Art Epstein, a Leading Voice in Optometry, Passes
Art Epstein, OD, FAAO, a prolific author and educator, has died. Dr. Epstein received his optometry degree from SUNY College of Optometry, and went on to become a recognized trailblazer, advocate, and expert in the profession, particularly in the areas of dry eye and ocular surface disease.
Specifically, he cofounded The Dry Eye Center of Arizona with his wife, Shannon Steinhäuser, OD, participated in DEWS2 and, most recently, provided Dry Eye Masterclass webinars.
Additionally, Dr. Epstein was a Diplomate of the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a member of the American and Arizona Optometric Associations, past-Chair of the AOA’s Contact Lens & Cornea Section, and past chief optometric editor of Optometric Management from 1998 to 2001. Further, in 2021, he was ranked No. 1 in Newsweek’s “America’s Best Eye Doctors” listing.
In hearing the news of Dr. Epstein’s death, this past weekend, Woo U and the Gas Permeable Lens Institute donated the total profits from a CE Event toward an educational grant in his honor.
Stay tuned for additional coverage on Dr. Epstein in the “Leading Off” (news) section of the November/December issue of Optometric Management.
AOA Asks for Feedback on Clinical Practice Guideline for Adults
The American Optometric Association is encouraging health professionals, among others, to provide feedback on the second edition of its evidence-based clinical practice guideline, “Comprehensive Adult Eye and Vision Examination,” for a 30-day public review period. The guideline combines available current scientific evidence and research with clinical opinion to recommend appropriate steps in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of adult patients who have various eye and vision conditions, according to the press release. Comments will be accepted through Oct. 29, 2022, with the finished guideline available later in 2023.
Envision Offering Virtual Conference
Envision is offering a virtual conference via livestream webinar Oct. 7 to Oct. 8 that includes programs and opportunities for professionals in the low vision rehabilitation field. Specifically, the conference is comprised of the latest happenings in clinical education and research, and offers 27 hours of sessions, and 16 hours of CE. For more information, see Sessions and Agenda.
First Insight Corporation Introduces MaximEyes.com
First Insight Corporation has made available MaximEyes.com, a customizable optometry and ophthalmology EHR and practice management software that allows the user to access their data anywhere, anytime, and from any device through a web browser or via a local server, according to the company. The software is designed for solving operational challenges, simplifying patient flow management, and reaching business goals.
Harrow and Sinetica’s Ocular Surface Anesthetic Gets FDA Nod
Harrow and Sintetica, S.A. jointly announced that the FDA approved IHeezo (chloroprocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel 3%) for ocular surface anesthesia. IHeezo is a sterile, preservative-free, single-patient‑use, doctor‑administered, ophthalmic gel that is safe and effective for ocular surface anesthesia, according to the press release. The most common adverse reaction is mydriasis (approximately 25%). IHeezo is contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to any component of its preparation.
Horizon Therapeutics Completes Enrollment for Trial on Thyroid Eye Disease Drug
Horizon Therapeutics plc completed enrollment of its Phase 4 clinical trial (NCT04583735) assessing Tepezza for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED). Topline results are expected in the second quarter of 2023, according to the press release. For additional information on TED, see the “Thyroid Eye Disease” column, which first appeared in the March issue of Optometric Management at https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2022/march-2022/clinical-thyroid-eye-disease.
ImprimisRx Launches Combination Topical Antibiotic
ImprimisRx announced the availability of Fortisite, which is comprised of a patent-pending compounded combination of tobramycin 1.5% and vancomycin 5%, according to the press release. The antibiotic is tested for both potency and sterility before it is dispensed and is stable at refrigerated temperatures (5°C) for up to 180 days. Fortisite formulations are available for individual patients through the ImprimisRx 503A national mail-order pharmacy. To order, go to ImprimisRx.com/fortified, or call ImprimisRx Customer Care at (844) 446-6979.
IrisVision Becomes Radius XR
IrisVision co-founder and CEO Ammad Khan introduced a new company, Radius XR. Radius XR leverages its core technology of the same name to create a patient-guided exam process that facilitates the diagnosis of a range of pervasive vision problems in the United States, according to the press release. Specifically, using a Radius XR headset, patients can self-perform such tests as VF, VA, contrast sensitivity, and more. Visit www.RadiusXR.com.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Expands Parameter of Myopia Management Contact Lens
Johnson & Johnson Vision expanded the parameter range of its Acuvue Abiliti Overnight Therapeutic Lenses for Myopia Management. Specifically, the lens, worn to temporarily reduce the refractive error, is now available in up to 6.00 D from 4.00 D. Visit www.seeyourabiliti.com.
