What:Happier New You LASIK event at Eye Consultants of Texas, 2201 Westgate Plaza in Grapevine, conveniently located to Dallas/Fort Worth When:Tuesday, January 22, 2013, 6:30 to 7:30 PM Cool Part: $300 off any LASIK procedure just for attending
Now that the big ball has fallen and the calendar has started over, it’s time to think about those new year’s resolutions. Or, more importantly, how to stick to them.
If you’ve worn glasses or contacts for most of your life, you might consider adding LASIK to your 2013 list. Not only can LASIK help you see much clearer, but by not having to depend on corrective eyewear, it can make life a lot easier and generally more fun. Plus, it makes exercise and just getting out easier too. LASIK could possibly even save you money over wearing glasses and contacts. So even if you’re just sticking to the basics of wanting to be healthier, spending less money and having more fun, then LASIK might be a good start to keep you on the right track – 2013 and beyond.
Our Happier New You LASIK event could be the perfect opportunity to get the full story on LASIK and what to expect. It’s free and only 60 minutes long. And, if you decide to have your procedure here you get $300 off just for attending. Call us in Grapevine at 877-516-4364 to reserve your space today or to get more information (must be 18 years or older to attend). We look forward to seeing you!
It’s the season of open enrollment for health insurance plans, and if you have an HSA (Health Spending Account – sometimes called a Health Reimbursement or Flex Spending Account), it’s time to max it out! Tax laws have changed, and this coming year, 2012, is the last year that you can place the maximum $5,000 in your HSA. Starting in 2013, the maximum allowed in any Health Savings Account will be $2,500, which means that the entire cost of laser eye surgeries such as LASIK cannot be covered by your HSA pre-tax dollars after 2012.
If you have questions about the coming changes, or if you would like to set up a consultation for LASIK or other laser vision correction procedures, please contact Grochmal Eye Center at (410) 697-4090.
At Grochmal Eye Center, ophthalmologist Dr. Jay C. Grochmal encourages patients to attend eye exams on a regular basis for the prevention and early detection of eye diseases.
Baltimore, MD - Dr. Jay C. Grochmal, an ophthalmologist in Baltimore, advises his patients at Grochmal Eye Center to schedule a regular eye exam every one to three years, depending on the age and health of the individual. By doing so, he is able to check for a variety of visual and muscular problems that can easily go undetected and permanently damage sight.
The frequency of exams depends on the needs of each patient and any pre-existing medical conditions. He recommends patients over 40 get a complete eye exam every two years, which is especially important for those with cataracts or glaucoma. For patients with diabetes, he advises more frequent eye exams with at least one per year to monitor any changes.
According to Dr. Grochmal, eye exams can be made less frequently with younger patients, as they have a lower risk of developing severe eye problems. He points out they can get by with an appointment every three years. At approximately age six, Dr. Grochmal encourages parents to set up a baseline exam for their children. However, if there is a family history of eye muscle problems and signs are apparent in the child, an exam should be made around age three or earlier.
“The reason for regular exams goes well beyond ‘good’ vision,” Dr Grochmal explains. He identifies these exams as preventative measures for his patients. Since many medical diseases have adverse signs within the eye, and inherent eye diseases can manifest silently, not showing many, if any symptoms early on, they can be progressing unchecked, causing needless damage. To detect problems early and prevent permanent damage, Dr. Grochmal performs a thorough inspection of his patients’ eyes.
During these exams, Dr. Grochmal monitors any visual or muscular changes. Depending on the patient’s unique case and whether they have undergone vision correction procedures such as LASIK or PRK, additional tests may be needed for effective disease prevention; but generally, patients can expect the following in a complete exam:
Vision check with and without glasses
Careful exam of the orbital area including eyelids
Eye muscle balance evaluation
Magnified exam of the eye interior from the cornea to the retina
Measurement of intraocular pressure
With their personal touch and advanced technology, Dr. Grochmal says the physicians at Grochmal Eye Center are helping preserve and improve patient eye health one routine screening at a time. Overall, he stresses the importance of frequent eye exams with an experienced and qualified ophthalmologist.
