Practice tip: Know the rules of engagement when encountering a corneal infection
There are six rules of engagement that are generally considered universal when faced with a corneal infection, writes Joseph P. Shovlin, OD, and colleagues, in “Introductory interventions for corneal infections.” One rule of engagement: Infection eradication is contingent on identifying the organism responsible for the infection and patient compliance with each prescription. (In severe infections, hospital admission may be required to ensure patient adherence.) Click here to read more.
American Optometric Association reveals millions collected on behalf of optometry practices
During the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) Reimbursement and Coverage Fairness Town Hall in late October, AOA president Steven T. Reed, OD, revealed that the AOA and its affiliates have driven “over $2.9 million back into doctor of optometry practices across the country” through a multi-pronged strategy started in January to curb abuses by vision and health plans. About 200 complaints by doctors over a 14-month period led to the dollars collected on behalf of optometry practices, according to a press release. If you experience challenges with a health or vision plan, report to stopplanabuses@aoa.org.
Cleinman Performance Partners hosts regular meeting
Cleinman Performance Partners recently hosted its semi-annual network meeting in October. Themed “Leadership Empowerment,” the event focused on critical concepts impacting private practice optometrists, owners, and managers, such as staffing. In fact, Tim Roberts, principal of Sandler Training at Trustpointe Inc., delivered the keynote speech, “The High-Performance Team: Empowerment from Vision to Action.”
GlobalData forecasts increase in forms of glaucoma
According to new data from GlobalData, “Glaucoma: Epidemiology Forecast to 2033,” cases of primary open-angle glaucoma, including normal tension glaucoma, is forecast to increase at an annual growth rate of 1% from around 9.1 million cases in 2023 to 10 million cases in 2033 in the seven major markets.
LifeLink Tissue Bank and BioTissue join forces
LifeLink Tissue Bank announced a strategic relationship with BioTissue to enhance the use of placental tissue recovered following healthy deliveries, which BioTissue will transform into therapies for patients in need, according to a press release. For more information about LifeLink Tissue Bank, visit lifelinktissuebank.org or Sharing Miracles, sharingmiracles.com, a dedicated team of BioTissue employees, consultants, and partners.
Performance Vision Technologies collaborating with University of Alabama at Birmingham on myopia treatment
Performance Vision Technologies Inc. is working with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in support of the NIH/NEI-funded R21 project “Development of a Novel, Wavelength-Based Intervention for Controlling Childhood Myopia,” by researchers at UAB. This is a placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial designed to investigate the potential of a wavelength-based method to slow the progression of myopia in children ages eight to 12, according to a press release.
SECO seeking nominations for 2025 awards
SECO International is calling for nominations for its 2025 awards honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of optometry. Nominations are needed in the following categories: Optometrist of the South, Paraoptometric of the South, Young Optometrist of the South, Optician Excellence Award, Executive Director Award, and Associate Member Award. Nominations must be submitted by Nov. 30 at here.
Solutionreach adds Secure Documents application to software suite
Solutionreach has added a Secure Documents application as part of its comprehensive revenue cycle messaging solution. Specifically, the feature empowers practices to securely send, collect, and manage important patient documents digitally, aligning with the recently implemented Federal Trade Commission Eyeglass Rule for optometry practices. The integration allows practices to simplify documentation and automate prescription delivery, resulting in efficient record management, integration with the platform, and patient convenience of a secure portal to access their documents, according to a press release. OM