 San Diego County Optometric Society |
The San Diego ViewJanuary 2018 |
Inside this Issue:
- President’s Message
- Retina Corner
- Tech Corner
- Eye See
- Bringing Our Mission to Life for Homeless Youth
- CE Corner
- Classifieds
- Volunteer Corner
- SDCOS Announcements
- Upcoming Events
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Please welcome our new president, Dr. Michael Morgan!!
January 2018 |
I hope everyone had a wonderful 2017, and a great holiday season. Now that we are through the holidays, the San Diego County Optometric Society is off and running into 2018. I would like to recognize Dr. Eric White, 2017 Optometrist of the Year, for being an inspiration and role model to our community in his continuous involvement and dedication to the field. Your accomplishments are unmatched and you continue to dedicate your time to ensure the board’s continued success. Additionally, thank you to our 2017 Young Optometrist of the Year, Dr. Amanda Dexter. As though serving on the SDCOS executive board was not enough, you continue to lead at the state level to advance the profession and represent our best interests. On behalf of our members, I would like to thank you both for being incredible representatives from this organization. Lastly, but not least, I want to recognize Dr. Ketan Bakriwala for serving as our 2017 President to pave the way for my term this year.
Serving on the executive board the last couple of years has been a great learning experience for me, and it is my privilege to give back to the board and create an impact for 2018. Fortunately, we have a tremendous group of doctors serving as board members and they will be helping lead the society through another great year.
As president, I’m committed to ensuring a comprehensive offering of Continuing Education courses, as well as numerous volunteer opportunities such as the Lions Optometric Vision Clinic, Monarch School Vision Screenings, and more. I am also committed to increasing engagement with our vendors to help us all become better practitioners and business owners. For 2018, I would like to challenge our members to get involved and to take full advantage of these opportunities. I encourage every member to help non-member doctors see the benefits of membership so that we can continue to grow and be one of the best societies in the nation for years to come.
Over the past several years, our society has lead the way for the optometry community and together, we will continue that legacy. It is my privilege to serve as your President and I look forward to a wonderful 2018.
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Retina Corner
Retina Subspecialty Day at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2017 |
By Nikolas London, MD, FACS
Director of Clinical Research, Retina Consultants San Diego
Chief of Ophthalmology, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
Every year, thousands of retina specialists from across the globe gather at the Retina Subspecialty Day Meeting prior to the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. This year was in beautiful New Orleans, Louisiana, and we were treated to several excellent clinical trial presentations, interactive point-counterpoint debates, surgical video discussions, and demonstration of cutting-edge technology and surgical techniques. Below is a brief summary of a few of these presentations.
Lampalizumab
Presented by Dr. Jeffrey Heier
Genentech’s Chroma and Spectri studies evaluated the safety and efficacy of lampalizumab, an anti-complement factor D monoclonal antibody fragment, for the treatment of geographic atrophy. The phase II MAHALO study suggested a 20% reduction in the growth of atrophy in treated patients, and an impressive 44% reduction in patients positive for the complement factor I biomarker. In fact, the growth rate reduction appeared to be driven entirely by cohort of patients positive for complement factor I (CFI+). the. However, this was a small study of 129 patients.
The follow-up phase III studies were presented by Jeffrey Heier at the meeting. They enrolled over 1,800 patients to 2 study arms: q 4 week sham, q 4 week lampalizumab 10mg, q 6 week sham, or q 6 week lampalizumab 10mg. CFI+ patients were targeted during enrollment. The primary outcome was the mean change in area of atrophy measured by fundus autofluorescence at 48 weeks. Unfortunately, this was not met in either study, not for the cohorts as a whole or for the CFI+ subgroups.
It is always disappointing when clinical trial results end up negative, particularly for disease states where we currently have no therapeutic options for our patients. Fortunately, however, several other therapeutic options are still under investigation including a higher upstream complement inhibitor from Apellis Pharmaceuticals as well as a stem cell study from Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine. RCSD will hopefully be involved in both of these trials.
HAWK and HARRIER: Brolucizumab
Presented by Dr. Pravin Dugel
Switching gears, Dr. Pravin Dugel gave what was certainly one of the most buzz-worthy presentations of the meeting on the outcomes of the phase III HAWK and HARRIER trials.
These studies examined the efficacy of the novel single-chain variable fragment, a 26kKa antiVEGF molecule, in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They enrolled over 1,800 patients with treatment-naïve neovascular AMD in 48-week, multi-centered, randomized, double-masked trials comparing brolucizumab to aflibercept (Eylea). Upon enrollment, all patients were treated with three monthly injections of their assigned medication. Following this, eyes in the brolucizumab arm were treated every 12 weeks with an option to reduce this to every 8 weeks based on disease activity. Eyes in the aflibercept arm were dosed every 8 weeks following the loading phase.
