Review of Optometric Business is an online publication designed to provide the optometrist with a tool set to manage and grow the practice as a business.
Sandbox Stories are delivered to the eye care industry by Dr. Scott Jens, whose career as a Doctor of Optometry, then Software Founder/CEO, has led him to create "The Sandbox" - a playful, thoughtful executive business coaching service. Through Sandbox Stories, Dr. Jens aims to give anyone involved in eye care a provocative, insightful review of perspectives of, and people in, the industry.
A journal club to review recent journal articles in the field of retina. The target audience are retina specialists and other healthcare professionals who want to stay up-to-date with the latest publications in the field of retina.
Dr. Marc Spirn from Wills Eye Hospital discusses the results of a retrospective study of performing lattice degeneration on a series of patients who had lattice degeneration with high risk features. The discussed article: Kazan AS, Mahmoudzadeh R, Salabati M, Sharpe J, Fineman MS, Hsu J, Yonekawa Y, Spirn MJ. Indications and Outcomes of Laser Retin…
Dr. Dori Carlson’s accomplishments in Optometry are stupendous, including a decade-plus of service to the American Optometric Association which culminated with her serving as the first female President of the AOA. Dr. Carlson has leveraged the values of her early days along with a commitment to continual personal and professional improvement to bec…
Dr. Steven Lee grew up in Toronto, studied at the University of Waterloo, and attended the Illinois College of Optometry. A self-described “nerdy gadget guy,” he quickly became interested in disruptive technology that might support patients. He co-founded the company, Opternative, that eventually became quite controversial for its direct-to-patient…
Dr. Witkin from the American Society of Retina Specialists talks about our current knowledge of the incidence of retinal vasculitis following intravitreal injection of Pegcetacoplan for treatment of geographic atrophy. Discussed article: Witkin AJ, Jaffe GJ, Srivastava SK, Davis JL, Kim JE. Retinal Vasculitis After Intravitreal Pegcetacoplan: Repor…
A panel of guests optometrists share their feedback about communication issues between optometry and the speciality of retina. Guests panelists: Dr. George Papadakis, Dr. Brian Feinstein, Dr. Lena Moiseiykina and Dr. Nagar Sohbati.
Dr. Linda Casser has had a career of service — to three Colleges of Optometry, the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, the American Academy of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Her career concluded with being granted Professor Emerita status in August 2022 from Salus Univ…
Dr. Arthur sit describes his surprising research results on the effect of scleral buckle on ocular fluid dynamics. The discussed article: Lyons LJ, Kazemi A, Bakri SJ, Barkmeier AJ, Iezzi R, Olsen TW, Hodge DO, Sit AJ. The Effect of Scleral Buckle Surgery on Tonographic Outflow Facility, Positional Intraocular Pressure, and Ocular Biomechanics. Oph…
A 1993 graduate of NECO, Dr. Alan Glazier has spent a career in Optometry as an entrepreneur. He worked in his dad’s practice in his early days along with many other roles that found him starting businesses. He learned business insights along the way, and credits his height for his accomplishments. He self-taught to become a marketing expert, which…
Dr. Paul Micevych from the UC San Francisco discusses his group's work on systemic and individual risk factors leading to complicated diabetic retinopathy requiring vitrectomy. Discussed article: Micevych PS, Taha AM, Poddar A, Stewart JM. Individual and Systems-Based Risk Factors for Diabetic Vitrectomy in an Urban Safety-Net Hospital. Ophthalmol …
Dr. Nina Ahuja and Dr. Nupura Bakshi elaborate on the concept of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in medicine and discuss their recent publication about the EDI landscape in the Canadian ophthalmology post-secondary programs. The discussed article: Lee EY, Farrokhyar F, Bakshi N, Levin LA, Ahuja N. Equity, diversity, and inclusion landscape in Canad…
Raised on a rural farm in Maryland, Ed Buffington learned the lessons of hard work. These lessons translated into a tremendous career in the eye care industry, where he was the founder of OfficeMate software and today serves as CEO of GPN Technologies, the company that brings the EDGEPro data dashboard to eye care professionals. In March 2024, he w…
