Between September 7th & 9th, ophthalmologists will be gathering in Austin, Texas for the ME Live conference. The conference is designed exclusively for millennial-minded clinicians and will feature concepts of interest to a millennial audience. MillennialEYE Live promotes opportunities for education, interaction, and networking among peers and industry professionals alike—in an environment where innovation is central.

On opening night of ME Live (Friday, September 7), Laser Locators will be hosting a video competition, featuring the top surgical videos submitted from attendees. In order to enter the competition, attendees can submit a surgical video of a complex case, an innovative technique, or a teachable moment in the OR, using this link. The best three videos will be presented live in Austin, Texas in exchange for the following prizes.

Sponsored Laser Locators prizes will include:

• First place: iPad
• Second place: Apple TV
• Third Place: GoPro

Although Laser Locators sponsored the ME Live Video Contest last year, this will be their first time attending the conference. The Laser Locators team is excited to foster connections with new associates while exploring the latest in innovation.

About Laser Locators

Established in 2004, Laser Locators is a global company that buys, sells and services a variety of new or used ophthalmic equipment including surgical and refractive lasers, as well as diagnostic and surgical equipment. We have experienced laser engineers and technicians on staff that refurbish and service equipment at our headquarters or in the field. We warranty, support, and service all of the equipment we sell. Our shipping capabilities are first-rate, and we can ship almost anywhere in the world and have done business in over 100 different countries. We invite anyone to tour our new 12,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility prior to purchase, located in Tampa, FL.

Eye-related diseases are more common than you think- and clear-cut symptoms rarely show, until it’s too late. We’re often told to expect the unexpected, but how can we see the unseen danger? In light of May as Healthy Vision Month, it is crucial to understand the reasons behind the diseases that can lead to vision loss and blindness.

Our eyes work hard day-in and day-out, but most people have no idea what is actually going on behind the lens. Eye awareness and care are crucial to keeping high-quality eyesight. Unsurprisingly, when we don’t take proper care of our eyes, they begin to reflect the neglect.

According to a 2017 global study published in The Lancet by The Vision Loss Expert Group (VLEG), 36 million people were blind and 216.6 million were visually impaired in 2015. Vision loss and blindness can result from various eye-diseases, but there are four that remain most prevalent. According to the report, approximately 8.4 million individuals have advanced age-related macular degeneration, 6.9 million have glaucoma, 2.6 million have diabetic retinopathy, and 65.2 million have cataracts. If these statistics and terms make your eyes widen in confusion, you’re not alone. Let’s delve into what each really means.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) occurs when the central layer of the retina, called the macula, deteriorates. The macula controls our ability to read, drive, recognize faces and fine details. AMD only affects the center of your eyes, so your peripheral (or side) vision is unharmed. However, this disease is progressive- it gets worse over time, and it is currently untreatable. It is most often seen in Caucasians over 50 years old and regular smokers.

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, which is how the brain gets visual information from your eyes. Most often, glaucoma is caused by increased pressure inside your eye, but there aren’t many symptoms. It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and as you age, your risk increases. People of color have an even higher risk of developing this disease, as well as those with existing eye issues like chronic inflammation.

Diabetic Retinopathy, like the name suggests, is due to diabetes or high blood sugar levels. The excess sugar is actually responsible for damaging the blood vessels in the retina. When left untreated, it is one of the most common causes of blindness in the United States. There are varying degrees and types, but symptoms remain the same: seeing dark spots, blurred vision, loss of vision, difficulty seeing at night, and difficulty seeing colors. It is crucial to moderate blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol especially when diabetic.

Cataracts are dense, cloudy areas that develop over time in the lens of the eye. This is the result of proteins clumping together and interfering with the processing of light by the retina. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes and are most common in older people, but sometimes even babies are born with them. Types of cataracts are categorized by where and how they develop. It is estimated that at least half of Americans receive surgery for cataracts by the time they are 80 years old. Risk factors include, but are not limited to exposure to radiation, UV rays, obesity, smoking, and long-term steroid use.

