SouthWest Vision

OUR BLOG HAS MOVED!

2009-07-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

We have moved our blog. It is now incorporated inside our website

www.southwestvision.org

Select from the top menus on the website to access our blog.

Check out their new specs!!

2009-03-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Alex Mitchell is wearing his brand new Kliik frames, made in Denmark. See our patient Mason Petty in his "before & after" pics and our lovely patient Leslie McFarland in her gorgeous new polarized Fendi sunglasses. Don't they look great? We think so!

Twilight DVD Giftset Giveaway!

2009-03-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

We are giving away the Twilight DVD Ultimate Collector's Giftset. Click on the image below for the details. Our staff has had so much fun with Twilight, we thought we would share some of the excitement with you.

CHANGING FACES!

2009-02-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

We are changing faces at Southwest vision. Here's a look at some of favorite new faces in their gorgeous new glasses. Stop in today and see Suzanne or Splendor our Master eyewear consultants and they will give you a whole new look! It's what they love to do! Pictured above are Phyllis Cheney (former fashion model) in her new Fabulous Fendi's, Lora Tebbs in her Super Silhouette's and Richard Vanausdal in his Awesome Oga's.

NEWS: Discount Plans are not Insurance

2009-02-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Here is a story from the AP Wire today. Idaho is warning consumers that discount plans are not the same as insurance. We have labored to educate our own patients that Vision Plans are not true insurance, and in fact, drive the true cost of eye exams up. This fact is usually hidden from plain view by sophisticated marketing scemes and mandated discounts that lower the quality of the end product to the consumer.

If you think about it...a vision plan is a third entity (another middle-man of sorts) that seeks to profit from our routine transaction. True insurance on the other hand, profits from spreading risk and taking the very calculated risk that the premiums you pay will exceed the collective costs of your care.

See this earlier post about the difference.

Why buy Quality?

2009-02-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.
William A. Foster

I have always felt that it makes sense to buy quality. Perhaps I inherited this ethic from my parents, who very carefully purchased the best of things that they could find. Being the oldest of ten children, I grew up beneath the governments established poverty level guidelines. We didn't know we were poor, but I understood early in my life that when we bought things, we were buying the best quality available because we couldn't afford to buy them twice. For example, Maytag's reputation for long lasting dependability (which it no longer deserves) sold my Mom on her washer/dryer combo which lasted for eons of time. Back when the Troy Built name was synonymous with quality (which it no longer deserves either) my Dad bought the garden tiller that he still uses nearly 30 years later.

I'll never forget the day in my youth when my Dad told me, "Son, we are becoming a throw away world. You'll see the day when everything is disposable." Appreciating quality isn't just an ethic or nostalgic rejection of today's marketplace full of cheaply manufactured junk...finding and appreciating quality is my passion.

I think in times like these, buying quality makes more sense than ever. As much as we hope you will buy a new pair of glasses to match every outfit every year, we have always provided eyewear that is made to last as long as you wish it to last. Well made European or Japanese frames can last a lifetime, and there is no time limit to the scratch warranty on our lenses. Some of our patients realize very low cost for their eyewear when you compare its lasting quality over time to the frequently replaced lower quality glasses that are built to planned-obsolescence standards. Durability is its own reason for buying good craftsmanship--the benefits of the advanced technology found in premium quality lenses is the subject for another complete post.

The higher initial cost of quality may sting, but the sting shortly becomes satisfaction when the technology performs its lasting duty. Poor craftsmanship causes lingering disappointment--usually intensified by the realization that the product was dressed up to look like quality, but really was not. It reminds me of the rural wisdom found in this mock add for hay I saw in a diner once: "Hay, $200 a ton, or $5 a ton. Price depends on which end of the horse you buy it from."

--Dr. Gooch

Fabulous Readers!

2009-02-19T09:26:00.000-08:00

Here is our lovely new patient Toni Johnston in her new gorgeous green readers! Frames by Kliik, made in Denmark.

NEWS: Restasis. Expensive Medicine, or Cost Effective Treatment?

2009-02-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

Restasis (cyclosporin ophthalmic drops) is a highly effective theraputic treatment for dry eyes. Presumably, it stimulates tear production by controlling inflamation of the tear producing glands. We have dry eye patients who report dramatic relief from its use. The big complaint however, is "why does it cost so much?"

Here the report of a study that factors in the "cost of dry eye to society," that claims Restasis is cost effective. Click here.

Here is the link to the manufacture's website for additional information. Click here.

NEWS: We Finally Got Paid!

2009-02-05T15:56:00.001-08:00

Barri, our Accounts Manager and Billing Specialist, just informed me that we finally got paid on an insurance claim after Two and One Half years of concerted effort by us and the patient to get reimbursed. It was about a $350 claim. Never mind that it cost us more than we received to collect it. I can tell you its a one way street. If the insurance company thinks they overpaid, you will reimburse them YESTERDAY, with interest! But it doesn't really matter when they finally pay you for services rendered... and they don't pay interest when they are late.

I just found this interesting article in today's news and thought, "how apropos."

Check out Dixie's cutest chicks in their new specs!

2009-02-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

Modeling our latest fashions are: Chantel Labrum & friends and Ellyse McKenna. Make our frames part of your accessories. Stop by and be a part of our fashion show!

NEWS: Why does Health Care keep getting more Expensive?

2009-02-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

As reported in the Review of Optometry, January 15, 2009 issue, by the Nachimson Advisors, a health information consulting firm, just one of the incoming regulatory changes in the works for medicine is set to cost the average small practice like ours $83,290. Mid size practices (10 docs) will spend $285,195 on the upgrade, and large practices (100 docs) will spend an estimated $2.7 million.

At issue is medical coding. Currently, we use ICD-9 codes which define and describe a doctor's findings which are then linked to the procedure/office visit codes that get billed to your insurance company. In short, ICD-9 codes supply the "reason" for testing and office time for which the doctor is trying to get reimbursed. The problem, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is that sometime next year, they will run out of codes in the ICD-9 set.

So HHS is getting ready to adopt a new coding system, the ICD-10 set. The goal is to have it in place by October 2011. Insider analysts think implementing the new ICD-10 coding will be the most costly event medical practices will ever experience.

