Review of Optometry articles from September 2006

Review of Optometry archives from September 2006

The FDA approved the Diaton tonometer.(Food and Drug Administration)(Bicom Inc.)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... The FDA has approved the Diaton tonometer (Bicom Inc.), which is applied against the eyelid, not the cornea. The handheld tonometer requires no sterilization or anesthesia, so it is especially useful for patients who have conjunctivitis,...

The FDA also issued an approvable letter for Arxxant (ruboxistaurin, Eli Lilly).(Food and Drug Administration)(Eli Lilly and Co.)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... The FDA also issued an approvable letter for Arxxant (ruboxistaurin, Eli Lilly), intended for the treatment of moderate to severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. In the letter, the FDA requested additional data to support the clinical...

Intestinal surgery, such as gastric-bypass procedures, may cause vitamin A deficiency and lead to decreased vision.(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... Intestinal surgery, such as gastric-bypass procedures, may cause vitamin A deficiency and lead to decreased vision, according to a report in August's British Journal of Ophthalmology. Some patients in the study had intestinal surgery more than...

Early AMD linked to higher stroke risk: a new study finds patients with early-stage AMD have double the risk for stroke.(age related macular degeneration)
September 15, 2006... Patients who have early-stage age-related macular degeneration are almost twice as likely to have a stroke than those who do not have this ocular disease, according to a study in the July 18th Annals of Internal Medicine. The study,...

LASIK may not be contraindicated in patients who have autoimmune disease.(laser in-situ keratomileusis )
September 15, 2006... The FDA listed autoimmune disease as a contraindication for LASIK due to concerns about healing. Even so, the procedure may still be a reasonable option in patients whose autoimmune disease is well controlled or inactive, say researchers from...

Are eye drops still allowed on a plane?(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... In response to last month's terrorist threat, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) banned all liquids, gels and aerosols from carry-on bags on airplanes. However, travelers can pack these items in checked baggage. Certain...

Fusarium update: poor contact lens hygiene was not the major culprit in U.S. outbreak.(United States)(usage of contact lens solution caused Fusarium keratitis)
September 15, 2006... Poor contact lens hygiene was not the major cause of the recent outbreak of Fusarium keratitis, confirmed the Fusarium Keratitis Investigation Team of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (1) However, Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with...

First complaint filed under contact lens law.(Walsh Optical Inc.)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... In the first complaint filed under the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act of 2003 (FCLCA), the Federal Trade Commission charged that Walsh Optical and its owner, Kevin Walsh, of Hoboken, N.J., violated the FCLCA and the Contact Rule of...

Smokeless tobacco presents even greater cataract risk.(Brief article)(Clinical report)
September 15, 2006... Several studies have shown that smoking is a risk factor for cataract development, but smokeless tobacco may be even more of a risk, according to a study in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. Among 3,924 subjects, 1,705 used tobacco and...

Survey reveals Americans have a low 'Eye-Q'.(News Review)
September 15, 2006... Nearly 20% of American adults have never been to an eye doctor, according to the first American Eye-Q survey. The survey, conducted by the American Optometric Association in conjunction with Opinion Research Corporation, interviewed 1,000 adult...

Handle touchy subjects with care: patients can get very defensive about their lifestyle choices, so choose your words carefully.(physician patient relationships)(Editorial)
September 15, 2006... About 10 or 15 years ago, I made an appointment with a new eye doctor--an ophthalmologist (yes, this was before I started working at an optometry publication). I was there for an annual eye exam and thought I might need a new pair of glasses....

One moment in time: how can you make your long, boring days more enjoyable? Live in the moment. This moment. No, wait, this moment. Now ... this moment.(memorable moments)
September 15, 2006... I just got back from one of the most important days in any life: my son's wedding day. Aaron married Ashley in a beautiful, touching ceremony on a hot day in North Carolina. They were surrounded by friends, family, photographers and gatoring*...

Make a spectacle of yourself: here are five steps to ensure that your patients don't walk out of your practice with their prescriptions.(practice management)
September 15, 2006... Your dispensary can offer your patients something outside opticals do not: a personal touch. Because you and your staff know each of your patients, you can provide them with the perfect eyewear to fit their individual needs. Even so, many...

