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Vision Simulator iPad App

■ Even for ophthalmologists seeking a better way to explain eye diseases to patients, “there's an app for that.” The Luma Vision Simulator iPad app from Eyemaginations offers an interactive feature that lets doctors show patients a representation of the visual field when explaining ocular diseases.

The goal is patient comfort with complex visual concepts that might otherwise make them anxious. Seeing the problem illustrated can help make a patient feel engaged and put them at ease. The app presents a slideshow of anatomical images detailing the progression of common diseases such as AMD, glaucoma and cataract, as well as a “healthy eye” setting. Doctors and office staff even have the ability to mark-up the images on-screen to assist in individual understanding.

And as a practice builder, the implication is clear: technology impresses patients, and an ophthalmologist wielding an iPad that can wirelessly beam an anatomical illustration onto a television screen (another Luma feature) is going to seem more current than one dusting off old textbooks. www.eyemaginations.com

New Retinal Camera

■ Kowa's new VX-20 retinal camera offers non-mydriatic, mydriatic and FA modes with 50° and 30° views, plus an autofluorescence mode that is particularly useful in AMD patients. An optional software package called VK-2 allows for enhanced viewing and manipulation. The VX-20 includes a built in PC and high resolution camera back. The VX-20 camera works seamlessly with Kowa's Digiversal software to simplify image organization and comparison. www.kowa-usa.com/eyecare

CapsuleGuard IA Handpieces

■ For greater versatility in cataract surgery, Bausch + Lomb has expanded its Storz single-use CapsuleGuard IA instruments, now allowing 1.8 mm incisions in addition to 2.2 and 2.8 ranges. Three new tip designs also allow a wider array of surgical techniques for lens removal. The products are silicone based, without exposed metal. A flexible tip aids removal of peripheral cortex, and a soft aspiration port allows capsule vacuuming of lens epithelial material, B+L says. www.bausch.com