Sorry for the break in coverage. My wife and I spent a week in Canada at SECO's Vancouver 2012 meeting. Great education in an amazing location. I'll see if I can get some pictures posted. Just fantastic.  ~ Walt

Been there, done that. Take care of yourselves, docs. These injuries can be prevented. Make sure you participate regularly in physical activity that provides work in all ranges of motion and encourages those ranges of motion. Yoga, pilates, martial arts, well-designed gym programs, swimming, whatever works for you. Straight-up weightlifting, running, cycling, probably isn't going to do the job. 

Source: medscape.com 

QOctober 25, 2011 (Orlando, Florida) — Eye care physicians have a higher prevalence of neck, hand, wrist, and lower back pain than family medicine physicians, according to a study presented during a poster session here at American Academy of Ophthalmology 2011 Annual Meeting.UOTE

http://bit.ly/t0Bpdx

Sounds like an old episode of CSI or something... Walt 

Source: New York Times 

A jury convicted three Brazilian doctors of killing four patients by removing their organs, which prosecutors said were used for transplants at an expensive private clinic. 

http://nyti.ms/nCJ0OR

Just took this pic yesterday at our Office Octoberfest Party. Walt

One in 10 Americans Use Antidepressants, Most Don't See a Therapist - ABC News http://abcn.ws/rb54ba

In our Myopia Prevention and Control discussion area, Richard Anderson, OD has proposed hashing out a Myopia Protocol. He's already laid the groundwork at his website. You can read it here: http://www.myopiaprevention.org/protocol.html . If you're an OD or Optometry Student... or an educator at a School of Optometry, you're invited to join our Core Conversations topic and share your ideas and opinions.  Walt 
 

If you haven't started seeing these in your office, they are truly amazing. These eyes tend to look great after the post-op period. Walt 


 

Optometrists have been asking about the specifics of what it will require to get involved in this modality of treatment. This article in Ophthalmology Management answers most of those questions. Note the statement that there is a "low learning curve". This article is a must read. Walt

Source: ophmanagement.com

One big reason for crosslinking's potential success, say proponents, is the low learning curve. Removing the epithelium is something that nearly every ophthalmologist is already familiar with, and for those who already own an excimer laser, it will be relatively easy to incorporate the treatment into practice, says Gregory Pamel, MD, of New York City. 

http://bit.ly/trnuKX

Something for us to watch for? Patients we send off for retinal consults might require continued IOP monitoring in our offices, particularly if they live a significant distance from the retinal specialist. 

Source: news-medical.net 

Two major drug trials conclude there was little risk from a drug aimed at age-related macular degeneration. Yet a Mayo Clinic ophthalmologist began to note something concerning in some of her patients: an increase in pressure inside the eye. It led to a retrospective study and findings that will be presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology in Orlando. 

http://bit.ly/rX86j9

Take advantage of Section 179 deduction by purchasing a Marco 3D Wave OPD Scan Wavefront Aberrometer/Autorefractor/Topographer/Keratometer/Pupillometer.

Marco has a limited amount of 3D Wave show demo and show units available for purchase, some with a full one year warranty. If 5 Optcom members purchase a demo 3D Wave from Marco between now and December 31st, 2011, Marco will rebate $1000 to each Optcom member purchasing a unit. Email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  for further details.

Very cool... worth two minutes of your time. Walt

Source: medgadget.com 

XVIVO, a leader in scientific animation with a focus on the life sciences, has unveiled a new video called One Body.  Though produced for Turk Telekom, it’s an inspiring two minute flash look at the complexity and beauty of the architecture of the human body. 



http://bit.ly/ri3BD3

Source: osnsupersite.com 

The first electro-active diffractive liquid crystal IOL promises to provide accommodation without anatomic or mechanical movement, a speaker said here. 

http://bit.ly/v7mDgw

The AOSA blog is interesting; nice to get student perspectives on a myriad of topics. Walt 

Source: AOSA Blog 

This post is for anyone who still refracts like they taught you in refraction 101 (and not how real practicing OD’s do it). The key is to save time but still be accurate. Another key is to give the patient easy choices. Patients are afraid they are giving the wrong answers and it can be stressful for them, if you always remember their point of view it will make the refraction go smoother. 

http://bit.ly/vJ4cFL

Innovative stuff I've never seen before. Check it out. 

