by Dr. M | Sep 19, 2018 | Dry Eye, Education, Exam, Experience, Glaucoma, Low Vision, Mark Moran, Medical Eye Care, Patient Care, Vision
The certificate has arrived, so now it is official!
Bobbi Spain has received her COA designation from the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAPHO). Bobbi is our surgical coordinator, who works with LASIK and cataract patients. She was surprised to see that the package from JCAPHO also included an official COA card, pin and patch!
Official Certification
To provide the best care for our patients, the staff at Moran Eye Associates makes learning a priority. Every member of the team takes part in monthly compliance training, as well as taking on additional programs of study in general ophthalmology, low vision, dry eye management, regulations and billing. They also attend industry conferences each year to keep up with advances in technology and and patient care.
In 2017, Mandy, Beth and Dr. Moran attended the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) conference in New Orleans. In April of this year, Bobbi and Cindy accompanied Dr. Moran to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) in Washington, D.C.
Bobbi joins Mandy and Cindy, who already have their COA certificates on display. Mandy received her COA in 2017. Cindy has been a COA since 2004. In order to maintain certification, a total of 18 credits in continuing education must be completed every three years. Eighteen credits is an easy to complete at Moran Eye Associates, where continuing education plays a key role in our success!
by Dr. M | Aug 30, 2018 | Dry Eye, Education, Exam, Floaters, Medical Eye Care, News, Procedure
Dr. Moran leads continuing education session on new technology and treatments.
This past month, Moran Eye Associates held an educational event for local optometrists in the Lehigh Valley. Dr. Moran presented two lectures one on dry eye heat therapy, and the other on laser treatment for floaters. These sessions were approved by the Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE) for continuing education credits for the doctors who attended.
Dr. Moran Presents
During our lecture, the visiting doctors enjoyed a Summer-y spread of barbecue, salad, and snacks while listening to Dr. Moran’s lectures. Everyone in the office pitched in to make this homemade buffet. Beth made her famous barbecue (the secret is bacon!), Dr. Tang provided a chocolate fountain, Cindy brought her mom’s special recipe potato salad, Bobbi made the tossed salad, Mandy made the drinks and decorated the office for the occasion.
A Homemade Buffet Dinner
Back to the topic at hand! Dr. Moran explained the advantages and benefits of the novel treatments we offer in the office: “Dry eye treatment has become more sophisticated as the tools for analyzing tear film have developed. Now that we can image the tear film and the oil producing glands in the eye, we can more accurately diagnose the cause of dry eye. A more accurate diagnosis allows for more effective treatment.”
Heat Therapy for Dry Eye & Laser Floater Treatment now available.
Until recently, doctors had limited options to offer their patients who experienced discomfort from dry eye, or whose vision was obstructed by bothersome floaters. Moran Eye Associates has been successfully implementing these new treatment options for the past six months with great feedback from our patients!
“I feel that I had an extremely positive experience with the laser surgery on both eyes performed by Dr.Moran. I would recommend it highly.” Trudy S.
A Hands-on Opportunity
After the lecture, each optometrist had the opportunity to experience the heat therapy firsthand. They relaxed in our comfortable heat therapy room for 15-minutes, which is the same treatment that we provide our patients.
Our lids are lined with small Meibomian glands that secrete oil, which is an integral component of our tears. The oil prevents our tears from evaporating too quickly. Oftentimes, the glands become clogged, and the lack of oil flow leads to dryness, discomfort, and blurred vision. The focused heat treatment helps to improve the flow of oils. After the treatment, either Dr. Moran or Dr. Tang help to further improve oil flow by manually manipulating the glands.
After a 15-minute heat therapy treatment, they could see (and feel!) how this process improved the quality of their tear film. Dr. Dan Klinger, who practices in Schnecksville, remarked “The treatment was soothing and comfortable. I could feel the difference after just one session.”
The Science Behind Laser Floater Treatment
Dr. Moran showed a video that showed the YAG laser in action as it targeted floaters. This painless treatment uses laser energy to transform the solid floater into a gas bubble, which then dissolves on its own. Moran Eye Associates is one of a few practices in the area that offers this unique in-office treatment.
Educating patients and professionals is key to offering the best care to our patients. If you have any questions about Heat Therapy Treatment or Laser Floater Treatment , contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment.
by Dr. M | Apr 18, 2018 | Cataracts, Dry Eye, Education, Exam, Experience, Glaucoma, Laser, LASIK, Mark Moran, Medical Eye Care, Office, Patient Care, Procedure, Surgery
ASCRS held in Washington, DC
Educational Excursion
Dr. Moran, Bobbi, and Cindy attended the ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons) Conference in our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. The conference ran over a “long” April weekend and presented a great opportunity to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts and glaucoma, as well as vision correction procedures like LASIK.
Bobbi & Cindy at the Surgery Conference
“Ongoing education is a priority not only for physicians. It is important for every member of our team to be up-to-date on innovations and technology now available to offer the best eye care. While at this conference, we were able to learn from industry experts on ways to more effectively care for our patients. It was also a chance to share what we do at Moran Eye Associates,” Dr. Moran explains.
Information sessions at the conference included new treatment techniques to manage dry eye, cataract surgery case studies, and advances in pre-surgical measurements. There was much to learn in classes and from networking and exchanging ideas with other professionals there. They were able to talk about how our new in-office procedures for floaters and dry eye are helping our patients see more clearly.
