Also Notable
- The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry is providing an educational webinar and toolkit for those interested in sharing why optometry should be a profession of choice. The Optometry Gives Me Life toolkit can be downloaded at bit.ly/ASCOtoolkit .
- The Centre for Ocular Research & Education has announced the release of its downloadable Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE) infographic in 22 languages at COVIDEyeFacts.org .
- Compulink Healthcare Solutions has announced it is readying its EHR coding engine to support the 2021 E/M CPT codes, which are set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2021. To support E/M 2021, the company’s EHR coding engine will utilize the new coding methodology and time-spent guidelines to automatically identify the best code to bill for maximum reimbursement, the company says. For its eye care clients, Compulink Advantage will automatically evaluate three possible eye care codes and suggest the code with highest level of reimbursement.
- The Contact Lens Institute has launched The EASY (Eyes, Awareness, Safety and You) Way program to create greater consumer familiarity with contact lens health and safety year-round in the United States and Canada. Specifically, the program includes simplified wear and care tips, infographics and companion digital resources for eye care professionals and staff to use in their practices, all available free from EASYWayProgram.org .
- CooperVision announced Michele Andrews, O.D., has been promoted to vice president, professional & government affairs, Americas. In this newly created role, Dr. Andrews is responsible for fostering collaboration between the company and eye care professionals through advocacy, philanthropy and education. In other news, CooperVision started its sixth annual search for the nation’s Best Practices. All U.S. independent and corporate optometry practices currently fitting any brand of contact lenses are eligible to apply through Nov. 23, 2020. For details on the Best Practices program, refer to coopervision.com/practitioner/best-practices/apply .
- Essilor of America has announced the activation of the Win Together with Essilor bonus rewards program for eligible Transitions lens purchases, so private practitioners can feel relief from financial stress, while they are enabled to focus on making the best decisions for their patients. To participate in Win Together with Essilor rewards, practices must be enrolled in either Essilor Experts, Essilor’s flagship partnership program, or the new Essilor Partners program, and be enrolled in Essilor Preferred Rewards. Learn more at essilorpro.com .
- Healthy Eyes Advantage (HEA) has announced the development of its Practice Booster program for providing independent eye care professionals with a simplified approach for leveraging new technology, services and methods for growing and enhancing revenue. The first HEA Practice Booster, available now, supports ECPs in establishing an AMD sub-specialty, with additional Practice Boosters to be added. For more information about the vendor partner programs in the AMD Practice Booster (MacuLogix, Optovue, Optos, MacuHealth and HOYA) HEA members can contact the Solutions Specialists team at (800) 959-2020, Option 3.
- National Vision Holdings Inc. has opened its annual optometry student grant program. For more information, visit the “Students” section of the “Optometry Careers” page of the company’s website, nationalvision.com .
- The New England College of Optometry (NECO) has announced that Warby Parker has established a scholarship fund at NECO with the goal of increasing Black representation in the optometric profession. Specifically, the $440,000 gift establishes the Warby Parker Scholarship to be awarded to two Black scholars and covers tuition for the college’s four-year doctor of optometry program.
- Transitions Optical has announced that its 25th Transitions Academy will occur at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, June 13 to June 16. Transitions Innovation Awards submission dates are also being extended, with nominations accepted online at TransitionsPRO.com/Awards in January. Industry professionals interested in attending the 25th Transitions Academy can learn more at TransitionsAcademy.com .
- The Vision Council will host its first All-Member Virtual Meeting on Nov. 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT. The meeting will feature all-member updates and presentations on timely topics, such as the post-election outlook for the vision care industry, the state of the industry heading into 2021 and updates on key member programs, such as Vision Expo. To register, visit bit.ly/TVCMeeting .
- Premier Academy360 (VSP Global) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have partnered to offer an ADA-accredited virtual CE course to all VSP network doctors at no cost through Premier Academy360. Learn more at vspproviderhub.com/premier/academy360/premier-academy360/continuing-education/CE-Courses .
OM COVID-19 Resources
For continually updated resources regarding the coronavirus crisis and optometry, please visit bit.ly/OMcoronavirus . OM
