Real-World Answers From Experts in Dry Eye Disease
Welcome to a new 10-part series on solving the challenges of Dry Eye Disease. In this series, we have compiled a list of common questions and concerns. To help address these issues, we have asked experts in Dry Eye Disease—the members of our Dry Eye Access advisory boards—to provide real-world examples and solutions.
Jerry Robben, OD
Jerry Robben, OD
Bowden Eye & Associates
Jacksonville, Florida
Dr. Robben is the Chief Optometric Physician at Bowden Eye & Associates. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Arizona College of Optometry. He is a Founding Partner of Dry Eye University and a Founding Member and contributor of Dry Eye Access. He attended graduate school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he received a second bachelor’s degree in Vision Science and his Doctorate in Optometry. During his externships, Dr. Robben had extensive training in binocular vision disorders and vision therapy. He also focused on pediatric care, contact lenses, low vision, and ocular disease. With a background in clinical education, Dr. Robben started a student doctor externship program, and is also an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor for the Arizona College of Optometry where he supervises the 4th Year Optometry Resident Doctors who are completing their externships for graduation. Dr. Robben is a leader in the treatment and management of Dry Eye Disease and has been recognized as a national speaker and educator on the subject. He frequently speaks in educational settings for optometrists, technicians and ophthalmologists across the country.
Moderated by Dr. Jerry Robben, this 10-part series will review the challenges of Dry Eye Disease.
It will also present different views from our advisory board members, who are ophthalmologists, optometrists, practice administrators, and industry leaders. For each question, they give you multiple perspectives to form your own approaches for your practice.
The experts in Dry Eye Disease included in this series are:
Frank W. Bowden, III, MD, FACS
Frank W. Bowden, III, MD, FACS
Bowden Eye & Associates
Jacksonville, FL
Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, had his fellowship as a cornea specialist at Wills Eye. He is President, Medical Director and Founder of Bowden Eye & Associates, President and Medical Director of Eye Surgery Center of North Florida, LLC. He is also a Founding Partner of Dry Eye University and a Founding Member, Advisory Board and Contributor of Dry Eye Access. Previously, he was an Assistant Clinical Professor at University of Florida, Jacksonville.
Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, founded Bowden Eye & Associates in 2001, focusing the practice on comprehensive eye care; custom cataract surgery; refractive and LASIK surgery; glaucoma surgery and laser therapy; treatment of Dry Eye Disease and other ocular surface disorders; corneal transplantation; and corneal and external diseases. As a fellowship-trained cornea specialist, he is uniquely qualified to treat Dry Eye Disease; corneal abrasions, inflammations, ulcers, scarring, injuries and infections; keratoconus; as well as pediatric corneal diseases. He also specializes in corneal transplantation using advanced techniques such as PKP, DSAEK, and DALK.
Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, ABES
Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, ABES
Matossian Eye Associates
New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, is the founder, CEO, and medical director of Matossian Eye Associates with multiple offices in PA and NJ. She specializes in refractive cataract surgery and dry eye disease. She was named one of Ocular Surgery News’ Premier Surgeon 300—an elite group of 300 premium refractive cataract surgeons in the US. She was the 2017 winner of the Ophthalmic World Leaders Visionary Award. She has been named one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs in New Jersey and one of New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology (Adjunct) at Temple University School of Medicine. Contact Info: cmatossian@matossianeye.com.
Richard Adler, MD, FACS
Richard Adler, MD, FACS
Belcara Health
Baltimore, Maryland
Dr. Richard Adler is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute and Director of Ophthalmology at Belcara Health in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Adler completed his medical training and residency at Johns Hopkins as well as a fellowship in Cornea and External Disease at the Wilmer Eye Institute. Dr. Adler has published numerous papers and speaks nationally on topics related to the unique challenges of Dry Eye Management.
Sarah Darbandi, MD
Sarah Darbandi, MD
Bowden Eye & Associates
Jacksonville, FL
Dr. Sarah Darbandi is a fellowship trained cornea specialist. She is the Vice-President, Owner and Director of Aesthetic services for Bowden Eye & Associates. She is also a Founding Partner of Dry Eye University and a Founding Member, Advisory Board and Contributor of Dry Eye Access.
