High-tech cancer drugs send PBS costs soaring Oct 10, 2009
Doctors scorn cataract offer. Doctors have criticised a Federal Government concession on the funding of cataract surgery, saying it will benefit a small minority of elderly patients and leave the rest disadvantaged ... Yesterday the Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, said a new Medicare rebate of $638 for complex cataract surgery would ''reward specialists for the additional time they invest in longer procedures. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Two-thirds of world's blind are women: Study Oct 9, 2009
"The natural incidence of some blinding diseases, like cataract and trachoma, is higher among women than men, which results in a situation where women account for nearly two-thirds of blind people worldwide.". Some of the key findings of the report are Equal access to eye care could substantially reduce blindness in poor countries Simple and effective strategies can address the inequity within 2020 80 percent of blindness is avoidable and can be prevented, cured or treated 45... (India Times, India)
U.S. losing ground on preventable deaths Oct 6, 2009
Americans also have higher utilization rates of prescription medicines, sophisticated technology such as imaging and surgical procedures such as cataract surgery, knee replacements and Caesarean sections, according to the OECD analysis. For Conrad, one of the key Senate health-care negotiators, the international comparisons suggest following the lead of nations such as Germany, France and Japan that achieve universal coverage through a blend of private employer-based insurance and nonprofit... (MSNBC -- Politics)
Patients to pay in eye rebate stand-off Oct 6, 2009
THOUSANDS of vision-impaired patients face having to pay the entire bill of $620 or more for cataract operations as a result of a looming showdown over the Government's plan to halve Medicare payments for the surgery ... In comments which appear to rule out a compromise deal with the opposition parties, Ms Roxon said the Government would proceed with the budget proposal to halve the cataract rebate, in recognition of the technical advances that now meant operations typically took 15 minutes ...... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Eye surgeons threaten ban over Medicare cuts Oct 3, 2009
FRED HOLLOWS'S dream of performing cataract surgery in remote areas of the state is in doubt after more than 50 eye surgeons threatened to stop operating on public patients in protest against cuts to Medicare rebates. The outback eye team, run by the Prince of Wales Hospital and inspired by Hollows, has been travelling to western NSW for 14 years to treat patients with eye problems, but fears it might have to stop offering cataract surgery after a decision by the Federal Government to halve the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Sight Savers and Hohoe Hospital builds eye centre Sep 26, 2009
The centre can deal with glaucoma, cataract and trachoma and undertake major and minor surgical operations. Others are rehabilitation of the blind and provision of optical services. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Davidson purchases Farmington office Sep 25, 2009
Dr. Davidson is a board-certified ophthalmologist and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Missouri Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons ... Dr. Davidson specializes in advanced cataract surgery and general ophthalmology. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
End the Coarsening of Civic Discourse Sep 24, 2009
The culmination -- so far -- of this cataract of calumnies was voiced by Pelosi, who, after calling her opposition Nazis, audaciously and chillingly implied that their rhetoric might cause an assassination (as she alleged conservative homophobic rhetoric did in the 1970s): "I have concerns about some of the language that is being used, because I saw this myself in the late '70s in San Francisco. This kind of rhetoric was very frightening.". Then the president lamented the "coarsening" of the... (Human Events Online)
Laser Treatment For BRVO Is Safer Than Corticosteroid Injections And Equally Effective, Study Finds Sep 16, 2009
However, patients who received either dosage of corticosteroid medication were more likely to develop a cataract or have an increase in eye pressure requiring medication than patients who received laser treatment. Between one and two years after treatment was begun, patients who received the 4 milligram dosage were also more likely to undergo cataract surgery. (Science Daily)
Obstetricians say Roxon's fee figures are not accurate Sep 15, 2009
This follows the failure of the Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, to meet their demand to provide by yesterday further details on the proposed safety net changes, which affect areas including fertility treatment, obstetrics and cataract surgery. The latest setback to the Medicare budget package follows the Senate's defeat last week of the Government's $1. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Not So Peachy Advice Sep 14, 2009
Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health explain that eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help you ward off heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure, prevent some types of cancer, avoid a painful intestinal ailment called diverticulitis, and guard against cataract and macular degeneration, two common causes of vision loss. They suggest eating as many as possibleat least 9 servings or about 4. (Townhall.com)
Flying hospital Sep 12, 2009
TREATABLE CONDITIONS Cataract Childhood blindness Corneal blindness Diabetic retinopathy Glaucoma Retinoblastoma Retinopathy of prematurity Strabismus Trachoma ... Although the doctors he met there wanted to learn the necessary skills to cure blinding diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and retinoblastoma, the costs and practicalities involved prevented it. (BBC News -- Africa)
Help for IVF but not eyes Sep 9, 2009
IVF medicare cataract surgery ... Having given ground on IVF costs yesterday, the Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, now faces Senate pressure to axe another Medicare savings measure, the halving of the rebate on cataract surgery that could lift patients' out-of-pocket costs by $400 ... Ms Roxon late yesterday rejected the threat by the non-government majority in the Senate to block the cuts to the cataract rebate. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
River Parishes Hospital welcomes eight new physicians Sep 8, 2009
He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Kurica is available on a full-time basis to see patients. (L Observateur, LA)
Baird meets with packed house at Centralia theater Sep 4, 2009
Gordon Johns, who practices as an ophthalmologist at Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute in Chehalis, was among several speakers to ask about tort reform and medical malpractice laws. We have to differentiate between a bad outcome and negligence, he said. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Ontario hospital announces merger Sep 4, 2009
When her patients need some sort of medical procedure her office doesn t provide, such as cataract surgery, she gives them the opportunity to go to Holy Rosary Medical or out of the area. If they have a detached retina, they have to go to a retinal specialist, of which there are only three in the valley. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Change in Seasons: Ideal Time to Review Healthy Aging Habits Sep 1, 2009
Lutein's role in cataract prevention -- which affects a reported 20. 5 million Americans over age 40 -- has also been suggested in human clinical trials. (PR Newswire)
Gene mutation responsible for premature skin aging disease identified Sep 1, 2009
They identified the PYCR1 gene on chromosome 17 of these patients to be defective and found specific mutations in the gene that led to conditions often seen in elderly people, such as loose skin, loss of bone density, hip dislocation and cataract. They also determined that skin and bone were the two tissues most severely affected in patients with wrinkly skin syndrome. (EurekAlert!)
Obama health reform turns spotlight on Canada Aug 31, 2009
The Canadian Institute for Health Information, an independent nonprofit group, reported that as of April at least 75 percent of patients receive non-emergency surgeries -- radiation treatments, coronary artery bypass, hip and knee replacements, cataract surgery -- in acceptable time. David Johnson, 28, of Toronto, said he received immediate treatment after dislocating a shoulder playing ice hockey, but had to wait six months to have surgery to reattach torn cartilage. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Brain 'can beat early blindness' Aug 30, 2009
One woman, who had her vision restored at the age of 12 by a cataract operation, performed almost normally on vision tests at the age of 32 ... Most of the affected children live in remote areas where eye care is not available, and have conditions that could easily be treated, such as cataracts, vitamin A deficiency or conjunctivitis. (Yahoo News -- Brain Research)
ISTA says daily Xibrom eye drops met goal in study Aug 27, 2009
The company said Xibrom QD eye drops were significantly better than a placebo at eliminating eye inflammation 15 days after cataract surgery ... The trial included 299 patients who had cataract surgery on one eye. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Atwal finishes $6M expansion Aug 21, 2009
The project included $1 million invested in new medical technology, enabling such procedures as laser vision correction, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment and surgery, and other laser surgery. The facility will offer expanded vision testing and patient education, glasses and contact lenses, as well as a new Aesthetic and Cosmetic Lid Procedure Center. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Sarah and the Death Panels Aug 21, 2009
My father got cataract surgery in both eyes last year ... He would either get only ONE eye done (still needing glasses) or be turned down altogether which is frightening since WHO gets cataracts. (Townhall.com)
Missing the mark Aug 21, 2009
And they must wait months for cataract removal or a hip replacement, IF they are eligible for such surgery. Democrats like to scold us non-believers with the mantra that America is the only industrialized nation without universal health care. (Boerne Star, TX)
Specialists battle budget cuts Aug 19, 2009
