S P R I N G__N E W S L E T T E R | |
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We appreciate your referral loyalty and support!
To better meet the needs of our referring providers, please complete Colorado Retina's annual satisfaction survey providing us feedback around your experience with our practice, service, and communication.
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EVENTS & OUTREACH
EDUCATIONAL, OUTREACH & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EYE CARE PROVIDERS
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Poolside networking happy hour in celebration of summer solstice! Featuring live music, cocktails and appetizers on the beautiful Jacquard rooftop in Cherry Creek.
Thursday, June 22, 2023
6:00-9:00 pm
@ Jacquard Hotel's Kisbee on the Roof - Denver, CO
For active members of the Denver Metro Optometric Society
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Whether you’re getting hole-in-nones or hole-in-ones, join the CRA and Vision Source teams at Topgolf in Thornton, CO for an evening of networking, golf games, food and beverages.
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
6:30-9:00 pm
@ Topgolf -Thornton, CO
For Vision Source affiliated O.D.'s and anyone interested in learning more about membership
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COA GOLF TOURNAMENT - 1 spot left on team CRA! | |
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CRA is sponsoring a pair of foursomes to face off in the COA Golf Tournament. ONE SPOT still remaining on Dr. Miriah Teeter's team! All levels of golfers welcome, as well as non-COA members. You just have to be a practicing Colorado optometrist to join.
Monday, September 11, 2023
Check-in begins at 7:00 am
Shotgun start at 8:00 am
@ Coal Creek Golf Course - Louisville, CO
* Complimentary for OD's playing with CRA.
* Registration includes 18 holes, gift bag, cart, breakfast and afternoon reception.
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SAVE THE DATES. Registration coming soon!
Biosimilars and Geographic Atrophy - CE Dinner
- Friday, August 18, 2023 - 6:00 pm MT
- CE/CME: 1 Hour
- Speakers: Vlad Matei, MD + Miriah Teeter, MD
- Frisco, CO - restaurant TBD
Vitreoretinal Visionaries - Imaging Grand Rounds
- Wednesday, Sept 20, 2023 - 6:00-7:00 pm MT
- CE/CME: 1 Hour
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Contributors: Betty Zhang, OD, Murtaza Adam, MD, Salil Shukla, MD, Vlad Matei, MD, Andrew Zheng, MD
- Hybrid event - virtual and in-person dinner option: Englewood, CO + Zoom
Email future CE topic requests or suggestions to kturner@retinacolorado.com.
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CLINICAL RESEARCH UPDATES
CRA'S FDA-APPROVED CLINICAL RESEARCH DEPARTMENT
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PRISM - Phase I Gene Therapy Study for Neovascular AMD | |
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CRA is enrolling for a phase I gene therapy study for neovascular (wet) AMD. 4D-150 is the first retinal genetic medicine that is designed to inhibit four VEGF-related molecules that drive disease in wet AMD. This investigational, single intravitreal injection gene therapy vector was designed to be less immunogenic than prior drugs, and includes VEGF-C inhibition in addition to Aflibercept’s VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and PIGF inhibition.
All doses demonstrated clinical activity, including a reduction in anti-VEGF injection burden, stable or improved retinal edema and thickness, and stable visual acuity.
For further information click HERE.
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For more enrollment information or questions regarding clinical trials,
contact Colorado Retina's Clinical Research Department at: CRAResearchDept@retinacolorado.com or 720-420-3265
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PRACTICE UPDATES
WHAT'S NEW AT COLORADO RETINA ASSOCIATES
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NEW CHERRY CREEK CLINIC - Opening summer 2023 | |
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Colorado Retina is pleased to expand our service network to downtown Cherry Creek. The clinic will be located inside First Avenue Plaza, on the corner of First Ave and Madison St in Denver. Slated to open early summer 2023.
The Cherry Creek office will be open 5 days a week, offering the full spectrum of vitreoretinal care, including, comprehensive exams, OCT, ultrasound, and same-day minor in-office procedures, such as injections and laser treatments.
Schedule: Drs. Levison (Mon), Hovland (Tue), Liu (Tue), Adam (Wed), Dacey (Fri), Matei (Thur/Fri).
CRA physicians’ will have designated surgical time at Madison Street Surgery Center, an accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC) specializing in ocular surgical care. The ASC is conveniently located in the same building as our clinic.
We see this expansion as an opportunity to provide patients additional clinical and surgical availability, including added same-day appointments, in a more centralized location.
ADDRESS: 55 Madison St #300, Denver, CO 80206
To request new CRA referral material with our Cherry Creek address, please email: kturner@retinacolorado.com
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ENGLEWOOD CLINIC CLOSURE - Closed indefinitely | |
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Due to unforeseen circumstances Colorado Retina Associates Englewood clinic is indefinitely closed.
We discovered potentially hazardous contamination and issues with the building sewer lines.
We understand the inconvenience this has caused our patients and are working tirelessly to remedy the issues and implement a solution. With this being a public safety issue, the decision to close was not made lightly. Our top priority is the health and safety of all our patients, staff, and physicians. Until we have clearance a health risk no longer remains, we cannot in good conscience re-open.
In the meantime Englewood patients will be seen at our Cherry Creek clinic, or one of our other three Denver Metro clinics.
