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News


Refresh PM disappeared from store shelves last fall, much to the dismay of people with severe dry eye.



In this interview, we speak with Dave Gibson, Associate VP of Consumer Eyecare at Allergan and ask him:



* What happened?

* What alternatives are available?

* When will Refresh PM will be back on store shelves?!




ODwire.org members can comment in this thread.

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Webinar



Soft contacts frequently decenter temporally, which can lead to sub-optimal visual outcomes.


In this ODwire.org webinar, Drs. Matt Lampa and Stephanie Ramdass discuss the science behind this decentration, and how the NEW OptiSync Technology allows you to offset the multifocal optics from the center of the lens and target alignment with the patient’s visual axis.




Registered ODwire.org members can comment on the technology (and multifocal fits in general!) in this thread.

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Interview



The FTC is proposing changes to the Contact Lens Rule that can impact both clinicians and patients alike.


In this InSight Studio interview, we speak with Edward S. Bennett, O.D., M.S.Ed., Chair of the Contact Lens and Cornea Section Council of the American Optometric Association about the proposed changes, and how docs can help prevent illegal contact lens sales.


Remember to report any illegal sales to the AOA via e-mail at StopIllegalCLs@aoa.org



Registered ODwire.org members can comment on the proposed changes in this thread

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Practice Management

An ODwire.org member reports that based on the latest CMS data, Only 409 optometrists reported CPT code 65778 (placement of an amniotic membrane) in 2017.


That 409 docs represents approximately 1% of the total number of practicing ODs in the US.


That, in our opinion, is both disappointing and shocking.


And represents a major missed opportunity both for patient and doctor alike.


Read more about the statistics, and why so few docs are working with amniotic membrane technology.


Do you utilize amniotic membranes in your practice?
If not, why not?


Weigh in!


… and if you’re interested in the topic, also take a listen to an interview we did with Dr. Sheila Morrison of UH on the importance of amniotic membranes to practitioners today:


Registered users can read more and comment here.

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Interview



Dr. Fontana (aka optometry’s “Uncle Frank, The King of Contact Lenses”), in his 69th year attending SECO (!!), talks about being a pioneer the field of contact lenses, and what the future might hold for ECPs.



He also gives a shout-out to our own Paul Farkas and Ted Kassalow, who were also party to this history.


Registered ODwire.org members can reminisce and ask Uncle Frank questions in this thread

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News

Update: Optometry Cares is offering $4k grants for all ODs impacted by the recent storms – you don’t need to be an AOA member to benefit.

IMPORTANT LINKS

OFDR Website: http://www.aoafoundation.org/ofdr/

OFDR Application: http://www.aoafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/OFDR-Grant-Criteria-Application-with-W-9-2015.pdf

Donation Link: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=aoa&id=1

ODwire.org Classifieds: (post in Help Wanted if looking for work, all fees waived)
https://www.odwire.org/classifieds/

Texas Optometric Associationhttp://texas.aoa.org

Tips for affected ODs that TOA sent out:
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/…Storm.html?soid=1101264306992&aid=xTwoNqRd6ok

Classifieds for relief/work for TOA members:
http://texas.aoa.org/x8642.xml

Classifieds ads can be posted by non-members currently by emailing:
TOAdesk@txeyedoctors.com

Discuss here …

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News

IMPORTANT LINKS

OFDR Website: http://www.aoafoundation.org/ofdr/

OFDR Application: http://www.aoafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/OFDR-Grant-Criteria-Application-with-W-9-2015.pdf

Donation Link: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=aoa&id=1

ODwire.org Classifieds: (post in Help Wanted if looking for work, all fees waived)
https://www.odwire.org/classifieds/

Texas Optometric Associationhttp://texas.aoa.org

Tips for affected ODs that TOA sent out:
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/…Storm.html?soid=1101264306992&aid=xTwoNqRd6ok

Classifieds for relief/work for TOA members:
http://texas.aoa.org/x8642.xml

Classifieds ads can be posted by non-members currently by emailing:
TOAdesk@txeyedoctors.com

Discuss here …

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News

We have a long thread discussing the impact of Hurricane Harvey on ODwire.org Site members. Many in Houston have had their offices flooded out.



After communicating with the AOA, we learned that they have relief programs and funds in place for those ODs impacted by the storm.



Here is the letter we received from Jon Hymes at the AOA:

Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief, a program of Optometry Cares — The AOA Foundation, has since its inception provided more than $500,000 to doctors of optometry who have endured losses from natural disasters. As with our rapid mobilization in response to last years’ floods in Louisiana, the objective right now in Texas is to provide rapid and direct financial support to ODs at the earliest possible point, and that mobilization in close coordination with the Texas Optometric Association, is already underway.

Certainly, this is an especially important moment to support Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief and to spread the word about this uniquely targeted and very necessary initiative. Here’s more information on how to get involved now, including by making an online donation:

http://www.aoafoundation.org/ofdr/

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=aoa&id=1

I salute your special concern about how this devastating storm will impact doctors of optometry, and your desire to actively back proven relief and recovery efforts. Thank you!

Jon

Again, the link to donate is here.

Share your stories of the storm and updates in this ongoing thread.

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Technology

After a whole bunch of coding, We are happy to announce today the roll-out of our ALL-NEW ODwire.org Classifieds area.

It’s got many new features, including cross-posting in our banner ads that run at the top of the screen, running on the home page of the site, and in other locations on social media.

Other classifieds in eye care cost way too much — like $300 – 400 per listing (ugh). Listing on Ebay can be up to 10% of the sale price (double-ugh…)

We’ve made the price low in hopes that folks will find it a good value. By piggybacking off the rest of the ODwire.org infrastructure, we can keep the cost low.

The ODwire.org Classifieds will always be looking for ways to improve the product. As with ODwire.org, we want to keep it user friendly and a worthwhile visit to see what’s for sale and us using the best marketing to sell your equipment or practice.

I was one of the test users during the Classified’s beta period. I’m a technophobe. Adam made this classified so simple to use that even I was able to get around to see what’s for sale and place an listing with no problem.

For Supporting Members there is a loyalty discount. Supporting Members can visit this thread for the proper code.

Give it a shot 🙂 If you’ve got any questions, just ask!

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If you’re an eye care professional or want to reach ECPs, there’s no less expensive way than with ODwire.org Classifieds.  Why? 1. Reach ODwire.org is the largest social network exclusively for ECPs – over 21,000 ODs are members of the site. 2. Low cost Most classified sites in eye care charge hundreds of dollars up-front, …