Resume Tips - Careers Articles http://aol.it/qzoqlp

Terrific video by Derron Lee, OD. This video was originally posted on OD's on Facebook. This video is a bit long, but all the information is pertinent. Designing something like this for your practice will undoubtedly increase sales and profits, something we can all use these days, eh?

Thanks to John Warren, OD for this link,  posted earlier today on the Optcomlist. Walt 

Source: USA Today

The American Bar Association and 200 law schools it accredits are under growing pressure from Congress to quell complaints that colleges are misleading students about job prospects and saddling graduates with loans they can't afford to repay.UOTE

http://usat.ly/u7TOq8

Source: kevinmd.com 

According to American Medical News, they’re looking for jobs with the following criteria: “The most important items would be the ability to show a stable, growing practice and quality of life … The stability would come from a practice that generates most of their collections from commercial insurance, as Medicare cuts are looming. The ideal quality of life would be a four-day workweek with little to no call. Financially, they would need to offer employment plus production bonus and would need to be above the 50th percentile for their specialty.” 

http://bit.ly/vOPl7g

How practices are responding to the onslaught of online optical sales is a major topic on Optcomlist, as I'm sure it is on FB, OD Wire and other venues. Jeffrey Palmer, OD of Middletown, CT has developed a clear and firm policy regarding online optical purchases. Here's what he activitely informs patients: 

Source: Optcomlist (by permission)

While we discourage ordering eyeglasses, especially bifocals, progressives and high powers, online, we realize that some patients will still want to purchase their eyewear that way. The Palmer Eyecare Center will take the critical measurements and adjust your frame for a fee of $69. This fee is built in to every pair of eyeglasses that we dispense ourselves. Keep in mind that adjusting an ophthalmic frame can result in it breaking if done incorrectly or if the frame has quality problems of its own. We cannot be responsible for the quality (or lack of quality) of your online frame. Should it break, you will have to return it to the online supplier for repair or replacement. Our suggestion is to be absolutely sure that you have a money back guarantee so that you may return the eyeglasses if they don't perform as you expect. If your eyeglasses don't work and are returned, we will credit the $69. that you paid our office toward a new pair of eyeglasses from us, eyeglasses with the full two-year warranty from our office. 

Since Kentucky, Ophthalmology doesn't plan to be caught flat-footed regarding these types of legislation, even when it isn't being discussed! Walt 

Source: tennessean.com 

Eye surgeons in Tennessee have begun a pre-emptive offensive against legislation to allow optometrists the right to do laser surgeries — even though optometrists say they aren’t seeking any law change. 

http://bit.ly/qRYRT0

California Medical Assn. calls for legalization of marijuana - latimes.com http://lat.ms/oR16hF

Funny stuff... this MD actually sells a book of these things. He accurately describes himself as having "absolutely no artistic talent". Walt  

Source: doccartoon.blogspot.com 



http://bit.ly/upRCaL

A friend of my daughters boyfriend produced this ad for Weetabix:

Wooo Hooo! 1400 pounds! 

Source: Columbus Dispatch 

The Pickaway County optometrist, assisted by wife Jo, won his 10th biggest-pumpkin title this morning, weighing in a portly pumpkin that tipped the show’s scales at 1,436 1/2 pounds. 

http://bit.ly/n5l3BQ

Pointing a laser at a police helicopter is a very bad idea | Geek.com http://bit.ly/mOuZ8a

Just outstanding! What else do I need to say? Walt 

Source: college-optometrists.org 

The strategy gives equal weight to the roles primary care optometrists and ophthalmic medical practitioners can play in improving access to care. However, while there are over 400 primary care optometrists across the country, there are only a handful of ophthalmic medical practitioners.  

