Comanagement

A new study recently published in Retina found that communication between a diabetic patient’s eyecare provider (ECP) and primary care physicians (PCPs) increased the likelihood that the patient would make and keep her eye exam appointment.

Historically, optometry and ophthalmology have worked in parallel universes with very little room to cross paths. Yet, this model didn’t provide the appropriate care necessary for our aging populace.

At present we are limited with our ability to treat presbyopes. Sure, we have progressives and multifocal contact lenses; however, from a surgical standpoint, monovision corneal refractive surgery is limited, and clear lens extraction is often extreme for emmetropes.

Cataract surgery has entered that technology zone enabling surgeons the opportunity to provide sutureless and bladeless surgery, in vivo axis orientation and aberrometry measurements, and now, remove the drops from this pervasive procedure.

Last month, I wrote about diagnosing my father-in-law’s branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) and then teaming up with a vascular surgeon for his subsequent carotid endarterectomy. After the successful “slam dunk” surgery, the nurse who discharged him advised him to “go to the ER” should he have any changes in vision, and in the process, dropped the ball.

It’s March Madness time, and the next few weeks will take college basketball fans on a roller coaster ride of synchronous alley oops and ill-timed, dribble-off-the-foot turnovers. I’m always looking for an apt sports metaphor to help pass the time and get me through the day. A guy can dream, can’t he?

Modern ophthalmic cataract surgery now employs sophisticated techniques to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. This includes surgical systems providing better control, lasers to perform manual techniques, and intraoperative evaluation to evaluate surgical endpoints before the patient leaves the operating room (OR).

Years ago, I realized that a cataract is anomaly of the ocular system that should be eradicated at its earliest stages. Frankly, if you were in a relationship that was not going well and was destined to keep getting worse, would you stay?

When it comes to acronyms, there is no ophthalmic sub-specialty that compares to corneal surgical procedures. For example, let’s take a look at corneal transplants and therapeutic surface treatments. Among KLAL, DALK, PLK, LK, DLEK, DSEK, DSAEK, DMEK, and DMAEK, there is no wonder why there is so much confusion.

During the American Academy of Optometry's Academy 2014, Josh Johnston, OD, clinical director, Georgia Eye Partners, Atlanta, presented five pearls for successfully comanaging premium intraocular lens (IOL) patients.

Glen Steele, OD, FAAO, recently gave a presentation at the American Academy of Optometry's Academy 2014 in Denver, CO, on the questions to ask and tests to conduct when considering vision therapy for a patient.

I recently read that the restaurant in Tampa, which licenses the name Hogan’s Beach from the professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, is under fire for its controversial dress code. One area of concern for us optometrist is the fourth item on this controversial dress code: “No excessively baggy attire.” You may be questioning how this is germane to comanagement or, frankly, what this has to do with the doctoring of the eyes.

Cataract surgery demand is set to grow as an increasing amount of baby boomers retire and enter old age, but the eyecare profession is not ready for the coming demand, says Dr. David Geffen, OD, FAAO.

The lines between a surgical management and non-surgical management are more defined in states where surgery is performed by only ophthalmologists. However, the non-surgical management of our patients can be a little blurred and subject to your own personal acumen.

Since the baby boomers have boomed, the syneresis process seems to be moving as fast as the polar ice cap is melting. I understand the sudden appearance of a large dark object is worrisome and needs to be managed in our offices. Yet, can we overdo it? What is really the most appropriate time frame to get these patients in for a look and when should they be seen again?

The use of a femtosecond laser during cataract surgery is now an option for your patients, and you need to be comfortable answering patient questions and co-managing this procedure.

The end game of any comanagement arrangement is providing patients with the best possible care they can receive. This seemingly obvious conclusion is sometimes clouded by the perception that optometry and ophthalmology are not working in tandem, and patients may be left confused and unsure about what is the best option for their ophthalmic care.

This issue is our annual allergy issue. I’ve often joked that in the spring, a young man’s thoughts turns to love, while an old optometrist’s thoughts turns to ocular allergy. Treating our patients who present with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is a large part of a primary-care optometric practice, especially this time of year.