Optometry in 2025: Trends, Innovations, and Patient Care

🔓 Open Access for the #LightAdjustable Lens! Great article in Review of Ophthalmology by Liz Hunter on how Open Access Centers for postop light treatments is the easiest way for cataract surgeons to get into the technology, "...without any capital expense, logistical changes, and without impacting the surgeon and clinical staff schedules." Best of all, because open access Adjustment Doctors serve surgeons across numerous practices, they become centers of excellence with the high volume they manage. The VisionLOCK Open Access model LOCKS it in so you UNLOCK your time. https://lnkd.in/gjfctSKg #openaccess #unlockyourtime #starttoday #cataractsurgery

Before any back or hip surgery, screen for SI joint dysfunction—it’s quick and essential. Dr. Ryan Whelton, DPT, is a licensed physical therapist and founder of the Whelton Methods®. These clinician-focused techniques are intended to support pain relief and functional improvement in patients with various musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Whelton teaches licensed healthcare providers how to apply these concepts in practice through his online courses and publications, available at www.wheltonmethods.com. DISCLAIMER: The Whelton Methods® are intended for use by licensed healthcare professionals for educational purposes only. The content does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The techniques and perspectives presented are based on clinical experience and published case insights, and are not intended to replace evidence-based clinical judgment or standards of care. Results vary depending on patient condition, setting, and practitioner application. Always follow applicable licensing laws and clinical guidelines before implementing new techniques. #SIJoint #BackPain #SurgeryAwareness

Cataracts remain the leading cause of vision loss worldwide, yet advances in ophthalmic surgery are transforming lives. Our new article explores the medical, social, and psychological impact of cataracts, the breakthroughs in treatment, and preventive strategies essential for healthy aging. A valuable read for healthcare professionals and anyone interested in public health. #InviOcean #Cataracts #VisionHealth #EyeCare #MedicalInnovation #HealthyAging https://lnkd.in/ewp4rDkb

For years, surgeons had little idea how patients were doing after discharge. We call them but two of three patients never answer their phone. And when they do, some just tell us what they believe we want to hear. So - how are patients actually doing? With SurgicalPerformance we introduced PROMIS questionnaires – and patients loved it. No more inconvenient phone calls. They could respond to surveys on their smartphones in privacy, in their own time, and most importantly, they felt heard. Now, responses are not 30% (this is the benchmark for hospitals) but are closer to 80% in our surveys. Next came PGI-I, a one-question survey asking how successful patients felt their surgery was. Then the Pelvic Floor Questionnaire, giving urogynaecologists real insight into their patients' symptoms before and after treatment, while also allowing outcomes to be compared with peers. And just last week, SurgicalPerformance launched a new #Hernia Questionnaire, giving general surgeons a modern way to document success in hernia surgery. More tools are coming, more insights will follow, and most importantly, more patients will have a voice. A huge thanks to Phil Lockie Shirley Lockie for the inspiration and for getting the hernia module off the ground.  Lauren Fraser Rem Bruijn John Lenneberg Mark Morwood Ana Ronyut Nina Obermair Yevhen Kurinaki. Many thanks also to Prof John Fischer Professor of Surgery at UPenn for allowing us to use the survey tool.

Ahpra has just updated their guidance for practitioners using telehealth to provide care. The guidance for telehealth and virtual care has been updated to ensure patients receive high-quality care – whether it be in-person, over-the-phone or online. See ahpra.gov.au for more information. A reminder that for cosmetic surgery, patient consultation type and timing guidelines are in place: A patient seeking cosmetic surgery must have at least two pre-operative consultations. The patient’s first consultation must be with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery or another registered health practitioner who works with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery (not a patient advisor or an agent). At least one of the two consultations must be in person with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. Other consultation(s) can be in person or by video. #asapsau #specialistplasticsurgeons #cosmeticsurgery

New Article in SJOVS – Scandinavian Journal of Optometry & Visual Science We are pleased to share the latest publication in SJOVS: “The Pediatric Cataract Register (PECARE): Challenges in scientific evaluation of visual development." This study analyses visual acuity test methods used in Swedish children after cataract surgery and highlights important challenges: - Wide variation in visual acuity test methods across clinics. - Less than 50% successful measurements in children under 2 years. - Higher success with the Kasper test, which still requires scientific re-validation. - The urgent need for age-related national guidelines to ensure equal care and reliable evaluation of visual development. The findings underscore the importance of standardisation and collaboration in paediatric eye care, with direct implications for improving care quality. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d6FXS2Zb #SJOVS #PaediatricEyecare #Cataract #VisualAcuity #ClinicalGuidelines

