Topcon Medical Systems’ new CV-5000S Online Training Program for its CV-5000S Automated Refraction System is the first in a series of interactive, online product training systems. It shows CV-5000S users how to conduct a refraction, breaking it down into small, user-friendly learning modules. Through a combination of narrated video, graphics and step-by-step instructions, the system highlights the key features of the product and the operating procedures associated with each one. Users are also shown how to create customized refraction programs with the CV-5000S.
The system will be available 24/7 on the Topcon website to registered users, allowing them to access it at any time and from any location. This value-added feature of the CV-5000S will not only enhance the customers’ experience but also make the refraction process a smooth and effortless procedure for both patient and operator. For information, visit topconmedical.com/products/cv5000s.htm.

Topcon has also debuted its new Laser Trade-in Program for retinal laser users. The program will allow users of single-spot lasers to trade in their existing units for a new Pascal Synthesis or Streamline Green or Yellow Pattern Scanning Laser.

The new Pascal Synthesis is Topcon’s premiere dual-port pattern scanning retinal laser, available in both 532-nm and 577-nm wavelengths. The compact, portable design of Synthesis allows it to integrate with Topcon SL-D7 and Haag-Streit-style slit lamps, with pricing similar to a premium single-spot laser system. Synthesis will allow fast and effective treatment of retinal disorders using clinically proven Pascal technology, while offering physicians the option of keeping their current slit-lamp setup. The Pascal or Pattern Scanning Laser method applies an innovative pattern scanning technology that allows the practitioner the use of a short duration pulse laser combined with a selection of delivery patterns that are automatically placed on the treatment area in less than a second, minimizing tissue damage and patient discomfort. For information, visit topconmedical.com/lasers.


Henderson Capsular Tension Ring Now Preloaded
FCI Ophthalmics reports that the Henderson Capsular Tension Ring from Morcher is now also available preloaded on a disposable injector identified as the EyeJet, Type 10C.

Each preloaded injector is packaged in a sterilized, peel-open, contoured container. The units come with one of the CTRs already affixed to the hook of the injector with a clamp on the injector to keep it from moving until the package is opened for use. Pushing the clamp backwards loads the CTR into the injector at which time the clamp is removed and the ring is in position for insertion into the capsular bag.

The Henderson Ring (designed by Dr. Bonnie Henderson of Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston) is an open C-shaped loop made of a single piece of polymethyl methacrylate that has enhanced flexibility and resistance to breakage. The ring performs the same basic function as standard CTRs by stabilizing the capsular bag before, during and after cataract surgery.

The ring features eight equally spaced indentations spanning its circumference and creating a sinusoidal shape. The indentations allow for easier nuclear and cortical material removal while still maintaining the desired stretch of the capsular bag.

Approved for marketing in the United States, the Henderson EyeJet is available only from FCI Ophthalmics. For information, call 1 (800) 932-4202; e-mail info@fci-ophthalmics.com or fax 1 (781) 826-9062.


Accutome Offers Keeler Eye- Care Products to U.S. Customers
Accutome has partnered with Keeler to offer Keeler’s portable slit lamps, the PSL Classic and PSL One, and the Keeler Applanation Tonometer in the United States.

The PSL Classic allows eye-care professionals to deliver an eye exam in non-ambulatory patient visits, off-site clinics and exams of young children and patients who don’t fit into the traditional examination lane, as well as for veterinary use on animals of all sizes. The PSL Classic’s advanced optics offer x10 and x16 “flip lever” magnification, with illumination control down to zero. Its backup facility ensures power 100 percent of the time. The PSL slit and wheels include slits from 0.15 to 1.6 mm wide, a 12-mm circle, and a 1-mm square to produce anterior flare, aiding in the diagnosis of uveitis.

The PSL One offers one standard magnification of 10x and is a more cost-effective option than Keeler’s PSL Classic. The PSL One also features slit and wheels from 0.15 to 1.6 mm, a 12-mm circle and a 1-mm square. Its precision-machined aluminum chassis creates a sturdy structure able to withstand daily travel and use in a busy practice. Both the PSL Classic and the PSL One can be utilized with an iPhone adaptor that enables ophthalmic video capture, turning the devices into instant digital slit lamps with high-resolution video.

Accutome will also sell the Keeler Applanation Tonometer, an FDA-approved contact tonometer that aids glaucoma diagnosis with intraocular pressure measurements at the slit lamp as part of routine examinations. The KAT uses the Goldmann method, calculating the force required to flatten a constant area of the cornea using a special prism mounted on the tonometer head and placed against the cornea. KAT is compatible with most slit lamps.

