If viewing rounds and unable to connect through Zoom, please contact: Cy Lewis, MD - chad-lewis@uiowa.edu
Friday, April 12, 2024
Submitted by Dina Blanc-
National Research Assistant, Research Scientist, and Research Associate Week | April 15-April 19
The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is inaugurating its very first Research Assistant, Research Scientist, Research Associate and Clinical Research Professionals Recognition Week, April 15- April 19. Please take a moment to thank your research staff for their commitment to research in our department.
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Submitted by Denise Rettig-
PFP L1 Terrazzo Flooring: Phases, Durations, affected Entrances
Capital Management is getting ready to start their latest and final terrazzo flooring project. This project will install terrazzo flooring throughout Level 1 of Pomerantz Family Pavilion – exactly as you see on Level 1 of JPP, JCP, & RCP. As seen below, they will be starting Phase 1 in the area that is marked out in yellow. This corridor closure will affect Elevator L from opening on Level 1 for the duration, Wednesday April 03, 2024, at 6:00 PM through Friday April 19, 2024, 6:00 PM. The elevator will remain functional to all other levels. They will post signage at every level for detours and noting that upper floors cannot exit on Level 1 from Elevator L (Elevator M will continue to open on Level 1). This information will show up on The Loop and Noon News as another reminder as this closure approaches.
The ARVO Annual Meeting is coming up, taking place May 5-9 in Seattle. If you are participating, please send Kelsey Hunold (kelsey-hunold@uiowa.edu) your title(s), and any other information you may have — date, time, location, or a link to the program listing. A list will be created and shared via the Ophthalmology Update leading up to the meeting.
The department will also be hosting an Iowa Eye Alumni Reception on Monday, May 6 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Seattle Hyatt Regency.
Reception questions? Contact Matt Browning at matt-browning@uiowa.edu
Submitted by Melissa Monhollon-
Maria Fernanda Valdes Michel, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar - Gramlich Lab
Maria Valdes Michel joined Dr. Gramlich’s lab as a Postdoctoral Scholar on 3/25/24. Maria graduated with PhD in Genetics from the University of Iowa in December 2023. In her new role, Maria’s research areas will include modelling optic neuropathies, investigating the pathobiology of retinal ganglion cell degeneration and demyelination caused by various diseases and, examining novel neuroprotective strategies to preserve vision and foster optic nerve remyelination in optic neuritis models. Maria’s favorite color is dark green. She likes to snack on peanut M&Ms, Cheez-Its and Diet Coke. You might find Maria shopping at Target or enjoying a meal at her favorite restaurant, La Regia. In her spare time, Maria enjoys golfing, crocheting, solving puzzles, painting, and playing with her dogs. Welcome to the Ophthalmology team, Maria!
Submitted by Barb Marak-
We wanted to remind you about “Blue Out Day” on Monday, April 15 as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Wear blue (if possible) on April 15th to help raise awareness about the importance of Child Abuse Prevention.
The Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinical Conference will be held on Friday, April 19, from 8 am to 12 pm. Dr. Reid Longmuir of Vanderbilt Eye Institute, will be our featured neuro-ophthalmology speaker, hosted by Dr. Edward Linton.
Dr. Reid Longmuir is a native Iowan, who received both his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Iowa. Dr. Longmuir also completed his residency at Iowa followed by fellowships in both neuro-ophthalmology and glaucoma. In 2008, Dr. Longmuir was appointed Assistant Professor at Iowa, specializing in both neuro-ophthalmology and glaucoma. Longmuir’s main focus and interests include unexplained vision loss and optic neuropathies, as well as medical student and resident education. Dr. Longmuir currently serves as Neuro-Ophthalmology Division Chief and Associate Residency Program Director at Vanderbilt Eye Institute.
8 AM to 12 PM
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Braley Auditorium | 01136 PFP
Iowa City, IA
**All Faculty, Residents, Fellows, Students and Staff planning to attend must register**
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Glaucoma Clinical Conference & Armaly Lecture Recap
Thank you to all that attended the recent Glaucoma Clinical Conference & Armaly Lecture with guest speaker, Dr. David Friedman of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, and the Glaucoma Center of Excellence at Harvard Medical School, hosted by Dr. Nathan Sears!
