The 2012 ASCRS meeting begins on April 20 in Chicago with reports on new products, treatments, and techniques and the latest clinical experience of interest to cataract and refractive surgeons. We preview the meeting in this issue.
Presbyopia-Correcting IOLs Astigmatism Surgery
Phakic IOLs
Cataract Surgery Advances Glaucoma
Femtosecond Lasers for
Refractive Surgery
Corneal Inlays
Other Presbyopia Technology Excimer Lasers
Dry Eye
Corneal Crosslink
Presbyopia-Correcting IOLs Astigmatism Surgery
Phakic IOLs
Cataract Surgery Advances Glaucoma
Femtosecond Lasers for
Refractive Surgery
Corneal Inlays
Other Presbyopia Technology Excimer Lasers
Dry Eye
Corneal Crosslinking
Click to read What’s in Store at the 2012 ASCRS Meeting »
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Wednesday 25 April, 2012 04:57 PM
Market Scope’s PracticeScope.com survey services for ophthalmic practices expand as nationwide focus on the measurement of patient experience and outcomes increases.
Click to read PracticeScope.com Offers Ophthalmic Practices an Expanding Range of Survey Options»
Posted by daveharmon on Wednesday 25 April, 2012 04:57 PM
This months news includes the latest from Wavetec, Alcon, Thrombogenics and an alert regarding counterfeit Avastin.
Click to read April 2012 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Wednesday 25 April, 2012 04:57 PM
In Q4-2011 US IOL procedure volume climbed a bit faster than recent trends have indicated, posting a 3.6 percent rise over procedure volume in Q4-2010.
Click to read US IOL Procedures Climb 3.6 Percent in Q4-2011»
Posted by daveharmon on Tuesday 20 March, 2012 07:30 PM
While demand for toric IOLs has climbed sharply, outpacing that of other premium IOLs, the size of the astigmatic cataract patient population suggests a market opportunity barely tapped.
Click to read Toric IOL Demand Outpaces Demand for All Other Premium IOLs»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 20 March, 2012 07:30 PM
Regeneron’s Eylea entered the US market in late 2011 and has begun to reshape care for AMD patients and IVT injection regimens.
Click to read Regeneron’s Eylea Threatens Lucentis Franchise»
Posted by daveharmon on Tuesday 20 March, 2012 07:30 PM
We expect the global retinal surgical device market to grow at a CAGR of more than 7 percent over the next five years, in part driven by newer implantable devices for severe vision loss.
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 20 March, 2012 07:30 PM
Although the market is still in its infancy, we expect nearly a four-fold increase in the number of presbyopia-correcting surgeries by 2020.
Click to read Market for Presbyopia Surgeries Is Poised for Rapid Growth»
Posted by daveharmon on Tuesday 20 March, 2012 07:30 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Alimera Sciences, LensAR, Bausch & Lomb, NicOx, Thrombogenics and Avedro.
Click to read March 2012 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Tuesday 20 March, 2012 07:30 PM
In 2011’s fourth quarter, US demand for refractive surgery grew at a rate that remained somewhat modest. However, we expect the year-over-year rate of growth to reach double digits in the first quarter of 2012.
Click to read US Refractive Surgery Climbs 5.5 Percent in Q4-2011»
Posted by daveharmon on Thursday 23 February, 2012 01:36 PM
US IVT injections continued to climb in Q4-2011 at a rate of nearly 20 percent as vitrectomy volume held steady, laser photocoagulations declined, and PDT procedures increased from a very low tally in Q4-2010.
Posted by druthomas on Thursday 23 February, 2012 01:36 PM
Corporate laser center play an increasingly important role in providing services and creating an efficient market.
Click to read Corporate Laser Centers Grow in Global Importance»
Posted by daveharmon on Thursday 23 February, 2012 01:36 PM
The ASCRS and the AAO have weighed in on billing for laser-assisted cataract surgery procedures, setting limits on upcharges for using the technology.
Click to read ASCRS and AAO Issue Guideline on Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery Billing »
Posted by daveharmon on Thursday 23 February, 2012 01:36 PM
Growth in the global market in ophthalmic surgical instruments will be fueled by increased demand for disposable instruments.
Posted by wfreeman on Thursday 23 February, 2012 01:36 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Mobius Therapeutics, Thrombogenics, Neovista, Genentech, Valeant Pharmaceuticals , Eyetech, Bausch & Lomb, Topcon and Roche.
Click to read February 2012 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Thursday 23 February, 2012 01:36 PM
2011 demand for premium IOLs spurred growth in the global IOL market, while commercialization of the first laser refractive cataract surgery systems resulted in more units sold, more surgeons trained, and more procedures performed than we earlier forecast.
Click to read Premium IOLs Drove 2011 IOL Market»
Posted by wfreeman on Wednesday 25 January, 2012 02:44 PM
2011 saw global growth in the refractive surgery market driven by emerging economies, as markets in wealthy nations experienced more tentative gains (US) or lost momentum (Europe).
Click to read 2011 Refractive Surgery Market Buffeted by Economic Winds»
Posted by daveharmon on Wednesday 25 January, 2012 02:44 PM
In 2011, IVT injections continued to climb and retinal surgeons increasingly used micro-incision surgical techniques and instruments. All the while anticipation built first for CATT results then for Eylea’s eagerly awaited market entry.
Posted by William Freeman and Dru Thomas on Wednesday 25 January, 2012 02:44 PM
In 2011, nearly $350 million in venture capital funded ophthalmic development projects.
