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Johnson Vision Receives Approval in Canada for World’s First and Only Drug-Releasing Contact Lens for Vision Correction and Allergic Eye Itch

Johnson Vision Receives Approval in Canada for World's First and Only Drug-Releasing Contact Lens for Vision Correction and Allergic Eye Itch

Johnson & Johnson Vision, a global leader in eye health and part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, received Health Canada approval for the first and only daily disposable contact lens for vision correction in patients who experience itchy allergy eyes due to allergic conjunctivitis: ACUVUE® Theravision™ with Ketotifen. The lens contains an H1 histamine receptor antagonist for the prevention of itchy allergy eyes associated with allergic conjunctivitis experienced by contact lens users to promote comfortable contact lens wear. In March 2021, ACUVUE® Theravision™ with Ketotifen received its first regulatory approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

“We are proud to mark another step forward in delivering this important innovation to help relieve patients from allergic eye itch while continuing to comfortably wear contact lenses,” said Xiao-Yu Song, MD, PhD, Global Head of Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson Vision***. “We look forward to working with additional health authorities to make ACUVUE® Theravision™ with Ketotifen available to more patients around the world.”

Itchy allergy eyes can impact vision, and this becomes even more problematic for contact lens wearers – most of whom resort to rubbing their eyes.ǂ Data show that nearly 8 out of 10 contact lens wearers feel frustrated when their eye allergies interfere with normal contact lens wear.§ ACUVUE® Theravision™ with Ketotifen may help people continue to wear their contact lenses for vision correction, and prevent allergic eye itch, without the need for allergy eye drops.

ACUVUE® is the most trusted brand for eye care professionals globally^ and has built a legacy by making contact lenses that are unbeaten in comfort, across 47 clinical studies.† ACUVUE® Theravision™ with Ketotifen is the latest in a long line of innovative contact lenses from Johnson & Johnson Vision since the company introduced the world’s first daily disposable soft contact lens three decades ago. ACUVUE® Theravision™ with Ketotifen is the first in an entirely new contact lens category and brings forward a better contact lens wearing experience for patients with allergic eye itch.

About ACUVUE® Theravision™ with Ketotifen

ACUVUE® Theravision™ with Ketotifen contact lenses are a daily disposable contact lens for correcting refractive ametropia (myopia and hyperopia) in phakic or aphakic patients who are suitable for contact lens wear and experience ocular allergic itch due to allergic conjunctivitis and who do not have red eye(s) or more than 1.00 D of astigmatism. The lens contains an H1 histamine receptor antagonist for the prevention of itch associated with allergic conjunctivitis experienced by contact lens users to promote comfortable contact lens wear. The prevention of itch has been demonstrated to last through 12 hours in clinical trials; however, the lens may be worn for longer than 12 hours for vision correction. Pediatrics (12 years of age and older): The safety and efficacy of ACUVUE® Theravision™ with Ketotifen in pediatric patients has been established.

About Johnson & Johnson Vision*
At Johnson & Johnson Vision*, part of Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, we have a bold ambition: to change the trajectory of eye health worldwide. Through our operating companies, we deliver innovation that enables eye care professionals to create better outcomes for patients throughout their lives, with products and technologies that address unmet needs including refractive error, cataracts, and dry eye. In communities with greatest need, we work in collaboration to expand access to quality eye care, and we are committed to helping people see better, connect better, live better. Visit us at jjvision.com, follow @JNJVision on Twitter, Johnson & Johnson Vision on LinkedIn, and @JNJVision on Facebook.

About Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies**
At Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, we are helping people live their best lives. Building on more than a century of expertise, we tackle pressing healthcare challenges, and take bold steps that lead to new standards of care while improving people’s healthcare experiences. In surgery, orthopaedics, vision, and interventional solutions, we are helping to save lives and paving the way to a healthier future for everyone, everywhere.

Kindred Healthcare and Palomar Health Announce Opening of Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute

Kindred Healthcare and Palomar Health Announce Opening of Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute

Kindred Healthcare, LLC and Palomar Health announced the opening of Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute, a 52-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Escondido, California, a city in north San Diego County.