NovaSight’s Digital Therapy for Amblyopia Gets FDA 510K Clearance
NovaSight announced that the FDA has cleared its CureSight digital therapy device for amblyopia. CureSight is an eye-tracking-based system designed to improve VA and stereo acuity by training the visual system to use both eyes simultaneously.
Ocuphire Adds Three Optometrists to Medical Advisory Board
Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. appointed seven Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), including three ODs, according to the press release. They are Leslie O’Dell, medical director of Medical Optometry America, in Pennsylvania, Selina McGee, founder, chief optometrist, executive and Visionary at BeSpoke Vision, in Oklahoma, and Justin Schweitzer, optometric externship director at Vance Thompson Vision, in Sioux Falls, SD. In other news, the company promoted Ronil Patel, M.S, to vice president, Business Development and Market Strategy.
Ora Launches Mobile Research Platform to Enhance Ophthalmic Clinical Trials
Ora, Inc, an ophthalmology clinical research firm, launched Ora EyeCup, a mobile research platform that enables patients to obtain high-resolution images of their eyes and track disease signs and symptoms remotely. Post-capture processing utilizes AI-powered image analysis for clinical assessments of ocular redness, tear film stability, and corneal health, according to the press release. Additionally, the Ora EyeCup ensures protocol adherence through compliance assurance diaries for both symptom tracking and therapy dosing, the company says. Visit https://www.oraclinical.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ORA_EyeCup_Sell_Sheet_d01.pdf.
Prevent Blindness Designates October Contact Lens Safety Month
Prevent Blindness (PB) has declared October as Contact Lens Safety Month to help educate the public on ways to protect their eyes through proper care. In addition to a dedicated webpage, fact sheets, and shareable social media graphics, PB is providing a “Contact Lens Safety” episode as part of its “Focus on Eye Health Expert Series.” In the episode, Dr. Thomas L. Steinemann, professor of ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University, discusses a variety of topics related to contact lens wear with PB President and CEO Jeff Todd.
Tarsus Launches Campaign Focused on Demodex Blepharitis Diagnosis
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. launched the “Look at the Lids” disease education campaign for Demodex blepharitis. Specifically, the campaign is designed to encourage eye care professionals to screen for Demodex blepharitis in all their patients to identify and diagnose it sooner, according to a press release. Tarsus’s lead product candidate TP-03 is a therapeutic that has demonstrated positive results in two clinical trials for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis, and of which a New Drug Application has been submitted to the FDA. Visit www.LookattheLids.com.
TearLab Corporation Undergoes Name Change
TearLab Corporation changed its name to Trukera Medical. The company says that the rebranding reflects its vision and future growth strategy to target a broader set of unmet needs across corneal health. Trukera Medical says its first new product under the name change is the ScoutPro Osmolarity System, which brings together nanoliter volume sample collection and analysis in a portable
device.
TearSolutions, Inc. Provides Results From Clinical Trial Published in Cornea
TearSolutions, Inc., maker of Lacripep for the treatment of primary Sjögren’s syndrome-related dry eye disease, announced Lacripep was shown safe, tolerable, and effective in improving the clinically relevant signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, according to a press release. TearSolutions says it will leverage the learnings from this trial to inform a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Lacripep in the general DED population.
Transitions Optical to Host Online Day of Education in November
Transitions Optical will host a day of education on Wednesday, Nov. 2, to give
attendees the opportunity to expand their knowledge on photochromics, light management, the latest Transitions lens products —Transitions XTRActive Polarized and Transitions XTRActive new generation — and more. The online event will include various sessions between 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT.
View the full event schedule and register free-of-charge at https://global.transitions.com/dayofeducation/.
VSP Buys Professional Eye Care Associates of America
VSP Vision acquired Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA). PECAA will continue to operate independently and be led by doctors, for the benefit of all independent eye care professionals, according to the press release. On the heels of the announcement, a variety of introductory benefits and exclusive offers are now available to PECAA members and practices participating in the VSP Vision Premier Program. For more details, visit https://www.pecaamax.com/joiningforceswithvsp.
OD Notebook is published weekly on Wednesdays. Unless otherwise noted, the information presented is based on press releases and/or announcements by the respective organizations. Find earlier editions here. To submit a press release to be considered for publication, click here.