Critical Issues in Eyecare: An MD/OD Conversation

Q7: How do we measure OPD ROI and monetize the advanced diagnostic test regimen?   From the Marco Power Forum III, New Orleans, LA  with: Larry Patterson, MD Mitch Jackson, MD Cynthia Matossian, MD Neda Shamie, MD Toby Tyson, MD   For more visit https://marco.com

Q6: How do you manage patient expectations and IOL selection?   From the Marco Power Forum III, New Orleans, LA  with: Larry Patterson, MD Mitch Jackson, MD Cynthia Matossian, MD Neda Shamie, MD Toby Tyson, MD   For more visit https://marco.com

Q5: How do we characterize and localize Astigmatisms within the optical pathway?   From the Marco Power Forum III, New Orleans, LA  with: Larry Patterson, MD Mitch Jackson, MD Cynthia Matossian, MD Neda Shamie, MD Toby Tyson, MD   For more visit https://marco.com

Q4: How do you identify OSD in patients, and what measures are required before proceeding with surgery?   From the Marco Power Forum III, New Orleans, LA  with: Larry Patterson, MD Mitch Jackson, MD Cynthia Matossian, MD Neda Shamie, MD Toby Tyson, MD   For more visit https://marco.com/

Q3: What are the multi-function benefits of using an integrated Wavefront Aberrometer, registered on the patient’s optical center?   From the Marco Power Forum III, New Orleans, LA  with: Larry Patterson, MD Mitch Jackson, MD Cynthia Matossian, MD Neda Shamie, MD Toby Tyson, MD   For more visit https://marco.com/

What wavefront data do you use to select EDOF IOLs for patients? From the Marco Power Forum III, New Orleans, LA  with: Larry Patterson, MD Mitch Jackson, MD Cynthia Matossian, MD Neda Shamie, MD Toby Tyson, MD   For more visit https://marco.com/

How does data from Angles Alpha & Kappa, Corneal SA, Coma, pupil size, and Corneal vs. Lenticular Astigmatism improve your premium IOL selections and outcomes? From the Marco Power Forum III, New Orleans, LA  with: Larry Patterson, MD Mitch Jackson, MD Cynthia Matossian, MD Neda Shamie, MD Toby Tyson, MD   For more visit https://marco.com/

In this episode of Critical Issues in EyeCare Nate Bonilla-warfor, OD talks with John Scibal, OD, CBA about retirement planning.  About John Scibal, OD, CBA: Dr. John R. Scibal’s career is focused in both optometry business appraising and management consulting. He is fully certified by the Institute of Business Appraisers (CBA). While working as a practicing optometrist for 25 years, Dr. Scibal developed one of the largest and most successful independent optometric practices in North Carolina. A veteran lecturer throughout the U.S., Dr. Scibal is also a prolific author who has written extensively on a wide range of practice management topics. In addition, he provides consulting services for contact lens and medical software companies.   Q: When is the right time to think about retirement? A: Right now!   No matter what stage you are in your career, you can prepare for retirement.  Retirement in 20 years: Watch the metrics! Especially net revenue Grow the practice - $800,000 Have an associate doctor early Don’t neglect optical Culture of customer service Weekly Staff meetings Consider specialty services Retirement 3 to 5 years away: Things to watch: Steady revenue Curb appeal Invest in technology  Time of sale Use an unbiased consultant to limit emotional involvement Get an appraisal What to do afterward? Stay on or not? Stay on for no more than a year Often comes down to financial constraints of practice and selling doctor

** This is the second episode of a 3-part series featuring the Marco Power Forum. **  This is the audio from the the Marco Power Forum 2, recorded at the Bevelo Gas Lantern Gallery meeting 2013 in New Orleans.  The topic is Optimizing Surgical Outcomes with Refractive Wavefront Technology. Participants in the Marco Power Forum 1 were: Larry Patterson, MD - Moderator James J. Salz, MD Cynthia Matossian, MD Mitchell A. Jackson, MD (Co-host of Critical Issues) Jonathan D. Solomon, MD Farrell "Toby" Tyson, MD JC Noreika, MD You can watch the video the event here at Marco.com at the X-Fracton page: https://marco.com/products/xfraction-process/opd-scan-iii-wavefront-aberrometer/ The audio from the Power Forum 2 will be posted soon. 