About Jay C. Grochmal, MD
After graduating from the University of Maryland, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal interned at the U.S. Public Health Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Three years later, he was named Chief Resident at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology before completing his residency. It was at this point when Dr. Grochmal opened his private practice in ophthalmology. In addition to his eye center, he is on the staff of top Baltimore hospitals, including the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and St. Agnes Hospital. He currently is the medical director at Snowden River Surgery Center (one of the busiest ambulatory centers for eye surgery in the state). Dr. Grochmal is available for interview upon request.
Recently, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an advisory opinion regarding two types of Proposed Arrangements between an anesthesia provider (AP) and physician-owned ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). This came as a result of a request for an opinion from an AP who, because of competitive market pressures, was considering one of two new business relationship models. Under the AP’s current professional arrangement, the ap offers exclusive anesthesia services to ASCs, employs personnel to meet the anesthesia needs of the ASCs, and independently bills patients and third party payors, including Medicare, for professional fees. The ASCs bill the same parties for professional services plus a facility fee for materials and ancillary staff.
Under Proposed Arrangement A, the AP would continue to provide exclusive anesthesia services to the ASC and to bill independently. Additionally, the AP would pay a market value “management services” fee to the ASC for each non-Federally funded patient. The ASC would both collect this fee and continue to charge a facility fee to Federal and third party payors.
Under Proposed Arrangement B, the ASC physician-owners would set up a separate subsidiary to exclusively provide anesthesia services to their patients. The subsidiary then would hire the AP as the exclusive independent anesthesia services contractor, handle all billing with the assistance of the AP and its staff, pay the AP out of fees collected, and retain any profits.
In analyzing the legality of the two arrangements, the OIG considered two questions: 1. Does either arrangement violate the Federal anti-kickback statute, and, 2. Would any safe harbor protection apply?
Under the anti-kickback statute, it is a criminal offense to offer, pay, solicit, or receive any remuneration for referrals reimbursable by a Federal health care program. This statute seeks to ensure that referrals are based on sound medical judgment and not financial or other incentives. Regarding Proposed Arrangement A, although the AP would pay a management services fee only for non-Federal health care program patients, this does not reduce the risk that the fee might be paid by the AP to induce referrals from the ASC of all types of patients. Additionally, the arrangement allows the ASC to be paid twice for the same services, and this could unduly influence the ASC to select the AP as the exclusive provider. The OIG concluded that Proposed Arrangement A could violate the anti-kickback statute. No safe harbor protections apply.
Safe harbor protections for ASCs, employment, and personal services and management contracts were determined to not apply to Proposed Arrangement B. The Subsidiary does not qualify as a Medicare-certified ASC because it would not provide surgical services, only anesthesia services. As such, its income and the profits distributed to the ASC physician-owners would not be protected by any safe harbor provisions. Additionally, the OIG is concerned about exclusive arrangements between those who refer business (the ASC physician-owners), and those who furnish goods or services reimbursed by a Federal health care program (the AP). The AP and the ASC physician-owners both would benefit financially in Proposed Arrangement B, with the AP receiving its negotiated rate and the physician-owners receiving residual profits from the subsidiary after expenses and payment to the AP. The OIG concluded that Proposed Arrangement B would permit the physician-owners to receive compensation in the form of profits from the subsidiary from referring patients to the AP; this payment would be for services that they themselves could not provide. The more than minimal risk of fraud and abuse and the prohibited remuneration both would be in violation of the Federal anti-kickback statute.
Physicians should be aware of this development, as it may affect current and future professional relationships. A health care attorney can offer assistance in interpreting the potential impact of the OIG decision and evaluating the need to restructure business arrangements.
Mayo Clinic researchers have found that cardiac patients who have skin allergies to metals commonly found in jewelry, such as nickel, are at no higher risk for complications if they receive a stent containing these metal components.
Mayo Clinic cardiologist Rajiv Gulati, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues studied a total of 29 patients with a history of skin allergies to stent metal components who subsequently underwent coronary stent implantation. The research team compared clinical outcomes with a matched control group of 250 non- metal allergic patients who received similar stents. In addition to following the study patients’ outcomes in the long term, the team reviewed blood to look for signs of allergic reactions.
Jayant A. Talwalkar, M.D., a hepatologist with the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center in Rochester, Minn., discusses diagnosis, complications, liver transplantation, and Mayo’s role in the development of new diagnostic tests and effective therapies for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
Dr. Talwalkar notes that PSC is the last major liver disease without effective treatment. There is currently no effective medical therapy to halt disease progression and so avoid complications such as liver failure or bile duct cancer for patients with PSC. PCS is considered an autoimmune condition. It develops silently, most often in patients 40-50 years.