It is predicted that by 2020, the number of individuals with severe vision loss and blindness will increase substantially worldwide. The VLEG report also states that the causes behind 77{0730eed075b45d9e50c00d6cd42dd08773e0164f29a45151808bf89051290974} of vision loss and 55{0730eed075b45d9e50c00d6cd42dd08773e0164f29a45151808bf89051290974} of blindness can be prevented with surgery and/or glasses. The majority of people fear going blind more than they fear losing a limb or getting cancer (the American Foundation for the Blind), so why is vision loss rising rampantly?

Don’t let a lack of symptoms fool you- see the unseen danger. The only way to screen for early signs of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, is to visit an eye doctor. Take the necessary precautions and be wise when it comes to your eyes. A healthy lifestyle and a yearly eye exam can do a world of difference – let’s open our eyes… after all, they’re worth it.

Laser Locators recently traveled to Washington DC to attend the 2018 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting. From April 13-17th, the conference provided high-quality education for physicians, practice managers, ophthalmic technicians and support staff.

“It was a pleasure to meet and network with some of the brightest minds in the ophthalmic space,” says Sean O’Donnell, CEO of Laser Locators. “We were able to see firsthand how developments in equipment technology are shaping the course of the industry, and how eye diseases are being treated.”

The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery is an international, non-profit organization that is dedicated to advancing the art and science of ophthalmic surgery. Many of the presentations focused on cataracts, pupil miosis, astigmatism and corneal diseases.

“We offer only the best ophthalmic equipment solutions to our clients, and therefore, attending conferences like ASCRS is a critical way for us to stay up to date on the most current and cutting-edge trends in technology and treatments,” says Joey Colarulo, VP of Sales and Managing Partner.

Many vendors such as Zeiss set up booths that allowed visitors to experience all the exciting products and new technologies and gain hands-on experience of the latest innovations in eye care.

“Seeing the manufacturers perform wet labs with doctors in an educational setting helps improve our knowledge of the surgical process. It is an enlightening experience,” says Amanda Wilson, Sales and Procurement.

The conference was an outstanding experience. Our team spent four days in the beautiful capital learning about the latest innovations in eye care, allowing us to make new and meaningful business connections, in addition to giving our team an opportunity to see some of our nation’s finest monuments.

Click below to see the photo gallery.

Years of dedication to quality has allowed Laser Locators to become recognized as a global leader in used ophthalmic equipment. Laser Locators offers service and sales for laser and diagnostic equipment in over 100 countries around the world and is considered a company that truly cares about its clients.

Laser Locators is featured in the current issue of DOTmed HealthCare Business News, a professional publication that is distributed to more than 30,000 medical professionals worldwide. The publication is the ultimate resource for busy medical professionals and doctors who are looking to improve the health of their bottom line.

“After being named a DOTmed100 company this year, we are thrilled to be featured in its publication. It is great to get recognition for the attention to detail and quality that our staff has brought to the ophthalmic industry,” says Sean O’Donnell, President & CEO of Laser Locators.

In this edition, Laser Locators is recognized as a DOTmed100 Equipment seller, one of the top vendors and suppliers in the healthcare industry. The publication features a comprehensive list of independent sales and service companies which play an integral part of the supply chain that protects healthcare providers.

“Everything we do at Laser Locators, from our entire company culture to our operations, stems from wanting to deliver the best quality products and services to the customer,” says Joey Colarulo, VP of Sales & Managing Partner. “We are always looking for new ways to engage with our clients and improve their experience working with us.”

The criteria include responsiveness, integrity, commitment to quality service and exceptional products. Laser Locators is proud to be listed on the top half of the first page, which also highlights the company’s DOTmed certification. The list is based on positive feedback with those companies receiving the most positive feedback at the top.

At Laser Locators, we take our commitment to quality ophthalmic products and exceptional customer service to another level with our 7-point standard.

To read the full issue, click on the link below.