Saturday, October 27, 2012

Dr. Labor performs Crystalens procedure on someone very special

Recently, Phillips Kirk Labor, MD implanted Crystalens intraocular lenses in both eyes of a very important person: his wife. A respected physician herself, Dr. Penny Labor expected nothing less than excellence, and knew exactly who to trust. Here is her own firsthand account:

Watch our Crystalens Surgery Results video to learn more!

“Many people may think I’m biased since my husband, Dr. Labor, was my eye surgeon. But like so many of his patients, my Crystalens procedure was a life-changing experience not unlike theirs. You see, I’ve worn glasses or contact lenses since I was 5 years old, and had 20/400 vision in my left eye, and 20/200 vision in my right eye. As a radiologist, clear vision is crucial to what I do, so having eye surgery was a big decision, even though the person I trust most in the world was doing the procedure. Recently, I completed two eye surgeries over a 4-week period and my vision without glasses or contacts is better than it’s been my entire life! I now have better than 20/20 vision in both eyes, and the colors I see through my new Crystalens are unbelievable.”

“I may need reading glasses only for very small print, but I know my near vision will improve over 12 months; and, over time, my Crystalens will work better for me every day. I’m definitely going to do everything Dr. Labor says – including my reading exercises – to get the absolute best results. As he does with all of his patients, Dr. Labor ensured I knew everything that was going to happen and what I could expect. I was literally shedding tears of joy at how great I could see right after surgery! Without a doubt, this has truly changed my life.”

If you’d like to know more about Crystalens, or any of our Premium Smart Lenses, call us locally in Grapevine at 877-516-4364. Or email us at info@eyecontx.com.

Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/crystalens-procedure/

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Medicare And Medicaid Overpayment Suit Upheld

Whistleblowers, Lucas Matheny (“Matheny”) and Deborah Loveland (“Loveland”), brought an action against Medco Health Solutions (“Medco”) claiming that Medco and its subsidiaries failed to report and refund to the federal government $69 million in Medicare and Medicaid overpayments.  The plaintiffs, former employees of Medco, used the authority of the False Claims Act to bring their lawsuit.  The False Claims Act allows private individuals to sue an entity on their own and the government’s behalf.  In doing so, the individuals receive compensation for being a “whistleblower”, which is usually between 15% and 25% of the funds recovered, including reasonable expenses, attorney fees and costs.

Matheny and Loveland knew of the overpayments to Medco, but were told that because of insufficient manpower to process the necessary forms, the overpayments would not be refunded to the government.  Matheny and Loveland claimed the overpayments were transferred to fictitious patient accounts and perfect records with a zero percent error rate were created using a specific computer program.   In addition, Medco filed a false certificate of compliance with the government, knowingly concealing millions of dollars in overpayments. 

When the lawsuit was first heard by the court, it was dismissed, due to the court noting that the plaintiffs’ complaint had been amended three times and failed to state a claim. However, on appeal, the court concluded that Matheny and Loveland had sufficiently alleged the existence of a false record.  Additionally, the court held that the defendants (Medco) knew the records were false and were to be used to avoid a financial obligation to the government.

The Matheny v. Medco Health Solutions matter is a prime example for healthcare providers to be careful with potential overpayments and how to handle those overpayments should they occur.

Source: http://www.pagingdrblog.com/2012/07/09/medicare-and-medicaid-overpayment-suit-upheld/

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Welcome to Our Blog

Hello and welcome to the blog for Grochmal Eye Center! We’ve created this resource to assist our patients who are considering vision correction. Our goal is to provide you with information about the latest technology and procedures in vision care. Our blog will also serve as a forum for patients to learn about their surgical options from our Baltimore, Maryland Ophthalmologist, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal.

Source: http://www.grochmaleye.com/uncategorized/hello-world/

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MHC Partners with the South Memphis Alliance to provide free HIV & Syphilis Screening!

MEMPHIS HEALTH CENTER & South Memphis Alliance

will provide free HIV & SYPHILIS TESTING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
360 E. H. Crump Blvd.
FREE REFRESHMENTS, & GIVE A-WAYS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

Source: http://www.memphishealthcenter.org/blog/?p=193

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Cholera in Cuba

The first outbreak of cholera in over a century has been reported by the Cuban Ministry of Public Health. The risk to travellers is low, but they should be aware that Cholera can be spread via food being prepared by a person who is ill with the disease.

Travellers are advised to take care with food and water, and to ensure they eat seafood such as crabs and crayfish only when it has been cooked through and is thoroughly hot.