Dr. Talwalkar’s team focuses on clinical trials for the development of diagnostic tests and effective drug therapies for PSC, before transplant is needed. Mayo specialists see several hundred patients with PSC each year.
TRACY’S STORY… My Husband Andrew and I met in July 2005. Andrew told me he had fertility problem as a result of being a Cystic Fibrosis carrier. He was born with Congenital Absence of the Vas Deferens (no tubes from the testicles to the outside world). As a result our only way of having our [...]
There has been a rise in the numbers of dengue fever infections in Thailand, particularly in the southern & north-eastern regions. Whilst the most vulnerable group remains children under 15, tourists to Asia can, & do, contract this nasty virus, spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes.
To reduce your chances of becoming a dengue fever victim, consider covering up towards the late afternoon, when the mosquitoes bite, and apply a good insect repellent to exposed areas of skin.
As the rainy season approaches, the numbers of mosquitoes (and people catching dengue) will rise.
There is no vaccine against dengue.
Source: ProMed Newsgroup
Get in touch
For advice about travel related illnesses and travel vaccinations, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre in Norwich on 01603 667323
Ayalew Tefferi, M.D., with the Department of Hematology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., discusses the results of a study of 1,000 patients who have primary myelofibrosis.
Key findings Researchers found that when patients with myelofibrosis present, their clinical features are not at a steady state and usually progress within the first few months of the diagnosis. It is best to wait a several months before providing a prognostic score.
Many patients with primary myelofibrosis can live a long life (exceeding 15 years) and patients who won’t live that long can be identified.
The most recent version of DIPSS-plus scoring system performed much better than prior versions, helping researchers to determine what proportion of patients with myelofibrosis are suitable for therapies. More than 50 percent of patients require observation alone.
A description of the study is included in the January 2012 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
ABSTRACT Objective To share our decades of experience with primary myelofibrosis and underscore the importance of outcomes research studies in designing clinical trials and interpreting their results.
Patients and methods One thousand consecutive patients with primary myelofibrosis seen at Mayo Clinic between Nov. 4, 1977, and Sept. 1, 2011, were considered.
The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), dynamic IPSS (DIPSS), and DIPSS-plus were applied for risk stratification. Separate analyses were included for patients seen at time of referral (N=1000), at initial diagnosis (N=340), and within or after 1 year of diagnosis (N=660).
Results
To date, 592 deaths and 68 leukemic transformations have been documented. Parameters at initial diagnosis vs time of referral included:
Median age (66 vs 65 years)
Male sex (61% vs 62%)
Red cell transfusion need (24% vs 38%)
Hemoglobin level less than 10 g/dL (38% vs 54%)
Platelet count less than 100 × 109/L (18% vs 26%)
Leukocyte count more than 25 × 109/L (13% vs 16%)
Marked splenomegaly (21% vs 31%)
Constitutional symptoms (29% vs 34%)
Abnormal karyotype (31% vs 41%)
Mutational frequencies were 61% for JAK2V617F, 8% for MPLW515, and 4% for IDH1/2.
DIPSS-plus risk distributions at time of referral were 10% low, 15% intermediate-1, 37% intermediate-2, and 37% high. The corresponding median survivals were 17.5, 7.8, 3.6, and 1.8 years vs 20.0, 14.3, 5.3, and 1.7 years for patients younger than 60 years of age.
Compared with both DIPSS and IPSS, DIPSS-plus showed better discrimination among risk groups. Five-year leukemic transformation rates were 6% and 21% in low- and high-risk patients, respectively.
Conclusion The current document should serve as a valuable resource for patients and physicians and provides context for the design and interpretation of clinical trials.
Dr. Grochmal recently attended a conference to expand his services to increase his refractive surgery options for his patients in Baltimore. Implantable contact lenses (ICL’s) are a great alternative for patients who are not qualified for LASIK or are borderline. Often times, the glasses’ prescription is outside the range for safe and effective LASIK; or the cornea is too thin for LASIK. ICL’s will correct for high hyperopia as well as high myopia without altering the cornea’s natural refractive powers. Please contact Grochmal Eye Center to learn more.
