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OASIS is the official newsletter for the Ophthalmic Anesthesia Society (OAS) and the primary source of information among specialists who treat patients undergoing cataract and other ophthalmic surgical procedures. OASIS delivers organization news, industry updates and clinical information that can be applied immediately in practices large and small. The newsletter is also a dedicated resource for anesthesiologists, ophthalmologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists and other professional personnel who are looking for niche techniques and cutting-edge research. 

To learn more about OASIS or to submit a post for the society, please contact info@eyeanesthesia.org 


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  • 15 Apr 2024 8:09 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Looking back on the 37th Annual OAS Scientific Meeting

    The 37th Annual OAS Scientific Meeting held in Houston, Texas, from February 9-10, 2024, was a resounding success, drawing over 100 attendees from various disciplines within ophthalmology  including ophthalmologists, anesthesiologists, CRNAs, and RNs. The event boasted small group settings that fostered highly lively discussions, creating an environment conducive to meaningful interactions.

    Attendees were treated to clinically focused sessions featuring diverse speakers and subjects, with excellent presentations addressing current and emerging issues in the field. The quality of content was underscored by the impressive lineup of speakers who delivered insightful lectures. Some of the speakers were experts in the local Houston area, providing a fresh local perspective to the worldly audience.

    Notably, the meeting emphasized networking opportunities, with panel discussions facilitating personal interaction between speakers and the audience. The event was praised for its organization, striking a balance between being informative yet not overly large.

    Friday's agenda included sessions covering a range of topics, from clinical to pediatrics, complemented by practical education sessions such as active shooter training. The day concluded with a welcome reception, providing attendees with the chance to network and learn from industry supporters, Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Halozyme, Harrow, Melt Pharmaceuticals, and Orbital Blocks.

    Saturday continued the momentum with enlightening discussions on OR efficiencies, glaucoma, and international perspectives from Greece, India and UK. The conference concluded on a high note with a fun reception at Puttshack, reinforcing bonds formed during the event with games and prizes.

    A smaller group of esteemed practitioners participated in a hands on block workshop. Read about it below!

    Overall, the 37th Annual OAS Scientific Meeting left attendees enriched with knowledge, inspired by lively discussions, and connected within the ophthalmic community.

    The 38th Annual OAS Scientific Conference will be announced soon for February 2025. Stay tuned!

    Unlocking Vision: Recap of the 1st Inaugural Ophthalmic Block Workshop Post-OAS Annual Meeting

    On February 11th, amidst the energy of the OAS Annual Meeting, a remarkable event unfolded — the inaugural Ophthalmic Block Workshop. This educational endeavor aimed to delve deep into the intricacies of orbital anatomy and the application of ophthalmic blocks, providing practitioners with invaluable skills and knowledge.

    The workshop commenced with a comprehensive review of orbital anatomy, laying down the foundational understanding necessary for precise and effective ophthalmic procedures. Participants were guided through the intricate structures of the eye and its surrounding tissues, fostering a profound appreciation for the anatomical complexity involved.

    As the session progressed, the focus shifted towards practical application, with hands-on simulation training. Participants were immersed in the intricacies of peri/retrobulbar and peribulbar blocks, exploring both intraconal and extraconal approaches. Under expert guidance, they practiced needle placement techniques, honing their skills to ensure optimal patient safety and efficacy.

    A highlight of the workshop was the collaborative learning environment, with 24 dedicated practitioners coming together to expand their knowledge and expertise. Among them were 6 active OAS members, showcasing a commitment to continuous professional development. Additionally, the workshop attracted 18 new members eager to acquire essential skills in ophthalmic blocks.

    Feedback from attendees echoed the success of the workshop, with one participant remarking, "This was the best learning experience on proper needle placement to maintain patient safety." Another highlighted the invaluable insight gained, stating, "I learned the three-step process of blocking and an in-depth anatomy of the eye, which will greatly enhance my practice."

    Many thanks to the experienced instructors:

    Randy Harvey, BS, RRT, APRN, CRNA, FANA
    Matthew Springer, DNP,CRNA
    Adrian Kwa, MD, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK


    Clyde Tempel, CRNA Obituary


    Clyde Kent Tempel, age 82, of Rodgers, AR, died Monday, March 4, 2024 at his residence.