Here is how it pencils out for us. Rough calculations that include our current costs and average revenue-per-patient collected indicate that our practice would have to see our next 757 patients just to pay for the switch to ICD-10. Of course, like any business, medical practices will need to recoup the added cost of this new mandate to stay solvent. But unlike the regular market place, medical practices can't just increase the rates they charge insurance companies for their service and expect the insurance companies to pay the increase. They will have to make up the difference with their private pay patients, or eliminate other overhead or services which may reduce the quality of care you receive.

ICD-10 coding for diagnoses is just one of the oncoming challenges we have to prepare for. The procedure codes we have to use that describe the time and testing we do in order to get paid is also getting more complicated by orders of magnitude (which is its own subject for another time.) We now have level 2 procedure codes and PQRI codes (quality assurance coding) to include when we bill, just so we can get paid without penalty.

Sometimes I wonder if the increased complexities in coding and billing are just a calculated effort on the part of payers to trim costs by virtue of our reduced compliance as we struggle to figure out and pay for the new programme. Understanding the current system is already so complex that keeping payments coming properly is a non-stop battle. We feel like we have evolved our processes to the point that it works fairly well, and we follow the rules to the "T."

Patients already get frustrated as they try to understand why we code and bill as we do. I fear the new regulations will add more layers of confusion between doctors and consumers of medical care, further separating the two from the normal market forces that control buyer/seller relationships in other market settings.

NEWS: Water-Powered optics

2009-02-03T08:58:00.001-08:00

Click here for the full Chicago Tribune article.

A tinkerer/physicist in the U.K. has developed user-adjustable optics using water filled lenses that may make vision correction possible for the worlds poor who have no access to eye care. Here is a big thumbs-up for human ingenuity. One of humanity's critical unmet needs appears to have an inexpensive solution...no expensive government program needed.

NEWS: Potassium and Blood Pressure

2009-01-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

High blood pressure is a disease that causes vascular damage, which, left untreated can destroy the gift of sight. Hypertensive Retinopathy destroys vision by causing poor perfusion, fluid leakage, and macular swelling. It can also cause strokes inside the eye. We urge our patients with high blood pressure to keep it well controlled for their eyes' sake, and have regular visits with the doctor to ensure treatable problems don't go unnoticed.

Here is an interesting piece of "news you can use." This report of a recent study on Potassium finds that it may help lower blood pressure. Click here for the report.

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2009/01/28/Potassium_may_help_lower_blood_pressure/UPI-12251233197984/

MARIUS MOREL 1880

2009-01-28T10:39:00.000-08:00

It is time for Contemporary Retro Chic! Vintage styling comes to St George with the addition of Marius Morel's 1880 line. This distinctive frame line is a fresh, but nostalgic take on quality and style, without rehashing today's boxy retro styles.

This new line consists of some titanium offerings and some handmade acetates. The fit and finish of the Morel 1880 line fits our criteria for select, top shelf quality. These French made frames are not the mass produced disposable stuff that floods the market, rather, are of an heirloom quality that are made to last as long as you want them--which is just how we like it.

Consistent with all of our lines, these frames are warranted, unlimited for two years. They are very reasonably priced because their label is the manufacturers own, not requiring designer licensing. Come see how we can customize your look today with timeless styling that is fresh Retro Chic!

Thanks to our Model and fantastic Frame rep, Jay Hornsby for taking the runway...

News: SCHIP expansion

2009-01-27T13:51:00.000-08:00

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was originally set up as a stop gap to cover children in families that made too much to be covered under medicaid programs, but presumably, not enough to afford health insurance. Currently, the U.S. Senate is getting ready to consider a bill passed by the House that would expand SCHIP after provisions to protect private insurance companies were removed.

At issue is the concern that public insurance "crowds" out private insurance. Several studies conclude that the effect of this crowding leads to more expensive insurance for those in the private market. Here is the reference to one such study for which I couldn't find an online source: David M. Cutler and Jonathan Gruber, "Does Public Insurance Crowd-out Private Insurance?" Quarterly Journal of Economics, Vol. 111, No. 2 (May 1996), pp. 391-430.

In my opinion, this represents a dangerous trend that will be nearly impossible to undo. Generally, this sudden rush to move private business into the public sector saps vital market energy from the productive segments of our economy--all at a time when our economy needs all the energy it can get. Click here for some solid analysis of the SCHIP expansion by the Heritage Foundation.

Dr. Gooch

I Tried To Save My Glasses.

2009-01-26T15:07:00.000-08:00

As a child I think I looked some what like Ralphie and I had about the same luck with glasses as him. Tackle football and glasses just never got along all that well. I know many of you parents can relate to mine as I would come home with pair after pair of destroyed, or worse yet, lost glasses. If you are tired of this as my parents were, now you have another option for your active pre-teen or teenager. Paragon Corneal Refractive Therapy, also known as CRT.

Paragon CRT is a specifically designed therapeutic contact lens worn during sleeping hours to gently reshape the cornea without permanently altering its physiology- which is important, as the eyes of children and teens are still maturing. Your child simply wears the lenses at night and takes them out in the morning. The result is clear vision all day long with no more glasses to lose or break. The procedure has been proven safe and has been approved by the FDA for patients of all ages. I have personally have had great results on children as young as eight. It is a paticularly great option for young atheletes.

Another area where CRT can be of great use is in children who seem to be getting more and more near sighted rapidly. CRT is thought to slow or stop this refractive progression. We have used it successfully in our practice in just this way.

CRT is a great option for adults who are not ready for laser vision correction but would still like to have day time freedom from glasses and contact lenses or are unable to have laser vision correction for a variety of reasons. For more information please give us a call, stop by and see us or visit the link above.

Dr. David I Jones O.D.

Check out those new Schnuchel's!!

2009-01-22T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here comes Dr. Gooch blazing his own trail again, he just received his new custom tailored Schnuchel frames straight from Germany! He chose his shape, color, size and even has his own named engraved on the inside of his new glasses! Just one more reason that Southwest Vision stands out from the rest! Stop in and take a peek for yourself. Ask for your own pair of custom tailored eyewear from our own German artisan- Schnuchel!