We continue to grow in the number of LASIK procedures we perform on patients across Dallas/Fort Worth. The question of age, understandably, is one that comes up often in potential LASIK patients. Starting at the minimum required age of 18, LASIK can generally be performed at any age.
The biggest issues that determines if someone is a LASIK candidate? Eye health and general health. There can’t be any presence of cataracts or glaucoma for example. Additional considerations: a family history of corneal disorders, diabetes or other eye disorders.
As our eyes get older, we’re more likely to develop specific conditions, such as cataracts. This is why LASIK is more commonly performed on patients into their 40’s and younger. LASIK, however, can correct the gradual need for reading glasses (called presbyopia) that’s so common after age 40. This may involve a type of added treatment called “monovision,” which often applies to special cases.
“The main thing to keep in mind is that a surgeon should carefully, and diligently, examine every potential LASIK candidate to see if there will be even the slightest problem,” said Eye Consultants of Texas founder, Phillips Kirk Labor, MD. “This is to get the absolute best results regardless of age.”
In recent years, Baby Boomers have been increasingly requesting LASIK. This generation is living longer, and wanting to look younger is more common than ever before. LASIK can be performed on someone into their 70’s or even older. Again, it all depends on your health and the surgeon who is caring for you.
Please contact our office at 877-516-4364 if you’d like to know more about LASIK or to schedule an appointment to see if you’re a candidate. We’re located in Grapevine, convenient to the entire Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
The first and only eyelash treatment approved by the FDA, Latisse™ can help you grow full and natural-looking lashes while simultaneously treating you for hypotrichosis, a condition that prevents hair growth. Latisse is a great way to reverse the effects of this condition and enhance the look of your eyes, requiring only a simple application each night. After a few weeks, your lashes will be fuller, longer, and thicker than you’ve ever seen them. Ready to learn more about what Latisse can do for you?
5 Need-to-Know Latisse™ Facts
Latisse contains an active ingredient known as bimatoprost, which was first used in glaucoma medication and is believed to promote hair growth.
The medication does not work as mascara; in fact, you should remove any make-up or contacts before applying it to the base of your eyelashes each day. You should never use the same applicator for both eyes, and never re-use an applicator for even one more night, as this could result in an allergic reaction or eye infection.
Results will start to become visible after 4 weeks, with full results manifesting by 16 weeks. Lashes will gradually grow darker, longer, and thicker.
Side effects are rare, but may include itching, redness, or dryness in the eye area. Other potential side effects include eyelid darkening or brown pigmentation of the iris, both of which are very rare occurrences.
Through a series of studies, the FDA has deemed Latisse as safe for most people. However, patients with pre-existing eye problems and women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid this treatment. Patients who are taking any kind of intraocular pressure lowering medications should consult their eye doctor before taking Latisse, so that he or she can closely monitor the patient’s eye pressure.
Ophthalmologist in Winchester
If you’re curious about Latisse™, and would like to learn more about this eyelash enhancing medication, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. We can be reached at (540) 722-6200. We look forward to hearing from you!
Spring is in full bloom all over Dallas/Fort Worth. So wouldn’t it be nice to see the roses you’ve stopped to smell? If you’re tired of depending on glasses and contacts, we’ll give you the real scoop on LASIK at our Spring LASIK Event, Tuesday, April 23 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at our Grapevine office.
It only lasts 60 minutes.
Led by one of our expert doctors who will give you the straight story.
You’ll learn all about what LASIK is like, including costs, the procedure, and generally what to expect.
If you end up having your LASIK procedure at Eye Consultants of Texas we’re offering $300 off the cost for attending this event.*
There’s no obligation and no charge to attend for anyone over 18 years of age.
We know LASIK is a seriously big decision. Eye Consultants of Texas Founder and Chief Surgeon Phillips Kirk Labor, MD has an international reputation for his LASIK expertise. He’s also well known for his close devotion to each patient. We hope you’ll join us Tuesday, April 23 at our office at 2201 Westgate Plaza, Grapevine, TX 76051. Seating is limited to the first 20 RSVPs, so call us at 877-516-4364 today.
*For attendees scheduling an evaluation determined to be a LASIK candidate. Must be present at event to receive LASIK offer.