    Clyde served for six years in the US Army Reserve from 1961 until 1967.                                                         

    He graduated from Southwest Missouri School of Anesthesia in Springfield, MO in 1970. He practiced in Northwest Arkansas from 1971 until his retirement in 2019. Clyde was a member of the AANA his entire career and served on many committees and the board. He was instrumental in developing many of the benefits we now have as CRNA’s. 

     He was also a charter member of the Ophthalmic Anesthesia Society and served on the board. He believed in the mission of the OAS to advance knowledge and safety in ophthalmic anesthesia. He made many friends during his time with the OAS. He encouraged everyone he knew to become a member, because he felt it was so important. He attended every meeting faithfully and shared what he learned with others. He was a great friend to OAS and he will be missed.

    In the news

    ·        Global Ophthalmic Devices, Diagnostics, and Surgical Equipment Market Forecasted to Reach $44.0 Billion by 2028

    ·        5 things worrying ASC leaders

    ·        Weight Loss, Diabetes Drug Linked to Anesthesia Risks

    Repository 

    Microbial Dynamics in Ophthalmic Health: Exploring the Interplay between Human Microbiota and Glaucoma Pathogenesis


  • 17 Jan 2024 3:54 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Winter 2024 Issue

    Happy New Year OAS Members!

    We are eagerly looking forward to an exciting 2024, starting with our Annual Meeting February 9-10 in Houston with the addition of an Ophthalmic Block Workshop on February 11th.

    Hot Topics and Speakers for Next Month!

    -International Mission Work with Ophthalmology
    David Markoff, MD

    -Pediatric Anesthesia- Clinical Tools for the Everyday Practitioner
    Neil Masters, MD

    -International Speakers

    Adrian Kwa, MD, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK

    Iosifina Giannakikou, MD, Hygeia Hospital, Greece

    Lakshmi Prasanna Srinivasan, MD, Sankara Nethralaya, India

    -Incision Free eye Blocks- American Approach                      
    Howard Palte, MD, University of Miami

    And more!

    Read about all OAS speakers here!


    Full Agenda


    Register Today!


    For the OAS to continue to provide these essential Educational & Networking programs, we need everyone’s help in promoting the value of the OAS to our colleagues.

    Please feel free to share the meeting information with your colleagues that may not be on our distribution list. 

    Hope to see everyone in Houston next month!

    Workshop Overview: 

    Orbital Anatomy
    Randy Harvey, BS, RRT, APRN, CRNA, FAANA, Orbital Compliance Group

    Ophthalmic blocks
    Randy Harvey, BS, RRT, APRN, CRNA, FAANA, Orbital Compliance Group


    Simulation Training

    Randy Harvey, BS, RRT, APRN, CRNA, FAANA, Orbital Compliance Group

    Adrian Kwa, MD, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK

    Matthew Springer, DNAP, CRNA, Lincoln Surgical Hospital

    Whether you are an anesthesiologist, CRNA, ophthalmologist, nurse, resident or student, there is something for everyone at the OAS Annual Scientific Meeting.

    Register Today!

    ADD on the fun

    Puttshack is an upscale, tech-infused mini golf experience that pairs modern technology with crazy courses and trendy vibes for an experience of teamwork and fun. 

    Join your fellow attendees at this fun evening event on Saturday, evening 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

    Register with your conference registration.

    FOLLOW US

    RENEW NOW and benefit from reduced registration at the conference.

    Membership Categories

    Annual Rate

      CRNA/ AA

    $395

      Physician

    $395

      Associates (RN, PA, Surgical Techs)

    $100

      Resident/ Fellow

    $50

    FEATURING Practice Discounts

    3 practice members- ($1,000/year) $185 savings

    5 Practice members- ($1,600/year)  $375 savings

    7 practice members-  ($2,200/year)  $565 savings

    OAS Members enjoy exclusive benefits:

    Renew NOW

    Member Opportunity

    Take a survey for a chance to win $500 AMAZON Card

    OAS President, Dr. Maggie Jeffries, recently published a paper regarding opiate use in cataract surgery. Below is a follow up survey she helped design to gain even more information to share with the ophthalmic anesthesia industry. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey, results will be shared later this year in a recap from Dr. Jeffries. A randomly selected winner will receive an electronic $250 Amazon Card. Be sure to fill out the survey for a chance to win!

