November 2024

Happenings of the Society

It’s hard to believe it’s already November and the year is almost over. What happened to March, let alone summer? I’m ready for some classic San Diego winter weather, where the temperature dips into the 60s… brr! It’s been another fantastic month for the San Diego Optometric Society.

Our next CE event will take place on Thursday, November 14th, at 6 PM at the new Westpac location in Sorrento Valley. It’s a great venue, and the previous CE was fantastic—especially for our North County doctors. Having multiple screens to display the slide deck was a nice touch, and the catering was truly exceptional. Overall, it was a great event. This month’s meeting will be even better! Dr. Doran Spenser will present on uveitis and ocular inflammation, and we’ll also be voting on next year’s board and the 2025 SDCOS budget. You won’t want to miss it!

Another exciting event is the House of Delegates meeting, which is just around the corner. If you’re interested in participating, please let a board member know—it’s always a great experience.

This year has been remarkably productive for SDCOS, with so many meaningful initiatives underway. The Linda Vista Innovative Center, led by Dr. Bev Bianes, is thriving. If you haven’t visited yet, I highly recommend it—it’s truly inspiring and reinforces the pride of being part of such a strong society. As we say, Diversity is our strength!

Meanwhile, the Lions Optometric Vision Clinic continues to grow, now even offering services on Saturdays. In August, we participated in the San Diego 2024 Stand Down event, providing much-needed vision care to veterans. Witnessing the joy on their faces as they regained their sight was incredibly moving—I’m not sure who benefited more, them or me!

One of our biggest projects this year is the South Bay school screening initiative. With help from the Lions, school nurses, VSP, and SDCOS members, we will screen nearly 5,000 children. Providing these kids with the glasses they need is immensely rewarding. If you’d like to get involved, please reach out—I’d love to have you join us in bringing smiles to these children.

Mark your calendars for November 14th–16th when the VSP Mobile Eye Clinic will be in San Diego. Before that, on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 12th and 13th, the clinic will serve students at the Monarch School. We need volunteers—please consider giving back. It’s rare to have the VSP Mobile Eye Clinic stationed in one location for an entire week, and this is a tremendous opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community. Please contact me or Dr. Bob Meisel to get your name on the volunteer list.

Upcoming Events and Reminders:

  • CE Event & Board Vote: Thursday, November 14th – Don’t miss the opportunity to earn CE credits, vote on the 2025 board, and approve the budget. We need a quorum, so your attendance is crucial!

  • SDCOS Holiday Party: Sunday, December 1st at Tom Ham's Lighthouse – Same great location, but earlier in the season to kick off the holidays. We’ll also be hosting a toy drive, so bring a gift and join the festivities.


As you can see, our society is active, focused on education, and deeply committed to giving back. This is what makes membership in SDCOS so rewarding.

Wishing you all a wonderful month ahead. Take care, and may God bless each of you!
 

OD Relations Liaison

Please contact Dr. Ananya Jalsingh, OD, 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

Thursday,Thursday, November 14
NEW LOCATION: WestPac Headquarters: 5280 Carroll Canyon Rd Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92121
https://www.westpacwealth.com/

Dr. Doran Spencer, MD, PhD. Topic: Uveitis and Ocular Inflammation

Looking for Volunteers for these future events:

Looking for Volunteers for these future events:

1) SDCOS Project of the Year: School Screenings at all 12 of the South Bay schools. School locations will be announced as we get closer (all located in South Bay)
(8 am-12pm)

  • Monday November 4th

  • VSP Mobile Clinic- Thursday and Friday November 14, 15

  • Monday December 9th

  • Wednesday January 22nd (2025)

  • Monday February 3rd (2025)

  • Wednesday February 19th (2025)

  • Monday March 17th (2025)

2) Monarch school screening: 1 Dr needed for each day (or 2 for 2.5 hours each) to help at the VSP Mobile Clinic

  • Tuesday November 12th
  • Wednesday November 13th

VA residents Drs. Tran and Ma with Monarch staff, David and Ria volunteers from the UCSD Optometry Club and Dr Meisel
(Dr. Dick Skay not in photo)

October signaled the fall semester vision screening at Monarch School, a K-12 facility in Barrio Logan for unhoused students. SDCOS has been providing this service for over 15 years. Originally the brainchild of Dr Byron Newman, it has been coordinated by Dr Bob Meisel for the past 9 years. The four ODs screened nearly 180 students, with 43 being referred for further examination in November.

The VSP Mobile Clinic, with two refraction lanes, fabrication capability and hundreds of frames, will visit the campus on 12-13th as a follow-up to the screening and will provide eyewear to those students. Drs. Skay and Meisel have not missed a semiannual screening in over 10 years!