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SYFOVRE - Now injecting 1st ever drug approved to treat geographic atrophy (GA) | |
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In February 2023, the FDA approved pegcetacoplan intravitreal injections, known as SYFOVRE, for in-office use to treat patients with advanced dry AMD in the US. By targeting C3, Syfovre is designed to provide regulation for an overactive complement system within the eye to slow the progression of GA.
Important notes regarding Syfovre:
- Syfovre is not a cure for GA. Patients usually still experience disease progression, and any damage from lesion growth cannot be reversed.
- In clinical trials, Syfovre slowed GA progression with increasing effects over time. Both monthly and every-other-month treatments of Syfovre reduced the rate of GA lesion growth over 24 months by 17%-22%.
- Syfovre is given via periodic intravitreal injections, dosing every ~25 to 60 days.
- Studies have shown patients on Syfovre had a slightly higher risk of developing wet AMD, compared to those who received a placebo. We will monitor signs of wet-AMD and if developed, the patient will be treated for both conditions simultaneously.
Learn more at syfovre.com
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Dr. Betty Zhang's Curbside Consult HIPAA-secure service
TEXT: 720-738-4744
Text to see if your patient is eligible to receive SYFOVRE or when you need a quick and efficient second opinion regarding your patients' vitreoretinal conditions.
Note: For emergent or urgent ocular issues and/or same-day scheduling assistance, please do not send via text. Instead call our main line at (303) 261-1600.
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NEW WEBSITE
After hours of blood, sweat and tears our new Colorado Retina website is live, with an entire section dedicated to referring doctors.
The new website features patient and provider resources, forms, list of enrolling clinical trials, ability to request referral materials, view upcoming CE, blog posts, and more!
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Early detection of Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO or CRAO) or Transient Monocular Vision Loss (TMVL) requires immediate evaluation and transfer to a stroke center to avoid subsequent clinical strokes and decrease chance of long-term disability. Our team created an editable stroke eval referral form template to assist you and your patients in the referral process when you spot symptoms suggestive of stroke.
In addition, the form lists all recommended Denver Metro Comprehensive Level 1 Stroke Centers (CSC) who offer the full spectrum of neuroendovascular therapy.
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FEATURED CASE & IMAGE
REAL CASES + IMAGES FROM YOUR REFERRED PATIENTS
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CASE STUDY - Asymptomatic and Early Hydroxychloroquine Retinal Toxicity noted on OCT
Betty Zhang, O.D. Retina Optometrist
Murtaza Adam, M.D. Retina Specialist
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Hydroxycholoroquine (HCQ) is used to treat autoimmune conditions and can cause several ocular side effects including intraepithelial keratic deposits, ciliary body dysfunction, lens opacities, and toxic maculopathy. Hydroxychloroquine binds to melanin in the RPE cells, ultimately leading to photoreceptor atrophy. Due to the long half-life of hydroxychloroquine, toxicity can continue to progress even after discontinuing the medication, making it even more imperative to diagnose toxicity at an early stage.
Check out the case study of a 64-year-old patient who developed mild hydroxychloroquine toxicity after 11 years HCQ use for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
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FEATURED IMAGES - Atypical presentation of sectoral retinitis pigmentosa (RP)
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Sectoral retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a variant of RP in which there is a regional distribution of the retinal degeneration. It can be differentiated from acquired pigmentation (due to trauma, inflammation, or vascular insult) by its symmetry between the eyes. It is characterized by typical clinical features of RP limited to 1 or 2 fundus quadrants. It tends to affect inferior and nasal quadrants with corresponding superior visual field defects. Sectoral RP has a favorable visual prognosis compared to generalized RP; it has been reported that 82% of cases will retain a visual acuity (VA) of 20/40 or better. | |
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FROM THE PODIUM
PRESS RELEASES, NEWS & RESOURCES FROM OUR COLORADO RETINA PHYSICIANS
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FROM THE KITCHEN TO THE OFFICE: Using Mise en Place to Enhance Productivity
Alan E. Kimura, MD, MPH
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As ophthalmic practices continue to face the challenge of decreasing profit margins, a renewed commitment to continuous process improvement utilizing lean principles can make a difference. It can initially seem daunting, but focusing on small, incremental changes can produce immediate results.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has committed to providing 52 Weeks of Lean throughout 2023 to offer focused and relevant tips to improve efficiencies and ultimately maximize profitability.
Alan Kimura, MD, MPH, past president, current partner and retinal & IRD specialist at Colorado Retina Associates, implemented five ways to standardize CRA's exam lanes, including using technology and ergonomic equipment to reduce strain and increase efficiency.
Reference: American Academy of Ophthalmology
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RETINA TODAY: ONE TO WATCH - Murtaza Adam, MD
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CRA's Murtaza Adam, MD scored a spot on Retina Today's: One to Watch! As a resident watching retina surgery for the first time, Dr. Adam was amazed by the ingenuity, engineering, optics, and skill required to peel a membrane off of the macula. Since then, he has become a partner physician at Colorado Retina Associates, is the chair of the Clinical Research department, and serves as principal investigator on several trials.
Read more about Dr. Adam’s background, mentors, and pearls for new surgeons.
Copyright © Retina Today: April 2023 Insert
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