 San Diego County Optometric Society |
The San Diego ViewFebruary 2018 |
Inside this Issue:
- President’s Message
- Retina Corner
- Tech Corner
- Eye See
- CE Corner
- Classifieds
- Volunteer Corner
- SDCOS Announcements
- New Members
- Upcoming Events
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President’s Message
February 2018 |
Last year we witnessed the passing of our hard fought scope of practice bill, AB443. This accomplishment, while rightly deserved, would not have been possible without the focused efforts of optometrists in SDCOS, COA and AOA. Using the momentum of this victory, we need to continue to push for our profession and our futures forward. The best way we can do this is through making our society and the COA stronger. I encourage all our members get the most out of their membership and be as active as possible. Whenever we can, we should highlight the benefits of SDCOS/COA membership to colleagues so that our organization can continue to grow.
The AOA and COA are our collective voice and they continually defend our profession and our rights. They take the lead fighting threats to patient safety, such as online refractions and contact lens retailers that fill invalid prescriptions. They also advocate on our behalf so that optometrists can practice to the fullest extent. The COA and AOA do a wonderful job keeping us informed, so always be on the lookout for Government Affairs Weekly, California Optometry publication, COA Member News newsletter, AOA’s First Look and Focus e-newsletters, and the monthly AOA Focus magazine.
As a reminder to current members and as a tool we can use to encourage others to join, here is a refresher on some of the great benefits we can take advantage of:
- The Member Media Center (MMC) gives access to content to use in their newsletters, for social media and for public awareness. The COA also provides access to a social media expert to give you guidance.
- The Member Resource Center you can get answers to common practice-related questions- from the steps to take to get on a health plan’s medical panel, to employment and workers’ compensation issues.
- Eyelearn offers COPE approved continuing education webinars on both clinical and practice management topics for you and your staff.
- Business and Career Success webinars are offered by AOA with topics including medical records and coding, HIPAA updates, PQRS, malpractice, etc.
- Continuing Education: Discounts for events including Monterey Symposium, OptoWest, and AOA’s Optometry’s Meeting. Also offered is CE@Home, which is a collection of CE articles that provides up to 6 hours free and an additional 6 for a nominal fee.
- COA members also get discounts on COA/AOA partner services. Discounts include Vision West buying group, commercial insurer Mercer Insurance, private insurer Warren G. Bender Insurance, IC System debt collection, Heartland Payment Systems merchant card processing and payroll services, Constant Contact email marketing, and Required Employment Law Poster Subscription Service.
- AOAExcel’s Medical Record and Coding Services AskTheCodingExperts@ExcelOD.com allows you to consult a billing expert for questions on anything from procedure and diagnosis codes, changes in Medicare coding policies, ICD-10 and more.
- Optometry’s Career Center through AOA provides services to find a practice to join, or to start and grow a practice.
- The Legal Service Resources Program provides members up to one-half hour (30 minutes) of telephone and research work per month with an attorney at no cost.
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Retina Corner
Lampalizumab and the Quest to Find a Treatment for Geographic Atrophy Within the Complement Cascade |
By Nikolas London, MD, FACS
Director of Clinical Research, Retina Consultants San Diego
Chief of Ophthalmology, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
Back in the early 2000s as a third-year medical student I recall sitting in clinic as my Ophthalmology explained the newly-developed treatment option for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Visudyne (Bausch+Lomb, Inc, Bridgewater, NJ, USA). While at the time I knew very little about the condition, I understood that it was a devastating disease with little-to-no hope to offer affected patients. The attending also explained that PDT did not reverse the disease, but simply slowed its progression. Looking back, this reminds me quite a bit of our current quest to find a treatment for geographic atrophy (GA) associated with AMD, and, in particular, the unrealized promise of lampalizumab. Similar to exudative AMD before the anti-VEGF era, GA is a disease state in desperate need of an effective treatment option. Like PDT for exudative AMD, many of the drugs being investigated for GA, including complement inhibitors like lampalizumab, hope to slow disease progression rather than reverse it. Currently we have nothing to offer our affected patients other than education and preparation for the inevitable. Fortunately, this need is recognized, and many potential treatment options are in various stages of development, from injectable drugs that hope to slow disease progression to surgical transplantation of stem cells to potentially restore lost tissue. This article will focus on the former, using the recent demise of lampalizumab as a platform to discuss the role of the complement cascade in the pathogenesis of GA, points of potential intervention in this pathogenesis, and what the future holds for this space. We are confident that it is only a matter of time before an effective treatment comes to fruition.
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Tech Corner
Got Tech questions? We’ve got Answers! |
COULD YOUR MOST VALUED EMPLOYEE BE YOUR BIGGEST RISK?
By Dave Tuckman from Golden State Web Solutions, Inc. (www.GSWS.com)
Did you know that your employees pose a serious potential risk to your cybersecurity? It’s true, most of us like to think it’s only the skillful cyber criminals that we must be concerned about, but even our most trusted employees can make a costly mistake.