Click to read Ophthalmic Ventures Raise Nearly $350 Million for New Product Development in 2011»
Posted by daveharmon on Wednesday 25 January, 2012 02:44 PM
Three new ophthalmic devices gained FDA regulatory approval in 2011 and many important 501(k) clearances were granted.
Click to read FDA Approves Key Ophthalmic Devices in 2011 »
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Wednesday 25 January, 2012 02:44 PM
Only one new ophthalmic pharmaceutical received FDA approval, while approvals were also granted to several generics.
Click to read Only One New Ophthalmic Drug Gets a 2011 FDA Nod»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Wednesday 25 January, 2012 02:44 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Genentech/Roche, Avedro and Thrombogenics.
Click to read January 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Wednesday 25 January, 2012 02:44 PM
Overall, IOL surgery climbed 2.5 percent in Q3-2011 with premium procedures again posting double-digit growth.
Click to read US IOL Procedures Climb by 2.5 Percent in Q3-2011»
Posted by daveharmon on Tuesday 20 December, 2011 03:00 PM
In 2011’s third quarter, total retinal procedure volume rose by more than 11 percent year over year, as IVT injections surged.
Click to read IVT Injections Continue to Drive US Retinal Procedures Higher in Q3-2011»
Posted by druthomas on Tuesday 20 December, 2011 03:00 PM
The global market in dry eye products will see steady, if modest, growth through 2016, much of which will be driven by aging, increased affluence, and access to health care in the developing world.
Click to read Dry Eye Products Market Positioned for Steady Growth»
Posted by daveharmon on Tuesday 20 December, 2011 03:00 PM
Regeneron/Bayer released integrated two-year results for Eylea in wet AMD in the VIEW studies. VA gains were mostly maintained, but a PRN protocol proved less effective than more regular dosing.
Click to read Regeneron & Bayer Release Eylea’s Two-Year Phase III Study Results »
Posted by druthomas on Tuesday 20 December, 2011 03:00 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Avedro, Bausch & Lomb, Laboratoria Pfortner Cornealent SACIF, Waicon, Regeneron, Bayer HealthCare, Alcon and NovaBay Pharmaceuticals.
Click to read December 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Tuesday 20 December, 2011 03:00 PM
After three quarters with procedures inching higher, refractive surgery dips slightly.
Click to read Q3-2011 US Refractive Surgery Recedes Slightly»
Posted by daveharmon on Tuesday 22 November, 2011 01:21 PM
AAO Meeting Focuses on LRCS and Retina Meeting spotlights a wealth of topics.
Click to read Orlando AAO Highlights Laser Cataract Surgery & Retina Pharmaceuticals»
Posted by All on Tuesday 22 November, 2011 01:21 PM
Click to read FDA Approves Regeneron’s Eylea for US Market»
Posted by All on Tuesday 22 November, 2011 01:21 PM
Click to read FDA Effectively Denies Approval for Alimera’s Iluvien»
Posted by All on Tuesday 22 November, 2011 01:21 PM
Click to read Two Promising RP Technologies from Germany »
Posted by All on Tuesday 22 November, 2011 01:21 PM
Posted by All on Tuesday 22 November, 2011 01:21 PM
Minimally-invasive surgical technologies are set to boost the glaucoma device market.
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 22 November, 2011 01:21 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Staar Surgical, Iridex, Alcon, Synergetics and Bausch & Lomb.
Click to read November 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Tuesday 22 November, 2011 01:21 PM
The AAO meeting in Orlando will shine a spotlight on laser refractive cataract surgery and Regeneron’s anti-VEGF fusion protein Eylea, among a wealth of other ophthalmic topics.
Click to read The 2011 AAO Promises Update on New Technologies & Techniques»
Posted by All on Tuesday 11 October, 2011 05:32 PM
Reports of severe eye infections following IVT Avastin injections in 21 AMD patients in three states have prompted the Veteran’s Administration to halt use of IVT Avastin pending a review. Repackaging of the cancer drug into IVT doses appears to be the culprit.
Click to read VA Temporarily Halts Use of IVT Avastin as Repackaging Triggers Safety Issues»
Posted by druthomas on Tuesday 11 October, 2011 05:32 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Santen, Carl Zeiss, IMEX and Bausch & Lomb.
Click to read October 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Tuesday 11 October, 2011 05:32 PM
In Q2-2011 US cataract surgeries with premium IOLs grew at double digit rates as total IOL procedures kept pace with their long-term growth rates.
Click to read Premium IOL Procedures Climb to 14.8 Percent in Q2-2011 »
Posted by daveharmon on Wednesday 28 September, 2011 07:34 PM
The well-attended 2011 ESCRS meeting in Vienna saw a surprising number of new refractive and cataract equipment introductions and demonstrations.
Corneal Inlays
Excimer Laser
Laser-based Presbyopia Treatments
Femtosecond Flaps
Femtosecond Refractive Surgery
Corneal Cross Linking
Dizzying Array of IOLs
Presbyopia-correcting IOLs
Toric IOLs
Phakic IOLs
Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery
New Ultrasonic Phaco Machines
Glaucoma Surgery
Click to read New Product Introductions Abound at ESCRS Meeting»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Wednesday 28 September, 2011 07:34 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Bausch & Lomb, Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH, Optimedica, VisionCare Ophthalmic, Avedro and the latest report from the Inspector General of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Click to read September 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Wednesday 28 September, 2011 07:34 PM
US refractive procedure volume rose in Q2-2011 but failed to meet expectations, paralleling continued weakness in the US economy and spurring a downward revision of our forecast.
