There have been some scary-sounding news stories about infection risk from artificial tears recently, specifically EzriCare Artificial Tears for dry eye treatment. The product was even recalled by its manufacturer last week after it was linked to at least one death and permanent vision loss for several others. Let’s break down what happened with EzriCare Artificial Tears, and what the news and experts have to say about the situation and what to do, if anything.
A glaucoma diagnosis does not need to be scary if you adhere to a proper glaucoma treatment regimen prescribed by your eye doctor. However, a late glaucoma diagnosis can be tricky, so make sure you get regular eye exams! Not all eye ailments will have noticeable symptoms, at least at first — glaucoma is one of those diseases. Here’s what you need to know about this disease, and what a glaucoma treatment regimen may look like for you.
Affordable medication has always been an issue in America, especially for many Americans who do not have health insurance, already pay expensive premiums, or opt for plans with high deductibles. This leaves many people skipping out on important treatments to improve their health conditions…simply because the cost is too great.
Have you ever wished there was a simple, easy, affordable way to help others?
Nanodropper has created the perfect opportunity to spread awareness for those who suffer from vision loss and inability to afford proper care, and an easy way to assist them: the #EyeCanHelp Challenge.
Do you have scratchy or itchy eyes? Does the sun or bright light make your eyes extra sensitive? Are you thinking about switching to glasses because contacts have become uncomfortable? You may have chalked up your eye troubles to allergies or changes in the weather. However, persistent eye irritation may be the sign of underlying disease, specifically dry eye.
There are a variety of causes (like allergies, irritation by contact lenses, etc.) and symptom levels to consider when exploring eyedrops to treat your dry eye.
Be honest — when was the last time you got your annual eye exam? It seems to be the one part of our health that gets pushed aside more than any other.
“Even if you don’t have vision insurance, annual eye exams are important for early eye disease detection,” says Dr. Thanh Pham, an Optometrist serving the Greater Seattle Area. “In most of the USA, for under $100, you can see your local optometrist for a full ocular examination.”
In this blog, we cover a breakdown of what you should expect at a typical eye exam for that investment — hopefully you’ll agree that it is money well spent!
Resources: Affording prescriptions
Affordability means something different to everyone.
Nanodropper was created with the mission to reduce financial barriers to care while promoting better access to eye health. We know that everyone has a vision for tomorrow. Healthcare should ensure access to whatever that vision may be — not come between it.
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.
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.
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.