** This is the first episode of a 3-part series featuring the Marco Power Forum. **  This is the audio from the the Marco Power Forum 1, recorded at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting 2011 in Orlando.  The topic is Optimizing Surgical Outcomes with Refractive Wavefront Technology. Participants in the Marco Power Forum 1 were: Larry Patterson, MD - Moderator Arturo Chayet, MD Damien Gatinel, MD Mitchell A. Jackson, MD (Co-host of Critical Issues) Jonathan D. Solomon, MD Kerry D. Solomon, MD Farrell "Toby" Tyson, MD Paolo Vinciguerra, MD You can watch the video the event here at Marco.com at the X-Fracton page: https://marco.com/products/xfraction-process/opd-scan-iii-wavefront-aberrometer/ A full transcript of the Marco Power Forum 1 can be found: https://marco.com/media/1646/optimizing_powerforum.pdf The audio from the Power Forum 2 will be posted soon. 

In this episode of Critical Issues in EyeCare: An MD/OD Conversation, Hosts Mitchell Jackson, MD and Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD talk about an issue that effects eye doctors daily: co-management.  Critical Issues tackled this topic 4 years ago in a conversation between  JC Norieka, MD and Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD, and optometric veteran Dr. Lou Catania. You can find that here or any podcatcher.  Key points from that episode: The importance of trust Co-manage is benefits The role EMR and technology ACA and future of health care,  In this new episode we discuss: Changes that have or haven’t happened since  ASCRS/AAO Joint Guidelines on Co-ManagementImportance of  Proper paperwork Florida law HB-239 Proper coding Transfer of care HIPAA Need for co-management will persist

Hosts Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD and Mitchell Jackson, MD talk about the upcoming Power Forum 3, brought to you by Marco Technologies.  As part of the Marco@50 anniversary celebration. Marco is hosting the Power Forum III at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting Friday, November 10th. LOCATION: ‘Bourbon Vieux’ is an event venue in the heart of the French Quarter of NOLA. This second floor setting has all the original old world character of New Orleans, with the largest wrap-around balcony in the quarter.  

By special request, we have a special treat for this episode. Sue Corwin, who has been with Marco for 25 years and serves as the Director of Training and Education talks with Dr. Nate Bonilla-Warford about two subjects.  The first segment is the Marco Institute of Vision Technology, a multi-day training at Marco's headquarters in Jacksonville, FL. Sue and other instructors cover the how, but more importantly the why, behind manual and automated refraction. Attendees come from all over the world for this training.  The second segment covers many of the convenient tips that doctors and staff may have forgtten or did not full grasp when learning how to refract with the TRS-5100 automated refraction system. Trust us, this is one that you do not want to miss! Thank you to Sue for taking the time from her teaching schedule to share these insights with us. If you have questions, you can reach Sue at Marco's headquarters at 1-800-874-5274 x 142. 

This episode brings a new voice to the Critical Issues in Eye Care podcast -  students.  Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD met with four students who are all in their 2nd or 3rd year of training at the Illinois College of Optometry.  Kristin Elise Dzierwa Alex Wiss Aaron Nichols Brandon Zeeben The discussion was real and lively. Some of the topics that were discussed were: Are they getting enough training for business ownership What do students think about eyecare provider supply? How important is it to specialize? What is their 5 to 10 year outlook? What are the pros and cons of optometric residency? How do students perceive advanced technology and electronic records What do students worry about regarding the future of optometry? What about student debt? How do they communicate with practicing doctors? What advice would they give undergrads considering eye care? What, as millennials, would they tell older doctors? Thanks to these students for donating their time for the podcast.   

This is a brief mini-episode to say thank you to all our listeners and to share that we are excited about the future of Critical Issues In Eyecare: An MD/OD Conversation. We'd like to know what you think of the podcast and what we can do to make it better. Please take one minute to fill out this 5-question survey. Your input will help us produce quality shows in the future! The link to the anonymous survey is: tinyurl.com/MDODpodcast Thank you! -Nate and Mitch  

Join us for this important discussion on the role of trade shows in the eyecare industry. G. Timothy Petito, OD, Director of Professional Relations at Marco, joins regular hosts Mitchel Jackson, MD and Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD to talk about about the eye care meetings and the reasons to go to them. Subjects that are covered: What does the Director of Professional Relations do? What it takes for a company to prepare for a professional meeting. What is the ROI of going to a meeting?  Education time vs in-office Diverse experiences Show Savings Should you bring staff? Yes!  Morale Buy-In Recommendations Pearls: Have a strategy Have a schedule Plan in flexibility, too! Ask around.  Maximizing Opportunities on the Exhibit Floor: Take advantage of possible test drives (not available with refractive workstation builds in the practices) Take advantage of other partners and Staff at the meetings Set specific appointments at exhibitor workstations during the meeting Attend in-booth workshops with product specialists available Tap into peer opinions on the floor Take advantage of all competitive technologies at your disposal- maximize your efficiencies Typically capitalize on best pricing  About Dr. Petito: Dr. Petito is an internationally known author and lecturer on various topics relating to ocular care. He has published several books and numerous articles in national publications and continues to serve in editorial positions. He has been in practice in St. Petersburg, Florida, since 1989. In his private practice, Dr. Petito specializes not only in low vision but also in “hard to fit” contact lens patients. He has been the American Optometric Association’s primary representative to the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement of the American Medical Association since 2009, and has served on the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement’s Screening and Preventative Care Workgroup since 2008. He was inducted into the National Academy of Practice in 2009. You can reach him at tpetito@marco.com.   . 