    Take the survey now
     
    Repository

    Topic: Recent FDA Warning to Enhance Patient Awareness of Unapproved Eye Treatments

    Authors:

    Momin, Sibtainzehra MD MPH

    Yerabolu, Krishin Undergraduate Student

    Singh, Vinodkumar MD

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL

    Introduction:

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a stern warning indicating that eight companies are not in compliance with FDA regulations. This pertained to unapproved eye products being sold without adequate regulatory oversight. These products, which include various eye drops and ointments, pose a significant risk to consumers’ eye health. In this article, we will delve into this warning and why it’s crucial to be cautious while choosing eye products.

    The FDA Warning:

    In recent years, there has been a growing concern regarding the safety and efficacy of eye medications marketed to the common consumer. The FDA from time to time issues warning letters to inform the public of medications that could potentially harm instead of helping cure the problem at hand.

    On September 12th, the FDA issued a letter stating that Boiron Inc., CVS Health, DR Vitamin Solutions, Natural Ophthalmics Inc., OcluMed LLC, Similasan AG/ Similasan USA, TRP Company Inc., and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. were all not in compliance with the regulations (Administration, 2023). Moreover, the FDA issued an urgent warning, emphasizing the vital need to remove all products linked to the claim within a strict 15 day timeframe. This pertains to a range of eye drops, ointments, and similar products that are being marketed and sold without the agency’s approval. The warning highlights several key concerns:

    • 1.      Lack of efficacy data: Unapproved eye products may not have undergone rigorous testing for efficacy, meaning there’s no guarantee they will work as intended.
    • 2.      Safety concerns: These products may contain ingredients that can cause irritation, allergies, or other adverse effects on the eyes, potentially leading to vision problems.
    • 3.      Quality control issues: Unregulated manufacturing processes can result in inconsistent product quality and contamination risks.
    • 4.      False claims: Some unapproved products make unfounded claims about their ability to treat various eye conditions, misleading consumers.

    This poses a serious concern as the US Ophthalmic drug market continues to rise and individuals are put at risk every day due to drug companies not making medication safe to use (Figure 1).

    Figure 1: Research done by Grand View research shows that the US Ophthalmic drug market continues to increase in market share. The jump from 2021 to 2022 shows a 113% percent increase and decade trajectories indicate the market share will continue to increase (Region, 2022).

    Why the Warning Matters:

    The human eye is a delicate organ, and using unapproved and potentially unsafe products can have serious consequences. For example, these eye drops/ointments may contain silver, and long-term usage of silver has been shown in literature reports to cause necrosis of conjunctival epithelia cells, argyria, irritation, corneal opacity, and symblepharon (Waszczykowska et al., 2021). It is imperative to understand that FDA approval is not a mere formality but a rigorous evaluation of products’ safety and efficacy. Unapproved products bypass this step, leaving consumers vulnerable to potentially harmful consequences. For this reason, the FDA has stated that legal action will be pursued if the claims are not addressed by the companies. FDA Director of Compliance Jill Furman ensures that the FDA continues to work hard to ensure that the unapproved eye medications are removed from the market to foster greater patient safety.

    Protecting the Patients:

    To safeguard your patients, consider:

    • 1.      Check FDA Approval: Always look for FDA approval on the packaging of any eye products that you dispense or use. If the certification is not present, exercise caution and skepticism.
    • 2.      Consult a Friend: Before prescribing or dispensing any new eye product, consult your reliable pharmacy or colleague. They can recommend safe or alternate options for your needs.
    • 3.      Report Suspected Issues: If you suspect any issues with the eye products, report it to the FDA’s MedWatch Program. This helps in monitoring and addressing safety concerns.
    • 4.      Be Skeptical of “Miracle” Claims: Beware of using products that promise beyond reason. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

    Conclusion:

    The well-being of both your patient's eyes and your own is invaluable and deserves utmost care and attention. Thisdecisive action by the FDA stands as an imperative component in elevating patient awareness of the harmful effects of unregulated treatments. By highlighting the violations, clarifying regulatory status, and promoting transparency, the FDA letter gives the public the information needed to make informed decisions about different treatment avenues for their eye conditions. As the industry continues to grow, the FDA needs to work to make sure patient safety is the highest priority to help avoid any unnecessary complications. Always trust in regulated and approved treatments, and always seek help and guidance when in doubt.

