Webinar

Focus on Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis: A Case Based Discussion

In this talk, Drs. Clare Halleran and Susan Resnick for an update on vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), an allergic eye disease that can be debilitating.

They provide a refresher on the clinical presentation of VKC and discuss the burden it has on patients and their caregivers.

Drs. Halleran and Resnick then lead an engaging discussion around:

  • Diagnosing VKC and differentiating it from atopic keratoconjunctivitis
  • Non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic options
  • Approaching and managing this burdensome disease

If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in this thread

Continue Reading
Interview

Drs. Lyerly & Townsend on the tech behind SYSTANE® COMPLETE

In this ODwire TV Episode, Drs. Jennifer Lyerly and William Townsend talk to us about the technology behind SYSTANE® COMPLETE.

We review the drop’s mechanism of action, and why it gives effective dry eye relief, whether the etiology is evaporative, aqueous-deficient, or mixed.

All eye care practitioners are invited to log in and discuss here.

Continue Reading
Practice Management

Shocker: Only 1% of ODs use Amniotic Membranes

An ODwire.org member reports that based on the latest CMS data, Only 409 optometrists reported CPT code 65778 (placement of an amniotic membrane) in 2017.

That 409 docs represents approximately 1% of the total number of practicing ODs in the US.

That, in our opinion, is both disappointing and shocking.

And represents a major missed opportunity both for patient and doctor alike.

Read more about the statistics, and why so few docs are working with amniotic membrane technology.

Do you utilize amniotic membranes in your practice?
If not, why not?

Weigh in!

… and if you’re interested in the topic, also take a listen to an interview we did with Dr. Sheila Morrison of UH on the importance of amniotic membranes to practitioners today:

Continue Reading

Visual Field Analysis in the OCT Era – Dr. Graham Lakkis

Watch the entire lecture & earn up to 50 COPE-Approved credits online at CEwire2018!

Visual Fields in the OCT Era: Dr. Graham Lakkis (55861-GL)

Although significant developments have occurred in the structural analysis of glaucomatous optic neuropathy using OCT scans, research into functional visual field testing continues with the development of new techniques and refinements of existing strategies to maximise efficiency of testing and accuracy of progression analysis.

Practical guidance will be given that can be applied during encounters with glaucoma patients.

Watch the full lecture online at CEwire2018! Earn up to 50 COPE-Approved CE Credits.

Discuss the lecture in this thread.

Continue Reading
Webinar

Toric Multifocal Contacts: Do They Really Work?

Have you experienced the frustration of toric multifocal lenses that don’t adequately solve the unique optical challenges of your astigmatic presbyopic patients?

Maybe a minus distance over-refraction improved distance vision but ruined the crisp near vision your patient loved, or perhaps you increased add power to improve the patient’s near vision but caused distance vision to suffer.

These struggles can make toric multifocal contact lens fittings painful and time-consuming, leading you to question whether the technology even works and worry about your ability to deliver what you’ve promised: functional vision at all ranges. Does this resonate with you?

In this ODwire.org Webinar, Dr. Doug Becherer explains why these struggles may be happening and how the SpecialEyes 54 Multifocal Toric, a unique pupil-optimized lens with customizable optics, can be a solution for you and your patients.

Click here to visit the discussion thread & interact with Dr. Becherer & ODwire.org members.

Continue Reading
ODwire.org RadioPractice ManagementTechnology

Patient and Practice Success: Offering One-of-a-Kind Daily Disposable Contact Lenses [#R055]

In this episode, Adam & Paul speak with Dr. Steven Bennett about the DAILIES TOTAL1® contact lens, and how he’s integrated it into his practice.

We cover:

  • The latest technological advances in daily disposable lenses.
  • How he has managed to fit the vast majority of his contact lens patients in daily disposables, and the DT1specifically.
  • How to select the right patients for this lens.

If you’ve got any questions for Dr. Bennett, this is the thread for them!

Continue Reading
ODwire.org Radio

The Evolution of Flexible Wear, Current “Best Practices” & Materials (AONDA!) [#R054]

In this episode, Adam & Paul speak with Dr. Jessica Crooker of Scituate Harbor Vision in Scituate, MA.

We discuss how the notion of flexible wear has evolved over the past 50 years (yes, the concept has been around that long!) and the current ‘state of the art’ in flexible wear products.

We turn our attention to AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® AQUA lenses, how they fit into this pattern of material and design evolution, and discuss the patients most likely to succeed with this modality.

If you have any questions for Dr. Crooker (clinical, practice management, or otherwise) fire away in this thread!

— Adam


Dr. Crooker was compensated by Alcon for her participation in this interview.

©2016 Novartis 11/16 US-AND-16-E-4240

Continue Reading
InterviewODwire.org RadioTechnology

Acuvue Vita: The New Monthly Lens [#R053]

The Acuvue Vita is a new monthly replacement lens by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

In this interview, I spoke with @Jeffrey Sonsino and @Cristina Schnider OD MSc MBA at AOA Boston about the new lens and how it fits into practice.

(Interestingly, Jeff was the very first person to place a commercial order for the lens, so as of now, he knows more than anyone about its long-term performance in the field.)

About Jeff & Cris:

Jeff Sonsino, OD, FAAO is the Chairman of the AOA’s Contact Lens and Cornea Section. He graduated from the New England College of Optometry with research honors, was a Faculty member at Vanderbilt Eye Institute for 12 years, and now is a partner in a multi-specialty private practice in Nashville, TN. Additionally, Dr. Sonsino consults for nine industry companies, including Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

Cristina Schnider, OD, MBA, FAAO is a Global Professional Affairs Director with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. She received her Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University College of Optometry, a Master of Science from the University of New South Wales, and she spent 14 years as a contact lens educator and researcher at Pacific University College of Optometry, the University of New South Wales in Sydney, and at the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry. Dr. Schnider has worked with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. for 17 years.

If you have any questions, post ’em here!

Continue Reading
InterviewODwire.org RadioPractice Management

Using a Custom Soft Lens to Build your Practice – SpecialEyes 54 Multifocal Toric [#R052]

The SpecialEyes 54 Multifocal is a custom soft contact lens option for your presbyopic patients. It is unique in that you can custom tailor the optics to each patient’s individual pupil size via the SpecialEyes Multifocal Simulator.

In this fun ODwire.org Radio show, Drs. Matthew Lampa and Moshe Schwartz discuss both the clinical and practice-building aspects of this lens.

We get into:

  • How the lens fits into their daily practices, and what makes a good candidate for the lens.
  • The importance of customization in obtaining a good fit.
  • How much chair time a fit takes.
  • The process of getting the lens ordered, made and delivered from SpecialEyes.
  • The Cost to the patient (and to the clinician!)
  • How the lens has helped build their contact lens practices, built loyalty among their patients, and generated positive word of mouth!

Thanks again to SpecialEyes for being a site sponsor — their support is appreciated!

Continue Reading
ODwire.org RadioPractice Management

The Economics of Prokera with Dr. John Rumpakis [#R041]

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. John Rumpakis to discuss the economics of PROKERA®, a biologic corneal bandage composed of preserved amniotic membrane tissue.

Importantly, we’ll learn how to properly bill & code when using this product with your patients.

And if you missed our previous radio show about the clinical aspects of PROKERA®, you can catch it here.

Dr. Rumpakis will be available to take questions in this thread, so fire away!

Continue Reading