For this episode of Critical Issues in EyeCare: An MD/OD Conversation hosts Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD and Mitchell Jackson, MD are joined by  John Novak, OD. He discusses a subject near and dear to his heart - giving back to the community by volunteering eye care services.   Some of the topics include: The satisfaction of helping those in need Local and international opportunities Monetary and Time donation  Press and recognition    Some of organization that were mentioned in the show are:  Eyecare International - http://www.eyecareint.org/ VOSH International - http://vosh.org/ Lions Club International - http://www.lionsclubs.org/ Vision Is Priceless - http://www.visionispriceless.org/ VisionUSA - http://www.aoafoundation.org/vision-usa/ About Dr. Novak: Dr. John Novak grew up in the Cleveland area, graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2001 and is a 2005 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Dr. Novak completed a hospital-based residency at the Wade Park Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 2005-2006. He gained additional experience with the U.S. Public Health Service working on the Navajo Indian Reservation near Canyon de Chelly, AZ. Dr. Novak also participated in the Student Volunteers for Optometric Services to Humanity with a trip to the Dominican Republic in 2004, providing eye exams to those in need. He also has traveled to El Salvador in humanitarian efforts and provided exams in Cleveland and Columbus for those with low-income families.

Join us for this important discussion on payment models in the eyecare industry. Lawyer Allison Shuren joins regular hosts Mitchel Jackson, MD and Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD to talk about about the change payment landscape. New payment models for eyecare are discussed, such as pay-for-performance, bundled disease state management, capitated risk arrangements, and collaborative care.     Topics include: Is pay-for-performance a new trend? Or an old one "on steroids"?  How can doctors push back against these changes?   Can these changes be expected to impact the relationship between optometrists and ophthalmologists?   Do these payment systems essentially mandate EMR in the practice?   And, the million dollar question, what affect will the US election have on the new payment systems?    About Allison Shuren:   Allison Shuren co-chairs the Life Sciences and Healthcare Regulation Practice and advises a wide range of health care clients on regulatory, compliance, enforcement, and legislative matters. Her clients include large international manufacturers of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biologics, emerging companies with early stage concepts, hospitals and integrated health networks, ambulatory surgery centers, diagnostic testing facilities, clinical laboratories, dialysis centers physicians, physician practice management companies, and developers of mobile and digital health technology. A primary focus of Ms. Shuren’s practice is compliance with health regulatory requirements, especially the healthcare fraud and abuse laws. She counsels on complex referral arrangements as well as sales and marketing programs, including discounts and rebates, represents clients in government investigations and qui tam actions involving False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, and health care fraud allegations. She regularly interacts with the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the US Department of Justice, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. She also leads internal compliance investigations and regulatory due diligence related acquisitions and investments. Ms. Shuren’s goal is to be a trusted advisor who helps clients meet legal requirements while achieving success in a competitive healthcare marketplace.  

What is the next big thing in eyecare?  New surgical devices? 3D Printing? Telemedicine?   Dr. George Waring IV joins regular hosts Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD and Mitchelle Jackson, MD to take on this subject.      About George Waring IV, MD:  George O. Waring IV, MD FACS is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, the Director of Refractive Surgery at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Storm Eye Institute and serves as the Medical Director at Magill Vision Center. Dr. Waring also serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at the College of Engineering and Science at Clemson University.  Prior to joining faculty at MUSC,  Dr. Waring specialized in corneal refractive, cataract and intraocular lens surgery in a private practice in Ohio. He has served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Emory University School of Medicine, and a Staff Ophthalmologist at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Atlanta, GA.  Dr. Waring IV is a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology.  Dr. Waring IV has received numerous awards and distinctions for excellence in ophthalmology including the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award, the Intraocular Implant and Refractive Society Gold Medal Award and the Patients’ Choice Award.  He has been recognized as one of the Nation’s Top Doctors in Ophthalmology by Castle Connolly’s Guide to America’s Top Ophthalmologists, and as a Top Ophthalmologist and Leading Physician of the world by the International Association of Ophthalmologists.

