ODwire.org TV

Dr. Michele Andrews on Biofinity Energys: What and Why

In this ODwire TV segment, we speak with Dr. Michele Andrews, Sr. Director of Professional & Academic Affairs at CooperVision about the science and clinical usefulness of the new Biofinity Energys contact lens.

Learn how the lens works, and which patients can best utilize it!

CooperVision is also offering free marketing materials to docs who want to Rx the lens.

Visit this site to order the materials for your patients.

ECPs may log in & discuss Energys here.

News

Walman Instruments Opens ODwire Store

I’m happy to announce that Walman Instruments has opened a store in the ODwire.org Classifieds!
Here’s a brief description of the company, for those who are unfamiliar:
Walman Instruments is a multi-line distributor of ophthalmic instrumentation that has been serving eye care professionals since 1915. We offer the finest products from more manufacturers than anyone in the industry. Our extensive selection enables our sales professionals to create custom designed solutions to meet the unique needs of your practice. We will exceed your expectations!
 
We have the largest showroom and training center in the U.S., and a multi-million dollar inventory. You can see the latest in diagnostic instruments before you buy, and get delivery when you need it. Our exclusive financing and trial programs are designed so that you can provide the best patient care, and stay within your budget.
 
Walman is proud to be a 100% employee-owned company. Our people own the company; our people make the difference. From eyewear, Rx and contact lens service to equipment sales and repair, Walman has a vested interest in ensuring your complete satisfaction and future success.
Check out the store & leave any questions for the company in their official thread.
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.

News

National Vision Donates to Nova Southeastern Optometry, School to Change Name?

Last week  Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) College of Optometry announced it received a significant philanthropic gift from National Vision, Inc.

Subsequently, we learned that Nova was planning to change its name — ostensibly to the “National Vision” College of Optometry.

This planned move has sparked controversy among university alums, to the point where over 2,000 have signed a petition to not change the school’s name.  Many Nova students were also seen wearing black armbands at the recently completed Vision Expo West, in order to protest the move.

While corporate sponsorship is an increasingly common way to help fund academic institutions, one can see why this move has fallen afoul of some grads, as National Vision tends to downplay the role of the ECP in many of their ads:

What is your opinion about the situation?  ECPs can weigh in here.

 

Webinar

Offset Multifocal Optics with OptiSync Technology

Offset Multifocal Optics with OptiSync Technology
with Drs. Matthew Lampa and Stephanie Ramdass

Soft contacts frequently decenter temporally, which can lead to sub-optimal visual outcomes.

In this ODwire.org webinar, Drs. Matt Lampa and Stephanie Ramdass discuss the science behind this decentration, and how the NEW OptiSync Technology allows you to offset the multifocal optics from the center of the lens and target alignment with the patient’s visual axis.

Registered ODwire.org members can comment on the technology (and multifocal fits in general!) in this thread.

Interview

Changes to the FTC’s Contact Lens Rule (… and how docs can help stop illegal sales)

The FTC is proposing changes to the Contact Lens Rule that can impact both clinicians and patients alike.

In this InSight Studio interview, we speak with Edward S. Bennett, O.D., M.S.Ed., Chair of the Contact Lens and Cornea Section Council of the American Optometric Association about the proposed changes, and how docs can help prevent illegal contact lens sales.

Remember to report any illegal sales to the AOA via e-mail at StopIllegalCLs@aoa.org

News

Join us at the ZEISS Optometric Digital Summit 2018!

Now Available ON DEMAND. REGISTER HERE & start watching immediately!

ZEISS OPTOMETRIC DIGITAL SUMMIT 2018
ONLINE July 28 and July 29 | 11am EST to 2pm EST
https://www.ods2018.com/

Register Here (totally free!)

ZEISS invites you to attend the ZEISS Optometric Digital Summit 2018, a two-day complimentary online program including live sessions and an interactive product showcase within a virtual exhibit hall, designed to provide you with the latest technological innovations and clinical solutions for your practice.

Taught by industry leaders, you’ll get trained and informed on how the integrated diagnostic imaging solutions from ZEISS will help shape the future of your practice.

Event attendees will also be eligible for special show promotions and discounts on ZEISS instruments.

Learn more, look at the course list, and register here (totally free!)

You can discuss the summit in this thread.

Hope to see you there!

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:

Interview

Dr. Frank Fontana on the Early Days of Contact Lenses and the Future of Eye Care

Dr. Fontana (aka optometry’s “Uncle Frank”), in his 69th year attending SECO, talks about being a pioneer the field of contact lenses, and what the future might hold for ECPs!

Registered ECP members can reminisce about the ‘old days’ & ask Uncle Frank questions in this thread.

Webinar

Webinar: Myopia Tx with Atropine – Truth and Myths

Myopia & Atropine
with JEFFREY S. COOPER, OD, MS, FAAO

In this highly practical ODwire.org webinar, Jeffrey Cooper MS, OD, FAAO, FCOVD, Professor Emeritus, SUNY College of Optometry, catches us up on the latest research on atropine & myopia control.

We review the literature and have a Q&A discussing how you can integrate this latest data into your own myopia control practice.

Discuss the show & ask questions in this thread