Understanding the Difference Between Vision Plans and Medical Insurances

2009-01-19T13:50:00.000-08:00

Today's health care environment has become more confusing and complex. Understanding your vision and medical benefits is not as easy as it once was. Our practice is providing this information to clarify many misconceptions about third party insurance and your vision. In order to understand the complexities of your coverage, it helps to understand that there are two distinct sides of vision care. The first is medical eye care which covers all testing, diagnosis, and treatment of eye disease. The second is routine vision for those with healthy eyes. Third party payers usually reflect that difference. As a general rule, medical insurance pays for medical eye care and Vision Plans deal with routine vision, the exception being that some medical plans will pay for routine eye care. What many consumers don't realize is that by virtue of the medical nature of eye care, MOST eye exams are covered under their regular medical insurance, and that you don't need separate "vision insurance" to be covered.

Many common vision plans ONLY cover the routine vision part of the overall eye health examination, i.e, VSP, Eyemed, Davis Vision, Spectera,etc. These plans are not really insurance in the traditional sense that they spread risk, but are much more marketing plans that drive patients to participating practices. By definition, it is impossible to "insure" routine things. The reality is, vision plans are a middle man, dressed up to look like insurance, that extract a profit from the routine business of eyecare. Since we also must profit from the routine business of eyecare to exist, the cost is passed on to consumers in ways that aren't immediately noticeable. Typically, the consumer pays the price of reduced quality, since providers who accept vision plans have to make up the dramatic discounts vision plans demand by increasing volume and playing games with their retail markups in their optical to remain profitable. Because we strongly believe we can offer higher quality care and better quality retail optical without the encumbrances of Vision Plans, we do not contract with third party"vision only" insurances. As non-participating providers, we will be happy to complete all the necessary forms, provide documentation and submit them on your behalf to the vision plan carrier for your reimbursement.

Understanding that are two distinct and important elements of every visit to our practice may help you understand the role of your medical insurance. Because many eye diseases that affect your vision will have little or no symptoms until the problem has become sight-threatening, all eye exams have a medical component. In fact, the most important goal of your visit today is to insure quality of life by providing you with a comprehensive, thorough medical examination of your visual system. Regular eye health examinations are critical to prevent debilitating eye disease, and can include the use of cutting edge technologies designed to take the guesswork out of disease detection. The second component of all comprehensive medical eye exams include a routine vision component to analyze and prescribe, if necessary, eyewear or contact lenses to correct your vision. Our insurance billing specialists will contact your insurance company before your visit is completed to verify your eligibility and coverage to maximize your insurance benefits.

Our doctors participate in the Medicare program and accept assignment on behalf of each eligible patient. The eye health examination is a fully covered service under the Medicare program when there is a medical condition, dry eye, cataracts, allergies, glaucoma, etc. However, as mandated by Federal law, the refraction part of the vision section of your exam is a non-covered benefit. There are many new Medicare Advantage plans with private insurance companies that we participate in.

Flex-spending, or Cafeteria plans are an option that your employer may offer which allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for your medical expenses such as eye exams, glasses or contact lenses. Please contact your employer to take advantage of this option.

Our billing staff are always available to contact your insurance company before your appointment is made to check your benefits for you. We are here to help you will all your insurance needs until your claim is completely processed.

--Barri

Changing a Young Life

2009-01-15T00:15:00.000-08:00

Holy HANDSOMNESS! (Click for original post)

We just got Gabe's new glasses. At first, he didn't like the idea of having something "new" on his face. Thank goodness they are flexible (and thanks for not selling cheap stuff Paul, they are worth every penny) because they would already be broken. He took them off his face numerous times and as long as we don't talk about them a lot, he forgets that they are there.

What we've noticed: He is willing to sit further away from the T.V. which is HUGE! He used to always move closer until he was basically hugging the T.V. I seriously thought that it was just him being stubborn because Kierstyn wanted him out of her way or because he liked the idea of being close. I am watching him now move the glasses up and down as he looks to see which works better for him.

The first time we walked outside, he went to take some steps and was like, "whoa." They looked so different to him! Today he has kept them on much better! When we went to go get sissy from school, he was looking around and pointing at things far away and saying what they were. It was so cute! My husband and I both started crying last night when we were holding him on the bed with us. Why? Because we know that he can see and that his world will be so much better now! Paul,we can't thank you enough for what you've done for your sweet little nephew. You are amazing at what you do and make a real positive difference in peoples lives :)

- Amberlee Harder

NEWS: Got Eyelashes?

2009-01-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

Lattise. We have long wondered, when are they going to start selling this stuff for the cosmetic side effect of eye-lash growth? Lumigan, Travatan, and Xalatan are three similar drugs that we use to control eye pressure in patients with Glaucoma. All three drugs have an interesting side effect--they stimulate eyelash growth. So much in fact, some of our patients on these drugs look like they are wearing big, fake eyelashes. I even have a few who come in regulary for a trim--the lashes get too long.

Often our patients will ask, "My friends wonder if they can come here and get this medicine for their eyelashes?" Well...the thought certainly makes me a little uneasy.

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

Today's New York Times article raises many interesting questions. First, the Mascara market is 5 billion dollars a year. The drug company knows opportunity when it sees it. Second, who is going to prescribe this stuff? Will our glaucoma patients be tempted to bypass us and assume that their treatment is going OK without monitoring progress after their dermatologist Rx's the cosmetic version? (The cosmetic version is the same strength as the glaucoma med).

It will be interesting to see where this goes...

New Schnuchel frames handmade in Germany!

2009-01-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Southwest Vision is introducing their newest frame line-Schnuchel. This one of a kind tailor made eyewear is all handmade by a german artisan named Dr. Wolf Schnuchel. We are able to tailor your specific frame by choosing color, shape, size, etc. for a truly unique custom tailored look! These frames are classic, retro and unlike anything else you will see in this area. Our new president Barack Obama recently stopped into a NYC optical shop and left with two pairs!Stop in today and have a look for yourself! Schnuchel frames modeled by Greg.

Diabetes and the Ketogenic diet

2009-01-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

News you can use, Click here.

Researchers report (at MedpageToday) the finding that a Ketogenic diet, (one high in fat, and low in Carbohydrates) is more effective in controlling blood glucose than the earlier low-glycemic diet espoused by the Atkins Diabetes Revolution.

The study had some flaws, but the findings are worth a look and raise interesting questions that contribute to our overall understanding.

