February 2024

Happenings of the Society

It is hard to believe that February is here. January just flew by. This is going to be a great month. On Thursday, February 15th, at the Mission Valley Hilton, we have Dr. Andrew Mick talking on Retinal Vein Occlusion. He is a great speaker on an interesting topic. The theme is Valentine Red, so make sure to dress in something red. Also, this is a very special 2-hour CE. It is free to everyone who wants to come. This is our annual membership drive, so come one and all for a great evening of food and learning. Free means you have no excuse not to be there and to bring a friend.

As I reflect on my 38th year in practice…wow, did that fly by, I realize how blessed we all are to be an Optometrist. We all chose a profession where we are able to help our patients with the great sense of sight. Our profession just keeps getting better. Optometry has so much to offer each of us. Optometry is one of the only professions that you can work the hours we want and still get the benefits of a doctor. We can practice in so many different modes from private practice, corporate practice, hospital setting, or education-based Optometry, to name a few, along with working full time or part-time. Also, look at all the new technology that is coming out, and you can see why our profession just keeps getting better. The real buzz words around our profession are myopia management, dry eyes, specialty contact lenses, and Neurolens. Also, look where Behavioral Optometry is going with all the new technology. Then you look at medical optometry and where all the new medications just keep helping our patients more each day. Just think how Artificial Intelligence is going to take the profession in the future. My son Sam will be joining my practice next summer. I am excited for the young optometrist and their future. The future is truly theirs to grab. We always take the time to take care of our patients. That is why the profession of Optometry will always thrive. Belonging to our association is so very important to keep Optometry going forward. Also, giving back by volunteering is both rewarding and helpful. Get involved with school screening or the Lions Optometric Vision Clinic; they always need volunteers. You will feel great helping others. I am glad you are all a part of this incredible society. The House of Delegates is this week. Stay tuned to find out the pulse of the state in the next President's message. Let’s all work together and make SDCOS even better.

Take care and talk soon, Eric

Upcoming CE Meeting

Date: Thursday, February 15
Speaker: Dr. Andrew Mick
Topic: Evidence-Based Work-Up for patients with retinal vein occlusion in both old and young patients
Location: Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

https://bit.ly/HiltonMissionValley

Volunteer Opportunities

March 12-14, 2024: VSP clinics

8am- 3PM
Contact Torrey Tripette 916-980-0600

torrjo@vsp.com

April 13, 2024 UCSD AMSA health fair

If you would like to volunteer or would like any additional information about these events, please contact Dr Bob Meisel at rmeisel47@gmail.com.

Retina Corner

Photobiomodulation, A New Potential Therapy for AMD.

By Michael J. Ammar, MD
Retina Consultants San Diego

Dear SDCOS friends,

In this month's Retina Corner, I wanted to discuss photobiomodulation (PBM), a new investigational therapy for intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While not FDA approved, this treatment has been the focus of a large trial and has been submitted for possible FDA approval. The study, LIGHTSITE III, was a double-masked, sham-controlled, parallel design, prospective multi-site study for the use of PBM as a treatment for visual impairment in subjects with dry AMD.

Currently, the only FDA approved treatment for intermediate AMD are the AREDS2 supplements. While many other possible therapeutics have been investigated and shown promise, none have received FDA approval. Enter photobiomodulation, previously referred to as low-level light therapy, a therapeutic approach that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair processes. PBM has a 50-year history in medical research and has been investigated for treating a host of medical conditions. It is theorized that photons enter tissue and interact with mitochondria. Through an undefined mechanism, this is believed to increase cellular metabolism. In the body, this may increase wound healing or decrease pain. In the eye, increased cellular metabolism within photoreceptors or the RPE may have beneficial effects in AMD.

LumiThera Inc sought to investigate PBM on a larger scale with a well-designed trial. LIGHTSITE III was conducted at 10 leading US retinal centers. The goal was to treat non-neovascular (dry) AMD subjects with PBM every four months for a duration of 24 months. 100 subjects were enrolled in a 2:1 ratio of PBM to sham in the treatment groups. The mean age was 75 years and mean dry AMD duration since diagnosis was 4.9 years prior to trial enrollment. Baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) letter scores observed were a mean 69.4 + 0.8 and 70.1 + 0.7 in the sham and PBM treatment groups, respectively. The trial showed a statistically significant improvement in the prespecified primary endpoint in BCVA at 13 months in the PBM treatment group over the sham-treatment group (p = 0.02). A sustained, mean increase in ETDRS letter score of ~5.5 letters from baseline was seen at the 13-month timepoint in PBM-treated subjects (p < 0.0001). In the PBM treatment group, 55% of the subjects showed a >5 letter improvement on the standard EDTRS eye chart with a mean of 9.7 letters and 26% achieved a >10 letter improvement with a mean of 12.8 letters. Additionally, anatomical measurements in PBM-treated subjects demonstrated no significant increase in drusen pathology at 13 months compared to baseline while sham subjects continued to see numerical increases in drusen deposition.