Eye specialists are financing a media campaign, featuring a ''Grandma's not happy'' website, with the Council on the Ageing to counter a Government's plan to halve ''excessive'' Medicare payments for cataract operations. The budget measure exposes patients to gap payments of at least $420, one of several changes in which the Government is demanding specialists lower fees for routine operations rather than pass on the full charge to patients. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Sudan: South At Risk From Blindness Aug 18, 2009
The Ethiopian doctor has performed hundreds of cataract operations - removing the protein build-up that covers the eye - that miraculously bring back sight. Reversible cataract is probably responsible for half the cases of blindness in the South, but Mulugeta and government officials in the health sector know there are thousands who have no access to treatment. (allAfrica.com)
Obituaries for Monday, Aug. 17, 2009 Aug 17, 2009
BLACK RIVER FALLS/CATARACT Lucian T. Zalewski, 94, of Cataract and formerly of Black River Falls died Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, in town of Little Falls, Monroe County, Wis. Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Wednesday at Torgerson s Funeral Home, Black River Falls. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Outpatient Surgical Center can't reach deal with Blue Cross (2) Aug 16, 2009
Brown said the clinic, located a few blocks away from Lodi Memorial, provides outpatient procedures such as cataract surgery, urological procedures and colonoscopies. In an e-mail statement, Blue Cross spokeswoman Peggy Hinz said her company will continue to try and reach agreements with the surgical clinic and the hospital. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Obituaries for Sunday, August 16, 2009 Aug 16, 2009
Erma M. Boris CATARACT/SPARTA Erma M. Boris, 91, of Sparta died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta ... Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at United Methodist Church, Cataract, with the Rev. Lon Jury officiating ... Burial will be in Cataract Cemetery, Cataract. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
The dignity to die is part of our shared humanity Aug 15, 2009
She had a heart valve transplant at 82 that took her two years to recover from; broken shoulder; broken hip; knee transplant; hip transplant; and cataract surgery. The last two years of her life she lost 50 pounds and became fragile. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Health Care Battle Pits Fact vs. Fiction Aug 13, 2009
For example, after a Canadian has been referred to a specialist, the waiting list for gynecological surgery is four to 12 weeks, cataract removal 12 to 18 weeks, tonsillectomy three to 36 weeks and neurosurgery five to 30 weeks. Toronto-area hospitals, concerned about lawsuits, ask patients to sign a legal release accepting that while delays in treatment may jeopardize their health, they nevertheless hold the hospital blameless. (CBS News)
Researchers finding Alzheimer’s disease is exacerbated by vision loss Aug 10, 2009
9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to evaluate whether people with Alzheimer s would benefit from cataract surgery, a procedure that is not always seen as necessary for a patient with memory problems. The phrase I ve often heard is, What s the point. (Boston Globe)
Read Beck's interview Aug 10, 2009
Cataract surgery, you have to wait eight month. Hip replacement, 11 months. (Fox News)
LETTER: Time for new approach to nation's health care Aug 10, 2009
- 8 MONTHS FOR CATARACT SURGERY. - 11 MONTHS FOR A HIP REPLACEMENT. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Medford resident Dr. Robert Kwon joins staff at Winchester Hospital Aug 3, 2009
A resident of Medford, he is practicing at Burlington Eye Associates where he specializes in cataract and refractive surgery, cornea and external disease, and anterior segment surgery ... Kwon is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. (Medford Transcript, MA)
UV radiation blinding rural folk: Study Aug 2, 2009
CHENNAI: Why is every alternate person in rural India above the age of 40 blinded by cataract when only one in five in cities has the disease ... Arivunidhi K, 47, an agricultural labourer who was operated for cataract in June, understands this very well ... A cataract is a clouding of the lens. (India Times, India)
Five of Boston’s retired police horses have taken up residence in Plymouth Aug 2, 2009
While Pelli, 15 years old, has poor vision in one eye caused by a cataract, he has adapted well to the condition and is a seasoned mount. These horses generally live for about 25 years. (Boston Globe)
Obituaries for Tuesday, July 28, 2009 Jul 28, 2009
Her ashes will be placed in the Cataract Cemetery at Cataract. Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Friday at the Cataract Cemetery with a reception following at 4 p.m. at the Best Western Arrowhead Lodge in Black River Falls. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
US medical team to visit Ghana in September Jul 27, 2009
She said cataract and glaucoma could be treated and appealed to patients to visit medical centres for treatment. 26 July 09. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Canadian Straw Man Jul 25, 2009