Dr. Friedman presented two engaging lectures, "Managing Angle Closure in the Modern Era" and "Findings from Clinical Trials that have Changed my Practice", plus case presentations with discussion and Q&A from residents, Drs. Matthew Meyer (PGY2) and Patrick Donegan (PGY2).
The Mansour F. Armaly Lectureship was established in 2004 by a generous gift from Dr. Armaly’s wife Aida, son Fareed, and daughter Raya, a glaucoma specialist, to honor an extraordinary clinician-scientist who devoted his career to the study and care of patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
Dr. Armaly was instrumental in defining the natural history of glaucoma, in developing techniques of early detection and monitoring function loss in the eye, and in demonstrating the genetic character of glaucoma.
Submitted by Francie Williamson-
April is National Donate Life Month. Did you know that April is one of the best times of the year to stargaze? This month, we invite you to look up to the night sky and the billions of stars that make up the universe. Stars remind us that even in the darkest night, there is light.
Your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor gives hope and light to the 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list who are waiting for a second chance at life. That’s why donors are superstars.
To mark Donate Life Month, Iowa Lions Eye Bank staff is taking part in various activities. These have included an awareness table at the VA and decorating the skywalk with information at UnityPoint-St. Luke’s in Cedar Rapids.
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Iowa Lions Eye Bank Celebration of Hope & Renewal
The annual Celebration of Hope & Renewal will be held this year on Thursday, May 16th at 3:00 pm in the Iowa Lions Donor Memorial & Healing Garden across from the main hospital entrance. Join us as we honor and commemorate eye, organ, and tissue donors and all those who facilitate and support the donation and transplantation process!
In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at:
BioVentures Center
2500 Crosspark Road
Coralville, Iowa
Submitted by Drs. Kanwal Matharu, Christopher Sales, and Tina Hendricks-
We will be sharing updates from the work of our global ophthalmology division in a new segment of our newsletter called "Global Hawkeyes Corner".
Please reach out to Dr. Matharu or Dr. Hendricks with any further comments or questions!
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RECENT STORY
Forging paths in global ophthalmology: University of Iowa partners with charity eye hospital in India - by UI International Programs
In early 2024, with the assistance of International Programs (IP), the University of Iowa (UI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital in India.
Read full Q&A with assistant professor, Dr. Kanwal Matharu here.
OTHER NEWS & UPDATES
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please reach out to Dr. Matharu or Dr. Hendricks with any further comments or questions!
The 49th Annual American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) was held April 7-11 in Austin, Texas. We had outstanding representation from the department and pediatric team!
POSTERS
Correlation of Flash Visual Evoked Potentials with Visual Acuity and Goldmann Visual Fields in
Pediatric Patients with Inherited Retinal Disorders
Giulia Steuernagel Del Valle, MD
Etiology and Characteristics of Pediatric Early Onset High Myopia
Alina Dumitrescu MD; Anthony Zeng BS, MS ; Veronica P. Jacobsen PhD, CO®; Grant M. Welk BS; Hyeck-Soo Son MD; Ava Niknahad BS; Luke Zhao BS; Jefferson J. Doyle MD PhD MHS
Factors influencing complete retinal vascularization in infants screened for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
Jeffrey Kuziel, Maggie Strampe, MD, Joel VandeLune, Christian Zirbes, Alina Dumitrescu, MD, Scott Larson, MD
Prematurity Associated Non-Accommodative Esotropia
Pavlina S. Kemp; Anthony P. Mai; Lindsay M. De Andrade; Scott A. Larson; Alina V. Dumitrescu
Variability in 3-Channel Flash Visual Evoked Potential in Albinism
Margaret R. Strampe, MD; Megan R. Smith; Wanda L. Pfeifer, MME, OC(C), COMT, CO; Arlene Drack, MD
WORKSHOPS
Electrophysiology for Children in 2024: How, Why and What To Do Next
Arlene V. Drack, MD; Wanda Pfeifer, MME, OC(C), COMT, CO; Ramiro Maldonado, MD; Alina V. Dumitrescu, MD
My Child Can't See: Diagnostic Workup and Management of Children with Visual Impairment
Melinda Chang; Alina Dumitrescu; Margaret Reynolds; Matthew C. Weed; Arvind Chandna; Virginia M. Utz; Lauren Ditta; Arlene V. Drack
Chief resident, Dr. Mahsaw Mansoor, PGY4, recently attended the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting as a recipient of the ASCRS Foundation Resident Excellence Award. The annual meeting was held April 5-8 in Boston. ASCRS was founded by young, enterprising ophthalmologists, and the ASCRS Foundation’s Resident Excellence Awards honor that tradition by recognizing outstanding performance. Recipients demonstrate exemplary dedication in research, patient care, leadership, and education. Congratulations, Dr. Mansoor!
