To help combat the unfavorable view the public has about pharmaceutical companies, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) recently published updates to their "Code on Interactions with Health-care Professionals," which went into effect Jan. 1. PhRMA's basis for the updates is that "interactions should be focused on informing health-care professionals about products, providing scientific and educational information, and supporting medical education." Changes have been made in three major categories: gifting, consulting, and enforcement of the code.
Important differences exist between the various classes of over-the-counter eye drops. Physicians play a vital role in explaining these differences, as well as their potential implications in the treatment of the symptoms of dry eye and other conditions, to patients. Educating patients about the available formulations not only may expedite the relief of their symptoms but also may save them time and money.
A clinical trial tested the safety and efficacy of Optive eye drops (Allergan) in contact lens wearers. Participants reported no adverse events and that their lenses were more comfortable to wear; clinical assessment found no adverse events or complications after 4 weeks of treatment.
To help combat the unfavorable view the public has about pharmaceutical companies, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) recently published updates to their "Code on Interactions with Health-care Professionals," which went into effect Jan. 1. PhRMA's basis for the updates is that "interactions should be focused on informing health-care professionals about products, providing scientific and educational information, and supporting medical education." Changes have been made in three major categories: gifting, consulting, and enforcement of the code.
Bausch + Lomb’s ClearVisc dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical device has received FDA approval for use in ophthalmic surgery.
Healthy vision is vital for success in life and should begin with regular vision screenings during childhood, but the level of inadequate vision care for children in the United States is significant, however. The author addresses ways to address this issue to positively affect high school graduation rates, social and emotional problems, juvenile delinquency, adult literacy problems, incarcerations, and workforce quality and productivity.
Presbia Coöperatief U.A. of Amsterdam unveiled an implantable micro-lens treatment (Flexivue System) for presbyopia at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons annual meeting.
A 51-year-old Latin woman presented to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute with a complaint of blurry vision in both eyes over the last 6 months. The visual loss was described as gradual, affecting both distance and near vision. The patient denied other symptoms of pain, redness, photophobia, floaters, or photopsias. The patient also denied any relevant medical history, medication use, or history of trauma. Family history was non-contributory. Ocular history was significant for "poor vision in my right eye since childhood," but no history of strabismus existed. The patient worked as a clerk at a dairy company and had a 15 pack-year smoking history, with occasional alcohol use.
A 51-year-old Latin woman presented to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute with a complaint of blurry vision in both eyes over the last 6 months. The visual loss was described as gradual, affecting both distance and near vision. The patient denied other symptoms of pain, redness, photophobia, floaters, or photopsias. The patient also denied any relevant medical history, medication use, or history of trauma. Family history was non-contributory. Ocular history was significant for "poor vision in my right eye since childhood," but no history of strabismus existed. The patient worked as a clerk at a dairy company and had a 15 pack-year smoking history, with occasional alcohol use.
Vision Expo West takes place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Las Vegas.
Based on a physician's knowledge of the risk of non-payment, Medicare's Advance Beneficiary Notice should be used when the physician believes the service is unlikely to be covered since it may not be medically necessary or reasonable. The ABN explains to the patient that even though Medicare does not pay for a certain item or service does not mean that the patient shouldn't have it. The –GA modifier should be used on the ABN. If –GA is not appended, the patient will be informed in the Explanation of Benefits that they are not responsible for payment.
Peter J. McDonnell, MD, and Laura M. Periman, MD, discuss recent innovations in ophthalmology, emphasizing ocular surface disease and the growing complexity of care at EyeCon 2024, held September 27 and 28, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Patients are at risk for developing severe dry eye and ocular surface disease.
If you own a small business (such as a medical practice), many retirement plan alternatives are available to assist you and your eligible employees with retirement planning. To make an informed decision on which plan is right for your practice, review the differences carefully before choosing.
A 19-year-old Latin female presented to the Bascom Palmer emergency room complaining of transient black spots in the right eye.
Conducting a thorough financial examination may help clinicians to see their finances as clearly as their patients see the world after cataract surgery.
Conducting a thorough financial examination may help clinicians to see their finances as clearly as their patients see the world after cataract surgery.
Conducting a thorough financial examination may help clinicians to see their finances as clearly as their patients see the world after cataract surgery.
Uveal melanoma, which primarily affects Caucasian patients, is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults2 that most often affects the choroid (90%), ciliary body (6%), and iris (4%)
Technology makes great tool, requires extra vigilance with co-existing disease
ROP can be a disease that affects both the retinal and choroidal vasculatures.
“Real talk” on new devices gives surgeons, patients decision-making insights
Hyperemia is one of the main reasons why patients with glaucoma do not adhere to or persist with their topical therapeutic regimen. Patients end up switching to another possibly more tolerable medication, and the changing of medications has significant financial implications. Latanoprost has the lowest incidence of hyperemia among the prostaglandin analogs. Patient adherence is crucial in a chronic progressive disease such as glaucoma, where non-adherence can lead to visual loss and decline in quality of life, creating societal health and economic burdens.
The 2019 annual meetings of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators will be held May 3 to 7 in San Diego.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology is launching a third journal, Translational Vision Science & Technology, an online-only, peer-reviewed journal emphasizing multidisciplinary research that bridges the gap between basic research and clinical care.
Today's successful physicians not only understand the role of branding in the practice management mix but also realize that establishing, burnishing, and communicating the practice's positioning is essential.
Genentech has agreed to allow its wholesale distributors to ship its bevacizumab (Avastin) to compounding pharmacies or other locations of a physician's choice.
Techniques, technologies minimize complications and guide counseling, care.