- ABB Optical Group announced the pilot launch of “Abby,” a free web-based contact lens-ordering platform that will serve as a virtual 24-hour, seven-day-a-week staff member to enable patient ordering from all major manufacturers direct from their doctor. The goal of the pilot is to amass provider, staff, and patient feedback to enhance the platform prior to its anticipated summer launch. To “meet” Abby, visit bit.ly/3tB4K4p . In other news, ABB Optical Group acquired Green Optics, an independent full-service optical laboratory based in Auburn Hills, Mich.
- The American Optometric Association (AOA) launched a revamped EyeLearn Professional Development Hub intended to ease the CE process for eye care practitioners. The new platform offers the following upgraded functionalities: integrated, live and recordable webinars; ability to curate customized educational content, including personalized alerts; and a CE Wallet to track CE — even when earned outside of the AOA. See bit.ly/3Bo2Shl .
- Arch Crown’s new 40-page catalog includes over 100 styles of stock and pre-printed and custom printed Op-Tags and labels, such as a full-line of bar code technology products. For free samples and the catalog, call (800) 526-8353, or visit: archcrown.com .
- A Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) study shows that dry eye sufferers may benefit from a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid dietary supplementation. Specifically, the three-month, randomized controlled study, published in the Jan. 2022 issue of Optometry and Vision Science, reveals users with baseline Ocular Surface Disease Index scores greater than 52 averaged a 20.8-point reduction in that score, while the placebo group averaged a 7.8 reduction.
- The Contact Lens Institute hosted members of the eye care community from the United States, Canada, and beyond on March 3, 2022, to discuss a persistent question: How can practitioners encourage better contact lens compliance among patients? The online learning event — “Making Contact Lens Compliance Stick: EASY Insights, Tips & Tools” — is now available for on-demand viewing at youtu.be/uFKBtVNUKKE .
- CooperVision announced that its entire portfolio of silicone hydrogel 1-day contact lenses is now net plastic neutral in the United States. The company’s net plastic neutral initiative is made possible through a partnership with Plastic Bank, a social enterprise that builds ethical recycling ecosystems in coastal communities. Visit sustainability.coopervision.com . In other news, CooperVision introduced a suite of practice support tools for its clariti 1 day family of silicone hydrogel lenses. These practice resources can be downloaded at coopervision.com/practitioner/build-your-practice/marketing-support/marketing-materials/clariti-1-day .
- Eaglet Eye announced the addition of First Lens Fit algorithms to six new lens designs, as part of the global release of the updated version of the company’s Eye Surface Profiler software. The latest version, Prime 6.1, also offers an expanded Direct Connect feature with nine new lab partners. Prime 6.1 features over 60 lens algorithms, including algorithms for scleral, ortho-k, hybrid, soft, and cornea GP lens designs, Eaglet Eye says.
- EssilorLuxottica and CooperVision announced the finalization of their joint venture agreement for SightGlass Vision, which accelerates the commercialization of novel spectacle lens technologies to expand the myopia management category. Its Vision’s Diffusion Optics Technology incorporates thousands of micro-dots into the lens that softly scatter light to reduce contrast on the retina, which is intended to reduce myopia progression in children.
- The FDA approved the first generic of Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% single-use vials (eye drops) to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The sponsor of the approved generic formulation is Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- IDOC announced the addition of IDOC Inventory Management, a comprehensive and hands-on monthly inventory management service, to its suite of practice management solutions. The service empowers opticians to improve frame selection, pricing, and physical management of inventory assets, along with providing sales training opportunities for practice staff. The service is available for a monthly fee to all independent optometry practices regardless of their membership. For more information, visit idoc.net/optical . In other news, IDOC announced attendance for its national conference, The Connection 2022, drew a record-breaking audience of more than 800 attendees, including IDOC members, sponsor representatives, and other industry professionals from across the country.
- Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that Cigna Medicare and UnitedHealthcare added EYSUVIS (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) 0.25% as a covered brand on their formularies. EYSUVIS is FDA-approved for the short-term (up to two weeks) treatment of dry eye disease signs and symptoms. For full prescribing information, visit eysuvis.com .
- The Lighthouse Guild announced the opening of the Lighthouse Guild Tech Center where people with vision loss can accces the latest devices and developers can test future innovations. The center is located at Lighthouse Guild’s New York City headquarters in Manhattan.
- The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association is accepting nominations for The Advancement of Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Award; The Advancement of Sciences Award; Founding Father’s Award; and the William and Diana Ludlam Educators Award. For further information and to submit a nomination, due June 30, 2022, visit noravisionrehab.org/about-nora/awards . The winners will be announced at the NORA 2022 General Conference, which will take place from Sept. 8 to Sept. 11, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio.
- Orasis announced it has completed both its NEAR-1 and NEAR-2 Phase 3 clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CSF-1, Orasis’ presbyopia-correcting eye drop candidate.
- Oyster Point Pharma, Inc. announced that its TYRVAYA nasal spray, approved for dry eye disease signs and symptoms, has been placed on the Express Scripts National Preferred, Basic, and High-Performance Formularies.
- TFOS announced the Cosmetics Subcommittee Members for the TFOS Lifestyle Workshop. A video introduction to the subcommittee is available at bit.ly/3qrU2uP .
- TissueTech announced a corporate rebranding where BioTissue, Inc. and Amniox Medical, Inc. will now both be known under a single commercial, customer facing entity, BioTissue, Inc.
- Treehouse Eyes released the online tool, the Myopia Treatment Decision App, or MY-TDA, which aids Treehouse Eyes doctors in discussing and tracking myopia progression with parents. Visit GrowMyMyopiaPractice.com for information. OM
Article
LEADING OFF: Also Notable
Optometric Management
April 1, 2022
Vol 57, Issue April 2022
Page(s): 16, 18
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