Patients who advanced to later stage disease pathology such as the neovascular AMD or geographic atrophy (GA) was also evaluated. The % conversion of dry AMD to the wet form was 1.8% for sham, 5.4% for PBM and 8.3% for the non-study eye groups at month 13. A few patients had GA (9 eyes at screening), and were distributed evenly between 5 PBM and 4 sham eyes at baseline. At month 13, 6 additional eyes progressed with new GA identified. Overall, a total of five of 55 sham eyes progressed to new GA (9.1%) versus only 1 of 93 PBM eyes progressed to new GA (1.1%) at month 13.

Given these exciting findings, LumiThera announced their plans for a new multi-center clinical registry study which will enroll 500-1,000 patients treated with PBM over the past three years in Europe. The study will initially include up to 20 European centers and could be expanded in other countries outside the Europe Union (EU) where the Valeda light delivery system is approved. This will be called the EUROLIGHT study.

It is always exciting for us and our patients when new potential therapeutic options become available. We may have a new one for intermediate AMD in 2024 pending the decision of the FDA.

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

Brooke Abel

Where do you work?

Glaukos Corporation as the Cornea Regional Business Manager (Corneal crosslinking rep)

How many years have you been in the industry?

17 years (my first job in high school was at an optometry practice!)

What are your favorite activities?
I love traveling (I solo backpacked around the world for a year and a half in my early 20s), SCUBA diving, workout classes, going to music festivals with my husband, and am very into the points and miles hobby

What is your favorite quote?
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

Fun fact: I got married to my husband on October 20th, 2023 in Temecula and I’m still trying to get him to his first eye exam!

Pearls of Wisdom from an OD

Rachel Niskanen, O.D.

“Making a case for case history”

Case history is just as important as the exam itself because it can help customize a unique plan for the patient’s needs. When a young patient presents to clinic with complaints of eye strain and other accommodative symptoms, make sure to ask about their medication list. Certain medications (such as SSRI’s, sleep aids, anti histamines) can reduce accommodative function. Patients appreciate a quick explanation about the effects of these medications. Anti-fatigue lenses can be very helpful in these patients. A discussion about screen time hygiene is also imperative to help reduce eyestrain and dry eye symptoms. Finally, a complete medication list can help reveal their medical history which is sometimes difficult to ascertain otherwise (haven’t we all heard of the patient who says that they don’t have hypertension because they are under control?)

Classifieds

In need of a Saturday optometrist with flexible hours and competitive pay to join our incredible staff. Willing to pay above market value. Located inside a Target, our community of Eastlake, Chula Vista is warm and family oriented. New equipment in office - Revolution EHR, Marco phoroptor, Optos. Email Pariya.od@gmail.com for more information. (2/24)

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. (2/24)

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) (2/24). LISTINGS - Omni Optometry Practice Group (omnipg-opto.com)

Spokane Optometry Practice Highly Profitable Spokane Optometry Practice. For more information Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com. (WAO110) (2/24). LISTINGS - Omni Optometry Practice Group (omnipg-opto.com)

West Sound Ophthalmology Practice West Sound Ophthalmology Practice. For more information Contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com. (WAO109) (2/24). LISTINGS - Omni Optometry Practice Group (omnipg-opto.com)

West Sound Well Established Optometry practice 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) (2/24).

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) (2/24). LISTINGS - Omni Optometry Practice Group (omnipg-opto.com)

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) (2/24). LISTINGS - Omni Optometry Practice Group (omnipg-opto.com)

Well established Kirkland practice Well established Kirkland practice grossing 425K in nice professional building next to medical offices. Low key environment with long term staff and low overhead. Seller will stay on for transition. Nicely appointed with room to expand. For more information contact Frank Sciabica at 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com. (WAO111) LISTINGS - Omni Optometry Practice Group (omnipg-opto.com) (2/24)

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) (2/24). LISTINGS - Omni Optometry Practice Group(omnipg-opto.com)

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) (2/24). LISTINGS - Omni Optometry Practice Group (omnipg-opto.com)

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) (2/24). LISTINGS - Omni Optometry Practice Group (omnipg-opto.com)

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) (2/24). LISTINGS - Omni Optometry Practice Group (omnipg-opto.com)

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) . LISTINGS - Omni Optometry Practice Group (omnipg-opto.com) (2/24)

Live Where Others Vacation! Live where others vacation! Well established Optometry Practice established in a very busy strip mall with major retailers. Located in the Palm Desert area. High-end clientele. Practice grossing $800K with great net income.For more information Contact Frank Sciabica at 425- 985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com. (CAO110).LISTINGS - Omni Optometry Practice Group(omnipg-opto.com) (2/24)

Optometrist needed for Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays at the Mission Valley Costco. If interested please contact rslikker@san.rr.com or 619.977.7703 (2/24)

Associate OD needed at the Vista Costco. 3-4 days per week available. Base pay + bonus. Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6:30 Sat 9:30-5. Email kmichel@vistaoptometry.net with resume and availability (2/24)

Great condition, Topcon KR -8800 autorefractor, with 1 year warranty. Please email me if interested lonniehuynh@gmail.com or text 702-403-5830. (2/24)

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 (2/24)

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 (2/24)

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 (2/24)

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). (2/24)