It’s that time of year – cold and flu season is upon us. We all know the best way to keep sickness at bay is to wash our hands often. What most people don’t know is that there really is a right way to wash hands, and it takes about the same amount of time as singing “Happy Birthday.” It looks like this (courtesy of the World Health Organization):
Have you had a Crystalens® procedure performed? Are you a Dallas/Fort Worth OD managing Crystalens patients? Even if you’re just considering Crystalens, join us for a very special Crystalens Check Up Seminar at our Grapevine office, Saturday, June 29, 2013. You’ll come away with a better understanding of how to get the most out of this amazing lens than ever before.
The event is free and will be led by Eye Consultants of Texas founder Phillips Kirk Labor, MD. Dr. Labor is considered a world leader in number of Crystalens procedures performed. He is also one of only a few U.S. eye surgeons selected by Bausch & Lomb and other major manufacturers to evaluate new lens technologies. As a proven Crystalens authority, Dr. Labor will discuss all aspects of this lens, including reviewing the importance of what to do after surgery. In addition, he will be on hand to gladly answer any questions that you might have.
If you’ve had a Crystalens procedure performed, you know how life-changing it can be; not only to your vision, but to work, recreation, and how you view life itself. So whether Dr. Labor performed your procedure or not, you’re invited to attend. If you’ve just been thinking about Crystalens, this could help you make a more informed decision (there’s no obligation). If you’re an OD managing Crystalens patients, we’re confident you will find our Crystalens Check Up Seminar of value.
Join us at our beautiful Grapevine facility for this free event, courtesy of Eye Consultants of Texas.
Saturday, June 29, 2013 • 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM Eye Consultants of Texas • 2201 Westgate Plaza, Grapevine, TX 76051 Seating is limited so please RSVP today by calling: 877-516-4364
We are very excited about our 2011 success rates and here are the reasons why. Most people use success rate statistics when making a decision about which IVF clinic to use, but these figures should not be taken in isolation. You should always talk to the clinic about your individual likelihood of success in relation [...]
Dr. Grochmal has again expanded his services for his patients, now, to include BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers to help soften the fine lines of maturing. He has chosen BOTOX® Cosmetic because of its proven track record and outstanding results. Where BOTOX® Cosmetic is not effective, one will have the option of having Juvederm (a dermal filler) injected to help eliminate more permanently the skin folds around the nose and mouth.
Dr. Grochmal is excited to be able to offer these treatments to complement his already extensive oculoplastic repertoire. Please call the office for more information, 410-697-4090.
Since its inception, laser vision correction has been changing the lives of our patients, enhancing vision and reducing or eliminating our patients’ dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. Now, our practice is proud to offer what many consider to be the most advanced LASIK system available: iLASIK™. Not sure what this cutting-edge procedure is all about?
Here is our list of the Top 5 Patient Benefits of iLASIK:
Fully-customized procedure. iLASIK is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Rather, using cutting-edge 3D eye mapping, iLASIK creates a one-of-a-kind image that is used to guide your LASIK procedure. This unique “roadmap” means a fully-customized procedure in keeping with your unique anatomy and medical needs.
Completely bladeless. Where some LASIK systems rely on metal blades, iLASIK creates a corneal flap using a precise laser. This completely blade-free system is an ideal alternative for those hesitant about “going under the knife.” What’s more, this method often results in better and faster healing following the procedure.
Cool laser technology. A second laser – the one used to make the actual vision correction – can be understood as a “cool laser.” Using pain-free, ultraviolet light, iLASIK works to reshape the cornea and achieve better vision. What’s more, vision correction takes only seconds per eye.
Iris registration. Cutting-edge iris registration technology ensures that iLASIK’s laser remains aligned, even if you move your eye. This offers not only a more precise procedure, but very often a quicker procedure as well.
Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. Of course, the most important benefit of iLASIK is its remarkable results. And, while each patient’s results will vary, most iLASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better following the procedure.
iLASIK in Winchester
To learn more about iLASIK, contact us today and schedule a consultation. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, and you can reach us directly at (540) 722-6200. We look forward to meeting you.