Click to read US Refractive Surgery Market Still Sputtering»
Posted by daveharmon on Thursday 25 August, 2011 02:34 PM
Q2-2011’s survey of retina specialists indicates a slowing of the significant growth in IVT injections that has been experienced in recent quarters. Vitrectomy numbers edged up, while laser photocoagulation and PDT procedures further declined.
Click to read Increases in US IVT Injections Slowed in Q2-2011»
Posted by druthomas on Thursday 25 August, 2011 02:34 PM
Click to read FDA Decision on Eylea (VEGF Trap-Eye) Postponed»
Posted by All on Thursday 25 August, 2011 02:34 PM
More than 470 ophthalmic diagnostic products are expected to generate $2.3 billion in revenue this year. Our 2011 Comprehensive Report on the Global Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment Market will be released by the end of the summer.
Click to read 2011 Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment Market Expected to Reach $2.3 Billion»
Posted by daveharmon on Thursday 25 August, 2011 02:34 PM
IOL companies are currently trying to reinvigorate the new technology IOL (NTIOL) designation based on several claims.
Click to read IOL Companies Hope to Reclaim US NTIOL Status»
Posted by wfreeman on Thursday 25 August, 2011 02:34 PM
This month's news includes the latest from PowerVision, Abbott Medical Optics, ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Merge Healthcare and Ophthalmic Imaging Systems.
Click to read August 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Thursday 25 August, 2011 02:34 PM
New ophthalmic diagnostic technologies are advancing care, particularly when they work in synergy with new treatment paradigms.
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 25 July, 2011 03:44 PM
This market will be buoyed by increasing ophthalmic surgical procedures worldwide and fear of cross-contamination, but growth in some segments will be constrained by greater use of micro-surgical techniques.
Click to read Modest Growth Forecast for the Single-Use Ophthalmic Surgical Device Market»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 25 July, 2011 03:44 PM
Many of the NHS’s PCTs have raised the visual acuity threshold for cataract surgery in an effort to control costs, denying or delaying surgery for thousands of UK residents.
Click to read UK Takes Steps to Ration Cataract Surgery by Changing Visual Acuity Thresholds»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 25 July, 2011 03:44 PM
The FDA granted few regulatory approvals to ophthalmic devices during the past eight months. Review times increased nearly 60 percent from 2005 to 2010.
Click to read Few FDA Regulatory Approvals for Ophthalmic Devices »
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 25 July, 2011 03:44 PM
Generics and labeling changes have dominated FDA regulatory approvals for ophthalmic drugs thus far in 2011, but many await the likely approval of Eylea (VEGF Trap-Eye) later this year.
Posted by druthomas on Monday 25 July, 2011 03:44 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Transcend Medical, SARcode Bioscience, Ivantis, MicroLabs and Bausch & Lomb.
Click to read July 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Monday 25 July, 2011 03:44 PM
The FDA advisory panel recommended approval of Regeneron’s VEGF Trap-Eye for wet AMD. The fusion protein is likely to become a serious challenger to Genentech’s Lucentis and off-label IVT Avastin.
Posted by druthomas on Sunday 26 June, 2011 03:55 PM
Premium IOL procedures approached 15 percent of all US IOL procedures during Q1-2011.
Click to read US Premium IOL Procedures Climb in Q1-2011»
Posted by daveharmon on Sunday 26 June, 2011 03:55 PM
In Q1-2011, refractive surgeries showed rather anemic improvement, as the consumer confidence index again dipped during this protracted recession.
Click to read Refractive Surgery Shows Weak Improvement in Q1-2011»
Posted by daveharmon on Sunday 26 June, 2011 03:55 PM
Is LASIK yesterday’s technology or is it poised for recovery? Both arguments raise valid issues.
Click to read Is LASIK Yesterday’s Technology or is it Poised for Recovery?»
Posted by daveharmon on Sunday 26 June, 2011 03:55 PM
Our new 2011 Comprehensive Report on the Global Cataract Equipment Market forecasts the five-year impact of laser refractive cataract surgery in wealthier nations and the conversion to ultrasonic phaco in emerging markets.
Click to read Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery to Expand Cataract Equipment Market»
Posted by wfreeman on Sunday 26 June, 2011 03:55 PM
This month's news includes the latest from CROMA, Bausch & Lomb, Merge Healthcare, Ophthalmic Imaging Systems, Alcon, NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer and pSivida.
Click to read June 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Sunday 26 June, 2011 03:55 PM
The number of IVT injections in the US continued to climb, as Avastin’s share declined somewhat and Lucentis’ share increased.
Click to read US Market for Retina Treatments Continues to Grow Due to Increased Use of Anti-VEGFs»
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 23 May, 2011 07:53 PM
The Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) offered a window on cutting edge eye science and medicine plus clinical trials updates for retinal agents.
CATT, Lucentis & Avastin
VEGF Trap-Eye
Other AMD & DME Clinical Trials
Investigational Glaucoma Therapies
Dry AMD
Genetics & Genomics
Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine
Posted by druthomas on Monday 23 May, 2011 07:53 PM
Click to read Investigational Glaucoma Pharmaceuticals at ARVO»
Posted by druthomas on Monday 23 May, 2011 07:53 PM
Click to read Market Scope Introduces New Online Survey Application»
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 23 May, 2011 07:53 PM
Our new 2011 Comprehensive Report on the Global IOL Market forecasts significant revenue growth in the next five years.