"The average Canadian patient who was not treated within the medically acceptable period in 2007 waited a year for a hip or knee replacement and seven months for cataract surgery," the Globe and Mail reported. We certainly won't argue with anyone's desire to get surgery particularly for a brain tumor sooner rather than later. (Nebraska Statepaper)
Swine flu mother dies after giving birth, leaving her premature baby fighting for life... Jul 18, 2009
If the outbreak worsens hospitals are expected to consider postponing elective surgery such as cataract operations and hip replacements. And managers in London are in consultation with hospitals and the British Medical Association over whether to suspend targets. (The Drudge Report)
Retinal Detachment Jul 10, 2009
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Serious Eye Problem. The proper functioning of the retina is important for good vision. (Suite101.com)
Bidder in Hilo Hattie bankruptcy case bows out Jul 8, 2009
According to Jennifer Staple, President, CEO and Founder of Unite for Sight, the exclusive Maui Jim online "Buy One, Give One" program will enable the organization to provide quality glare and UV protection to treat needy postoperative cataract and pterygium patients and help prevent sun-related eye conditions in Ghana, Honduras and India. "There is great need for quality sunglass protection, and the participation of online buyers of Maui Jim in this offer will help immeasurably," said Staple. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Free eye treatment at Dormaa Ahenko Jul 8, 2009
A total of 700 eye patients received eye glasses, while 90 others underwent cataract surgery, and nine others benefiting from laser surgery. At a review meeting at the end of the 10-day eye camp, Mr. Effah-Yeboah commended the US team for their voluntary spirit and urged people in responsible positions to emulate the Americans. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Lutein: An Essential Nutrient for E... Jul 7, 2009
Asparagus - 1 large spear, 71/2 - 8" or 28 grams contains: 142 microgramsEgg yolk ( 1 large, 17 grams) contains: 186 microgramsReferences Hubert Greenway & Steven G. Pratt "Fruit and Vegetables in Diseases of the Eye" Vegetables, Fruits and Herbs in Human Health Promotion. ed. Ronald R. Ross, CRC Press 2001 Stahl W. "Macular Carotenoids" Developmental Opthalmology 2005;38:70-88 Moeller SM et al. "The Potential of the Role of Dietary Xanthopylls in Cataract and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. "... (Suite101.com)
Government urged to waive taxes on importation of drugs by NGOs Jul 6, 2009
The aged, adults and children were given medical attention in cataract, malaria, fever, stomach ache and other communicable diseases. About 20 people with complicated diseases were referred to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Agona Swedru Government and 37th Military Hospital and the management of the NGO would pay the medical bills. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Getting U.S. groove back Jul 3, 2009
He is the Editor Emeritus of the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Past President of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and Past President of the International Intra-Ocular Implant Club. He has authored over 100 articles and book chapters on the topics of cataract and refractive surgery. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
China cures 8.45 mln cataract patients in 20 years Jul 1, 2009
45 mln cataract patients in 20 years_English_Xinhua ... 45 mln cataract patients in 20 years ... 45 million cataract patients in the 20 years ending 2008, 840,000 of whom received free treatment, according to the Ministry of Health Tuesday. (Xinhuanet, China)
Ministers to unveil cancer pledge Jun 28, 2009
Currently only elective surgery such as hip replacements and cataract surgery is provided through private treatment. Mr Brown will also make a statement on his draft legislative programme for the year ahead. (BBC News)
TotalVision Eye Care Health Center celebrates grand reopening this weekend Jun 27, 2009
Eye exams include Internal and External Eye Health Analysis (cataract and ocular disease detection), Eye Muscle Coordination Skills, Depth Perception and Color Vision Testing, Neurological Pupil Evaluation, Glaucoma Testing and Blood Pressure and Refraction to Determine Present Eyeglass Prescription. In addition to an exam that not only includes tests for blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions. (Newington Town Crier, CT)
LETTERS: NCT, June 26, 2009 Jun 26, 2009
" I don't think so. Perhaps she has taken a cue from our president who, despite numbers showing unemployment rising from 8 percent to 9.4 percent, still insists 150,000 jobs have been created or saved. Do they just sit around, swat flies and make this stuff up? Apparently!A few facts in a recent Scott Atlas article ():n 80 percent of Americans say they are satisfied with the quality of their health care.n Patients in Canada and the United Kingdom wait months longer than U.S. patients for knee or... (North County Times)
Economy has no bounce yet, Buffett says Jun 25, 2009
