Feds: Is LASIK surgery too risky? May 3, 2008
What was clear by day's end: The vast majority of people undergoing laser eye surgery benefit and are happy, but a small fraction, perhaps fewer than 1 percent, suffer serious, life-changing side effects: worse vision, painful dry eye, glare, inability to drive at night. Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration heard about a dozen of those stories Friday -- including a father reading his son's suicide note -- and then concluded that today's warnings for would-be LASIK recipients should be... (CNN -- Health)
Lasik worries? Some may see better with alternatives May 2, 2008
Some patients are just not a cornea laser eye surgery patient, stresses Dr. Kerry Solomon of the Medical University of South Carolina, a spokesman for the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery. There are still other options for them. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
The eyes have it May 2, 2008
Re: "Make laser eye surgery risks clear, panel urges," April 26. Your article about LASIK complications will be beneficial to both patients and surgeons if it results in better pre-operative counselling of potential laser vision correction candidates. (Calgary Herald)
Surgery risks May 2, 2008
I am one of the statistics for laser eye surgery. It took 6 laser surgeries before my vision became 20/20. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Joffe may seek legal action following refusal by TLC to release shareholder list Apr 15, 2008
Joffe, who founded LCA (Nasdaq: LCAV) in 1985, left his job as chairman of the Cincinnati-based laser eye surgery company in March 2006. Mississauga, Ontario-based TLC Vision Corp. (Nasdaq: TLCV; TSX: TLC), which provides eye surgery services, has its U.S. headquarters in St. Louis. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Novartis buys stake in Alcon, eyes full takeover Apr 8, 2008
Alcon is regarded as less exposed to potential litigation from eye surgery patients than some of its rivals because it does not do much in the field of laser eye surgery. Alcon also makes Systane eye drops along with surgical equipment and implantable lenses. (MSNBC -- Business)
Reds' Votto trying to dust off slow start Apr 8, 2008
Over the offseason, Votto underwent laser eye surgery to fix his vision. So eyesight has nothing to do with a slow spring that seeped into the regular season's first week. (MLB.com -- Cincinnati Reds)
Stephen Joffe files proxy for nomination to TLC Vision board Apr 5, 2008
Joffe, who founded LCA (Nasdaq: LCAV) in 1985, left his job as chairman of the Cincinnati, Ohio-based laser eye surgery company in March 2006. Mississauga, Ontario-based TLC Vision Corp. (Nasdaq: TLCV; TSX: TLC), which provides eye surgery services, has its U.S. headquarters in St. Louis. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
World-Recognized LASIK Expert Dr. James Salz is Listed in Trusted LASIK Surgeons Directory Apr 3, 2008
Secondary Navigation. Thu Apr 3, 3:01 AM ET. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Entitlement Mentality Apr 1, 2008
" Forget the fact that the entitlements, many of which began with the goal of providing "basic minimum benefits" have grown into a gargantuan burden costing over $1.5 trillion a year and careening toward total collapse. For example, payouts will begin to exceed the revenues into Social Security in just nine years and current estimates have the entire system going in 2041. The fundamental problem with the social safety net, however, isn't bankrupt economics but bad philosophy. A government can... (SmartMoney)
'Financial Serial Killer' Mar 30, 2008
Turlock's MedicAlert lost $1 million to a chief financial officer who used foundation credit cards to pay for a scuba diving trip to the Galpagos Islands, a birthday party in Carmel, laser eye surgery and more. Effie DeBow of Oakdale lost her job and was sentenced to 16 months in prison. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Roos revisits tagger plan to spark Goodes Mar 25, 2008
Hall had laser eye surgery before last season and there has been a theory that he struggles in night games. "That might have helped but I don't think it was a problem to the extent people think," Longmire said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
TLC Vision CEO Wachtman responds to shareholder Joffe's comments Mar 21, 2008
Joffe, who founded LCA-Vision (Nasdaq: LCAV) in 1985, left his job as chairman of the Cincinnati-based laser eye surgery company in March 2006. The Wall Street Journal said at the time that LCA's board had forced Joffe's resignation because of his investment in TLC.. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
FDA panel to review laser eye surgery Mar 19, 2008
- U.S. health regulators plan to review whether a popular type of laser eye surgery is improving patients lives, a senior Food and Drug Administration official said on Monday. Dr. Daniel Schultz, director of FDAs Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said a number of concerns have been raised concerning patient satisfaction with the vision correction procedure, known as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK.. (MSNBC -- Health)
