Category Archives: Ophthalmology

8-year follow up results revealed for the ELIOS® Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy procedure combined with cataract surgery

LOS ANGELES, CA, United States, 17-Feb-2022 — /EPR HEALTHCARE NEWS/ — Elios Vision Inc. announced today 8-year follow up results of its novel ELIOS® Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy procedure combined with cataract surgery.

Key study findings:

  • 161 eyes of 128 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension and cataract received Phaco-ELIOS, and were followed over an 8-year period
  • Significant mean IOP reduction from 19.3 mmHg at baseline to 15.4 mmHg after 8 years of follow-up (p=0.0040)
  • Significant reduction in medication requirements
  • Only 3.7% of patients required secondary surgical glaucoma intervention during the 8-year follow-up period
  • No serious intra- or post-operative events were observed

“This large cohort study provides encouraging evidence that the ‘implant free’ Phaco-ELIOS procedure causes minimal trauma, appears to show lasting IOP control with no serious intra- or post-operative complications, and low rate of incisional secondary surgical intervention over a period of at least 8 years,” said Thomas W. Samuelson, MD, founding partner of Minnesota Eye Consultants and an Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota. Dr Samuelson added that, “it is encouraging for patients that the number of topical medications required to control IOP was reduced significantly up to 4 years and remained below baseline levels across the entire 8-year follow-up period.”

About the ELIOS procedure:

  • The ELIOS procedure creates ten ‘microchannels (210µm)’ in the trabecular meshwork using an excimer laser.
  • The microchannels facilitate aqueous outflow into Schlemm’s canal, the eyes natural outflow pathway, reducing IOP2 and preserving the integrity, structure, and function of the trabecular meshwork.
  • Combining ELIOS with phacoemulsification is an ‘implant free’ minimally invasive glaucoma procedure with a rapid learning curve for ophthalmic surgeons.
  • The ELIOS procedure is approved in Europe for use in adults with glaucoma, with or without cataract, and is undergoing clinical trials in the US under an investigational device exemption (IDE).
  • Data on the ELIOS procedure has been published in 12 clinical studies2 with over 850 eyes treated showing an IOP reduction of 20-40% from baseline, a significant reduction of medication for up to 4 years, and up to 81% of patients ‘medication free’ at 1 year,3 and a favorable safety profile.

Over the past decade minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) have transformed the treatment of mild to moderate glaucoma and are an attractive alternative to more invasive incisional procedures such as trabeculectomy and tube shunts. Despite the growing popularity of MIGS, combining cataract and glaucoma surgery is not yet the preferred choice by most surgeons.

This clinical study shows that the ELIOS procedure is attractive to all ophthalmic surgeons for patients with glaucoma that are not controlled by medications or SLT because it reduces IOP to mid-teens for at least 8 years, minimizes postop inflammation, avoids intraocular implants, has a favorable safety profile, with or without cataract surgery.

Why are these findings relevant?

  • In 2022 it is estimated that around 29 million people globally will undergo cataract removal and around 20% also have glaucoma or ocular hypertension4.
  • These findings demonstrate a sustained reduction of IOP that is longer than any other currently available MIGS procedure.
  • Routinely combining cataract and glaucoma treatment is appealing since it can reduce the undesirable burden and side effects of drops and it can avoid patients undergoing two separate surgical procedures which also is more efficient for healthcare systems.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Experimentica Ltd. licenses Akimba mouse model for diabetic retinopathy from Lions Eye Institute, Australia

Kuopio, Finland, December 18, 2014 — /EPR HEALTHCARE NEWS/ — The Lions Eye Institute (LEI) and Experimentica Ltd., a global ophthalmic contract research organization (CRO) announced today that they have entered into an exclusive license agreement for the Akimba mouse model for diabetic retinopathy for contract research. The license agreement was facilitated by Bio-Link Australia, a life sciences commercialisation company.

About Lions Eye Institute

The Lions Eye Institute (LEI) is the leading ophthalmic research institute in Australia. LEI employs scientists, clinicians and support staff to conduct first class scientific research into blindness and incorporates one of Australia’s largest ophthalmic practices. The Department of Molecular Ophthalmology (DMO) was founded by Professor Rakoczy in 1989 with the aim of using technological breakthroughs for the treatment of blindness. The Kimba mouse model have been successfully used in preclinical trials for a DMO developed gene therapy based treatment for wet-AMD that reached Phase I/II stage (www.lei.org.au;www.avalanchebiotech.com).

