Practice Tip: Measure Marginal Reflex Distance
“We measure marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD-1) — which is the distance from the central pupillary light reflex to the central margin of the upper eyelid — the traditional measure used to evaluate lid position,” writes Nate R. Lighthizer, OD, in his Sept. article “Show Some Love for the Lids.” He also writes that a normal MRD-1 is 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm, so as that number decreases, the more pronounced the lid droop and risk for visual impairment. To read the full article, visit https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2022/september-2022/show-some-love-for-the-lids.
 
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry Launch Webinars on Diversity
The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is offering a series of webinars on diversity topics by content experts from outside optometry. Called the ASCO Eye on Diversity Speaker Series, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision, the series is comprised of six sessions that will reveal insights and perspectives on diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging issues that face optometry students, residents, faculty, practitioners, and staff members daily, according to a press release. For information on each presentation and speaker, as well as the registration link, visit the ASCO website at: https://optometriceducation.org/speaker-series/. 
 
Belfast Researchers Discover Key Protein Involved in Diabetes-Related Vision Loss
Queen’s University Belfast researchers have discovered that the loss of blood flow autoregulation that contributes to vision loss and blindness in people who have diabetes is caused by the disruption of a protein called TRPV2. Additionally, they found that disruption of blood flow autoregulation, even in the absence of diabetes, causes damage that closely resembles what is seen in diabetic retinopathy. For the full study, visit https://insight.jci.org/articles/view/155128. 
 
Contact Lens Institute Expands Video Series with Patient Conversation Tips
The Contact Lens Institute expanded its “Make It EASY” short-form video series with examples of one-minute exam room conversations to communicate and reinforce healthy contact lens wear-and-care habits. The 10-video series is available as a playlist on the Contact Lens Institute YouTube channel, accessible at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoOJqjnPcI9-P7mYewmMfwQ. 
 
CooperVision Myopia Control Contact Lens Recognized by German Design Council
CooperVision’s MiSight 1 day myopia control contact lens was recognized in the German Design Council’s 2022 German Innovation Awards. Specifically, in the field of Medical & Health, it received a special mention in “Excellence in Business to Consumer.” The German Innovation Award is given for products, technologies, and services that break new ground in innovation and provide solutions that stand out from conventional approaches. “Special Mention” is awarded to innovations distinguished for their well-conceived individual features, innovative approaches, or skillfully detailed solutions, according to the press release. 
 
EyeCare Partners Launches Innovation Center
EyeCare Partners (ECP) launched the EyeCare Partners Innovation Center (E.P.I.C.). It is an information and technology center of excellence that will unite the expertise of more than 1,000 eye care providers with data from E360+, EyeCare Partners’ proprietary data platform, to advance eye care quality, research and education, according to the press release. In collaboration with ECP’s Medical Education Board, the Center will work to improve outcomes, enhance patient care and drive sight-saving advances, ECP says. 
 
Prevent Blindness Names 2023 Person of Vision Award Recipient
Prevent Blindness (PB) announced that the 2023 Person of Vision Award will be given to Megan Molony, senior vice president, chief merchandising, and managed care officer, of National Vision Inc. Ms. Molony will receive the award, which recognizes an individual, corporation and/or organization whose inspired outlook champions healthy vision and its importance for a healthy life, on March 16, 2023, at 583 Park Ave., New York, N.Y., in conjunction with Vision Expo East.
 
Safilo Group Introduces Polarized Lenses
Safilo Group introduced Eastman Tritan Renew Polarized lenses. They will be featured in Under Armour eyewear and then progressively rolled out across the Group’s brand portfolio of sunglasses, according to a press release. Tritan Renew is part of a range of sustainable materials now offered at scale by Eastman. 
 
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.