Health: FDA panel to review LASIK eye surgery Mar 18, 2008
U.S. FDA panel to review laser eye surgery ... U.S. health regulators plan to review whether a popular type of laser eye surgery is improving patients' lives, a senior Food and Drug Administration official said Monday. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Familiar faces in Tigertown Mar 7, 2008
I heard his laser eye surgery over the offseason was gonna help him hit ... Three bloop hits and we d be talking about McCann s laser eye surgery really helping him see the ball. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Joffe accuses TLC Vision of 'acting blindly' Feb 28, 2008
Joffe, who founded LCA (Nasdaq: LCAV) in 1985, left his job as chairman of the Cincinnati, Ohio-based laser eye surgery company in March 2006. The Wall Street Journal said at the time that LCA's board had forced Joffe's resignation because of his investment in TLC.. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Oscars Give-Away So much free stuff for the rich and famous Feb 23, 2008
Signing up for laser eye surgery, as long as they posed for another photo. Picking up a $4,000 tooth-whitening voucher - once they'd agreed to stand in front of a camera. (Sky News)
Terry Rindfleisch: Keep realistic expectations if considering LASIK Feb 20, 2008
A recent national news story about depression/ suicide being a potential side effect of vision-correcting laser eye surgery raised a few eyebrows. La Crosse eye specialists who perform the laser surgery, known as LASIK, thought the story was a little outrageous. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Notes: Smith looks to extend fall magic Feb 20, 2008
Seth Smith went 3-for-6 with a game-turning double in the 2007 postseason. -- The Rockies' Seth Smith has hit in only 13 Major League games. (MLB.com -- Colorado Rockies)
Notes: No throwing for Sanchez until Friday Feb 19, 2008
About a month ago, Hendrickson underwent laser eye surgery, which greatly has improved his eyesight. "I got one hit in the last year-and-a-half," Hendrickson said of the reason he got his eyes checked. (MLB.com -- Florida Marlins)
Marlins lefty sporting new look Feb 18, 2008
About a week before he signed with the Marlins last month, Hendrickson had laser eye surgery ... Laser eye surgery has become more and more common for athletes looking to improve their performances - from four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddox to golf's Tiger Woods. (The Palm Beach Post)
A1C Jonathan Terpstra, SSgt. Miriam Patterson, and A1C Lisa Gist enjoy beautiful weather at the reservoir during Thursday afternoons Walk for a Healthy Heart, the kick off for the Black History Month celebration sponsored by the Altus Air Force Base. Altus Times photo by Shaunna Cooper Feb 16, 2008
African-American Inventors and Scientists in America have been recognized as far back as the 1700s with inventions and techniques for such items as evaporators for refining sugar, communication systems, the first open heart surgery, refrigeration, blood plasma storage, laser eye surgery, brain surgery and physics. The U.S. Military was one of the leaders in race relations and anti-discrimination, desegregating the military long before the rest of society recognized and corrected the injustice. (Altus Times, OK)
Healthcare consumers must have good information to decide Feb 14, 2008
gov. A bill before the state Senate would expand the pricing information to include outpatient procedures such as laser eye surgery and colonoscopies. The bill makes sense. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
The Kidney-Shaped Column Feb 13, 2008
I think I might need that laser eye surgery and maybe the doctor could work on those toenails while he has got that bad-boy fired up. My kids will swear that I have hearing problems. (Stuttgart Daily Leader, AR)
Bill would expand hospital pricing information Feb 11, 2008
SB182 would expand the pricing information to include outpatient procedures such as laser eye surgery and colonoscopies. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee sent it to the Senate floor on a 7-0 vote last week. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Laser eye surgery under scrutiny Feb 10, 2008
FDA scrutinizes laser eye surgery Link to suicide alleged ... Raleigh Patients who undergo vision-correcting laser eye surgery sign a release form with a long list of risks, but some researchers and former patients say a potential complication is not mentioned: depression that can lead to suicide ... Mary Walton of Raleigh said she fell into a deep depression after laser eye surgery left her in constant pain. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE NEWS BUDGET Feb 9, 2008