About Experimentica Ltd.

Experimentica Ltd. is a preclinical contract research organization (CRO) dedicated to develop and provide ocular disease models. Experimentica Ltd. is a global company and the largest ophthalmic CRO in Northern Europe, striving to provide scientific excellence by relying entirely on in-house expertise. Experimentica Ltd. is headquartered in Kuopio, Finland with offices in Tampere, Finland and Kansas City, MO, USA. For more information, visit www.experimentica.com.

About Bio-Link
Bio-Link Australia Pty. Ltd. is a life sciences commercialisation company which facilitates partnerships in the biopharma, medical device and diagnostic industries. Bio-Link has offices in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, and clients including leading Australian and international biotechnology and medical device companies and medical research institutions. For more information, visit www.bio-link.com.

Contact details:
Experimentica Ltd/Giedrius Kalesnykas,
Microkatu 1, P.O.Box 1188,
70211 Kuopio, Finland.
E-mail: info@experimentica.com,
www.experimentica.com

Media enquiries:

For Experimentica:
Giedrius Kalesnykas, Ph.D.
Phone: +358 (50) 379-0275
US Toll Free: +1 (844) 393-4393
Email: gk@experimentica.com


For the Lions Eye Institute:

Francesca Robb
Communications and Media Officer
Phone: (+61 4) 09 102 556
francescarobb@lei.org.au

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Maine Ophthalmologists Encourage Greater Knowledge of Glaucoma Risks

“As patients enter their 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s and beyond it is important for them to become aware of glaucoma risk factors that might be relevant to their individual situation,” commented Glaucoma Specialist Robert Daly, M.D. of Eyecare Medical Group in Portland.

“There is strong correlation between age and the likelihood of developing glaucoma. We know that your risk increases considerably after the age of 40. And if you are over 60 years of age-even if you have no other family or medical history that is significant-you are six times more likely to get glaucoma. A family history of glaucoma-especially among your brothers and sisters-can increase your risk to 4-9 times that of the average population,” noted Dr. Daly.

“Patients should take note of some recent research that suggests additional glaucoma risk factors may include long term use of oral contraceptive birth control pills, early natural menopause and obstructive sleep apnea,” shared Glaucoma Specialist Samuel Solish, M.D. “This is important for patients to know about. First, researchers reporting on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), administered by the Centers for Disease Control, indicated that woman who had used birth control pills for long periods of time were twice as likely to develop glaucoma. Further, researchers reporting in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that those women who entered natural menopause at an early age were more likely to develop glaucoma. And finally, it appears that having sleep apnea exposes patients to significant risk of glaucoma. All three of these risk factors should prompt patients to seek routine eye exams with glaucoma evaluation in order to have early detection, diagnosis and treatment is necessary. In this way we are more able to help patients prevent vision loss from glaucoma,” stressed Dr. Solish.

Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

To learn more about Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine you may visit http://www.eyecaremed.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup or follow our eye care blog at http://eyecaremed-maine.blogspot.com.

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Early Detection & Eye Exams Needed to Prevent Macular Degeneration Vision Loss

“As Prevent Blindness America has designated February as National Age Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, on behalf of the eye doctors at D’Ambrosio Eye Care we want to stress the need for regular eye exams to ensure early detection of macular degeneration as the key to preventing vision loss,” shared Massachusetts Ophthalmologist Francis D’Ambrosio Jr., M.D. “Patients-especially those 50 and over-need to know that age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in Americans older than 50,” explained Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. “While it is not possible to actually cure AMD, our clinical experience demonstrates that with early detection, diagnosis and treatment when necessary we can be quite effective in helping patients prevent vision loss and in many instances we can help recover some lost vision.”

