Uncover the sweeping developments in telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances and how they impact your pharmacy. The DEA and SAMHSA recently extended the ability for clinicians to prescribe controlled medications through telemedicine until November 11, 2023. Initially, this extension was set to expire on May 11, 2023, as the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) ended. Previously, in-person visits were necessary for these prescriptions. The new rule offers continuity of care for patients, according to Christopher M. Jones, the Director of the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. The rule might be extended or shortened depending on when the DEA and SAMHSA’s final regulation is effective. In March, these agencies had proposed reverting to the initial in-person prescribing requirement for controlled medications. The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 instated this requirement to mitigate the risk of dependence on these medications. However, the agencies received almost 40,000 comments when they proposed to reinstate in-person visits, many emphasizing the benefits of telemedicine. Telemedicine enables more individuals to access treatments they otherwise couldn’t. This feedback has influenced the decision to maintain the telemedicine option for at least another six months. This extension gives the agencies time to consider […]

Dive into the implications of the FDA’s approval of nirmatrelvir+ritonavir, the first oral antiviral pill for COVID-19. The FDA’s recent approval of nirmatrelvir+ritonavir (Paxlovid, Pfizer) marks a significant advancement in COVID-19 treatment. This oral antiviral, the first of its kind, targets mild to moderate cases in high-risk adults. It’s the fourth drug, but the first pill, to gain FDA approval for treating adult COVID-19 patients. Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir will remain available under emergency use authorization, ensuring continued access for adults and for eligible 12-18 year olds. However, it’s not approved for pre- or post-exposure COVID-19 prevention. Patrizia Cavazzoni, MD, the director for the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, applauded the drug’s approval. She stressed the agency’s commitment to advancing new prevention and treatment options. The efficacy of nirmatrelvir+ritonavir comes primarily from the EPIC-HR clinical trial. This trial studied nonhospitalized symptomatic adults diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the study, nirmatrelvir+ritonavir reduced COVID-19–related hospitalizations or deaths by 86% compared to placebo when used within five days of symptom onset. Almost equal numbers of patients received nirmatrelvir+ritonavir and a placebo. Only 0.9% of the combo pill group were hospitalized or died within 28 days of follow-up, compared to 6.5% in the placebo group. […]

A pilot screening program evaluated the efficacy of tropicamide autorefraction for identifying high hyperopia in infants, presenting an opportunity for optometrists to detect and address this prevalent condition early on, potentially preventing future vision problems. Optometrists play a vital role in identifying and managing vision conditions in patients of all ages. A recent study conducted a pilot screening program to evaluate the effectiveness of tropicamide autorefraction in detecting high hyperopia in 2-month-old infants. The aim was to identify the prevalence of this condition and explore an early detection method suitable for a pediatric medical practice in Columbus, Ohio. The study involved 473 infants, with a gender distribution of 55.4% female, who attended their 2-month well-baby visit at a pediatrician’s medical practice. Cycloplegic refractive error measurements were taken using retinoscopy and the Welch Allyn SureSight autorefractor. A subset of 35 infants with a hyperopia measurement of ≥+5.00 D in the most hyperopic meridian during the screening underwent repeat cycloplegic retinoscopy (using 1% cyclopentolate) during a subsequent visit. The results showed that out of the 473 infants, 28 (5.9%) had high hyperopia with a spherical equivalent of ≥+5.00 D. Additionally, 61 infants (12.9%) exhibited high hyperopia in at least one meridian of […]

An experimental drug called 32-134D shows promise in preventing or slowing vision loss in individuals with diabetes, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine. The study, which utilized mouse models, human retinal organoids, and eye cell lines, focused on proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, indicate that 32-134D reduced levels of a protein called HIF, which is responsible for diabetic retinal vascular disease. The drug was found to be safer than another HIF-targeting treatment under investigation. Dr. Akrit Sodhi, the author of the study, emphasizes the drug’s well-tolerated nature and its ability to effectively reduce HIF levels in diseased eyes. Elevated levels of HIF in the eyes lead to increased blood vessel production and leakage in the retina, contributing to vision loss. The researchers tested 32-134D on human retinal cell lines and observed a return to near-normal gene expression levels, halting the creation of new blood vessels and maintaining vascular integrity. The drug was also tested on mouse models, resulting in diminished HIF levels and inhibition of new blood vessel formation and leakage. Remarkably, the drug exhibited active levels in the retina […]

Boost your clinical efficiency and reduce patient no-show rates by implementing strategies like patient education, increased accessibility, appointment reminders, and sharing examination reports with primary care providers. Reducing patient no-show rates is crucial for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of health care facilities. Research has identified various reasons behind appointment no-shows, such as emotional barriers, lack of understanding, transportation issues, financial concerns, long wait times, and difficulties with work or childcare. To address these challenges, strategies like patient education, increased accessibility, appointment reminders, and sharing examination reports with primary care providers can be implemented. Patient no-shows have a significant impact on health care facilities, resulting in missed follow-up visits and decreased efficiency. Outpatient no-show rates before the pandemic ranged from 23.1% to 33.6%, while telehealth appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic had a lower no-show rate of 7.5%. However, physical presence is often necessary for proper eye examination and essential tests. Understanding the causes behind no-show rates is essential in finding solutions. Patients may lack awareness of the importance of their appointments or experience hesitancy as time passes and their condition improves. Feeling disrespected within the health care system and long waiting times are other factors contributing to no-show rates. To […]

Optometry students have navigated unprecedented challenges, embraced technology, and shaped the future of their profession, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to excellence. Optometry students have undergone significant changes and challenges since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden shift to remote learning and the absence of in-person interaction disrupted their programs. However, they persevered, adapted to new norms, and learned valuable lessons about themselves and their profession. During the pandemic, optometry students learned the importance of self-care and compassion. They developed new routines, sought help when needed, and found ways to disconnect and tune into their own needs. By nurturing their humanistic side, they became better clinicians, strengthening their connections with patients. Optometry students also woke up to the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They recognized the lack of representation on their campuses and embraced a commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive environment. They spoke up, advocating for systemic change and pushing for policies and programs that promote DEI. The financial aspect of optometry school remains a challenge for students. With high tuition costs, additional expenses for studying from home, and the burden of student debt, planning for financial stability becomes difficult. Despite these […]