Ophthalmology

In this Healio video perspective, Cynthia A. Matossian, MD, interviews David Evans, PhD, MBA, about the importance of online content marketing for private ophthalmology practices, including some best practices.

The COVID-19 pandemic may change the way ophthalmology practices deliver services, ensure safety and educate patients even after the threat of the virus is gone, according to several practice owners during an Eyecelerator LiveStream presentation.

Octane has created new advisory roles for ophthalmology and aesthetics to help bring together physicians and engage them in future conferences and innovation events, according to a press release.

The ophthalmic pharmaceutical company TearClear has named Robert J. Dempsey as CEO.

It took me 3 weeks to get out of my COVID-19 funk. For all of the kind words sent my way over the years about what (and how) I write, the reality is that I write (as) well (as I am able) when I am in a happy(er) place. Quite frankly, I miss my people, both here in Cleveland and across the country. So, what got me out of my funk? Well, thinking about some of those people, especially the nicer ones.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has affected the practice of medicine across all specialties, but with recently expanded CMS telehealth guidelines, ophthalmologists now have an opportunity to begin using telemedicine much more often to the benefit of both patients and providers.

KOLOA, Hawaii — At Hawaiian Eye 2020, Frank X. Venzara III, MD, discusses how the use of AdvancedMD and Integrity EMR software has helped his practice reduce the amount of time spent looking at the computer, thereby allowing more time with patients. “If you’re looking to switch EMRs, take a close look at Integrity and AdvancedMD,” he said.

KOLOA, Hawaii — At Retina 2020, SriniVas Sadda, MD, discusses his daily clinical experience using the Spectralis OCT platform (Heidelberg Engineering).

KOLOA, Hawaii — When an ophthalmology practice comes under investigation for fraud under the False Claims Act, ignorance is no excuse. Nor is laziness, according to a legal counselor who represents ophthalmology practices.

A couple of years ago, I sat at Virginia Episcopal School in a meeting between the headmaster, Tommy Battle, and a group of parents. Mr. Battle had announced a new activity that would be mandatory for all students. I don’t remember the activity now, and it wasn’t a “core” activity, but the school felt it was important for all students to participate. One parent raised their hand, and after giving a number of valid reasons, asked if their child could opt out of the activity. It seemed reasonable to me. But in response, Tommy gave a simple answer that has stayed with me. He responded by saying, “The ability to opt out is the very definition of privilege, and it’s not something we should accustom our children to.” It was not lost on me that every child there had already opted out of the public school system.