  For this episode, Nate and Mitch discuss the MD/OD practice with Walt Whitley, OD.  Topics include: Is Optometric Residency necessary to practice in an MD/OD practice? What about MD Fellowship?  How is the changing medical landscape affecting MD/OD practice? The modern MD/OD mix, does ownership matter? What about state licensure/credentialing variability? Has the  MD/OD relationship improved in the last few decades? Diagnostic equipment and education.  More About Walt Whitley, OD: Dr. Walter Whitley is the director of optometric services at Virginia Eye Consultants and serves several important roles including consultative eye care, clinical research, practice development and the supervision of an extensive referral network. He is a 2002 graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry and completed a residency in ocular disease, refractive and ocular surgery at Eye Care Associates of Nevada. In 2009, he completed his master’s in business administration for the University of Nevada, Reno. Prior to joining Virginia Eye Consultants, Dr. Whitley served as medical optometrist for Eye Care Associates of Nevada in the Reno and Las Vegas offices and helped develop one of the largest optometric referral centers in Nevada.

For this podcast we have a very special guest: Myra Cherchio, COMT, who is Director of Clinical Operations at St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute In this episode, we tackle one of the most challenging topics for any practice: staff.  Some of the topics that we talk about are:   - Finding and hiring qualified staff - Training staff  - Keeping qualified - Engaging staff daily - Creating a practice environment with a balance   About St. Luke's:   St. Luke’s was founded in 1968 by Dr. James P. Gills. In 1974, Dr. Gills’ practice at St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute became the first practice in the United States dedicated solely to cataract treatment through the use of intraocular lenses.  St. Luke’s surgeons became widely regarded as authorities on the treatment of many types of eye conditions. Today, led by Pit Gills, MD, St. Luke’s continues the legacy of innovation, thoughtful adoption of new technologies and an unsurpassed commitment to patient care. St. Luke’s main location is in Tarpon Springs. The 78,000-square-foot facility houses our full service, state-of-the-art equipped ophthalmology clinic and an AAAHC accredited ambulatory surgery center with six operating rooms, 2 laser treatment rooms and  a 12-bed recovery area, making it one of the largest freestanding ambulatory eye care centers in the United States. St. Luke’s serves patients in six locations throughout the state of Florida including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Spring Hill and The Villages.      

With Third Party having driven care for so long, what is a doctor to do? How does a doctor survive? Our hosts Mitchell Jackson, MD and Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD tackle this subject with Guy Kezirian, MD. We talk about: - What’s driving the move to private pay.- Alpheon - subspecialties that are more likely to succeed with concierge care - And more! Just a few of the projects Dr. Kezirian has going on: - Founding partner, Strathspey Crown LLC / ALPHAEON Inc. - Program Chair, Physician CEO™ - Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University - Founder, Refractive Surgery Alliance, a professional organization to promote the growth and impact of refractive surgery. - Contributions: Conducted several successful FDA studies for ophthalmic devices. Many peer-review publications, trade-journal publications, text book chapters, and presentations. Founder of the SurgiVision Consultants, Inc., Physician CEO™, Refractive Surgery Alliance. Founding investor at Strathspey Crown LLC. - Best Practices in Medical Research. A survey of the current best-practices for conducting collaborative medical research directed at translational applications.

For this episde, Mitchell Jackson, MD and Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD talk about the solo doctor practice. Can it survive? 

For this episode of Critical Issues in Eyecare: An OD/MD Conversation we tackle the future of refractive surgery with Eric Donnenfeld, MD. Where have the LASIK/PRK patients gone?  What is expected about how millennials will embrace refractive surgery? Does collagen cross linking play a role in refractive surgery? Does the new DNA testing Avellino improve overall conversions and/or volume of LVC procedures due to added safety concept? Will the refractive market rebound? Have PROWL study positive outcomes impacted overall volumes yet? Lots of smack about the recent Stanley Cup.    About Eric Donnenfeld, MD Eric Donnenfeld, MD, FAAO, has been performing refractive surgery since 1989 and was one of the first surgeons in the world to do laser vision correction and was involved in the first studies that eventually led to the approval of the excimer laser. During a career spanning more than 20 years, Dr. Donnenfeld has successfully helped tens of thousands of patients achieve better vision, including more than 1,000 fellow eye doctors and their families. He is also an experienced corneal surgeon and has performed more than 2,500 corneal transplant procedures.  In recognition of his accomplishments and excellent track record in the field of refractive surgery, Dr. Donnenfeld has been honored with numerous awards, including the prestigious Senior Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In 2005, Dr. Donnenfeld was chosen as the National Cataract and Refractive Surgeon of the Year by the journal Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today. He is also a recipient of the VISX Star Award, an honor bestowed upon a few refractive surgeons nationwide.

