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The advantages of the hypotensive lipids bimatoprost (Lumigan, Allergan), latanoprost (Xalatan, Pfizer), and travoprost (Travatan, Alcon) over timolol 0.5% (Timoptic, Merck) have been conclusively demonstrated in phase III clinical trials. As a class, these therapies have been shown to reduce IOP and to reduce fluctuations of the diurnal curve significantly. Yet, it is important to understand that despite these commonalities, differences also exist. It is only in understanding these differences, and matching them clinically to the individual profile of the patient, that we can choose the right drug at the right time.

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Any major changes in health care will reflect the inflluence of moderates on both sides of the aisle.

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As more and more ophthalmologists choose to provide full-service patient care, including eyewear dispensing, the relevant and growing complexities to the choice between an in-office edging lab approach versus an off-site, wholesale finishing lab solution have become increasingly important.

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Every football fan knows the scrutiny that NFL game officials are put under every game day, and now a group of ophthalmologists is trying to ensure they can perform at their best each weekend.

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It is extremely important to get a sense of confidence in your planning, because it not only affects your future, but has an impact on your life right now.

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Ophthalmologists must take an active role in preventing impaired colleagues from hurting patients, according to Terri Pickering, MD.

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Regardless of the state of the malpractice insurance market, physicians always should view asset protection as an important part of their business and personal financial plan. When we use the term "asset protection," we mean shielding personal and practice assets from all potential lawsuits, including malpractice claims.

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Any asset protection plan that will truly stand up if challenged must have economic substance.

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James C. Loden, MD, an ophthalmologist in private practice in Nashville, learned much from his father, who also was an ophthalmologist.

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For more than 10 years, it has been inevitable at every meeting that a colleague will nudge me and ask in hushed tones and quivering whispers about performing retina surgery in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). It is much like asking for matrimonial advice from Playboy model-turned-actress Anna Nicole Smith, knowing that the advice may be tempting, but somehow immoral and unholy.

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Innovations have made procedure quick, safe, effective.

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Smithtown, NY-The old saw "It's hard to find good help these days" may hold some truth. It's not because solid, qualified, hard-working people aren't looking for jobs. The trick, says James Rienzo, is finding them-and that takes an organized, systematic approach.

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As Ophthalmology Times celebrates 50 years of publication and the Wilmer Eye Institute marks 100 years of academic leadership, Peter J. McDonnell, MD, reflects on their shared commitment to helping ophthalmologists improve patient outcomes.

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Expert eye care specialists comment on the use of aceclidine as a selective miotic for the treatment of presbyopia.

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Q. If your state of domicile is important to you for specific reasons, you may want to consult an attorney.

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Q. If your state of domicile is important to you for specific reasons, you may want to consult an attorney.

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Q. If your state of domicile is important to you for specific reasons, you may want to consult an attorney.

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When choosing an aspheric IOL, aiming for an overall postoperative spherical aberration of +0.10 ?m provides better patient outcomes based on the latest research.

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Editor's Note: Sherif Amer, MD, proposes a new hypothesis for pressure dissociation in optic disc edema due to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) (i.e., papilledema). This theory provides some insight into some of the clinically controversial scenarios that occur in increased ICP such as pseudotumor cerebri without papilledema, asymmetric or frankly unilateral papilledema, and progressive visual loss due to increased ICP without disc edema. The theory has merit and deserves further study and testing of the hypotheses generated. -- Andrew G. Lee, MD

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Spain-home of Toledo and some of the finest sword-makers in history, and home to the Alhambra and such people as Gaudi and Christopher Columbus-also lays claim to manyof history's most important ophthalmic families. The Barraquer family comes to mind, but there are others, including the Arruga family, which is the subject of this month's vignette.

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With daily operating costs rising, reimbursement rates declining, and concerns over soaring liability insurance prices, profitability is a hot topic for the modern ophthalmology practice. Some groups are finding an effective solution in the symbiosis between ophthalmology and optometry. By adding optometrists to their staffs, ophthalmologists are offering a more complete vision-care package to their patients and driving up profits in the process. The advantages, as seen by the doctors involved in these relationships, are many.

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Hardly a week passes that I am not queried by my fellow ophthalmologists about some aspect of the business of optical dispensing. The more common questions revolve around the practicality of setting up a dispensary in the ophthalmology practice and increasing the bottom line for the optical dispensary.

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Pfizer will acquire Wyeth in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $50.19 per share, or a total of about $68 billion, as of the Jan. 26 announcement of the planned merger. The companies expect the transaction to close toward the end of this year.

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Contact lens practices are probably feeling the effects of more and more patients simply taking their prescriptions and buying their lenses on the Internet. But, if contact lens fitting is a valuable service that you offer and you want to improve your productivity and profitability, then you might want to make a few changes. Using the Internet to send email updates to patients, ordering supplies online, and giving patients the option to purchase on your Web store will make a big difference in your practice.

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It is imperative, especially in uncertain economic times, for physicians to be thoroughly familiar with Medicare's National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI). This initiative was put forth in 1996 in order to promote correct coding and to serve as a ready mechanism by which to reduce improper coding.

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Q My parents are living on a fixed income. Lately, their monthly expenses have begun to exceed their income. The only real asset they own is their home, which is paid off. It is not important to me to inherit their house, but I also don't want to have to subsidize their income if I don't need to. How could they use the equity in their home to augment their cash flow, without selling it?

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Q My parents are living on a fixed income. Lately, their monthly expenses have begun to exceed their income. The only real asset they own is their home, which is paid off. It is not important to me to inherit their house, but I also don't want to have to subsidize their income if I don't need to. How could they use the equity in their home to augment their cash flow, without selling it?

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Whether your retirement is years away or just around the corner, inflation is destined to exert a major influence on your future economic well-being.

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As the diversity of drop products expands and knowledge of the nuances of various ocular surface maladies increases, consider how the differences between drop products might make one drop a better choice for a given patient.