FDA Approvals

■ The FDA has approved aflibercept injection (Eylea, Regeneron) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. The drug already received approvals for wet AMD and macular edema following CRVO.

■ The FDA has approved the dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex, Allergan) as a treatment for diabetic macular edema in adult patients who have an artificial lens implant or who are scheduled for cataract surgery.

Company News

■ Alcon and Google will collaborate to develop Google’s “smart lens” to address ocular conditions. The “smart” contact lens will first be focused on managing diabetes and providing accommodative near vision correction for patients who have presbyopia.

■ Nicox has entered into an agreement to acquire Aciex Therapeutics, Inc., which has several treatments in the pipeline for the treatment of ocular allergy and inflammation. The company also announced it acquired extension of rights to market Sjö (a test for the early detection of Sjögren’s syndrome) to all healthcare practitioners in North America.

■ Biosyntrx announced it will reintroduce the nutritional supplement “Macula Complete” as “Eye & Body Complete” so that both eyecare professionals and their patients better understand the multiple benefits of this formulation.

■ Biopharmaceutical company Shire announced the appointment of Scott Hunter as marketing director of the newly formed Ophthalmics business at the company.

■ ABB Optical Group announced that Emily Ashworth has joined the company as chief technology officer.

Associations

■ The AOA’s Board of Trustees has named Jon Hymes as executive director, and Renee Brauns, the AOA’s CEO since 2010, has been named associate executive director. The appointments are effective as of this issue.

■ At its annual meeting in Philadelphia, the AOA presented Bernard Maitenaz, inventor of the progressive lens, with the Apollo Award, which honors individuals or organizations for distinguished service to the visual welfare of the public. Mr. Maitenaz served as chairman and CEO of Essilor from 1980 to 1991.

■ Optometry Giving Sight appointed Eric Anderson as chief development officer for North America.

■ Jennifer Coyle, O.D., M.S., Pacific University College of Optometry dean, has been elected for a second term as president of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).

Schools

■ PCO at Salus University named Mitchell Scheiman, O.D., F.C.O.V.D., dean of research. Dr. Scheiman recently held the position of interim dean of research.

■ ASCO announced recipients of the 2014 Special Recognition Awards. Rising Star Award: Dr. Yi Pang, assistant dean for research and associate professor, Illinois College of Optometry; Innovation in Optometric Education Award: Dr. Jack Bennett; Clinical Ethics Award: Dr. Barbara Fink, associate professor of Optometry and Vision Science and chair of the Diversity Enhancement Committee, The Ohio State University College of Optometry and Ryan Anderson, Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry.

■ Thomas L. Lewis, O.D., Ph.D., former president of Salus University, was named president emeritus at Salus University.

■ The Student Optometric Leadership Network announced Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry received the 2014 Preston Cup Award, which recognizes leadership and contributions to students and private-practice optometry.