FAILEDLASIK (Vollmer, Raleigh News ver) -- Patients who undergo vision-correcting laser eye surgery sign a release form with an extensive list of risks, but some researchers and former patients say a potential complication is not mentioned: depression that can lead to suicide. 700. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Depression may follow failed lasik surgery Feb 9, 2008
Patients who undergo vision-correcting laser eye surgery sign a release form with an extensive list of risks, but some researchers and former patients say a potential complication is not mentioned: depression that can lead to suicide ... The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, which represents about 9,000 ophthalmologists specializing in laser eye surgery, suggests that 2 percent to 3 percent of lasik patients experience complications. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Photo Contributed Dr. Neil Griffin, second on left, of Carolina Eye Associates stands with Rockingham optometrists and brothers, Dr. Al Covington, Dr. Dan Covington and Dr. Frank Covington during the recent 22nd Annual Ocular Disorders Symposium held in Pinehurst. Feb 7, 2008
The event was hosted by Carolina Eye Associates of Pinehurst and was an opportunity for vision specialists to obtain continuing education credit while attending lectures on laser eye surgery and other innovations in the treatment of corneal eye disease, eyelid disorders, and the four leading causes of blindness in the United States, being glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration. Technological advances in materials and instruments have transformed the practice of... (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
New eye on office surgeries Jan 27, 2008
Laser eye surgery generally uses local anesthesia so would not be regulated by this law, and dentists and podiatrists are exempt because they are regulated by the state Education Department. "In the last 20 years, we've gone from doing virtually nothing in the office other than the most minor skin tag or skin biopsy to now doing significant surgery," said Dr. John Morley, medical director of the Health Department's Office of Health Systems Management. (Albany Times Union)
North San Diego County School News Briefs: Scholarships offered Jan 23, 2008
Highlights include a San Diego Chargers autographed jersey, laser eye surgery, golf certificates and wine gift baskets. Music this year will be provided by A Wing and A Prayer, with a special guest appearance by popular children's musician Steve from "Hullabaloo." Local restaurants Panera, Joey's BBQ, Outback and Hamburger Factory have also stepped up to provide food for the event. (North County Times)
Scientists Test The Safety Of Experimental Drug For Vision Loss Jan 22, 2008
22, 2006) A study led by a researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago compares the safety, effectiveness and reliability of the two most common types of laser eye surgery, laser epithelial. (Nov. (Science Daily)
Covering the Health Spectrum Jan 10, 2008
Sign up now for FREESmartMoney. com Newsletters Enter your email address below. (SmartMoney)
LASIK Works Well, According To Long-term Study Of Highly Myopic Patients Dec 31, 2007
22, 2006) A study led by a researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago compares the safety, effectiveness and reliability of the two most common types of laser eye surgery, laser epithelial ... 19, 2007) Medical researchers report on the safety, efficacy and predictability of laser eye surgery -- laser in situ keratomileusis or LASIK -- in patients 40-69 years. (Science Daily)
Severe Myopia Often Fixed With LASIK Dec 29, 2007
Limits Of Laser Eye Surgery Were Not Clear. POSTED: 9:11 am CST December 28, 2007. (Click2Houston, TX)
Potpourri for the excrement artist? Dec 23, 2007
For all the people who hurt themselves this autumn at the Tate Modern, a certificate for laser eye surgery. Somehow, more than a dozen people visiting Doris Salcedo's artwork Shibboleth - essentially a long crack in the gallery's floor - failed to notice the warnings posted at two-inch intervals, which read something like this: "Watch out for the crack;" "Um, did you notice the giant crack in the floor?" and "Hey, nitwit, look out - oh, never mind. The hospital's that way." At least 15 visitors... (Globe and Mail)
State: Eye doc performed needless surgeries Dec 7, 2007
In a statement of charges, Daines said an investigation revealed that Ehrenberg misled the patients by performing laser eye surgery that was not medically justified. Ehrenberg then fraudulently billed the patients for medically necessary services, the statement alleges. (Newsday -- Long Island)
Dr. Dello Russo Introduces the New EYE-Q Lasik Nov 24, 2007
Since Dr. Joseph Dello Russo introduced laser eye surgery to the nation in 1990, he has long been associated with the "firsts" in lasik evolution, leading the implementation of procedures such as Down-Up, Flying-Spot, Tracking, and in recent years the No-blade lasik (2002), as well as Custom-Cornea by Alcon (2003). Alcon, Inc. has now chosen Drs. (PR Newswire)
Fighting fit, no doubt a bout it Nov 24, 2007
