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Friday, May 10, 2024

 

Administration Station

PFP L1 Terrazzo Flooring: Phases, Durations, affected Entrances

Capital Management has started 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.

Floor phases schedule
Floor phases schedule

Epic Secure Chat

Epic Secure Chat, which is part of Epic’s Unified Communication platform, includes both text and voice communication on mobile devices (Rover, Haiku, or Canto) and text communication within Hyperspace.

As of April 2, Epic Secure Chat is now available for patient-specific and other health care-related communication between employees within UI Health Care.

How Epic Secure Chat works (video) - The Loop

To use Epic Secure Chat once logged in,

  1. Click the ‘Chat’ icon
    Epic secure chat step 1
  2. Click the ‘New Conversation’ button on the far right
    Epic secure chat step 2
  3. Search for ‘MCU EYE’, after which the ‘Groups’ tab shows up and you can click it to see our groups
    Epic secure chat step 3

Upcoming Events

calendar

Brand Updates | Resources and Guidelines

UI Health Care has initiated the rollout of our updated brand as of May 4, including new logos and naming conventions. More information can be found on The Loop.

Our new naming conventions include:

  • University Campus (we will no longer use the name “Main” campus)
  • Downtown Campus
  • North Liberty Campus

The new Brand Guidelines and Materials can be found here: https://intranet.uihealthcare.org/Interact/Pages/Section/Default.aspx?Section=3443 (Tip: Bookmark this page!)

This includes resources such as:

If you have not yet picked up your ID Badge sticker, please do so in the Admin Suite. It is required for all employees to adjust their badges. This will be a temporary solution. When you are due for a new badge, it will be printed with the new logo.


Join us in welcoming...!

Submitted by Melissa Monhollon-

Arya Villegas
Ophthalmic Technician

Arya Villegas

Arya Villegas (pronounced Ar-ee-uh; she/her) joined our department as an Ophthalmic Technician on 4/29/24, and we are so glad she is here! Arya brings to her position prior experience in customer service as well as eye care experience working as an optometric technician for America’s Best. Arya’s favorite colors are black and forest green. Her favorite snacks include lemon candy, cucumbers and sports drinks. You might Arya enjoying a meal at Brazilian Terra Grill or shopping at Homegood/Marshalls. Arya’s hobbies include home décor, learning new skills, music, and spending time with family and friends. Welcome to the Ophthalmology family, Arya!


Abramoff and Russell Honored on Wall of Scholarship

Please join us in congratulating Drs. Michael Abramoff and Stephen Russell for their recent induction to the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Wall of Scholarship in recognition of high impact research contributions to the field of science.

The Wall of Scholarship acknowledges current UI Carver College of Medicine faculty who are first or senior authors of published research articles that have made a significant impact on a particular field of science or medicine.

Specifically, the research papers have been cited more than 1,000 times in subsequent published research articles, based on at least two of three recognized academic citation indices: Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Dr. Michael Abramoff was recognized on the Carver College of Medicine Wall of Scholarship for his paper, "Retinal Imaging and Image Analysis".

Dr. Michael Abramoff and Kevin Kregel, Wall of Scholarship
Dr. Michael Abramoff and Kevin Kregel
Kevin Kregel, Dr. Michael Abramoff and Denise Jamieson
Kevin Kregel, Dr. Michael Abramoff and Denise Jamieson

Dr. Stephen Russell was recognized on the Carver College of Medicine Wall of Scholarship for his paper, "Efficacy and safety of voretigene neparvovec (AAV2-hRPE65v2) in patients with RPE65-mediated inherited retinal dystrophy: a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3 trial".

Stephen Russell, MD
Stephen R. Russell, MD

The Wall of Scholarship designation is reserved for current Carver College of Medicine faculty. With the addition of this year’s scholars, 23 faculty members currently hold this distinction, bringing the current total of research papers/plaques to 38 publications.

View full list of honorees


Rodriguez Awarded Heed Fellowship

Chief Resident, Sean Rodriguez, MD, was selected as a 2024-2025 Heed Fellow by the Heed Ophthalmic Foundation and Society of Heed Fellows. This award is given to candidates in fellowship training pursuing academic careers to "encourage and support education and research in ophthalmology and the ophthalmic sciences."

The Heed Foundation was established by Mr. Thomas Heed and his wife Mrs. Ruth Heed, after both experienced sight-threatening crises during their lifetime. After facing the possibility of blindness, Mr. Heed vowed to help prevent blindness in any way he could. The Heeds were told that the "best approach to the prevention of blindness was to support post-graduate training of promising young eye doctors [and] that the teaching of new techniques for eye surgery and eye research programs were critical in advancing the knowledge and management of ocular disease." Over the past 70 years, 1,100 Heed Fellows have been appointed, and over $11 million dollars have been awarded to date.

View full list of 2024-25 fellows

Chief Resident, Sean Rodriguez, MD
Chief Resident, Sean Rodriguez, MD

Pouw named medical director

Dr. Andrew Pouw, clinical assistant professor, was named Perimetry (Visual Field) Lab Medical Director this month, and will serve as a clinical team leader who will be responsible for aligning this area with hospital initiatives.