To keep patients happy, keep lenses in-house: an in-office finishing lab is not just for your patients' convenience. It can help keep a lid on the skyrocketing cost of optometric practice.(optometric practice management)
September 15, 2006... When optometrist Travis Adlington decided to install an in-office finishing lab inside his Reno, Nev., practice, he didn't rely on ads or sales pitches to choose equipment. He judged for himself. Since Dr. Adlington didn't know which edging...

The obesity epidemic: a new role for O.D.s? Obesity has serious ocular and systemic implications. That means you need to do more to educate this group of patients.(Doctor of Optometry)
September 15, 2006... Obesity is the fastest-growing epidemic in the United States, according to the U.S. Assistant Surgeon General. (1) The prevalence of obesity in the United States was 20.9% in 2001, a 5.6% increase from a year earlier and a 74% increase from...

Wavefront applications for every patient and every practice: the old saying "something for everyone" really applies to the Marco 3-D Wave.
September 15, 2006... When it comes to technology, more is better, say leading optometrists. Those who are investing in technologies that expand clinical capabilities, improve accuracy and streamline patient care say the Marco 3-D Wave aberrometer leads this trend...

8th annual diabetes report, the catcher in the eye: a field guide to diagnosing and managing diabetic retinopathy; The number of Americans with diabetes--and diabetic retinopathy--is multiplying. Here's how you can diagnose and help manage these patients.
September 15, 2006... Although new and more effective treatments for both diabetes and its attendant vascular complications are emerging, the diabetes epidemic continues to outpace the efforts to control it. Indeed, diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause...

The myopia debate: nature vs. nurture; researchers broadly categorize potential causes of myopia and myopia progression into two theories. Evidence exists for and against each one.(Disease/Disorder overview)
September 15, 2006... Myopia affects approximately 70 million Americans. (1) It is associated with potentially sight-threatening side effects, and it costs the United States up to $4.6 billion every year. (2-4) Finding a treatment that slows the progression of...

Part 2 of 3, the genetics of glaucoma: the discovery of glaucoma genes and the proteins they produce aids in understanding the pathophysiology of this complex group of diseases.
September 15, 2006... Prior to the 1990s, few geneticists were interested in identifying glaucoma genes. After all, the disease had a late age of onset, and they estimated that the heritability of glaucoma was as low as 13%. (1) In reality, however, glaucoma is...

Party for your practice: fitting parties are a great way to revitalize your practice.
September 15, 2006... It's easy to talk your patients into wearing contact lenses. However, it never hurts to boost your patients' interest in contact lenses, particularly new ones that are emerging in the marketplace. Keeping our patients informed is just one of...

Practice transitions series, Part III: finding a niche; Once over the hump of the first few years, optometrists go the extra mile to grow their reputations and their practices.
September 15, 2006... In this series, Review of Optometry takes a close look at the dilemmas, decisions and life changes at each stage of an optometrist's career--from optometry school to active practice to retirement. In each installment, we talk with optometrists...

A multifocal IOL in the mix: patients who receive multifocal implants need a thorough discussion of their options. You should know about how these devices are paid for.(intraocular lenses)
September 15, 2006... Q The surgeon to whom I refer cataract patients is now implanting multifocal IOLs. Is the comanagement of these patients any different than in cataract patients who receive standard IOLs? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A In general, the...

The pregnant glaucoma patient: here, we demystify the safety of glaucoma treatment in this uncommon situation.
September 15, 2006... A 37-year-old female is diagnosed with pigmentary glaucoma. Her optic discs and visual fields are only minimally damaged, despite pretreatment intraocular pressure of 45mm Hg in each eye. She has been treated successfully with a topical...

View glaucoma at the front: other than CCT, the cornea doesn't come to mind when treating glaucoma. But, don't overlook the possibility of anterior segment disease.(central corneal thickness)
September 15, 2006... Other than central corneal thickness (CCT), the cornea may not immediately come to mind when managing glaucoma patients. However, there are many reasons not to overlook the possibility of anterior segment disease. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Outstanding education makes for great vacation.
September 15, 2006... Review of Optometry is making it an annual tradition to share summer vacations with readers. For the past two years, Review has held educational conferences on the sunny island of Bermuda. This year, the group partnered with SECO International,...

