 San Diego County Optometric Society |
The San Diego ViewNovember 2018 |
Inside this Issue:
- President’s Message
- Retina Corner
- Eye See
- Robotic Retinal Camera – “Nexy”
- CE Corner
- Classifieds
- Volunteer Corner
- SDCOS Announcements
- Upcoming Events
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President’s Message
November 2018 |
As the year is quickly coming to a close, writing this last President’s Message has given me the opportunity to pause and reflect back on 2018. For me, both on a personal and professional level, this year was one of dynamic change and growth. Serving as the President of the San Diego County Optometric Society has been challenging but rewarding, and I will look back on this experience with a smile. More so now than ever, I have a greater respect for Nancy-Jo and the Doctors in our society who have given up their time to help make everything that SDCOS does, continue and grow. I want to give a huge thank you to the 2018 SDCOS Board Members for all their help this year: Drs. Ketan Bakriwala, Robert Grazian, Michelle Biaggi, Wendy Gross, Amanda Dexter, Dick Skay, Dave Sherman, Andrew Fasciani, Paul Lavin, Nickolet Boermans, Lucia Millet, Susan Cervantes, Bob Meisel, John Fitzpatrick, Erin Swift, Eric White, David Ardakani. I want to also thank and acknowledge our trustees for 2018: Drs. David Wong and Patty Cheng.
Before I hand over the speakers microphone for the last time to Dr. Robert Grazian, who will be an incredible President for SDCOS next year, I wanted to mention a couple of final items of business for 2018. I would like to encourage and welcome any Doctors in the society who would like to join the Board of Directors for 2019. We have Trustee positions available to any Doctor who wants to donate their time to benefit all our members and to become accustomed to the behind the seems work that makes SDCOS such a great society. Through new volunteers we can continue to bring greater perspective and growth to the society and carry its traditions into the future and for everyone’s benefit.
Finally I want to encourage everyone to attend the Holiday Party. This year it will be at the San Diego Zoo. Hope to see everyone there and again thank you all for a great year for SDCOS. It was my honor and pleasure to be the President for 2018. Happy Holidays!
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Retina Corner
Mediterranean Diet for AMD |
By Nikolas J.S. London, MD FACS
Director of Clinical Research, Retina Consultants San Diego
Chief of Ophthalmology, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
One of the easiest and best things we can do for our patients is to empower them to take control of their health and diseases that may be dealing with. This is obvious in a disease like diabetes, where patients can directly monitor their glycemic control and modify their diet as needed, but less so in other diseases. Macular degeneration is a complicated disease with a strong genetic component, but is also significantly impacted by exogenous factors that patients have some control over. We all tell out AMD patients to not smoke – we know that smokers have a higher rate of conversion from dry to wet AMD, and I believe that active smokers need to be treated more frequently with aVEGF injections. We also tell patients with intermediate AMD to take an AREDS vitamin, and I always counsel patients to eat a healthy diet, to exercise, and to simply live as healthy as possible. The “healthy diet” is particularly interesting and empowering to patients, and there is increasing evidence that a Mediterranean diet (MeDi) is ideal for AMD including a recent publication in Ophthalmology that I would like to review for this month’s Retina Corner.
Using data from 2 large, population-based prospective studies, researchers investigated the association between a Mediterranean diet and incidence of advanced AMD. They included nearly 5,000 patients 55 years or older from the Rotterdam and Alienor studies in France. Patients in the Rotterdam study were examined and completed food questionnaires every 5 years over a 21-year period, while patients in the Alienor Study were seen every 2 years over a 4-year period. Participants were followed for an average of 10 years (range 1 to 20 years) and graded on their adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Researchers quantified daily intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, cereals, fish, meat, dairy, alcohol and the ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)-to-saturated fatty acids (SFAs).
Adherence to the MeDi was assessed using 9 components—vegetables, fruits, legumes, cereals, fish, meat, dairy products, alcohol, and the MUFAs-to-SFAs ratio. For each component hypothesized to benefit health (vegetables, fruits, legumes, cereals, fish, and MUFAs-to-SFAs ratio), 1 point was given if intake was higher than the gender-specific median values and 0 otherwise. For components presumed to be detrimental to health (meat and dairy products), 1 point was given if intake was less than the gender-specific median values and 0 otherwise. For alcohol, 1 point was given for moderate consumption and 0 otherwise (moderate consumption: women, 1–10 g/day; men, 5–15 g/day). A standard alcoholic drink contains approximately 14 grams of alcohol. The total MeDi score was computed by adding the scores (0 or 1 point) for each component for each participant. Scores ranged from 0 (nonadherence) to 9 (perfect adherence). Participants were classified according to 3 categories of the MeDi score: low (0–3), medium (4–5), or high (6–9).
Of the 4996 patients in the study, 155 developed advanced AMD (neovascular or atrophic). Patients with a high Mediterranean diet score (6 to 9 points on a scale of 0 to 9) had an approximately 40% reduced probability in developing advanced AMD compared with patients with a low adherence to this diet (0 to 3 points). Each individual food category did not offer any significant protective effects. However, adhering to a Mediterranean diet more comprehensively reduced the risk of developing advanced AMD.
We all have an opportunity to engage both patients with macular degeneration as well as their concerned friends and family in a discussion about the importance of lifestyle changes that may reduce the risk of developing vision loss. Numerous studies, including this one, suggests that eating “real” food primarily focused on fruits and vegetables seems to be helpful. Limiting dairy and meat is also beneficial. If patients remain unconvinced, a glass of wine gets them as much credit as a serving of broccoli. That diet is one that many people can get behind.