Palomar Health provides the most comprehensive health care in North San Diego County through its two medical centers and more than 900 affiliated medical providers serving more than half a million people. Palomar Health is San Diego County’s only member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network and is nationally recognized as operating one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals. Beginning in July 2000, Kindred Hospital Rehabilitation Services began managing the inpatient rehabilitation unit at Palomar Health’s Downtown Escondido Campus. Kindred also operates a long-term acute care hospital in the region.

Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute is dedicated to the treatment and recovery of individuals who have experienced a loss of function due to an injury or illness. The hospital offers intensive, patient-focused, specialized rehabilitation services with specialty programs dedicated to neuro, stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputation. The hospital has all private rooms; a secured acquired brain injury unit; in-room dialysis; and large multidisciplinary therapy gymnasiums with the latest therapeutic technologies, including augmented reality balance training, therapy bionics and a full body exoskeleton. In addition, the hospital features a therapeutic courtyard with varied surfaces; and a transitional living apartment designed to simulate a residential home to prepare patients for their daily living tasks before they are discharged home. For more information about Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute, go to www.palomarhealthrehabinstitute.com.

“Our quality-focused collaboration with Palomar Health will allow this new hospital to provide increased access to rehabilitation services in the San Diego County and Southern California region,” said Russ Bailey, President, Kindred Rehabilitation Services. “The Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute will be dedicated to passionately advocating for, and providing hope, healing and recovery to, patients in its care.”

“We are thrilled to offer our community the highest quality of care through exceptionally skilled staff using the latest technology in a home-like environment,” said Palomar Health Chief Operating Officer Sheila Brown. “The location is easily accessible for the millions of people living in the region who want to support their loved one’s journey back to health.”

About Kindred Healthcare

Kindred Healthcare, LLC is the nation’s leading specialty hospital company delivering acute health services in its long-term acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, acute rehabilitation units, and behavioral health line of business, all specializing in treating the most medically complex patients. In the Tarrant County market, Kindred also operates three long-term acute care hospitals – Kindred Hospital Arlington, Kindred Hospital Fort Worth Southwest and Kindred Hospital Mansfield – and a behavioral health hospital – WellBridge Fort Worth. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, and ranked as one of Fortune magazine’s Most Admired Healthcare Companies for nine years, Kindred’s mission is to help our patients reach their highest potential for health and healing with intensive medical and rehabilitative care through a compassionate patient experience.

About Palomar Health

Established in 1948, the award-winning team at Palomar Health provides the most comprehensive health care in North San Diego County through its two medical centers and more than 900 affiliated medical providers serving more than half a million people. Palomar Health is San Diego County’s only member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network and is nationally recognized as operating one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals; a Best 100 Hospital for joint replacement and orthopedic surgery; a Best Hospital for stroke care, heart care and bariatric surgery; a Diabetes and Stroke Center of Excellence; and a Blue Distinction Center for spine surgery, cardiac care and maternity. Through its network of providers, Palomar Health offers medical services in virtually all fields of medicine including primary care, cardiovascular care, emergency services, trauma, cancer, orthopedics, women’s health, behavioral health, rehabilitation, robotic surgery and bariatric surgery at offices strategically located throughout the North San Diego County region.

Abbott’s New Coronary Imaging Platform Powered by Artificial Intelligence Launches in Europe

Abbott announced that its new imaging platform powered by Ultreon 1.0 Software, is now CE Marked in Europe. This first-of-its-kind imaging software merges optical coherence tomography (OCT) – an imaging tool that provides physicians a comprehensive view inside an artery or blood vessel – with the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced visualization. The new Ultreon Software can automatically detect the severity of calcium-based blockages and measure vessel diameter to enhance the precision of physicians’ decision-making during coronary stenting procedures.

