Practice Tip: “For an influencer to tag me in their post is a lot more powerful than anything I post on my page, because they have so many more followers,” explains Jason Compton, OD FAAO, in “Enterprising Optometrists,” which can be found at https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2022/august-2022. Specifically, he points to the value of connecting with local makeup artists. These are folks who have a loyal following, meaning when they share about an experience or a product, their followers listen. Dr. Compton says it is typically his work with colored contact lenses and managing dry eye disease that gets picked up by influencers the most.
ABB Optical Group and CooperVision Specialty EyeCare Announce 8th Annual Optometry Student Challenge
ABB Optical Group, in conjunction with CooperVision Specialty EyeCare, is accepting abstract submissions for the 8th annual Optometry Student Challenge. The Optometry Student Challenge will award travel grants of $1,500 each to three third or fourth-year optometry students to attend the 2023 Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS)*, to be held Jan. 18 to Jan. 21, 2023, in Las Vegas, where they will present their winning scientific poster on a topic, of the student’s choice, related to contact lenses. Interested students must register by Aug. 31. Visit www.abboptical.com/OptometryStudentChallenge.
*GSLS is organized and run by PentaVision LLC, the publisher of Optometric Management.
AOA and AOSA Grant Program Awards 40 Grants
Since the Opportunities in Optometry grant program launched in 2021, by the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), 40 grants, totaling $1,500 apiece, have been awarded to students to help promote diversity and equity within the optometric profession by offsetting entrance costs, according to the AOA. The grants are made possible through the support of EssilorLuxottica and gifts from the AOA, AOSA, and members of the profession. Visit https://www.aoa.org/news/inside-optometry/aoa-news/aoa-aosa-opportunities-in-optometry-grant-program?sso=y.
Artificial Tears Market to Reach More Than $6 Billion by 2030
A report from Straits Research shows the global OTC artificial tears market growing from $4.6 million in 2021 to an expected $6.8 million by 2030. Driving the increase, the firm says, are: an increase in the geriatric population, an increase in the prevalence of dry eye disease, and an increase in eye surgeries. Lifestyle changes, such as prolonged exposure to digital displays, also contribute to the projected growth.
Centre for Ocular Research & Education Develops Method for 3D Printing of an ‘Eye’
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education scientists have developed a 3D bio-printing method that may be helpful for ophthalmic drug-delivery research. Using a commercially available masked stereolithography printer (mSLA), retrofitted with humidity and temperature controls, plus a gelatin-based ink formulation, the team was able to print an in vitro eye model in under three hours. The “eye” included aqueous, vitreous, and blood chambers, a blood outlet/inlet, aqueous and vitreous outlets, and a 500mm-thick cornea. A summary of the methodology can be found in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.
Contact Lens Institute Launches One-Minute Video Series
The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) launched a short-form video series to help the eye care community communicate and reinforce healthy contact lens wear and care guidance with existing and new wearers. Called “Make It Easy,” each episode in the series features a 2022 CLI Visionary sharing examples of exam room conversations to promote important health and safety habits — in about a minute. The first installments are available on the CLI YouTube channel and at https://EASYWayProgram.org.
Crystal PM and WeVerify Announce Compatibility
Crystal PM, a practice management software and EHR provider, is now supported by WeVerify, RevCycle Partners’ eligibility and verification service. WeVerify collects benefits data for each patient and provides detailed benefits information.
eSight and Marathon Medical Corporation Join Forces to Provide Sight-Enhancing Medical Devices to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The vision-enhancement platform, eSight, and Marathon Medical Corporation, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business-certified distributor to veteran medical facilities across the United States, announced they’ve partnered to provide eSight 4 assistive eyewear medical devices to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) national healthcare system. The partnership streamlines the purchasing and contract process and provides enhanced product choices for VA healthcare professionals, according to the press release. Visit www.eSightEyewear.com.
FDA Affirms Spectacle Frames Need to Comply with Unique Device Identifier Regulations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration responded to The Vision Council’s 2017 request to exempt spectacle frames from the unique device identifier (UDI) labeling and its reporting requirements in the negative. Therefore, the FDA considers spectacle frame manufacturers or re-packagers to be “labelers” that must comply with the UDI labeling regulations as a Class I regulated medical device. However, the FDA affirmed that the use of a universal product code on the labels and device packages will meet all UDI requirements. Compliance enforcement begins Sept. 24.
FDA Drafts Guidance to Improve Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Contact Lens Care Product Labeling
In response to misuse of hydrogen peroxide-based contact lens care products (HPCPs) which has led to serious eye injuries, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has developed draft guidance for manufacturers of HPCPs to consider when labeling their solutions. The draft guidance, entitled “Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Contact Lens Care Products: Consumer Labeling Recommendations - Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submissions” (fda.gov/media/160909/download), provides labeling recommendations “intended to promote the safe and effective use of HPCPs,” according to the FDA. Stakeholders can comment on the draft guidance until Oct. 17 on regulations.gov under docket no.FDA-2022-D-0986-0001.
Innovative Eyewear Releases Fall 2022 Collection
The Lucyd Lyte Fall 2022 Collection, from Innovative Eyewear Inc., is comprised of four designer smart frames and a Lucyd charging dock accessory. The designs improve the build, quality, and audio fidelity, and the dock wirelessly charges all Lucyd Lyte models by setting the glasses down on it, according to the company.
Valley Contax Announces Winner of the Academy 2022 Travel Grant
Valley Contax Inc., in partnership with Contamac US, announced the award for its Academy 2022 Travel Grant to Emily Zimmerman, a second-year student from the SUNY College of Optometry. To win, she submitted a short essay about the teacher who has made the greatest impact on her career and why.
Visibly Self-Administered Online VA Test Receives FDA Clearance
Visibly announced it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its Visibly Digital Acuity Product (VDAP). Users can access the test, which can be completed in about six minutes, through a combination of a touchscreen mobile device and a computer connected to the Internet, according to the company. Visit www.govisibly.com.
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.