Interventional Glaucoma: iTrack Canaloplasty and iDose

I. Paul Singh, MD

Eyetube

In this case, I. Paul Singh, MD, presents a patient with mild open-angle glaucoma and a history of cataract surgery without MIGS, who is still taking three glaucoma drops after selective laser trabeculoplasty. He performs iTrack canaloplasty (Nova Eye Medical) and iDose implantation (Glaukos). Financial Disclosure: Consultant (Glaukos, Nova Eye Medical)

Keeping Eye Care Where It Belongs

Helpful steps to steer patients away from ERs and urgent care centers and into OD practices.

Sulman Hans, OD, MS, FAAO, Dipl ABO

Modern Optometry

If you have ever heard a patient say they went to the ER but were told to follow up with an eye doctor, you are not alone. ERs and urgent care centers routinely receive eye complaints that could easily—and more appropriately—be handled in an optometrist’s chair. On average, more than 25% of patients referred to eye care providers from an ER have nonurgent conditions.1,2 Additionally, although a large portion of emergency physicians have access to basic ophthalmic equipment, most are often not comfortable using that equipment, performing an eye examination, or making vision- or life-saving diagnoses.3 This trend not only contributes to unnecessary health care spending but also causes delays in necessary care, putting patients at risk. Following are some strategic steps optometrists can take to steer patients away from ERs and toward optometry practices when they experience an ocular emergency. STEP NO. 1: EDUCATE PATIENTS ON WHEN TO SEE AN OD FIRST Most people do not understand the full scope of optometry. As a result, even nonurgent symptoms such as conjunctivitis and dry eye flareups send people to the ER. It is our job to educate patients before they face a crisis. Simple strategies include the following: In-office education. Use brochures and signage to inform patients about common eye emergencies and why optometrists are best suited to handle them.

Biogen Enters GA Treatment Market After Major Acquisition

Eyetube

Pharma giant Biogen announces its intention to acquire Apellis in a multi-billion dollar deal; a recently approved first-of-its-kind presbyopia drop is commercially launched; and Kodiak Sciences releases phase 3 data for its diabetic retinopathy drug candidate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices