Comanagement News

Like most technology, modern cataract surgery has developed as a result of multiple small evolutions that have culminated in a procedure so effective it is often viewed by patients as refractive surgery. Perhaps it is because of the high safety profile that it is the most frequently performed surgery in the U.S.

DENVER – As he mentioned in a recent Primary Care Optometry News cover story, Richard Mangan, OD, FAAO, said headache is a common complaint seen in all types of optometric practices. One out of 10 patients deal with chronic headache pain, he said.

Patients with mild traumatic brain injury may not receive adequate follow up-care in spite of experiencing debilitating postconcussive symptoms, according to a study.

DENVER – The AOA recognized three hard-working and noteworthy optometrists: David A. Cockrell, OD, FAAO; Irwin B. Suchoff, OD; and Lesley L. Walls, OD, MD, by induction to its hall of fame during a ceremony at Optometry’s Meeting.

DENVER – Nathan Morrow, OD, who is currently completing a year-long residency program in Atlanta, discussed his appreciation of the profession during a reception for young optometrists here at Optometry’s Meeting. "My father has practiced in a private practice for over 40 years, and seeing that grassroots setting and then gaining experience in a comanagement medical setting has really given me an appreciation for the profession of optometry, and I'm excited for the next step in my career," he said.

Phase 3 safety and efficacy studies are currently being completed for the VisAbility Micro Insert System.

Optometrists have a critical role to play in guiding our patients through the experience of cataract surgery. Even though surgical technology and intraocular lenses have never been better, the basics – refraction, ocular surface care and history-taking –are still essential for success. As someone who sees hundreds of pre- and postoperative patients, I think there are three steps that would help every patient get more out of surgery.

Optometrists have an expanding array of options to offer today’s presbyopes who seek high-quality solutions to their near-vision needs. Unlike previous generations, current presbyopes rely heavily on their near and intermediate vision for digital devices and may be less likely to accept reading glasses. To best meet these needs, optometrists should understand the benefits of available and emerging technologies.

As long as physicians have been treating patients, headaches have been – well, quite frankly – a headache. As far back as the Neolithic era, physicians grappled with the concept of headache. Then, headaches were believed to have been the result of bad spirits, and treatment involved boring holes in the skull to release said spirits. Fortunately, medicine has grown significantly over the past 5,000 years, now electing to perform craniotomy in a much more select group of patients.

Optometrists estimate seeing between three and five patients per week who present with headache as their chief complaint, according to Primary Care Optometry News sources.