By: Robert Remler
Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island (OCLI), as the trio's practice is known, has performed over 400 ECP procedures. ECP is a surgical technique in which a tiny endoscope is navigated through a small opening in the patient's eye. This instrument, the width of a paperclip wire, contains a light fiber, video camera and laser. Eye surgeons can now illuminate, locate, and precisely treat the tissues that cause glaucoma, all in a single procedure. According to Dr. Berke, a Rockville Centre resident, the vast majority of ECP patients experience a total halt or dramatic improvement in their glaucoma conditions, while reducing or eliminating the need for prescription eye medications. Glaucoma is the second leading and fastest growing cause of permanent blindness in the United States; 2.5 million Americans have glaucoma, with African Americans and seniors at greatest risk. Glaucoma occurs when fluid pressure elevates within the eye, damaging sensitive nerve tissue. This damaged tissue blocks the transmission of images which would normally pass through the optic nerve toward the brain. Glaucoma usually does not present patient-noticeable symptoms until tissue damage has reached permanent, vision-impairing levels. If diagnosed early, this condition is treatable. ECP is not the first laser treatment for glaucoma. Earlier glaucoma procedures included surgical techniques that subjected patients to potential complications such as bleeding, infection, pain, and prolonged recovery. In earlier laser procedures, surgeons would fire the laser through the wall of the eye, toward an unseen target.For years, prescription eye drops have been used to treat glaucoma. "Eye drops can be a real problem for older people," said Dr. Berke. These medications can cost $3,000 per year, and often carry serious side effects, including organ failure, depression, and impotence. Patient noncompliance is also an issue. "Overdosing, underdosing, and forgetfulness may seem like easy problems to overcome, but I've seen hundreds of cases where simple instructions weren't followed, and the glaucoma just got worse." Conditions such as arthritis, hand tremors, and memory problems can also interfere with proper eye drop therapy. "Based upon experience, we know it's often better to address glaucoma with ECP, once and for all," said Dr. Berke.
Mercy Medical cancer program approved
Mercy Medical Center's cancer program received a three-year approval by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. The major goals of the Approvals Program are to decrease the morbidity and mortality of patients with cancer and to improve the quality of patient care. The standards of the Commission on Cancer provide a model for organizing and managing a hospital's cancer program to ensure multi-disciplinary, integrated and comprehensive oncology services. Equally as important, the Approvals Program is recognized by other national health care organizations as establishing performance measures for high-quality care to patients who have cancer. As this is a voluntary program, Mercy is most proud of its physicians and staff who made a serious commitment to the necessity and value of the cancer program.
Skin cancer lecture
An "Update on Skin Cancer" lecture will be hosted by Dermatologist Joann N. Salvemini, MD, of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset.The lecture will be held on Tuesday, August 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the health system's administrative office's conference room located across from the hospital at 145 Community Dr., Manhasset.Refreshments will be offered at 7 p.m. For more information or to register, contact the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System's Department of Professional and Public Health Education at 516-465-2500.
Meals for children in child care
Child Care Council of Nassau, Inc. announces the sponsorship of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) through the New York State Department of Health, to family and group family child care providers. The program is designed to endure that nutritious meals and snacks are served in child care homes and to provide education, oversight and reimbursement to child care providers. For more information, please contact Lili Buzomi at 516-358-9250
Grant supports South Nassau's training program
South Nassau Communities Hospital has been awarded a $125,018 Workforce Investment Act Customized Training Services Grant to fund the expansion of its Nursing Aide Training Program. The grant was awarded by the Town of Hempstead's Workforce Investment Board in association with the New York State Department of Labor."Our program features a staff of experienced, skilled nurse educators and provides the extensive training and instruction that serves as the platform for a successful career in health care," coordinator of South Nassau's Nursing Education, Development and Research Department, Louis Colle, RN, said.South Nassau's Nurse Aide Training Program is a 5-week, 187.5-hour course. All students who complete the course receive the training and education required to serve as a nurse aide at any acute care facilities that employ Nurse Aides. A high school diploma or general education degree is required for enrollment. The cost of the program is $500. For more information, please call 516 632-3910.
