Eyewire Today

5/16/2012 | 588 views

Potential Noninvasive Wet AMD Treatments, Fuchs Dystrophy Genetic Link, Technology Obstacles

In this week's EyewireTV, the INTREPID study, which examined Oraya Therapeutics’ radiation therapy for the treatment of wet AMD, has met its primary endpoint; and research confirms that a genetic factor is a strong predictor of an individual’s risk of developing Fuchs dystrophy. In the weekly feature, industry and venture capital executives share their thoughts on overcoming the challenges involved in bringing new technology to the marketplace. Watch Video

5/9/2012 | 1,762 views

EyewireTV — 2-Year CATT Data Reaction, Iluvien UK Approval, LipiFlow Rollout

In this week's EyewireTV, Genentech, the maker of both Avastin and Lucentis, shares its reaction to the 2-year results of the pivotal CATT; and Iluvien intravitreal insert receives approval in the United Kingdom for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. In the weekly feature, retina specialists break down the data from the CATT and share their insight on what the data means for the future treatment of wet AMD. Watch Video

5/2/2012 | 1,602 views

EyewireTV — Two-year CATT Study Results, New OCT Clearance, Cash-Pay Businesses

In this week's EyewireTV, second-year results from the pivotal CATT Study comparing Avastin and Lucentis found that the drugs are equivalent in treating AMD when administered on a monthly or on an as-needed basis; and Optovue Inc. receives FDA 510(k) clearance for the XR version of their flagship RTVue FD-OCT system. In the weekly feature, Robert Grant, formerly of Allergan Medical and Bausch and Lomb Surgical, talks about his new private equity fund, Strathspey Crown LLC, and the potential to create cash-pay businesses that can opt-out of the Medicare/Medicaid system. Watch Video

4/25/2012 | 1,176 views

EyewireTV — iFS Laser Corneal Incisions Clearance, ReLEx Smile US Clinical Trial, Clear Optic IOL Approval

In this week’s EyewireTV, Abbott Medical Optics Inc. receives FDA clearance to create bowshaped or curved arcuate incisions in corneal surgery, including cataract surgery, with the iFS laser; and Carl Zeiss Meditec is granted conditional approval from the FDA to initiate a clinical trial in the United States of the ReLEx smile procedure for the correction of myopia. In the weekly feature, three international ophthalmologists with experience with the ReLEx smile procedure discuss the unique benefits of the technique. Watch Video

4/18/2012 | 1,101 views

EyewireTV — Caffeine/Tear Study, OptiMedica CE Mark Indication, Laser Cataract Adoption

In this week’s EyewireTV, new research shows that caffeine intake can increase the eye’s ability to produce tears; and OptiMedica Corp. receives CE Mark approval for the creation of corneal incisions with the Catalys Precision Laser System. In the weekly feature, early users of femtosecond technology for cataract surgery discuss its potential for widespread adoption. Watch Video

4/11/2012 | 1,300 views

EyewireTV — Ophthalmologist Shortage Survey, Halting AMD Progression, Accutome Sold

In this week's EyewireTV, a large survey shows the number of ophthalmologists is not keeping pace with aging populations and the needs of developing countries; and a study finds that controlling or raising the levels of an inflammatory component in the retinas of patients with dry AMD could prevent its progressing to wet AMD. In the weekly feature, an industry leader, a venture capitalist, and an ophthalmologist share their thoughts on the relationship between venture capital and innovation in today’s ophthalmic market. Watch Video

4/4/2012 | 901 views

EyewireTV — FDA Clearance Report, ACOS/Avedro CXL Trial, Improving Surgical Accuracy

In this week’s EyewireTV, a GAO report shows the time it takes the FDA to submit final decisions on 510(k) clearances for medical devices has increased in recent years; and ACOS and Avedro have jointly announced the initiation of a phase 3 clinical trial to examine accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking. In the weekly feature, ophthalmologists share their experiences with the ORA intraoperative wavefront aberrometer and new topography units. Watch Video