If you would like to assist Dr Meisel next month with the exams, please contact him

rmeisel47@gmail.com
(C) 619-818-3031
 

Dr. Glenn Demlinger of Escondido (in background) with Dr. Meisel & patient

CA Lions Friends In Sight is a free vision screening and recycled eyewear program in Southern California and Northern Mexico. Monthly screenings are held at various locations and occasionally, even more frequently.

A recent event was held in National City for those in need, closely matching the screening Rx with eyewear. Hundreds of participants were helped with their vision needs.

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

Meet a Member

Lucia Millet

From: Stillwater, MN

Schooling: University of Wisconsin - Madison, Illinois College of Optometry, Ocular Disease residency at the VA in Las Vegas

Work: For over a decade I worked as an associate at a great private practice, but I needed a change and am loving working at NVISION - La Jolla.

Hobbies/Interests: Riding horses (hunter/jumper), reading, travel, live music, weight lifting/working out.

Pearls of Wisdom: I have a few, and they follow the same general theme of sympathy.Treat your patients the way you'd want your family members to be treated: explain what you're doing as you go along (I can't tell you how many people appreciate this), explain what you're finding, show them any imaging you have (they love this too), use their name, and recommend the care you'd recommend for your loved ones. Secondly, listen to them! Take that extra minute to hear their complaints/grievances/concerns; even if you can't actually help them, it can be so therapeutic for a person to feel heard and for them to feel like you're sympathetic to their strife. And finally: "kill 'em with kindness". To quote Don Miguel Ruiz from the book, "The Four Agreements": Do not take anything personally. The idea that "everyone is going through something" is so very true - it may not excuse bad behavior/belligerent patients, but if you can try to remind yourself that they may be having a terrible day/week/month/year, and that their actions aren't actually stemming from something YOU did or didn't do, it can go a long way in not ruining your own day and it may possibly make their day better!

Retina Corner

New drug show promise as the first to protect vision in patients with dry AMD

By Nikolas J.S. London, MD FACS
President and CEO, Retina Consultants San Diego

Dear SDCOS,

I hope all are doing well. One of my favorite parts of our practice is our strong involvement in clinical trials. It is exciting to be on the ground floor of developments in our field and even better to be able to offer access to these medications to patients. While not always the best option for patients, clinical trials are for many and I have found that most patients thoroughly enjoy being involved and many have benefitted greatly from this involvement. One of the more exciting studies we are involved in is evaluating ANX007, a new molecule for geographic atrophy (GA) from Annexon Pharmaceuticals. Annexon presented some exciting data on ANX007 at the recent AAO meeting in Chicago, demonstrating a reduction in vision loss by an impressive 72%. While other recently-approved medications have demonstrated a preservation of anatomy, this is the first to demonstrate protection of vision.

ANX007 is a neuroprotective agent that works by targeting C1q, and immune molecule that is a critical component of the classical pathway of the complement system and believed to promote neurodegeneration. Archer I was a phase 2 multicenter study that we were involved in, with results presented recently. Whereas the FDA-approved medications, Syfovre and Izervay, inhibit the middle of the complement cascade, ANX007 inhibits far upstream – essentially stopping the cascade before it starts. This shuts down tissue-damaging components of the classical pathway (C1q, C4, C3, and C5), while preserving function of the lectin and alternative complement pathways. In Archer I patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive sham, ANX007 monthly, or ANX007 every other month for 12 months. Whereas 21% of sham-treated patients developed a 3-line loss of vision by month 12, only 5.6% of patients in the monthly arm suffered the same fate. This was highly statistically significant and time-dependent protection, with an increasing impact over time.

We are excited to now be launching Archer 2 and will soon be recruiting patients. This is a phase III, randomized, double masked, sham controlled trial of ANX007 with patients randomized 2:1 to monthly ANX007 vs sham. The primary outcome measure will be the proportion of patients experiencing a 15-letter best-corrected visual acuity letter loss at month 12, with key secondary outcome measures. Patients will need to meet certain criteria in order to be eligible: they need to be at least 50 years of age, have a VA of 20/25 to 20/100, and have GA 1 to 7 disc areas in size with some hyperautofluorescence. Uniquly and exciting to me, patients will be allowed to have GA underneath the fovea.

Like all of our clinical trials, Archer II is independent of insurance and patients have zero cost to be involved. In fact, they are compensated for their time. Moreover, transportation is provided, hopefully making participation as easy as possible. If you have any patients who you think might be interested, please let us know and we would be more than happy to help determine their eligibility. We are very excited at the possibility of significant vision and photoreceptor preservation in our patients with GA, and would be excited to share the opportunity with your patients as well.

As always, thanks so much for reading this month’s article. I hope that it was informative and enjoyable. I am a nerd about this stuff and realize not everyone shares my nerdiness! Please feel free to reach out anytime via text, email, or call. My contact information is below. I am always happy to chat about Retina or even just to say hello. As always, we are here to help as best we can.