We always ask our Dallas/Fort Worth patients if they would mind completing our Patient Satisfaction Survey. This is totally anonymous so patients will feel comfortable sharing their most candid feedback. Naturally, we pay more attention to any areas where we need to do better. But like any business, we are extremely proud to know when we have excelled. Here are just a few stand out comments from individual surveys as each patient wrote them:
“Without a doubt I will refer all of my friends and family to y’all!! The phone call from the nurse after my surgery that afternoon was great. I almost fell out of my chair at 8:40 PM that night when Dr. Labor’s mobile number came up on my Caller ID! What a wonderful, personal touch. Meant millions!”
“My first procedure went so well that I had no concerns for the second. I was impressed with the care the staff gave all the patients.”
“I have never witnessed any medical facility exert as much effort in caring for its patients. I mean, I have never heard of a surgeon calling a patient at 9:00 in the evening with concerns about their condition. OUTSTANDING!”
“I felt like I was a VIP – I have never been at a doctor’s office (in 60 years) and cared for by so many friendly, CARING, professional staff and nurses! God bless you all and thank you for taking care of cry babies!!!”
“Your operation/services are better than [what] is considered normal in our ‘modern’ world!”
“It was like a dance, every step was in place. Everyone knew what to do and when. Thank you for the care. Great job.”
One patient even compared us to his favorite musician:
“Yanni is one of the world’s best composers and always finds top talent to support his work; and he’s clearly at the top of his game. He reminds me of you and your surgical team. Both of my eyes now have similar, amazing vision and I never experienced any pain, or discomfort of any kind. These surgeries have also been very minor disruptions in my schedule, which surprised me. I only wish I had accomplished it much sooner. Thank you for sharing such great talent.”
It’s true, books really do, “Feed Your Head”. In 1991 there was an award winning MTV campaign that promoted reading. It was a revolutionary, ground breaking, and cutting edge style of mixing literature with a short film. This was when MTV still contained the word “music” in the logo, Tom Freston was the President and CEO of the network, the influence of Bob Pittman was still around, and it offered up value and creativity to viewers. Unfortunately it seems those days have passed.
Because of this campaign to promote reading I was introduced to the works of Franz Kafka and more importantly the works of Donald Barthelme. To me, Donald Barthelme is the master of the short story. I read almost every single day. I will admit that there are days when I am on vacation that I might miss the opportunity to read in exchange for the opportunity to explore a new city.
Many years ago, Jim Rohn (author and personal development trainer) said, “If you read one book every month about your industry, in 10 years you’ll have read 120 books. That will put you in the top one percent of your field.” Mr. Rohn was 100% correct and he was just talking about the lazy way to do it. I once heard someone say, “Skip a meal, but never skip the opportunity to read.” If you just invest 20 – 30 minutes a day in yourself, to read, there isn’t any reason that can’t read at least one book a week. If you were to read one book a week that would mean at the end of year you would have read 52 books. At this rate you would be in the top one percent in two years instead of 10.
For myself, I find that reading in a 80/20 ratio works best for me. Eighty percent of the books that I read are for knowledge and learning. Twenty percent of the books that I read are for humor, pleasure, and escapism. I would personally get bored if all I did was read for learning. I also need to be entertained when I read.
Please don’t tell me you don’t have enough time to read. If you really don’t think that you have the time to read…then I suggest that you at least make the time to read, “The 168 Hour Week” by, Dr. Kevin Hogan.
You can find the time to read. You just have to do it. I truly believe that reading is a great exercise that you can and should do for your brain everyday to keep it healthy and active. Think of your brain as muscle…exercise it and make it grow. The dividends that it will pay you can be huge.
If you’re looking for a new author to read or you want to start reading a new genere of books, then I suggest you take a look at the works of Thorne Smith. You can find out more about Thorne Smith at the blog and and website created by, Michael Walker at http://www.thornesmithblog.com/
Grab a book and start reading today. Remember, “Books Feed Your Head”.
Dr. Grochmal recently attended a conference to expand his services to increase his refractive surgery options for his patients in Baltimore. Implantable contact lenses (ICL’s) are a great alternative for patients who are not qualified for LASIK or are borderline. Often times, the glasses’ prescription is outside the range for safe and effective LASIK; or the cornea is too thin for LASIK. ICL’s will correct for high hyperopia as well as high myopia without altering the cornea’s natural refractive powers. Please contact Grochmal Eye Center to learn more.