3/28/2012 | 3,127 views

EyewireTV — B+L Acquires Ista, B+L CEO Interview, Femto LDV Z Approval

In this week’s EyewireTV, Bausch + Lomb agrees to buy Ista Pharmaceuticals for about $500 million; and Ziemer announces it has received FDA clearance for its recently released Femto LDV Z Models. In the weekly feature, Bausch + Lomb President and CEO Brent Saunders speaks with EyewireTV News Director Stephen Daily about the acquisition and the effect it will have on Bausch + Lomb’s eye care offerings. Watch Video

3/21/2012 | 1,294 views

EyewireTV — Ocriplasmin Commercialization Rights, Spectralis FDA Clearance, Reimbursement Rulings

In this week’s Eyewire TV, Thrombogenics sells the exclusive rights to commercialize ocriplasmin outside the United States to Alcon, and Heidelberg Engineering announces FDA clearance for the Spectralis Anterior Segment Module. In the weekly feature, experts discuss how reimbursement rulings could affect the decisions cataract surgeons make in choosing when and how to adopt new technology. Watch Video

3/14/2012 | 2,372 views

EyewireTV — CXL FDA Application, LensAR Financing, Combined Surgery

In this week’s EyewireTV, Avedro formally submits a new drug application to the FDA for its corneal collagen cross-linking system; and LensAR raises $24 million in private financing to support the commercial launch of its femtosecond laser platform. In the weekly feature, ophthalmologists discuss new microinvasive glaucoma devices that give cataract surgeons the ability to enhance visual outcomes and lower intraocular pressure in one procedure. Watch Video

3/7/2012 | 2,058 views

EyewireTV — CXL Advancements, Phase 3 Dry Eye Treatment Study, LipiFlow MGD Study

In this week’s EyewireTV, Avedro enters into an agreement that could add three major advancements to its existing corneal collagen cross-linking portfolio; and SARcode Bioscience completes patient enrollment in their first phase 3 clinical study of SAR 1118 for the treatment of dry eye disease. In part 2 of EyewireTV’s series on FDA regulation, physicians provide suggestions on what can be done to improve the US regulatory system and make the process of bringing critical technology to market more fluid. Watch Video

2/29/2012 | 1,850 views

EyewireTV — New Femto Laser Platform, Catalys Launch in US, FDA Regulatory Process

In this week's EyewireTV, Ziemer releases a new femtosecond laser platform, Femto LDV Z, designed for a broad variety of applications, including cataract surgery; and a study of Medicare beneficiaries shows rates of post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis in the US in 2003 and 2004 were lower than previous years’ estimates. In the weekly feature, Richard Lindstrom, MD, and R. Doyle Stulting, MD, PhD, speak with EyewireTV during the ACOS-Dulaney Winter Meeting about the FDA regulatory system and its impact on innovation and patient care. Watch Video

2/22/2012 | 1,412 views

EyewireTV — Video Games Vision Study, Diagnostic Code Delay, Patient Comanagement

In this week's EyewireTV, new research reveals that playing video games may improve vision later in life for those with congenital cataracts; and the deadline for physicians to begin using a new and expanded set of diagnostic codes has been delayed. In the weekly feature, physicians talk about the need for increased communication between optometrists and ophthalmolgists, and share tips on how to make comanagement of patients more effective. Watch Video

2/15/2012 | 1,308 views

EyewireTV — Zioptan Glaucoma Drug Approval, Eyetech Acquisition, Anti-Infectives Approval Challenges

In this week's EyewireTV, the FDA approves Zioptan, a solution to reduce elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension; and Valeant Pharmaceuticals agrees to acquire Eyetech Inc., a privately-owned ophthalmic biotechnology company specializing in the treatment of retinal diseases. In the weekly feature, ophthalmologists talk about the challenges surrounding the development of new pharmaceutical agents, such as anti-infectives, NSAIDs, and steroids, geared at improving surgical outcomes. Watch Video

