November 2023

Happenings of the Society

In 2020, the pandemic lockdown and changes to my practice model made me feel empty and lost.  I asked myself, “Is this is how I’m going to finish the last part of my career?”

Shortly after, I read a book titled “No Regrets: A Fable About Living Your 4th Quarter Intentionally”. It was about living the latter part of your life intentionally and with purpose.  The author discussed 5 keys to living and dying with no regrets.

  1. Say Yes even though it may be uncomfortable.  By stretching yourself you will find growth.

  2. Focus on your passion, talents, and gifts.

  3. Give of your time, talents, and treasure. The more you give yourself away, the happier you’ll be.

  4. Forgive those who rejected or hurt you.  Forgive yourself.

  5. Be Open to life.  Be open to what can be.


This book was partly responsible for my YES to step up and fill the vacant president-elect position for the San Diego County Optometric Society last year.  I originally joined the SDCOS immediately after graduating Optometry school over thirty years ago and served on the board for eight years in the positions of public relations and professional affairs.  I never moved up to the executive board because I didn’t believe I could. Thirty-two years later, I took a step to do something uncomfortable. No longer would I live with regrets. I wanted to give back to a profession that has been so good to my family and me.  As president-elect, I attended for the first time the House of Delegates and Legislation Day.  I personally witnessed how much work goes into the protection of our profession.  Fighting and lobbying for our profession gave me an opportunity to be heard.

As president of the SDCOS, my focus this year was to return us to an in-person format.  I always felt blessed to be part of a strong society where I could find mentorship and support from my colleagues.  The society I knew brought new and seasoned ODs together for education and for comradery.

I would love for all of you to find ways to give back to our profession.  One opportunity could be to volunteer as a delegate next year for the COA House of Delegates on Feb 9-10 or to participate in Legislative Day on Feb 24.

I am truly grateful for the support I received from our entire SDCOS board and for the opportunity to have served as your president.  I have No Regrets!

OD Relations Liaison

Please contact Dr. Judi-Anne Perez, Society Optometrist Relations Liaison at odjobs@sdcos.org to be put on an official list for the following:

  • fill-in/part-time work

  • full-time work

  • purchase/partner in/sell a practice

This service is offered free of charge to SDCOS members.

2024 SDCOS Board of Director

I hereby propose the attached Slate of Nominees for election to the 2024 San Diego County Optometric Society Board of Directors. The election will take place at the Annual Meeting and 2-HR CE, on November 16, 2023, at the Hilton San Diego Mission Valley.

Best regards,
Beverly Bianes, OD
SDCOS President

The slate of Nominees for the 2024 San Diego County Optometric Society Board

  • President: Eric White, OD

  • President-Elect: John Pack, OD

  • Treasurer: Katherine Witmeyer, OD FAAO

  • Secretary: Judi-Anne Perez, OD

  • Past-President: Beverly Bianes, OD

  • Professional Affairs: Sloan Rajadhyksha, OD

  • Vendor Liaison: Andrew Fasciani, OD

  • Communications Liaison: Alyssa Pack, OD

  • Membership: Ashley Tang, OD

  • Webmaster: Justin T. Nguyen, OD

  • Governmental Affairs: Hunter Morgan, OD

  • Peer Review: Lucia Millet, OD

  • OD Relations: Ananya Jalsingh, OD

  • Public Awareness: Robert Meisel, OD, FAAO

  • COA Health Care Delivery Systems Liaison: Joyce Medina, OD

  • LOVC Liaison: Andreea Nastasoiu, OD

  • SDCOS Interim Coordinator: Simona Grosu, OD

  • Trustee: Meredith Walton, OD

  • Trustee: Courtney Cape, OD

  • Trustee: Rachel Niskanen, OD

  • Trustee: Dick Skay, OD

  • Trustee: Joyce Medina, OD

  • Trustee: Steven Giang, OD

  • Trustee: Justine Bailey, OD

Upcoming CE Meeting

November 16 - “Focus on Lids for OSD Success”

Speaker: Dr. Melissa Barnhart
Theme: 80's Theme
Topic: Focus on the Lids for OSD Success
Location: Hilton San Diego Mission Valley – 901 Camino del Rio S, San Diego, CA 92108

https://bit.ly/HiltonMissionValley

  • 2023 CE Schedule

  • 2024 CE Schedule

  • 2024 SDCOS Board of Directors

Volunteer Outreach

For well over a decade, the SDCOS has provided eye care to grades K-12 at the Monarch School for unhoused students. The fall semester vision screening was held near the end of October.
The three SDCOS ODs pictured led a team of three UCSD optometry club volunteers and a few staff from the school. 178 students were tested for visual acuity, near skills, stereopsis and retinoscopy.
Referrals were made for 47 students, ranging from K to 12 grade.

