This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
PCON to sponsor AOA course on primary care optometry
Presenters will cover meibomian gland disease, glaucoma and nutraceuticals.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
 Michael D. DePaolis |
Primary Care Optometry News contributors will present three quickly evolving primary care topics during “PCON Live!” at Optometry’s Meeting in Salt Lake City.
PCON Editor Michael D. DePaolis, OD, FAAO, as moderator; PCON Editorial Board members Murray Fingeret, OD, and Bruce E. Onofrey, RPh, OD; and PCON contributor Alan G. Kabat, OD, FAAO, will present 2 hours of COPE-approved continuing education, covering the latest developments in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) diagnosis and treatment, glaucoma and nutraceuticals.
 Alan G. Kabat |
Nontraditional treatment of MGD is becoming more popular in optometry. Expanding upon lid massage and scrubs, artificial tears and antibiotics, Dr. Kabat will outline how researchers and clinicians are now looking into the use of cyclosporine-A, topical azithromycin, N-acetylcysteine, meibomian gland probing and automated thermodynamic gland manipulation.
“MGD has now been recognized as the underlying cause of dry eye in the vast majority of our patients, Dr. Kabat told PCON. “With the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society MGD Workshop Report now published, we have greater insight into the prevalence, mechanisms and best strategies for controlling this common disorder. Today’s research will provide the gateway to the next frontier in ocular surface disease management.”
 Murray Fingeret |
Over the past decade, a shift has occurred in regard to the availability and quality of ocular imaging for glaucoma, according to Dr. Fingeret. In particular, ocular coherence tomography has become commonly available. Recent data suggests 75% of ODs have access to imaging devices, he reports.
Recent data pulled from Medicare claims show that both optometrists and ophthalmologists are not performing visual fields as often as they once did for individuals with glaucoma. Dr. Fingeret will debate whether this trend is accurate and, if so, whether or not this represents an improvement in care.
 Bruce E. Onofrey |
The role of nutraceuticals in ocular disease management continues to increase. Dr. Onofrey will outline the use of herbal supplements in the management of glaucoma, vascular disease, age-related macular degeneration, dry eye and blepharitis.
Large-scale studies such as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) 2 and the Taurine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Zinc, Antioxidant, Lutein (TOZAL) study support the use of nutraceuticals for ocular conditions.
“PCON Live!” will be held June 18, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. For more information and to register, go to PCONSuperSite.com/AOA. – Nancy Hemphill, ELS