2/8/2012 | 1,592 views

EyewireTV — Ocriplasmin Priority Review, ReSure Sealant Trial, CXL Update

In this week's EyewireTV, priority review designation is granted to ThromboGenics’ ocriplasmin for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion, including macular hole; and ReSure Sealant, a proprietary synthetic hydrogel polymer for ophthalmic use over clear corneal incisions, is granted investigational device exemption to conduct a pivotal clinical trial. In the weekly feature, ophthalmologists discuss the benefits of corneal collagen cross-linking and the latest studies involving epi-on and epi-off. Watch Video

2/1/2012 | 2,317 views

EyewireTV — Laser Cataract Surgery Billing, Epilepsy-Cataract Link, FDA NSAID Meeting

In this week's EyewireTV, the two largest ophthalmic medical associations partner to release controversial guidelines they say will assist ophthalmologists in determining their ability to charge Medicare and its beneficiaries for laser cataract surgery; and an upcoming FDA committee meeting will discuss clinical evidence and marketing of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for ocular pain following cataract surgery. Watch Video

1/25/2012 | 2,077 views

EyewireTV — Stem Cell Breakthrough, Lucentis China Approval, Dry Eye Treatments

In this week's EyewireTV, human embryonic stem cells for the first time are safely used to treat macular degeneration in two patients, and Novartis receives regulatory approval in China for Lucentis as a treatment for wet AMD. In the weekly feature, cataract surgeons share their thoughts on why there is an increased focus on dry eye disease, and how it is impacting the marketplace for dry eye treatment. Watch Video

1/17/2012 | 2,200 views

EyewireTV — Generic Drug Fees, Ista Offer Increased, Medicare Eye Exam

In this week's EyewireTV, the FDA reaches an agreement that would collect hundreds of millions of dollars in new fees from pharmaceutical companies to help speed up the review of generic drugs, and Valeant Pharmaceuticals raises its takeover offer for Ista Pharmaceuticals. In the weekly feature, leading ophthalmologists discuss what they believe the future holds for the technology behind toric and presbyopia-correcting lenses, and share tips on how to best communicate the benefits of premium lenses with patients. Watch Video

1/11/2012 | 1,893 views

EyewireTV — Aspirin/AMD Link, LASIK Corneal Cross-linking Procedure, Premium IOL Adoption

In this week’s EyewireTV, a large European study links daily aspirin use to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, and a proprietary brief corneal cross-linking procedure used in conjunction with LASIK receives CE Mark approval. In the weekly feature, three leading ophthalmologists identify the potential causes of the slow adoption rate of premium IOLs and advise how physicians can better communicate with patients the benefits of the premium implants. Watch Video

1/4/2012 | 1,555 views

EyewireTV — Chief Medical Editors 2012 Preview

Chief medical editors Stephen Slade, MD (Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today), and Steven D. Vold, MD (Glaucoma Today), reflect on 2011 and share their opinions on what they considered the most significant developments in their respective fields. Drs. Slade and Vold also talk about what the hottest trends and new devices will be in ophthalmology in 2012. Watch Video

12/21/2011 | 1,733 views

EyewireTV — OptiMedica Catalys FDA Approval, Takeover Bid for Ista, Online Health Grades

In this week's EyewireTV, OptiMedica Corp. has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Catalys Precision Laser System for capsulotomy and/or lens fragmentation. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., makes a hostile $327 million bid for Ista Pharmaceuticals Inc. In the weekly feature, experts share advice on what steps ophthalmologists should take to optimize their online presence and protect the reputation of their practice. Watch Video

12/14/2011 | 1,496 views

EyewireTV — Cross–linking Designation, Long–Term DME Study, Cataract Surgery Reimbursement

In this week's EyewireTV, the FDA grants orphan drug designation for Avedro’s riboflavin ophthalmic solution, Vibe-X, for use with its corneal cross-linking system to treat corneal ectasia following refractive surgery. In the weekly feature, ophthalmologists talk about how health care legislation may create a more competitive marketplace for the cataract surgeon and how offering premium services could help recoup losses in reimbursement. Watch Video