It is advisable for everyone older than 50 to have a comprehensive, dilated eye examination every one to two years to ensure that AMD is detected as early as possible. If anyone in your family has macular degeneration it is critical to be seen even earlier and more often. “We want to be as certain as possible that if you are at risk for macular degeneration or show any signs of “Wet” AMD such as the growth of unwanted blood vessels under the retina-we make sure you have access to treatment with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) inhibitor injections such as Lucentis® as soon as possible. By learning the symptoms to watch for, bringing to our attention and getting treatment as quickly as possible we can stop the blood vessel growth, reverse it and at a minimum prevent further vision loss and often actually improve vision,” explained Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr.

Patients can also help to decrease their risk of developing age related macular degeneration (AMD) by not smoking, moderating alcohol consumption to less than 15g per day, eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables, avoiding foods with trans fats, exercising and controlling blood pressure and weight.

D’Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

To learn more about D’Ambrosio Eye Care you may visit
http://www.dambrosioeyecare.com or http://www.facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare or
follow our eye care blog at http://dambrosioeyecare.blogspot.com.

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Alabama Eye & Cataract Center and Michelson Laser Vision Welcome Corneal Specialist Tyler Hall, M.D.

Marc Michelson, M.D., Medical Director of Alabama Eye & Cataract Center and Michelson Laser Vision is pleased to announce that Corneal Specialist Tyler Hall, M.D. has joined the ophthalmology staff at their practice. Dr. Michelson commented, “With Dr. Hall joining our practice we are able to expand upon our tradition of providing world class diagnosis and treatment of corneal disease, including advanced corneal transplantation procedures such as DSEK and DALK for Fuch’s Dystrophy and Keratoconus, to our community. Further, his experience in Laser Eye Surgery such as Bladeless LASIK will be a welcome addition in helping to meet the patient demand for Laser Vision Correction in Birmingham.”

Tyler Hall, M.D. is a Corneal Specialist who is a Cataract and Refractive Surgeon at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center and Michelson Laser Vision where he performs all types of Laser Eye Surgery for the Laser Vision Correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism including All Laser Bladeless LASIK, Custom Wavefront Optimized LASIK, monovision LASIK and PRK. In addition, Dr. Hall provides his patients with the most modern Cataract Surgery in Birmingham that requires only a very tiny incision, no patches and only eye drops for anesthesia so that his patients can benefit from very quick visual recovery times, with minimal interruption in their daily routines. Dr. Hall is committed to helping patients with Cataracts achieve greater independence and possibly eliminate the need for eyeglasses, reading glasses or bifocals after Cataract Surgery through the use of astigmatism correcting toric lens implants. For those patients with significant amounts of astigmatism, near vision multifocal and accommodating presbyopia correcting lens implants, such as the Crystalens® Accommodating Lens Implant, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® Multifocal Lens Implant and the Tecnisâ„¢ Multifocal Lens Implant, are used to have their distance, arm’s length and near vision corrected after Cataract Surgery without eyeglasses, bifocals or reading glasses.

Dr. Hall earned his Medical Degree at the Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He then completed his Residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Alabama (UAB)-Birmingham where he served as Chief Resident followed by a Fellowship in Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where he obtained specialized training and experience in all types of Refractive Surgery including LASIK Surgery and advanced Lens Implants for Vision Correction. Dr. Hall is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of The Cornea Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading Alabama vision and eye care centers in Birmingham, staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists. The staff includes Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

To learn more about Alabama Eye & Cataract Center visit http://www.michelsonvision.com or visit us at http://www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision

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Jensen Beach Optometrist Sponsors Local Rugby Team as Part of Treasure Coast Vision Project

Dr. Dan Durante, an optometrist serving the Jensen Beach, Florida area has launched the Treasure Coast Vision Project to help local residents and visitors see the spirited fun, beauty and value of the Treasure Coast. The first local sponsorship is for a local rugby team, The Treasure Coast Pirates.

Dr. Durante’s vision practice is located in Treasure Coast Square Mall inside Cohen’s Fashion Optical. The business attracts clients from Jensen Beach as well as neighboring Stuart and Port St. Lucie. Established in 1989, Dr. Durante has performed over 150,000 eye exams greatly contributing to the eye health of the Jensen Beach community.

Dr. Durante marketing manager, Mitch Rockwell, is a rugby fan and became aware of the team’s need for new jerseys. “I believe that if you see a need, you meet a need, said Rockwell. “We feel that we can improve community spirit by donating funds locally. Our vision is that a spirit of local investment and local pride is contagious.”