For the 15th episode of Critical Issues In Eyecare: An MD/OD Conversation, we are joined by Thomas Pusateri, MD to discuss the eyewear optical and its place in modern eyecare.   Among other topics we ask Dr. Pusateri:      1. Eyecare professionals are concerned about decreasing reimbursement. Is optical an answer to this?   2. Why don't more ophthalmologists have opticals? 3. Do you think online eyewear is a big concern? 4. In your opinion, does having a successful optical affect your relationship with ODs? Can an MD have an optical without threatening OD co-management relationships? 5. How do MDs learn about optical management? Was this part of your training? 6. How does having an optical within an MD practice improve the quality of care to patients?   About Dr. Pusateri: Thomas Pusateri, MD is an owner of Florida Eye Center in Tampa, FL. Dr. Pusateri, a native of Chicago, was honored with the Dean’s award as USF School of Medicine’s Outstanding 1984 graduate. He received advanced medical training at Northwestern University in Chicago and the University of South Florida. A member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Pusateri is a comprehensive ophthalmologist treating patients of all ages. He has special interests in pediatric eye care and complex glaucoma management including SLT laser treatment. 

For this episode of Critical Issues in Eyecare: An MD/OD Conversation, we feature a conversation with one of the world's experts in myopia control, Dr. Jeff Waline from The Ohio State University. The myopia epidemic is an an incredibly hot topic in vision care. And we are lucky to have had this opportunity to talk to Dr. Walline.    These are some of the questions that hosts Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD and Mitchel Jackson, MD, ask him   1. Some doctors feel that the 'myopia epidemic' is due to increased detection of myopia. What evidence do you share with them to persuade them that there is an increase in myopia? 2. What are the causes of the this increase? 3. What are the most effective methods of myopia control? Which is most commonly employed? 4. What forms of myopia control fair the best in terms of rebound after cessation of treatment? 5. How beneficial is myopia control if the child still has to wear glasses or contact lenses to be able to see? 6. Do you anticipate sending kids for collagen crosslinking once FDA approved? 7. What's in the works regarding the study of soft multifocal contacts for myopia control? What are some research/papers that will be coming out on this topic?    About Dr. Walline:   Jeffrey J. Walline, OD PhD received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry in 1996, and he received a Master’s degree in Physiological Optics from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 1998. He completed a PhD degree in Vision Science from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 2002. Dr. Walline has conducted several pediatric contact lens studies to evaluate the effect of contact lens wear on myopia progression and children's self-perceptions. Dr. Walline is the Chair of the Bifocal Lenses In Nearsighted Kids (BLINK) Study, a multicenter randomized clinical trial enrolling nearly 300 children that is sponsored by the National Eye Institute. He also teaches Vision of Children and Specialty Contact Lenses to third year optometry students. Dr. Walline also founded the Kids Contact Lens Clinic at the Ohio State University College of Optometry. He examines patients and provides contact lens care and myopia control to young children.    

On the 13th episode of of Critical Issues in Eyecare: An MD/OD Conversation, Toby Tyson, MD joins regular hosts Mitch Jackson, MD, and Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD to talk about the possibly upcoming ophthalmology shortage. The show also included dialogue on delivering quality care to a large number of patients, technology and efficiency, and the impact on OD/MD relationships. About Toby Tyson, MD Dr.  Tyson practices among an elite group of eye physicians leading the research and development of new treatments for cataracts and eye diseases. A Johns Hopkins graduate with a degree in Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Tyson’s contributions continue to assist ophthalmologists worldwide in their ability to offer patients new advancements in vision technology. Dr. Tyson is one of the first in the world to utilize Intraoperative Wavefront Technology during cataract surgery, a technology that will revolutionize cataract surgery. Using sophisticated instruments, Dr. Tyson is able to capture real-time refractive measurements of the patient’s eye during surgery. This advanced approach will allow ophthalmologists to tailor intraoperative lenses immediately, reducing or even eliminating the need for postoperative surgery and/or postoperative eyeglasses. Dr. Tyson continues to advance ophthalmic treatments in the area of refractive surgery, performing custom wavefront LASIK, clear lens extraction, implanting contact lenses (ICL) and providing astigmatism reduction. A clinical investigator for numerous studies reviewed by the FDA, Dr. Tyson has demonstrated and lectured on his research and experiences to fellow Ophthalmologists nationwide, and at such prestigious venues as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Turkish Glaucoma Congress in Izmir, the Russian National Ophthalmology Congress in Moscow, the Pan African American Congress of Ophthalmology in Dubai and the Congresses of the European Societies of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in England, Portugal, and Spain. He recently presented at the First International Symposium of Dhahran Eye Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia.    

