Establishing a Glaucoma Practice Fresh Out of Fellowship

Emily Schehlein, MD

Eyetube

Emily Schehlein, MD, recaps her article, “Establishing a Glaucoma Practice Fresh Out of Fellowship,” which was featured in the March/April issue of Glaucoma Today. When ophthalmology training ends, the work of building a practice officially begins. In her article, Dr. Schehlein, a glaucoma specialist at Brighton Vision Center in Brighton, Michigan, offers insights and strategies for young ophthalmologists in building a successful, specialized practice.

Managing Keratoconus With Scleral Lenses

Advances in technology have driven significant improvements in patient care and outcomes.

Jason E. Compton, OD, FAAO

Modern Optometry

Scleral lenses have become a cornerstone in the management of keratoconus. They now offer a new approach to a condition that has been traditionally challenging to correct with other optical solutions. These lenses, characterized by their large diameter that vaults over the cornea and rests on the sclera to create a smooth optical surface that effectively mitigates corneal irregularities, have experienced significant evolution in both design and application to enhance the visual acuity of patients with keratoconus.1 Studies have demonstrated that scleral lenses provide patients a markedly improved mean logMAR visual acuity compared with traditional glasses and rigid gas permeable lenses.2 This advancement has not only broadened the scope of visual rehabilitation for patients with keratoconus, but has also paved the way for more practitioners to get involved in their care. ADVANCES IN SCLERAL LENS TECHNOLOGY Over the past decade, scleral lens technology has undergone transformative improvements in design, material, manufacturing technology, and fit, which has significantly affected the treatment of keratoconus. These advances are not just incremental; they represent a paradigm shift in how scleral lenses are used to enhance patient outcomes. Design Recent innovations in scleral lens design have been driven by a deeper understanding of the optical and physiological challenges of managing keratoconus. For instance, the introduction of customizable front-surface eccentricity and toricity directly addresses the unique higher-order aberrations seen in keratoconus.3,4 Other design advances involve better alignment with the ocular shape, including sector-specific and purely custom zones. Practitioners can now accommodate the most extreme variations in landing zones, improving comfort and stability without compromising corneal integrity.5 Material The evolution of scleral lens materials from PMMA to silicone hydrogel represents a leap forward for corneal health. Hyper Dk materials mark another significant advance, offering unparalleled oxygen permeability to promote corneal health in our patients with keratoconus, reduce the risk of corneal edema, and support extended wear times without compromising comfort or vision.6,7 Manufacturing The adoption of computer-assisted design and manufacturing technologies has ushered in a new era of precision in scleral lens production. These technologies allow the fabrication of lenses that are custom-molded to the wearer’s unique ocular surface topography, offering an unprecedented level of fit customization.

5 Steps to Building Financial Security

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to make it simpler.

Christopher Lopez, OD

Modern Optometry

In today’s world, optometry is perceived as a relatively lucrative and low-stress career option. Although it is true that our expertise as optometrists can translate into substantial earnings, building wealth requires more than just a high salary. Achieving financial freedom means balancing significant student loans and other financial challenges with smart money management and investment. Considering that optometrists rank low on the doctor compensation spectrum, and the cost of attendance for doctorate programs continues to grow out of control, it’s no wonder so many of our OD colleagues find themselves in precarious financial positions. Fortunately, building wealth and achieving success is still within our grasp. This article highlights five steps to help guide you along the road to financial freedom. STEP NO. 1: UNDERSTAND YOUR FINANCES The first step in any financial journey is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your individual financial situation. This includes analyzing your debt, reviewing your compensation, and keeping track of your expenses. Debt Analysis For most students, optometry school comes with hefty loan payments.