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Eritrea: Cataract Surgery for Over 700 Citizens
Eritrea: Cataract Surgery for Over 700 Citizens

Zawya

time26-06-2025

  • Health
  • Zawya

Eritrea: Cataract Surgery for Over 700 Citizens

Cataract surgery is being conducted for 700 citizens from across the country at Berhan Aini National Referral Hospital from 23 to 26 June. Nurse Gebrezgiabhier Haile, head of health services at the hospital, stated that cataract surgery has already been performed on 500 patients, with an additional 200 surgeries planned in the coming days. He noted that the program is part of the national plan to conduct cataract surgery for 5,000 patients annually across all regions of the country. Highlighting that cataract surgery was previously carried out in collaboration with foreign experts, Nurse Gebrezgiabhier explained that the current program is being conducted entirely through internal capacity. He also noted that similar surgeries have been recently carried out in the sub-zones of Afabet, Massawa, and Ghinda in the Northern Red Sea Region, as well as in the Assab sub-zone of the Southern Red Sea Region. Nurse Gebrezgiabhier further indicated that similar cataract surgeries are planned for next month in the Gash Barka cities of Golij, Barentu, and Teseney, with additional surgeries to follow in August in Asmara. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Does Medicare Cover Prescription Eyeglasses?
Does Medicare Cover Prescription Eyeglasses?

Health Line

time09-06-2025

  • Health
  • Health Line

Does Medicare Cover Prescription Eyeglasses?

Medicare doesn't pay for eyeglasses, with the exception of glasses needed after cataract surgery. Some Medicare Advantage plans have vision coverage, which may help you pay for eyeglasses. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't typically cover routine vision services, including paying for eyeglasses and contact lenses. There are some exceptions, including if you have a Medicare Advantage plan that offers vision coverage. In addition, there are community and nonprofit organizations that can help you pay for eyeglasses and lenses. This article reviews what Medicare does and doesn't cover, along with other options you can explore to help cover the cost of eyeglasses. Does Medicare pay for eyeglasses? As a general rule, Original Medicare doesn't pay for eyeglasses. This means that if you need a new pair of glasses, you'll likely pay 100% of the costs out of pocket. However, there are some exceptions if you have Medicare Advantage or if you've recently had cataract surgery. We'll explore the details of these exceptions next. Medicare Part B coverage Medicare Part B (medical coverage) will pay for corrective eyeglass lenses after you've had cataract surgery with an intraocular lens implant. However, this doesn't mean your glasses are completely free. You'll pay 20% of the cost of your eyeglasses, and your Part B deductible applies. You'll also pay additional costs for upgraded frames, and you must purchase the eyeglasses from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. If you lose or break these glasses, Medicare won't pay for new ones. Medicare only pays for one new pair of eyeglasses per lifetime, per eye you have surgery on. So, if you have surgery to correct one eye, you can get a pair of eyeglasses at that time. If you have cataract surgery on another eye at a later time, you can get another new pair of eyeglasses. Medicare Advantage coverage Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare in which you select a private insurance company to fulfill your Medicare benefits. A Medicare Advantage plan must offer all that Original Medicare does, and some plans expand their coverage to include dental, hearing, or vision care. While Medicare Advantage may offer some vision benefits, there are still out-of-pocket costs. According to a 2020 study, Medicare Advantage enrollees with vision coverage still paid about 62% of the costs associated with their vision spending. If you have Medicare Advantage with vision coverage, it's important to use in-network eye care professionals for your vision care. Your plan may also have preferred suppliers for eyeglasses and lenses. Choosing from a list of approved professionals will usually help you get the greatest cost savings. You can use this online search tool to find Medicare-approved healthcare professionals near you. If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan with vision coverage, your premium or deductible may be slightly higher. Your vision coverage may also require a copayment for vision services and eyeglasses purchases. With other plans, you must meet your deductible before your plan will pay a portion of your vision services. However, if you think you'll need frequent vision services, a plan with vision coverage might save you money in the long run. To find a Medicare Advantage plan that offers vision coverage, you can use the Find a Medicare Plan search tool. You can also contact Medicare Advantage plans and companies directly to ask questions about their vision coverage. Can I use Medigap to pay for eyeglasses? Medicare supplement insurance, or Medigap, is a policy you can purchase if you have Original Medicare. While Medigap can help pay for out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare parts A and B, such as coinsurances and deductibles, it won't help pay for extras like vision care. What isn't covered by Medicare for vision? Medicare doesn't cover the following services related to vision care: routine eye exams purchase of eyeglasses purchase of contact lenses purchase of upgraded lenses However, Medicare Part B does cover some vision screenings, including an annual glaucoma test for people at risk and an annual eye exam for people with diabetes to screen for diabetic retinopathy. Medicare also covers cataract surgery. Other coverage options for eyeglasses There are several organizations that can help with the costs of your eyeglasses and vision care. Some examples include: EyeCare America: This is a service from the American Academy of Ophthalmology that partners with area volunteer eye doctors to provide eye exams. However, this organization doesn't provide eyeglasses. Lenscrafters Foundation: OneSight: This foundation has provided more than 10 million eyeglasses to those in need since its founding. Lion's Club International: This nonprofit organization provides free eyeglasses to those in its member communities. Contact your local Lions Club chapter to find out more. Medicaid: Medicaid is a state-based government program that helps pay for healthcare and other services for people in need. While Medicaid coverage may vary state by state, many programs pay for a pair of eyeglasses and lenses once every 5 years. New Eyes for the Needy: This is another nonprofit program that helps provide eyeglasses to people in need. Visit its website to see if you may qualify. The takeaway Medicare doesn't offer comprehensive vision coverage, including paying for eyeglasses. It usually covers medical services related to vision, such as testing for diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. If you or a loved one could use help purchasing eyeglasses, several community and national organizations are dedicated to providing vision care. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.