Former president of the American Optometric Association Dori Carlson joins Mitch Jackson, MD and Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD to talk about about the 2012 AOA/ASCO optometry workforce study In this episode:  A breif review of the the workforce study.  Is there any way this "adequate" supply can be good for the average optometrist? The changing gender ratio of optometrists and what implications this has for the next generation. The advent of technologies that allow a high level of delegation allows ODs to see a substantial amount of more patients and its effect on OD supply. How the increasing OD:OMD ratio over the next decade will change the relationship? What can optometry learn from the oversupply and resultant backlash in the field of law? About Dori Carlson, OD Dr. Carlson is a 1989 graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, OR. She then completed a residency in Hospital-based Rehabilitative Optometry at the American Lake and Seattle VA. In 1990 she opened Heartland Eye Care. Dr. Carlson is active in the North Dakota Optometric Association (having served as the first female President in 1998), the American Optometric Association and the American Public Health Association. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. In 2004 Dr. Carlson was elected to the American Optometric Association Board of Trustees. In June of 2010 she was elected to the position of President Elect and became the Association’s first female President in June 2011. In 1995 Dr. Carlson was honored as the North Dakota Young Optometrist of the Year and Optometrist of the Year in 2003.  

This episode features of Kirk Smick, OD of the Clayton Eye Center discussing spectacle lenses.  For optometrists, is the pendulum swinging back from medical emphasis to visual/refractive care? How is this related to manpower? With ODs practice more medically and some ophthalmologist adding opticals to their practice, how do you think optometrists balance the medical conditions and refractive needs of patients?  How is prescribing of lenses is different than it was in 2000? There are some optometrists that doubt the benefits of modern lens designs. Why do you think this is? What will it take to change this? What is exciting to you about lens prescribing right now? What about the new blue filtering lens options?    About Dr. Smick: Dr. Kirk Smick is Chief of Optometry Services at Clayton Eye Center and an owner of the facility. He graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry and was drafted in the first Doctor’s draft by the US Army. After serving five years of active duty, Dr. Smick began the Clayton Eye Center in 1974 and continued to serve in the Air National Guard, retiring at the rank of Colonel. Dr. Smick is a highly recognized optometrist in the United States. He has been awarded the "Optometrist of the Year" award for the state of Georgia and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He has also served as President of the Georgia Optometric Association, the Georgia State Board of Examiners in Optometry and the Southern Council of Optometrists. He is a frequent lecturer in the U.S. and abroad and currently serves as Chairman of the Continuing Education Committee for the American Optometric Association. Dr. Smick also serves as a technical advisor to many companies in the ophthalmic industry and has helped pioneer several visual advances, including bifocal contact lenses. Dr. Smick has been highly active in community affairs. He is a past president of the Rotary Club and the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce. He is also a graduate of Leadership Atlanta, a prestigious one-year community service program.

Our host Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD talks with Jeff Wipfli, MD, cataract surgeon at St. Lukes Cataract and Laser Institute in the Tampa Bay area.  Drs. Bonilla-Warford and Wipfli talk about modern cataract surgery in a high-volume pracitce: - What are some principles that make a high-volume surgery center successful? - What is your staffing structure like to support this? - What steps are taken to reduce bottlenecks in patient flow? - What role does patient education play in setting patient expectations? - How what are the benefits and challenges of staff delegation? - How has modern diagnostic equipment changed this flow? - How is cataract surgery imrroved over time? About Dr. Wipfli: Dr. Wipfli completed his residency training at the St. Louis University Eye Institute in St. Louis, Missouri, where he received the Rabani Award for Excellence in Patient Care. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and was named Pre-Professional Student of the Year. Before joining St. Luke's, Dr. Wipfli spent nine years in private practice in Oklahoma. Dr. Wipfli has performed more than 40,000 ophthalmic surgeries, including more than 30,000 advanced cataract surgeries.

Join Nate and Mitch as we talk about critical issues in cataract surgery with Kerry Solomon, MD.  Topics include: - Recent tefractive changes in cataract surgey - How many cataract patients want to be less dependent on glasses - Are there trends in multifocal IOLs use? - What kind of language is best to discuss cataract surgery options? - What are upcoming changes in cataract technology? - What about improving compliance with patient post-op eye drops? - What are the biggest reasons that patients delay cataract surgery?   About our guest:  Dr. Solomon has been named one of the “Best Doctors in America” for cataract and refractive (vision correction) surgery. Many popular magazines and newspapers have recognized Dr. Solomon, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Money, Redbook, and Readers Digest. You may have seen him on NBC’s Today and in Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, a PBS series that aired in more than 140 countries. Dr. Solomon has been named to the Executive Committee and Governing Board of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS).