Click to read Annual Global IOL Revenue Growth Forecast at 7.6 Percent through 2016»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 23 May, 2011 07:53 PM
Click to read May 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by katiec on Monday 23 May, 2011 07:53 PM
The ASCRS meeting was abuzz with interest in laser refractive cataract surgery (LRCS). IOLs, alternative presbyopia surgical technologies, and new glaucoma surgical devices also garnered attention. This article covers the following ASCRS topics:
Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery
Presbyopia Correction
Other IOLs
Corneal Inlays
Other Presbyopia Techniques
Femtosecond Refractive Surgery
Excimer Lasers
Corneal Crosslinking
Glaucoma Day
Click to read Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery Headlines ASCRS Meeting»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Wednesday 13 April, 2011 02:41 PM
Our new 2011 Comprehensive Report on the Global Presbyopia Market forecasts significant growth in the next five years.
Click to read Presbyopia Surgery Market Poised for Rapid Growth»
Posted by daveharmon on Wednesday 13 April, 2011 02:41 PM
Rigorous FDA investigation of LASIK falls short in serving the public, doctors, and industry.
Click to read ASCRS FDA Session on LASIK Underscores the Agency’s Disconnect with Reality»
Posted by daveharmon on Wednesday 13 April, 2011 02:41 PM
Scientists, glaucoma specialists, and start-up company executives discussed the potential for new minimally-invasive glaucoma surgical devices at the third annual Cutting Edge meeting held before the American Glaucoma Society convention.
Click to read Cutting Edge 3 Meeting Explores New Minimally-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery Devices»
Posted by wfreeman on Wednesday 13 April, 2011 02:41 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Merck, Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Alcon, Bausch & Lomb and Technolas Perfect Vision.
Click to read April 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Wednesday 13 April, 2011 02:41 PM
The rate of growth in cataract surgery matched expectations in Q4-2010 after the disruptions to the normal growth patterns earlier in 2010.
Click to read Cataract Surgery Growth Rate Matches Expectations at 3.2 Percent in Q4-2010 »
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 14 March, 2011 08:46 PM
The upcoming ASCRS meeting focuses much attention on PC-IOLs, the promise of the new laser refractive cataract surgery, corneal inlays, and new glaucoma surgical devices. We preview the meeting in this issue and offer a clip-out page of sessions to look for when you arrive at the meeting.
Presbyopia-Correcting IOLs
Surgical Treatment of Astigmatism
Phakic IOLs
Advances in Cataract Surgery
Advances in glaucoma surgery
Excimer laser refractive surgery
Corneal inlays & scleral implants
Dry eye
Femtosecond refractive surgery
IntraCor intrastromal ablation
Corneal crosslinking
Click to read ASCRS Meeting Promises the Latest on Technologies that Promise to Change the Industry»
Posted by All on Monday 14 March, 2011 08:46 PM
Click to read March 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Monday 14 March, 2011 08:46 PM
The US refractive surgery market showed signs of improvement in Q4-2010, though the unemployment rate is expected to constrain the rate of growth through the balance of 2011. Nonetheless, Market Scope has raised its 2011 forecast.
Click to read Q4-2010 US Refractive Surgery Up 7.5 Percent »
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 28 February, 2011 12:50 PM
In Q4-2010, IVT injections continued to climb as laser photocoagulation procedures slipped and PDT procedures dropped precipitously. Vitrectomies fell very slightly during the quarter.
Click to read Q4-2010 IVT Injections Increase 10.5 Percent Over Q4-2009 Tallies»
Posted by druthomas on Monday 28 February, 2011 12:50 PM
As the difficult economic period for laser vision correction begins to abate, we offer capsule profiles of seven of the leading global corporate laser centers.
Click to read Corporate Laser Centers Search for Success in Challenging Markets»
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 28 February, 2011 12:50 PM
We expect newer devices entering the market beginning in 2011 to fuel yearly global revenue growth of 9 percent in the retinal surgical device market.
Click to read Newer Devices Will Drive Future Revenue Growth in the Retinal Surgical Device Market »
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 28 February, 2011 12:50 PM
This month's news news briefs include news from Aquesys, Regeneron, Bayer Healthcare, Genentech, Bausch + Lomb and SarCode Corporation.
Click to read February 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Monday 28 February, 2011 12:50 PM
In 2010, the refractive market remained under pressure in the US and other wealthy nations due to weakened economic conditions, but growing demand in emerging economies more than offset these declines.
Click to read Emerging Markets Drive 2010 Refractive Market Growth »
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 24 January, 2011 08:49 PM
Demand for PC-IOLs and other special purpose IOLs drove growth in the IOL industry during 2010.
Click to read Growth in IOL Industry Driven by Premium Special-Purpose Lenses in 2010»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 24 January, 2011 08:49 PM
2010 saw rapid growth in the number of intravitreal injections, but the soaring volume magnified questions about the risks, the costs, and the sustainability of the trend.
Click to read 2010 IVT Injections Soar and Raise Troubling Questions »
Posted by druthomas on Monday 24 January, 2011 08:49 PM
In 2010, seven ophthalmic devices achieved FDA regulatory approval and four important 510(k) clearances were granted.