Overall, brolucizumab met the goal of non-inferiority compared to aflibercept. Moreover, more than half of the eyes in the brolucizumab arm were maintained on every 12-week injections, and at both 4 and 11 months compared to aflibercept, roughly a third fewer brolucizumab-treated patients had persistent intraretinal fluid on OCT (p<0.0001). There were no new adverse event signals. These studies will continue on through week 96, and are expected to conclude in the middle of 2018.
Thanks again for reading. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Best wishes, and until next time,
Nik
Nikolas London, MD
Retina Consultants San Diego, Poway, La Jolla, and Coronado
www.retinaconsultantssd.com
858-451-1911 (office)
415-341-5456 (cell)
nik.london@gmail.com (personal email)
retinaconsultantssd@gmail.com (RCSD email)
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Tech Corner
Got Tech questions? We’ve got Answers! |
HOW SECURE IS YOUR PRACTICE?
4 OUT OF 5 PHYSICIANS HAVE EXPERIENCED A CYBERSECURITY ATTACK
By Dave Tuckman from Golden State Web Solutions, Inc. (www.GSWS.com)
As we kickoff the new year, it’s important to know that cybercriminals didn’t take the holidays off. It needs to be understood that the risks continue to evolve. We can’t look at the last breach and ask ‘Oh my goodness, how could this have happened?’ Rather, we must be aware that the next hack will be built on what was learned in the last breach.
Specifically in the medical landscape, a new research released by Accenture and the American Medical Association (AMA) found that four out of five doctors have experienced a cybersecurity attack. The most common type of attack was phishing, experienced by 55% of those experiencing an attack, followed by computer viruses, which 48% reported as part of an attack.
AMA President David Barbe says the study shows the need for the government, technology and medical sectors to take a more active role to stop future cyberattacks to ensure the confidentially of healthcare data.
Click here to view a copy of the report: https://www.ama-assn.org/sites/default/files/media-browser/public/government/advocacy/medical-cybersecurity-findings.pdf
It does an excellent job sharing physician’s experiences and attitudes toward cybersecurity. The findings suggest a strong need for improved cybersecurity education for physicians.
ALSO On January 10th we are co-hosting a webinar with ESET: Cybertrends 2018: A Wild Ride Ahead It’s free, online and available to everyone interested. We’ll discuss new cybersecurity threats, ransomware, Internet of Things and the darker sides of artificial intelligence (AI). Here’s a link with details and registration information: http://bit.ly/2z9GrOE
Got questions or want help?
Reach out. That’s why we are here and are happy to help.
You can reach Dave directly at (619-905-4468) or email dave@GSWS.com.
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Eye See written by Dr. Byron Y. Newman Stay Tuned for Next Month |
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Bringing Our Mission to Life for Homeless Youth |
Most of us can’t imagine what it’s like to be homeless. Among the many challenges is getting health care, including an eye exam. So when Essilor of America (EOA) sales consultant Monet Diamante had the opportunity to work with Urban Street Angels in her San Diego community to help homeless youth get eye exams and glasses, she jumped at the chance.
“I love the mission of Urban Street Angels and it was on my mind for a while to do something like this. They’ve had various health services provided for them, but vision care always gets lost,” explains Monet. “When the head of the organization asked if I could help him get glasses for one of his youth, I approached Pack and Bianes Vision Care and was elated when they suggested we make a big day out of it. I knew if there was a practice that would want to participate, it would be this team.”
“The community has been a blessing to us and we always want to give back through community service,” says Beverly Bianes, OD. “And the kids were so grateful. These are just normal kids who’ve had a bad break, so we were thrilled to be able to help. For us, the true happiness is giving back.”
The doctors and staff volunteers saw 14 young adults in the Urban Street Angels program, and one alumni from Monarch School, a school in San Diego for homeless youth. All received comprehensive eye exams and those needing correction received frames donated by local vendors and lenses provided by the Eyezen team at no cost. “Wow! I can see everything!” one young man exclaimed after he put on his new glasses and looked across the room to read a flier on the wall.
It’s clear that for EOA’s employees and its independent eyecare professional (ECPs) customers, the mission of improving lives by improving sight goes beyond providing eye exams in an office. All over the country, EOA sales consultants and labs partner with independent ECPs in their local communities to give back by providing eye exams and glasses to those in need, helping more people see better and live better.
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CE CornerWe are committed to helping you fulfill your CE requirements through our local meeting with the support of our sponsors! |
Featured Annual Sponsors
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January 18th CE: 2 hours
Topic: Refractive Surgery Round Table:
Speakers: Dr. Mihir Parikh, Dr. Angela Nahl, Drs. Gordon, Wang, and Echegoyen
See 2018 CE schedule.
Continuing Education Seminars are at the Handlery Hotel 950 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, 92108.
Two-hour seminar, Thursday, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Buffet meal included and served ½ hour prior to lecture.
- SDCOS Members free, COA/AOA Members $35.00, Non-Members $130.00.
Five-hour seminar, Sunday, 8:00 am – 1:30 pm. Buffet meal included and served ½ hour prior to lecture.