Handheld electronic reader.
September 15, 2006... A handheld electronic reader from the National Federation of the Blind and Kurzweil Educational Systems Inc., allows low-vision patients to hear the contents of letters, bills, restaurant menus, office memos and more via digital camera...

Industrial Vision Screening Kit.(Exam Equipment)
September 15, 2006... The Vision Industrial Screening Kit, from Gulden Ophthalmics, is a compact device primarily for employers to use on their employees whose acuity and color vision are an essential part of their jobs. The kit includes "C" daylight glasses, a near...

Acuvue Advance with Hydraclear, Oasys get AOA nod.(Contact Lenses)
September 15, 2006... Acuvue Advance with Hydraclear, Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism and Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus, from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., received the American Optometric Association's Seal of Acceptance as Class 1 ultraviolet absorbing...

Aberrometer CL certification imminent.(contact lenses)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... The COAS aberrometer, from Wavefront Sciences, is undergoing final certification for use in creating the Definition WaveTouch Soft Contact Lenses, from Optical Connection Inc. Tracey Technology's iTrace, Visionix's PowerMap and Marco's OPD II...

ARBO accreditation.(website launch of Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry)(www.arbo.org.)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... The OE Tracker web site, from the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO), now enables you to print a certificate online for any event that reported your attendance to OE Tracker. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] OE Tracker allows...

Appointment scheduling program.(version 6 software from CyberMatrix Corp.)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... Pro Schedule appointment scheduling software, from CyberMatrix Corp., is now available in version 6. The Windows-based application already comes in four versions: Standard, Client/Server, Enterprise and Web. This new version features: ...

Strategic alliance announced.(Wink Interactive Inc.)(AllAboutVision.com)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... Wink Interactive will secure educational content from AllAboutVision.com for use on its WinkPad interactive educational tools. WinkPad delivers doctor-reviewed information on eye health and vision correction options to patients in your...

Laser vision treatment.(Comanagement)
September 15, 2006... The Allegretto Wave Eye-Q, from WaveLight, Inc., is a 400hz excimer laser approved by the FDA to correct up to -12.00D of myopia with up to -6.00D of astigmatism or up to +6.00D of hyperopia with up to -5.00D of astigmatism. Like its...

Contact lens care site.(www.clearcaresolution.com)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... The interactive Clear Care Web site (www.clearcaresolution.com) is designed to show patients how to appropriately care for their contact lenses with Clear Care solution--a one bottle hydrogen peroxide-based lens care system from CIBA Vision....

Fendi from Marchon.(FRAMES)
September 15, 2006... Marchon introduces 11 new women's frames--nine sunglass frames and three ophthalmic frames--from Fendi. Metal frames added to the Liberty sunwear series include: * FS 361, an oversized oval shape available in colors palladium, golden amber...

Nautica from Marchon.
September 15, 2006... Marchon introduces five new zyl plastic frames from Nautica: * N9507, a girl's modified rectangle shape that comes in colors cherry/lilac, aqua/berry, cactus and toffee in sizes 45/15-130 and 47/15-130. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] *...

Catherine Deneuve Lunettes from Viva International.(FRAMES)
September 15, 2006... Viva International Group introduces 14 metal women's frames in its Catherine Deneuve Lunettes line: * Feminine Fashion Collection. CD 206, a glam square shape, comes in colors blush, brown and gold in size 55/16-140. CD 207, a large oval...

Guess from Viva International.
September 15, 2006... Viva International introduces eight frames from Guess?, Inc.: two men's metal clip-ons, three women's handmade plastic frames from the "Guess Gone Wild" collection and three metal front, plastic temple frames from the unisex optical grouping....

DKNY from Luxottica.(FRAMES)
September 15, 2006... The Luxottica Group introduces sunglass frames from the DKNY Sun Collection: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * DY 4012, a unisex plastic women's frame in an oversized aviator shape. It comes in colors black with grey/green lenses and amber...

Meetings + conferences.(Calendar)
September 15, 2006... September * 29-1. LAST CHANCE!!! Review of Optometry's New Technologies & Treatments in Vision Care, La Jolla, Calif. CE hours: 15. Contact Lois DiDomenico, 11 Campus Blvd., Suite 100, Newtown Square, PA 19073; call 1-866-658-1772; fax...

Don't act rash for rash.
September 15, 2006... History A 73-year-old black female presented with a chief complaint of itchy, burning eyes (the right eye more so than the left) for the past 10 days. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] She said that her medical...