RESIDENT & FELLOW RESEARCH DAY
Each spring, we come together in celebration of our trainees for a research symposium that remains, in the words of Dr. Michael Wagoner, "the most important day of the year" on our academic calendar.
Resident and Fellow Research Day will take place on Friday, May 17 from 8 a.m. to noon in the Braley Auditorium. The P.J. Leinfelder Award and Brenton Award will be given out to the top resident and fellow projects.
***Residents - if you are presenting research which requires IRB approval, please contact Chris Sinkey at christine-sinkey@uiowa.edu.***
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HEALTH SCIENCES RESEARCH DAY
The Carver College of Medicine Health Sciences Research Day will take place noon to 5 p.m. Friday, April 26, in the Medical Education Research Facility and feature keynote speaker Joshua Denny, MD, MS. The event will include a poster session and mini-symposia, and abstracts from all disciplines are welcome.
This event is open to the public. Find more information on abstract submission forms and details.
Dr. Keith Carter will be presenting at the upcoming Real World Ophthalmology Virtual Meeting as keynote speaker on Saturday, April 27. The virtual meeting is set to take place from 8am to 5:30 pm (CT).
For more information, click here.
"Real World Ophthalmology is dedicated to helping young ophthalmologists succeed in early practice! RWO is where the world's foremost ophthalmology experts unite to illuminate your journey beyond training. Join us for engaging biannual virtual meetings, enlightening podcasts and captivating in-person events- all FREE and crafted by physicians who've walked your journey."
Submitted by Dr. Ian Han-
Thanks to the faculty members who promoted eye safety for the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Featured faculty included Timothy Boyce, MD, who was quoted in multiple local and national outlets. The weather in the Midwest turned out to be favorable for a safe and happy viewing!
Submitted by Chelle Lehman-
SAVE THE DATE: SWING FOR SIGHT WITH TIM DWIGHT - JULY 11
The local Iowa City Host Noon Lions Club is hosting their annual golf tournament, "Swing For Sight with Tim Dwight" at Finkbine Golf Course on July 11. For more information and to register, click here.
Submitted by Tonya Looker-
APRIL WELLNESS UPDATES
Check out the upcoming well-being programs and resources available at UI to assist you on your journey.
Are you looking for past liveWELL newsletter issues? Check out all of our previous quarterly issues and wellness updates in our Newsletter and Wellness Updates Archives.
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2024 Doc Dash 5K
Doc Dash is an annual 5K race that has been a tradition of the Carver College of Medicine since 1989, benefiting the Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic and the University of Iowa Mobile Clinic. The event welcomes not only seasoned runners but also joggers, walkers, adaptive participants who may use equipment or require assistance to complete the course, and young children.
Beginning at the medical campus, participants travel the course through nearby neighborhoods and the river trail before looping back to the finish line. Prior to the main event, a shorter event for young children (dubbed ‘Docling Dash’) takes place in the courtyard of the Medical Education and Research Facility (MERF).
Learn more and register for this year's Doc Dash here.
New Ophthalmology All-Staff Distribution List
Due to no longer having the ability to manage the Ophthalmology All Staff email distribution list, HCIS has created a new mailing list for us called: Ophthalmology Staff (OphthStaff@healthcare.uiowa.edu) that will continue to be managed internally.
Please use this new email moving forward to ensure the most up to date employee list is reached.