For more information on the products, call Accutome at 1(800) 979-2020, visit accutome.com or e-mail info@accutome.com.


Argus II Designated as New Tech; Payment Approved
Second Sight Medical Products announced that the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System was approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for a new technology add-on payment (inpatient setting of care) and a transitional pass- through payment (outpatient setting of care) beginning October 1, 2013. These payments are designed to support timely access to innovative technologies for Medicare beneficiaries. According to the CMS, cases involving the Argus II System that are eligible for new technology add-on payments under the Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System will be identified by a new ICD-9-CM procedure code: 14.81.

Additionally, CMS has established a transitional pass-through payment for Argus II. This payment will be available to all hospital outpatient facilities and ambulatory surgical centers that perform this procedure for Medicare beneficiaries, and will be identified by the 0100T CPT code. Guideline information on billing, coding and payment for hospital outpatient departments and ASCs was to be released by CMS in the October quarterly update.


Nidek and Marco Announce the New ARK-1s with Glare Testing
Nidek and Marco have introduced their newest autorefractor/autokeratometer, the ARK-1s, the only autorefractor/autokeratometer with glare testing. The ARK-1s measures objective spherical, cylindrical refractive errors and cylinder axis from the refractive status of the patient’s eye. In addition, this is the first ARK that combines the capability of glare testing with low-contrast testing, accommodation, retro-illumination, visual acuity chart presentation and the ability to subjectively refine the sphere.

The glare testing capability makes it easier to test patients with cataracts. Traditional methods can be cumbersome and time-consuming with questionable accuracy, the company says. For doctors who also use low-contrast testing for their patients, the ARK-1s has the capability.

The accommodative measurement helps doctors to detect problems in pre-presbyopia, latent hyperopes, and children who have trouble reading. The retro-illumination modality helps to educate patients, with an actual image of their cataract progression.

This all-in-one compact design has Nidek/Marco’s auto alignment EyeTracking System on the X-Y-Z axis for consistent, accurate readings. For information, call 1 (800) 874-5274 or visit marco.com.


Contrast Sensitivity Testing for AMD, Other Retinal Diseases
VectorVision has introduced a new letter contrast sensitivity test for the evaluation of patients with AMD or other retinal diseases. The new ELCT (Evans Letter Contrast Test) provides a range of contrast sensitivity levels using a letter size which was designed specifically for evaluating the stabilization or improvements in vision of AMD patients following treatment. This scientifically developed design allows eye care practitioners to test patients with AMD and other retinal diseases in a standardized and comprehensive way.

The ELCT is used in conjunction with the VectorVision/Good-lite ESV-3000, an LED-based, auto-calibrated, back-lighting system that ensures uniform and consistent lighting for testing each patient.

For information, visit vectorvision.com.


B + L Updates PreserVision AREDS2 Formula Vitamin
Bausch + Lomb introduced its new PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula eye vitamin and mineral supplement, the only commercially available supplement in the United States that exactly matches the updated formula based on the latest clinical evidence from the National Eye Institute AREDS2 study.

The daily dose (two soft gels) of new PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula provides the same levels of all six clinically proven nutrients as the NEI-supported formula: vitamin C (500 mg); vitamin E (400 IU); lutein (10 mg)/zeaxanthin (2 mg); zinc (80 mg zinc oxide); and copper (2 mg cupric oxide). The combination of these nutrients at the specific levels recommended by the NEI is only available from Bausch + Lomb.

Bausch + Lomb originally introduced a PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula that included lutein, zeaxanthin and 1,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids in 2010, reflecting existing evidence of potential benefit for these nutrients that also formed the rationale for the AREDS2 protocol. When the AREDS2 findings were published, Bausch + Lomb confirmed its intention to reformulate PreserVision AREDS 2 to match the updated recommendation as quickly as possible. The reformulated product began shipping to wholesalers in the United States in late July, less than three months from the release of the AREDS2 data.

For more information, visit bausch.com.


Haag-Streit: New Member of The Octopus Family
The new Octopus 600 perimeter combines early detection and progression monitoring of glaucoma into one compact unit, says Haag-Streit USA. In addition to standard white-on-white perimetry, the Octopus 600 features Pulsar, a patented flicker stimulus designed to detect glaucoma early.

The Octopus 600 features an ergonomic design with a minimal footprint. Large trial lenses, built-in correction for presbyopia and a newly reconfigured response button are designed for a more comfortable patient experience. The perimeter operates via touchscreen, keyboard or mouse and will function as a stand-alone unit or as part of a network. For information, visit haag-streit-usa.com.  REVIEW