News from ABB Optical Group, Alcon, AOA, CooperVision, Heru, LumiThera, and more...
Practice Tip: As anti-glaucoma drugs can cause or worsen dry eye disease (DED), optometrists should have a plan of action to prevent the chronic condition or preclude worsening DED, says “Dry Eye” columnist Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO. Part of her plan of action: Treatment. “…We can try to manage it utilizing the basics: warm compresses, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, lid hygiene, and preservative-free artificial tears. If no improvement is noted, we can continue to move up the treatment ladder using prescription medications, in-office treatments, and more.” For additional tips, visit https://bit.ly/3IWNdZA.
ABB Optical Group Launches Pilot of Ecommerce Platform
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 https://abboptical.hubs.vidyard.com/watch/tei1VvzRAU99VhHYY2Pjy7?
Alcon Launches IOL Portfolio
Alcon launched the Clareon family of IOLs (Clareon Monofocal, Clareon PanOptix, Clareon PanOptix Toric, Clareon Vivity). The IOLs offers sharp, crisp vision with a proprietary edge created to help decrease glare and posterior capsular opacification, the company says. Additionally, the STABLEFORCE Haptics provide axial and rotational stability, Alcon says. Clareon Toric will be available in the U.S. later this year. Optometrists in co-management roles can educate their patients on this portfolio.
AOA Urges HHS to Revisit Requirements for “Good Faith Estimates”
The AOA aims to eliminate what they interpret as unnecessary regulatory burdens on providers with the No Surprises Act. The regulation would require all providers and facilities to give self-pay or uninsured patients a “good faith estimate” for care. The AOA says it is engaging with physician groups from other specialties and in a direct dialog with HHS. AOA is urging physicians to take the following steps:
- Write a letter in support of the changes to HHS Secretary Becerra (email the letter to the AOA),
- Get compliance information here.
- Listen to the AOA webinar on Good Faith Estimates.
CooperVision Provides Hand-On Education via 2022 Contact Lens and Pediatric Residency Summit
CooperVision recently hosted the fifth annual Contact Lens and Pediatric Residency Summit, with the theme of “Act Now, Change Tomorrow.” Specifically, attendees gathered to learn about developments in soft and specialty contact lenses, myopia management and strategies to improve patient care. They also participated in hand-on, instrument-driven specialty lens fittings, and attended workshops and breakout sessions featuring clinical and research experts. Topics included solving complex scleral lens cases, and how to build a contact lens practice.
Eaglet Eye Adds New Lens Fit Algorithms to Software
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 their 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-Kk, hybrid, soft and cornea GP lenses designs, Eaglet Eye says.
EYSUVIS Now Covered by Cigna Medicare and UnitedHealthcare
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 at www.eysuvis.com.
Heru Appoints New Chief Marketing Office Brandon Barber
Heru hired Brandon Barber, a former Amazon executive, as its chief marketing officer. Mr. Barber, who has more than 20 years of experience both as an executive and entrepreneur, is tasked with leading the company’s marketing strategy with the goal of promoting “access to vision care for all through the power of technology,” Heru says.
In College Football, Risk of Concussion Greater When Targeting Fouls Occur
A recent study in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine found that in college football, the risk of concussion during plays in which the targeting foul was called “was 36.9 times greater than that for all other plays.” In addition, the risk of concussion during plays in which the targeting foul was called and upheld “was 49.0 times greater than that for all other plays.” In 2008, the NCAA instituted rule changes that prohibit targeting, defined as making forcible contact with the crown of the helmet or making forcible contact to the head or neck of a defenseless opponent.” To read the study, visit journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23259671221074656.
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Hosts 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE Event
The IAPB will host the 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE event virtually and in-person in Dubai from March 2 to March 3, 2022. Hosted in partnership with Noor Dubai and Seva Foundation, the event gathers global eye health leaders and innovators to discuss a new 10-year strategy for the eye care sector. Goals include improving access to eye care and rehabilitation globally, elevating eye health as an economic, social and health issue, driving market change and more. In tandem with the event, the IAPB has appointed H.E. Ambassador Walton Webson, permanent representative, Mission of Antigua and Barbuda and co-chair of the UN Friends of Vision Group to a Global Ambassador position.
LumiThera Completes Acquisition of Diopsys in Advance of Phase III Data Release
LumiThera completed its acquisition of Diopsys, which is now a subsidiary. Diopsys will add its diagnosis and monitoring platform — which measures the electrical activity of the retina — to LumiThera’s portfolio to partner with the company’s Valeda Light Delivery System treatment platform. The announcement came ahead of LumiThera’s potential release of data from its LIGHTSITE III trial, in which patients with dry AMD received Valeda treatments every four months. The release gives a glimpse into the primary vision endpoint, with the trial slated to continue for 24 months.
Ocuphire Pharma Completes Enrollment of Trial Assessing Drops to Reverse Mydriasis in Children
Ocuphire Pharma completed enrollment in its MIRA-4 trial, which will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Nyxol eye drops to reverse pharmacologically induced mydriasis (RM) in 23 pediatric patients ages 3 to 11. MIRA-4 is part of a comprehensive clinical program to create Nyxol for RM. If the trial is successful, the company says it anticipates submitting a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in late 2022.
Okegen, Inc. Names New Chief Executive Officer
Okogen, an ophthalmic biotechnology company, appointed Joshua Moriarty its new chief executive officer (CEO). He replaces Brian Strem, PhD, co-founder of the company who will stay on as director. Mr. Moriarty, who has 17 years of experience in ophthalmic development, will, in part, lead the further development of the company’s OKG-0502, a fixed-dose combination of a broad-spectrum antiviral (OKG-0301) and an ocular decongestant that addresses the associated signs and symptoms of adenoviral conjunctivitis, the company says.
Théa Pharma Acquires Ophthalmic Products From Acorn
Théa Pharma Inc. announced its expansion into the U.S. with the acquisition of seven branded ophthalmic products from Akorn Operating Company. Under the deal, Théa acquired products including established glaucoma therapies Zioptan, Cosopt, Cosopt PF, and Betimol, along with Azasite, Akten, and the ocular surface repair agent AcellFX. For more information on Théa, visit https://theapharmainc.com/.
Vison Expo Organizers to Require Proof of COVID-19 Vaccinations for Non-Mask Wearers at Vision Expo East
The Vision Council and RX, Vision Expo co-organizers, are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-mask wearers to attend Vision Expo East, occurring Thursday, March 31 to Sunday, April 3, 2022, at the Javits Center in New York City. The announcement comes on the heels of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ recent announcement regarding, in part, the Javits Center’s revised safety protocols. To view Vision Expo’s VisionSAFE guidelines, click here.
Xenon-VR Inc. Launches Medical Grade Virtual Realty Headset for Ophthalmic Diagnostics
Xenon-VR Inc. introduced a medical grade, patented mobile VR headset that uses liquid lens technology for VF assessments. Using the headset, patients no longer have to stay in a fixed position for the test. It also allows for clip-on testing modules, including the module for VF testing (SIYA Fast, SITA Faster and the 10-2) and a module containing an autorefractor and phoropter. The company notes that other advantages include potential cost savings over traditional VF machines, plus potentially improved practice efficiency and space utilization — patients will not have to move between rooms, for example. All tests are reimbursable using traditional CPT codes, the company says.
O.D. 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. Additionally, find frequently updated COVID-19 coverage here.