News from ABB Optical, Alcon, CooperVision, Euclid Vision Corp., Kala Pharmaceuticals, Visionix, and more…
Practice Tip: If you’re interested in becoming a lecturer at one of the many optometry-related trade shows, Ernie Bowling, OD, MS, FAAO, a prolific lecturer, has some advice for you: “You want to be on the podium; you want your name out there? Okay, start by writing,” he pens in this month’s “Reflections” column. “Write about an interesting case you had; about how you handle management issues in your practice; there are any number of topics. If one interests you, I’d bet there are other ODs in a similar situation who could learn from your experience.” See bit.ly/OMMayReflections.
ABB Optical Group Rebrands Concise Custom Soft Contact Lenses
ABB Optical Group unveiled a comprehensive rebranding of Concise Custom Soft contact lenses. In response to the custom soft lens category growth, the complete product line redesign incorporates key brand elements of the company and reflects its leadership position as a business partner to eye care professionals nationwide, says the company. ABB stated that the initial rebranding rollout includes many new visual assets, such as a modern logo that has a distinct brand icon, a unique product tagline, patient-friendly product packaging, and an array of valuable practice support tools and educational resources.
Abyde and Eyefinity Increase Integration in 2022
Compliance solution provider, Abyde, and eye care software developer, Eyefinity, a VSP Vision company, have announced their continued and expanded partnership for 2022. The two companies say they aim to continue to develop further integration of the two products and an increase in educational resources for eye care providers.
Alcon Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary
Alcon marked the company’s 75th anniversary yesterday with its "Brilliant History. Brilliant Future." celebration. On May 16, 1947, Alcon Laboratories, Inc. was incorporated and began manufacturing specialty pharmaceutical products in Fort Worth, Texas. To recognize this significant milestone, throughout the year, Alcon will highlight its heritage of breakthrough innovation, industry firsts, ongoing dedication to eye care professionals and their patients, and commitment to increasing access to eye care.
CooperVision Expands Digital Resources for Myopia Education
CooperVision launched digital assets in the form of MiSight.com and a social presence on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram meant to educate children and their parents on myopia. Content includes real-life myopia stories from those affected by the condition. The information highlights three families through their journey with myopia management and finding appropriate correction, they are: Madeline and Olivia, 8-year-old gymnast twins; Adam, an 11-year-old hockey player, and Violet, an 11-year-old skater. These digital solutions expand on the previous campaign “Take Control: Myopia and You,” which garnered 330 million impressions and 40 million engagements.
Euclid Vision Corp Names Vice President of Research and Development and Clinical Affairs
Euclid Vision Corp. appointed Zohra Fadli, PhD, to vice president of research and development & clinical affairs. Dr. Fadli held global leadership roles at Johnson and Johnson’s medical technology divisions, and she led the J&J Vision Care Light Management Portfolio, launching a light adaptive photochromic contact lens. Dr. Fadli holds a PhD in Medical Bioengineering from Université Paris 13, France.
International Society for Contact Lens Research to Hold Research Symposium
The International Society for Contact Lens Research will hold its 21st research symposium in Porto, Portugal, from Aug. 21 to Aug. 26, 2022, to address key challenges and identify future research needs to advance the field and the industry, it says. This year’s meeting offers four tracks, each with three sessions, covering myopia and contact lens-based myopia control, the ocular response to contact lenses, contact lens materials and solutions, and how research can advance the contact lens field.
Lighthouse Guild Awards Neuroscientist for Outstanding Accomplishments in Vision Science
The Lighthouse Guild named Sheila Nirenberg, PhD, the 2022 Bressler Prize award winner for deciphering the retina’s neural code, which is the key to restoring meaningful vision in people who are blind from retinal degeneration, the non-profit says. Dr. Nirenberg is the Nanette Laitman Professor in Neurology and Neuroscience and a professor of Computational Neuroscience at the Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University. The Bressler Prize in Vision Science is for research that results in significant advancements in the treatment or rehabilitation of people with vision loss.
Kala Pharmaceuticals Launches Campaign to Increase Dry Eye Flare Awareness
Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. launched its first direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising campaign titled “There for the Flare” to educate patients on dry eye flares and Eysuvis (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) 0.25%, its therapeutic solution indicated for the short-term treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye. The campaign encourages patients to discuss treatment options with their eye care provider. The company says that, in addition to the online resources, it will provide eye care professionals offering their solution with printed materials (e.g., search engine marketing, etc.) for patient education.
Prevent Blindness Announces Third Annual Inherited Retinal Disease Genetic Testing Week
Prevent Blindness is offering awareness and support in educating patients about inherited retinal diseases via its “Third Annual Inherited Retinal Disease Genetic Testing Week” happening now through May 22. This year’s information includes two information videos from expert Alina V. Dumitrescu, MD, clinical associate professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Inherited Eye Disease, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, among others. Educational materials, including a fact sheet, social media graphics, and a webpage, are available at the link. The awareness week is supported by Spark Therapeutics.
Visionix and Right MFG to Become Long-Term Strategic Partners
Visionix and Right MFG. Co., Ltd. have entered a long-term strategic partnership agreement, to accelerate growth for both companies, reports a press release. Specifically, Visionix will become the exclusive partner of Right MFG, and distribute Righton products in Europe, the America’s and Asia Pacific (excluding Japan and China). Additionally, the companies will co-develop a new range of products for the eye care market.
The Vision Council Continues Social Media Calendar Offering
The Vision Council now offers social media content calendars to its members. The calendars provide content for consumer-facing social media marketing, such as National Eyewear Day and National Sunglasses Day. It also offers suggestions for content tailored to the social media platform and links for more resources. Launched in March, the organization’s June content is now available for download at the link. The benefit will continue throughout the year.
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.