Essays

Lucentis vs. Avastin: Why It Matters was co-authored by the members of PCR and has been cosigned by several other retinal specialists out of our concern for the impact of outrageously priced pharmaceuticals upon patients' access to care and the solvency of the healthcare system in this and other countries.  Other essays offered here cover related topics.  They are not meant to be definitive but rather to bring related issues to light and offer opinions to stimulate further discussion.  As always, we welcome comments and questions, which can be submitted on the contact page.

Avastin vs Lucentis : Why it Matters This essay explores the financial impact of the Lucentis controversy on the practice of eyecare and possibly the solvency of medical reimbursement programs across all specialties. PDF of Avastin vs Lucentis: Why it Matters

Through the Avastin Looking Glass This essay introduces questions about the presentation and marketing of Lucentis and Avastin aswell as the evolving relationships between pharmaceutical companies and physicians.  This stimulated the further discussions on the financial implications and the formation of PCR.

Climate Change in AMD Research and Practice This is not a criticism of medical research but rather a critique of the practice of using corporate sponsered research for marketing purposes and disparaging other clinical data that does not serve corporate interests.

Slip Sliding Away Amore general look at the trend of pharmaceutical industry influence on practice, education, and research in retinal medicine.

Retina Community Comments We have received a deluge of E-mail from members of the retina community.  Curiously, although we would welcome it, we have yet to receive ANY e-mail disagreeing with the tenets of the essays listed above.  The following represents some of the mail that continues to come in.

Rediscovering Character in Medicine This is an essay written by Dr. Rosenthal for the National Physicians Alliance Board of Ethics. The NPA, at www.npalliance.org , is an organization committed to the independent and ethical practice of medicine. It is well worth a look.

Response to Recent Avastin Restriction This is an op ed with input from several PCR members, resoonding to the recent restriction of Avastin availability and the recent articles on this in the national media.