Dr Kathryn Saunders, who represents Northern Ireland on the College’s Council emphasised the potential of primary care optometrists to improve eye care for patients by working in partnership with hospital services commented:

“Across the rest of the UK, primary care optometrists are playing a leading role in developing new services which provide local, accessible, high quality care that is good value for money too.  I am delighted that Northern Irish patients could soon see the benefits of similar schemes and I would urge the Department of Health to make the most of the well trained, well resourced optometry workforce”. 

http://bit.ly/vHmPuI

Source: The Hindu
Hyderabad : Indian Vision Institute launched http://bit.ly/pAqCVE 

Source: osnsupersite.com 

Q\Patients receiving a fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant for noninfectious uveitis had a significantly high risk for increased IOP that often necessitated surgical intervention, a study found. 

http://bit.ly/vGik5x

Source: modernmedicine.com 

Ocriplasmin (microplasmin, ThromboGenics) injected into the vitreous may be another option for treating symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion and macular holes. One injection of the drug seems to weaken the strength of the vitreomacular adhesion associated with pathologic posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) by targeting the fibronectin, laminin, and collagen fibers that keep the vitreous attached to the macula.

http://bit.ly/rZ2LDR

This is an important study. But I don't know how practical it would be for older patients. Walt 

Source: eurekalert.org 

Physical activity may be what the doctor orders to help patients reduce their risk of developing glaucoma. According to a recently published scientific paper, higher levels of physical exercise appear to have a long-term beneficial impact on low ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), an important risk factor for glaucoma. 

http://bit.ly/udEAkE

Wow. I love these studies that prove the absolute obvious. Walt

Source: news-medical.net

Older adults with glaucoma are at increased risk of falls resulting in injury, reports a study in the November issue of Optometry and Vision Science, official journal of the American Academy of Optometry. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

http://bit.ly/tsbaQc

OD's need to follow this. There is no reason we cannot be leaders in this area of care. Walt 

Source: news-medical.net 

Patients in the United States who have the cornea-damaging disease keratoconus may soon be able to benefit from a new treatment that is already proving effective in Europe and other parts of the world. The treatment, called collagen crosslinking, improved vision in almost 70 percent of patients treated for keratoconus in a recent three-year clinical trial in Milan, Italy. The treatment is in clinical trials in the United States and is likely to receive FDA approval in 2012. The results of the Milan study are being presented today at the 115th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in Orlando, Florida. 

http://bit.ly/rpD3Uk

SECO's 2012 Multimedia Poster Session is now available online. 100+ posters are viewable by PC, tablet, or even your phone. 

Website: http://bit.ly/wDUZJQ

http://peripheralvision.info/2012/02/10/32-walt-mayo-od-on-seco-and-social-technology/

Lulu.com is currently holding a sale. Buy one book, get the second 50% off. Use the code DOUBLEBOOKED to get the discount. The SECO 2012 Course Handout books are available right now...  http://bit.ly/yQRmqs . Save up to $25 if you buy all four volumes. Walt   #seco2012

As mentioned a couple of days ago, SECO's Multimedia Poster program will offer QRcodes on-screen for all 100 posters, allowing you to "take" posters with you as you head off to your next class, booth, or dinner reservation. Here's a sample if you want to test it. Walt

I'm going to go out on a limb here. I've come to the conclusion that every adult patient should have a baseline ONH OCT on their first visit and then routinely going forward unless evidence overwhelmingly shows a lack of need. Why? I've simply had just one too many patients with normal IOP demonstrate NFL loss over time, even though each OCT was in the normal range when evaluated by itself. One OCT simply doesn't tell us what's going on without historical data to refer to.