Click to read New Ophthalmic Devices Get FDA Nod in 2010»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Monday 24 January, 2011 08:49 PM
The FDA approved seven ophthalmic drugs for commercialization in the US.
Click to read FDA Approves Seven Ophthalmic Drugs in 2010»
Posted by druthomas on Monday 24 January, 2011 08:49 PM
Eleven ophthalmic firms developing products received venture-capital infusions during 2010.
Click to read Despite the Economy, 2010 Was a Big Year for Funding Ophthalmic Ventures»
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 24 January, 2011 08:49 PM
This month's news briefs include news from Alimera Sciences, Alcon, Novartis, Bausch & Lomb, TrueVision 3D Surgical, Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., and New Leaf Venture Partners.
Click to read January 2011 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Monday 24 January, 2011 08:49 PM
In the ongoing saga of the flawed Medicare SGR formula, another extension is on the horizon—this time for 12 months.
Click to read SGR Crisis Triggers Yet Another Fix»
Posted by daveharmon on Wednesday 15 December, 2010 07:25 PM
NTIOL designations for IOLs with aspheric optics are set to expire in February, along with their added $50 ASC reimbursement.
Click to read NTIOL Provision Set to Expire in February of 2011»
Posted by wfreeman on Wednesday 15 December, 2010 07:25 PM
As the US faces temporary congressional fixes for scheduled cuts in Medicare reimbursements, cataract surgeons in other countries are also coping with cuts in reimbursements.
Click to read Declines in Cataract Surgery Reimbursements are Felt Worldwide»
Posted by wfreeman on Wednesday 15 December, 2010 07:25 PM
Genentech continues to invite controversy with a secret rebate program, as attention to the price disparity between IVT Avastin and Lucentis raises questions about the costs of efficacy.
Click to read Genentech’s Actions Continue to Spark Controversy»
Posted by druthomas on Wednesday 15 December, 2010 07:25 PM
Driven by disposable products, compounded annual growth in the surgical instruments market is forecast at 5.1 percent through 2015.
Click to read Disposable Instruments will Fuel Global Market Growth in Surgical Instruments »
Posted by wfreeman on Wednesday 15 December, 2010 07:25 PM
Emerging markets will lead compounded annual 7.1 percent growth in the global refractive surgery market during the next five years.
Click to read Emerging Markets Drive Growth in Refractive Surgery»
Posted by daveharmon on Wednesday 15 December, 2010 07:25 PM
Click to read December 2010 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Wednesday 15 December, 2010 07:25 PM
Increases in US cataract surgery lagged expectations during the third quarter of 2010, as cataract surgeons and patients alike were stymied by uncertainty over the SGR formula for Medicare reimbursement cuts and failure of the US Congress to address the matter with anything more than short-term postponements.
Click to read Growth Rates for US IOL Procedures Lag Expectations at 1.6 Percent in Q3-2010»
Posted by katiec on Tuesday 23 November, 2010 08:01 PM
Refractive surgery volume continues its slide at 6.4 percent during 2010’s third quarter, but 18 percent of survey respondents report an increase in volume.
Click to read Q3-2010 US Refractive Surgery Falls Another 6.4 Percent »
Posted by katiec on Tuesday 23 November, 2010 07:40 PM
Rapidly increasing IVT injection volume drove better than 10 percent growth in all retinal procedures during Q3-2010, while PDT and laser photocoagulation procedures declined and vitrectomy numbers held steady.
Click to read IVT Injections of Anti-VEGFs Continue to Drive Increases in Retinal Procedure Volume »
Posted by katiec on Tuesday 23 November, 2010 07:17 PM
This month's news briefs include news from Bayer HealthCare, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Avedro, Bausch + Lomb and also updates the status of the temporary postponement of the cuts in phyiscian reimbursements that are scheduled to take effect on December 1.
Click to read November 2010 News Briefs»
Posted by katiec on Tuesday 23 November, 2010 06:01 PM
This year’s meeting was particularly busy with cataract/IOL and retina topics. We review some of the hottest topics and most pivotal sessions in IOLs and cataract surgery, refractive surgery, retinal pharmaceuticals and biotech, retinal surgery, and glaucoma. We also offer six of the meeting's top themes, as well as several short pieces gleaned from this year’s AAO meeting: "Turbulent Times in the Ophthalmic Industry," "Two Retinal Prostheses Readying to Enter Europe’s Market," and "Retinopathy of Prematurity on the Rise."
Click to read AAO Chalks Up Successful 2010 Meeting»
Posted by All on Monday 8 November, 2010 01:08 PM
AAO sessions offered ample exploration of presbyopia-correcting and phakic IOLs and of cataract surgical techniques, and the new laser refractive cataract surgery technology was one of the hottest topics at the meeting.
Click to read 2010 AAO - IOLS & CATARACT SURGERY»
Posted by All on Monday 8 November, 2010 01:08 PM
Refractive surgery was a common topic at the AAO with a two-day long subspecialty session kicking off the meeting and several symposia dedicated to related topics such as presbyopia. Papers focused on new refractive laser development efforts and corneal inlays were especially popular subjects. In addition, new excimer lasers and flap makers from Alcon and Schwind attracted much attention on the exhibit floor.
Click to read 2010 AAO - REFRACTIVE SURGERY»
Posted by All on Monday 8 November, 2010 01:08 PM
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was an age of wisdom, it was an age of foolishness...” Late in Friday’s Subspecialty Day program, Scott Cousins, MD, used the famous opening line from Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities as an apt characterization of the current environment in retinal medicine.