Unlike traditional imaging methods such as conventional angiography, Abbott’s OCT technology uses near-infrared light to provide high-definition, precise imaging from within a blood vessel. OCT imaging also helps improve physicians’ assessment of blockages in those vessels and optimize decisions related to stent selection, placement and deployment. Through integration with Abbott’s new Dragonfly OpStar imaging catheter, Ultreon Software extends the reach of OCT by allowing physicians to capture information from even the most complex patient anatomy.

With the launch of Ultreon Software, Abbott is further leveraging OCT technology to help physicians make better treatment decisions for their patients. Recent data show that physicians altered their treatment strategy in 88% of coronary artery blockages based on new information provided by OCT when used with MLD MAX, a new workflow that helps guide stenting decisions and provide physicians with treatment strategies to optimize stent placement.[i]

“Ultreon’s customizable user interface and AI detection will make decision-making faster and reduce procedural variability, especially for the increasing number of physicians who are learning to utilize OCT imaging over other more traditional imaging technologies,” said Jose Mª de la Torre Hernández, M.D., head of interventional cardiology at Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, and editor-in-chief of REC: Interventional Cardiology. “The automatic display of details with Ultreon reduces uncertainty during the preparation for stent placement and allows for increased accuracy to help us deliver better care to our patients.”

Technology continues to be a vital part of improving patient care in the cardiovascular community. In an August 2020 study titled Beyond Intervention, physicians and administrators identified technology as a critical component to improving patient outcomes across the healthcare continuum. More than half of the interviewed physicians identified technology and data as having the greatest potential to support decision-making at diagnosis and when determining patient treatment.[ii] Ultreon Software is an example of a technology designed to augment physician decision-making, particularly when combined with established tools providing comprehensive physiological assessment of coronary blood flow and severity of blockages, such as Resting Full-Cycle Ratio (RFR) and Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR). Abbott continues to develop the latest medical technologies, offering physicians and administrators the tools to provide the highest level of care and best possible outcomes for patients.

“Increased adoption of OCT imaging, when combined with advanced technology like AI, allows cardiologists to have a more precise and measurable way of supporting patients undergoing coronary stent procedures,” says Nick West, M.D., chief medical officer and divisional vice president of global medical affairs at Abbott’s vascular business. “Ultreon Software can potentially improve physician and patient experience by utilizing a systematic process, reducing variability and increasing accuracy of diagnosis and application of therapies.”

The new Ultreon Software will be showcased for the first time at EuroPCR on May 18-21, 2021, during Abbott’s “Tools and Technique Sessions.” Abbott also intends to seek approval in the U.S. and Japan.

About Abbott:

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 109,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Medtronic Receives FDA Breakthrough Designation for the Emprint Ablation Catheter Kit

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Medtronic plc, the global leader in medical technology, announced it has received Breakthrough Device Designation status from the U.S. FDA for the Emprint™ ablation catheter kit – an investigational device not yet approved or cleared in the United States. The catheter is intended to be used in conjunction with the Emprint™ microwave generator and Medtronic lung navigation platform to provide a minimally invasive, localized treatment of malignant lesions in the lung, and it can be used together with standard of care therapy when indicated.

The FDA Breakthrough Device Program is intended to help patients receive more timely access to breakthrough technologies that have the potential to provide more effective treatment or diagnosis for life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions. Under the program, the FDA will provide Medtronic with priority review and interactive communication regarding clinical trial designs through to commercialization decisions.

Current clinical guidelines for the management of malignant lung lesions support a multimodal approach, which may include surgery, radiotherapy, and/or systemic drug therapy depending on the tumor stage. Because patients with lung malignancies have been shown to have survival benefit from a combination of systemic and local therapy, less invasive local treatment modalities such as the Emprint ablation catheter kit have been developed.1 Using an endoluminal approach, the Emprint ablation catheter kit will be studied with the Medtronic lung navigation system to allow for accurate delivery of microwave energy to the targeted lung lesion(s). Clinical guidelines recommend incorporating local therapies such as thermal ablation, in combination with systemic therapies when suitable.

Though not yet available in the United States, the Emprint ablation catheter kit is CE Marked and the NAVABLATE study completed enrollment of 30 subjects in Europe and Hong Kong in 2020.

