Vol. VII, No. 20
May 14, 2008
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CONTENTS
New Journal Studies
Academy News
What's New on the Web
Industry News
NEW JOURNAL STUDIES
Study shows need for caution when interpreting corneal thickness measurements obtained from different OCT imaging systems
Researchers measured central corneal thickness (CCT) in a group of normal healthy volunteers using ultrasound pachymetry, slit-lamp OCT and Visante OCT. Both OCT systems were reliable and showed comparable agreement with ultrasound pachymetry for automatic and manual CCT measurements. But clinicians should be aware of the differences in CCT measurement between the two anterior segment OCT systems. Ophthalmology, May 2008
High blood pressure, high cholesterol may be linked to retinal vein occlusion
This meta-analysis of 21 previously published studies finds that among patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO), 63.6 percent had hypertension, compared with 36.2 percent of controls, high cholesterol levels were more than twice as common among patients with RVO as those without. Diabetes was only slightly more prevalent among those with RVO (14.6 percent vs. 11.1 percent). Archives of Ophthalmology, May 2008
Collagen crosslinking shows positive long-term results in patients with progressive keratoconus
This retrospective study included 272 patients (480 eyes) with a follow-up ranging from six months to six years. For some patients K values and BCVA continued to improve over the course of three years. Steepening decreased by 2.68 D at year one; 2.21 D at year two, and 4.84 D at year three. BCVA improved significantly (?1 line) in 53 percent of 142 eyes at year one; 57 percent of 66 eyes at year two, and 58 percent of 33 eyes at year three. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, May 2008
Vitrectomy appears beneficial for patients with significant visual loss from lamellar macular holes
This retrospective review of 27 patients (27 eyes) shows that 93 percent experienced improved vision after vitrectomy with ILM peeling, with a mean improvement of 3.2 Snellen lines. Ophthalmology, May 2008
Lucentis/PDT combination more effective than PDT alone for treating CNV in wet AMD
This analysis of two-year results from a multi-center, randomized study finds that 88 percent of patients in the ranibizumab group had lost less than 15 letters from baseline visual acuity compared with 75 percent of patients who received PDT alone. Also, 25 percent of patients in the ranibizumab group gained 15 or more letters compared with 7 percent of patients who received PDT alone. Patients in the ranibizumab group also required fewer re-treatments and suffered fewer adverse events. American Journal of Ophthalmology, May 2008
More evidence in support of low vision services for patients with macular disease
This multi-center, randomized trial included 126 patients with low vision and diseases affecting the macula who were eligible for Veterans Affairs services. After four months, patients in the treatment group received an average of 10.46 hours of face-to-face vision therapy and experienced a significant improvement in all aspects of visual function, including reading ability. Among the patients in the group that did not receive therapy, vision and functional ability declined over the four-month follow-up. Archives of Ophthalmology, May 2008
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ACADEMY NEWS
New product offers practical ideas, action plans and real-life examples to help you market your practice
A+ Marketing: Proven Tactics for Success (published by MGMA) includes case studies from both a multi-subspecialty and retina-only ophthalmology practice and teaches you how to:
- Tell your story to the neighborhoods you serve;
- Provide exceptional customer service and bullet proof referral relationships; and
- Capture and retain key customers, from patients to referring physicians and even your own staff.
A+ Marketing: Proven Tactics for Success (#012182) is now available for sale in the Academy Store. Cost is $99 for members, $113 for nonmembers.
Did you know you can specialize the Ophthalmic News & Education (O.N.E.) Network to feature news and information from your subspecialty?
When you first launch the O.N.E. Network, you will see information displayed for Comprehensive Ophthalmology, but you can set the O.N.E. Network to display content in your area of interest whenever you log in. Here’s how:
- Select a subspecialty from the dropdown list near the top of the page, then
- Click the link under the name of the subspecialty you have just chosen
MOC Exam Review Course provides a concise and complete review in just two days
Study for the September 2008 DOCK examination with the only review course based on the POC – the same content the American Board of Ophthalmology uses to develop the exam questions. You will receive an in-depth review of the most clinically relevant information. The course takes place July 25 to 27 in Rosemont, Ill. Register online.
Free help in recruiting and retaining qualified allied health personnel
The Allied Health Recruitment & Training Tool Kit, developed by AAOE and JCAHPO, provides resources to help you with everything from writing job descriptions and marketing your position openings, to ensuring the individuals you hire receive the best training and introduction into the practice.
Treat an eye injury this week?
The Academy needs your help this week with the fifth-annual Eye Injury Snapshot. Every injury you report using our quick online form will help the EyeSmart Campaign raise public awareness. Document and report the eye injuries you treat from May 11 to 18. Submit all data by May 23; the form should take no more than a few minutes to complete.
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WHAT'S NEW ON THE WEB
Three new articles published in Current Insight, a quarterly Academy publication
Current Insight features experts in each subspecialty of ophthalmology who offer their insights and a concise review of important developments within the subspecialties. The latest articles are:
May issue of EyeNet Magazine
This month’s feature article offers guidance on differentiating between seasonal allergies and dry eye.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Genentech announces effort to improve and expand Lucentis patient assistance programs
The company says it will expand eligibility for all its products’ access programs to include patients with an annual adjusted gross income of up to $100,000. Previously, the income threshold was $75,000 a year. Genentech will boost its financial support to non-profits that help people with co-payments, such as the Chronic Disease Fund. Other announced changes to its assistance program include:
- For patients who are uninsured or denied coverage, Genentech will confirm by phone if a patient is or may be eligible for free drug within 48 hours in most cases.
- Genentech will provide – by fax to the physician’s office – conditional enrollment for eligible patients with inconclusive insurance coverage who otherwise qualify medically and financially.
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