"But I'm looking forward, I'm not going to dwell on last season. I know I can play better and I know I will play better. I had a bit of a full makeover in the off-season although I don't look any different. I had both my groins operated on, and I had my nasal passages cleared. After about 12 broken noses, it was totally blocked and I couldn't breathe out of it. The doctor who did it said it will help me quite a bit aerobically. "And I had more laser eye surgery in my right eye. I went back for a... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Kidman on babies, turning 40 and Botox Nov 18, 2007
And Kidman, who recently had laser eye surgery to correct her short-sightedness, dismissed suggestions that she had her wrinkle-free skin was the result of Botox. "To be honest, I am completely natural. I have nothing in my face or anything. I wear sunscreen, and I don't smoke. I take care of myself and I'm very proud to say that.". (Sydney Morning Herald)
Government backs initiative to harness light for technology Nov 16, 2007
Already photonics is all around us in the form of bar code scanners, holograms, CD/ DVD players, motion detectors in alarm systems, laser cutting, displays and laser eye surgery. A full version of this article appears in the latest edition of Creamer Media's Engineering News. (Business Report, South Africa)
Study: Eye Surgery Errors Avoidable Nov 13, 2007
The advent of laser eye surgery has made eye surgeries more common, but researchers say little is known about the type of errors most commonly associated with eye surgeries. Medical mistakes and surgical errors have become a major concern in recent years, and in 2004, new protocols were adopted by major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology. (CBS News)
'We can double lung cancer survival rates', say experts Nov 6, 2007
SILBURY HILL SECRETS REVEALED. Terry the Druid reveals its secrets. (Daily Mail)
Bush is right to oppose expansion of children's health care, but the real issue is too many kids Nov 4, 2007
Brian wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:36 AM:" Good points Joe. Althought I don't see your point that Bush is being disingenuous being that he has spent $500 Billion in Iraq. We cannot put a price tag on national security. Nancy Pelosi will never give up. And that makes her all the more dangerous. When will there be competition in the healthcare business that will spur lower prices, I ask. It works in the laser eye surgery business and elsewhere. We need a healthcare savings plan. ". Feedback Rules. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
LCA-Vision stock tanks on bearish 4Q forecast Oct 31, 2007
The company said in a separate release that it will roll out IntraLase femtosecond technology at all of its laser eye surgery centers in the United States. The laser, manufactured by (NYSE: EYE), utilizes a "no-blade" technology that produces better results and fewer complications. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Why dementia hits its brighter victims harder Oct 23, 2007
OSBOURNE WALKS OFF X FACTOR. That was the parting shot from judge Sharon Osbourne live on air. (Daily Mail)
MLB Notebook: Improved eyesight big boost for Peralta Oct 19, 2007
The Cleveland Indians shortstop had laser eye surgery in the offseason. While his clear vision has helped his entire game, he said it has made the biggest difference at the plate, where he can now pick up breaking balls. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
The next big magnet? Oct 16, 2007
We have laser eye surgery, and the Internet laser printers. "Painter said Advanced Magnet Lab has a special process for manipulating the magnetic field, so it can point in any direction."Magnetic fields are used to investigate matter at the smallest levels," Painter said. "Their technology is analogous to a giant microscope. (Florida Today)
* Eye doctors pan mass marketing of laser surgery Oct 16, 2007
A group of ophthalmologists said yesterday that the proliferation of laser eye surgery clinics and cutthroat competition have resulted in deteriorating care and treatment ... The society is preparing a list of approved laser eye surgery providers that meet its criteria for professionalism and equipment quality, director Pan Chih-chin () said ... "People seem to forget that laser eye surgery is not a product but an important medical decision," Pan said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Do some research before choosing your health plan Oct 11, 2007
Call: (800) 877-3400. A year ago, I made a $343 mistake. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Southwest Riverside County Community News Briefs: Western-themed benefit is Saturday Oct 10, 2007
Auction and prize items include trips, golf and laser eye surgery, Hall said. There will be an exhibition by horseman Bob Avila and food has been provided by 30 vendors, Hall added. (North County Times)
Former state rep McDonald dies at 74 Oct 4, 2007