Best wishes, and until next time,

Nik

Nikolas London, MD, FACS
Retina Consultants San Diego
415-341-5456 (cell)
london@rcsd.com
www.rcsd.com

Eye Care of San Diego Welcomes A New Doctor


Eye Care of San Diego is excited to announce the arrival of a new doctor. Please welcome Dr. Carla Berkowitz as our newest Cataract, Cornea and Comprehensive Ophthalmologist.

Dr Carla Berkowitz – Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Cataract / Cornea Specialist

Carla Berkowitz, M.D. is a skilled ophthalmologist at Eye Care of San Diego, offering a comprehensive range of services, including cataract and anterior segment surgery, Cornea Surgery, dry eye treatment, glaucoma management, and pterygium excision. She is board-eligible and fellowship-trained, reflecting her advanced training and dedication to providing the highest level of care.

Dr. Berkowitz’s approach to ophthalmology is holistic, emphasizing the importance of treating the person as a whole rather than just focusing on the disease. She believes collaboration between the patient and doctor is key to optimal eye health and vision.

Dr. Berkowitz earned her M.D. from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and completed her ophthalmology residency at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. She further specialized in cornea and external ocular diseases through a fellowship at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute. Her training included global health initiatives in India and Argentina, where she performed surgeries and provided care to underserved populations.

Involved in her medical community, Dr. Berkowitz is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Women in Ophthalmology.

Outside of her practice, she enjoys Pilates, yoga, hiking, and traveling, with a recent trip to Tulum, Mexico. She also enjoys spending time with her Golden Retriever, Oso, and is proficient in Spanish, striving to make her Spanish-speaking patients feel comfortable and understood.

She is accepting new patients and looks forward to meeting you. Dr. Berkowitz is currently accepting new patients at the Eye Care of San Diego’s Sorrento Valley clinic located at 5330 Carroll Canyon Rd #210, San Diego 92121 and the Escondido Clinic located at 700 West El Norte Parkway, Escondido, California 92026.

Both Dr Berkowitz looks forward to developing a good working relationship with all SDCOS members.

Classifieds

Available for Lease - Mission Valley Location
Up to 3,737 SF available for lease in Mission Valley, perfect for optometrist office. Next to Riverwalk Redevelopment (4,300+ units) w/ great exposure & parking. Tenant improvement allowance possible.Contact: Reg Kobzi | CBRE | Lic. 00917639 | 858 546 4604 | reg.kobzi@cbre.com (9/24-11/24)

Optometric Practice for Sale, in National City.  Owner wishes to retire after 40 yrs.1200 sq ft, excellent location and excellent for a second office. Price discounted at 75K OBO. Please call Jeff Neighbors (Broker) at 1-515-851-2280 or Greg Marlay (owner)  at  619- 477-4166.  Please come by and we will be happy to show you the office.  (8/24 - 12/24)

Optometric Office in Escondido for lease.  Three operatories, a lab, large front office area, testing rooms, dispensing optician area, large waiting room, contacts room, lounge, ADA restroom, and 2,044 square feet.  Currently occupied by North County Eye Center and available May 2024.  Contact Jim at jimlund08@gmail.com or at (760) 747-7800. (10/24-12/24)

Orange County Optometry Practice. Orange County Optometry Practice. Ideal merger candidate. $340,000 gross. 30+ years of goodwill. Great location! Good visibility. Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#2091491 (CAO105)

NDA Request: https://listings.omni-pg.com/nda-request-form (11/24-12/24)

Moreno Valley High Visibility Well-Established Optometry Practice. Well-established high visibility optometry practice grossing 500K with more room to grow. Contact Frank - 425-985-8390 or frank@omni-pg.com Lic.#2091491 (CAO114)

NDA Request: https://listings.omni-pg.com/nda-request-form (11/24-12/24)

Part-Time Optometrist Needed, Half Day Shifts: We are offering an excellent opportunity for a dedicated Optometrist to join our highly-rated and stress-free practice. Enjoy highly competitive pay, including bonuses, for working just 2 to 3 half-day shifts per week. Our environment is professional yet relaxed, as evidenced by our excellent reviews and the satisfaction of our patients, making your work hours a breeze. If you are motivated and passionate about eye care, we would love to hear from you.  Fluency in Spanish is preferred.  Please submit your resume to bnemati@earthlink.net or contact us via text at 858-504-2020 to apply. (5/24)

Busy Private Practice looking for an associate OD in San Diego and Camp Pendleton military base. Generous base pay plus easy daily bonus pay. Please send resume and questions to:  marineeyecare@gmail.com (7/24)

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)

Read Newsletters

Learn More