“This new technology has allowed me to personalize treatment of lung lesions for each patient, particularly lesions that may be challenging to manage,” said Mr. Kelvin Lau, MA, DPhil, FRCS(CTh), a consultant thoracic surgeon at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, and principal investigator for the NAVABLATE study.

The Medtronic lung navigation platform enables precise and accurate placement of the ablation catheter within the target lesion, which is critical for the success of this minimally invasive procedure.2 With 15 years of experience, the navigation platform has been used in more than 200,000 lung procedures.

“At Medtronic, we strive to transform outcomes by taking bold actions to ensure that patients with tumors in the lung receive care sooner, less invasively, and more effectively,” said Emily Elswick, vice president and general manager, Lung Health & Visualization, within the Surgical Innovations business, which is part of the Medical Surgical Portfolio at Medtronic. “Breakthrough designation from the FDA is just the first-step in realizing our broader commitment to providing less invasive treatment options to patients with lung disease.”

About Medtronic
Medtronic plc , headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world’s largest medical technology, services, and solutions companies – alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals, and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Important Signs You Need To Get Your Eyes Checked

Important Signs You Need To Get Your Eyes Checked

Our body needs regular maintenance and check-ups because our organs might deteriorate with time. So, catching the decline in bodily functions early on can make our situation better by avoiding intrusive measures and surgeries. Since our eyes are one of the most sensitive organs, we should take more care of them. If you don’t go to your scheduled eye appointments, here are some signs that indicate the urgency of visiting an ophthalmologist.

Itchy and Red Eyes

The most common symptoms that people complain of are itchiness and redness of the eye. Others may suffer from a burning sensation and watery discharge that look like tears. These may indicate that you have eye allergies from outdoor allergens like pollen or indoor ones like pets’ hair, perfume, or smoke. According to the severity of the case, the doctor will prescribe you different eye drops and the duration of usage will vary. The important thing is to avoid taking over-the-counter medications without consulting a specialist because they may cause more damage to your eyes.

Decreased Vision

The image that the healthy eyes receive should be clear and devoid of any weird lights, spots, or black streaks. If you notice that your vision is deteriorating in terms of being unable to see far away or too near objects, you may need to wear glasses or change the lens. Sometimes the reason behind that is excessive dryness, which happens when your eyes fail to produce sufficient tears. It is an urgent case because if left untreated, it may predispose to persistent eye infections.

Another serious cause of decreased vision is glaucoma, which destroys the optical nerve by building up fluids and applying pressure on it. It may also cause blind spots, blurry vision, and redness. Loss of eyesight may result from neglecting this condition, and that’s why ophthalmologists at Eye Care in Abilene, TX stress the importance of detecting it in its early stage. The treatment may involve eye drops, surgical correction, intervention by laser, or a combination of them. Even if the discrepancies in vision take place for a couple of days only, it is better to be safe by visiting the doctor than sorry.


Peripheral Vision Disturbed

Peripheral eye vision is crucial as it allows you to see flickers coming from the side, especially while driving. If it gets disturbed by being blocked, it may be life-threatening as you won’t see the vehicles passing beside you while you make a turn. It is one of the most common signs of retinal detachment that can happen as you age or as a result of an eye injury or infection. If you experience floaters, blurry vision, or white patches, these may also indicate that the retina is receding from its position.

Double Vision

Double vision is an irritating problem that may be the result of eye astigmatism. This results from the inability of the eye to focus the light evenly on the retina. People either wear glasses or if their eyes are stable, they may go for corrective eye surgeries. Other causes of double vision may be cataracts or weakness in the muscles controlling the eye movement.

Daily Headaches

Most people experience headaches, however, if you get daily or frequent headaches that are starting to prevent you from functioning well, you should see a doctor. It could be a sign that your eyes are failing to focus, so the muscles overcompensate by contracting more, which results in headaches.

If you work too much on your computer or stare at a screen all day long in dim light, headaches may occur. You should take a break every twenty minutes to rest your eyes and remember to blink to avoid eye dryness as well. If the headaches persist, it is better to visit a doctor to get a prescription.