Dr. Sarraf talks about his group's work on the correlation of PED size and variablity and the visual improvement during the treatment of neovascular AMD as analyzed using data from HAWK and HARRIER studies. Referenced article: Sarraf D, Khanani AM, Sadda SR, Chang A, Wong DT, Kempf AS, Saffar I, Tang S, Tadayoni R. PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT THI…
Dr. Ann Hoscheit is owner of EyeBridge Consulting Associates, after a long career in which she built two separate iconic eye care practices. She’s a graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry. Dr. Hoscheit has been a trailblazer in women’s leadership in Optometry. She finds true joy and prosperity in Optometry, and through these man…
Dr. Jong Park discusses surgical mananement of full-thickness macular holes associated with macular telangiectasia. Referenced article: Park JG, Adrean SD, Begaj T, Capone A Jr, Charles S, Chen SN, Chou HD, Cohen MN, Corona ST, Faia LJ, Garg SJ, Garretson BR, Gregori NZ, Haller JA, Houghton OM, Hsu J, Jo J, Kaiser RS, Lai CC, Mahgoub MM, Mansoor M,…
Dr. Landon Rohowetz discusses his group's findings of a retrospective analysis of the characteristics of Retinal Detachment cases that were associated with Retinal Dialysis. Discussed article: Rohowetz LJ, Jabbehdari S, Smiddy WE, Berrocal AM, Townsend JH, Chang JS, Yannuzzi N, Sridhar J, Haddock LJ, Fortun JA, Flynn HW Jr; Retinal Dialysis Study G…
Dr. Jabs and Dr. Acharya discuss the results of the MERIT trial that investigated relative efficacy of intrvitreal injections of Dexamethasone implant vs ranibizumab vs methotrexate for the treatment of macular oedema associated with uveitis. Discussed article: Multicenter Uveitis Steroid Treatment Trial (MUST) Research Group, Writing Committee:; A…
An Ohio guy who thought he would remain there forever, Dr. Rick Weisbarth became an internationally respected Doctor of Optometry who supported the profession through his role in professional relations for Alcon Laboratories (and formerly CIBA VISION) as well as a lecturer on a variety of contact lens topics. He graduated from The Ohio State Univer…
Prof. Gemmy Cheung from the National University of Singapore and Singapore National Eye Center discusses her research results on progression of Geographic Atrophy on Asian vs non-Asian Eyes. References Article: Teo KYC, Fujimoto S, Sadda SR, Kokame G, Gomi F, Kim JE, Cheng MFS, Corradetti G, Amornpetchsathaporn A, Chainakul M, Lee WK, Lai TYY, Ruam…
Scott shares four pearls to building and enjoying a life well-lived, which is aspirational and to which we will be judged by others some day in the futureKirjoittanut sandboxstories
Dr. Regillo describes the results of the phase 3 prospective study of Ranibizumab Port Delivery System (PDS) for the treatment of neovascular AMD. Reference Article: Regillo C, Berger B, Brooks L, Clark WL, Mittra R, Wykoff CC, Callaway NF, DeGraaf S, Ding HT, Fung AE, Gune S, Le Pogam S, Smith R, Willis JR, Barteselli G. Archway Phase 3 Trial of t…
Dr. John Potter is a true treasure to the profession. A graduate of the Indiana University School of Optometry, he has been at the forefront of every major evolutionary step in Optometry over the last fifty years. After all of his time in Optometry, he used his intellectual basis to move into an entirely different career as an educator - now servin…
Dr. Smiddy presents a cost analysis of the step therapy for treatment of diabetic macular edema based on DRCR protocol AC results. Discussed article: Patel NA, Al-Khersan H, Yannuzzi NA, Lin J, Smiddy WE. Aflibercept Monotherapy versus Bevacizumab-First for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Cost Analysis Based on Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Netw…
Dr. Vince Brandys has translated a Chicago upbringing in a family that served the community into a career in Optometry that has included deep involvement in professional advocacy. His words of encouragement to his colleagues to step up their support of the profession are to be heard by all.Kirjoittanut sandboxstories
Dr. Jason Hsu from Wills Eye Hospital returns to The Retina Channel to discuss his groups' retrospective study of eyes with advanced retinal detachement (PVR grade C or worse) that underwent retinectomy without lensectomy. Their study showed that 75% of these eyes at 3 months (and 68% at 6 months) had single surgery anatomic success. The study is s…
Dr. Jay Duker speaks about the results of the DAVIO trial which was a phase 1 trial investigating an intravitreal implant (EYP-1901) containg vorolanib (a VEGF and receptor blocker) in a bioerodible Durasert implant for the treatment of wet AMD.