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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Eye See written by Dr. Byron Y. Newman MUSIC FOR THE EYES |
Our own eyes can give us beautiful and colorful views for fleeting moments. Snapshots of today are colorful exact duplications of real life, except that that the photograph is permanent; stopped in its tracks and captured forever. But, even if you get a panoramic camera that shoots wide pictures of scenic views, it cannot provide the view that our eyes can provide. We still take photographs, however, so that we can recall the person or view and show it to others who were not there.
And, through the years, pictures, beautifully framed or casually shot, are placed in albums as treasures.
But, what did we do before cameras? Instead of photographers we had men and women with scissors cutting black paper profiles of people. Silhouettes were the snapshots of the eighteenth century. They were at the height of their popularity from about 1770 until 1860 for people to view and cherish as we do our photographs of today. Originals of the time are worth big money, as one sold at a Sotheby’s auction a few years back for $3,150.
Originally they were known as “shadows” or “Profiles.” But, the best introduction to the subject is Peggy Hickman’s book “Silhouettes,” (London: Cassell, 1968) who wrote they were just like photographs, they were placed in albums and worn in lockets and finger rings. The art form got its name for Etienne de Silhouette, (1709-1767) a French Comptroller-general of finances, whose hobby was the cutting of profiles from black paper.
If you should happen to have one or more, display them. They’re great conversation pieces, and was “music to the eyes” only a few generations ago.
Note: When I was in Paris many years ago, I had my own Silhouette cut out by one of the many professionals still cutting them.
Check out Dr. Newman’s website, www.thehumorfactory.com!!!
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Robotic Retinal Camera – “Nexy” |
Craig Thomas, O.D.
One of the constant pleasures of optometric practice is buying new equipment and replacing old equipment. For some reason, even after 35-years of practice, I still look upon opportunities to acquire new technology with the anticipation of a young kid getting ready to go to the toy store.
Earlier this year, my 20-year-old retinal camera finally took its last photograph. Fortunately for me, once again, I now had another opportunity to shop for new technology to replace old technology and I could not wait to get started.
Whenever I go shopping, I define my needs before I get started. First, I decided that I wanted a retinal camera that was new and modern. Our practice got 20-years out of our last retinal camera because we purchased a new instrument. I do not want used equipment. Second, even though I have skilled staff, because they are doing so many other things with the patient during their visit, I wanted an instrument that was fast and easy to use. Third, because I have so many other diagnostic technologies in the office, I wanted a retinal camera that had a very small footprint.
My search for a new retinal camera quickly led me to the Nexy Robotic Imaging System from Konan Medical and our practice purchased the first one in the United States this past August.
This retinal camera is so cool because it is robotic. All the technician does is position the patient at the headrest and then they push a button. After that, Nexy does the rest. The camera’s lens quietly moves from one eye to the other and captures very clear fundus images through undilated pupils. It is extremely modern, very comfortable and quite impressive. My patients like it and I do too.
Because fundus photography is so fast and easy with Nexy, we are now actually taking more fundus photographs due to the increased efficiency that comes with using this robotic technology. This instrument is much smaller than my old retinal camera and we were able to move Nexy to a different room. This simple change improved patient flow and wait times.
Eventually, most optometrists will have to buy their first retinal camera or replace their old retinal camera. When it’s time for you to make this decision, I recommend you consider Nexy as your next piece of advanced technology. If you want a small, easy-to-use, dedicated instrument, this is the way to go.
Dr. Thomas is a partner of First Eye Care – Southwest Dallas and a consultant, lecturer, and author. He is a consultant for Konan Medical USA and OptoVue, Inc.
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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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November 15th, 2 Hr – Pediatrics
Speaker: Dr. Reena Patel
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 |
Practice for sale— North County Carlsbad “Upscale” Practice established in 1982. Great opportunity to buy a practice in a well-desired location with great visibility and walk-in traffic. Only two miles to the ocean! The owner is interested in an immediate sale or will consider a buy-in or possibly merge with another practice. I am looking to retire but will consider a part-time position to make the transition easier. Center is well established with Vons market and Movie theatres as anchors. Don’t miss this opportunity to own your dream practice! Email: bluesdoch@yahoo.com or call 760-310-8492 (11/18)
Optometrist Position: North County San Marcos part-time permanent position Friday & Saturday beginning in December with opportunity for full-time employment. If interested please send resume to drmikafu@hotmail.com (11/18)
Optometrist needed. Looking for an associate for part-time employment, eventually full-time. We are a friendly private practice in San Diego, well-established for many years. Please email CV or any questions to drewhutten@gmail.com (11/18)
Optometrist needed Sorrento Valley Optometric Center. 24-30 hours per week beginning Nov. 5. The pay is $450/day. Please call Scott Rieker 858 558 0606. (11/18)
Optometrist needed Private practice seeking Part-time or Full-time OD. Friendly staff, patients and a positive work environment. Staff available to perform pre-test, and assist doctor if needed. Please e-mail Resume/CV at moffettoptometry@gmail.com (11/18)
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
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 |
Welcome, New Members!
- Varsha Mathur
- Jaquelyn Rojas
- Carol Yu
Please update your information on www.eyehelp.org
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Upcoming Events |
Contact Us
Phone: 619 663 8439
Fax: 800 643 8301
Email: sdcos@sdcos.org
Platinum Sponsors
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Sustaining Sponsors