I understand the implications. We don't get paid extra for tests that are included in our routine exams. Just as we can't separate IOP testings, keratometry, and other routine tests, if we were to include OCT in all exams we've set a precedent that certainly makes no financial sense. But from a patient care point of view, the value is unquestionable. Some may say the same could be said of routine MRI's and CT scans, but it's not the same. Running such tests routinely would be purely shots in the dark, whereas ONH OCT would have a reasonable rate of discovery.

Since I've obviously got a screw loose, perhaps next time I'll take the concept a bit further and outline why OCT's might make more sense for Lion's Club vans and local health fair screenings. I'm sure I'll get 100% agreement from all of you. Uh... sure I will. ~ Walt

(OD's, Optometry Students, and other Eyecare-related Professionals only, please!)

To sign up:

1. Go to http://www.runyourpool.com/join.cfmEnter the following information:
a. In the Pool ID box, enter the number 18188
b. In the Pool Password box, enter 'SECO2013' (without the single quotes)

3. Fill out the form information, including a personal username and password.

4. Make your weekly pick, with the ability to change it right up until the weekly deadline.

Important: Once you have picked a given team, say the Patriots, you cannot use them again in following weeks, so choose carefully.

You pick one team to win each week. If they lose, you are eliminated. You are allowed ONE MULLIGAN if you are eliminated until week four. After week four, no mulligans will be allowed.

You must sign up no later than 1:00pm next Sunday, NFL Week #1.

You must get your pick in by the weekly deadline - before the first game each Sunday. Early games must be picked before they start. All picks will be hidden until the game has begun (for early games) or the until the first game on Sunday. Good luck to everyone. If you have any questions, please contact me at waltmayo at gmail.com.

It's that easy. If you have any questions, let me know.

Oh yeah... it's FREE!!

http://www.facebook.com/groups/yogainoptometry/

Check it out. Good stuff, already about 20 docs have signed up!  ~Walt

That's it... strap on a super-hero suit covered in skateboard wheels and go flying down a mountain! sTuPiD!

Source: Gizmodo

 

Another outstanding educational event by SECO International, LLC.



Learn more at SECO2012.com to request more information when it becomes available.

The first topic in Optcom's new Core Conversations Series has been released: Myopia Prevention and Control
  
This discussion area requires registration and will be open only to:

1. Optometrists
2. Optometry students
3. OD or doctoral level educators at an official school of optometry.

Exceptions may be made for researchers whose area of expertise and work center around this important issue.

This new system currently supports web participation, RSS feeds, email subscription (notifications), file exchange, and more.

There currently are only a few messages as it's just going live.

While I am the biggest proponent of Lists like the Optcomlist, I do think that very narrow focus subjects that will evolve over time need  more of a controlled - encapsulated? - format. So this is a bit of anexperiment. It in no way is intended to discourage myopia discussion  on the List. I'm hoping the two can be synergistic, much like you gointo a class at SECO for one type of experience (ie. forum) and then out  into the hallway or exhibit hall for another more open experience (ie. mailing list).

Please consider joining this opportunity to share with colleagues, and  hopefully learn approaches to dealing with myopia that we can takeback to our practices.

http://www.optcom.com

Please let me know if you run into any trouble registering, or
accessing the myopia forum.

Walt

SECO's 2011 Multimedia Poster Session is viewable at the link below. Look for the POSTERS menu selection at the top of the page.  You can see and example of one of SECO's unique posters here. All of SECO's posters are presented on large screen LCD's and are fully interactive. If you're interested in submitting an abstract for 2012, it's not too late. Free registration plus a stipend is awarded to 100 authors. Walt

Source: SECO2012.com 

This is a terrific chance to win free SECO registration. A lot of organizations give away cheap, worthless prizes. That isn't the case here! Winning could save you $$$ to spend in Optometry's Marketplace once you land in Atlanta. Walt 

Source: SECO Facebook Page

SECO will award 12 lucky Facebook fans FREE Registration for SECO 2012. A winner will be randomly selected each week from SECO’s list of Facebook fans between the dates of November 2 and February 8. Good luck and thanks for being a SECO fan! 

http://on.fb.me/uT8EXw