Source: ProMed Newsgroup Aug 2012

For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323

Source: http://www.globetravelhealthcentre.com/travel-advice/cholera-in-cuba.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cholera-in-cuba

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Cost of LASIK versus glasses or contacts

Since the first LASIK technology was FDA-approved, well over a decade ago, LASIK has gone from little known treatment to household name. If you’ve depended on glasses or contacts for most of your life, chances are that you’re familiar with LASIK’s benefits. Our LASIK patients across Dallas/Fort Worth certainly come to us more savvy about this procedure than ever before.

There are the obvious benefits. LASIK is a simple procedure that can add years of improved vision. However, although LASIK is elective (and not covered by insurance), there can be cost benefits as well. On average, LASIK can actually cost less than wearing glasses or contacts over time. Naturally, this can depend on things like how often you have to buy contacts or change your prescription; related doctor visits, and the age you have LASIK performed.

Costs can vary between patients, depending on what is actually required. This is where a thorough eye exam becomes so important. It ensures you’re a LASIK candidate, and helps to pinpoint what needs to be done. More importantly, it takes your vision and overall health into consideration, and allows our doctors to give you the full story.

To get a basic idea of costs versus glasses or contacts, click on the iLASIK Calculator on our LASIK page. To learn more or to set up an appointment, please call our Metro Dallas offices in Grapevine at 877-516-4364.

Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/cost-of-lasik/

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Generic Versus Brand-Name Drugs

Generic drugs account for almost 80 percent of all prescribed medications in the United States and most states allow generic drugs to be dispensed in place of brand-name drugs.  This is quite a large number of generic drugs being taken by quite a large number of the nation’s population.  The possibility of people who take generic drugs and having reactions to the drugs is also large – unfortunately, this is what is happening across the country.  People, who are taking generic drugs, are having severe complications from taking the drugs.  Reactions to these generic drugs are very serious, with some consumers developing inflammatory bowel disease, gangrene, and even movement disorders. 

What is even more distressing is that the manufacturers of these generic drugs are protected by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.  In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in June 2011 that makers of generic drugs cannot be sued for not including side-effect warnings on their labels, if the warnings are also not on the labels of their brand-name equivalent.  This makes it difficult for consumers who may not know they are receiving a generic form of a drug, such as in a hospital, or may be required by their insurance plan to fill a prescription with a generic drug.  If they develop a medical issue while taking a generic form of a prescription drug, they basically have no legal remedy.

The Supreme Court ruling is based on the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984.  This law allowed companies to skip the involved process required to approve new drugs, if they could prove that the generic drug was equivalent to its brand-name counterpart.  However, Representative Henry A. Waxman, who co-wrote the Act, has stated that “Congress did not intend for consumers’ rights to be categorically eliminated simply because they purchased a generic rather than a brand-name drug.”  Mr. Waxman is investigating a change in the ruling. 

Consumers should protect themselves and do their own research before taking any drug – check with your doctor about generic versus brand-name prescriptions and find out about all the possible risks and side effects.

Source: http://www.pagingdrblog.com/2012/03/22/generic-versus-brand-name-drugs/

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Functional – Movement – Kettlebells – CrossFit

Here is a great interview of the owner of, CrossFit Seattle – Dave Werner.  The interview was conducted by, Dr. Wendy Schauer, D.C., R.K.C. of – www.HappyNewYou.com.  The interview has many references to some of the leading researchers and their findings on how important “Functional Movement” is to over all health, especially back pain.  It also covers the role that the Russian Kettlebell can play in overall health and fitness.

Here is the link to the interview:

 http://happynewyou.com/interview-with-dave-werner-rkc-and-owner-of-crossfit-seattle

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II

 

Source: http://www.abundanthealthcenter.com/blog/functional-movement-kettlebells-crossfit

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Friday, October 26, 2012

Carrying Home Medication While Traveling

Source: http://adventuredoc.net/2011/08/15/carrying-home-medication-while-traveling/

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MHC Partners with the South Memphis Alliance to provide free HIV & Syphilis Screening!

MEMPHIS HEALTH CENTER & South Memphis Alliance

will provide free HIV & SYPHILIS TESTING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
360 E. H. Crump Blvd.
FREE REFRESHMENTS, & GIVE A-WAYS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

Source: http://www.memphishealthcenter.org/blog/?p=193

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Before you elect to have LASIK, attend our Free LASIK Campaign Event

Tired of having to wear glasses or contact lenses? Thinking of LASIK but don’t want to hear the same old rhetoric? Attend the Eye Consultants of Texas 60-Minute LASIK Campaign Event, Tuesday, September 25, 2012 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. It’s Free, it’s only one hour, and we’re hosting it at our beautiful Grapevine offices – convenient to Fort Worth and Dallas.