NEW – Please use: OphthStaff@healthcare.uiowa.edu
OLD – Do not use: OphthalmologyAllStaff@healthcare.uiowa.edu
Contact Ophthalmology IT
Please use these contact methods helps us prioritize your request:
Phone: 78107
Email: OphthIT@healthcare.uiowa.edu
ESC Portal: https://service.healthcare.uiowa.edu (New to ESC? Learn how to submit a help desk ticket)
Submitted by Melissa Monhollon-
POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN THE DEPARTMENT
Clinic Services Specialist - Contact Lens (Main Campus) | Req #24002441
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is seeking a 100% Clinic Services Specialist. The Clinic Services Specialist provides services in our contact lens department including but not limited to access, scheduling, wayfinding, and support. Responsible for accuracy and accountability for the population from check in through end of services within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Anticipates the needs of the patient and serves as a patient advocate. Takes ownership to assure all documentation is appropriate and contains required signatures. Files documentation in a timely manner and collects appropriate fees prior to services rendered. Serves as a liaison between patient, faculty, staff, administration, internal and external contacts, and vendors. Assists and problem solves any scheduling issues that arise. Uses independent judgement in determining how to assist patient requests outside of the scope of scheduling. Upholds the departments best practices, quality, and professionalism standards and policies. Serves as a mentor, coach, role model, and service excellence ambassador for staff, co-workers, patients, and visitors. May attend clinic or department meetings to serve as a scheduling content expert, complete special projects for the department, and perform other duties as assigned.
Echographer - Main Campus | Req #23005614
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is seeking a 100% Echographic Diagnostic Assistant (PD42; 66) to perform ocular diagnostic examinations on patients, formulate diagnostic report on findings, record those findings in patient medical record to be reviewed by ordering physician; to collaborate with faculty, residents and fellows and instruct on ophthalmic echographic techniques.
Follow-Up Coordinator - Iowa KidSight | Req #24002108
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences – Iowa KidSight is seeking a 50% Follow-Up Coordinator (PVD1; 3A). The Follow-Up Coordinator supports the daily operations of the Iowa KidSight office by enhancing positive image and reputation and building relationships with key partners and audiences through strategic communications. Focus will be on coordination and conducting of follow-up duties with families, referring physicians, and program partners as well as contributing to a professional and positive team environment. The successful candidate should demonstrate initiative and responsibility to manage projects and tasks independently.
The Ophthalmic Clinical Specialist I performs technical and diverse optical testing as a portion of the complete ocular exam, in addition to obtaining patient histories, meds and allergies for the supervising physician. The Ophthalmic Technician performs an extensive number of routine and advanced technical procedures, as delegated by the physician, to collect medical data and assist in patient care. The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences intends to hire at either the Ophthalmic Technician, non-COA certified classification, or Ophthalmic Clinical Specialist I, COA certified classification, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please indicate in your application materials the position you wish to be considered for or indicate both.
Ophthalmic Clinical Specialist I IRL (100%) | Req #23004420
The Iowa River Landing Ophthalmology Clinic is seeking a 100% Ophthalmic Clinical Specialist to perform technical and diverse optical testing as a portion of the complete ocular exam, in addition to obtaining patient histories, medications and allergies for the supervising physician.
Ophthalmic Photographer II (CRA or non CRA certified) - Main Campus | Req #24002422
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is seeking a 100% Ophthalmic Photographer II (PT38; 45) to perform ophthalmic diagnostic photography and all other aspects of clinical teaching and research imaging as well as to assist in the design and implementation of the imaging aspects of research in ophthalmology.