In semi-retirement, I built a spec home in Orlando to get away from Wisconsin's winters. In this Sandbox Story, you'll get perspective of how my experiences taught me something about how optometry might better manage its business to focus on the expectations of its customers. Run time: 7 min 30 secKirjoittanut sandboxstories
Dr. Noemi Lois from Queens University in Belfast, UK discusses results of the DIAMONDS study, which was a prospective trial that looked into the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML), compared with standard laser (SL), for diabetic macular edema (DME) with central retinal thickness (CRT) < 400 um. Refe…
Dr. Araba Otoo received the 2022 Student of the Year Award from the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA.) She has started her practice career in a residency in the VA system, and is motivated to drive a global ocular wellness mindset into the profession. As a child in Ghana, she malingered to get glasses when she was very young. Her impre…
Dr. Jhavery discusses results of DRCR Retina Protocol AC study which compared DME response to anti-VEGF injections in patients who received Aflibercept monotherapy vs those who started with Bevacizumab first and then switched to Aflibercept if needed. Discussed article: Jhaveri CD, Glassman AR, Ferris FL 3rd, Liu D, Maguire MG, Allen JB, Baker CW, …
Dr. J. Fernando Arevalo discusses results of an international multicenter study that compared surgical success rates of vitrectomy vs vitrectomy + scleral buckle to repair retinal detachments due to giant retinal tears. The study collected 200 patients data over a 12 year period. Referenced article: Ong SS, Ahmed I, Gonzales A, Al-Fakhri AS, Al-Sub…
Jay Binkowitz has used deep business acumen to drive a number of differentiated businesses into the eye care industry. His path into the optical business led to building the most powerful data dashboard in the industry, EDGEPro. The Stories within the Story include: 1:01 The Upbringing Story 5:45 The Hustle Story 8:30 The Optical Story 14:28 The So…
Lynn Lawrence is a career Optometric Technician, starting that role as part of a thirty-plus year career in the Air Force, and has built a consulting business for the eye care industry which teaches leadership. His commitment to the profession is to drive advancement through learning, certification, and thoughtful leadership. The Stories within the…
Dr. Finn discusses her groups' case series on temporal associattion CRVO and HRVO in young healthy patients after COVID-19 infection. Discussed article: Ashkenazy N, Patel NA, Sridhar J, Yannuzzi NA, Belin PJ, Kaplan R, Kothari N, Benitez Bajandas GA, Kohly RP, Roizenblatt R, Pinhas A, Mundae R, Rosen RB, Ryan EH Jr, Chiang A, Chang LK, Khurana RN,…
Dr. Bob Layman has been the AOA President from June 2021 through June 2022. This interview is the first one done with a sitting President of the AOA, and some of his best views are shared about how optometry must be politically thoughtful and mindful to stay successful. Most importantly, Bob’s true humility and drive toward service shines through. …
Dr. Birger Lindtjørn from Norway discusses his team's prospective trial on comparison of SF6 vs air tamponade in vitrectomy for closure of small-medium macular holes. Discussed article: Lindtjørn B, Krohn J, Haugstad M, Stene-Johansen I, Austeng D, Basit S, Fossen K, Varhaug P, Kvaløy JT, Forsaa VA. Air versus Sulfur Hexafluoride Gas Tamponade for …
A North Dakotan, Dr. Nate Lighthizer has an incredible story about how he grew up doing fishing trips with his family, as well as participating in sports as a kid. After graduating from Pacific University College of Optometry, he advanced his career to his current position on faculty at Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Tallequa…