Night Sight Problems

Sometimes you may see and drive well in the morning or when the lights are well-lit in the streets. However, as the sun goes down, you experience vision issues and are forced to concentrate more than usual. Night blindness may be the reason behind being uncomfortable driving at night. It is common in older adults, and it may be one of the early signs of cataracts.

Vision is one of the most important senses and neglecting any eye problem may lead to eyesight deterioration. Loss of vision is not an easy feat, and that’s why we should go for our regular check-ups or at least pay attention to any symptom indicating an issue. The above signs will alert you that it is time to pay a visit to your ophthalmologist.

New SteriTouch antimicrobial additive proven to reduce SARS-CoV-2 by 93% in 2 hours

New SteriTouch antimicrobial additive proven to reduce SARS-CoV-2 by 93% in 2 hours

Radical Materials has launched an antimicrobial additive under its SteriTouch® brand which has demonstrated efficacy of 99.9999% within 3 hours against bacteriophage Phi6 and 93% in 2 hours against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

The result of many months of development and testing, the new additive is supplied as a liquid and is suitable for most solvent-based applications. Radical is continuing with the development of antiviral additives, specifically for water-based systems and polymers.

“Having tested most active substances, including those based on silver, copper, zinc, silane quats and several organics, we now have a much clearer picture of how each performs in different materials and under different conditions.” said company director Nick Corlett.

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, so our intention is to develop a range of anti-viral additives suitable for most of our customers’ applications. We have taken our time to reach this point, but it is important to us that all products carrying the SteriTouch brand are diligently tested and provide robust performance.”

“The last twelve months have seen a great many new products arrive on the market making excessive and often unsubstantiated claims, but Radical is fortunate to be working with some very committed partner companies, intent on delivering genuinely beneficial products.”

Radical Materials is confident in its ability to improve upon this most recent result: “To date, we have only tested one coating containing the new additive against SARS-CoV-2. The results were good [93% reduction in 2 hours] but given the exceptional performance of the additive against Phi6, we would be most surprised if we can’t achieve even better efficacy against SARS-CoV-2.”

What You May Not Have Known About Birth

What You May Not Have Known About Birth
Childbirth is a significant event in a woman’s life. The birth of your first child is both a joy and a challenge. From the moment you discover your pregnancy to the day of delivery, you’ll undergo numerous changes and learn new ways to care for yourself and your developing baby. While being nervous about labor and delivery is natural, planning doesn’t have to be a problem. Being prepared can help alleviate some of your fears, and you can prepare yourself by knowing the following information you might have missed about childbirth.

1. Accidents And Injuries Can Happen During Birth

Physical pressure applied during labor, most frequently during the baby’s passage through the birth canal, may result in a birth injury. The most common cause of birth injuries is the natural forces of labor and delivery. In cases of risky cesarean deliveries, doctors may be compelled to use forceps to remove the baby to alleviate the pain of the mother. However, birth injuries are less common now than in the previous decades, owing to improved prenatal assessment with ultrasonography, decreased use of forceps, and the fact that doctors readily perform cesarean deliveries if they anticipate an increased risk of birth injury. There are birth injury lawyers that can assist the injured party in pursuing legal action against negligent medical personnel. Your attorneys will gather personal recollections, medical history, and other information to establish your birth injury claim. If you have a complaint, attorneys will file a birth injury claim on your behalf and advocate for the financial benefits you and your family deserve. If you have further questions, this link explains what a birth injury lawyer can do for you.

2. You Can Choose Your Preferred Delivery Method

You are not required to give birth in a maternity ward at your local hospital, even though people believe it to be the ‘natural’ method. You can make decisions for your baby and your body, and depending on the risks involved in your pregnancy, you may be able to give birth at home, in a birthing unit, or in a birthing pool. Additionally, it is not irreversible; you may change your mind at any time during your pregnancy. Spend some time researching the options available in your city. Generally, the closest hospital is the best choice because it provides convenient prenatal appointments and accessibility during the actual birth date.