“Our business is about helping people see,” said Durante. “It’s a natural fit for us to help people see the best features and amazing people all around the Treasure Coast.”

Dr. Durante provides eye exams and contact lens exams for adults and children inside Cohen’s Fashion Optical which offers a wide variety of eye glasses and sunglasses in the latest styles from brands like Coach, Ray-Ban and Versace. For the latest information on the Treasure Coast Vision Campaign or to tell Dr. Durante about unmet needs in the Treasure Coast area, please see Dr. Durante’s Blog or follow them on Dr. Durante’s Facebook page.

Dr. Durante is an experienced optometrist in the Jensen Beach, FL area who offers eye care for the entire family. The practice is known for their $20.00 comprehensive eye exams. They also accept most vision insurance plans.

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Doctor & Associates Highlights Connecticut Glaucoma Awareness

“As we begin 2012, we are making raising awareness about glaucoma a priority’” stated Connecticut Ophthalmologist Leslie Doctor, M.D. of Doctor & Associates with offices located in Westport, Norwalk and Wilton. “We feel that taking a moment to put in a little extra effort to remind patients and their families about the need for regular eye exams with glaucoma screenings is really worthwhile,” said Leslie Doctor, M.D.

Prevent Blindness America has designated January as National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Patients should be particularly sensitive to the fact that in African-American and Hispanic populations, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. Additional glaucoma risk factors include any family history-especially among siblings-of glaucoma, certain diseases such as diabetes and an increase is risk as patients transcend through their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.

“The key step in preventing vision loss from glaucoma is early detection, diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Leslie Doctor. “This is why we want raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision especially for our aging population. We strongly recommend that siblings of glaucoma patients be screened each and every year as their risk of developing glaucoma is some 5 times higher than the typical population.”

Doctor & Associates is a leading Connecticut eye care practice providing eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and management of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses and optical services. For those patients in need of eye surgery, as a founding member of the Wilton Surgery Center, Doctor & Associates eye surgeons are able to provide eye surgery in a convenient, close to home and cost effective ambulatory surgery center.

To learn more about Doctor & Associates you may visit
http://www.doctor-and-associates.com or http://www.facebook.com/doctorandassociates.

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Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment Advances Mark Awareness in Maine

“At Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, Maine, January represents the time we pay particular attention to getting the word out reminding patients to take advantage of the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as this sight stealing eye disease is a leading cause of preventable blindness,” commented Clement Berry, Chief Executive Officer of Eyecare Medical Group.

Prevent Blindness America has designated January as National Glaucoma Awareness Month. In African-American and Hispanic populations, Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. “The advances in our ability to diagnose Glaucoma with the high technology imaging instrumentation we have brought to Maine has certainly given our patients access to better glaucoma screening and diagnosis methods and thus earlier detection-a key to maintaining eye health and vision,” stated Glaucoma Specialist Samuel Solish, M.D. of Eyecare Medical Group. “Earlier detection and diagnosis gives patients the best range of glaucoma treatment options whether it be using eye drops, laser treatment or if necessary even glaucoma surgery,” said Glaucoma Specialist Robert Daly, M.D. “Our goal for 2012 is to really raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision especially for our aging population. We especially recommend that siblings of Glaucoma patients and Glaucoma suspects be screened for Glaucoma, each and every year,” said Dr. Solish.

Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

To learn more about Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine you may visit http://www.eyecaremed.com or http://www.facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup.

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Eye Care – The Next Big Thing In Kerala’s Medical Travel Industry

Medical travel industry in Kerala is all set to broaden its scope through micro cataract surgery and support services for cataract patients. It is considered as the next big thing after Ayurveda and dentistry in the domain of medical travel in Kerala. Micro Cataract Surgery is gaining the attention of cataract patients. Apart from its efficiency, after 24 hours of this surgery, patients are able to return to their normal life. And what more; this quick recovery period inspires many to opt for holidays in God’s Own Country.

