AOA DEFINES O.D.’s ROLE IN OPIOID EPIDEMIC WITH WHITE PAPER

On the heals of President Trump’s declaration that the opioid crisis in America is a Public Health Emergency, the AOA’s Health Policy Institute created a white paper for O.D.s to take a role in combatting the crisis.

“This is an important moment for every doctor in America, and optometry is up to the challenge of doing more to make patients, communities and the country safer and healthier . . .” says AOA President Chris Quinn, O.D., in an AOA press release.

Titled, “Opioid Crisis — A U.S. Public Health Emergency: Recommendations for Doctors,” the paper includes a list of opioid medications, the risks associated with their use, a link to the “CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain” and action steps, such as, “considering offering naloxone when factors exist that increase risk for opioid overdose, such as history of overdose, history of substance abuse disorder, higher opioid dosages (>50 MME/day) or concurrent benzodiazepine use.”

“I had a new patient present for an eye exam complaining of headaches, and she asked for a drug by name,” explains Amber Fritsch, O.D., who practices at Precision Eye Care, in Mt. Juliet, Tenn. “My receptionist told me this patient also called to see whether I had prescription rights. These are two red flags for an abuser.”

According to the CDC, opioids, both prescription and illicit, are the “main driver” in drug overdose deaths. Opioid overdoses have quadrupled since 1999.

The paper can be found at bit.ly/2AhjZRL ■

COOPERVISION SETS SIGHTS ON MYOPIA MANAGEMENT WITH PARAGON VISION SCIENCES ACQUISITION

CooperVision Inc. has purchased Paragon Vision Sciences, a specialty contact lens company that provides oxygen permeable RGP materials and orthokeratology lenses.

“Collaborating with Paragon not only provides an opportunity to grow our myopia management presence worldwide, but also deepens and broadens the way in which we help improve the way people see each day,” says CooperVision’s Executive Vice President of Strategy & Business Development Andrew Sedgwick in a company press release.

Roughly 42% of Americans ages 12 to 54 have myopia vs. 25% in 1971, reports the NEI. Also, by 2050, 50% of the world population will have myopia, reveals a study in Ophthalmology.

Regarding business operations, Paragon Vision Sciences, will continue as an independent entity near Phoenix, with the company’s president, Rich Jeffries, remaining to oversee day-to-day happenings. Meanwhile, former Paragon Vision Sciences’ CEO, Joe Sicari, will work with CooperVision as a consultant, the CooperVision press release reveals.

“This strategic acquisition benefits our employees, eye care professionals and patients around the globe,” says Mr. Jeffries, in the press release. “By combining CooperVision’s considerable resources and expertise with Paragon’s technologies, materials and presence in markets, such as China, we’ll accelerate the fight against myopia. . .” ■

O.D.s PROVIDE TIPS FOR PATIENT COMPLIANCE TO CONTACT LENS SOLUTIONS

Imagine this: You or your contact lens tech explain to the patient the proper wear and care schedule, highlighting a specific contact lens solution, yet two weeks later when the patient presents complaining of irritation and excessive tearing, you find out he went rogue, buying what he thought was the same thing, only cheaper. Not so hard to imagine?

“When a drugstore brand solution is the same size, shape and color as the brand name solution, but it costs less, contact lens patients are enticed to buy it because they incorrectly assume it’s the generic form.” explains Michael Ward, MMSc, F.A.A.O., F.C.L.S.A., F.S.L.S, former director of Emory Eye Center’s Contact Lens Service in Atlanta. “Unfortunately, this action often results in symptoms that reduce wear time.”

So, how you can create patient compliance to the specific solutions you prescribe?

• Prescribe the solution. “Doctors should write the solution on the contact lens prescription, and they should tell patients where they can get the solution,” explains Andrew Pucker, O.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.O., of the Department of Optometry and Vision Science at the UAB School of Optometry.
• Provide in-office patient education. Susan J. Gromacki, O.D., M.S., F.A.A.O., F.S.L.S., who practices in Silver Spring, Md., says she always explains, “Each contact lens solution is different in that each manufacturer has its own proprietary formulations. I have selected this one specifically to work best with your contact lenses and eye health.”
  Dr. Pucker adds that the best way to increase the effectiveness of your education is to reinforce it at every visit.
• Give a sample care kit. Drs. Pucker and Gromacki also suggest providing the patient with a sample care kit.
  “I ask patients to bring it to the store with them, so they will purchase the correct solution,” Dr. Gromacki explains.
• Request patients bring their solutions to the first visit. This way, you’ll know what solutions they’re using, and you can educate, if needed, says Dr. Gromacki. ■