3. Contractions Might Be The Worst Part Of Delivery

You’d think that forcibly removing a baby would be the worst-case scenario. Contractions, on the other hand, are the darkest circle of hell for some people. You repeatedly tell yourself it isn’t as bad as it seems while you endure the excruciating pain. These contractions quickly transform into small, evil hands, gripping your lower back and abdomen mercilessly before pushing out a tiny human being. Contractions can be the most painful part of childbirth if you have an epidural or c-section.

4. Pain Relievers Do Not Always Work

The anesthesia, which is administered outside the fluid sac that surrounds your spinal cord, may not work in some cases. If the dural sac is scarred due to an infection or previous surgery, or simply due to the woman’s anatomy, the drug cannot spread, reducing the amount of pain relief you receive.

5. Birth Companions Can Be Tremendously Beneficial

For many pregnant women, having a birth partner present during childbirth is a reasonable option. Having a loved one present during delivery, whether a spouse, parent, or friend, will expedite the process and improve the experience. Some mothers prefer to have doulas accompany them during and after the birth. Bear in mind that having a baby is one of the most intimate life events, and you are not obligated to invite someone you dislike. If you go into labor early or late, ensure that your birth partner is readily available. Inquire about your birth partner’s postpartum hospital options, such as the length of stay and access to a bed or reclining chair. Keep snacks and extra clothing for both of you in your hospital bag.

6. After-Birth Cramping Is Normal

After delivery, your uterus will begin to contract, returning to its pre-pregnancy size. This is accomplished by contracting or cramping in your uterus. Cramps can be incredibly unpleasant if you are breastfeeding. While breastfeeding, your body releases the hormone oxytocin responsible for contractions. While this experience can be extremely unpleasant, remember that it is for your benefit since it can aid in your recovery. The good news is that this is a brief occurrence that will last between three and five days. Discuss with your health provider the possibility of taking an anti-inflammatory medication within the first few days after birth to alleviate the pain.

Takeaway

Childbirth can be scary, especially if you don’t know what to expect. An adequate amount of information can help you manage your fears and become more comfortable with the idea of giving birth to your child. Hopefully, the information above gave you ample knowledge about birth and prepared you for future delivery.

Is optometry a promising career in 2021-2025?

Is optometry a promising career in 2021-2025?

The requirement for eyecare services is divided into two subgroups; optical and medical assistance and treatments, namely surgery. The first has traditionally been the optometry domain, while the second has been the primary subject of ophthalmology. 

The world is increasingly evolving, with medical facilities in the optometric field growing more considerable in the coming years.

Optical treatment is a big industry. About three-quarters of the adult community wears corrective eyewear.  Refractive eye tests, eyeglasses, and contact lenses cost an approximate $33.5 billion a year in the United States, with an approximate $28.6 billion spent on medical and surgical vision care.

Eye Care Services Are In High Demand.

Between 2015 and 2025, the demand for regular refractive vision treatment is projected to rise by 3.2 percent, from 110 to 113.4 million annual checkups. As a result, by 2025, ECPs would conduct an additional 3.4 million tests each year.

Medical eye care growth is expected to rise by 31.5 percent between 2015 and 2025, from 51.8 to 68.2 million annual exams, according to projections. By 2025, ECPs will be required to conduct an additional 16.3 million medical eye examinations each year.

To sum up, an additional 20 million regular and medical eye examinations will be performed, and according to an interview with these famous optometrists in Orlando the demand for eye treatments, surgeries included, is also expected to increase.

Optometrists’ Employment Prospects

Optometrists’ employment is expected to rise by 17% between 2016 and 2026, far higher than the rest for all professions. Since vision issues are more common as people age, an aging population may increase eye doctors’ demand. 

People become much more vulnerable to vision-impairing disorders such as cataracts and retinal deterioration as they age, necessitating vision treatment. In recent times,  people suffering from severe ailments like diabetes have increased. 

