 If you have an important announcement that might be of value to other Affiliates and would like to have it shown here, just email me, your TLC Tysons Corner Clinical Director, at jen.weigel@tlcvision.com. |
Announcements
Important Message from Dr. Holzman
Originally dated 09/02/2020: Dear Doctors/TLC Laser Eye Center Affiliates,
I hope this communication finds you happy and well. These have
been interesting times for us all and the ‘year of vision’ 2020 has had
plenty of surprises and hurdles for us thus far. The purpose of this
email is to ensure that you knew of a recent ownership change and to
reassure you that our team is still here taking excellent care of your
patients and helping them to enjoy the wonders of Laser Vision
Correction!
As you know, over the years our ownership has changed several
times, from being a publicly traded company to being owned by various
financial and strategic investors. So too, has the financial stability
of our parent organization changed over time, including entering into a
Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding earlier this year. As we hope we have
proven first-hand through our patient care and customer service,
throughout all these changes, our commitment to you, your practice, and
your patients has been unwavering. As described below, we are confident
that the same can and will be true today. We are excited to announce
that a few weeks ago, the Joffe family (principals of LasikPlus)
acquired control of Vision Group Holdings, our parent ownership group.
In addition to providing financial stability to our organization, the
Joffe family has been involved in laser vision correction since 1992 and
bring a deep understanding of and passion for the work we do.
Based on the numerous, lengthy discussions I have had with our new
ownership team, it is clear that they are very impressed with our market
presence and the strength of our Optometric referral network here in
MD, DC and VA. This is a source of honor and pride for us and is also a
testament to your efforts and loyalty. It is very important
to all of us that nothing endangers the relationships we have
collectively built on mutual trust, respect and care. The new ownership
group not only has no intentions of hurting our Co-management
relationships, but is interested in learning how to further strengthen
them! The value you bring to our practice and organization is clear, and
we are excited to continue to partner with you to grow our brand and
reputation in the community.
As a few of you know, I have been Co-Managing refractive surgery
cases with the Optometric community in this area for over 20
years. During this time, I have been highly engaged in many ways,
including onsite patient seminars at OD offices, sponsorships of local
and state Optometric associations, and of course continuing
education. It is a very large part of my life and I fully intend it to
continue! I look forward to having additional financial and strategic
support behind me as we continue to provide outstanding care to patients
with an unwavering commitment to the Optometric community. We will
continue to provide outstanding results with the safety of your patient
as our first priority. We will also continue to treat each one of them
like they are family!
I thank you for your continued loyalty and trust. Handling your
patients’ refractive surgery needs is a privilege that I do not take
lightly. I look forward to many more years of working together! If you
don’t already have this, my cell number is 703-407-6585. Please feel
free to reach out to me if you have any questions or if you would just
like to chat. Look forward to seeing you all again soon.
As always and best wishes,
Dr. Andy Holzman |
Welcome to Nick Oettinger, TLC Tysons Professional Relations Consultant
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Subject: A fond farewell to Joan Reich
and a warm welcome to Nick Oettinger
Joan Reich, retiring TLC Tysons Professional Relations Consultant, with new PRC Nick Oettinger
Respectfully,
Dr. Holzman and your TLC Tysons Team |
CXL is Coming to DMV Area Soon
Dear Doctor, We are excited to announce that TLC Tysons Corner will begin offering the corneal cross-linking procedure very soon. As you may already know, the FDA recently approved corneal cross-linking using KXL light system and Photrexa Viscous/Phorexa riboflavin formulas. This specific treatment combination is currently the only FDA-approved therapeutic modality for patients with progressive keratoconus. For the first time, we now have an effective treatment clinically proven to prevent or slow down progression for our keratoconus patients. How it Works The procedure is simple for patients: Riboflavin eye drops are applied to the cornea for 30 minutes after epithelial removal, followed by exposure of the cornea to KXL light system for another 30 minutes. The procedure works by creating new corneal “cross-links”, which results in stiffening and strengthening of stromal tissue Benefits to Your Patients • The only FDA-approved, non-surgical keratoconus treatment available • The only treatment proven to halt or slow down the progression of disease • The only treatment shown to clinically stiffen corneal tissue • The only FDA-approved procedure that provides a true long-term solution for your patients Who is Eligible? Corneal cross-linking can be indicated for any patient who has been diagnosed with progressive keratoconus and who is 14 years of age or older. Your patients’ vision and quality-of-life are very important to TLC and that is why we will be adding corneal cross-linking as a new service offering. These patients often require ongoing care and advanced contact lens fittings as their cornea remodels over time. As always, your expertise is an integral part of our co-management relationship. This is essential to ensure that treatment success is achieved for each patient in the long run. We will be happy to discuss how best to manage these cases with you. Should you have any questions about corneal cross-linking, please do not hesitate to contact us. As always, we thank you for your continued support and trusting TLC with your patients. Sincerely, Your TLC Tysons Team Andrew Holzman, MD, FACS, Regional Medical Director Jen Weigel, OD, FAAO, Clinical Director Natasha Carter, Center Manager Joan Reich, Professional Relations Consultant |
TLC Tysons Corner CE Series: Drs. Holzman and Solomon to Discuss Corneal Inlays
From our guest bloggers Joan and Kara: You are invited to a CE given by Drs. Andrew Holzman and Dr. Jonathan Solomon on "Inlays and Beyond" (COPE approved for 2 hours). You have a choice of dates and centers: Thursday, December 3rd in our Tysons Corner Center, or Wednesday, December 16th in our Rockville center. Both start at 6:30 with registration and a light dinner. The presentation, will start at 7:00 and See the attached invitation. For those of you who were told ahead of time, please note that the date of the Tysons CE has changed! Our CE's fill up very quickly and we have limited space, so please make sure to register ASAP to: * TYSONS: Just reply to this email (joan.reich@tlcvision.com<mailto:joan.reich@tlcvision.com>) no later than Monday, November 30th. * ROCKVILLE: Reply to Kara Kline (kara.kline@tlcvision.com<mailto:kara.kline@tlcvision.com>) no later than Friday, December 11th. Please be prepared to give us your OE Tracker#, if you haven't done so already. COPE will only accept credits uploaded to their website and will require this number to identify you. If you do not have this number, please go to the ARBO/COPE website. As long as you are a registered optometrist in the state you work in, you will be able to find it there. If you have given this # at a previous CE, we will not need it again, as I have recorded it in my database. Other Info you may need: Tysons 1. Our Tysons address is 7930 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 250, McLean, VA, 22102. The CE is on the lobby level and there's an entrance from the first floor of the garage level. (follow the signs) This is the Hilton Worldwide Headquarters building. You can get directions from the TLC website at this link: http://www.tlcvision.com/centers/tysons-corner/ (You may have to cut and paste this into your browser), or use the attached directions/map. These directions do not include the EZ Pass Express Lanes. If you are coming from anywhere that makes sense to use your EZ Pass, do so! You'll love it because it drops you off right at our building on Jones Branch Drive (First building on the left as you get off the exit.). This link might help. you: http://www.495expresslanes.com/pdfs/495Express_Lanes_Access_Map.pdf 2. There is a small charge for parking in the garage of our building after the first hour ($2-$5, depending on how long you are there). Rockville TLC Rockville is located in the CRI building directly across the street from White Flint on Rockville Pike. The entrance to the garage is on Edson Lane. TLC is on the lobby level. We hope you can make it! Joan and Kara |
Change in Soft Contact Lens Protocol
We are changing the soft contact lens discontinuance protocol. Basically, we are rolling things back to what things were like pre-Custom VISX days, so this is not as radical as what it might seem at first glance. Previously, our contact lens protocol was: - Soft spherical contact lenses: discontinue 2 weeks prior to TLC pre-op/final scans - Soft toric contact lenses: discontinue 3 weeks prior to TLC pre-op/final scans - Soft extended wear contact lenses: discontinue 3 weeks prior to TLC pre-op/final scans - RGP contact lenses: discontinue approximately 1 month per decade of RGP wear; check scans/MR at TLC approximately monthly while discontinuing RGP wear; can transition to SCL during this time, but pt must ultimately discontinue those SCL according to the above schedule prior to TLC pre-op/final scans Now, the new contact lens protocol will be: - All soft contact lenses: discontinue 1 week prior to TLC pre-op/final scans - RGP contact lenses: same as above, no changes Important notes: This will be easier on your patients, of course, but this was NOT the motivating factor for this change in protocol. We have traditionally made use of two laser platforms - AMO VISX and Alcon WaveLight - but now that we are primarily using the Alcon WaveLight laser platform, we decided to change gradually to the contact lens protocols used in their studies that were submitted to the FDA. In those studies, the contact lens discontinuance period was three days, and the results were excellent. (Of note, three days is closer to what cl d/c period used to be pre-Custom days. While I wasn't practicing then, I certainly have seen this protocol on paperwork when I've reviewed previous charts for records releases.) Patients can see you at any time - no matter their cl discontinuance time - for their pre-LASIK/PRK vision checks, dilation, but they must discontinue cls according to the new contact lens protocol above before their TLC pre-op appointment. And, it goes without saying, but this protocol does not replace professional judgement. If your patient requires more time out of contact lenses, we will explain this to your patients at their consultation appointments. Examples of cases needing extended cl discontinuance might include dry eyes, irregular scans, fluctuating MR. Let us know if you have questions! - jw |
Kara Kline Joins TLC Tysons as Professional Relations Consultant