    References:

    Administration, F. a. D. (2023). FDA Issues Warning Letters to Firms Marketing Unapproved Eye Products. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-issues-warning-letters-firms-marketing-unapproved-eye-products

    Region, a. S. F. (2022). Ophthalmic Drugs Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Drug Class, by Disease (Dry Eye, Glaucoma), by Dosage Form, by Route of Administration, by Product Type (Prescription, OTC), by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2022-2030. Retrieved September 29 from https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/4429696/ophthalmic-drugs-market-size-share-and-trends

    Waszczykowska, A., Zyro, D., Ochocki, J., & Jurowski, P. (2021). Clinical Application and Efficacy of Silver Drug in Ophthalmology: A Literature Review and New Formulation of EYE Drops with Drug Silver (I) Complex of Metronidazole with Improved Dosage Form. Biomedicines, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9020210



  • 01 Sep 2023 7:59 AM | Krista DuRapau (Administrator)

    Summer 2023 Issue

    Greetings OAS Members!

    2023 has been a year of excitement.  Next year we are hosting the 37th Annual OAS Scientific Meeting in Houston, Texas on February 9-10, 2024.  The society first met in Houston, so this journey has brought us full circle to where it all began.  As the fourth largest city in the US, Houston is a fantastic city to get to know.  We have a wealth of academic support from our partners in the Texas Medical Center - the largest medical center in the world!!  We are hoping that a central location will appeal to our bicoastal colleagues and with two airports, there are many options to get here.  

    Our society is also working on increasing our international footprint with involvement from our colleagues in the British and Indian Ophthalmic Anesthesia Organizations.  The OAS continues it’s tradition of being an organization that brings together ophthalmologists, anesthesiologists, registered nurse anesthetists and other clinicians to improve the quality of care for our patients.

    Can’t wait to see you in Houston!

    Maggie Jeffries, MD

    President, Ophthalmic Anesthesia Society


    The OAS Annual Scientific Meetings are held each year and feature scientific programs designed to feature the latest education, techniques, and research in the realm of ophthalmic surgery and anesthesia. We look forward to meeting you in Houston, February 9-10, 2024. 

    ·        Hands-on workshops with certificates of attendance

    ·        Exclusive lectures from anesthesia, ophthalmology and surgery experts 

    ·        Round table events with other physicians and registered nurses  

    ·        Valuable networking opportunities

    ·        Slides and notes from speakers at all presentations

    Whether you are an anesthesiologist, CRNA, ophthalmologist, nurse, resident or student, there is something for everyone at the OAS Annual Scientific Meeting.

    Find out more


    Budget now to renew your membership for next year and benefit from reduced registration at the conference.

    Membership Categories

    Annual Rate

      CRNA/ AA

    $395

      Physician

    $395

      Associates (RN, PA, Surgical Techs)

    $100

      Resident/ Fellow

    $50

    OAS Members enjoy exclusive benefits:

    No formal gatherings are scheduled for the current year. However, we encourage you to avail yourself of a comprehensive array of resources, including last year's presentations and an extensive repository of information accessible via past newsletters. These invaluable assets facilitate engagement with the scientific community, fostering collaborative opportunities among peers. Anticipate forthcoming dynamic updates on society initiatives that promise enhanced interactivity and engagement.



    Meet the OAS Board

    President       

    Maggie Jeffries, MD, Avanti Anesthesia

    President-Elect/VP  

    Jefferson Doyle, MD, Johns Hopkins

    Immediate Past-President   

    George Dumas, MD, University of Alabama Birmingham

    Secretary       

    Kay Phelan, CRNA, Connecticut Eye Surgery Center

    Treasurer      

    Robert Gauvin, CRNA, Anesthesia Professionals

    Directors                 

    Eric Fry, MD, Fry Eye Associates, P.A.

    Pete Spitellie, MD, JJM Medical Services

    Elaine Liew, MD, University of California, Los Angeles

    Tina Tran, MD, Johns Hopkins

    Brenton Rains, CRNA, Center for Sight 

    Scientific Advisory Chair                

    Randolf Harvey, CRNA, Florida Eye Clinic / ASC

    At-Large Director                

    Vinodkumar Singh, MD, University of Alabama Birmingham


    Repository

    Take a survey for a chance to win $250 AMAZON Card

    OAS President, Dr. Maggie Jeffries, recently published a paper regarding opiate use in cataract surgery. Below is a follow up survey she helped design to gain even more information to share with the ophthalmic anesthesia industry. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey, results will be shared later this year in a recap from Dr. Jeffries. A randomly selected winner will receive an electronic $250 Amazon Card. Be sure to fill out the survey for a chance to win!