Interestingly, Mulamoottil Eye Hospital (MEH), one of the pioneers in eye care is offering micro cataract surgery at Asia’s lowest cost – INR 30,000 (US $700). Besides the affordable cost of the surgery, MEH offers free accommodation for two days.

“Unlike conventional cataract surgery, the advanced micro cataract surgery at Mulamoottil Eye Hospital uses 0.9 mm tip inside the eye. Patients enjoy full recovery after 24 hours, enabling them to take head bath, go for office work, drive car, apply medicine on their own and even take a flight,” says Dr. Ashley Thomas Jacob, Medical Director of MEH, which has a tradition of 125 years in eye care.

Mulamoottil Eye Hospital is the largest eye hospital in Kerala and is located at Kozhencherry, a small town in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. MEH is also the pioneers in Customized Cataract Surgery. The hospital also offers precise surgeries for presbyopia, myopia (short-sight) diabetic eye disease etc. with shortest post-surgical recovery period. It also conducts research and training activities in ophthalmology.

By virtue of its location, Mulamoottil Eye Hospital is close to some of the captivating travel destinations in Kerala that include Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Fort Kochi, Munnar, Periyar etc. And this makes patients from outside Kerala and non-resident Indians to club holidaying in Kerala, popular as ‘God’s Own Country’ with their visit for eye treatment; especially after undergoing micro cataract and customized cataract surgeries.

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Joint Venture Seeks To Market Affordable And Stylish Prescription Eyeglasses

GlassesUSA.com and Cardinal Health, Inc. launched a partnership recently aimed at promoting an affordable and practical option in vision care. The partnership, in which Cardinal.com will promote GlassesUSA’s products and service for prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses at severely discounted prices is geared towards making the purchase of quality eyeglasses less expensive.

Joint Venture Seeks To Market Affordable And Stylish Prescription Eyeglasses

GlassesUSA.com, a New Jersey-based company, specializes in selling high-quality prescription glasses online at affordable prices with worldwide shipping options. GlassesUSA provides affordable eyewear to millions of people worldwide who cannot afford the high-price of glasses offered at many offline retail locations.Many of the eyeglasses sold at GlassesUSA.com are priced at 75% lower than the cost of traditional eyewear.

Cardinal Health, Inc. is an Ohio-based Fortune 18 company that “improves the cost-effectiveness of health care. As the business behind health care, Cardinal Health helps pharmacies, hospitals and ambulatory care sites focus on patient care while reducing costs, improving efficiency and quality, and increasing profitability.”

Jay Englemayer, the Vice President of Business Development at GlassesUSA, states that “Cardinal Health is a perfect partner for GlassesUSA as our overall missions are symbiotic. Affordable health care – including vision care for everyone.This alliance will help bring the reality of quality eyecare to millions who are used to paying an excessive amount for glasses.”

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Team EyeCare 20/20 Members Predicted to Win Multiple Medals in Vancouver

Team LASIK-FOR-THE-GOLD, is a collection of champion Olympic athletes from across the country who have all had LASIK vision correction surgery by Cary M. Silverman, M.D., Medical Director of EyeCare 20/20.

With exactly one month to go to the start of the Winter Olympic Games, American athletes are scattered around the globe, some are desperately looking to secure their spot on the team, others making the final preparations of a never ending quest to deliver their life’s best performance next month in Vancouver, when it matters most. With the clock ticking, the LASIK-For-The-Gold Winter Olympians appear poised to bring home their share of Olympic hardware. Here is an update on each of the world class athletes who are patients of Cary M. Silverman, M.D. and the team of eye care professionals at EyeCare 20/20:

Katherine Reutter (short track speedskating) – Reutter is now a 17-time world cup medalist who is locked-n-loaded for her Olympic debut. She will compete in four different events and is considered to be one of Team USA’s most likely Olympic medalists.

Chad Hedrick (speedskating) – Already a gold, silver and bronze medalist from the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Hedrick has recently returned to his championship form and earned medals in both of his last two world cup events, including a gold medal in Calgary, Canada in December. Hedrick will square off against fellow American Shani Davis in the 1500 meters at this year’s Games in what promises to be one of the must-see showdown events of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Curt Tomasevicz (bobsled) – A pusher behind U.S. driver Steve Holcomb in Team U.S.A.’s number one sled the ‘Night Train’, Tomasevicz and his teammates are on the podium more often than they are off of it. They are considered the team to beat when the Olympic medals are on the line next month.

