There is significant healing power in the doctor-patient relationship. If we work together in these relationships, significant improvement can occur to our patient’s quality of life and health status.

We are all seeing an increasing number of presbyopes in our practices, as the baby boomer population bubble enters that stage of life where wisdom causes the loss of focus. There are many challenges we as doctors need to address within this population, including contact lens wear.

Otolaryngologists (ENTs) have it easy. They can instruct their patients not to stick anything in their ears that is smaller than their elbows, and not only is it sound medical advice, but it has a fairly high rate of compliance. Eyecare professionals (ECPs) who fit contact lenses, on the other hand, have a more difficult hill to climb because we purposely put materials in our patients’ eyes, an impossible feat without biocompatible products.

At the heart of every optometric dispensary lies the important job of managing the frame board inventory. This task can appear to be challenging at times, but by following some simple strategies, it will lead to success.

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.

Alden Optical recently acquired Fluoresoft, the only high molecular weight fluorescent solution available in the U.S., from Holles Laboratories, Inc.

Alcon says it is looking to “transform eye care” as it adds a new member to its leadership team.

Researchers are developing a prototype contact lens for the blind that would translate images into a Braille-like sensation felt on the eye using small electric impulses.

At the recent Vision Council Executive Summit meeting, market trend analyst Brian Beaulieu from the Institute for Trend Research advised attendees on "making their move" in 2014 through 2017.

The majority of employees are regularly affected by at least one visual disturbance at work that could diminish their performance, with most taking multiple breaks during the day to rest their eyes, according to new research sponsored by Transitions Optical, Inc.

Adenoviral conjunctivitis (Ad-CS) has never been so popular a topic as it is right now. With over 26 million viewers tuning in to watch the Olympics, Americans have watched Bob Costas’s unilateral conjunctivitis worsen, then become bilateral. His ocular condition prompted many commentators to remark, “Can’t someone help him?”

A few months ago, I began to see what may be a little more progression on her OCT studies. I’m fairly confident that we’re in a good place right now as far as compliance is concerned, and I’m entering a crossroads with her regarding possibly adding therapy vs. getting a consult for a laser procedure, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), vs. getting a cataract consult.

With the advent of advanced anterior segment imaging, we as optometrists are tasked with the responsibility of going beyond knowing the basics of the eye’s anatomy.

I was fortunate to attend last week’s launch event for Bausch & Lomb’s new silicone hydrogel contact lens, Ultra. This unique entry into the silicone hydrogel line contains a formulation of three silicone molecules combined with a high PVP content and manufactured using MoistureSeal technology, yielding a contact lens with high oxygen transmissibility and low modulus.

Bausch + Lomb has begun the initial rollout of its Ultra monthly replacement silicone hydrogel contact lens with MoistureSeal technology.

Digital eye strain is caused by the overuse of digital devices such as computers and smartphones. Because these electronic devices are designed to be used and held within close range of the eyes, after a while, the eyes become strained as they continue to refocus to process the images on the digital screen.

Mexican industry leaders joined Optometry Giving Sight in Mexico to help eliminate avoidable blindness and to improve access to sustainable eye care in Mexico.

Leaders of the American Optometric Association (AOA), Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO), Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), and the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) held a facilitated 2-day meeting as the Inter-Organizational Communications and Cooperation Committee (IOCCC) to come to a better understanding of each organization’s operating realities, vision for the future, and stakeholder requirements.