Spine surgeons dedicate their careers to improving the health of others, but often at a significant cost to their own bodies. The demanding nature of spine procedures, involving prolonged standing, wearing lead aprons, awkward postures, and repetitive motions, places them at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Studies show that over 87% of spine surgeons experience WRMSDs, with surgeons that employ minimally invasive techniques being particularly susceptible. (Mavrovounis, G., et al., Global Spine Journal, 2023) Neck (52.5%), back (46.3%), and shoulder (18.8%) are the most common WRMSDs in spine surgeons. (Choi, S. W., et al., Journal of the KOA, 2017) The cumulative effect of these injuries can lead to reduced surgical efficiency, early retirement, and a decreased quality of life for these vital healthcare professionals. Investing in ergonomic solutions isn't just about surgeon comfort; it's about patient safety and the sustainability of our healthcare system. When surgeons are free from pain and discomfort, they can maintain focus, precision, and endurance throughout long and complex operations. By proactively addressing ergonomic challenges, we can protect the well-being of our spine surgeons, extend their careers, and ultimately enhance the quality of care they provide to countless patients. Assisting with or automating arduous physical tasks is one way that robots can help improve the quality of life for our surgeons. It is better to swap out a robot's parts than to have to eventually reconstruct a surgeon's shoulder or to fuse a surgeon's spine. #SpineSurgery #Ergonomics #SurgeonWellbeing #MusculoskeletalHealth #WorkplaceSafety #surgicalrobotics

🎉We’re thrilled to announce that last week, Dr. Francesco Traverso of CDC Habilita – I Cedri performed the first Arvis™ surgery in Europe🎉 Dr. Traverso successfully carried out a total knee arthroplasty, implanting a Physica LMC with the support of Arvis™ Augmented Reality Surgical Guidance. “I really enjoyed using Arvis™ for the surgery. From the start, I found it easy to use and cost efficient Technologie which can be especially helpful for less experienced surgeons or those performing a high volume of procedures.” Stated Dr. Traverso, “Our scrub nurses also appreciated how quickly it integrates with standard instrumentation, without the need for bulky equipment.” Arvis™, Enovis’ wearable and self-contained system, provides real-time, zero footprint surgical guidance. It received CE mark approval for hip and knee earlier this summer, with shoulder expected soon. 🥇This surgery marks a major milestone for Enovis, underscoring our commitment to advancing orthopedic innovation and empowering surgeons worldwide with smart, enabling technologies that enhance precision without adding complexity. Special thanks to Dr. Traverso and his team for pioneering this technology in Europe, and to our colleagues in Italy for their invaluable contribution to this success. 👉 If you’re an orthopedic surgeon and would like to learn more about Arvis™, visit our website. https://hubs.la/Q03KXlpf0 #Enovis #medtech #CreatingBetterTogether #Arvis™ #Innovation #AugmentedReality #Orthopaedics Habilita Robotics Healthcare

Artificial intelligence is transforming cataract surgery wait times in the UK. The NHS reports that Dora, an AI-powered voice system developed in Oxford, has significantly reduced wait times in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight—from 35 weeks in January 2024 to just 10 weeks or less by 2025. By automating patient calls and streamlining referrals, Dora has freed up clinical staff for more surgical work while delivering a 92% patient satisfaction rate. According to Aris Konstantopoulos of University Hospital Southampton NHS FT, this innovation has led to "massive strides" in improving patient care and reducing administrative burdens. #CataractSurgery #ArtificialIntelligence #HealthcareInnovation #NHS #MedicalAI #SurgicalEfficiency #PatientCare #CSurgeries

New research from Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open (Jan 2025) confirms what many patients and nurses have known for years: surgical drains can be one of the most painful and emotionally difficult parts of recovery. Key Study Findings: (Study attached) • 84.7% of patients struggled with basic daily tasks while drains were in place. • 66% reported negative emotional well-being caused by their drains. • 65% said they would choose hospitals offering better drain management tools. • Longer drain duration = significantly higher pain reported. Real Patient Voice: “Wearing that drain made me feel like I wasn’t even human. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t shower, I was afraid to move. I wanted it out more than anything.” What You Can Do: Surgical drains help your body heal but they don’t have to make you miserable. Talk with your care team about options that support your comfort and mobility. Ask if they offer soft, wearable solutions to help you sleep, shower, and move more freely. Tools like BulbPendant from Hand and Hand Medical are designed to reduce pain and restore a sense of normal life even during recovery. Questions to Ask Your Nurse or Surgeon: • What support is available for wearing and managing drains at home? • Are there alternatives to safety pins or tape for securing my drains? • How can I safely sleep and shower with these drains? The challenges patients face with traditional surgical drains are significant – but they don't have to be. BulbPendant is specifically engineered to address and eliminate these pervasive problems, offering a comprehensive and effective solution that puts patient comfort and confidence first. For more information and patient evaluations please contact Steve Koontz: stevkoontz5@gmail.com (314) 409-2279 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gkqp6Edy Follow me on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/g5mg7ybB #HandandHandMedical #BulbPendant #NurseLeadership #NursingEducation #PerioperativeNursing #BreastSurgery #OncologyNursing #PlasticSurgery #PostOpCare #SurgicalRecovery #PatientCenteredCare #DrainManagement #PatientsFirst