Eric Pac (bobsled) – Long since considered ‘likely to make the Olympic Team’, Pac has recently shown that simply getting to the Olympics isn’t good enough. A world cup bronze medal in Salt Lake City in November turned heads on the international bobsled circuit and marked Pac as someone to keep an eye on in Vancouver. She currently holds a 5th place ranking in the overall World Cup standings.

Molly Engstrom (hockey) – A bronze medalist at the 2006 Olympics, a World Champion, and a long time member of the U.S. National Team, Engstrom and her teammates are highly likely to do battle with the host Canadian team with gold medals on the line. In this heated international rivalry, silver doesn’t count.

Dan Joye (luge) – Joye, who is part of the doubles luge team of Niccum & Joye, will enter the Games, his second Olympics, as part of the number one ranked U.S. sled. A recent world cup fourth place finish marked the team’s best ever placing – one step up in Vancouver will put Joye on the podium. For more information about any of the Team EyeCare 20/20 athletes, visit: www.LASIKForTheGold.com

About Cary M. Silverman, M.D. and EyeCare 20/20: Located in EastHanover, NJ, EyeCare 20/20 provides ophthalmic care for the entire family whether it’s routine vision correction or surgical intervention. Under the direction of Cary Silverman, M.D., Medical Director, they serve patients from surrounding communities as well as those from other states nationwide. Their beautifully decorated, modern facility gives patients a comfortable, yet most efficient environment in which to receive treatment. Dr. Silverman specializes in innovative LASIK vision correction, state-of-the-art refractive cataract surgery, as well as an array of other refractive surgery options for patients who are not candidates for LASIK. For more information, visit: www.eyecare2020.com.

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GlassesUSA Offers Customers Generous Discount On Prescription Glasses During Sale

GlassesUSA is keeping prescription eyeglasses affordable. Staying in line with their philosophy of ensuring eyeglasses are an affordable necessity and not an expensive luxury, GlassesUSA recently launched a new marketing campaign for their customers. The newest campaign is aimed at selling a selected portion of their most popular, fashionable eyeglass frames at a discount to their customers.

Unlike many retailers who keep their sales under wraps and hidden in the dark corners of their websites with special landing pages in hopes that customers will not use the discount, GlassesUSA launched their “Autumn Sale 2009” campaign first via email to customers who signed up for their seasonal newsletter. After the successful email campaign was launched, GlassesUSA launched the promotion on their website – inviting customers to take 10% off any of the selected eyeglasses.

The final steps in the promotional campaign launch was reaching out to bloggers and affiliates in order to get the word out about the 10% discount. The campaign was well-received among bloggers and those running coupon and discount sites.

GlassesUSA, a company that endured many changes recently including moving their shipping outfit to St. Joseph, Michigan, is an international cooperative group with offices in New Jersey as well as Tel Aviv, Israel. The company believes that vision care should be within arms reach and that high-quality eyeglasses should not cost a fortune. In conjunction with their business philosophy, GlassesUSA established efforts for their customers to not only recycle broken glasses but to donate old and used eyeglasses in order to ensure that those around the globe who cannot afford eyeglasses will receive them free of cost.

Since launching as a company, GlassesUSA transformed into an organization committed to philanthropy as well as consumer education. Their customers have a blog available to find the best ways to keep themselves informed on anything new in the vision world. GlassesUSA also reaches out to its customers with creative and innovative ways to save money – such as their Autumn Sale 2009.

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Barack Obama Signs Proclamation Save Your Vision Week 2009 – BiCOM with Glaucoma Eye Test Diaton is Preparing to Help

Barack Obama, President of the United States of America proclaims March 1 through March 7, 2009, as Save Your Vision Week. BiCOM Inc home of Glaucoma Eye Test Diaton – non-contact Glaucoma Eye Test through the Eyelid is prepared to assist with vision screenings. Roman Iospa, CEO of BiCOM comments on Presidents support of glaucoma screenings. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to minimize vision loss from eye diseases.