As eye physicians, we are keenly interested in blood sugar control for diabetic patients. Strict blood sugar control delays or prevents the devastating retinopathy that goes with diabetes. As always, we recommend you take this information and apply it carefully, consulting your internist with all diet and excersize decisions you make that can affect your blood sugar.

INTRODUCING SILHOUETTE'S NEWEST EYE-CATCHING COLLECTION-ENVISO!

2009-01-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

Silhouette has just relased their newest collection-Enviso! Enviso's unique temple design and bold colors offer something new and different in the world of rimless eyewear designs. Rimless designs have been in the limelight this year with the discovery of Sarah Palin. Her drilled rimless frames have been all over the media since her nomination for Vice president. Enviso frames are extremely light weight and with no screws to loosen or loose they are virtually maintenance-free! Stop in today and try on the latest Enviso styles! You won't be disappointed! Happy New Year from Southwest Vision.

NEWS: Blind Google Engineer develops Technology that may help those with vision and Improve Access for the Blind

2009-01-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this link to the New York Times article about a Google Engineer who is blind with Glaucoma from the age of 14. I marvel how people without vision adapt to our very visual world. This is a great example of this adaptation, with practical application.

Regards,

Dr Gooch

Click here for Article

What our Patients say...

2009-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

I cant praise this office and staff enough I have been going to Dr. Gooch for I think 4 years now and my experience has been completely a joy. Dr. Gooch along with the entire staff have always gone out of their ways to make me feel comfortable and assured I was receiving the best care possible. I have always recommended Dr Gooch to my friends and will continue to do so.

--Chris McArdle

Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Explained

2009-01-03T21:06:00.000-08:00

After examining a two-year old nephew this week, I attempted to explain what it means to be farsighted to his worried mother. I've been in practice for nearly 12 years and I still struggle to explain hyperopia in lay terms. Its not that Hyperopia is complicated, but it is not as intuitively tidy as Myopia, or nearsightedness (where near things are clear and far things are blurry). Patients often exclaim, "Ah, Farsighted... so things far away are clear and things up close are blurry?" Well, sort of. Therein lies the problem with understanding Hyperopia. We collectively miss-apply the logic that so nicely fits nearsightedness, to farsightedness. And people often confuse presbyopia, or bifocal vision with farsightedness. Even a quick google search on the subject reveals very little for the lay person that isn't slightly off colored just enough to leave an element of confusion. This post is for you, Sis, so you'll grasp how your young son sees; and for me, as I work to conjure a solid explanation of Hyperopia.

The Normal Eye

First, to understand Hyperopia, you must understand how the normal eye functions. When viewing things in the distance (20 feet and beyond are optically equal), the normal eye is relaxed and focused. The light rays entering the eye are parallel, and the relaxed eye converges those parallel rays, bringing them into focus on the retina. When the eye shifts its gaze to anything inside 20 feet, the rays of light begin to diverge, or open up, which pushes the focal point to somewhere behind the normal relaxed eye. The eye then has to accommodate, or shift focus, to keep the near object in focus. This happens when an internal muscle called the cilliary body activates and changes the shape of the crystalline lens that sits behind your pupil. This accommodation pulls the long-focused rays back into focus on the retina. And it all happens faster, and more fluidly than you can perceive, without conscious effort on your part. The normal eye uses about 2.50 diopters of accommodative power to see things at the normal reading distance (approx 16 inches).

Hyperopia

Farsightedness is the condition where the natural relaxed eye focuses the normal parallel rays from the distance behind the eye. How the farsighted person sees is based on the complex interaction between the amount of farsightedness, the natural strength of the accommodative mechanism, the person's age, and the visual system's alignment mechanisms which keep the eyes on target (they happen to be tied to the focusing system). A young person with small to moderate amounts of Hyperopia can use their close focusing power to pull the distance into focus on the retina and see clearly. Near objects take an additional 2.50 diopters in focus power, and if they have the ability to do it, they can see close as well. Here are some examples of a small and a large amount of Hyperopia:

A person with +1.00 diopter Hyperopia needs 1.00 diopter of their close-focus power to see in the distance. Add another 2.50 of accommodation for close vision and they end up needing a total of 3.50 in close focusing power to see clearly at the reading distance.

A person with +7.50 diopters of Hyperopia needs 7.50 diopters of help to correct the distance (usually they can't contribute that much by themselves unless they are very young) and they need another 2.50 for near for a total of 10.00 diopters of focusing power.

Since the eye's close focusing power was not designed to remain constantly activated, just like your arms weren't designed to hold a bucket of water outstretched for long periods of time, uncorrected Hyperopes can get extra fatigued with the full time, extra-duty use of their close focusing power. Depending on the factors mentioned above, Hyperopes experience a range of symptoms from mild, imperceptible strain, to extreme fatigue, double vision, and completely blurry distance and near vision.

Correction

Hyperopia can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery, using PLUS dioptric power. Unlike Myopic (nearsighted) corrections which are very exact and simple to derive, Hyperopic corrections depend on the practitioner's ability to measure the amount of Hyperopia and then integrate all the other complex factors involved like age, accommodative strength, eye alignment, and lifestyle needs. Generally, correcting Hyperopia relaxes the farsighted eye for focusing in the distance the way it was designed, so the eye can use the normal amount of close focusing power for reading.

Because Hyperopic eyes can contribute accommodation to the vision-equation, finding the amount of correction that makes his/her eyes comfortable can be a challenge, and that equation changes over time as the aging eye loses its natural accommodative ability. The older you get, the easier it becomes to find the right amount of correction because your accommodation interferes less. Sometimes younger eyes won't relax and accept plus powered lenses. Large amounts of Hyperopia are easier to correct because the visual benefit is so dramatic. Small to moderate amounts are tougher because the benefit is the delayed gratification of reduced fatigue--which benefit often comes at the end of the day, the end of the week, the end of the school year, etc. For the younger Hyperope, we don't always correct the full amount, but instead, the amount that makes the eyes most comfortable--especially for close work.

Children and Hyperopia

Hyperopia is the most missed eye condition at school and pediatrician screenings because small to moderate amounts don't usually blur the child's vision. Children's symptoms increase with age and amount of Hyperopia, but they often don't know that the discomfort they feel is abnormal and they get numb to it. Often, it plays out as near-task avoidance. If reading is uncomfortable or tiresome after extended periods, the child usually develops avoidance patterns, which can turn into habits, attitudes, labels, and a self perception that can often be difficult to correct as the child gets older. As a parent, you can watch for these avoidance patterns, afternoon headaches, or strange visual behavior like squinting, sideways looking, or looking closer than normal at books, TV, etc.