At Grochmal Eye Center, ophthalmologist Dr. Jay C. Grochmal encourages patients to attend eye exams on a regular basis for the prevention and early detection of eye diseases.
Baltimore, MD - Dr. Jay C. Grochmal, an ophthalmologist in Baltimore, advises his patients at Grochmal Eye Center to schedule a regular eye exam every one to three years, depending on the age and health of the individual. By doing so, he is able to check for a variety of visual and muscular problems that can easily go undetected and permanently damage sight.
The frequency of exams depends on the needs of each patient and any pre-existing medical conditions. He recommends patients over 40 get a complete eye exam every two years, which is especially important for those with cataracts or glaucoma. For patients with diabetes, he advises more frequent eye exams with at least one per year to monitor any changes.
According to Dr. Grochmal, eye exams can be made less frequently with younger patients, as they have a lower risk of developing severe eye problems. He points out they can get by with an appointment every three years. At approximately age six, Dr. Grochmal encourages parents to set up a baseline exam for their children. However, if there is a family history of eye muscle problems and signs are apparent in the child, an exam should be made around age three or earlier.
“The reason for regular exams goes well beyond ‘good’ vision,” Dr Grochmal explains. He identifies these exams as preventative measures for his patients. Since many medical diseases have adverse signs within the eye, and inherent eye diseases can manifest silently, not showing many, if any symptoms early on, they can be progressing unchecked, causing needless damage. To detect problems early and prevent permanent damage, Dr. Grochmal performs a thorough inspection of his patients’ eyes.
During these exams, Dr. Grochmal monitors any visual or muscular changes. Depending on the patient’s unique case and whether they have undergone vision correction procedures such as LASIK or PRK, additional tests may be needed for effective disease prevention; but generally, patients can expect the following in a complete exam:
Vision check with and without glasses
Careful exam of the orbital area including eyelids
Eye muscle balance evaluation
Magnified exam of the eye interior from the cornea to the retina
Measurement of intraocular pressure
With their personal touch and advanced technology, Dr. Grochmal says the physicians at Grochmal Eye Center are helping preserve and improve patient eye health one routine screening at a time. Overall, he stresses the importance of frequent eye exams with an experienced and qualified ophthalmologist.
About Jay C. Grochmal, MD
After graduating from the University of Maryland, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal interned at the U.S. Public Health Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Three years later, he was named Chief Resident at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology before completing his residency. It was at this point when Dr. Grochmal opened his private practice in ophthalmology. In addition to his eye center, he is on the staff of top Baltimore hospitals, including the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and St. Agnes Hospital. He currently is the medical director at Snowden River Surgery Center (one of the busiest ambulatory centers for eye surgery in the state). Dr. Grochmal is available for interview upon request.
Innovation starts with a seed, an idea fueled by passion and a desire to make meaningful change by building on that which has come before and making it better. In no field is this perhaps more vital than in health care.
Rock Health, a seed accelerator and nonprofit foundation focused on the intersection of health care and technology, develops global strategies to enhance care delivery, patient-clinician relations, and the health and well being of people the world over. The organization is partnering with organizations, entrepreneurs, researchers, thought leaders and innovators across multiple fields, including medicine, technology, venture capital, and corporate industry to advance digital technology in health care – two fields that touch each of our lives. Through start-up funding, research and public events, the foundation supports next generation health entrepreneurs committed to supporting digital innovation in health care.
Kaiser Permanente recently announced its partnership with Rock Health as a sponsor to provide financial support and work closely with the seed accelerator’s network of change makers to explore new ways to leverage digital innovation to improve the health of communities across the globe. In this move, Kaiser Permanente joins several other health and business leaders—including the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical School, General Electric, Nike, Genentech and others—who support Rock Health and the important work it is doing.
For more information on Rock Health, including its incubator program, its events, its own blog, and more, check out the website here.
Dr. Grochmal recently attended a conference to expand his services to increase his refractive surgery options for his patients in Baltimore. Implantable contact lenses (ICL’s) are a great alternative for patients who are not qualified for LASIK or are borderline. Often times, the glasses’ prescription is outside the range for safe and effective LASIK; or the cornea is too thin for LASIK. ICL’s will correct for high hyperopia as well as high myopia without altering the cornea’s natural refractive powers. Please contact Grochmal Eye Center to learn more.