In 1996, McDonald, who was House chairwoman of the legislature's Public Health Committee, joked about her thorough reading habits when speaking to The Advocate about her research into whether laser eye surgery should be classified as invasive. "I'm a details person," McDonald said. (Stamford Advocate)
Laser eye surgery leaves thousands with problems Sep 30, 2007
Sabine Vollmer, Staff Writer Millions of Americans have undergone laser eye surgery to correct bad vision, and along with the procedure's popularity something else is coming into focus: its hazards ... The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, which represents about 9,000 ophthalmologists specializing in laser eye surgery, estimates that only 2 percent to 3 percent of the more than 1 million LASIK surgeries each year are unsuccessful. (News & Observer)
Fundraiser will benefit VISION Sep 16, 2007
Jeweler Max Bartikowsky donated a $4,000 diamond watch; Dr. Frank Bucci will perform laser eye surgery for two winners; and a private donor, who Kabacinski said would remain anonymous, gave the organization $5,000 for the raffle's top prize. Kabacinski wants to remind area residents VISION's rules and regulations require anyone using the shelters to be employed or looking for work. (Wilkes Barre Citizen's Voice, PA)
Federal Employee Program Maintains Low Health Premiums In 2008 Sep 14, 2007
Its coverage includes: new glasses or contact lenses every 12 or 24 months; elective allowance for contact lens; one-year warranty on frames and lenses and discounts on laser eye surgery. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Government-wide Service Benefit Plan has been part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program since its inception in 1960. (PR Newswire)
Patients in U.S. turn to no-interest loans for health care Aug 30, 2007
For $3,500 laser eye surgery, $6,000 ceramic tooth implants or other procedures not typically covered by insurance, millions of consumers have arranged financing through more than 100,000 doctors and dentists that offer a year or more of interest-free monthly payments. Of course, going into debt to pay for medical procedures is nothing new for many people. (International Herald Tribune)
Surgery Improves Horse's World View Aug 24, 2007
But he is doing remarkably well," said veterinarian Franck Ollivier, the lead surgeon. Blindness in a horse is much harder to manage than other animals, Ollivier said. "It's not like a blind dog or cat. It's at least 1,000 pounds, so it's more of a challenge. (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- News)
Eddie Griffin was his own worst enemy Aug 23, 2007
Off-court troubles overwhelmed Griffin's big talent. Posted: Wednesday August 22, 2007 4:56PM; Updated: Wednesday August 22, 2007 6:05PM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
To the tragic end, Eddie Griffin's demons were almost all self-directed. Aug 23, 2007
SI.com - Writers - Steve Aschburner: Eddie Griffin was his own worst enemy - Wednesday August 22, 2007 6:04PM. Off-court troubles overwhelmed Griffin's big talent. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Sharper focus, thanks to a laster Aug 5, 2007
Over the last few years, various friends of mine have been extolling the benefits of laser eye surgery to me -- a relatively new procedure known commonly by the acronym LASIK. I thought that I'd finally put my money where my eyes are and have a go myself. Basically, four-eyed freaks such as yours truly are now able to have laser beams fired across their eyeballs, reshaping the front of their corneas and obviating the need to fiddle about with glasses and/or contact lenses any more. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
He's a bad man Jul 19, 2007
Dr. Robin Smit, a specialist in laser eye surgery in Fresno, is in training for the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon. Share this story: | | He's a bad man Smit, 70, sees race into desert as yet another life-affirming jaunt. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Take a long look at profit margin Jul 17, 2007
LASER eye surgery with a wholesale cost of $150. Sounds like shareholders in a bunch of clinics owned by listed laser clinic provider Vision Group have found a nice little earner with a 95 per cent profit margin. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
There's only one way to experience the 15th annual ESPYs -- as a celebrity. Jul 16, 2007
"I had laser eye surgery two years ago," says New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis, who still takes a certificate just in case. "Maybe I'll stop by for a touch up.". (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Surgeons say never-never to buying catalogue botox Jul 12, 2007
Purchasing the autumn/winter catalogue also offers buyers the chance to win the chance to have a cosmetic makeover on 10 Years Younger, generally involving treatments such as lip enhancement, teeth whitening and even laser eye surgery. According to Adam Searle, consultant plastic surgeon and former President of the BAAPS. (SpiritIndia)