The Medical Directors role is to assure cohesive and patient/family centered care is achieved in their area by partnering with nursing and administration to influence and improve quality outcomes.

Andrew Pouw, MD
Andrew E. Pouw, MD

Iowa KidSight | Update

Submitted by Chelle Lehman-

UIHC Peds, Iowa KidSight, Lions International Logos

The Monticello Express recently published a story on Iowa KidSight's 750,000th screening, read the article here.

Lions International, Iowa KidSight, UIHC Ophthalmology Logos

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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.

Swing for Sight Brochure
Swing for Sight Brochure

Congratulations, Kaila, Tabatha, and Christine!

Last week, members of the department celebrated the graduations of Kaila Findley (ophthalmic technician), Christine Isaac (Clinical Support Assistant), and Tabatha Magnuson (ophthalmic technician).

May 2 was Kaila’s last day with the department as she will be starting optometry school in August at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago.

Congratulations, Kaila, Tabatha, and Christine!

article screenshot
article screenshot
Kaila Findley
article screenshot
Kaila Findley and Christine Isaac

Furry Friends Visit

Submitted by Jody Troyer-

Widget came to visit the Ophthalmology staff on Thursday morning! Widget is a 6-year-old Pomeranian. She is certified through Pet Partners as a therapy dog and she visits UIHC employees and patients on a weekly basis. She spread many smiles and was a joy to visit with!

For more information on the Furry Friends program: uihc.org/furry-friends

Furry Friends Visit with Widget
Furry Friends Visit with Widget
Furry Friends Visit with Widget
Furry Friends Visit with Widget
Furry Friends Visit with Widget
Furry Friends Visit with Widget
Furry Friends Visit with Widget
Furry Friends Visit with Widget

Welcome, Beckett Trace Diel!

Dr. Ryan Diel and family welcomed Beckett Trace Diel into the world on Saturday, May 4. Congratulations to the Diel family!


FAMILY GRADUATES

graduation cap

It's that time again! If you have a family member (child, grandchild, spouse, etc.) graduating from school this year, please send their information and a photo to kelsey-hunold@uiowa.edu. We want to include everyone!

Information needed:

  • Graduate's name, and relationship to you
  • What school they are graduating from
  • Graduation honors (if you want that included)
  • Plans after graduation (i.e. college, graduate school, job)
  • A photo (snapshot or senior picture)

For a refresher, here are links to previous years: 2019, 2020, 2021


Iowa Lions Eye Bank | Update

Submitted by Francie Williamson-

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!

RSVP TODAY

In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at:
BioVentures Center
2500 Crosspark Road
Coralville, Iowa


Global Hawkeyes Corner

Submitted by Drs. Kanwal Matharu, Christopher Sales, and Tina Hendricks-

Global Hawkeyes

We will be sharing updates from the work of our global ophthalmology division in a new segment of our newsletter called "Global Hawkeyes Corner".

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • August 17, 2024: HawkEYES for All Community Health Fair at South of 6 Iowa City
    This initiative aims to provide free screenings to all ages within our community. In collaboration with KidSight, we will be able to screen for amblyopia, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Community members of all ages will also be able to have a routine vision exam at this event. Stay tuned for more information on this initiative and an upcoming call for volunteers for the August 17 event!

Please reach out to Dr. Matharu or Dr. Hendricks with any further comments or questions!


Wellness Corner

Submitted by Tonya Looker-

May Wellness Updates

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Take a minute to check in on your well-being. How is your current mental health? If you need support, consider utilizing these resources:

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Health Care Week

liveWELL to celebrate health care workers during UI Health Care Week

Stop by liveWELL's table throughout Health Care Week to learn about its programs and services.

UI Health Care Week is a time to celebrate and thank our colleagues in health care who go above and beyond to improve the health and well-being of others.

In support of this important celebration, liveWELL will have drawings for Iowa Hawk Shop gift cards and provide more information about the programs and services available to health care employees.

Here’s when and where you can interact with liveWELL during UI Health Care Week.

  • Monday, May 13 – 6:45-8:45 a.m. at Iowa River Landing in Coralville
  • Tuesday, May 14 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fountain Lobby at Main Hospital
  • Tuesday, May 14 – 1-3 p.m. at Hospital Support Services Building (HSSB) in Coralville
  • Wednesday, May 15 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at UI Health Care Medical Center Downtown

To learn more about activities and events during UI Health Care Week, visit The Loop.

When you visit a liveWELL table you can enter a drawing to win an Iowa Hawk Shop gift card. You can also learn about programs and services such as free health coaching, discounts on your campus recreation membership, and the Personal Health Assessment (PHA).

The PHA is a brief, confidential survey for UI faculty and staff that provides insight into your health and well-being.

Benefits of completing the PHA include:

  • Eligibility for the Recreation Membership Incentive Program
  • Free health coaching and referral programs
  • Report tailored to your health and well-being with tips for living a healthy lifestyle
  • Entry into a monthly drawing for $250

Data from the PHA also helps inform Iowa’s strategy around employee well-being, making it an important measure of our workplace culture across the University of Iowa and UI Health Care.