12/7/2011 | 1,619 views

EyewireTV — Victus CE Mark Approval, Osmolarity System Waiver, Electronic Health Records

In this week's EyewireTV, Bausch + Lomb and Technolas Perfect Vision announce that the Victus femtosecond laser platform has received CE mark approval in Europe; and the TearLab Osmolarity System overcomes a major obstacle that will allow the dry eye detection device to be more widely adopted. In the weekly feature, leading ophthalmologists talk about the discussion they would have with patients regarding charging a premium for laser cataract surgery. Watch Video

11/30/2011 | 1,417 views

EyewireTV — Eylea Approved by FDA, Diabetes/Visual Impairment Study, Health Insurance Premiums

In this week's EyewireTV, Regeneron Vice President of Medical Affairs Beate Stych skypes with EyewireTV about the benefits of Eylea, which recently received FDA approval for the treatment of wet AMD. Also, a new study reveals the percentage of people with diabetes reporting visual impairment dropped substantially over the past 14 years. Watch Video

11/16/2011 | 2,225 views

EyewireTV — Iluvien Setback, Miniature Telescope Implant, Glaucoma Screening

In this week’s EyewireTV, the FDA issues a complete response letter to Alimera stating that it is unable to approve a new drug application for Iluvien for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. In the weekly feature, ophthalmic experts discuss the advantages and disadvantages of European patients having access to technology not yet approved in the United States. Watch Video

11/9/2011 | 2,084 views

EyewireTV — FDA Drug Approvals, Retinal Prothesis, New Medical Devices

In this week's EyewireTV, the FDA releases a statement touting its pace of drug approvals in fiscal year 2011 compared with its European counterparts, and the first commercial implantation of a retinal prosthesis is successfully completed. In the weekly video feature, experts in the ophthalmic industry talk about the regulatory process of medical devices in the United States and whether barriers are causing innovation to move overseas. Watch Video

11/1/2011 | 1,763 views

EyewireTV — Childhood Vision Study, Alzheimer/Cataract Link, Product Labeling

In this week's EyewireTV, a new study reveals that a child’s vision may be affected by the amount of time spent outdoors; and patients with mild Alzheimer disease whose vision improved after cataract surgery also experienced improvements in cognitive ability, mood, sleep patterns, and other behaviors. In the weekly video feature, leading ophthalmologists discuss how increased scrutiny surrounding product labeling can affect pharmaceutical innovation and patient access to the best medicine. Watch Video

10/26/2011 | 1,808 views

EyewireTV — Laser Cataract Finances, Eye Health Survey, ORA Launch

In this week’s EyewireTV News, a new survey released by the Ocular Nutrition Society finds that baby boomers value vision more than any other sense, yet they lack knowledge about ocular health. Also, three leading ophthalmologists sit down with EyewireTV in Orlando to share their thoughts on how physicians can establish a financial model that incorporates femtosecond laser cataract technology into their practice. Watch Video

10/18/2011 | 1,434 views

EyewireTV — WebMD/B+L Partnership, OPKO sale, ACOS Summit

In this week’s EyewireTV News, WebMD Health Corp. and Bausch + Lomb announce an online educational initiative to improve eye care for patients; and OPKO Health, Inc., completes the sale of its ophthalmic instrumentation business to Optos PLC for $17.5 million. Also, ophthalmologists share their experience with EMR and EHR systems, and their advice on the best way to adopt the technology. Watch Video

10/11/2011 | 2,080 views

EyewireTV — Lucentis Price Cut, Topcon/LensAR Deal, Industry Trends

In this week’s EyewireTV News, Novartis drops the price of Lucentis by 30 percent in Switzerland after receiving pressure from the government; and Topcon Europe Medical BV makes an equity investment in LensAR. Also, three industry leaders share their thoughts on what the hottest advancements and biggest challenges to the eye care industry will be over the next 12 to 18 months. Watch Video