In early November, the VSP Mobile Clinic will be available for 2 days of full exams and appropriate eyewear will be prescribed.
The spring semester dates are TBD but if you’re interested in volunteering for the screening or for the exams, contact Dr Meisel @ rmeisel47@gmail.com

Dr. Robin Drescher (4th from L back row)

Dr. Dick Skay (3rd from R rear row)
Dr. Bob Meisel (between them)
3 UCSD pre-optometry club volunteers (front row)
4 staff members of Monarch School (far L and far R)

Meet a Member

Rachel Niskanen Spence

1.Which Optometry School did you attend? SCCO

 

2. What year did you graduate?
2020

3. What is your favorite specialty?
Retinal disease and dry eye

4. What do you like to do for fun?
Hiking, cooking, painting, traveling

5. What is your favorite thing to do in San Diego?
I love going on day hikes that feature amazing views with friends and family. I also love fine dining. It's even better when we can do both on the same day because it allows us to work up a hearty appetite.

6. What is something people might not know about you?
I hope to someday master the art of cake decorating and then compete in a bake off!

Optometry Discussions

Eric White Vendor Party

On Sunday October 8, 2023 the SDCOS board did something a little different for our sponsors.  We have fabulous sponsors that we really appreciate and are always trying to find new ways to thank them.  Traditionally we would have a vendor appreciation dinner in October, but that typically falls on a work day.  So, after a long day of work, the board and our sponsors would go to another dinner, fight traffic, and only socialize with the people sitting at their table. This year we had a vendor appreciation party at my house.  It was on a Sunday afternoon; families were invited and it was a blast.  We did it on a Sunday so board members who work on Saturday could come.  I know this is a big ask for our sponsors to give up their personal time on a Sunday afternoon, but it was well worth it.  We had a delicious street taco cart set up on my backyard court so that everyone could mingle and get to know each other.  It worked!  Everyone had a great time and could just relax and talk with each other.  SDCOS could not exist without our sponsors so we want to go above and beyond to make them part of the SDCOS family.  I encourage all of our members to get to know who the sponsors are, say hi, and use their products.  We, as the board, are always thinking of ways to better the sponsorship programs and help each sponsor to get a great ROI.  We plan to make next year's vendor party more attended and even more fun.  Thank you to all our sponsors and board members who attended. Your presence made this a great vendor party…until next year…

Sponsor Spotlight

Maddison Haworth

I. Where do you work?
ScienceBased Health

2. How many years have you been in the industry?
2 years

3. What are your favorite activities?
Bike rides on the strand, weight lifting, Pilates, watching sports, wine tasting, hanging with my friends and family and walking/playing with my pup 

4.What is your favorite quote?
“How you do anything is how you do everything” 

Pearls of Wisdom from an OD 

Dr. Andrew Fasciani

I’ve never been asked to provide “wisdom” to anyone. In fact, wise is not the first adjective my friends or colleagues would use to describe me. However, I’m excited to share some important “ideas” that have helped me navigate our every changing profession.
 

Be Present: understand what eye-care looks like today. Stay up-to-date with current trends, especially within the medical model. Continuing education is required but are we actually adopting and implementing new techniques, prescribing new treatment options, or managing cases ourselves instead of sending to our ophthalmology colleagues? Practicing full-scope helps advance our profession into becoming THE primary eye-care provider.   
 

Retina Corner

Pediatric Myopia and Atropine, Did We Get It Wrong?

By Michael J. Ammar, MD
Retina Consultants San Diego

Dear SDCOS friends,

In this month's Retina Corner, I'd like to revisit a condition that poses a significant global threat to vision. This condition's prevalence is steadily increasing each year, prompting the initiation of many international clinical trials. It impacts individuals of all age groups; I am referring to myopia.
 

