A new study by the National Eye Institute (NEI) has identified three new genes associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD, which is the most common cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60, destroys the macula, a cluster of light-sensitive cells in the central part of the retina. The macula allows […]

Last month the family headed off to Mozambique for a two week vacation at the sea. Our favoured destination is Ponta do Oura, which is the most Southern town on the Mozambique coast and a well know tourist attraction for Scuba divers all over the world.

Genop Health Care launched the Optive Single Unite Dose system this week.  The Optive SDU’s are ideal for all contact lens wearers or persons suffering from dry eye who would like to use a lubricant on an infrequent basis. The Optive range is a hypotonic buffered artificial tear lubricant making it ideal for users suffering from evaporative related […]

Allergan, Inc. announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zymaxid (gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution) 0.5%, a topical fluoroquinolone anti-infective indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of the following organisms: Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mitis group...

(UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE HELEN KELLER SOCIETY) The Durbanville Low Vision Support Group has been formed locally to enable persons with low vision to offer each other support in order to lead as independant a life as possible. Currently expenses involved in running the Support Group are funded by The Helen Keller Society (A […]

Today the Western Cape Health department officially declared a measles outbreak in the province. The department says 422 cases have been confirmed in Cape Town since Monday, while laboratory results are still outstanding on other suspected cases. The hardest hit areas appear to be Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Klipfontein and Tygerberg. The department’s Mark Van der […]

The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has threatened accreditation suspension – or even withdrawal – for those medical schemes and administrators who fail to comply in respect of the provision and payment of prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs). In a recent circular (No 37 of 2009), newly-appointed CMS acting-registrar and chief executive, Craig Burton-Durham, issued this […]

World Glaucoma Week is a joint global initiative to raise awareness of Glaucoma and its effect on people.  This year from the 7 -13 March 2010 people can receive glaucoma screening from all Optometrists and the following Ophthalmologists in the Western Cape. All the Optometrists at Charl Laäs Optometrists are involved with World Glaucoma Week and […]

Intrastromal rings or Intacs broke into the ophthalmic market with a big bang and was hailed as a savior surgical procedure for Keratoconus patients. The idea is to implant two semi circular rings into the tissue of the cornea on opposite sides of the keratoconic ectasia (protrusion of corneal tissue). The mechanical effect of the […]

Dear Doctor and Staff 1. Introduction The management and staff at HealthMan and E2 Solutions wish all our clients and their staff and those of you who also receive this newsletter a prosperous 2010. This year will indeed again be challenging with expected legislative changes that could have major impacts on private healthcare in 2010/11. Amongst […]