Will Medicare Pay for Contact Lenses?
Will Medicare Pay for Contact Lenses?

Health Line

time09-06-2025

  • Health
  • Health Line

Will Medicare Pay for Contact Lenses?

In most circumstances, Original Medicare (parts A and B) doesn't pay for contact lenses. But some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer vision coverage. Original Medicare covers medical and hospital costs, but vision, dental, and hearing care aren't usually covered. This means you likely won't get financial help from Medicare to pay for your contact lenses. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, Medicare may cover the cost of contact lenses after cataract surgery. And some Medicare Advantage plans provide vision coverage. This article reviews how contact lenses might be covered under Medicare. Does Medicare cover contact lenses? While Medicare covers some vision services, it doesn't usually pay for eye exams or contact lenses. Some of the vision services that Original Medicare (parts A and B) may cover include: an annual glaucoma test for people at high risk (including those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma) a yearly exam to test for diabetic retinopathy for those with diabetes cataract surgery diagnostic testing or screenings for macular degeneration Medicare Part B coverage Medicare Part B covers most outpatient medical services, such as doctor's visits, durable medical equipment, and preventive services. It doesn't usually cover contact lenses. However, there is one exception. If you have cataract surgery, Medicare Part B will cover one pair of corrective contact lenses after your surgery. When you have cataract surgery, your eye doctor will insert an intraocular lens, which can sometimes change your vision. As a result, you'll likely need new contact lenses or eyeglasses to correct your vision. Even if you wear glasses already, you'll most likely need a new prescription. It's important to know that Medicare will pay for new contact lenses after each cataract surgery with an intraocular lens insertion. Normally, eye doctors will only perform surgery on one eye at a time. If you have surgery to correct a second eye, you can get another contact lens prescription at that time. However, even in this situation, the contact lenses aren't totally free. You'll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and your Part B deductible applies. Also, you'll have to make sure you order contacts from a Medicare-approved supplier. If you usually order your contact lenses from a certain supplier, be sure to ask if they accept Medicare. If not, you may need to find a new supplier. Part C coverage Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare that combines Part A and Part B. To attract subscribers, Medicare Advantage plans offer some combination of dental, hearing, vision, and even fitness benefits. Medicare Advantage plans can vary greatly in the vision coverage they offer. According to health policy research nonprofit KFF, 97% of Medicare Advantage plans offer some level of vision coverage in 2025. Even with coverage, a person can still expect to have out-of-pocket costs. In 2018, Medicare Advantage enrollees who used their vision benefits spent an average of $194 on vision services. Examples of services Medicare Advantage plans may cover related to vision include: routine eye exams exams for fitting frames or contact lens prescriptions costs or copayments for contact lenses or eyeglasses Medicare Advantage plans are often region-specific because many involve using in-network providers. To search for available plans in your area, visit coverage finder tool. If you find a plan you're interested in, click on the 'Plan Details' button, and you'll see a list of benefits, including vision coverage. Often, you're required to purchase your contacts from an in-network provider to ensure the plan will cover them. Costs and other savings options The average cost of contact lenses can vary. Contacts range in features from daily disposable lenses to those that correct astigmatism, called toric lenses. In general: Daily disposable lenses are more expensive than monthly lenses. Multifocals are more expensive than distance-only or monovision lenses. Toric contacts for astigmatism are more expensive than spherical contacts. You'll also pay for accessories that help you care for your contacts. These can include contact lens cases, solutions, and eye drops — if you have dry eyes. It's a little harder to get help paying for contacts compared to eyeglasses when you have vision needs. Because glasses last longer than contacts and can be used and reused from donated materials, there are more organizations that may help you get a pair of free or low cost eyeglasses. However, you can save money on your contacts through these approaches: Order online: Many online contact lens retailers offer cost savings compared to ordering at a retail store. Just make sure you're using a reputable online source. You can also ask your retail store of choice if they'll match online prices. Purchase an annual supply: Although there's a hefty upfront cost, purchasing an annual supply of contacts often offers the lowest cost in the end. This is particularly true when ordering from online retailers. Look into whether company rebates could help you save. Look into Medicaid eligibility: Medicaid is a federal and state collaborative program that offers financial assistance for a number of medical costs, including vision and contact lenses. Eligibility is often income-based, and you can check your eligibility or learn how to apply on the Medicaid website. However, Medicaid may not cover contact lenses. Safety tip for wearing contact lenses When you do get your contacts, it's important that you use them as directed. Wearing them longer than recommended can increase your risk for eye infections, which can be both painful and costly to treat.