The Virtual Eye allows Cindy to be “inside the eye” for an incredible view.
New Ways to Learn
In addition to the formal educational sessions, there were also many opportunities for hands-on learning.
Using Virtual Reality, Bobbi & Cindy were able to have a 360-degree view inside the eye. They were able to witness how the eye is affected by glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. They agreed it was a little disorienting to be “floating” around inside an eye, but it was a memorable experience to see detailed images of changes to retina, vitreous and lens.
We look forward to using the knowledge gained to improve the care of our patients. After a busy and productive few days away, it is back to the office!
by Dr. M | Feb 7, 2018 | Dry Eye, Education, Exam, Mark Moran, Medical Eye Care, Office, Patient Care, Referral
If you are one of the many people who suffer from dry eye, winter can be the worst of times. Discomfort from dry eye goes up as the temperature goes down!
Dry winter weather can lead to dry eyes.
With cold, windy weather outside and dry heat inside, winter can be the most challenging season for patients with dry eye.
While we recommended that you come in to see Dr. Moran for a medical evaluation of your dry eye, there are some things that you can do to help improve your comfort during the dry winter months.
Winter Survival Tips for Dry Eye
Turn on the Humidfier
Turn on the Humidifier: Humidifiers improve air quality, making it more comfortable in your home or office. Environmental factors can play a big role in the comfort of your eyes. Adding a humidifier in your work or sleep areas can provide some relief.
Use Lubricating Eye Drops (Artificial Tears): Lubricating eye drops provide instant relief for dry eyes. They can be used as often as needed. Using artificial tears not only improves the comfort of your eyes, it improves your vision as well. Contact lens wearers should use these drops to make their lenses more comfortable. Supplementing your tear film is beneficial to the health of your eye. Dr. Moran recommends using lubricating eye drops all year round! Stay away from the drops that “get the red out!” They contain vasoconstrictors that can cause long-term issues with your eyes.
Cold and flu medications can make your eyes even drier
Understand Medication Side Effects: If you are taking antihistamines to help combat a cold or flu, the medicine that dries up your sinuses, makes your eyes dry as well. When you pick up cold medicine at the pharmacy, make sure to pick up lubricating eye drops as well!
Drink Plenty of Fluids: Dehydration happens when your body does not have enough fluids. Water is needed for the proper functioning of your organs, including your eyes, to function properly. For most people, eight 8oz glasses of water are recommended daily. If you are dehydrated from medication or exercise, staying hydrated will keep you healthier from head to toe.
WASH YOUR HANDS! Staying healthy will help you to avoid added eye issues. Not only will hand washing help against the spread of winter colds and flu, it will also help to protect you from the spread of eye infections, like pink eye. If you are using drops, make sure your hands are clean before you put in your drops!
While our winter survival tips above will help make you more comfortable through the winter, they won’t cure your dry eye. There is no substitute for a medical eye exam when you are having problems with your eyes. Don’t suffer, there are medications and procedures that can give you relief.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Moran to fully explore the options for dry eye treatment that are right for you. Call or text us at 610-628-2022.
Click to read more about Heat Therapy for Dry Eye
by Dr. M | Nov 27, 2017 | Appointment, Dry Eye, Exam, Experience, LASIK, Medical Eye Care, Procedure
If you have dry eye, you are not alone.
Dry eye is one of the most commonly reported eye complaints. Dry eye is a chronic medical problem that may get worse over time. We now offer in-office heat therapy treatments that target the cause of dry eye, and help preserve a healthy tear system.
Dry Eye Symptoms: Along with pain, sandy or gritty feeling, and redness, dry eye can cause eye fatigue and blurred vision. It can also cause difficulty in reading or working on a computer. These symptoms can impact your daily activities.
If you have any of these symptoms but artificial tears aren’t providing relief, it may be time for heat therapy.
15-Minute Heat Therapy Treatments Now Available in our Office: Moran Eye Associates is now offering a safe, in-office, FDA-approved heat therapy. Dr. Moran recommends starting with four 15-minute weekly treatments to help improve the quality of your tear film.
Here’s How Heat Therapy Works: Heat therapy targets one of the major causes of dry eye, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands, which are located in your upper and lower eyelids, provide an essential part of your tear film, lipids (oils). If these glands are blocked, the quality of your tear film suffers. Without these oils, tears evaporate too quickly.
Heat therapy clears blocked meibomian glands, allowing the lipids to flow, and tear film to improve
What Happens During Treatment? While you are seated in a recliner, a technician will adjust the therapy glasses for optimal results. Then, you can sit back, relax and enjoy 15 minutes of targeted heat therapy. A week later you can return for a repeat treatment
How Do I Get Started? Schedule your appointment for a tear film evaluation to see if this treatment is right for you. Once Dr. Moran confirms the diagnosis of the Dry Eye Syndrome/MGD, you can start treatment right away.
Call to schedule your evaluation appointment 610-628-2022.
Pricing: $59 for the 1st Treatment.
Package of 4 additional treatments: $179
For optimal results, Dr. Moran recommends starting your therapy with weekly treatments.
P.S. Dr. Moran and our entire staff have used this heat therapy treatment and are impressed with our results!