Some eye doctors use a blanket approach to correcting a child's hyperopia--relying strictly on numbers. It is very important to find a practitioner who is committed to using the more sophisticated approach of finding the correction that makes the farsighted child comfortable for near tasks (whether that amount is none, or something different from their full correction). If correction is needed, sometimes single vision lenses suffice, or sometimes it is more convenient to put it in the form of bifocals. These are all complexities that take time to sort through and you will do well to expect your doctor to explain and recommend what is best for your child.

Having your child examined before the age of two is the best way to make certain that problems aren't missed which can lead to poor school performance and delayed visual development. You did a wonderful service for your son by bringing him in early, Sis. Check this post about a little girl we took care of with farsightedness similar to your son: THE EYES HAVE IT.

Longears and Sourdough: The Eyes Have It

2009-01-02T23:43:00.000-08:00

Longears and Sourdough: The Eyes Have It

The EYES Have It

2009-01-02T21:55:00.000-08:00

"Mom! Look! There are cracks in the sky!"

The life of any Optometrist is filled with "which is better, one or two?" punctuated with an occasional save that is SO spectacular, that just one patient makes your whole career worth him or her alone. There are a handful of these and I can recount them all.Over the past two weeks, I met young Sara (HIPPA forbids me from giving her real name.) At the age of five, she had never seen her world. Her eyes were so far-sighted that she had never been in focus and her brain had never learned to see. Even at the exam when I put the proper lenses in front of her, she didn't know how to process the suddenly-focused detail--still only seeing 20/400.

Her mom has been back in our office a couple of times already, full of emotion, stunned at the change in her daughter. Yesterday, it was to share the "lightning" story. She is horrified that she used to berate her daughter for being so blind, never sensing that it was the truth. Now in focus, nature takes over and Sara's brain is learning to see things for the first time. Every day, Mom gets to see things for the first time through five year old Sara's eyes. What a gift!

Reposted from an August 2008 "Longears and Sourdough" blogspot post.

Myopia (So, I am near sighted)

2008-12-29T17:46:00.000-08:00

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is the easiest of the eye's focus problems to understand. As a myope, your near world is in focus and your distance vision is blurry. This happens when the light rays that enter your eye focus in front of the retina instead of on the retina.

Incidence:

In the United States and Europe 25-40%
In some developed Asian countries 70-90%
In some indigenous populations from undeveloped countries 1-8%

Causes:

The arguments regarding the cause of myopia are very heated and sway between Nature/Nurture. Twin Studies show a genetic predisposition to myopia, and literacy studies show extended near-focus to be the major contributing factor. No one really knows how genetics and environmental factors interplay, but surely, both sides of the equation contribute, and it probably varies on an individual basis.

The Internet is full of information about the causes of Myopia. In my opinion, this Wikipedia article about myopia is about the fairest comprehensive treatment for the lay person that I could find: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myopia

Some promoters of the Nurture school-of-thought go so far as to blame eye doctors and the optical industry for Myopia as part of a grand conspiracy. The Myopia Mafia causes an increase of myopia by prescribing glasses to correct the vision of children with myopia, is the crux of one argument. Another claims the problem is nutritional in nature and has a vitamin to fix it. These extreme and entertaining examples usually have their own product to sell (so BUYER BEWARE) and while espousing some truths, they fundamentally over-simplify the problem.

Correction:

With today's technology, Myopia is a mere annoyance for most of us. In developed countries, it is easy to correct with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery using MINUS dioptric power--all of which use impressive new technologies. Stay tuned for upcoming articles on advances in lens and surgery technologies.

Prevention:

Because of the evidence that near stress induces myopia, there may be some things you can do. Children who spend more time outdoors and less time in front of TV, computers, or books tend to have less incidence of myopia. The problem is, we learn most of what we need to survive in today's world by reading and using the computer, so avoiding these activities to prevent myopia might cause other life-problems. And if not putting glasses on a nearsighted kid could prevent further myopic progression, would it make sense to keep your child in a constant state of blur? Like everything else, there is wisdom in balance.

Several alternative "cures" are out there, like "The See Clearly Method" and "Rebuildyourvision.com." You will often find them long on testimonials and short on credibility. We get patients who try these things occasionally thinking they will surprise us. So far, I haven't seen anyone with verifiable improvements to their refractive state via these programs.

I personally like to prescribe bifocals or progressives to myopic children who show signs of excessive accomodative convergence (misaligned eyes with close focus) or other signs of near stress. Some studies have shown a 40% reduction in myopic progression with bifocal use, and I seem to see that played out clinically in these cases of over-convergence.

Presbyopia, (where did my near focus go?)

2008-12-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

The human eye is a remarkable organ. Besides transmitting electromagnetic waves from the visible light spectrum to the brain where they get processed as the complex sensation of vision, the healthy young eye has the uncanny ability to focus light from the distance to the near and back, without you perceiving the physical change in your eye that allows this to happen. Behind your pupil, there is a lens, attached to a radial muscle, that changes shape in response to a change in the focus distance of what you are viewing.

Then, somewhere in the middle of life (for most it happens in their 40's) you begin to lose that ability to change from distance focus to near focus. This inevitable change comes when the crystalline lens behind your pupil begins to harden. The harder it gets, the more help you need to change to near vision from your distance focused vision (IE your distance lenses or your naturally good distance vision). Gradually, after about 10 years, the loss of your near focus stops when the lens becomes too hard to shift anymore.

The way you observe this change depends on your natural vision. If you are naturally near sighted, sometimes taking off your glasses helps you see up close. If you are farsighted, you generally need reading glasses earlier, then glasses for distance too when you can no longer use your close focus power to see in the distance.

Nobody escapes Presbyopia if they live through that stage of life. Some people with naturally good distance vision in one eye, and naturally near-sighted vision in the other go into their later years thinking they beat Presbyopia, but measurements will always confirm that they have lost the close-focus ability of younger eyes. Science still puzzles over some way to stop or reverse this process. If someone does find it, they will have found the key to wealth. For today's baby boomers, Presbyopia represents one of the greatest aging frustrations they endure.