Managing glaucoma and concomitant ocular surface disease: its significance long ignored or misunderstood, ocular surface disease is a common problem that can have great impact on the compliance of glaucoma patients.(Discussion)
September 15, 2006... Definitions Bruce Onofrey, OD, RPh, FAAO: The purpose of this discussion is to tie together two seemingly disparate chronic problems that we face in managing our patients: glaucoma and ocular surface disease (OSD). These conditions may...

Setting new goals.(this issue of Review of Optometry)
September 15, 2006... Imagine spending six days in the Sahara Desert with everything you need to survive in your backpack. Then resting and trying something just as grueling. Dr. Cathy Tibbetts has done just that around the world as a triathlete, most recently...

Emails to the editor.(Letter to the editor)
September 15, 2006... Thank you for recognizing the need for women in optometry to communicate. Although the numbers are turning our way, the attendance at meetings and in leadership roles are slower to turn. Hopefully, this will get more women involved! ...

Practicing smarter: O.D. learned how the hard way; Advocates learning from colleagues.(Doctor of Optometry)
September 15, 2006... There seems to be a different way men and women approach their businesses, says Laurie Sorrenson, O.D., F.A.A.O., Austin, TX. "Men expect to make their business do well and will figure out how to make time for the family within that construct....

UltraDoc: O.D. competes in grueling endurance races.(Doctor of Optometry)(Dr. Cathy Tibbetts in marathon competitions)
September 15, 2006... Marathons are a kind of training run for Cathy Tibbetts, O.D., Farmington, NM. She competes in them in order to get ready for Ironman competitions or 100-mile runs. She has been training seriously--along with her husband Mark Witkes, also an...

Doing good close to home: O.D. finds she doesn't need to travel far to help others.(Doctor of Optometry)(services of Dr. Jeanie Washington Lucy)
September 15, 2006... For 13 years, Jeanie Washington-Lucy, O.D., Chicago, traveled the world on optometric mission trips, mostly to Tanzania and other African countries. But soon after 9/11, Dr. Washington-Lucy's first child was born--and those two factors combined...

Optometry is 24th top-paying profession.(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... The mean annual salary of an optometrist is $96,290, making it the 24th top-paying profession, according to a report in Forbes. The report says those working in offices of physicians earn the highest average salary--$120,930. At $147,740, New...

A woman's touch: O.D.'s practice designed to appeal to the senses.(Doctor of Optometry)(services of Dr. Margaret Foley)
September 15, 2006... Margaret Foley, O.D., knows that the time patients spend at her Eugene, OR, practice may be the only minutes of the day in which they can relax. So she nurtures that feeling. When patients come in, they're greeted by a receptionist who offers...

When it comes to patients' impressions, everything matters: consultant suggests there are plenty of reasons to sweat the details.
September 15, 2006... Consumer market research shows that women and men approach buying experiences differently. "Men have a compartmentalized perspective. Women think of it holistically--how it fits into everything else they're doing," says practice management...

Tell it to the MOM: consumer report casts eye care as women's issue.(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... If women are the healthcare decision makers in the family, then it makes sense to direct medical information to them. An April report by the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC), sponsored by Vistakon, does exactly that. Titled Women...

A year of living expectantly: planning and preparation finally pay off as practice opens.(services of Dr.Jennifer Gilman)
September 15, 2006... The timing seemed perfect: Jennifer Gilman, O.D., wanted to open and establish a private practice while she was young and enthusiastic and BC--before children. So she and her husband, Grant Vorster, O.D., began scouting the Indio, CA, region...

What you measure tends to improve.(financial aspects of optometrists)
September 15, 2006... One of the most basic business tenets, "What you measure tends to improve," begs the question: Are you measuring key business elements of your practice? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Management & Business Academy (MBA), an education...

VT gets all of O.D.'s focus.(vision therapy)(doctor of optometry)(services of Dr.Nancy Torgerson)
September 15, 2006... Nancy Torgerson, O.D., F.C.O.V.D., recalls when she was a receptionist working in the office of a husband and wife optometric team in the 1970s and Bonnie Beals Hall, O.D.--nearing the end of her career--told her that if she had it to do all...