    Take the survey now


    GLP-1 receptor agonists and sedation for Ophthalmic surgery

    Many of us are now aware of the reports of retained gastric contents in patients take glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists despite being appropriately NPO.  These medications work by the inhibition of gastric emptying and stimulation of insulin production and reduction in glucagon secretion leading to lower insulin levels.   The delayed gastric emptying reduces hunger, leading to a reduction in food intake and subsequent weight loss. 

    It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the generic and brand names of these medication and ensure that your preoperative staff is educated as well.  There are various routes of administration such as oral pills and subcutaneous injections and administration could be daily or weekly.  As of publication of this article, the current FDA approved GLP-1 medications are:

    Dulaglutide (trulicity)

    Exenatide (Bydureon, Byetta)

    Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

    Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)

    Lixisenatide (Adlyxin)

    Tirzapatide (Mounjaro)

    If the patient has GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia and abdominal distention, current evidence indicates there is an increased likelihood of retained gastric contents.2 Because of concerns over an increased risk of aspiration associated with GLP-1 agonists, the ASA Task Force on Preoperative Fasting reviewed the limited existing literature and compiled the following recommendations for elective procedures.3 This is taken directly from their statement which is linked in the references below. 

    “Day or week prior to the procedure:

    ·        Hold GLP-1 agonists on the day of the procedure/surgery for patients who take the medication daily.

    ·        Hold GLP-1 agonists a week prior to the procedure/surgery for patients who take the medication weekly.

    ·        Consider consulting with an endocrinologist for guidance in patients who are taking GLP-1 agonists for diabetes management to help control their condition and prevent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

    Day of the Procedure:

    • ·        Consider delaying the procedure if the patient is experiencing GI symptoms such as severe nausea/vomiting/retching, abdominal bloating or abdominal pain and discuss the concerns of potential risk of regurgitation and aspiration with the proceduralist or surgeon and the patient.
    • ·        Continue with the procedure if the patient has no GI symptoms and the GLP-1 agonist medications have been held as advised.
    • ·        If the patient has no GI symptoms, but the GLP-1 agonist medications were not held, use precautions based on the assumption the patient has a “full stomach” or consider using ultrasound to evaluate the stomach contents. If the stomach is empty, proceed as usual. If the stomach is full or if the gastric ultrasound is inconclusive or not possible, consider delaying the procedure or proceed using full stomach precautions. Discuss the potential risk of regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents with the proceduralist or surgeon and the patient.
    • ·        Full stomach precautions should be used in patients who need urgent or emergency surgery.”

    This is all well and good for general anesthetics, but what about procedures/surgery under light sedation such as cataract surgery?  These medications are being prescribed in ever increasing amounts and not always by legitimate health care providers.  Compounding pharmacies are now offering these medications as well as online websites.  Further concerning is that patients may not disclose taking these medications as they don’t see it as a “medication.”

    The Ophthalmic Anesthesia Society has received numerous inquiries as to what guidance, if any, we can provide.  We recommend that patients be specifically asked if they are taking any GLP-1 medications, in what dose and delivery form, for what indication, and if they are having any GI side effects.  Preferably this occurs at the surgeon’s office so that an intervention in dosing might be made.  At the very least, sedation should be tailored to keep these patients as awake as possible.  As sedation is a spectrum from light to deep, the final decision on how to proceed remains with the anesthesia provider and should be influenced by both patient and surgical factors.  The OAS will continue to monitor the available evidence which will continue to evolve as more research is performed. 

    It is our expectation to perform a survey of our members regarding their anesthesia practices related to GLP-1 medications and present the data at our annual meeting.  There will be a lecture and further discussion regarding this important subject.  See you there!!

    Vinodkumar Singh, MD FRCA MRCP

    Professor

    Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine

    Division of Critical Care Medicine

    University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital

    619 S. 19th Street JT 804

    Birmingham, AL 35249



    References:

    1. Klein SR, Hobai IA. Semaglutide, delayed gastric emptying, and intraoperative pulmonary aspiration: A case report. Can J Anesth. 2023. DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02440-3.
    2. Silveira SQ, da Silva LM, Abib ACV et al. Relationship between perioperative semaglutide use and residual gastric content: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing elective upper endoscopy. J Clin Anesth. 2023; 87: 111091.
    3. Powell K. Did you know that the ASA has offered guidance on preoperative management of patients on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for elective procedures?  Online, August 2, 2023.


