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Horowitz JD, Adeghate JO, Karani R, Henriquez DR, Gorroochurn P, Sharma T, Park L, Wang Q, Diamond DF, Harizman N, Auran JD, Maruri SC, Liebmann JM, Cioffi GA, Hark LA. Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-Up Study: (NYC-SIGHT)Tele-Retinal Image Findings and Importance of Photography. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:664-676. [PMID: 37651209 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To describe tele-retinal abnormality image findings from the Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-up Study (NYC-SIGHT), which aims to investigate whether community-based eye health outreach strategies using telemedicine can improve visual outcomes among at-risk populations in Upper Manhattan. Methods: A 5-year prospective, cluster-randomized clinical trial was conducted. Eligible individuals aged 40 years and older were recruited from affordable housing developments and senior centers in New York City. Participants underwent on-site eye health screening (best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure [IOP] measurements, and fundus photography). Fundus images were graded via telemedicine by a retina specialist. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to assess the factors associated with abnormal retinal findings requiring referral to ophthalmology. Results: Participants with a retinal abnormality on fundus photography (n = 157) were predominantly older adults, with a mean age of 68.4 ± 11.1 years, female (63.7%), African American (50.3%), and Hispanic (43.3%). A total of 32 participants in our study passed the vision and IOP screening but had an abnormal retinal image and ocular pathology that would have been missed without fundus photography. Individuals who self-identified as having preexisting glaucoma (odds ratio [OR] = 3.749, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.741-8.074, p = 0.0001) and had severe vision impairment (OR = 4.1034, 95% CI = 2.0740-8.1186, p = 0.000) at the screening had significantly higher odds of having an abnormal retinal image. Conclusion: This community-based study targeted populations at-risk for eye disease, improved access to eye care, detected a significant number of retinal image abnormalities requiring follow-up by using telemedicine, and provided evidence of the importance of fundus photography during eye health screenings. CTR number: NCT04271709.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason D Horowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer O Adeghate
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rabia Karani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Desiree R Henriquez
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Prakash Gorroochurn
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tarun Sharma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lisa Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel F Diamond
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Noga Harizman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - James D Auran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stefania C Maruri
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Liebmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - George A Cioffi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lisa A Hark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Archambault SD, Nichols MM, McCullum JC, Zhang Y, Steinberger EE, Ramsey DJ. Patient adherence to therapy after switch to aflibercept from bevacizumab or ranibizumab for treatment-refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Indian J Ophthalmol 2024; 72:S101-S105. [PMID: 38131550 PMCID: PMC10833157 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_1795_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical trials have demonstrated that switching patients from intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) or ranibizumab (IVR) to aflibercept (IVA) for treatment-refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) can decrease the injection frequency. This study evaluated whether there was a difference in the rate of injections or nonadherent events after switching therapies. METHODS The study comprised a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of patients treated for nAMD from 2010 to 2018 who received ≥3 intravitreal injections of IVB/IVR prior to switching to IVA because of treatment-refractory nAMD. The treatment index, outcomes, and adherence to treatment were compared between both treatment regimens. RESULTS Sixty-two patients (67 eyes) met inclusion criteria. There was no change in the treatment index (0.65 versus 0.66, P = 0.650) or the number of nonadherent events (33 versus 36, P = 0.760) after the switch from IVB/IVR to IVA. Central macular thickness (CMT) increased 7.7%±13.8% in eyes that had a nonadherent event (283±69 µm to 304±75 µm after resuming care, P = 0.039). There was no short-term impact on visual acuity (VA) for this subset of eyes (0.387±0.202 LogMAR versus 0.365±0.156 LogMAR, P = 0.636). Patients who had nonadherent events ended the study with similar VA compared with patients who had no treatment lapses (0.370±0.616 LogMAR versus 0.337±0.638 LogMAR, P = 0.843). CONCLUSION Switching from IVB/ IVR to IVA for treatment-refractory nAMD in a real-world setting does not reduce the treatment index or increase adherence to treatment. Although there were short-term anatomical effects resulting from missed treatments, VA remained stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D Archambault
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan M Nichols
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James C McCullum
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yubo Zhang
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA, USA
- Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Elise E Steinberger
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David J Ramsey
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Clark KK, Gutierrez J, Cody JR, Padilla BI. Implementation of Diabetic Retinopathy Screening in Adult Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in a Primary Care Setting. Clin Diabetes 2023; 42:223-231. [PMID: 38694241 PMCID: PMC11060615 DOI: 10.2337/cd23-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes and the leading cause of blindness globally. Although diabetes-related eye exams are widely recognized as an effective method for early detection of DR, which can help to prevent eventual vision loss, adherence to screening exams in the United States is suboptimal. This article describes a quality improvement project to increase DR screening rates and increase knowledge and awareness of DR in adults with type 2 diabetes in a primary care setting using mobile DR screening units. This project addressed gaps of care and demonstrated that primary care settings can increase access to DR screening through a patient-centered process and thereby help to prevent irreversible outcomes of DR and improve quality of life.
