December 2023

Happenings of the Society

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.

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

Volunteer Opportunities 

After screening most of the students at Monarch School in late October, the society coordinated with the VSP Mobile Clinic personnel to provide vision exams for those referred for two days in early November.

Drs. Joe Ambrose and Justin Nguyen each joined Dr Bob Meisel for one day to evaluate and prescribe for 52 students and 6 parents

Nine were found to not need any eyewear, 13 Rxs were sent to the VSP laboratory to be made due to high or unusual powers and 36 prescriptions were fabricated onboard the Mobile Clinic and dispensed the same day.

This is an invaluable resource for the students and the school to minimize lost classroom time and to insure the students have the most current prescriptions.

If you would like to join the SDCOS volunteer team in the spring semester, please contact Dr Bob Meisel
rmeisel47@gmail.com
 

Pearls of Wisdom from an OD 

Sloan Rajadhyksha

It has been said, "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life". Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration.

I think work will always be work, but if you have a little fun while doing it, it can improve your quality of life. One way to do this is to surround yourself with a team who showcases positivity. It is no secret that some patient interactions can bring you down, but your team should be there to uplift your spirits. If you think about it, on a given day, we spend more time with our staff than our families! So creating a work environment which nurtures positive reinforcement, laughter and trust becomes imperative for the morale of the practice, and your own sanity. In our practice, there is an understanding that each day we are expected to work hard and be productive. However, at the same time, we take a few minutes to laugh about our mistakes so we may learn from them in an environment which is free of judgement.

We celebrate the wins with small tokens of appreciation and take the losses as a team without faulting the individual. There is zero tolerance for passive aggressive behavior or hostility in our workplace. We make it a point to check in with team members who may stray from the aura of positivity and remind them to share their concerns rather than use them as fuel for hostile behavior. Team lunches, mid-day coffee runs, fashion shows, and dancing to the radio when the DJ plays your song are a few ways we create fun in our workplace. What are yours?

Best,
Sloan Rajadhyksha, O.D. FAAO. FCVOD

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).

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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