HealthDay (12/29, 2008 Robert Preidt) reported that, according to a study published in the Dec. issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, "more than one billion people worldwide had age-related farsightedness -- called presbyopia -- in 2005," with about "410 million of" them being "unable to perform tasks that required near vision."

Many options exist to correct your vision if you are Presbyopic. From glasses, to contact lenses, to surgery, or some combination of the three, you can have clear vision for whatever tasks you are doing. You may be surprised by the number of ways we can customize a solution for you if you have specific needs beyond what the standard options correct. Stay tuned for discussion on today's lens technologies that make it easier than ever, particularly the new digitally-surfaced progressive lenses.

NEWS: Cancer of the Eye--Uveal Melanoma

2008-12-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

Interesting news you can use:

Canada's Globe and Mail (12/12) reports that researcher Catherine van Raamsdonk, B.Sc., M.A., Ph.D., of the University of British Columbia, "has identified a gene mutation that can cause almost half the incidents of" an eye cancer "called uveal melanoma." According to Prof. van Raamsdonk, "the next step" is "to develop a treatment that targets the effects of the mutated gene." As reported by AOA's First Look

Macular Degeneration

2008-12-23T18:01:00.000-08:00

" Macular degeneration: the loss of central vision through the age-related deterioration of the macula."

Today, with a simple google search, one can find volumes of information about macular degeneration. Some excellent links are provided at the end of this post. This is a disease we have come to understand fairly well, and a disease we have found dramatic new medical treatments for that now preserve vision much better than in the past.

Here are the things that you really need to know that will help you limit your risk of vision loss to macular degeneration.

There are two types of age related macular degeneration (ARMD):

Roughly 90% of all ARMD is dry. Dry ARMD is the progressive, slow depositing of metabolic waste in the macula which disrupts and damages the finely ordered photo receptors that give you detail-oriented vision. Current treatment is preventative in nature--there are no medical treatments at this time. But prevention works, and the earlier you start, the better.

About 10% of dry ARMD turns into wet ARMD, which is the active leakage of fluids and growth of new blood vessels in the macula. Wet ARMD can cause the rapid loss of central vision. A wide range of new medical treatments exist that can mitigate your vision loss if the wet ARMD is detected at the right time.

Prevention:

To understand prevention, you need to understand that the causes of ARMD are both genetic, and environmental. A family history of ARMD certainly increases your risk, and you can't control who your parents are, but the environmental factors that increase your risk can be controlled. All known environmental risk factors generate Free radical based oxydative damage in the macula.

Here are the main environmental risk factors:

Age-- environmental factor? Maybe more than we realize...
Smoking
Exposure to UV light
Poor nutrition
Neglecting your eye doctor

Here are the steps to prevent ARMD, slow its progress, or reduce your risk for vision loss:

Physical activity goes a long way to slowing the aging process in your body. Research now suggests it may also be an important factor in slowing ARMD.
Stop Smoking.
Wear a hat with a brim and Quality Sunglasses. You are never too young to start this habit.
Eat 12-15 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day with a variety of raw nuts and grains. Cornell University has a wealth of research on the overall benefit of getting your nutrition this way. It is difficult, but possible which is a subject for a future post. You may also follow the vitamin supplement path suggested in the AREDs study and others. With some of the recent unrelated findings on possible harm from vitamins, you need to exercise caution using Vitamin E, and beta carotene--especially if you are a smoker.
Only your eye doctor can help you monitor your maculae and get you timely help if your ARMD turns wet. See your doctor a minimum of once a year to start with, and follow his/her recommended schedule for return visits.

Medical intervention:

A new generation of drugs that inhibit the growth of new blood vessels have improved outcomes in patients compared to earlier laser treatments that indiscriminately damaged retinal tissue adjacent to the treatment area. Lucentis, Avastin, and Macugen are all drugs that are injected into the eye, sometimes repeated in series over weeks or months. Sometimes steroids can be injected into the eye to reduce edema in the macula as well. When your doctor sees evidence of wet macular degeneration, he/she may send you to a Retinal Specialist who will make the proper decisions about which treatment or combination of treatments will best reduce your vision loss from wet ARMD.

Patients who lose vision to ARMD voice significant frustration. It's like being blind without being blind. The peripheral vision that remains after you lose your central vision is not capable of seeing fine detail. Taking the necessary steps to prevent ARMD and having your eye checked yearly are a small price to pay for sight. http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amd.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/macular-degeneration/DS00284

http://www.mayoclinic.org/macular-degeneration/prevention.html

http://vivo.library.cornell.edu/lifesci/individual/vivo/individual365 (access nutritional research by following the work of individual scientists)

Glaucoma--sneak thief of Sight

2008-12-21T14:26:00.000-08:00

According to the World Health Organization, in a 2002 report, Glaucoma is the 2nd leading cause of blindness after Cataracts worldwide. In the United States, Glaucoma is the 2nd leading cause of blindness after Macular Degeneration, closely followed by Diabetic Retinopathy.

What does the average person need to know about Glaucoma? Lets talk about what we do and do not know about this sneaky disease that robs a person's vision by slowly and silently killing the OPTIC NERVE which sends vision signals from the eye to the brain.

First, what we know:

Science and clinical experience have provided us with an excellent ability to treat glaucoma and significantly reduce your risk of blindness from the disease if detected in time. We treat glaucoma with eye drops that lower the internal pressure of the eye. The better we control eye pressure, the more we protect the dying nerve and preserve a person's vision. We also have learned that the earlier we intervene with glaucoma, the easier it is to control or stop ongoing damage to the nerve. Glaucoma seems to have inertia. Advanced cases are reportedly more difficult to control--similar to putting the breaks on a freight train. That perception may be due to a reduced margin for error when glaucoma is at its end stage when there is very little nerve left to save. We do have patients we treat who came to us with very minimal nerve left and were dangerously near blindness, who have managed to keep their remaining vision with consistent treatment.

We know that there are several types of glaucoma. The primary types are those described in this post and are the most difficult to understand. There are several secondary types that happen when the pressure spikes due to anatomical problems, genetic defects, or injury.