Drs. Marsden, Mack, & Anderson.(Women in the NEWS)
September 15, 2006... Optometric educators Harue J. Marsden, O.D., Southern California College of Optometry; Carla Mack, O.D., The Ohio State College of Optometry; and Kristen Anderson, O.D., Southern College of Optometry; were among the dozen women O.D.s to attend...

Drs. Pyne, Sportelli, & Myers.(Adrienne Pyne)(Lori Sportelli)(Martha Ellen Myers)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... Among the more than 20 women O.D.s to attend the inaugural session of the Optometric Business Academy, August 1-2, in Dallas, were Adrienne Pyne, O.D., Provo, UT; Lori Sportelli, O.D., Baltimore, MD; and Martha Ellen Myers, Fayetteville, AR....

Dr. Daugherty.(humanitarian award for Dr.Benna Daugherty)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... Benna Daugherty, O.D., Harrisburg, IL, received the 2006 national People First Award for her dedicated humanitarian efforts to provide eye care in her local community and abroad. VSP presents the annual award. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Drs. Sciacca, Shepard & Anderson.(achievements of Joanne Sciacca, Jodi Shepard and Dianne Anderson)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... The following women O.D.s were among the 15 corporate O.D.s recognized as recipients of the annual Innovation in Contact Lens Care Award, presented by CIBA Vision and Essilor of America: Joanne Sciacca, O.D., Davis Vision, Hauppauge, NY; Jodi...

Dr. Irvani.(appointment of Nikki Irvani in CooperVision Inc.)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... Nikki Irvani, O.D., was promoted to vice president, clinical research and professional/academic affairs at CooperVision, making her the highest ranking woman O.D. in a major corporation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Fourteen O.D.s Recognized.(optometrists)(influential women in optical industry)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... Fourteen women O.D.s were featured among the 2006 50 Most Influential Women in Optical in the July 17, 2006, issue of VisionMonday. They are Sarah Deborah Appel, O.D., chief of the Low Vision Center at Pennsylvania College of Optometry; Ida...

Dr. Carlson.(Women in the NEWS)
September 15, 2006... Dori Carlson, O.D., was re-elected to the American Optometric Association Board of Trustees. She is the only woman currently serving on the board. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Dr. Ruggiero.(Women in the NEWS)
September 15, 2006... Theresa Ruggiero, O.D., Northampton, MA, was featured in a story on vision therapy broadcast on National Public Radio's Morning Edition on June 26, 2006. Read the story online: www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5507789. Or read...

O.D. buoys continuing education programs: her leadership and flair lead to quadrupled attendance.(Doctor of Optometry)(services of Dr.Patsy Harvey)
September 15, 2006... So, which would you prefer: a good CE program in a stuffy university lecture hall with a cold box lunch, or a good CE program at a resort hotel overlooking the San Francisco Bay with a hot salmon lunch? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Going down the partnership path.(social aspects of Dr.Kelly MacDonald)
September 15, 2006... Kelly MacDonald, O.D., credits both good luck and preparation in where she is now--heading into discussions on buying into the Nashua, NH, private practice where she has worked since her 2001 graduation from New England College of Optometry....

Study finds investors don't trust women.(survey report)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... Even though women own 40 percent of businesses in the U.S., and 20 million people are employed by female-owned businesses, the perception of female business leaders isn't keeping up, according to a study by two professors at the Olin School of...

Just say no: don't be a pushover in negotiations.(social aspects of Dr.Suzanne Offen)
September 15, 2006... Suzanne Offen, O.D., F.C.O.V.D., Westfield, NJ, couldn't believe her ears. The paving contractor she wanted to hire to fix drainage problems in her parking lot told her the job would cost $80,000 or more. "I call it the 'stupid-woman syndrome.'...

Dry eye alert.(National Women's Resource Center)(environmental factors of dry eye symptoms)(Brief article)
September 15, 2006... If you're in the desert southwest, Texas, Atlanta or Hawaii, don't be surprised that dry eyes are a common complaint. The National Women's Resource Center created a list of the 100 cities where environmental conditions are most likely to...

In command: navy reservist finds rewards in military.(services of Dr.Sharlene Gee)
September 15, 2006... In a way Sharlene Gee, O.D., leads a kind of double life. One weekend a month, she slips away from her world as a practicing optometrist to pursue a very different career--as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. [ILLUSTRATION...