Diabetes has also been related to a rise in the prevalence of several eye disorders, like diabetic retinopathy, which influences the blood vessels in the eye, and macular degeneration. More eye doctors would be required to track, treat, and refer people with diabetes-related chronic conditions.

Furthermore, almost all health insurance policies provide medical eye treatment, and all of them cover comprehensive eye tests. More optometrists would be needed to serve a more significant number of patients.

Prospects for Jobs

Since approved optometry schools’ availability is restricted, authorized optometrists should have a fair chance of finding work. Admittance to optometry courses, like admissions to other technical degree courses, is highly competitive.

Students who complete a graduate program gain valuable skills that can help them land a better job. Workers can look favorable on certification from the American Board of Optometry.

Furthermore, over the next decade, a substantial number of currently operating eye doctors are set to retire, opening up possibilities for new eye doctors.

Wrapping Up 

To conclude, in 2025, 20 million more regular and clinical eye tests will be expected than in last years, and this figure will keep rising year after year for the near future. 

The augmented amount of surgery needed for the elderly US population is not included in these market forecasts.

5 Signs Your Kid’s Feet Must Be Checked by a Podiatrist

5 Signs Your Kid's Feet Must Be Checked by a Podiatrist

As your kids grow older, they rely mostly on their feet. In fact, their feet are two of the most used parts of their body, especially during this stage. But sometimes, they’re also the least taken care of.

That’s why it’s high time that we take the health of our kid’s feet more seriously. Taking care of them now means that they’ll have a better and healthier pair when they grow up. Keep in mind that their feet will support them throughout the rest of their lives.

If you have kids who are still in the growing stage, this piece is for you. Below are some of the things that you have to watch out for in your kids’ feet. If you notice these issues, you might have to bring them to a podiatry clinic.

Growing Pains

Growth spurts are some of the physical changes that your kids will experience. These spurts normally happen to children who are entering their teenage years. While these are normal, they can be a pain in the ass, too.

During growth spurts, your kid’s body grows in such a short period that the other parts will have a hard time keeping up. This is also the time when kids love to jump, run, and play around. So we can only imagine the stress that their lower bodies experience during growth spurt.

Once they complain of pain in their legs and feet, give them light massages to ease the pain.

If the pain doesn’t go away, bring them to the children’s podiatry clinic Watsonia North for a check-up.

Intoeing

Intoeing is when a child is walking or running with his feet turned inward instead of pointing in front. Kids who suffer from this condition are called pigeon-toed.

If you are concerned with your kid’s condition, have them checked by a podiatrist. To know the reasons for your kid’s intoeing, you will be asked about your pregnancy, delivery, and the physical development of your child.

This way, your foot doctor can understand your child’s condition better. Intoeing can be treated by changing your kid’s posture, shoes, and through several exercises.

Tiptoeing

Tiptoeing, on the other hand, is when your kids walk while tiptoeing or without the heel touching the floor. According to experts, toe walking could be caused by developmental issues. It’s also linked to several conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy.

In extreme cases, your child might have to undergo surgery. That’s why it’s better if you have them checked by a foot doctor now.

Increased tripping

Although tripping is only natural, it can be a problem if it occurs repeatedly. Tripping can happen if your child has weak muscles and joints that cannot support the body appropriately.

Ingrown Nails

Ingrown nails are uncommon in children. And it can be caused by a lot of things: heavy objects that fell directly on your kid’s feet, nails that weren’t cut correctly, and shoes that are not the right size for your kids.

You have to keep an eye on these ingrown nails because they can be painful for your children. Ingrown nails are prone to infection so don’t ignore them when you notice them on your kid’s feet. Bring them to a podiatry clinic in case an infection happens or worsens.

Certainly, your kid’s feet are some of the most important parts of their body. That’s why they must be given proper attention. If you’ve noticed these things, they might be a sign that you need to bring them to a podiatrist now.

In a podiatry clinic, your kids will be properly assessed and treated. That’s why it’s your next best step if massages and home medication don’t work anymore.

