Author Archives: vlm

Hilary Brader, M.D. is a board certified and fellowship-trained medical retina specialist with expertise in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vascular disease. Dr. Brader completed fellowship training in medical retina at the Harvard Medical School Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and completed ophthalmology residency at the University of Pennsylvania Scheie Eye Institute. She earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine and undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Brader has received multiple awards and honors for excellence in Medicine and Ophthalmology, including the Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship, Heed Ophthalmic Foundation fellowship award, and Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. She has presented at national and international meetings and published research on numerous topics in retinal disease in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Brader maintains membership in several academic Ophthalmology societies including the American Society of Retinal Specialists, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and regularly attends national and international meetings about latest updates in the field.

Dr. Brader has been working in private practice as a board certified ophthalmologist since 2015.

Congratulations to our very own Dr Janine Tabas and her team for winning 4th place in the USTA League National Championships!  Not only is she an incredibly talented surgeon, doctor, mother, teacher, but she is a tennis star, too!!!!  4th in the nation!

As many of you already know, Dr DiDomenico was expecting twins.  Well…the twins are here!!  Andrew and Lucy DiDomenico were born in May.  They came a little early and spent a short time in the NICU.  They are now home, healthy, and doing great!

We thank you so much for your support and understanding during this time.  Dr DiDomenico is now back in the office!  She has been eager to get back to her regular schedule of patient care.

With computer screens becoming a significant part of many occupations and recreational activities, screen-related eye problems have been on the rise.  The most common symptoms include burning, dryness, eye fatigue, and eye strain.

One important factor contributing to these symptoms is dryness of the surface of the eyes.  The ocular surface is easily disrupted by exposure to ambient air. Normally, we blink approximately 15 times in one minute.  However, during screen time, we blink about half as often.  This leads to dryness causing burning, painful, or tired eyes.

Another important factor is performing extended near work.  To focus at a close point, the eye must accommodate and extended accommodation may strain the eyes.

You can reduce symptoms by keeping the eyes lubricated with artificial tears. Keep fans pointed away from the face.  Sit approximately 2 feet from the computer screen with the center of the screen a few inches lower than your eyes.  Also, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the 20-20-20 rule.  This means every 20 minutes, take a break and focus your vision on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

You can learn more from the American Academy of Ophthalmology here.  An interesting article regarding this topic appeared in The New York Times and can be viewed here.

Kay, Tabas & Niknam Ophthalmology Associates is proud to boast the athletic accomplishments of long time patient Vicki Murphy-Kendall. Mrs Murphy-Kendall is a patient of Dr Tabas, and she is also an international triathlon superstar!

The USAT (United States of America Triathlon Association) has ranked Mrs Murphy-Kendall among those in her age group as 1st in PA, 5th in the Mid Atlantic Region, and 31st in the US!!

At the national competition in Milwaukee, she placed 5th in her age group. At the international competition in Chicago on September 16, 2015 she placed 8th in her age group!

Representing our country at the ITU (International USAT Meet) in Chicago

She is currently training for a meet next month in New Orleans, and because of her accomplishments she is now qualified for the International Meet in Cozumel, Mexico in September 2016!

We would like to mention that she is training for these events after recovering from recent cataract surgery on both eyes! Vicki Murphy-Kendall had cataracts and significant astigmatism. After a discussion with her surgeon, Dr Tabas, the decision was made to proceed with cataract surgery with toric lenses in both eyes and to aim for monovision. Toric lenses reduce the astigmatism, which can distort and blur vision. Monovision allows one eye to see near and the other to see far. So, she is no longer dependent on a high glasses prescription or contact lenses for near or far activities. Mrs Murphy-Kendall is very happy with her surgical result.

Vicki Murphy-Kendall, our whole practice (and now many of our patients) are routing for you in Cozumel!! Thank you for allowing us to share your story with our patients!

Dogs can offer therapeutic value to people suffering from illness, anxiety, and many other conditions. Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and affection to those in need of it. We would like to introduce you to Waffles. Waffles is a trained therapy dog who has helped countless people cope with suffering. He makes rounds through local senior living facilities and hospitals. At Kay, Tabas & Niknam, we are fortunate that we can claim the famous Waffles as part of the family…he is Dr Tabas’s dog!

To learn more about Pet Therapy visit the Gerald B. Shreiber Pet Therapy Program page on the CHOP website.

Each year, the doctors of Kay, Tabas & Niknam Ophthalmology Associates provide a conference for continuing medical education credit for local optometrists.

Back row (left to right): Dr Brignola, Dr Niknam, Dr Kay, Dr Tabas Front row

This year, we hosted almost 100 local optometrists in Bala Cynwyd for the day.

Conference November 8, 2015

The feedback from the doctors this year was fantastic.

Dr Niknam discussed some interesting glaucoma cases.

Dr Tabas provided an update on the latest technology used for cataract surgery.

Dr DiDomenico gave an update on the evaluation and treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome.

Dr Penne lectured on the Nasolacrimal System (tear duct system).

The conference was a huge success. Also, our doctors had the opportunity to touch base with the local optometrists with whom we share many patients.

Age-Related Macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition of retinal degeneration that can lead to vision loss. Approximately 2 million Americans currently have AMD, and this number is expected to double by 2030! Interestingly, some risk factors for AMD are similar to those for heart disease.

To reduce your risk of AMD (and heart disease!) the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends optimal control of blood pressure and diabetes, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, and knowing your family history. A known family member with Macular Degeneration increases your risk. Regular evaluations are necessary.

By following these steps, you can protect your eyes and your heart! A fabulous article by Madeline R. Vann, MPH can be found by following this link.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Early detection and treatment can prevent blindess. The vision loss from glaucoma typically progresses without symptoms. As much as 40% of vision can be lost before a patient becomes aware. This damage is permanent.

Our very own Dr Rachel Niknam paired up with internationally respected glaucoma specialist Dr George Spaeth to create an educational video about this serious disease. Please watch this incredibly informative video here.

An evaluation by a professional is the only way to find out if you are at risk. At Kay, Tabas & Niknam, our physicians perform glaucoma screening tests and manage all stages of glaucoma.

On Tuesday February 17, 2015 our Bala Cynwyd office suffered flood damage. The pipes in the building burst and water flooded the office from above. Fortunately, while it was midday, all patients and staff were able to safely exit the building so the fire department could assess the damage.

We have phenomenal crews working tirelessly to repair the damage. We estimate we will be fully operational within the next few weeks.

If you are a Bala patient, do not fear. Our center city office is unaffected and completely functional. Also, for special situations and emergencies we have some back up plans in place. Please call us with any questions, concerns, or emergencies! We want to ensure you that your care is our priority.

Check our Facebook page and Twitter account for updates, and again, call us with concerns.