Ah! I realized that I forgot to tell you guys about Kara "officially" joining our team as a Professional Relations Consultant. I've blogged about our work together already, but I seemed to have overlooked this official announcement. I'll slap myself on my hand for you. Kara's been a great addition to our team. She has really impressed me with her quick learning skills and enthusiasm for this field, our office. Having served in the Army, I remember to thank her for her service today, Veteran's Day. - jw Our official welcome email from back in October: Dear Affiliate Doctor, TLC Tysons Corner is pleased to announce that Kara Kline has joined our team as a Professional Relations Consultant. In her role as Professional Relations Consultant, she will be the liaison between your office and TLC. Kara joined us on September 8, 2015, and she has been working diligently in preparation to meet all of you. Kara graduated from Indiana University with honors and served as a medic in the United States Army. While in the Army, she performed administrative, clinical and office management duties to support medical professionals, patients and clients for several large medical facilities, including Walter Reed Medical Center, Brooks Army Medical Center and Heidelberg MEDDAC. She came to us from McKesson's Medimart Division where she was an Account Manager and Field Support Specialist. We are very excited to have her on board as a member of the TLC Tysons team. Please help us welcome her as she visits you and your practices soon. If you would like to contact Kara, her email address is kara.kline@tlcvision.com<mailto:kara.kline@tlcvision.com>. All the best, Natasha Natasha | Center Manager | TLC Laser Eye Centers(r) 7930 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 250| McLean, Virginia 22102 o 703.556.9155 f 703-761-4960 |
Dr. Holzman cited in Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Tuesday, August 18, 2015 This is a quick update on our surgery protocols involving the use of Muro-128 ointment. You likely have noticed we have been using this preoperatively for a few years. This originated from Dr. Holzman's research using hyperosmotic agents to reduce epithelial disruptions during LASIK. Epithelial defects can put the patient at risk for ingrowth, DLK, prolonged healing and undercorrection. Attached is Dr. Holzman's article which recently was published in the May issue of Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. This is the first study of its kind investigating this issue. Important points from the study: * Age (>34yo) was shown to be the most significant risk factor for epithelial defects during LASIK. * Use of preoperative hyperosmotic ointment reduced the incidence of epithelial defects during surgery. Therefore, we have all patients over 35 years of age use Muro-128 ointment at bedtime one week before surgery. Also patients with very fair complexion (i.e. red hair, Rosacea) are placed on similar protocols. These instructions are provided to your patients during their consultation at TLC. While impossible to prevent every surgical complication, our team is committed to maximizing patient safety. We feel the use of Muro helps us achieve this goal. As always please contact me or Dr. Holzman (andrew.holzman@tlcvision.com<mailto:andrew.holzman@tlcvision.com>) with any questions. Thank you for your continued support! Jen Jen Weigel, O.D. , FAAO| Clinical Director | TLC Laser Eye Centers®  |
Good Luck, Nicole!
Dear TLC Affiliate, Hopefully all is well with you and your summer is busy with patients. I am writing this note to share some news with you. Nicole Lowry, one of our Professional Relations Consultants (PRC) in the Washington DC area will be leaving her role with TLC. She has done an outstanding job, has built up strong relationships with many of you and your staff, and will be greatly missed. She will be pursuing an opportunity in an unrelated field, and we wish her the best! We are recruiting now, and will work to find the best possible candidate to fill the position. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me, or to any of the center management teams listed below with any needs or concerns. In addition, if you know of anyone that may be interested in the position, or anyone that you feel we should approach please let us know! As always, thank you for your continued support and for trusting your patients to Dr. Holzman and TLC Laser Eye Centers! TLC Rockville 301-881-2021 Center Manager Todd Jameson Todd.jameson@tlcvision.com Clinical Director Jim Smeriglio, O.D. Jim.smeriglio@tlcvision.com TLC Tysons Corner 703-556-9155 Center Manager Natasha Carter Natasha.carter@tlcvision.com Clinical Director Jen Weigel, O.D. jen.weigel@tlcvision.com Sr. PRC Joan Reich joan.reich@tlcvision.com Thank You, Richard Richard Habib | Regional Director | TLC Laser Eye Centers(r) |
TLC Tysons CE Series: Dr. Jonathan Solomon
From our guest blogger, Joan: My apologies for the late notice! Since this course is only 2 weeks from now, please RSVP ASAP! Just reply to this email. Thanks! TLC Tysons Corner will be resuming our CE series on Monday, May 18 with an exciting program featuring Dr. Jonathan D. Solomon, our Director of Refractive LensBased Surgery. He will be speaking on pre and post-op management of ICL and Cataract Patients. The 2 hour course is pending COPE approval. The invitation and directions to the center are attached. As always, we will begin at 6:30 with registration and a light dinner, and the lecture will begin at7:00. As those of you who regularly attend our CE events already know, they fill up very quickly, so please RSVP now. |
Congratulations on Your Promotion, Natasha!
Please welcome Natasha Carter as our new TLC Tysons Corner Center Manager! I have had the pleasure of knowing Natasha for the last six years. She has always been a stable force in any work environment that we have been in together. She is a wonderful brainstormer, always coming up with great ideas that have helped me in the Center and with many other activities outside of the office. Natasha brings a great knowledge of optometry, laser vision correction, and more specifically, the daily management routines of our Center. She is promoted from Front Desk Manager where she has served us for the last two years. She has a BS degree in Business Management, a wonderful family, and the cutest dog (I love it when she has her pink bow). Congratulations, Natasha! You so deserve this. Make us all proud! - jw  |
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