Down Over 30%: Wells Fargo Says Now Is the Time to Load Up on These 2 Beaten-Down Stocks
Down Over 30%: Wells Fargo Says Now Is the Time to Load Up on These 2 Beaten-Down Stocks

Yahoo

time31-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Down Over 30%: Wells Fargo Says Now Is the Time to Load Up on These 2 Beaten-Down Stocks

Stock prices can tumble for all sorts of reasons, but not every beaten-down stock deserves to be written off. Some are weighed down by weak fundamentals or lackluster performance, while others are simply caught in the broader market tide. When a company's core business remains strong, a dip in its share price might just be a golden opportunity in disguise. Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Finding those diamonds in the rough is what separates the savvy investors from the rest. Hone this skill, and you're well on your way to building a portfolio with serious upside. It's the classic strategy: buy low, sell high – easier said than done, but worth mastering. Wells Fargo's analysts are putting that strategy to work. They've pinpointed a pair of stocks that are down more than 30% this year, but still earn a bullish 'Buy' rating. Backed by TipRanks data, we'll take a closer look at why these names have caught the analysts' attention. Let's get into it. RxSight (RXST) The first stock we'll look at here is RxSight, a medical technology company that focuses on the eye – specifically, on the lens of the eye. The company has developed the first, and so far, the only, synthetic intraocular lens that can be adjusted and customized after cataract surgery. In cataract surgeries, a clouded natural lens is removed from the eye and replaced with a synthetic substitute. Because this replacement lens is normally 'fixed,' that is, does not self-adjust the way a natural lens does, patients typically don't experience a return to completely normal vision. RxSight's product, the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL), allows for post-surgical adjustments, using precise UV light treatments. This approach allows the ophthalmologist to 'fine-tune' the lens after the patient has recovered from the surgery, and after natural post-surgical shifting and refractive changes have occurred. By delaying the lens adjustments in this fashion, the patient can be given a better-adjusted lens for more accurate vision. This company has advanced its product to the commercial stage. It received FDA approval for the LAL product line in 2017, and has been marketing the product ever since. In the last reported period, 1Q25, the company brought in $37.9 million in product revenue, up 28.5% year-over-year and about in-line with analyst expectations. At the bottom line, the company ran a net loss of 3 cents per share by non-GAAP measures. This net loss came in 5 cents per share better than had been expected. For the full-year 2025, the company is predicting revenue in the range of $160 million to $175 million, which would represent year-over-year growth between 14% and 25%. That guide represented a reduction; the previously published guidance range had been set at $185.0 million to $197.0 million. The stock fell sharply by nearly 40% after the guidance was revised downward back in April. For the year-to-date, shares in RXST are down 53%. For Wells Fargo analyst Larry Biegelsen, the key points here are RxSight's revenue potential and the sound risk-reward profile. He writes, 'Our Overweight rating on RXST reflects the company's first-in-class IOL technology that can be customized after cataract surgery and its growth opportunity in the multi-billion-dollar premium IOL market where the company holds a significant first-mover advantage. In addition, we see incremental revenue opportunities from the coming wave of post-LASIK patients and international expansion. At current valuation levels, we see an attractive risk-reward profile for RXST