  For this episode we are joined by Marc Bloomenstein, OD.  We continue the discussion of MD/OD relationships within the pracitce. Some of the questions that are asked are: What is the dynamic like between MD and OD in within his practice? Does this change in response to demand or due to strategic planning? Who presents the options to the patients, the OD or the MD? How is technology used in the practice? How to minimize disagreements between professionals? How does having ODs and optical in a surgerical practice affect referal patterns to the practice? About our guest: Dr. Marc R. Bloomenstein is a 1990 graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles with a degree in Biology. He received his optometric degree from the New England College of Optometry in 1994. After graduation, Dr. Bloomenstein finished a residency in secondary ophthalmic care at the Barnet Dulaney Eye Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He received his fellowship from the American Academy of Optometry in December, 1998 and is a founding member of the Optometric Council on Refractive Technology. Moreover, Dr. Bloomenstein is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Southern California College of Optometry and New England College of Optometry. Currently, Dr. Bloomenstein is at the Schwartz Laser Eye Center. Aside from lecturing and publishing on numerous anterior segment and refractive topics, Dr. Bloomenstein is on the editorial board of Primary Care of Optometry and Contemporary Optometry. Dr. Bloomenstein served as the President of the Arizona Optometric Association, as well as an Optometric Advisor to STAAR Surgical and Medtronics Solan. Dr. Bloomenstein is the President of the Board of the Arizona Optometric Charitable Foundation. Dr. Bloomenstein does not have any financial interest in products discussed in his lectures.       

For this episode of Critical Issues in Eyecare, an MD/OD conversation, Nathan Bonilla-Waford, OD and Mitch Jackson, MD talk about the nature of the relationships between MDs and ODs.  Here are some topics covered: How has the MD/OD relationship has changed over the last 20 years? Better, worse, or no different? Is there is a great difference in this relationship between the personal level and the national organization level? Has the OD expanding scope has on this relationship?  Has the change in technology such as as EMR and diagnostic equipment have affected the MD/OD relationship?

For episode #6 of Critical Issues in Eye Care, Drs. Norieka and Bonilla-Warford are joined by Dr. Mitch Jackson - noted cataract surgeon (and DJ!). The topic is XFraction and the various ways it is useful in the eye care setting. About Dr. Jackson:  Mitchell A. Jackson, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and refractive surgery. He received his medical degree from Chicago Medical School, completed his internship at Columbus Hospital and his Ophthalmology residency at University of Chicago Hospitals. Currently, Dr. Jackson is the Founder/Medical Director of Jacksoneye and is also a clinical assistant at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Dr. Jackson has extensive experience in laser vision correction, performing over 30,000 LASIK procedures since its FDA approval for use in 1995. Confident in laser vision correction, Dr. Jackson experienced the LASIK procedure as a patient in May 2000 and is able to explain the procedure from a patient's perspective. Dr. Jackson is involved in many phase 2, 3 and 4 FDA clinical trials such as the the surachoroidal stent for glaucoma treatment at the time of cataract surgery, the One-Piece Tecnis Multifocal Lens Implant, collagen cross-linking for keratoconus and post-Lasik ectasia, and Dry Eye Treatments including the Tear Science device for lid margin disease. He is also the Medical Monitor on various other ophthalmic studies such as intracameral pharmaceuticals in cataract surgery, and serves as the US Ambassador for the Laser ACE procedure for presbyopia being performed internationally.

  If you have wondered what the benefits of wavefront analysis are to eyecare practice, then this show is for you. Our guest is Dr. Paul Karpecki, a prolific optometrist from Kentucky.  Some of the areas covered are: Wavefront analysis in patient education Wavefront in practice efficiency Wavefrot in cataract co-management The patient perception of wavefront analysis And much more...  About Dr. Kapecki: Dr. Karpecki graduated from Indiana University and completed an Optometric Fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at Hunkeler Eye Centers in Kansas City, in affiliation with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1994. He focuses on corneal disease and in particular ocular surface disease and clinical research. He has lectured in over 400 symposia covering four continents and is the first Optometrist to be invited to both the Delphi International Society at Wilmer-John's Hopkins that includes the top 25 dry eye experts in the world, and the National Eye Institute's Dry Eye Committee. This was a task force established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to give a presentation to Congress on better understanding and treating dry eye disease in women. He is the immediate past president of the Optometric Council on Refractive Technology, is current Chair of the Refractive Surgery Advisiory Board to the American Optometric Association (AOA), Chairman of the Topical Interest Group in Refractive Surgery, Chairman of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeon's Task Force on the Integrated Eyecare Delivery System, Chairman of the Kentucky Optometric Association Education Committee and serves on the AOA Congress Education Committee. A noted educator and author, Dr. Karpecki presently serves on seven professional journal editorial boards.    