Led by one of our expert doctors, you’ll learn all about the LASIK procedure, costs, financing, generally what to expect, and if you’re a candidate for LASIK. Not only will we give you the straight story, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

In addition, just for showing up you can register to win 2 Cuervo Club Rangers seats, given away at the conclusion of the event.*

LASIK is an elective procedure, so it’s important to go into it with open eyes. Please join us September 25 for this informative 60-minute event. To reserve your space, call us in Grapevine at 877-516-4364. Must be 18 years or older to attend. *Determined by random drawing. No purchase necessary, must be present to win.

Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/free-lasik/

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Premium smart lens patients the real stars of our latest video

Eye Consultants of Texas has just launched a new video featuring actual Fort Worth metro area patients telling their stories. These patients had premium smart lens implants as part of their cataract surgery or as a clear lens extraction. More specifically, these included Crystalens, ReSTOR and AcrySof Toric lens patients.

The video was intentionally unscripted to allow a patient to simply talk and feel comfortable in sharing their story. The goal was to get true heartfelt stories, and to genuinely capture each patient’s expressions and individual personality.

“We are beyond pleased,” Dr. Labor said. “It was very gratifying to see my patients speak so freely about how well they were treated by me, and, more importantly, how happy they were with my staff.” Each patient agreed to appear without compensation, to which Dr. Labor added, “The fact that they voluntarily gave of their time is, in many ways, what means the most. I can’t thank them enough!”

To learn more about Crystalens, ReSTOR, AcrySof Toric or other premium smart lenses we offer, please call our Grapevine office at 877-516-4364. We are conveniently located to all of Dallas/Fort Worth.

Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/patients-video/

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MHC Graduates from Rigorous Quality Program

Memphis Health Center, Inc. graduated from the Alliance’s Program for Nonprofit Excellence during a ceremony held at BRIDGES on February 16th, 2012 along with Delta Arts, Memphis Area Legal Services, & Synergy Treatment Centers. The Alliance Program for Nonprofit Excellence (PNE) is a nationally recognized initiative that transforms participating nonprofits into high-performance organizations through a rigorous multi-year curriculum.

 

Source: http://www.memphishealthcenter.org/blog/?p=158

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Supreme Court Health Care Law Hearings

In November of 2011, the Supreme Court announced that it would hear challenges to President Obama’s health care reform law (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010).  Those hearings are scheduled for March 26-28 and will address the following issues:

  • Are opponents of the new health care law challenging the law too soon?  According to the new law, everyone is required to purchase health insurance, with or without government assistance, or be fined (individual mandate).   However, it is unclear as to whether the fine to be imposed is considered a tax.  If it is a tax, then the Anti-Injunction Act, a federal law, prohibits anyone challenging the health care law until 2014, when violators will be required to pay the “fine” or “tax”.
  • Assuming the individual mandate can be challenged now, is the individual mandate constitutional?   There is a Commerce Clause in the Constitution, which allows Congress to regulate interstate commerce, but does this clause also allow Congress to require people to purchase health care insurance?
  • If the individual mandate is found to be unconstitutional, will the rest of the health care law remain in effect?   Sometimes a portion of the law can be struck down, if it is found to be unconstitutional, while the rest of the law continues in force.  If the Court finds that the unconstitutional part of the law is so intertwined with the rest of the law, then it comes to an all or nothing at all proposition.
  • Is the health care law’s expansion of the Medicaid program constitutional?   The argument is state versus federal rights.  The new law requires states to change their Medicaid programs, so that all people will be eligible for coverage.  If states do not change their laws, they will lose all of their federal funding for the program. 

The Supreme Court plans to release recordings of the arguments on its website (http://www.supremecourt.gov/) around 2 p.m. each day for arguments held that morning and around 4 p.m. for arguments held in the afternoon of March 28.   After hearing the challenges to the new health care law, the Court is expected to reach its decision in June 2012.

Source: http://www.pagingdrblog.com/2012/03/19/supreme-court-health-care-law-hearings/

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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Baltimore LASIK Surgery Practice Hosts Valentine’s Day Special Offer for BOTOX ® Cosmetic

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LASIK Surgeon in Baltimore Announces BOTOX Cosmetic Special Offer for Valentine's Day

Dr. Jay C. Grochmal, a LASIK surgeon in Baltimore, has announced his practice will be hosting a special offer on BOTOX ® Cosmetic to provide patients with a rejuvenated appearance and improved self-confidence at a discounted rate. The offer will run until Valentine’s Day and will give patients the chance to take advantage of reduced pricing on BOTOX in Baltimore in preparation for celebrating the iconic holiday with their loved ones.