Proclamation by the president of the United Stated of America addresses the important issue of Blindness and visual impairment that affects millions of Americans. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to minimize vision loss from eye diseases. During Save Your Vision Week – Barack Obama encourages all Americans to take action to prevent their vision loss.

BiCOM Inc. home of Glaucoma Eye Test Diaton Tonometer (IOP through the Eyelid), has been a long supporter of preventive glaucoma screenings. At a recent free glaucoma screening event where BiCOM in conjunction with SAVE Program (Sight for a Vision Exchange) and The Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation conducted at New York City Children’s Services in honor of African American Heritage Celebration has revealed many with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) a major risk factor for glaucoma. Patients were referred to an ophthalmologist Dr. Lynnette P. Williams-Young a glaucoma specialist for further evaluation.

Unfortunately, most people have limited knowledge of blinding eye disorders. Based on National Eye Institute 2005 study, only eight percent of respondents knew that glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss and blindness, strikes without early warning. Similarly, glaucoma also begins as a silent vision threat; as per Prevent Blindness America, it is estimated that of those Americans that have glaucoma, only half know they have it. It is estimated that 60 million Americans are at risk for developing glaucoma.

Everyone should be screened, especially with availability of new non-invasive (over the eyelid) glaucoma screening technology aka “Glaucoma Eye Test” Diaton tonometer available to optometrists, ophthalmologists and general physicians, enabling doctors to quickly and painlessly screen individuals at risk.

Several demographic groups are at higher risk for visual impairment, including teenagers, diabetics, Hispanics, African Americans, and the economically disadvantaged. Older Americans are more susceptible to eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Children need regular vision screenings because vision disorders left untreated during childhood can lead to permanent visual impairment during adulthood.

President Obama stated, “Eye disease knows no bounds, and every American should take steps to protect his or her eyesight.”

To remind Americans about the importance of safeguarding their eyesight, the Congress, by joint resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 629; 36 U.S.C. 138), has authorized and requested the President to proclaim the first week in March of each year as “Save Your Vision Week.”

“I’m pleased to see that President Barack Obama, with only weeks in the office is addressing an important issue of blindness, its early detection and timely treatment. My whole team at BiCOM Inc., and our partners are ready to continue our efforts and act on a larger scale by reaching out to many more people through awareness, training, glaucoma screening events and making “Glaucoma Eye Test” Diaton tonometer available to all that are willing to participate,“ said Roman Iospa, CEO of BiCOM Inc.

From the website of the White House:http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Save-Your-Vision-Week-2009/

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 1 through March 7, 2009, as Save Your Vision Week. During this time, I invite eye care professionals, teachers, members of the media, and all organizations dedicated to preserving eyesight to join in activities that will raise awareness of vision diseases and disorders.”

About BiCOM Inc:
BiCOM, with its 15 years of tradition and global clientele, has proven to be the enterprise of the highest level of professionalism, integrity and financial solvency. A unique team of engineers, medical, legal and business experts makes BiCOM Inc. the right place for global talent to find support and guidance. BiCOM Inc. sees its mission in bringing to market innovative products developed and manufactured worldwide. More about Diaton tonometer:
TonometerDiaton.com

BiCOM represents and supports Glaucoma Eye Test aka Diaton tonometers in over 50 countries and growing. BiCOM conducts Free Glaucoma Screening Events throughout the Globe.
BiCOM-Ophthalmic.com

Via EPR Network
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GlassesUSA announced a partnership with the Lions Club this week

GlassesUSA announced a partnership with the Lions Club this week. The partnership will consist of taking used eyeglasses and returned prescription eyeglasses and donating them to the Uniontown Lions Club.

The partnership is a new development for GlassesUSA as it hopes to change the way people view eyecare and eyeglasses. Vision care has long been a luxury in the United States as opposed to a necessity. Lions Clubs all over the United States have taken to the streets to find old and used eyeglasses in order to produce a wearable eyeglass frame with new lenses. The new eyeglasses are then given to those who need them most – people who cannot afford eyeglasses.

GlassesUSA is proud to be a part of such a union. Eyeglasses returned by customers will be sent to the Uniontown Lions Club for collection. The glasses will then be recycled and sent to a re-manufacturing plant. From there, new lenses are manufactured suited to fit the needs of the future wearer. The eyeglasses are then sent to the people who need them the most.