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Szulborski KJ, Gumustop S, Lasalle CC, Hughes K, Roh S, Ramsey DJ. Factors Associated with Utilization of Teleretinal Imaging in a Hospital-Based Primary Care Setting. Vision (Basel) 2023; 7:53. [PMID: 37606499 PMCID: PMC10443374 DOI: 10.3390/vision7030053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Regular eye examinations to screen for the initial signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR) are crucial for preventing vision loss. Teleretinal imaging (TRI) offered in a primary care setting provides a means to improve adherence to DR screening, particularly for patients who face challenges in visiting eye care providers regularly. The present study evaluates the utilization of TRI to screen for DR in an outpatient, hospital-based primary care clinic. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) but without DR were eligible for point-of-care screening facilitated by their primary care provider, utilizing a non-mydriatic, handheld fundus camera. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were extracted from the electronic medical record. Patients who underwent TRI were more likely to be male, non-White, and have up-to-date monitoring and treatment measures, including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), microalbumin, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, in accordance with Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) guidelines. Our findings demonstrate that TRI can reduce screening costs compared to a strategy where all patients are referred for in-person eye examinations. A net present value (NPV) analysis indicates that a screening site reaches the break-even point of operation within one year if an average of two patients are screened per workday.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira J. Szulborski
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA 01960, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Selin Gumustop
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA 01960, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Claudia C. Lasalle
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA 01960, USA
| | - Kate Hughes
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA 01960, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Shiyoung Roh
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA 01960, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - David J. Ramsey
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA 01960, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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Munzar R, Anaya JA, Lasalle C, Roh S, Ramsey DJ. Effectiveness and Financial Viability of Telehealth Physician Extenders for Re-Engagement of Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:1195-1202. [PMID: 36637801 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the effectiveness and financial implications of employing a telehealth physician extender program to re-engage patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) who are lost to follow-up (LTF). Methods: Established patients with DR unevaluated in the prior 12 months were identified as LTF, and randomized to receive a recall intervention or standard operating procedure (SOP). For the intervention, a telehealth physician extender performed outbound calls, offering each patient a symptom screening questionnaire following a physician-directed escalation pathway and assistance in scheduling a return appointment. All patients retained the ability to schedule an appointment by means of SOP. Appointment schedule and adherence rates were assessed 30 days after a 6-week intervention period. Call times were digitally measured to estimate intervention labor cost. Results: Four hundred twenty-five of 2,514 established patients with DR were LTF (17%). One hundred fifty-seven patients were assigned to the intervention group; the remaining 268 formed the SOP group. Sixty-six outbound calls reached patients (42%). At the time of program assessment, the intervention group demonstrated a higher rate of appointment scheduling (31% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) and adherence (14% vs. 7%, p = 0.020). The measured call duration was 2.3 ± 1.9 min, yielding an estimated cost of US$4.70 per appointment scheduled. Conclusion: Re-engagement by a telehealth physician extender improves the rate at which patients with DR return for eye care, and can be done at a reasonable cost. This method of improving adherence with follow-up should be readily translatable to other health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Munzar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph A Anaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Claudia Lasalle
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shiyoung Roh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David J Ramsey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