At his Baltimore cataract and LASIK surgery practice in Baltimore, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal has announced the beginning of a special offer on BOTOX ® Cosmetic for patients looking to boost their appearance before Valentine’s Day. From now until the upcoming holiday on February 14, the Grochmal Eye Center will be offering BOTOX ® Cosmetic at $9.75 per unit. Dr. Grochmal and his practice provide laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK in Maryland, as well as cosmetic enhancements including BOTOX ® injections, Juvederm®, and eyelid surgery.

Dr. Grochmal says cosmetic procedures such as the non-invasive BOTOX ® Cosmetic and surgical procedures like eyelid surgery can offer patients an aesthetic addition to their LASIK or laser vision correction surgery in order to provide a more comprehensive and noticeable enhancement to their new, clearer vision. Dermal injections like Juvederm® and BOTOX ® Cosmetic are designed to tighten loose skin and treat wrinkles and facial lines. He says with reduced pricing on BOTOX ® Cosmetic and his variety of aesthetic procedures, patients now have the opportunity to improve self confidence and tighten the skin under their eyes for a completely refreshed outlook on life.

For patients interested in taking advantage of the Grochmal Eye Center’s BOTOX ® Cosmetic special for Valentine’s Day, Dr. Grochmal says to contact his practice for more information. He also adds that consulting with an experienced and qualified practice is essential for achieving safe and effective treatment.

About Jay C. Grochmal, MD

Dr. Jay Grochmal received his medical degree from the University of Maryland, after which he completed a rotating internship at the U.S. Public Health Hospital in Baltimore. During his residency, he achieved the rank of Chief Resident at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Grochmal is on staff with the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and St. Agnes Hospital. He has participated in several medical mission trips to third world countries to provide his expertise in eye care, including Pakistan, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. Dr. Grochmal is also a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Located at 405 Frederick Road, Suite 102 in Baltimore, MD, the Grochmal Eye Center can be reached at (410) 697-4090. It can also be contacted online via the website grochmaleye.com or facebook.com/grochmaleye.

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Source: http://www.grochmaleye.com/blog/baltimore-lasik-surgery-practice-hosts-valentines-day-special-offer-for-botox-cosmetic/

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Top 5 Patient Benefits of iLASIK™

Since its inception, laser vision correction has been changing the lives of our patients, enhancing vision and reducing or eliminating our patients’ dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses.  Now, our practice is proud to offer what many consider to be the most advanced LASIK system available: iLASIK™.  Not sure what this cutting-edge procedure is all about?

Here is our list of the Top 5 Patient Benefits of iLASIK:

  1. Fully-customized procedure. iLASIK is not a one-size-fits-all procedure.  Rather, using cutting-edge 3D eye mapping, iLASIK creates a one-of-a-kind image that is used to guide your LASIK procedure.  This unique “roadmap” means a fully-customized procedure in keeping with your unique anatomy and medical needs.
  2. Completely bladeless. Where some LASIK systems rely on metal blades, iLASIK creates a corneal flap using a precise laser.  This completely blade-free system is an ideal alternative for those hesitant about “going under the knife.”  What’s more, this method often results in better and faster healing following the procedure.
  3. Cool laser technology. A second laser – the one used to make the actual vision correction – can be understood as a “cool laser.”  Using pain-free, ultraviolet light, iLASIK works to reshape the cornea and achieve better vision.  What’s more, vision correction takes only seconds per eye.
  4. Iris registration. Cutting-edge iris registration technology ensures that iLASIK’s laser remains aligned, even if you move your eye.  This offers not only a more precise procedure, but very often a quicker procedure as well.
  5. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. Of course, the most important benefit of iLASIK is its remarkable results.  And, while each patient’s results will vary, most iLASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better following the procedure.

iLASIK in Winchester

To learn more about iLASIK, contact us today and schedule a consultation. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, and you can reach us directly at (540) 722-6200.  We look forward to meeting you.

Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/lasik/top-5-patient-benefits-of-ilasik%e2%84%a2

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Careers As Advanced Health Care Practitioner In Demand

According to data collected by the American Medical Group Association’s and Cejka Search 2011 Physician Retention Survey, careers in the advanced health care field are growing rapidly.  As such, employment in medical groups for nurse practitioners (“NPs”) and physician assistants (“PAs”) has increased significantly in the past five years.  According to the data, 75% of the responses to the survey indicated more NPs and PAs will be hired in the next five years.