Click to read 2010 AAO-RETINAL PHARMA & BIOTECH»
Posted by All on Monday 8 November, 2010 01:08 PM
Retinal surgery topics included micro-incision vitreoretinal surgery with 23-gauge and 25-gauge instruments, the shift of more retinal surgeries to ASCs and the possibilities of in-office surgeries, and the introduction of a new combination vitrectomy/cataract system designed to take advantage of increasing ASC use in the retinal subspecialty.
Click to read 2010 AAO - RETINAL SURGERY»
Posted by All on Monday 8 November, 2010 01:08 PM
Glaucoma's one day subspecialty program revisited the debate about filtering surgeries vs. shunts and spent limited time on new drainage devices and investigational pharmaceuticals.
Click to read 2010 AAO - Glaucoma»
Posted by All on Monday 8 November, 2010 01:08 PM
Daunting challenges face the ophthalmic industry that promise to change the landscape significantly for most participants: ophthalmologists, manufacturers, scientists/researchers, and patients.
Click to read Turbulent Times for Ophthalmologists and the Industry Were Apparent at the AAO»
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 8 November, 2010 01:08 PM
At least 23 research teams are currently working on retinal prosthesis projects in various parts of the world, and two of these projects are nearing key regulatory approvals and ultimate commercialization.
Click to read Two Retinal Prostheses May Enter Europe’s Market Within Little More than a Year»
Posted by druthomas on Monday 8 November, 2010 01:08 PM
Retinopathy of prematurity is increasing both in the US and elsewhere in the world. Anti-VEGFs are showing some success in addressing this phenomenon.
Click to read Retinopathy of Prematurity on the Rise»
Posted by druthomas on Monday 8 November, 2010 01:08 PM
The summit, which immediately preceded the AAO, spotlighted development-stage ophthalmic companies. Venture capital firms, ophthalmologists, and consultants attended.
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 8 November, 2010 01:08 PM
The advent of current anti-VEGF treatments has spurred dramatic growth and huge wave of pipeline agents. Our updated report on the market is now available.
Click to read Annual Retinal Pharmaceutical Market Expected to Grow at 8.3 Percent Through 2015»
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 8 November, 2010 01:08 PM
This month's news briefs include news from TLC Vision, LCA-Vision, Heidelberg Engineering and Bausch + Lomb.
Click to read November 2010 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Monday 8 November, 2010 01:08 PM
Q2-2010 retina procedures increased by more than 14 percent from Q2-2009, while IVT injections rose by 23 percent.
Click to read IVT Injections Increased by 23 Percent During 2010's Second Quarter»
Posted by daveharmon on Thursday 7 October, 2010 05:27 PM
This year’s meeting features an agenda particularly busy with cataract/IOL and retina topics and evidencing the blurring lines between cataract surgeons and refractive surgeons.
Click to read What's Coming Up at the AAO?»
Posted by All on Thursday 7 October, 2010 05:27 PM
(巨大的亞洲會議在京眼)
The Beijing meeting included session topics ranging from treatments with traditional Chinese medicine to the latest cutting edge technologies.
Click to read APAO & COS Hold Joint Meeting in Beijing»
Posted by daveharmon on Thursday 7 October, 2010 05:27 PM
Click to read China Offers Significant Market Opportunity in Ophthalmology in the Coming Decade »
Posted by daveharmon on Thursday 7 October, 2010 05:27 PM
Former FDA panel member challenges LASIK’s safety and the ASCRS Ectasia Registry.
Click to read LASIK Safety Questions Fueled by One-time FDA Panel Leader»
Posted by daveharmon on Thursday 7 October, 2010 05:27 PM
Innovative glaucoma drainage devices are expected to stimulate demand in the glaucoma surgical device market through 2015.
Click to read Glaucoma Surgery Options To Grow Over Next Five Years»
Posted by wfreeman on Thursday 7 October, 2010 05:27 PM
This month's news briefs include news from Abbott, Alcon, Novartis, Topcon, oculentis, Burkl, and Bausch & Lomb.
Click to read October 2010 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Thursday 7 October, 2010 05:27 PM
After two quarters of record increases, the growth rate for US cataract surgeries slowed in Q2-2010.
Click to read Q2-2010 US IOL Growth Rate Slows to 1.1 Percent»
Posted by daveharmon on Tuesday 28 September, 2010 01:03 PM
The US refractive surgery market continued its decline in Q2-2010, but the decrease was much smaller than in 2008 and 2009.
Click to read Q2-2010 Refractive Surgery Slips Another 3.9 Percent»
Posted by daveharmon on Tuesday 28 September, 2010 01:03 PM
The ESCRS meeting in Paris featured new lasers and much discussion of laser refractive cataract surgery, along with a busy agenda of premium IOL presentations, cautionary tales about prophylactic use of anti-infectives, and much, much more.
Click to read ESCRS Meeting Showcases New Lasers and Premium IOLs»
Posted by daveharmon on Tuesday 28 September, 2010 01:03 PM
Modest growth forecast through 2015 for single-use ophthalmic surgical products.
Click to read Modest Growth Forecast for the Single-Use Ophthalmic Surgical Device Market»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 28 September, 2010 01:03 PM
Click to read Alcon Completes LenSx Acquisition»
Posted by daveharmon on Tuesday 28 September, 2010 01:03 PM
Dry eye market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7.8 percent through 2015.