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Walking Scavenger Hunt

Walking Scavenger Hunt

I spy with my little eye... Herky! Join fellow colleagues and community members by participating in Herky on Parade, the area's largest public art installation featuring 100 Herky the Hawk statues. Register for the Walking Scavenger Hunt for a fun challenge to locate specific Herky statues around campus and earn wellness points.

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bicycling

Get Active on Campus

Bike to Work Week will be celebrated from May 13 to 19, 2024. Check out the Bike Iowa City Event Calendar and discover exciting events taking place during this period.

Not a fan of cycling? The University of Iowa offers a Walking Guide featuring interactive maps, estimated trip durations, and safety tips to keep you secure.

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livwell seniors

LivWell Seniors

Making the right senior living decisions can be complicated. LivWell Seniors provides compassionate and knowledgeable resource specialists who act as your representatives to help you navigate these decisions. Employees can meet with a Senior Resource Specialist one-on-one or with family members at no cost.

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Wondr Health

Wondr Health

Ready to improve your nutrition and exercise? Wondr Health is a 100% digital weight management program that focuses on lifestyle behavior changes to meet the needs of our employees, especially those with on-the-go lifestyles and a 24/7 work environment. This program can be done anytime, anywhere. Join the waitlist!

  • Application window: May 13 - 27, 2024
  • Program starts: June 3, 2024

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Pasta with peas recipe

Pasta with Peas

Ready to improve your nutrition and exercise? Wondr Health is a 100% digital weight management program that focuses on lifestyle behavior changes to meet the needs of our employees, especially those with on-the-go lifestyles and a 24/7 work environment. This program can be done anytime, anywhere. Join the waitlist!


Geek Speak

Geek Speak

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)


Department Job Postings | Current Available Positions

Submitted by Melissa Monhollon-

POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN THE DEPARTMENT

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.


Ophthalmic Clinical Specialist I (COA Certified or non COA Certified) - Main Campus (100%) | Req #23003051

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 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:

  • Visual acuity
  • Manual lensometry
  • Confrontational visual fields
  • Stereopsis
  • Motility
  • Pupillary function
  • Color plates
  • Applanation tonometry
  • Humphrey visual field
  • Topography
  • Pachymetry
  • Tear testing
  • OCT
  • IOL master
  • LenStar
  • Ocular testing

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:

  • Visual acuity
  • Manual lensometry
  • Confrontational visual fields
  • Stereopsis
  • Motility
  • Pupillary function
  • Color plates
  • Applanation tonometry
  • Humphrey visual field
  • Topography
  • Pachymetry
  • Tear testing
  • OCT
  • IOL master
  • LenStar
  • Ocular testing

Orthoptic Research Associate | Req #24002814

University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, is seeking a 100% Orthoptic Research Associate (PRA2; 5A). The Orthoptic Research Associate serves as an orthoptic clinical research expert. The Orthoptic Research Associate provides direct patient care by performing sensorimotor testing, evaluating and treating eye movement disorders and binocular vision, participating in the evaluation and diagnosis of patients with amblyopia, diplopia, genetic disorders of the eye, and assessing pediatric/adult strabismus as well as other eye movement conditions. The Orthoptic Research Associate participates directly in clinical research related to eye movements disorders, nystagmus, binocular vision, diplopia, strabismus, and inherited eye disorders.


Staff Nurse - Eye Clinic Procedure Suite (60%-100%) | Req #24002765

University of Iowa Health Care Department of Nursing is seeking a Staff Nurse to perform specific tasks to assist members of the Nursing team in providing patient care under the direct supervision of the Eye Clinic Procedure Suite Nurse Manager.


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/


Lectures and Conferences

Schedule Subject to Change
Mon May 13 8:00 AM Dr. Tina Hendricks, PGY4
Tue May 14 7:30 AM BCSC Neuro-Op - Dr. Adriana Rodriguez-Leon
Wed May 15 8:00 AM Dr. Jacyln Haugsdal and Dr. Joanna Silverman, PGY3 - Ocular Trauma Didactics
Thu May 16 8:00 AM Dr. Patrick Donegan, PGY2
Fri May 17 Department Photo + Resident and Fellow Research Day
Schedule Subject to Change
Mon May 20 8:00 AM On-call rounds
Tue May 21 8:00 AM Dr. Lindsay Chun (Neuro-Op Fellow)
Wed May 22 8:00 AM ***AVAILABLE***
Thu May 23 7:30 AM Dr. Nasreen Syed - Pathology Lecture Series *P
Fri May 24 8:00 AM Dr. Jonathan Trejo, PGY2

*P indicates rounds intended specifically for residents, fellows and orthoptic students

  • 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.


Ophthalmology Morning Rounds is held from 8:00 am - 8:45 am in the Braley Auditorium (01136), Pomerantz Family Pavilion / Zoom.

Upcoming events

May 10 - Annual Optometric Conference
May 17 - Department Group Photo AND Resident & Fellow Research Day
June 14-15 - 2024 Iowa Eye Annual Meeting & Alumni Reunion
Sept 20 - Clinical Conference: Oculoplastics