Growth in these advanced health care professions is due largely to economics, according to an article in U.S. News and World Report.  NPs, for example, can provide patients with many primary health care services at a fraction of the cost of an internist.  In addition, FiercePracticeManagement reports that due to physician shortages and the demand to create a medical “team” to care for patients (accountable care organizations, “ACO”), medical groups are employing the NP and PA at increasingly high rates.  This gives NPs and PAs the advantage of choosing where to work, thus creating a high turnover rate for these positions.  In addition, recruiting and retaining these professionals are challenges to medical groups.

Meiselman, Denlea, Packman, Carton & Eberz P.C. offers legal advice to physicians on medical issues.  If you need legal assistance or guidance on a matter regarding your practice, please call our office.

Source: http://www.pagingdrblog.com/2012/04/17/careers-as-advanced-health-care-practitioner-in-demand/

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So, What Is Presbyopia?

A lot of people have heard the term Presbyopia before, but not everyone knows the whole story.  While the word may sound  complicated, the condition is actually quite simple to understand.  Presbyopia is a change in our eyes’ ability to focus on close objects.  This change is a natural part of the aging process, and it usually presents itself when folks are in their 40s.

Common signs of presbyopia include:

  • Blurry vision when focusing on close-up objects
  • Trouble reading small print, especially in low light
  • Holding objects far away from the face to see them better
  • Headaches

So, why does presbyopia happen?  The lens of the eye is responsible for keeping objects in focus.  The unique flexibility of the lens allows us to focus on distant objects as well as close-up objects.   Presbyopia occurs when this soft lens begins to harden, reducing its flexibility and hindering the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects.

Thankfully, there are many things we can do about it.  Read on to find out a few ways we treat presbyopia today.

Presbyopia Treatments

For some patients, eyeglasses or contact lenses may be enough to combat their presbyopia symptoms.  In more serious cases, or for those wishing to avoid corrective lenses, modern ophthalmology offers a few  solutions.

Here are two of the most common ways we treat presbyopia today:

  • CK Surgery: CK Surgery for Presbyopia, also known as Conductive Keratoplasty, is a non-invasive, non-laser treatment.  Instead of a scalpel, a CK procedure uses radio-frequency energy to reshape the cornea and change the way the eye focuses light.
  • Presbyopic IOL: A Presbyopic IOL is a replacement lens aimed at total vision correction.  These IOLs, such as the ReSTOR® Multifocal Lens, are implanted through a safe procedure similar to that of a cataract patient.  Furthermore, presbyopic IOLs have the added benefit of preventing cataracts from developing in the future, as the natural lens is completely replaced.

Ophthalmologist in Winchester

To learn more about presbyopia treatment or to schedule an appointment at our Winchester Ophthalmology Offices, we encourage you to contact us today.  We can be reached at (540) 722-6200 and look forward to meeting you soon.

Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/presbyopia/so-what-is-presbyopia

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Dr. Labor performs Crystalens procedure on someone very special

Recently, Phillips Kirk Labor, MD implanted Crystalens intraocular lenses in both eyes of a very important person: his wife. A respected physician herself, Dr. Penny Labor expected nothing less than excellence, and knew exactly who to trust. Here is her own firsthand account:

Watch our Crystalens Surgery Results video to learn more!

“Many people may think I’m biased since my husband, Dr. Labor, was my eye surgeon. But like so many of his patients, my Crystalens procedure was a life-changing experience not unlike theirs. You see, I’ve worn glasses or contact lenses since I was 5 years old, and had 20/400 vision in my left eye, and 20/200 vision in my right eye. As a radiologist, clear vision is crucial to what I do, so having eye surgery was a big decision, even though the person I trust most in the world was doing the procedure. Recently, I completed two eye surgeries over a 4-week period and my vision without glasses or contacts is better than it’s been my entire life! I now have better than 20/20 vision in both eyes, and the colors I see through my new Crystalens are unbelievable.”

“I may need reading glasses only for very small print, but I know my near vision will improve over 12 months; and, over time, my Crystalens will work better for me every day. I’m definitely going to do everything Dr. Labor says – including my reading exercises – to get the absolute best results. As he does with all of his patients, Dr. Labor ensured I knew everything that was going to happen and what I could expect. I was literally shedding tears of joy at how great I could see right after surgery! Without a doubt, this has truly changed my life.”

If you’d like to know more about Crystalens, or any of our Premium Smart Lenses, call us locally in Grapevine at 877-516-4364. Or email us at info@eyecontx.com.

Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/crystalens-procedure/

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Filariasis basics for travelers

Source: http://adventuredoc.net/2012/04/29/filariasis-basics-for-travelers/

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