shares… RXST currently trades at 2.0x consensus 2025 sales, or >50% discount to SMID cap peers. RXST has above average growth, a strong moat, & relatively high gross margins which should increase over time. Therefore, we think it should trade at least at a market multiple.' That Overweight (i.e., Buy) rating is backed up by a $25 price target, implying a one-year upside potential of 54%. (To watch Biegelsen's track record, click here) RxSight has picked up a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 10 recent analyst reviews, including 5 Buys, 3 Holds, and 2 Sells. The shares are priced at $16.23 and their $25.30 average target price indicates room for an upside of 56% this coming year. (See RXST stock forecast) Omnicell (OMCL) California-based Omnicell, the second stock on our list here, has been working in the medical field since 1992. The company is known as a leader in the field of autonomous pharmacy technology, using a combination of smart devices, robotics, and software to improve efficiencies, cost savings, and supply chain controls in the global pharmacy sector. Omnicell's devices, tools, and methods are particularly popular among hospital and other institutional pharmacy settings. Autonomous pharmacy tech, Omnicell's specialty, plays a vital role in the medical field, improving patient outcomes by improving compliance with prescription directions. Omnicell's systems allow for clearer, more accurate prescription fills, giving improved medication packaging, better regulatory compliance, and even allowing additional tools for patients to manage medication. Distribution errors in medication can have serious, even severe, repercussions for patients, and Omnicell provides medical providers with the tools and technology to minimize those errors. Chief among the company's product lines is the XT Amplify Automated Dispensing System. In its earnings release for 1Q25, Omnicell reported a 10% year-over-year gain in revenue to $270 million, beating the forecast by almost $10 million. At the bottom line, Omnicell's non-GAAP EPS came to 26 cents, or 6 cents per share better than the estimates, based on a total non-GAAP quarterly net income of $12 million. The company finished the quarter with a balance sheet featuring $387 million in cash and liquid assets, $341 million in total debt, and $2.2 billion in total assets. We should note here that shares in Omnicell are down for the year. OMCL stock has fallen 33% so far in 2025 – due in part to concerns over the company's exposure to tariffs. That share price drop hasn't stopped analyst Stan Berenshteyn from taking an upbeat view of this stock. In his coverage for Wells Fargo, the analyst says of OMCL, 'We see Omnicell as a leading strategic vendor of pharmacy automation solutions for health systems. While we see some more near-term drag from XT upgrade reaching an end, we see a path for Bookings acceleration in 2026 from upgrades and robot adoption and think at least partial tariff resolution should drive upside momentum to EBITDA estimates beyond 2025… While tariff risks remain fluid, we believe trade talks will likely steer outcomes toward the lower end of the risk range, supporting a more optimistic stance.' Quantifying his stance, Berenshteyn gives the stock an Overweight (Buy) rating, and his price target of $37 points toward a 12-month gain of 24%. (To watch Berenshteyn's track record, click here) This stock's Moderate Buy consensus rating is based on 6 recent reviews that break down to 4 Buys and 2 Holds. The shares have a current trading price of $29.83 and the average target price, at $40.40, suggests that the stock will gain 35.5% by this time next year. (See OMCL stock forecast) To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks' Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks' equity insights. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Sign in to access your portfolio

