Resources: Low-Vision Rehabilitation
Did you know eye diseases often have no early symptoms, but can be detected through proper testing? Though vision loss isn’t a normal part of aging, as you get older, you are at higher risk of developing issues. This can include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, dry eye, and other diseases.
Here are a few age-related eye issues that the National Eye Institute says may crop up for older patients, and some warning signs.
Our last article dealt with the potentially devastating visual and overall health effects of vitamin A deficiency, something not common in the industrialized world. Yet, there are other unmet nutritional needs in developed countries that may affect both general health and visual function.
How much do you know about braille? This fascinating system is more complex and interesting than you probably thought! With Oct. 7-14 being National Braille Week, read on to learn all about some common misconceptions and other fun facts about braille — plus a potentially easy-to-learn alternative called ELIA!
Too often, busy Americans fail to consider how their lifestyle choices — including the foods they eat and the supplements they take — may affect their ability to see. This begs the question: Is vision really affected by what I eat, so that my eyesight suffers if I live mainly on fast food and quick snacks?
Resources: Affording prescriptions
The terms may not seem very different — pharmacist and pharmacologist — but there are a number of key differentiators between the two professions. Understanding these differences may help you achieve your eyecare goals, by knowing who to go to for your eyedrops, and who to ask about the science behind those eyedrops.
Resources: Free eye exams, Free cataract surgery, Free glasses, Affordable vision care, Accessing eyecare
A recent study in Ophthalmology revealed a disturbing trend regarding insurance coverage and disparities in glaucoma care, one of the diseases that should indeed trigger health insurance benefits. According to the study, the odds of white Medicaid members having no glaucoma test were found to be nearly 200 percent higher than those with their own private insurance. For Black Medicaid members that number balloons to almost 300 percent versus those with other insurance.
Resources: Cost of eyecare, Know who to see
Should you see an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician? Who you should make an appointment with all depends on what your eyes need. When it comes to your eye health, finding the right eyecare professional to fit your needs is crucial. Nanodropper’s mission is to help you take back control of your eye health, so we’re here to help! Their titles may seem dizzying, but we at Nanodropper have put together a straightforward guide displaying which eyecare professionals will best meet your needs.
Cataracts is the eye disease that affects my grandparents and dogs…right? In a sense, yes — but there’s a lot more to it, and in fact cataracts can affect people from all walks of life. Since June is Cataracts Awareness Month, we at Nanodropper thought it’d be a great time to debunk five common myths about cataracts.
Glasses, contacts, check-ups, and that air puff test to see if you have signs of glaucoma are not cheap! Vision insurance is a premium subscription on top of pricey health insurance, which is why most people choose to pay out-of-pocket or avoid going to the eye doctor altogether.
Have you ever wondered why your vision care is not included in your health insurance, and the inequities in care that is caused by this?
These are murky waters to navigate. That’s why we’ve broken down some of the biggest hurdles to why vision care is so elusive for many.
Have you ever successfully administered an eyedrop without getting that unnecessary overflow? You know what we’re talking about. That big teardrop that rolls down your cheek. For glaucoma patients who need those precious eyedrops to maintain their sight, that can feel like actual money trickling away.
That’s just how it’s supposed to work, right? There’s no other way, is there? The pharmacy gave you those eyedrops, and they’re the size they should be. Right?
In reality, it’s a waste. A waste of your money, and a waste of your drops.
And now there’s a solution — the Nanodropper.
Seema is the Chief Strategy Officer of Kore Power where she leads Strategy and Corporate Development. She previously founded ForeOptics, a management consulting firm specializing in complex transformations; change leadership techniques; and operational turnarounds to help organizations accelerate value capture and unlock business growth and potential. She exhibits deep expertise in designing, streamlining, and managing complex global supply chains and operations.
Chris is the Managing Director of Xcellerant Ventures, and CEO of Yoo & Co Accelerators. He is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, venture capitalist, educator, and developer of new value creation in the Healthcare & Life Sciences industry. Chris has deep knowledge in disruptive technologies and is passionate about seeing great research innovations quickly become fundamental improvements to how we understand health and treat disease.
Katey Letzkus earned her Bachelors in Journalism from Oklahoma State University and is passionate about helping clinics grow and achieve their goals! Through her 14 years of medical sales experience, she has received multiple honors for her work with Plastic Surgeons, Prosthodontists, Oral Surgeons and large med spas to grow their businesses. Her primary goal is to ensure patients with financial hardships receive the eye medications they need while helping businesses save money.
Andrew received his undergraduate degree in Sociology from Temple University in Philadelphia. During his studies, he gained unique insight into various socioeconomic inequities that are affecting our local and global communities. Andrew leverages his diverse work experience to help foster new partnerships and to strengthen existing connections with both patients and eye care professionals.
Brooke received her undergraduate degree in communications and Master’s degree in Public Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University. Brooke was formerly the Executive Director for a Southwest Florida nonprofit offering teen girls leadership and fitness programming. Using her extensive leadership, management, travel and operations experience, Brooke seeks to continue developing new and effective ways to grow the company. Brooke is also leading the charge to build new nonprofit partnerships and expand our mission.
Alena received her degree in chemistry from Western Washington University, fostering her love for all things science and numbers. She uses her analytical background to dive into the data, finding ways to better develop connections with eyecare providers to improve the accessibility and affordability of healthcare.
Robbie is an entrepreneur and award-winning journalist with a background in marketing and communications. He has contributed to The New York Times, Florida Weekly, and Mayo Clinic's education shield, and was once co-founder and executive editor of a news company in his hometown of Naples, Fla.
Jenny’s inquisitive mind and entrepreneurial roots led her to co-found Nanodropper. She recently completed her PhD in pharmacology at the University of Washington, and she has scientific research experience at top academic institutions, including her alma mater Brown University, Harvard Medical School, and UW.
Mackenzie is a device design engineer who earned her master’s degree in bioengineering with a focus on technology commercialization from the University of Washington. She is passionate about designing and commercializing solutions to address current healthcare problems, especially to help close health equity gaps.
Elias is a mechanical engineer specializing in design and prototyping. He loves being involved with startups because they challenge him in new and exciting ways. His broad background includes projects with SpaceX, Spacelabs Healthcare, Kestra Medical Technologies, and McKinstry. His passion is within the biomedical industry, making advances in medical devices.
Allisa is a physician-entrepreneur and inventor who received her MD from the Mayo Clinic. With a background in Clean Tech, neuroscience, and harm reduction, she is a thought leader in the field of value-based innovation and the visionary behind Nanodropper. Allisa's patient-centered mindset drives Nanodropper's mission.