For the first episode of 2014, we are excited to bring you a conversation with widely-known Richard Lindstrom. We talk about the "seminal" changes he has witnessed in regard to the technology of cataract surgery, the increased expectations of patients in regard to outcome, integrated eyecare delivery, the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, the $500 cataract surgery barrier and more! Dr Richard L Lindstrom, founder and attending surgeon of Minnesota Eye Consultants and Adjunct Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota Department of Ophthalmology, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and internationally recognized leader in corneal, cataract, refractive and laser surgery. He has been at the forefront of ophthalmology's evolutionary changes throughout his career, as a recognized researcher, teacher, inventor, writer, lecturer and highly acclaimed physician and surgeon.

Co-Management has been a hot topic in eye care for years. How will co-management be affected in this time of change? Host JC Norieka, MD and Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD, turn to optometric veteran Lou Catania for a lively discussion.  These are some of the questions we asked: How important is co-management in eyecare today?  How has co-management changed? What are  the drivers of this change? How does having better instrumentation  elevate the comanager's role and lead to better outcomes? What other legal trends affect co-management nationwide? What aboiut OD to OD comanagement? How has the nature of the communication between the surgeon and co-managing doctor changed? About Dr. Catania Dr. Louis J. (Lou) Catania is an internationally acclaimed clinical educator, author and a recognized expert in corneal disorders, refractive surgery and new eye care technologies. He has been a clinical practitioner for thirty-six years as well as the Chief of Eye Services for two large medical groups in Rochester, N.Y. and Philadelphia, PA. After graduating from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1969, he completed a 2-year residency in primary eye care and anterior segment disease with the University of Rochester, School of Medicine's Associated Hospital Residency Program where he also taught primary care optometric and medical interns and residents for 8 years. Currently, Lou is associated with Nicolitz Eye Consultants, a multispecialty ophthalmology group in Jacksonville, FL. He also does clinical research on numerous developing eye care technologies; serves as a consultant and advisor to multiple ophthalmic companies and professional journals; holds academic ranks at numerous educational institutions; and he continues to write and lecture extensively. worldwide. He was voted one of the 10 most influential optometrists of the 20th century by the Review of Optometry Journal.  Please send feedback to socialmedia@marco.com about how we can improve the show! Thank you for listening! Find out more at Marco.com, search Twitter or Facebook for MarcoOphthalmic. Join the Marco Ophthalmic Doctors Forum at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MarcoDocs/.

For Episode #2 of Critical Issues in Eyecare: An MD/OD Conversation, we are thrilled to have our first guest: Marguerite McDonald, MD.    Marguerite McDonald is a name familiar to almost every ophthalmologist. A pioneer in refractive surgery, in 1988 Dr McDonald performed the world’s first excimer laser surgery for myopia on a sighted eye, and then in 1993 she performed the world’s first hyperopic excimer laser treatment. She subsequently performed the first wavefront treatment excimer treatment in the Americas. A sought-after lecturer, she now practices with Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island and holds clinical professorships at both the NYU School of Medicine in New York and Tulane University in New Orleans. The conversation includes: - The benefits of wavefront data in patient outcomes - How pre- and post- procedure evaulations differ - What does wavefront have to do with Dry Eye? - Optical Path DIfference and its utility  - The value of wavefront evaluation in patient education  - How to prioritize wavefront data - The future of wavefront in refractive surgery - And more! Please send feedback about how we can improve the show to socialmedia@marco.com! Thank you for listening! About Marco: Find out more at Marco.com, search Twitter or Facebook for MarcoOphthalmic. Join the Marco Ophthalmic Doctors Forum at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MarcoDocs/.

Welcome to to Episode 1 of Critical Issues in Eyecare - An MD/OD Conversation! For this first episode, we tackle the issue of delegation of refraction. Should refraction be delegated? Can it be delegated? what role does new technology play? Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD and JC Noreika, MD share their thoughts. About the show: In the same spirit that Marco has invested nearly a half century, striving to advance the EyeCare profession with intelligent and relevant diagnostic solutions and automated process efficiencies, Marco is now privileged to be launching a series of Podcast discussions that will directly address the difficult issues that are both engulfing and shaping our industry. Relevant issues that directly impact the lifeblood of Ophthalmology and Optometry- both separately and entwined, will be engaged and challenged. Spirited and meaningful discussions will be led by Nate Bonilla-Warford, OD and JC Noreika, MD - their guests will be vetted in select discussion topics, assured to deliver valuable insights. Please join this Podcast series as we tackle topics that span practice flow challenges, to optimizing patient outcomes, to the future challenges of EyeCare. Regardless of topic, expect all issues to be met with experience, depth, and vigor. Find out more at Marco.com, search Twitter or Facebook for MarcoOphthalmic. Join the Marco Ophthalmic Doctors Forum at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MarcoDocs/. Finally, please send feedback about how we can improve the show to socialmedia@marco.com! Thank you for listening!