Practice Tip: “Authentic leadership is necessary for creating that doctor/patient relationship to truly take care of another human being and build that patient rapport and loyalty,” writes Dori M. Carlson, OD, MAL, FAAO, in her first “Inspire. Lead. Succeed” column. For more on authentic leadership, visit https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2022/july-2022/inspire-lead-succeed.
 
Aldeyra Announces results of Phase 2b Reproxalap Trial
Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc. announced results from its Phase 2b clinical trial of reproxalap topical ophthalmic solution (0.25%) in patients with dry eye disease. The investigational drug has shown statistical superiority as compared with vehicle in the study’s two prespecified primary endpoints: ocular redness in a dry eye chamber (P = 0.0004) and Schirmer test (P = 0.0005).  The drug also showed superiority in the secondary endpoint, Schirmer test ≥10mm responder analysis. Aldeyra plans to submit the trial with a package of other data as part of a new drug application following discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which are scheduled for fall 2022. 
 
AOA Partners With Gaming Industry for Screen Time Awareness Campaign
The American Optometric Association (AOA) joined forces with the gaming industry (e.g., Nerd Street Gamers and Playcrafting) for the national screen time awareness campaign “Eye Deserve More.” The campaign is designed to provide education about the effects of prolonged digital screen time on eye health and the importance of comprehensive eye exams with an optometrist. Actor, singer, songwriter, producer, and gamer Jordan Fisher is the campaign’s spokesperson. To find Eye Health Guidance for Screen Time, visit AOA.org/EyeDeserveMore. For a video on the campaign, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwIHEtF45U8. 
 
EssilorLuxottica and Polytechnic University of Milan Partner for Smart Glasses Lab
EssilorLuxottica and the Polytechnic University of Milan signed an agreement to create a joint Smart Eyewear Lab in Italy. The lab will host research and development activities for connected glasses, combining digital technologies with bioengineering, physics of matter and artificial intelligence skills, according to a press release. Additionally, the lab will employ more than 100 researchers.
 
Eye Designs Introduces Frame Gallery
Eye Designs, LLC, introduced Frame Gallery, which addresses the need to showcase selected frames in “a unique museum like presentation,” the company says. Specifically, Frame Gallery, which is designed similar to a wall sconce, can be mounted throughout one’s practice to feature the craftsmanship and design details of eyewear. For more information about the frame gallery products, contact Eye Designs at (800) 346-8890 or at info@eyedesigns.com.
 
Global Specialty Lens Symposium Calling for Award Nominations
The Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) is seeking nominations for its “GSLS Award of Excellence” and “GSLS Rising Star Award.” Both awards will be given out at the 2023 GSLS, which will be held Jan. 18 to 23, 2023, in Las Vegas. All nominations, due by Aug. 15, 2022, can be sent to GSLS Chair Jason Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, at jason.nichols@pentavisionmedia.com. 
 
Growth Seen in the Global Contact Lens Cleaning Solution Market
ResearchAndMarkets.com added projections for growth in the contact lens cleaning solution market in the report “Contact Lens Solutions–Global Market Trajectory & Analysis.” The report forecasts a compound annual growth rate of 3.2% between 2020 and 2027, increasing the estimated $2.5 billion in 2020 to $3.1 billion by 2027. They also report on specific segments, such as multipurpose and hydrogen peroxide-based solutions. Markets in the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, and Germany are also explored.
 
Hoot and Haag-Streit Join Forces for Myopia Program
Hoot Myopia Care.com, a digital marketing automation platform for eye doctors practicing myopia management, announced it will partner with Haag-Streit to deliver specific programs for ECPs to diagnose, educate, and demonstrate myopia management and monitoring in children. Specifically, Haag-Streit will work with Hoot to co-produce educational digital content and myopia specific workflows and integrate it into the Hoot ecosystem. Visit www.HootMyopiaCare.com/get-hoot/ 
 
IDOC Begins Podcast, Facebook Group
IDOC launched two resources for eye care professionals: the “Eye Own a Business” podcast and the “IDOC Optometric Specialty Community” on Facebook. The podcast, geared toward independent optometrists, teaches ODs how to grow a thriving practice while being both a doctor and a business owner. It is hosted by Dr. Steve Vargo, who write’s Optometric Management’s “CEO Challenge” column. Visit https://idoc.net/podcasts. The Facebook group is designed to support eye care professionals interested in making specialty services a more meaningful part of their practice. Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/idocspecialty.
 