From a recent article by Tripwire, states the overwhelming majority of breaches today can be traced back directly to employee negligence.
When an employee fails to follow procedures, ignores a warning or even admits to simple human error, it potentially opens up the door to Pandora’s Box. REMEMBER: Our cybersecurity infrastructure is only as strong as our weakest link.
One of the greatest steps a practice can take to protect against this risk is Cybersecurity Awareness Training. Having your employees informed of best practices on password policies, web and email protection and preventive measures is invaluable. And don’t just leave it up to those directly involved in IT. Having all employees trained can be the best line of defense when it comes to protecting your data, patient records and other sensitive information.
As part of our cybersecurity and compliance service offerings, GSWS provides Cybersecurity Awareness Training. Training can be online or onsite. We even offer a FREE online cybersecurity training resource that is available to all members of the San Diego County Optometric Society.
We’ll provide all training materials and certifications for your team free of charge.
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 THE ECONOMY CLASS SYNDROME |
Optometry deals with syndromes of all types, but medicine keeps inventing new ones. Now, we have The Economy Class Syndrome which is caused by airline seats cramped in economy class, according to an article some years ago in American Family Physician.
Those cramped seats can cause a serious medical problem in some passengers who develop deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and some can even die after long air flights.
Researchers at Stanford University Medical Center have determined that there are some things that “at risk” patients can do to stay healthy on long flights. They should move their legs and feet as much as possible while seated, wear compressive stockings, drink as much fluid as possible (with no alcohol,) and consult with their physician before the flight. This makes sense for many people.
Footnote: This could happen to people in First Class as well.
Check out Dr. Newman’s website, www.thehumorfactory.com!!!
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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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February 15th CE: 2 hours
Topic: Oculoplastics
Dr. Srini Iyengar: Ptosis and Trauma: the Two T’s (1hr)
Dr. Omar Ozgur: Epiphora: Insufficient Tear Drainage (1hr)
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 |
Centervue DRS Retinal for Sale- Less than 2 years old and in excellent condition. Includes the table with electronic height adjustment. Purchased brand new for $16K. Looking to sell for $12K. If interested please email: drmarbun@gmail.com (03/18)
OD fill-in needed North County March 26 – April 26. Monday –Thursday with 4th day optional. Please email CV to markventocillaodinc@hotmail.com (02/18)
Expanding Optometry business: 3 positions available 1-Ophthalmic laboratory technician who is experienced in edging lenses. 2-Optometrist for part-time or fill-in work. 3-Amazing eye doctor assistant (will train the right person) We desire a person that wants to deliver the highest quality eye care to our patients. Dispense, obtain test results, consult with doctors, consult with assistants, opticians, and technicians, and maintain patient communique and good staff relationships are important. Our candidate must work well with office staff and patients, have a history of professionals noting that you can show up on time, work your scheduled hours, negotiate conflicts, be honest, have the confidence to perform difficult assignments, support and build confidence in others, have a positive sense of yourself and others, use creative problem-solving techniques, be self-reliant, people-orientated, enthusiastic, hard-working. Please contact us 760-757-8771 at Oceanside or 619-425-9001for San Diego at 1010eyedoc@gmail.com by sending your resume, and/or professional CV by e-mail for a possible interview. (02/18)
Private Optometry Practice for Sale in northern San Diego County. Stellar revenue per square foot. This newly remodeled established practice is unique in southern California as there are few competitors in the area, and it has strong anchors in the community. No capital improvements are required. Due to the owners’ plans to leave the San Diego area for family reasons, we are offering this busy and highly profitable practice for a fantastic price. Please contact 1010eyedoc@gmail.com or 619-559-4509. Thank you. (02/18)
Give the gift of sight! Have you ever thought about volunteering your time and talent to help those less fortunate in developing countries? I work with a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the delivery of professional medical, surgical, and educational vision health care services—free-of-charge—to medically underserved populations in places such as Latin and South America. We offer medical, surgical and optical services, including cataract removal with intraocular lens insertion, strabismus repair, pterygium removal and various oculoplastic procedures for tumors, birth defects, and trauma. In addition, medical conditions such as glaucoma and infections are diagnosed and treated. Many hundreds of people are refracted on every trip, and eyeglass measurements are taken and glasses fitted for the refractive errors. The teaching of local professionals often takes place. We are in need of optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, anesthesiologists, nurses, and scrub technicians for upcoming trips. Would you consider volunteering with VHI in any of the following places? Villa Nueva, Guatemala La Entrada, Honduras Riobamba, Ecuador Kibosho-Umbwe, Tanzania Piura, Peru If you would like to learn more, please send me an email with your contact information. There is no obligation! If you know of a colleague who may be interested, please pass on the invitation. We are always in need of volunteers! Debprince2020@gmail.com (02/18)
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 (02/18)
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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Welcome, new members!! |
- Jaquelyn Anderson
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Upcoming Events |
- 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