- SDCOS Members $90.00. COA/AOA Members, $90.00 Non-Members $325.00.
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Classifieds |
Upgraded modern office space for optometrist or ophthalmologist, with built-in custom cabinetry, granite countertops, porcelain tile throughout. Located on a very busy street with 40,000 cars passing by a day. Location is in City Heights, which is a multicultural location close to freeways 8, 15, and 94. It is a 10-minute drive to downtown San Diego and there is a huge demand for eye care in this area. There are over 50 schools within a 5-mile radius. An established practice has been there for over 15 years and is moving and space is available for a new doctor to begin a practice here in a location that already has been known as an eye clinic. Please Contact 858 504 2020 for more information or email spousti@live.com (01/18)
Optometric Assistant and Manager opening at Camp Pendleton. Front desk reception, clerical and back office duties. Candidate must be good at multi-tasking with people and organizational skills but above all else, a reliable and dedicated TEAM PLAYER. Full-Time – Part-Time Available. Must be willing to work Saturday’s. Office located ON BASE, inside the Main Gate (Hwy5/Camp Pendleton exit), in the new MCX at Pacific Views. Fax resume/C.V to 619-722-6389. For an application, complete job description and interview, call 760-763-1757. For information about practice, visit www.VCACP.com (01/18)
Optometry Retail Space immediately available in Rancho San Diego Village. Fully built-out space is currently 920 SF with the ability to expand the square footage if desired. This popular family-oriented shopping center is anchored by a top-performing Smart & Final, 24 Hour Fitness, Dixlieline, Little Sprouts Daycare & Starbucks and is located at Avocado Blvd and Campo Road in the Rancho San Diego submarket. The address is 3681 Avocado Blvd, La Mesa, 91941. Contact Beth Sargent at bsargent@flockeavoyer.com for more information. (01/18)
Practice for sale – Poway Great community – “City in the Country” atmosphere with award winning schools. Full Scope practice with a significant Vision Therapy net. Dr. wishes to have the practice continue to offer Therapy. Will consider a doctor who has COVD Fellowship or the desire to obtain a fellowship in COVD. Dr. will provide exams and consulting services part-time to aid the transition and patient retention. Please submit Vitae/Resume to djaniuk@pacbell.net (01/18)
Optometrist needed Private Practice setting with full scope practice for multiple day coverages in Clairemont and Encinitas. If interested please email Rambod.Esfandiari@gmail.com (01/18)
Dr. John Fitzpatrick, the Society Optometrist Relations Liaison, offers a unique service to the San Diego Optometric community. Several lists are kept on file for doctors seeking the following, or any combination: • full-time work • part-time work • fill-in work • purchase a practice • sell a practice • partner in a practice. There is no charge for this service. To put your name on the list, please contact Dr. John Fitzpatrick at jpfod@aol.com
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Volunteer Corner |
Monarch School Screening
Screening: Monday Feb. 26th (we need two doctors for this day)
Exams: Monday/Tuesday March 12th/13th (we need one doctor for each day)
Contact Dr. Bob Meisel for more information at rmeisel@netscape.net ; www.monarchschools.org
Flying Samaritan Optometry Clinic – Tecate, Mexico
The SDSU Flying Samaritans are asking for any optometrists that would be willing to volunteer on Saturdays and accompany other volunteers to their optometry clinic in Tecate, Mexico. It is not necessary to be fluent in Spanish, a translator can be provided. The clinic is located about 40 miles southeast of SDSU. Their goal is to provide free eye exams, glasses, and access to other free medical benefits to the underserved communities of Baja California. Please contact Dr. Bob Meisel if you are interested or have any further questions!
Lion’s Optometric Vision Clinic
ATTENTION LOVC VOLUNTEER DOCTORS
FREE 5-hour CE for SDCOS Members (maximum of 2 CE’s per year)
$70 off for Non-Members choice of 2 or 5 HR CE
VOLUNTEER DOCTORS needed for flexible shifts throughout the year. 9-1:00 pm. Monday -Friday 1805 Upas St San Diego, CA 92103. Can’t volunteer at the clinic? See patients in your office. Call 619-298-5273.
DONATE GLASSES
Please bring to a CE meeting or contact the society office at 619-663-8439 for arrangements to pick up.
SDCOS keeps a list of all doctors willing to speak in front of groups about various topics, do home visits for patients, and assist in student mentoring. ODs interested in the Speakers Bureau, Home Visits, Student mentoring, and Low Vision OD’s, please contact the society office at 619-663-8439 or email sdcos@sdcos.org
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SDCOS Announcements |
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Upcoming Events |
- January 18th: 2 Hour CE
- February 9-10th: COA House of Delegates
- February 15th: 2 Hour CE
Contact Us
Phone: 619 663 8439
Fax: 800 643 8301
Email: sdcos@sdcos.org
Platinum Sponsors
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Sustaining Sponsors