For most people, myopia is purely an optical issue, and thankfully there are fantastic refractive solutions available from glasses and contacts, to LASIK, PRK, and ICL. Our optical and surgical technologies have advanced significantly, and we continue to make improvements. Can't we simply correct myopia with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery? What's the significance of this condition?
 

The problem is as refractive errors become more pronounced and axial length increases, individuals can develop high myopia, leading to a range of associated conditions such as retinal holes, tears, detachments, pathologic myopia, macular staphyloma, myopic degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, retinal hemorrhage, and atrophy. Many of these complications can result in permanent and substantial vision loss, even blindness. It is projected that by 2050, up to 25% of the U.S. population may be affected by myopia, with even higher rates in certain countries, particularly in Asia.
 

Numerous approaches have been explored to slow the progression of myopia, including spending more time outdoors, under correcting refractive errors, using bifocal glasses, reducing near work, orthokeratology, and atropine. Higher doses of atropine have been found to be effective but also associated with side effects such as light sensitivity and blurred vision. Low-dose atropine has demonstrated similar benefits without these side effects. Studies like the Atropine in the Treatment of Myopia (ATOM1 and ATOM2) trials have consistently supported the use of atropine. Conventional methods for slowing myopic progression, like orthokeratology and soft contact lenses, are often poorly tolerated, and eye drops may present a more effective solution.
 

The United States has been somewhat slower than other countries in adopting widespread use of atropine eye drops for myopia prevention. This delay may be attributed to concerns that the clinical trials with the strongest evidence were not conducted in a population representative of the U.S. demographic. Larger clinical trials with more diverse patient populations were undertaken here in the U.S. to address these concerns. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved atropine for myopia treatment, which means it is considered an off-label use. Off-label use can be unsettling for patients and their families. The most commonly agreed-upon atropine dose is 0.01%, and the treatment regimen involves administering one drop daily, typically by patients or their parents.
 

Recently, the results of a large, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked, clinical trial conducted from June 2018 to September 2022 in the U.S. were finally published in JAMA Ophthalmology. 187 children aged 5 to 12 years were recruited from 12 community and institution based practices in the US. Participating children had low to moderate bilateral myopia (−1.00 D to −6.00 D spherical equivalent refractive error). Eligible children were randomly assigned 2:1 to 1 eye drop of atropine, 0.01%, nightly or 1 drop of placebo. Treatment was for 24 months followed by 6 months of observation.
 

The results were surprising. In this randomized clinical trial of school-aged children in the US with low to moderate myopia, atropine, 0.01%, eye drops administered nightly when compared with placebo did not slow myopia progression or axial elongation. The authors stated that the results do not support use of atropine, 0.01%, eye drops to slow myopia progression or axial elongation in US children.
 

The results were unexpected and have generated a lot of discussion. Four similar studies conducted in Asia reported significant slowing of myopia progression, although only half of them reported significant slowing of eye growth. The U.S. trial demographic had a much higher percentage of Caucasian children and there is some thought that perhaps lighter colored irises may require stronger doses of atropine as atropine binds to melanin. However, it's worth noting that higher doses of atropine have been associated with symptoms like tachycardia, altered mental status, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, and flushed skin.
 

Whether atropine will prove to be the definitive solution for myopia remains uncertain. We can hope for a better understanding as we gather more data and complete additional trials.

I hope that you found this month's Retina Corner informative and insightful. If you have any questions or if there is anything I can assist you with, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at any time!

Best wishes, and until next time,
Mike

 

Michael Ammar, MD
Retina Consultants San Diego
480-323-9196 (cell)
ammar@rcsd.com

Classifieds

Very Busy Optometry Practice inside a large busy retailer. Busy Optometry practice inside a major big box retailer in Eastern Washington. Very Profitable! For more information contact Frank Sciabica at frank@omni-pg.com or call 425-985-8390. (WAO104) (11/23).

Highly Profitable Spokane Optometry Practice.For more information Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com. (WAO110) (11/23).

West Sound Ophthalmology Practice. For more information Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com. (WAO109) (11/23).

West Sound Well Established Optometry practice with 35 years goodwill and adjusted net profit of 350K High-Profit Port Hadlock Optometry Practice. Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com. (WAO107) (11/23).

Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Eye Care Services Office in Growing Coastal Community with Great Quality of Life. Well-established comprehensive Ophthalmology practice grossing approximately $1.4MIL Very profitable. Contact Frank Sciabica for more information at frank@omni-pg.com or 425-985-8390. (WAO106) (11/23).

Nicely Appointed Optometry Practice in Bellevue’s Tech Corridor Nicely appointed optometry practice in Bellevue tech corridor. Annual collections are $420,000. Adding additional procedures will increase revenue. Lots of parking available. Patient care hours are just 24 hours/per week. Performing CRT/ortho K for over 20 years. The selling doctor is willing to train buyers on the overall concepts of CRT care to allow seamless continued care with ongoing patients. Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com (WAO102) (11/23).

Price Reduced!! High Visibility High Traffic Optometry Practice Near Google Price Reduced!! Long-established, growing practice in close proximity to Google. This practice grosses approximately 650K/year and is still growing. Nicely appointed pleasant, high visibility location. This one won't last long. For more information contact Frank Sciabica at frank@omni-pg.com or call 425-985-8390. (CAO107) (11/23).

Orange County Optometry Practice. Ideal merger candidate. $340,000 gross. 30+ years of goodwill. Great location! Good visibility. Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com. (CAO105) (11/23).

New Optometry Practice in Temecula   Very modern date optometry practice in Temecula, California. Collections keep getting better every year. Lots of growth potential. Located in a beautiful area. Seller is very motivated. For more information Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com. (CAO112) (11/23).

Busy Portland Optometry Practice  Opportunity to buy an affordable optometry practice in Portland, OR near daily drivers, restaurants, and entertainment. Ready to operate with an established patient base of families and young professionals with new patients weekly. Excellent equipment package including automated exam lanes, updated diagnostic technology and EHR. Contact Frank Sciabica for more info! at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com. (ORO101) (11/23).

Redlands Medical/Dental building for Sale Dental / Medical building in Redlands, CA. Large 18,625 sq. ft. lot with 4,896 sq. ft. building built in 2007. There is more than ample parking with great visibility. Offices are plumbed for medical or dental use. Priced at $2,611,000. Contact Chris Barbour at chris@omni-pg.com, 916-792-5038. (CAR105) (11/23).

Small town Whatcom County vision clinic with 70 years goodwill. Small Town Optometry practice with 70 years goodwill. This practice has been in existence since 1949 and has been providing excellent customer care ever since and is very well known in the community. The real estate is available as well. For more information Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com. (WAO108) (11/23).

Part-time OD needed 1 day a week.  Starting Jan 2024.  Great location in San Diego.  Full staff support.  Low-Med volume. 9 am-5 pm.  Last app at 4:20.  Mostly a Soft CL Practice.  $500 Contact drperezoptometry@gmail.com (12/23).

Optometric Practice for sale in National City. Owner wishes to retire after 40 years. 1200 sq. ft., excellent location. Priced to sell, O.B.O.  Please call Gary at (925) 820-6758 or info@PracticeConsultants.com (11/23).

Grand Vision Optometry (independent family private practice in North County San Diego) with 2 locations in San Marcos is looking for a Part-Time Associate OD for Fridays (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and Saturdays (8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.).  $500-$525/day base pay with a production bonus of up to $625/day.  Exam appts are booked every 30 minutes, an optical technician will pre-test and pre-chart for the doctor. Please email drmikafu@hotmail.com with your resume to apply. (11/23).

Hiring Part-Time Optometrist in North County-- Located inside Target Optical in Vista, looking for consistent Saturday coverage 1-3 weekends a month starting in October. Please email rojasoptometry@gmail.com for more information. (12/23).

Maternity Leave Coverage Needed - Nov 1 to February. Weekday hours only with some flexibility and continued work for the right OD. Please email sdeyedr@gmail.com or text Dr. Esfandiari at 858-349-2816 for more details. (12/23).

Optometry Practice for sale: in an upscale shopping center in Escondido, San Diego County, California. Solo Private Practice was established in 1996.  Has a large patient base. The equipment is in excellent condition. A full scope Optometry Practice. Complete Sale or buy-out option. Please email basantis2004@yahoo.com for details/questions. Serious inquiry only. (12/23).