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Portney DS, Berkowitz ST, Garner DC, Qalieh A, Tiwari V, Friedman S, Patel S, Parikh R, Mian SI. Comparison of Incremental Costs and Medicare Reimbursement for Simple vs Complex Cataract Surgery Using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing. JAMA Ophthalmol 2023; 141:358-364. [PMID: 36892825 PMCID: PMC9999278 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Importance Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries across medicine and an integral part of ophthalmologic care. Complex cataract surgery requires more time and resources than simple cataract surgery, yet it remains unclear whether the incremental reimbursement for complex cataract surgery, compared with simple cataract surgery, offsets the increased costs. Objective To measure the difference in day-of-surgery costs and net earnings between simple and complex cataract surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants This study is an economic analysis at a single academic institution using time-driven activity-based costing methodology to determine the operative-day costs of simple and complex cataract surgery. Process flow mapping was used to define the operative episode limited to the day of surgery. Simple and complex cataract surgery cases (Current Procedural Terminology codes 66984 and 66982, respectively) at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center from 2017 to 2021 were included in the analysis. Time estimates were obtained using an internal anesthesia record system. Financial estimates were obtained using a mix of internal sources and prior literature. Supply costs were obtained from the electronic health record. Main Outcomes and Measures Difference in day-of-surgery costs and net earnings. Results A total of 16 092 cataract surgeries were included, 13 904 simple and 2188 complex. Time-based day-of-surgery costs for simple and complex cataract surgery were $1486.24 and $2205.83, respectively, with a mean difference of $719.59 (95% CI, $684.09-$755.09; P < .001). Complex cataract surgery required $158.26 more for costs of supplies and materials (95% CI, $117.00-$199.60; P < .001). The total difference in day-of-surgery costs between complex and simple cataract surgery was $877.85. Incremental reimbursement for complex cataract surgery was $231.01; therefore, complex cataract surgery had a negative earnings difference of $646.84 compared with simple cataract surgery. Conclusions and Relevance This economic analysis suggests that the incremental reimbursement for complex cataract surgery undervalues the resource costs required for the procedure, failing to cover increased costs and accounting for less than 2 minutes of increased operating time. These findings may affect ophthalmologist practice patterns and access to care for certain patients, which may ultimately justify increasing cataract surgery reimbursement.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S. Portney
- Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Sean T. Berkowitz
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Desmond C. Garner
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Adel Qalieh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Vikram Tiwari
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Shriji Patel
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Genentech, South San Francisco, California
| | - Ravi Parikh
- Manhattan Retina and Eye Consultants, New York, New York
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York
| | - Shahzad I. Mian
- Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Sabharwal S, Kuo KH, Roh S, Ramsey DJ. An initiative to improve follow-up of patients with diabetic retinopathy. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2022; 42:965-972. [PMID: 35543137 DOI: 10.1111/opo.12998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study describes the implementation of an electronic medical record (EMR)-based initiative aimed at identifying and reducing the number of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) lost to follow-up (LTF). METHOD Providers were enlisted to review the EMRs and re-engage patients with DR seen 1 year prior and who had not returned for care within the past 6 months. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify demographic, clinical and sociomedical factors associated with being LTF, as well as those predictive of re-engagement. RESULTS Out of 673 patients with DR, 78 (12%) were identified as LTF. Patients LTF were more likely to be younger (p = 0.001) and have poorly controlled haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ≥ 8%, p = 0.04) and cholesterol (LDL ≥ 100 mg/dL, p < 0.001) levels. These patients were also more likely to have completed fewer ophthalmology appointments (p < 0.001), and less likely to have had retinal imaging within the last year (p < 0.001). Charts reviewed 1 month after the EMR-based initiative revealed that 22 patients (28%) had been successfully re-engaged by providers, while 56 patients (72%) remained LTF. History of prior treatment for DR was associated with re-engagement by providers (p = 0.04). One month following the provider-based intervention, the LTF rate dropped to 8.3%, and by 1 year only 3.6% of the patients remained LTF. CONCLUSIONS Electronic medical record-based tools can successfully identify DR patients as being LTF, offering an opportunity for providers to re-engage patients in a timely manner. Future studies are needed to determine the long-term impact of patient re-engagement on DR outcomes and efficiency of clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabhyta Sabharwal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Peabody, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristen H Kuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Peabody, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shiyoung Roh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Peabody, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David J Ramsey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Peabody, Massachusetts, USA
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