She attended Medical School at West Virginia University, then went on to residency in Ophthalmology at the West Virginia University Eye Institute. With her interest in corneal transplantation and refractive surgerySurgical procedures that correct common vision problems (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia) to reduce dependence on prescription eyeglasses and/or contact lenses., she then completed a fellowship in Albany, New York, in Cornea and Refractive SurgerySurgical procedures that correct common vision problems (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia) to reduce dependence on prescription eyeglasses and/or contact lenses.. In 2015, she became partner and Vice President of Bowden Eye & Associates. Dr. Darbandi provides general ophthalmic care, custom cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, ocular surface reconstruction, and refractive surgery.
Laura M. Periman, MD
Laura M. Periman, MD
Evergreen Eye Center
Seattle, Washington
Laura Periman, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist, fellowship-trained cornea and refractive surgeon and Ocular Surface DiseaseA number of conditions constitute ocular surface disease, including: Dry Eye syndrome, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, blepharitis, rosacea, allergies, scarring from glaucoma medications, chemical burns,… Expert. She knew she wanted to be a doctor since the age of 12 and always seen eyes as the key defining feature of every person. Her interests in molecular biology began with winning the Terry Spies Memorial Scholarship at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center as an undergraduate at Willamette University in Salem, OR.
Her interests in immunopathophysiology took root during her work in Research and Development at Immunex Corporation in the Molecular Biology Department prior to attending medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. During medical school, she received the Rex and Arlene Garrison Oncology Fellowship, the Western Medical Student Research Committee Award for Excellence and was elected to the honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. Upon graduation with honors, she also received the Georgianna Kirby Award for outstanding patient dedication and compassion.
Dr. Periman completed her Ophthalmology Residency as well as Cornea/Refractive Fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle. She is an international lecturer on Ocular Surface DiseaseA number of conditions constitute ocular surface disease, including: Dry Eye syndrome, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, blepharitis, rosacea, allergies, scarring from glaucoma medications, chemical burns,.... She has nine peer reviewed publications, two chapters, a review article and independent study in press, and has written extensively on the topic of Ocular Surface Disease. Her unique and passionate perspective on OSD stems from her work in immunopathophysiology. She is an innovator and enthusiastic speaker who loves bridging the gap between basic science, clinical practice and patient compassion.
As Director of Dry Eye Services and Clinical Research at Evergreen Eye Center Seattle, WA she combines her clinical care passion, scientific drive and innovative creativity to provide first class Ocular Surface Disease management.
For more information on Dr. Periman, please visit her website www.dryeyemaster.com.
Walter Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO
Walter Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO
Virginia Eye Consultants
Norfolk, Virginia
Walter Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO serves as the Director of Optometric Services and Residency Program Supervisor at Virginia Eye Consultants in Norfolk, Virginia where his practice encompasses ocular surface diseaseA number of conditions constitute ocular surface disease, including: Dry Eye syndrome, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, blepharitis, rosacea, allergies, scarring from glaucoma medications, chemical burns,…, glaucoma, surgical co-management, clinical research and the supervision of an extensive referral network. Dr. Whitley is a nationally recognized author and lecturer on topics ranging from ocular disease, surgical co-management, pharmaceuticals and practice management topics. He serves as Co-Chief Medical Editor for CollaborativeEYE and contributing editor for the Review of Optometry.
Adam Ramsey, OD
Adam Ramsey, OD
Iconic Eye Care
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Adam Ramsey, OD serves as the Medical Director of Iconic Eye Care in Palm Beach Gardens FL. Dr. Ramsey’s practice encompasses ocular surface diseaseA number of conditions constitute ocular surface disease, including: Dry Eye syndrome, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, blepharitis, rosacea, allergies, scarring from glaucoma medications, chemical burns,…, glaucoma, surgical co-management, macular degeneration care and diabetic eye exams. Dr. Ramsey is the current President of the Palm Beach County Optometric Association and is also the Vice-President of T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society an affiliate of National Medical Association. He also serves as the Chief Optometric officer for Seminole Health Indian Reservation for the state of Florida servicing 3 locations.
Art Medina, OD
Art Medina, OD
Medina Eye Care
San Antonio, Texas
Dr. Arthur A. Medina Jr. was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and attended Central Catholic High School. He received his doctorate of optometry in 1972. The University of Houston, College of Optometry, appointed him to the faculty.