What we don't know:

In the past, our view of glaucoma was rather simplistic. Too much pressure in the eye pinched the nerve and slowly strangled it to death. The pressure became elevated due to poor drainage or excessive production of the fluid that is constantly being exchanged in the front of the eye. While this certainly explains some glaucoma cases, there are many that don't fit this tidy scenario. For those of us that battle this disease daily, glaucoma is the Sneak-thief of sight. Sometimes it can look like you have glaucoma when you don't. Conversely, it can look like you don't when you do, and is often missed at Eye Exams. You can have high pressure and no glaucoma, or you can have normal pressure and have glaucoma. And if you have low pressure glaucoma, we treat by lowering the pressure (which is proven to help), but we don't know why it does. When you add to that the fact that you have to lose a significant percentage of your nerve (50-75%) before we can measure damage to your vision via Visual Field testing (one of the traditional keystones to diagnosis), you can begin to appreciate why diagnosing it can get so complicated. Theories abound, but why glaucoma actually happens is still a mystery.

So, the moment glaucoma starts in a patient, the majority of doctors will miss it. The moment you go blind from glaucoma, the majority of doctors will admit that you have it. And there is this large chasm between the two. In medicine, we love to be certain of our selves and our diagnoses which I think lends bias toward later diagnosis since glaucoma doesn't get obvious until its later stages.

Risk factors:

Over the past few years, scientific study has helped us define some of the risk factors associated with the Primary glaucomas. In general, they are listed in order of importance:

High pressure

large Nerve cupping

thin corneas

Family History

African, Asian, or Latin race (but all races affected)

Severe Myopia (near sighted)

systemic disease--high blood pressure, diabetes

Sleep Apnea

History of Migraines

Early diagnosis:

Because glaucoma is an asymptomatic process, and because it doesn't become obvious until its end stages, there is a movement toward early diagnosis. We know that the earlier we diagnose this disease, the more uncertainty we have to live with, and the more we have to rely on the preponderance of risk factors. In medicine, we commonly treat based on risk factors (we lower cholesterol to reduce your chances of Heart Disease and Stroke, for example.) Thinking of glaucoma this way is a paradigm change from the days when we wanted to declare with absolute certainty that "you did or did not have glaucoma" when we finished up your eye exam.

The tools:

Today, one of the most significant tools we have in our toolkit is the LASER. In our office, we use Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) by Humphries Ziess to measure the thickness of your Retinal nerves and track that thickness over time. Thinning nerve suggests glaucoma. We also use high resolution retinal photography over time, we measure your corneal thickness, and the gold-standard Visual field testing over time (which really doesn't tell us too much in the early stages of the disease). We combine the data we collect from these tests with what we know about your risk factors and make our decisions about treatment or followup.

The treatment:

With all the uncertainty about the origins of glaucoma and its early detection, we are very certain about treating the disease. Our goal is to lower the pressure in your eyes, and then monitor the health of your nerve as we keep your pressure down over time. Today's meds are effective and easier than ever. In most cases, one drop of medicine in your eyes each night does the trick. If today's first-line meds don't work, we may have to use additional drops, which may mean instilling drops 2 or 3 times a day. If drops don't work, then we use LASERs and surgery to reduce eye pressure. Effective eye-pressure control protects the health of your nerve and preserves your vision.

END OF YEAR FLEX-SPENDING ACCOUNTS...

2008-12-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

The end of the year is fast approaching and if you have flex-spending accounts or cafeteria plans the time to use up those benefits is now! Did you know that you can use those funds towards eye exams, prescription eyewear, sunglasses and contact lens purchases? Give us a call and set up your appointment today! Please call, e-mail, or stop by our office for any questions! Happy Holidays!

Schnuchel's

2008-12-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

Come in and see our brand new hand made German eyewear! These frames are custom made to fit all your wants and needs. Come see what the fuss is all about.

New Arrival- Ed Hardy Readers!

2008-12-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

Come check out our newest frame collection. Ed Hardy readers have just arrived! These are original designs from the tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy who is known as "The godfather of tatoo. These unique "Vintage Tattoo Wear" designs are like nothing else! Stop down and try on a pair and be the first in town to have them! Happy Holidays from Southwest Vision!

Cinnamon, Cloves, and Diabetes

2008-12-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

One of the key factors to maintaining your vision as a diabetic is blood sugar control. Tight Control reduces the end-organ vascular damage that can destroy vision. Methods for controlling sugar improve with time, but it is important to remember that Adult Onset Diabetes is often related to our diets and activity levels. We effectively encourage our patients to "go back to nature" by asking them to increase their activity levels and control their diets. So how about some other natural methods?

Several studies have been conducted in recent years to determine whether or not the ancient spices Cinnamon and Cloves have any beneficial effect in the management of diabetes. These studies show promise, but deliver conflicting results--some showing no effect, leaving the consumer to determine the quality of the studies and validity of the results.

Cinnamon seems to have powerful anti-inflammitory and anti-oxidant properties which may help explain some earlier findings by Dr. Richard A. Anderson, of the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture. He had shown that the equivalent of a quarter to half a teaspoon of cinnamon given to humans twice a day decreased risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, including glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, by 10 to 30 percent.

Cloves have also been shown in lab studies and human studies to to improve the function of insulin and to lower glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.

Three of these studies were presented at Experimental Biology 2006 in San Francisco and are part of the scientific program of the American Society for Nutrition, Inc:

* Dr. Heping Cao of the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center and colleagues, including Dr. Anderson, investigated the biochemical basis for the insulin-like effects of cinnamon. Results showed that cinnamon, like insulin, increases the amount of three critically important proteins involved in the body's insulin signaling, glucose transport, and inflammatory response. Dr. Cao says the study provides new biochemical evidence for the beneficial effects of cinnamon in potentiating insulin action and suggests anti-inflammatory properties for the antioxidants in cinnamon. Other researchers involved in the study are Dr. Marilyn M. Polansky of the USDA-ARS Beltsville (Maryland) Human Nutrition Research Center, and Dr. Perry J. Blackshear of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

* Dr. Stephanie Mae Lampke, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and colleagues, used fractionation and electrospray mass spectrometry to identify the chemical structure of active ingredients in cinnamon. She worked with UCSB's James Pavolich and Donald Graves. This study provides information on how cinnamon works. Working with Dr. Lampe, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Polansky (also involved in the paper above) were members of the USDA BHNRC. Research was supported in part by a grant from Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, to Dr. Graves.