Click to read Global Dry Eye Market Expected to Grow at a Rate of 7.8 Percent Through 2015»
Posted by daveharmon on Tuesday 28 September, 2010 01:03 PM
Glaukos iStent nears the finish line in gaining FDA regulatory approval.
Click to read Ophthalmic Device Panel Recommends Approval for Glaukos Glaucoma Stent»
Posted by daveharmon on Tuesday 28 September, 2010 01:03 PM
New combination cataract-vitrectomy system is now available to retinal surgeons.
Click to read Bausch + Lomb Launches Stellaris PC»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 28 September, 2010 01:03 PM
Impressive clinical trial results win another label indication for Lucentis.
Click to read Lucentis Gains FDA Approval for Treatment of RVO»
Posted by druthomas on Tuesday 28 September, 2010 01:03 PM
Development program for Investigational dry eye pharmaceutical ends and Inspire's amends agreement with Allergan.
Click to read Inspire Halts Prolacria Development»
Posted by druthomas on Tuesday 28 September, 2010 01:03 PM
Click to read September 2010 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Tuesday 28 September, 2010 01:03 PM
The much-anticipated laser refractive cataract surgery technology is poised to launch this year and has unleashed a bloggers’ stream of pros and cons.
Click to read Expectations for Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 19 July, 2010 01:51 PM
IVT injections and vitrectomy volume increased in Q1-2010, as laser photocoaguation and PDT declined.
Click to read Market for Retina Products Increasingly Complex»
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 19 July, 2010 01:51 PM
Alcon has announced purchase plans for LenSx Lasers and its femtosecond LRCS technology.
Click to read Alcon to Acquire LenSx Lasers»
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 19 July, 2010 01:51 PM
After a long wait, the device for end-stage AMD gains pre-market clearance.
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 19 July, 2010 01:51 PM
Greater health care access in the developing world and the new LRCS technology will spur market growth.
Posted by wfreeman on Monday 19 July, 2010 01:51 PM
Demographic shifts as well as economic pressures may be affecting the LASIK market .
Click to read LASIK Patient Demographics Are Shifting»
Posted by daveharmon on Monday 19 July, 2010 01:51 PM
Alcon’s independent directors get a war chest and a favorable Swiss legal opinion.
Click to read Alcon's Independent Directors Could Foil Terms of Novartis' Merger Plan»
Posted by druthomas on Monday 19 July, 2010 01:51 PM
This month's news briefs include news from the US Congress, Genentech, pSivida Corp., Alimera Sciences, and Glaukos.
Click to read July 2010 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Monday 19 July, 2010 01:51 PM
US IOL procedures volume rose a significant 4.6 percent in Q1-2010 over Q1-2009's total.
Click to read Q1-2010 US IOL Procedures Climb 4.6 Percent»
Posted by daveanddru on Tuesday 22 June, 2010 12:31 PM
RoundTable Healthcare will acquire BD Ophthalmic Systems and several product platforms from Becton Dickinson.
Click to read RoundTable Healthcare Partners to Acquire BD Ophthalmic Systems»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 22 June, 2010 12:31 PM
Bausch & Lomb launches a new combo phaco and vitrectomy system.
Click to read Bausch & Lomb Launches Stellaris PC Vision Enhancement System»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 22 June, 2010 12:31 PM
Femtosecond lasers have become the standard of care for LASIK in the US, while their use expands elsewhere in the world and new applications are found.
Click to read Femtosecond Lasers Evolve to Standard of Care for LASIK in the US»
Posted by daveanddru on Tuesday 22 June, 2010 12:31 PM
New competitors in the US IOL market are likely to challenge the market leaders in the years ahead.
Click to read Newcomers to US IOL Market Pose a Future Challenge to Market Leaders’ Dominance»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 22 June, 2010 12:31 PM
We expect IOL unit sales to reach about 19.3 million worldwide in 2010, generating revenues of about $2.27 billion.
Click to read Annual Global IOL Market Growth of 8.1 Percent Forecast Through 2015»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 22 June, 2010 12:31 PM
This month's news briefs include news from LensAR, Bausch & Lomb, Sirion Therapeutics, QLT, Thrombogenics, and TLC Vision.
Click to read June 2010 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Tuesday 22 June, 2010 12:31 PM
US laser refractive surgery volume declined 0.9 percent from Q1-2009 to Q1-2010, a much smaller decline than in the previous eight quarters and an early sign that recovery may be beginning.
Click to read Q1-2010 Refractive Surgery Slips Only 1.5 Percent»
Posted by daveanddru on Tuesday 18 May, 2010 12:40 PM
ARVO’s 2010 annual meeting returned to Fort Lauderdale, FL earlier this month. In this edition, we report on a selection of presentations at this international meeting that highlights scientific research into vision and ophthalmic disease. See also several short online articles from ARVO accompanying this coverage.
Posted by druthomas on Tuesday 18 May, 2010 12:40 PM
Researchers found a significant association between nicotine use and a failure to respond to VEGF inhibition.
Click to read 2010 ARVO Meeting: Nicotine and Anti-VEGF Therapy»
Posted by druthomas on Tuesday 18 May, 2010 12:40 PM
During the ARVO meeting, two-year results were announced for the DRCR Network's DME clinical trial evaluating treatment with Lucentis, Triamcinolone, and laser photocoaguation.
