface and four millers designed with...

Learn a new drill.(Product Review)(Lens Drilling System from Hilco)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... Designed to work with today's popular rimless frames, Hilco's new Lens Drilling System drills and notches lenses for three-piece mounting. The system marks one lens for hole/notch placement, then transfers the measurements to the opposite lens...

Doctor mom: patient education.(Product Review)(Transitions Optical offers patient education materials for parents)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... New point-of-purchase materials from Transitions Optical aim to educate parents about the importance of UV and glare protection for their children. Three new tools include: * 3 Reasons Why Transitions Lenses are the Smart Choice for Kids...

Meetings & conferences.(upcoming events)(Calendar)
August 15, 2003... September * 7. Primary Care Issues, Optometry Day 2003, Arlington, Va. Sponsored by Optometric Society of the District of Columbia. CE hours: 7. Contact Phil Jessen, 144 Ridge St., Glens Falls, NY 12801; call 1-800-792-3421; e-mail...

Did surgery cause the vision loss?(Diagnostic Quiz)(Brief Article)
August 15, 2003... History A 63-year-old black female presented complaining of a painful right eye with subsequent decreased vision following phacoemulsification cataract surgery with IOL implant O.D. The surgery took place about 10 days earlier. The left...