  • 21 Jun 2022 10:41 PM | Anonymous

    Meet the OAS Board of Directors

    • George Dumas, MD
    • Maggie Jeffries, MD
    • David Markoff, MD
    • Kay Phelan, CRNA 
    • Chris Bender, CRNA 
    • Eric Fry, MD
    • Pete Spitellie, MD 
    • Elaine Liew, MD 
    • Tina Tran, MD 
    • Brenton Rains, CRNA 
    • Elaine Chiewlin Liew, MD
    • Randolf Harvey, CRNA
    • Alan Zamora, CRNA



  • 21 Jun 2022 10:39 PM | Anonymous

    Higher incidence of retinal vascular occlusion after COVID-19 infection 

    With COVID-19 known to cause vascular damage and induction of a prothrombotic state, investigators examined the risk of retinal vascular occlusions in patients with COVID-19 infections. This cohort study of 432,515 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 found that the incidence of retinal vein occlusions, but not retinal artery occlusions, appeared to increase in the 6 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 infection may have an increased risk of retinal vein occlusion in the 6 months after infection, similar to the increased risk of systemic vascular damage associated with COVID-19, and clinicians need to consider this factor when evaluating these patients. Read the full study at JAMA Ophthalmology.


  • 21 Jun 2022 10:35 PM | Anonymous

    Register Today for the 2022 Annual OAS Scientific Meeting   

    The OAS Annual Scientific Meetings are held each year in September and feature scientific programs designed to feature the latest education, techniques, and research in the field of ophthalmic surgery and anesthesia. We look forward to meeting you in Baltimore this year, September 9-11, 2022.

    Register before July 15, 2022 to secure early-bird rates! 

    The meeting will be held in person at the Lord Baltimore Hotel in downtown Baltimore, MD. Discounted hotel registration is available for OAS attendees --  book your room at the Lord Baltimore Hotel's website.

    Virtual attendance is also available and Zoom details will be shared with attendees if you cannot travel this year. 


    Scientific content includes:

    • Fire Safety in the OR

    • Acute MI at the Ambulatory Surgery Center

    • Safe Ophthalmic Anesthesia: A Broad Review

    • How Not to Get Your Case Canceled! And Other Pearls for Cataract Surgery

    • Practice Updates Post-COVID 19

    • Special Cases: Diabetes, Pregnancy, or Pediatric Considerations

    • Hands-on Workshops! Learn Orbital Anatomy, Sub-Tenon Blocks & Orbital Blocks

    • Round table events with board members and experienced clinicians

    • Valuable networking opportunities

    • Engaging and interactive sessions

    • Hands-on eye block workshop with certificate options

    • Poster Session – Submit Your Abstract Here

  • 10 Jun 2022 10:37 PM | Anonymous

    Currently there is a backlog of surgical procedures that have been delayed but are necessary to improve the health and quality of life of our patients. Although there is increasing information to address the timing of surgery after COVID-19 infection, studies continue to lag behind the emerging variants and the likelihood that vaccinated patients have a lower a risk of postoperative complications as compared to unvaccinated patients. Almost all available data come from study periods with zero to low prevalence of vaccination. Read the full article at apsf.org.


    Interval Between COVID Diagnosis and Surgery 30-day Mortality Rate for Elective Patients (%, CI)**
    No COVID Diagnosis 0.62 (0.57-0.67)
    0-2 weeks 3.09 (1.64-4.54)
    3-4 weeks 2.29 (1.06-3.53)
    5-6 weeks 2.39 (0.87-3.91)
    ≥7 weeks 0.64 (0.20-1.07)


  • 01 Jun 2022 10:31 PM | Anonymous

    Greetings OAS Members!

    2022 is an exciting time to be a member. Our growing organization has over 100 members and we are proud to be the only organization where anesthesiologists, ophthalmologists, registered nurse anesthetists and other clinicians can come together to improve the quality of care for our patients.

    This year we are hosting the 36th Annual OAS Scientific Meeting in Baltimore Maryland – and offering online access for those who cannot travel. It’s a vibrant, new city for OAS members with a wealth of academic support from our partners on the East coast. Can’t wait to see you there!