Prof. Guymer from Melbourne Univeristy discusses finding of a prospective study on absence of association between retinal pseudodrusen and advanced AMD. Discussed article: Wu Z, Kumar H, Hodgson LAB, Guymer RH. Reticular Pseudodrusen on the Risk of Progression in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Am J Ophthalmol. 2022 Mar 11:S0002-9394…
Dr. Ballios discusses his group's findings on novel mutations in the RCBTB1 gene that can cuase late-onset non-syndromic retinal dystrophies mimicking macular degeneration. Full article: Catomeris AJ, Ballios BG, Sangermano R, Wagner NE, Comander JI, Pierce EA, Place EM, Bujakowska KM, Huckfeldt RM. Novel RCBTB1 variants causing later-onset non-syn…
Simply put, Lex is a deeply caring human being. I've never met anyone, young or old, who is as able to connect with others as Lex does. He's autistic, transgender, and loving. This Sandbox Story has life lessons in it for every one of us. The Stories within the Story include: 1:11 The Disney College Program Story 3:33 The Kentucky Upbringing Story …
Dr. Kumar discussed his group's prospective study on the comparative outcomes of two different drainage techniques (posterior retinotomy vs PFCL) for repair of rhegmatogenous retina detachment.
Dr. Sue Cotter is faculty at the Southern California College of Optometry, on the Board of the American Academy of Optometry, and co-chair of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group of the NIH. This Sandbox Story covers her views on optometric education as well as gives insights on her life's joys. The Stories Within the Story Include: 0:58 Th…
Dr. David Sarraf from UCLA discusses Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy (PAMM) and its the ischemic implications. Discussed article: Wang D, Au A, Duker JS, Sarraf D. PAMM and the ischemic cascade associated with radiation retinopathy. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2020 Sep 8;20:100918. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2020.100918. PMID: 32984654; PMCID: PMC74950…
From humble beginnings in Montana, to becoming a preeminent ophthalmologist on the new frontier of dry eye management, Dr. Laura Periman’s many stories are incredibly motivational. And as a human, rarely will you hear someone who is has as much empathy for others. The Stories within the Story include: 1:24 The Montana Story 3:50 The Motivation Stor…
Dr. Kourous Rezaei reviews the results of the GATHER1 trial on complement C5 inhibition for slowing down progression of geography atrophy in dry AMD. References article: Jaffe GJ, Westby K, Csaky KG, Monés J, Pearlman JA, Patel SS, Joondeph BC, Randolph J, Masonson H, Rezaei KA. C5 Inhibitor Avacincaptad Pegol for Geographic Atrophy Due to Age-Rela…
This Sandbox Story is an interview of some of the leaders of the Optical Women’s Association, OWA. Guests include Deb Bulken, Janelle Pauli, and Dr. Lorie Lippiatt. Despite their long-standing history, they are a “best-kept secret” in the industry, and they deserve to be well-known and supported because of their powerful impact. To join OWA: https:…
Dr. Janene Sims is on Faculty at the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Optometry. She works with the Community Eyecare Initiative, an outreach service of the School, and has a tremendous commitment to humanity. The Stories within the Story include: 1:00 The Farming Story 8:22 The Eyecare Motivation Story 10:00 The Advanced Education Story …
This short Sandbox Story sends a message of thanks for life's many inspirations. Included is a wish for us to take control of our lives from the negative effects of social media. Happy Thanksgiving!Kirjoittanut sandboxstories