As part of the partnership, GlassesUSA will give customers who donate their used eyeglasses a 10% discount on future frames with the presentation of a receipt from the Lions Club. Those interested in sending in their frames should send them to:
Uniontown Lions Club
C/O Bob Kendall
81 Pontius RD.
Mogadore, OH 44260

Once customers have sent their glasses in along with their email address, a receipt will be given to them via email. In order to receive the discount, the customer must email the receipt to support@glassesusa.com to receive the coupon code.

For additional information, contact Hillary or visit GlassesUSA.com.

Via EPR Network
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Diaton Tonometer Allows Glaucoma Screening To Be Done Simply, Quickly And Painlessly

Driving is a demanding activity. Drivers must see obstacles or hazards, straight ahead or in their peripheral visual field, consider the possible reactions of others, estimate the time and distance, decide upon their action and then react accordingly. Driving safety depends on many external factors as well as the condition of the driver.

Visual impairment is one of the factors in the decision to deny a person the right to drive. Losing one’s driving license is a major limitation in their lifestyle and day to day routine. Because vision is the most important factor during driving, many driving related injuries are a result of vision problems.

As per Survey of Ophthalmology, “visual acuity is related to crash involvement, whereas peripheral vision appears to play a more critical role.” One of such visual impairments may be caused by glaucoma. Glaucoma is characterized by abnormally high intraocular pressure (IOP), the pressure inside the eye. This can cause a loss of peripheral vision, which makes it more difficult to see a pedestrian or vehicle approaching from the side; in
essence creating a large blind spot.

Vision loss due to glaucoma is irreversible. However, increased intraocular (eye) pressure (IOP) is easy to screen for and detect in early stages, allowing the prevention of any further loss of sight. Routine screening can be performed by your general physician or eye care professional.

BiCOM Inc. with its unique new screening device, Diaton Tonometer, now allows this eye test to be done simply, quickly and painlessly. The Diaton Tonometermeasures intraocular pressure (IOP) Through the Eyelid, avoiding the commonly known discomfort of screening through the cornea. For the first time,Diaton Tonometry requires no contact with the cornea. Measurement is done through the upper eye lid, over the sclera, eliminating any risk of infection or discomfort.

“Too many people believe they can tell if they’re developing glaucoma,” says Dr. Gregory K. Harmon, Chairman of the Glaucoma Foundation. However, it is estimated that half of those suffering damage from glaucoma, do not know they have it. The disease has come to be called the “silent thief of sight” because it often strikes without any symptoms.

A peripheral impairment of the visual field is a reason for denying a driving license in most states in the USA. For many who do not experience any visual symptoms, it comes as a shock when they are denied renewal of their drivers license based on visual field defect or poor peripheral vision.

Patients with visual field defects, commonly due to glaucoma, have double the incidence of road accidents or traffic violations as compared to those with a full visual field according to a study by Johnson & Keltner. More importantly, almost half of those with visual field loss were unaware of any problem with peripheral vision.

You cannot influence the risk factors for glaucoma. However, you can take measures to detect the problem at an early stage and stop any further damage to your vision. Doing so will prevent it from affecting your driving safety and interfering with your routine lifestyle. Ask your doctor about routine glaucoma screening with the Diaton Tonometer, even if you think your vision is normal. Problems may be easier to correct if caught at an early stage.

About BiCOM Inc.
BiCOM, with its 15 years of tradition and global clientele, has proven to be the enterprise of the highest level of professionalism, integrity and financial solvency. A unique team of engineers, medical, legal and business experts makes BiCOM Inc. the right place for global talent to find support and guidance. BiCOM Inc. sees its mission in bringing to market innovative products developed and manufactured worldwide.

As of January 2008, BiCOM represents and supports Diaton tonometer in over 30 countries and growing with each day…

Says Mr. Boris Kun, President of BiCOM Inc: “Diaton Tonometer is a revolutionary device and signifies a new stage in Optometry and Ophthalmology!”

BiCOM Inc., with a release of tonometer Diaton to US is committing to a mission of preventing blindness caused by glaucoma.

Via EPR Network
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