How to Effectively Manage a Large Board Meeting

How to Effectively Manage a Large Board Meeting

The healthcare industry landscape continues to evolve. Adapting to patients’ needs requires flexibility and adaptability, especially in an unconventional time. While healthcare organizations adjust, it’s not only doctors, nurses and healthcare executives who must make changes. The board of directors for healthcare organizations must also handle new responsibilities and address a variety of issues they previously did not worry about.

Last year, The Governance Institute shared that healthcare organizations’ boards found a strong relationship between time spent on strategic priorities during board meetings and higher overall board performance. While this is welcome news, most boards find it challenging to focus and prioritize each meeting’s needs. This is true for large boards, which are common for healthcare organizations.

A large board naturally has many different ideas, preferences and discussions. However, while it helps having unique perspectives at the table, the larger the board, the more difficult it can be to remain productive. To effectively manage a large board meeting, organizations must free boards from managerial duties and give them the tools and time to focus on what matters the most.

Efficient document management

With multiple individuals creating documents for board meetings, it’s easy to lose track of where all the documents are stored and saved. This is especially the case for organizations with both printed and electronic documents or for organizations that went the digital route but combined too many solutions without proper integration.

When that happens, board members who want to prepare for meetings ahead of time to have more strategic conversations get bogged down trying to find multiple documents either through individual software solutions or via email. This is frustrating and steals time from more strategic thinking.

Instead of repeating this cycle for every board meeting, organizations can make things easier for board members by creating centralized document storage in a digital format. Having a single online solution allows board members to access information at will. Should a board member miss a meeting or need access to meeting minutes, they know exactly where to look.

Develop well-crafted agendas

More people in the room means more time for distractions or conversations that veer from the priorities at hand. Spending significant time addressing items like administrative issues or tactical points can drain board members before even discussing strategic initiatives.

Create an efficient meeting agenda to keep discussions on track and help board members understand the meeting’s priorities. To do this, spend time ahead of the meeting thinking through major agenda items to discuss before the meeting ends. If you have items that could potentially go awry or cause substantial discussion, consider assigning time limits to each item. Also consider beginning meetings with the most critical item or question first and then covering mundane details and reports. The key is to put fresh eyes and minds onto the most important strategic conversations. Covering mundane items first can sap that energy and negatively impact the rest of the meeting.

Create room for engagement

Before the pandemic, boards could meet in-person, allowing for open conversation and collaboration. While virtual meetings still let members engage and discuss, they also remove the personal connections, like social or non-verbal cues, making it more difficult to engage with every board member, especially on a large board.

Rather than have the same individuals speak every time, empower a staff member or board leader to call out those who have not had the chance to speak. While going around to each individual may not be feasible, be sure everyone can communicate freely without talking over one another or dealing with technical difficulties. With so many people on a call, some members might feel like they can’t find the right moment to speak. With this in mind, call out individuals who typically participated in in-person meetings to make sure their voice is heard and respected.

Any meeting will have tactical and administrative tasks to cover. However, for board meetings especially, time spent on these items takes away from the strategic brain power in the room. Instead of getting lost in a call because of the number of individuals on the board, use technology solutions to simplify these meetings. In doing so, members’ strategic brain power doesn’t go to waste, allowing members to effectively guide the organization.

About Jeb Banner :
Jeb Banner is CEO and co-founder of Boardable , a board management software company serving nonprofits around the world. Previously the CEO of SmallBox, a creative agency he co-founded in 2006, Jeb is also the founder of Musical Family Tree, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading Indiana music, and co-founder and past chair of The Speak Easy, an entrepreneurial co-working nonprofit located in Indianapolis, IN. Along the way Jeb has co-founded or invested in a number of other Indianapolis-based businesses. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife Jenny and their three lovely daughters. In his spare time, Jeb collects vinyl records, records music, and cooks as much as possible.

About Boardable:
Boardable is an online board management and meeting portal that centralizes communication, document storage, meeting planning, and everything involved with running a board of directors. Founded in 2016 by nonprofit leaders and founders, Boardable has a mission to improve board engagement for nonprofits. Boardable is based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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