Buffett joked that he had hoped the cataract surgery he had a couple weeks ago would help him see the "green shoots" of recovery others have talked about, but he still hasn't. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Business)
Governor’s absence is no crisis Jun 25, 2009
Governor s absence is no crisis. 8:24 am June 24, 2009, by jwooten. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Ticknor no longer in charge Jun 25, 2009
Ticknor, who has diabetes, recently had a cataract removed and a lens replacement done on his left eye. He will be getting the same surgery done on his right eye this summer. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Needham Senior Notes (June 25) Jun 24, 2009
Dr. Harriet Dann will provide an interesting lecture about the eye over time and innovations in cataract surgery on Tuesday, June 30, at noon. Dann is a board-certified ophthalmologist in practice since 1984. (Needham Tab, MA)
Contact solution maker didnt report problems Jun 23, 2009
Kelly Morrison, a spokeswoman for Abbott Laboratories, which acquired AMO in February, said the company "believed it was reporting customer complaints in compliance with FDA regulations. She declined to elaborate. Abbott Laboratories is based in North Chicago.The FDA documents illustrate just how much the government relies on manufacturers to report problems. They also raise questions about how aggressively regulators have gone after companies that don't report critical information.Beginning in... (MSNBC -- Health)
Patients Run For Border For Health Care Jun 18, 2009
Duarte said ,"In the case of my sister-in-law, she had cataract surgery in Mexico and paid less for the whole surgery, hospitalization and medicine than what she would've paid for a doctor's visit here in the states.". Those we spoke to say patients get more for their money in Mexico and the care is more thorough. (KERO 23, CA)
Looking Back Jun 18, 2009
75 years ago June 21, 1934 Local news Mrs. A. T. Winborn underwent an operation in Iowa City for the removal of a cataract from one of her eyes. Mrs. E. H. Reif attended a shower at the home of Mrs. Leslie Yetter in Iowa City Thursday evening, given in honor of Miss Helen Osborne. (Kalona News, IA)
5 things you should know about summer eye safety Jun 17, 2009
While unprotected UV exposure over short periods of time has been shown to only cause temporary eye irritation, small amounts of UV exposure to eyes over many years may increase chances of developing a cataract and may cause damage to the retina, which is usually irreversible. 2. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
COLUMN: Reigning in health care costs Jun 16, 2009
Under the English version of Socialized Medicine, an elderly patient must lose their sight in one eye before a Cataract Operation will be performed to save the remaining eye. But we have not seen that here. (Malden Observer, MA)
Obituaries for Thursday, June 4, 2009 Jun 4, 2009
He grew up in the Cataract area and graduated from Sparta High School in 1957 ... He was a lifetime member of the Cataract Sportman Club, Quality Deer Management and Ducks Unlimited ... Graveside services will be on Friday at 10 a.m. at Cataract Cemetery with the Rev. John Ashland officiating. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
With money tight, more people forgo pricey elective surgery May 30, 2009
For reconstructive plastic surgery say following a car accident cataract surgery and other non-elective procedures, doctors will get a fraction of their bill covered by insurance companies. Since Maryland has one of the lowest medical reimbursement rates in the nation, many doctors practicing in the state depend on the cosmetic procedures to sustain their business. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Drug For Urination Difficulties Linked With Complications After Cataract Surgery May 26, 2009
ScienceDaily (May 26, 2009) Use of the medication tamsulosin to treat male urination difficulties within two weeks of cataract surgery is associated with an increased risk of serious postoperative ophthalmic adverse events such as retinal detachment or lost lens, according to a new study ... Some research has suggested that this drug may increase the risk of complications, such as intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery, a procedure that approximately 5 percent of... (Science Daily)
Nurturing nonbelief: Parents gather to talk about raising kids without religion May 24, 2009
" MidwestAtheist wrote on May 23, 2009 12:28 PM:" Cataract Jack- that's ridiculous to say that children NEED god ... " Phil O'Bates wrote on May 23, 2009 10:29 AM:" cataractjack, I agree that kids need to have faith, but they need faith in something that is true, otherwise you are setting them up for a worse fall later, when they realize you filled them with faith in lies ... " cataractjack wrote on May 23, 2009 10:07 AM:" I do not care if Adults want to believe in nothing. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Brain 'can beat early blindness' May 22, 2009
One woman, who had her vision restored at the age of 12 by a cataract operation, performed almost normally on vision tests at the age of 32 ... Most of the affected children live in remote areas where eye care is not available, and have conditions that could easily be treated, such as cataracts, vitamin A deficiency or conjunctivitis. (Yahoo News -- Brain Research)