Ophthalmic Technician- IRL - 100% | Req #24002426
The Iowa River Landing Ophthalmology Clinic is seeking a 100% Ophthalmic Technician. Under general supervision, operates, maintains and repairs highly specialized, complex medical equipment for use in the performance of tests and studies related to the treatment of patients and the teaching of staff personnel. Ophthalmic Technicians in Ophthalmology are responsible for performing an extensive number of routine and advanced technical procedures, as delegated by the physician, to collect medical data and assist in patient care. Responsible for day-to-day operations and interaction with patients to obtain medical histories and precise measurement and documentation of:
Ophthalmic Technician- IRL - 100% | Req #24002425
The Iowa River Landing Ophthalmology Clinic is seeking a 100% Ophthalmic Technician. Under general supervision, operates, maintains and repairs highly specialized, complex medical equipment for use in the performance of tests and studies related to the treatment of patients and the teaching of staff personnel. Ophthalmic Technicians in Ophthalmology are responsible for performing an extensive number of routine and advanced technical procedures, as delegated by the physician, to collect medical data and assist in patient care. Responsible for day-to-day operations and interaction with patients to obtain medical histories and precise measurement and documentation of:
Research Assistant - Ophthalmology (Drack Lab) | Req #24002476
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of & Visual Sciences is seeking a 100% Research Assistant (PRK1; 3A). The Research Assistant will assist in pre-clinical animal model studies under the guidance of Principal Investigator, Dr. Arlene Drack, in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
Research Assistant - Ophthalmology (Fingert Lab) | Req #24002489
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of & Visual Sciences is seeking a 100% Research Assistant (PRK1; 3A). The Research Assistant will assist in pre-clinical animal model studies under the guidance of Principal Investigator, Dr. Arlene Drack, in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
ASC or Eye Team Openings
We are also recruiting for multiple faculty positions. Direct links to these postings are available here: https://jobs.uiowa.edu/jobSearch/faculty/
| Schedule Subject to Change | |||
| Mon | Apr 15 | 8:00 AM | On-call rounds |
| Tue | Apr 16 | 7:30 AM | BCSC Neuro-Op - Dr. Matthew Thurtell (Braley) |
| Wed | Apr 17 | 8:00 AM | Brandon Baksh, MD, PGY2 |
| Thu | Apr 18 | 8:00 AM | TBD |
| Fri | Apr 19 | 8:00 AM | Clinical Conference: Neuro-Ophthalmology |
| Schedule Subject to Change | |||
| Mon | Apr 22 | NO ROUNDS - First day of rotation | |
| Tue | Apr 23 | 7:30 AM | BCSC Neuro-Op - Dr. Michael Wall |
| Wed | Apr 24 | 8:00 AM | Dr. Basil Williams |
| Thu | Apr 25 | 8:00 AM | On-call rounds |
| Fri | Apr 26 | 8:00 AM | Matt Meyer, MD, PGY2 |
*P indicates rounds intended specifically for residents, fellows and orthoptic students
If viewing rounds and unable to connect through Zoom, please contact: Cy Lewis, MD - chad-lewis@uiowa.edu
Ophthalmology Morning Rounds is held from 8:00 am - 8:45 am in the Braley Auditorium (01136), Pomerantz Family Pavilion / Zoom.
Apr 19 - Clinical Conference: Neuro-Ophthalmology
May 10 - Annual Optometric Conference
May 17 - Resident & Fellow Research Day
June 14-15 - 2024 Iowa Eye Annual Meeting & Alumni Reunion
UI Hospitals & Clinics | UI Carver College of Medicine | Institute for Vision Research
Copyright © 2019 - All Rights Reserved - The University of Iowa
CME ACCREDITATION: The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CME CREDIT DESIGNATION: The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
SPONSORED BY: The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences.
CONTENT: Determination of educational content for this educational activity and the selection of speakers and facilitators are responsibilities of the activity director. Any commercial firms providing financial support did not have input in these areas.
DISCLOSURE POLICY: Everyone in a position to control the content of this educational activity will disclose to the CME provider and to attendees all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. They will also disclose if any pharmaceuticals or medical procedures and devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
TARGET AUDIENCE: Faculty, residents, fellows.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES FOR THE ENTIRE SERIES: Upon participating in this educational series, the participant should be able to discuss interesting and challenging clinical cases in a didactic and interactive format.
CME CREDIT AND ATTENDANCE: Captured by self-texting a 5-digit activity code to 319-519-0048. The code is provided each day during Rounds. Before texting your attendance for the first time, you will need to text your Uiowa.edu email address to 319-519-0038. For questions, contact matt-browning@uiowa.edu.