Exceptional Opportunity: Thriving Optometry Practice & Prime Medical Office Building in San Diego FOR SALE, with the REAL ESTATE. Unlock the potential of your optometry career with this golden opportunity! Highly profitable and growing optometry practice for sale in Central San Diego, together with its modern Medical Office Building. Discover the perfect blend of profitability and growth in this dynamic location (the second most active redevelopment zone, after downtown, in San Diego). Whether you're starting a new practice or expanding an established one, this is your chance to shine in a highly dense area, strategically positioned near more than 80 schools and 9 minutes from Downtown San Diego, and surrounded by 4 major freeways. Step into the future of healthcare with a contemporary medical office building, featuring three separate suites, that can be joined if needed into one big clinic and a total of 7 highly upgraded and move-in ready exam rooms. What sets it apart? Half of this impressive structure can be leased to other medical professionals, delivering a steady income stream, while the other half continues to house the thriving optometry practice. Seize the moment to drive your practice's growth while building equity in a high-potential, modern commercial real estate property. This isn't just an opportunity; it's a game-changer for those who dream big. For more details, please reach out via email (bnemati@earthlink.net). (12/23).

Part-time O.D. available – Donald J. Janiuk, O.D., FCOVD is available 2-3 days per week. I need an office where I can see patients referred to me and your patient’s overflow/vacation. I will work for a portion of the gross I produce, so no financial downside for your practice. For more information call or text me: 858-735-7958. (12/23).

Build Ownership in a Growing Optometry Practice, Even as a New Grad. Growing Practice at the Heart of San Diego with a 25+ Year Veteran of the Optometry Profession, with a successful history of growing multiple practices, is seeking a motivated, self-starter, entrepreneurial optometrist to join a growing optometry practice in City Heights. Practice is in a custom modern office setting, with great visibility and a proven track record of success for medical practices. Working knowledge of Spanish is preferred. Opportunity to get involved (even as a New Grad) in a growing eye care practice from the ground up, earning equity toward part or full ownership. Please email your resume to spousti@live.com (12/23).

Looking for a motivated business-minded optometrist who is tired of the daily grind of a corporate practice, and wants to be their own boss while building equity. Our dynamic, high-potential private optometry practice is seeking an optometrist who is passionate about providing exceptional eye care and looking to take their career to the next level. With us, you won’t have to work 9 hours a day in a corporate practice, just to make a modest $500-$600 per day. Instead, you can earn much more and work just a quarter of the time you would have to spend in a corporate practice. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to build equity in the practice, meaning your hard work will pay off in the long run. If you’re ready to add a second location or if you are a new grad, we want to hear from you. Please email us at: spousti@live.com (12/23).

Wanted: Used, good condition, Retinal Camera and Autorefractor. We are looking for a reliable non-mydriatic retinal camera and autorefractor for our optometry practice. If you have recently upgraded and no longer need your used one, we appreciate you reaching out to us. Thank you. spousti@live.com (12/23).

Revenue $800,000 on 36 total OD hours. This opportunity includes two practices co-located in one location—huge potential with more efficient operation under one owner. Recently relocated to terrific buildout in a new location next to the hospital; 4 lanes in 2200 square feet. Long-term employees include a bilingual optician. Photos available. Offered at only $295,000 plus sellable goods inventory estimated at $100,000. Seller financing may be available.  Contact info@PracticeConsultants.com (12/23).

Part-time OD needed 2-3 days/week. Located inside the Mission Valley Target Optical. Competitive pay with a rewarding bonus structure. Seeking Fridays, some Saturdays, and possibly one additional weekday. Please email resume to: drmarbun@gmail.com (12/23).

A Well Established Practice in Hillcrest, San Diego with 32 years of goodwill!  Ideal corner location with its own parking.  2022 gross income equals $424,211.54.  To assure future growth, directly across the street developers are now completing new 7-story apartment buildings. This office has a unique warm interior that patients love, including a brick fireplace in the exam room.  A joy to work in and an excellent, knowledgeable staff. If interested contact uptownoptometry@gmail.com or call 619-972-5502. (12/23).

Private Practice looking for an associate OD in San Diego. Generous base pay plus easy daily bonus pay. Please send resume and questions to:  miramareyecare@gmail.com (12/23).

 

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