Office-Based Cataract Surgery Measures Up To ASC Cases
Office-Based Cataract Surgery Measures Up To ASC Cases

Medscape

time20-05-2025

  • Health
  • Medscape

Office-Based Cataract Surgery Measures Up To ASC Cases

Cataract surgeries performed in a surgery suite in the ophthalmologist's office had significantly lower complication rates than operations performed in an ambulatory surgery center, a study of more than 1300 operations performed by the same surgeon in both settings found. Joseph Starns 'Our study shows that performing cataract surgery in an office setting does not increase the rate or risk of adverse events,' Joseph Starns, a medical student at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in New Orleans, told Medscape Medical News . Starns presented results of a retrospective review of 1335 cataract surgeries performed in both an office-based setting and a surgery center on May 7 at Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2025 Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City. All the operations were performed by Brendon Sumich, MD, a cornea specialist in New Orleans. The 656 surgeries performed in the office occurred between September 2022 and June 2024; the 679 operations in the surgery center took place from January 2021 through June 2024. Adverse Event Rates Seven patients (1%) treated in the office setting experienced an adverse event. These complications included three unplanned vitrectomies (0.46%), two returns to the operating room (0.3%), one referral for retinal complications (0.15%), and one call to 911 (0.15%). Among patients seen in the surgery center, 22 patients (3%) experienced adverse events. These included one case of endophthalmitis (0.15%), six unplanned vitrectomies (0.88%), nine returns to the operating room (1.33%), five referrals for retinal complications (0.74%), and one event of persistent corneal edema (0.15%). In the past decade or so, cataract surgeons have been transitioning straightforward operations from surgery centers to the office. Market Scope Ophthalmic Perspectives, a data analytics firm, reported the proportion of office-based cataract procedures rose to 2.2% in 2023, up from 0.5% in 2020. 'We anticipate office-based surgery becoming more popular over the next 5-10 years,' Starns told Medscape Medical News . Cataract surgery does not require patients to receive an IV or to fast before the operation, and in most cases, they already know both the setting and the support staff, Starns said. But potential drawbacks can include more difficulty for the operating team to control patient anxiety and the inability to combine the cataract surgery with other procedures, such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, he said. The latter point can potentially skew outcomes, Starns said. 'There may be selection bias, in that anticipated complex surgery may be selectively scheduled' for a surgery center, he acknowledged. The new study did not look at the cost of having cataract surgery in one setting vs the other, but Starns said office-based procedures are likely more cost-effective because they do not require anesthesia and the fees for these services. Nor does it require preoperative testing or medical clearance examinations from the patient's primary care provider, cardiologist, or other types of providers. He added that providers do not charge a facility fee for office-based surgery, whereas surgery centers do, which further lowers costs for the office setting. Currently, Medicare does not cover facility fees for office-based procedures, but it does so for surgery centers. Strengths and Limitations Starns noted one strength of the study is that one surgeon performed all the procedures. 'That means uniform surgical techniques, patient population, and perioperative care routines,' he said. Both observation groups demonstrated 'significant surgical volume,' he added. Neal Shorstein, MD The study population size is another strength, said Neal Shorstein, MD, a retired cataract surgery with Kaiser Permanente in Northern California and an adviser to the Seva Foundation, a nonprofit group that develops eye care programs in underserved regions. 'When you get over 1000 or so, a study of this nature has a little bit more statistical power,' he said. The evidence comparing the two settings for cataract surgery is limited, he said. However, the new findings agree with results of a 2016 retrospective consecutive case series of 21,505 cataract operations performed in an office setting, Shorstein said. Clarity on the types of cases performed in the office is needed to better compare those done in a surgery center. 'That's extremely important because their conclusion that office-based surgery was better, with fewer adverse events, raises the question: Was there some sort of conscious or unconscious selection bias of healthier patients for the office-based surgery?' Shorstein said. The study was independently supported. Starns and Shorstein reported having no relevant financial conflicts of interest.

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