10/4/2011 | 1,519 views

EyewireTV — Health Care Reform Mandate, Santen Buys Novagali, LASIK Volumes

In this week’s EyewireTV News, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to review the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which mandates Americans to purchase health insurance by 2014 or be fined. Also, three experts share their thoughts on how the global financial crisis has affected the laser refractive market, and whether LASIK volumes can bounce back to the levels of years past. Watch Video

9/27/2011 | 3,027 views

EyewireTV — VA Drops Avastin, Stem Cell Trial in Europe, Advancements in Retina

This week’s EyewireTV News, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announces it will stop using bevacizumab to treat wet AMD pending the results of an investigation into its safety. Also, leading vitreoretinal surgeons share their thoughts on the most significant advancements and developments in the retinal arena, including the CATT Study, the latest data on VEGF Trap Eye, microplasmin, and the move from 20-gauge to 23- and 25-gauge microincisional surgery. Watch Video

9/20/2011 | 2,891 views

EyewireTV — Topcon/LensAR Partnership, B+L IOL Launch, Corneal Cross-linking Techniques

John Kanellopoulos MD, Sheraz Daya MD

This week’s EyewireTV News features breaking news from the annual cataract and refractive surgery conference in Vienna, Austria, including Topcon Europe and LensAR announcing their intent to enter into a long-term strategic cooperation to distribute its femtoscond cataract laser surgery system. Also, Sheraz M. Daya, MD, of Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, United Kingdom, and A. John Kanellopoulos, MD, of Laservision Eye Institute, Athens, Greece, share their thoughts on the most effective corneal collagen cross-linking methods and techniques. Watch Video

9/13/2011 | 2,397 views

EyewireTV—Cross-linking Designation, B+L/Technolas Partnership, Tort Reform

Eric D. Donnenfeld MD, Karl Stonecipher MD, Steven Dell MD

In this week's EyewireTV News, the FDA grants Avedro Inc. orphan drug designation for its riboflavin ophthalmic solution, known as VibeX, for use with its KXL system for corneal cross-linking to treat keratoconus. Also, several top ophthalmologists share their thoughts on the need for medical malpractice reform and the impact it could have on physicians and patients. Watch Video

9/6/2011 | 2,632 views

EyewireTV- Catalys CE Mark Approval; Avastin Eye Infections; Sleep Disorder Study

In this week’s EyewireTV news, Optimedica Corp. announces that it has received CE Mark approval to market its Catalys Precision Laser System for cataract surgery in Europe; and the FDA is alerting health care professionals that repackaged intravitreal injections of Avastin have caused several cases of serious eye infections. Watch Video

8/30/2011 | 1,929 views

EyewireTV—Pediatric Study, Implantable Miniature Telescope, Pattern Scan Laser

In this week’s EyewireTV news, a pediatric study of more than 10,000 children show large variations in the number of children with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism; and ophthalmic leaders discuss whether European patients have an advantage in having access to newer technology not yet available in the US. Watch Video

8/23/2011 | 1,766 views

EyewireTV - EYLEA FDA Extension, New PASCAL System, Integrated Medicine

John Doane MD, Mark Kontos MD

In this week’s EyewireTV news feature, John Doane, MD, of Discover Vision Centers in Kansas City, Missouri, and Mark Kontos, MD, a partner of Empire Eye Physicians of Washington and Idaho, discuss the importance of integrated healthcare in today's eye care environment, and how to prepare your practice for the influx of patients that will result from the aging baby boom population. Watch Video

8/16/2011 | 1,405 views

Welcome to the EyewireTV Weekly News Broadcast

Anchorwoman Devyn Gehret provides the most relevant and timely ophthalmic stories of the past week, and Drs. Stephen Slade and Steven Dell sit down with Eyewire News Editor Stephen Daily to discuss the future of femtosecond laser cataract surgery. Watch Video