    George Dumas, MD

  • 26 Feb 2020 2:08 PM | Anonymous

    Michael Morley, MD, ScM 1, Anne M. Menke, RN, PhD2, Karen C. Nanji, MD, MPH3

    1 Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
    2 Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company, San Francisco, CA 
    3 Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.12.019

    Publication date: December 25, 2019
    Ophthalmology Journal - a publication of the American Academy of Ophthalmology

    PurposeTo evaluate the types of anesthesia-related closed claims and their contributing factors, using data from the Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company (OMIC).

    Design
    Retrospective analysis of preexisting data.

    Participants
    Plaintiffs who filed a professional liability claim or suit (written demand for money) against OMIC-insured ophthalmologists, ophthalmic practices, or surgicenters in which the surgical case occurred.

    Methods
    Plaintiff claims were collected from the OMIC database from 2008 to 2018 using search queries for terms associated with known complications of ophthalmic anesthesia.

    Main Outcome Measures
    Number and types of anesthesia-related injuries and claims, who administered the anesthesia, the outcomes of the claim or suit, cost to defend, and payments made to plaintiffs.

    Results
    Sixty-three anesthesia-related claims or suits were filed by 50 plaintiffs. Anesthesia-related injuries included globe perforation (n = 17), death (n = 13), retrobulbar hemorrhage (n = 7), optic nerve damage (n = 4), vascular occlusions (n = 2), pain (n = 2), eye or head movement resulting in injury (n = 2), and 1 case each for numbness, diplopia, and tooth loss during intubation. All but 1 patient who died had preexisting, significant comorbidities. Two deaths were related to brainstem anesthesia. Regarding the type of anesthesia in the closed claims, retrobulbar and peribulbar anesthesia were the most common types (n = 16 each), followed by local infiltration around the lids and facial nerve (n = 6), topical anesthesia (n = 5), and general anesthesia (n = 5). In 2 cases, the exact type of anesthesia was unknown but not general. The 5 topical with sedation anesthesia-related claims were due to inadequate pain control (n = 2), ocular movement resulting in capsular rupture (n = 2), or death (n = 1) allegedly related to excessive or inadequate monitoring of sedation. There were 5 claims related to general anesthesia including 4 deaths and 1 tooth loss during intubation. Sedation was alleged to be a factor in 5 cases resulting in death. Anticoagulants were a factor in 3 retrobulbar hemorrhage cases.

    Conclusions
    Although claims and suits were infrequent given the large number of insured ophthalmologists and the large number of surgical cases requiring various types of anesthesia performed over the 10.5-year study period, severe injuries can occur


  • 26 Feb 2020 1:45 PM | Anonymous

    A Single-Center, Retrospective Records Review of 130,775 Patients, 1999-2015

    Vinodkumar Singh, MD1,Ayesha S. Bryant, MSPH, MD1, Matthew Hull, MD1, Jason Skelley, MD1, Robin Walters, MD2 , R. Clark Cross, MD1, Marc A. Rozner, MD3 , and Gwendolyn L. Boyd, MD1

    Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
    2 Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
    3 Baylor College of Medicine Education at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA 

    Abstract 

    Purpose: The most recent study of ophthalmic surgery morbidity and mortality was published in 1995, with a patient study population from 1977 to 1988. The present study reports surgical outcomes from a single-center, retrospective analysis of patient records from 1999 to 2015. Methods: Three International Classification of Diseases–9-CM codes for cardiorespiratory events were searched in the discharge diagnoses in an eye hospital over a 16-year period. The overall mortality and preoperative risk factors were analyzed, including the type of anesthetic, type of surgery, medical comorbidities, and bradycardia preceding the cardiac events. Results: Between February 1, 1999 and October 1, 2015, a total of 130 775 patients presented for ophthalmic surgery. Fifty-nine patients (0.45 per 1000) experienced a cardiorespiratory event. Of the 59 patients, 14 patients had a cardiorespiratory arrest, 9 of whom died during the perioperative period. Of the remaining 45 patients, 29 had significant adverse events needing some form of advanced monitoring, evaluation, and/or intervention. There was a significantly greater prevalence of diabetes among patients who had a cardiorespiratory event (P < .001). Conclusions: The major risk factor associated with ophthalmic surgery morbidity and mortality was diabetes with its associated complications of autonomic neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. Of the 9 patients who died, 8 were diabetic with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and renal  insufficiency/failure. The ninth mortality was secondary to a venous air embolism during ocular air infusion. The adage that “the eye is the window to our overall health” seems to be correct.

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