* Dr. Alam Khan, Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, a former postdoctoral student and Fulbright Fellow in the Anderson laboratory, reports the first study of the effect of cloves on insulin function in humans. Thirty-six people with type 2 diabetes were divided into four groups, which then took capsules with either 0, 1, 2, or 3 grams of cloves for 30 days. There were no significance differences in responses among the three levels of cloves used - but there were markedly significant differences between those who took cloves and those who did not. At the end of the 30 days, individuals with diabetes who had been taking some level of clove supplementation showed a decrease in serum glucose from an average 225 to 150 mg/dL, triglycerides from an average 235 to 203 mg/dL, a decrease in serum total cholesterol from 273 to 239 mg/dL, and a decrease in LDL from 175 to 145 mg/dL. The individuals with diabetes who had not been taking clove capsules showed no differences. Serum HDL was not affected by consumption of cloves.

The method, quality, and quantity of dosing play an important role. Sprinkling these spices on your cereal may not have much affect. Also, be aware that Cinnamon contains natural Coumarin, albeit very small amounts. The beneficial compounds in Cinnamon are water soluable, while the harmful ones are not, according to Dr. Richard A. Anderson. So making a tea from the bark, or grinding it into your coffee grounds before brewing may improve its effect. Dr. Anderson also reports that "saliva has a chemical harmful to Cinnamon."

We recommend that you involve the doctor who Rx's your diabetic meds if you decide to try these methods. And remember, diabetic retinopathy must be followed regularly by your eye doctor. Diabetics need a minimum of one exam per year--and more frequently if your retinopathy is in danger of progressing as determined by your eye doctor.

Diabetes and the EYE

2008-11-24T15:51:00.001-08:00

November is Diabetic Awareness Month

Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. People who are diabetic should be having an annual dilated eye examination.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

Seeing spots or floaters in your field of vision
Blurred vision
Having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision
Difficulty seeing well at night

If you are diabetic and have not had an annual dilated eye examination. Call us today and make your appointment now. 435-673-5577

Related Websites:

http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp
http://www.aoa.org/diabetic-retinopathy.xml
http://diabetes.webmd.com/
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy.asp

Notice of Privacy Policy

2008-11-24T12:31:00.000-08:00

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND WHAT RIGHTS YOU HAVE. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

TRATMENT, PAYMENT, AND HEALTHCARE OPERATIONS
By law, we are not allowed to use or disclose your protected health information (PHI) without your written consent for the purpose of treatment, payment or healthcare operations. Examples include scheduling appointments, examinations, prescribing corrective lenses, vision aids, or medications and providing prescription information to suppliers, referrals for other medical care, getting copies of past records, acquiring guarantor/insurance information, processing claims, financial or billing audits, internal quality assurance, personnel decisions, credentialing, legal defense, business planning and record storage.

USES AND DISCLOSURES FOR OTHER REASONS WITHOUT PERMISSION
In some other limited situations, the law allows us to use or disclose your PHI without your permission. Examples include disclosures required by law, subpoenas or court orders, reporting threats to health or safety, suspected abuse or neglect, knowledge relating to a crime, public health oversight, organ procurement, worker’s compensation disclosures, incidental disclosures, de-identified information, “limited data sets” for research and disclosures to “business associates” who are under contractual obligation to respect the privacy of your PHI. Any information that is disclosed will be limited to the minimum information required and will only be given to parties with the proper authorization to obtain this information. Unless you object, we will also share relevant information about your care with family or friends helping with your care.

APPOINTMENT REMINDERS/NOTIFICATIONS
We may call, write or email you to notify you of routine examinations due, appointment confirmation, order status or services available at our office. Unless you tell us otherwise, we will mail you an appointment reminder on a post card and/or call you at the number you have given us. We may leave a message if you are not available.

OTHER USES AND DISCLOSURES
We will not make any other uses or disclosures of your PHI unless you sign a written “authorization form” the content of which is determined by federal law. The authorization may be revoked at any time by writing to the contact below.

YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
All requests must be made in writing and will be responded to within the time allowed by law (usually 30 days).
You may ask us to restrict our uses and disclosures for purposes of treatment (except emergency treatment), payment or health care operations. We do not have to agree to this, but if we do, we must honor the restrictions that you want.
You may ask us to communicate with you in a confidential way, such as using a specific phone number or address. We will accommodate reasonable requests. There may be a charge for any extra cost involved with the request.
You may ask to see or to get photocopies of your PHI. You have to pay for photocopies in advance. By law, there are a few limited situations in which we can refuse to permit access or copying. If we deny your request, we will send you a written explanation, and instructions about how you get an impartial review of our denial if one is legally available.
You may ask us to amend PHI that you think is incorrect. If we do not agree, a statement of your position and any rebuttal statement that we may write will be included in your PHI and will be included any time we disclose your PHI.
You may request a list of our disclosures of your PHI. By law, the list will not include: disclosures for purposes of treatment, payment of health care operations, disclosures with your authorization, incidental disclosures, disclosures required by law, and some other limited disclosures. You are entitled to one such list per year without charge.
You can receive additional paper copies of this Notice of Privacy Practices upon request.

OUR NOTICE OF PRIVACE PRACTICES (NPP)
We are obligated by law to protect your PHI and to abide by the terms of this NPP. We reserve the right to change this notice at any time as allowed by law. Any changes in our NPP will posted in our office and on our website and will apply to any PHI that we already have as well any that we may generate in the future.

COMPLAINTS
If you think we have not properly respected the privacy of your PHI, you may contact our office or the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights to discuss your complaint without fear of retaliation.

CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information about your privacy practices you may call, write or visit our office at the address below. All requests concerning your PHI must be made in writing to:
Barri Kitchen, Public Information Officer
965 E 700 S, Suite 100
St. George, Utah 84790
(435) 673-5577

Welcome to the blog

2008-11-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the office blog. This project is designed to be an adjunct to our web site where we can keep you up to date with all the HOT news in the eye world. From trends and technologies in the Optical realm to, current topics in medicine, the Doctors and staff will keep you interested in the latest happenings. IF YOU CLICK ON A POST TOPIC AND ONLY GET THIS WELCOME POST, COME BACK SOON. THESE TOPICS ARE BEING UPDATED WEEKLY.