Click to read 2010 ARVO Meeting: Laser/Lucentis/Triamcinolone Clinical Trial for DME»
Posted by druthomas on Tuesday 18 May, 2010 12:40 PM
Glaucoma was a topic of many ARVO sessions. Two of the many approaches to treatment discussed at the meeting were Rho-kinase inhibition and early animal studies in optic nerve regeneration.
Click to read 2010 ARVO Meeting: Research on Glaucoma Therapies»
Posted by druthomas on Tuesday 18 May, 2010 12:40 PM
US Congressional actions challenge Medicare pay for doctors in these difficult times.
Click to read Another Short-Term Reprieve Extends US Medicare Uncertainty»
Posted by daveanddru on Tuesday 18 May, 2010 12:40 PM
Newer retinal surgical device technologies to drive global market growth at a CAGR of more than 8 percent over the next five years.
Click to read Newer Retinal Surgical Devices Will Drive Future Revenue Growth»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 18 May, 2010 12:40 PM
Ophthalmologists and industry participants from all over the world are expected to attend the 32nd World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) in Berlin on June 5 thru 9.
Click to read 2010 World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) Meets Next Month in Berlin»
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 18 May, 2010 12:40 PM
This month's issue includes the latest news from Alcon, TLC Vision and Genentech Roche.
Click to read May 2010 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Tuesday 18 May, 2010 12:40 PM
The 2010 ASCRS meeting in Boston broke attendance records. In this edition we report on the wealth of information at the meeting.
Click to read 2010 ASCRS Meeting Attracts Record-Breaking Crowd »
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Tuesday 27 April, 2010 03:58 PM
Significant interest in the premium IOL market and the promise of the new femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery generated large crowds at many sessions of this year’s ASCRS meeting. Cataract and IOL-related topics were many and varied.
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 27 April, 2010 03:58 PM
Increased use of SLT, new glaucoma drainage devices, and issues associated with cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma drew a sizable crowd to the ASCRS' Glaucoma Day program.
Posted by wfreeman on Tuesday 27 April, 2010 03:58 PM
Femtosecond technology, corneal inlays, multifocal ablations, and corneal crosslinking were among the topics that garnered the attention of refractive surgeons at the meeting.
Posted by daveanddru on Tuesday 27 April, 2010 03:58 PM
ArcScan demonstrated its new Artemis ultrasound and Sensomotoric Instruments showed their new Surgery Guidance System. The ORange intraoperative aberrometer generated much interest at WaveTec Vision Systems' booth on the exhibit floor.
Click to read 2010 ASCRS Meeting: Special Report on Diagnostic Equipment at the 2010 ASCRS»
Posted by daveanddru on Tuesday 27 April, 2010 03:58 PM
Market Scope expects the young market of varied presbyopia surgery technologies to grow nearly 10 fold by 2020.
Posted by daveanddru on Tuesday 27 April, 2010 03:58 PM
This month's issue includes the latest news from Alimera Sciences, Thrombogenics, Bausch & Lomb, Santen Pharmaceuticals, Novagali, and Sanofi-Aventis.
Click to read April 2010 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Tuesday 27 April, 2010 03:58 PM
In Q4-2009, IOL procedure volume climbed 4.7 percent and demand for PC-IOLs rose to 6.7 percent of IOL procedures as patients returned to their doctors for the procedures many may have previously postponed.
Click to read Q4-2009 IOL Procedures Soar 4.7 Percent»
Posted by daveanddru on Monday 15 March, 2010 05:28 PM
The upcoming ASCRS meeting promises a wealth of informative sessions and highlights the increasing overlap in cataract and refractive surgeries. Glaucoma, too, gets close scrutiny. We preview the meeting in this issue and offer a page of sessions to look for when you arrive at the meeting. Topics include:
Click to read Upcoming ASCRS Brings the Merging of Cataract and Refractive Specialties into Focus»
Posted by David Harmon and William Freeman on Monday 15 March, 2010 05:28 PM
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery received much attention at Aspen’s Invitational Refractive Symposium.
Click to read Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Debated at AIRS Meeting»
Posted by daveanddru on Monday 15 March, 2010 05:28 PM
This month's news includes the latest from Bausch & Lomb, NicOx S.A., Staar Surgical, Domilens GmbH, and Abbott Medical Optics.
Click to read March 2010 News Briefs»
Posted by All on Monday 15 March, 2010 05:28 PM
Refractive surgery volumes continued their decline as demand for the procedures fell out of step with US consumer confidence measures.
Click to read Q4-2009 Refractive Surgery Down 10.5 Percent»
Posted by daveanddru on Tuesday 16 February, 2010 01:19 PM
During this severe and long-lasting recession, corporate laser centers have been particularly hard hit as many have faced drastic cost cutting, laser center closings, and bankruptcy.
Click to read Economic Distress Takes a Toll on Corporate Laser Refractive Business»
Posted by daveanddru on Tuesday 16 February, 2010 01:19 PM
An aging population and accelerating increases in cases of diabetic retinopathy are causing the number of retinal IVT injections to soar, while improved surgical techniques and technology have combined with these factors to drive increases in vitrectomy procedures.
Click to read The Latest Techniques & Technologies Spark New Retinal Treatment Realities»
Posted by daveanddru on Tuesday 16 February, 2010 01:19 PM
Alcon’s recent asset acquisitions from Sirion Therapeutics are the latest in an abundance of acquisitions, licensing agreements and collaborations in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical industry.
Posted by druthomas on Tuesday 16 February, 2010 01:19 PM