LKC Technologies Names Vice President, US Sales
Gary VanMatre was appointed vice president, US sales at LKC Technologies. He will lead a geographically dispersed U.S. team of senior sales representatives who have extensive optometric experience. He comes to LKC from MacuLogix, where he served as a sales representative for Texas. 
 
MyEuclid Now Available Throughout United States
Euclid Vision Corp. rolled out MyEuclid, an interactive, web-based customer portal designed to drive practice efficiency and optimize Euclid orthokeratology fits. The portal was released on a limited basis earlier this year and is now available to the company’s U.S. customer base. 
 
NFL Player Raises Funds for Eye Care and Eyewear for Children
Von Miller, a linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, raised money through the third annual “Night to Take Flight” to provide low-income students with eye exams and fashionable, corrective eyewear. Since its beginning’s, “Von’s Vision” has provided over 8,500 students with free eye exams and eyewear in 19 cities in nine different states. Visit https://www.vonmiller.org.
 
Prevent Blindness Golf Tournament Scheduled for Fall in Las Vegas
The 2022 Prevent Blindness Swing Fore Sight Golf Tournament will occur Sept. 14, at the Bali Hai Golf Club, in Las Vegas, along with Vision Expo West. The charity golf tournament supports Prevent Blindness and its sight-saving programs, according to a press release. Registration and breakfast begin at 6 a.m. PT, and a shotgun start is at 7 a.m. PT. Visit visit preventblindness.org/SwingForeSight. 
 
Stuart Therapeutics Announces Drug for Dry Eye Disease Moving to Phase 3
Stuart Therapeutics announced the results of its Type C Guidance meeting with the FDA regarding the continued development plan for ST-100, the company’s candidate for the treatment of dry eye disease in humans. After providing Phase 2 clinical trial information, the company asked the agency for guidance on next steps. The FDA accepted the company’s plan to conduct a Phase 3 trial with a single primary endpoint (Schirmer’s Responder Rate) and a series of secondary endpoints. 
 
Transitions Optical Launches Fresh Back-to-School Assets 
Transitions Optical released updated back-to-school resources for the upcoming school year to share the benefits of Transitions lenses for kids. These refreshed assets include educational and interactive content for parents and students, and promotional resources for eye care professionals. Resources for eye care professionals to promote in their practice and online can be accessed at TransitionsPRO.com/Kids.
 
Treehouse Eyes Launches On-Demand Learning Platform for Myopia Management
Treehouse Eyes now provides clinical training videos through its online learning platform, Treehouse Eyes University. These trainings are available only to Treehouse Eyes practices and include modules that focus on the latest clinical studies and courses from a wide array of experts in the field. Visit https://treehouseeyes.com. 
 
Valley Contax Announces Shuffleboard Bowl Winner
Valley Contax awarded three $500 scholarships to the winners of the Shuffleboard Bowl at their booth during Optometry’s Meeting in Chicago. Current optometry students and alumni were encouraged to represent their schools by playing an abbreviated game of shuffleboard and earning points toward the scholarships. First place was awarded to Kentucky College of Optometry who received two $500 scholarships. The second-place winner was Oklahoma College of Optometry, which was awarded a $500 scholarship. The winner of the participation prize of the Apple AirPods was student Joe D. from Illinois College of Optometry.
 
VTI Makes Progress in Myopia Control Trial 
Visioneering Technologies Inc. enrolled 50% of the subjects in its international, randomized, controlled clinical trial PROTECT, or PROgressive Myopia Treatment Evaluation for NatrualVue Contact Lens Trial. The Study objective is to demonstrate and quantify the effectiveness of the company’s NaturalVue Multifocal Contact Lenses in myopia progression control in children. The multi-center, randomized, double-masked clinical trial has participating investigators in centers in Canada, United States, and Hong Kong, with an additional site planned in Singapore. 
 
Waldo Launches New Lenses Stateside
Waldo’s daily Hydra Boost Plus contact lenses are now available in the United States through the company’s website. The lenses are infused with a pink-colored vitamin B12 solution “that is absorbed into the lens to help improve symptoms” of dry eye, according to the company. 

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.