Medina continued his postdoctoral training with Dr. Louis Girard, M.D, who chaired the department of ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine. That experience enhanced the philosophy that still serves as the foundation for his practice.
Dr. Medina opened his private practice in 1983, after a decade as an associate of two prestigious ophthalmological practices. His experience with pre and post-operative care of cataract and refractive surgerySurgical procedures that correct common vision problems (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia) to reduce dependence on prescription eyeglasses and/or contact lenses. patients led to working relationships with leading ophthalmic surgeons throughout Texas and the western United States. His incredible passion for the profession and quality patient care led to unique relationships with renowned, like-minded national and international physicians.
Patti Barkey, COE
Patti Barkey, COE
CEO
Bowden Eye & Associates
Jacksonville, Florida
Patti Barkey created Dry Eye University and is a member of the ASOA Board of Directors which works with ASCRS to bring an annual program for education. Ms. Barkey is CEO of Bowden Eye & Associates and the Eye Surgery Center of North Florida, an ambulatory surgery center which specializes in dry eye. She is also a founding member of Dry Eye Access, and Director of Dry Eye University and Dry Eye Partners, the consulting side of Dry Eye University.
Introduction from Dr. Robben:
We know that Dry Eye Disease is a chronic and progressive disease that requires correct diagnosis, along with diligent, appropriate treatment; frequent and regular follow-up; and continuous patient education over a patient’s lifetime.
One of the challenges of Dry Eye Disease is that, far too often, practitioners lose sight of the chronic nature of this disease and focus on providing immediate, momentary relief. The clinician’s interest is clear: How do I help this patient today? While we must address the patient’s immediate needs, it is critical that we set expectations, educate, and make long-term plans to help guide patients throughout their lifetimes. Patient education and effective communication are essential to building this long-term perspective and as important as being able to accurately assess testing results or perform a skilled slit lamp exam.
I spend a lot of time speaking to clinicians at conventions and other industry events. From these interactions, it appears that the challenge of Dry Eye Disease is more of an issue than it is with many other diseases when it comes to effective patient communication. Why? Well, many reasons. But one reason may be because of the frequent disconnect between signs and symptoms. Also, because our understanding of Dry Eye Disease is relatively new, there is a degree of naivete among patients and practitioners alike regarding Dry Eye Disease. And an additional challenge of Dry Eye Disease is that we have to learn how to devote clinic time and investment capital into addressing the signs and symptoms of this progressive condition.
I am fortunate to have worked around experts in Dry Eye Disease, and we have developed a standard of care at our practice that all of the physicians, technicians, counselors, and administrators live by on a daily basis. Developing a standard of care is a first step in creating a Dry Eye Disease focus in your clinic. But as you begin your Dry Eye Disease journey, you are sure to encounter many questions and concerns from your patients. Not knowing how to answer these questions, or just not wanting to deal with them, has been a common excuse for many to not actively embrace the challenges of Dry Eye disease diagnosis and treatment. But this is a mistake.
at a Dry Eye University meeting.
There are many positive elements to becoming an expert in Dry Eye Disease. Effectively treating Dry Eye Disease can be just as rewarding as successfully treating any other disease. Dry Eye Disease patients can be some of the most thankful in their appreciation of your efforts and expertise in making their life better! Dry Eye Disease also presents a unique opportunity to grow your practice by focusing on patients already under your care. You will be surprised at how many suffer from Dry Eye Disease and don’t even know it. Like with glaucoma, these patients have the potential to be a part of your practice for many years.
Our 10-part series features members of our world-class Dry Eye Access advisory boards. Each of these 10 articles features a different topic for discussion and combines multiple perspectives from our esteemed experts in Dry Eye Disease.
Real-World Answers From Experts in Dry Eye Disease:
Part 1: Motivating Unaware Patients with Dry Eye Symptoms
Part 2: Considerations for Patients Without Dry Eye Symptoms
Part 3: Educating New Dry Eye Patients Who Require Additional Treatment
Part 4: Discussing Out-of-Pocket Expenses for Dry Eye Diagnostics
Part 5: Talking With Patients About Paying for In-Office Treatments
Part 6: Strategies for Dry Eye Prescription Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Part 7: Discussions Around Neurostimulation Treatments
Part 8: Encouraging Dry Eye Disease Follow-Up Visits