VVRC Investigators Receive National Eye Institute Grant
Vanderbilt Vision Research Center’s Kevin Dieter, PhD, and the lab of Randolph Blake, PhD, recently received a prestigious National Eye Institute NRSA grant for the project, “Psychophysical and Neural Correlates of Eye Dominance in Human Vision.”
The project, which builds on the recent discovery that sensory eye dominance (SED) might vary idiosyncratically throughout the visual field, investigates how patterns of SED vary and searches for influences of regional SED on binocular function. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, Dieter plans to investigate how neural activity underlying visual field regions with strong SED imbalance differ from those sub-serving regions where both eyes contribute equally. The hope is that the research could lead to a deeper understanding of typical and atypical binocular vision function, potentially leading to translational applications to improve diagnosis and treatment of binocular visual disorders.
In Print
Nashville eye surgeon Ming Wang, MD, PhD, has recently published a new textbook, his eighth in the field of ophthalmology, on new treatment options for presbyopia. Published by SLACK Inc., Wang was joined by more than 30 contributing experts – including Tracy S. Swartz, OD, MS, FAAO, who served as associate editor – in compiling the comprehensive Refractive Lens Exchange: A Surgical Treatment for Presbyopia.
The publishing house notes permanent surgical treatment for presbyopia remains “the hereto unconquered ‘last frontier’ in anterior segment surgery. Over the years, continuing innovations like Phacoemulsification, Radial Keratotomy, LASIK, and premium intraocular lenses have pushed toward this ultimate goal, but now anterior segment surgery is closer than ever with the advent of modern laser-assisted presbyopic lens implantation.”
Highlights of the textbook that is meant for ophthalmic surgeons, optometrists and technicians include:
- Overview of all surgical treatments for presbyopia,
- Dysfunctional lens syndrome and pathophysiology,
- Patient education and preoperative assessment,
- Assessing dysfunctional lens syndrome,
- New technologies in mapping cornea and lens for refractive lens exchange,
- Presbyopic lens types, indications, and contraindications for refractive lens exchange,
- Postoperative care and complication management, and
- Many other technology and treatment considerations.
Wang noted this is the first book to guide clinicians through “this exciting new field that is emerging as a safe and effective primary surgical treatment for presbyopia.”
On a personal note, Wang’s autobiography is also being published in January 2016. From Darkness to Sight: A Journey from Hardship to Healing features a forward by Sen. William Frist, MD. From Wang’s escape from China’s Cultural Revolution to earning degrees from Harvard Medical School and MIT, the renowned eye surgeon said the point of the book is to share his deep appreciation of America and the opportunities that exist in this country.
Toyos Clinic Presents at AAO 2015
Tennessee ophthalmologist Rolando Toyos, MD, presented new treatments in dry eye, cataract, refractive lens exchange, blepharoplasty and facial rejuvenation at the recent American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting. He is the founder of the Toyos Clinic with locations in Middle and West Tennessee, as well as Mississippi.
Toyos, the inventor of Intense Pulse Light (IPL) for Dry Eye Disease (DED), has been presenting his research on the treatment for more than a decade at AAO. Last year, three papers were published in peer review journals on Dermamed Diamond IPL, which Toyos helped develop. At AAO 2015, he presented his current research utilizing the Dermamed Diamond IPL for DED. Additionally, Toyos presented information on his new at home LED treatment called the Q, which has taken six years to develop to help patients with DED find additional relief. The Q is intended for use in conjunction with IPL.
Vanderbilt Physician Named President of National Orthoptic Group
David Morrison, MD, associate professor of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics at Vanderbilt, has been named the new president of the American Orthoptic Council and will serve a two-year term.
The AOC accredits and certifies orthoptists, who are trained to assist pediatric ophthalmologists in evaluating vision and alignment of children and adults with strabismus. Orthoptics is a two-year, post-graduate certification.
“Orthoptists are critical as physician extenders in pediatric ophthalmology,” said Morrison. “They allow us to serve a larger patient population by measuring vision in preverbal children and accurately measuring eye alignment in pediatric and adult patients. They also improve quality of care by counseling families on appropriate treatment regimes for the physician.”
Morrison, who has been active on the AOC executive committee for several years, has already gotten to work. “To date, I have revised the testing system for orthoptists, transitioning to an electronic format for the written exam, as well as restructuring the oral/practical portion of the exam to include digital media such as videos demonstrating ophthalmic diseases and motility abnormalities,” he said.
Mark Your Calendars
January: The Tennessee Academy of Ophthalmology is holding 2016 CODEquest/CPT Coding Seminar on Saturday, Jan. 16 at One Century Place Conference Center in Nashville. The half-day seminar is geared towards physicians and non-physician office staff with more than two years of coding and documentation experience. Space is limited, and registration deadline is Jan. 14. For information or to register, go online to tneyemds.org.
August: The 39th Annual Midwest Glaucoma Symposium is set for Aug. 5-6, 2016 at the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University. Featured speakers include Allen Beck, MD, of Emory Eye Center; Marlene Moster, MD, of Willis Eye Hospital; and Keith Barton, MD, FRCP, FRCS, of Moorfields Eye Hospital; among other noted guest lecturers.
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