News from the American Optometric Association, Centre for Ocular Research and Education, Euclid Systems, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Hoya Vision Care, International Agency for Prevention of Blindness, Quantel Medical, and more…
Practice Tip: Anecdotal experience shows the earlier the presbyopia conversation occurs, the better it is received. Christopher Wolfe, OD, FAAO, recommends beginning this discussion while patients are in their 30s: “With people already doing so much near work these days, this is the perfect opportunity to mention that, at some point in the future, if they begin to have trouble with that work, there are a lot of options to help them, and reading glasses do not necessarily have to be the solution,” he explains. For more tips on how to discuss long-arm syndrome, see “Ease into the Presbyopia Conversation,” at https://bit.ly/34G7rrx.
American Optometric Association Introduces Reimagined EyeLearn CE Hub
The American Optometric Association (AOA) launched a revamped EyeLearn Professional Development Hub intended to ease the CE process for eye care practitioners. The new platform offers the following upgraded functionalities:
• Integrated, live and recordable webinars
• Ability to curate customized educational content, including personalized alerts
• A CE Wallet to track CE — even when earned outside of the AOA — all in one place.
See https://bit.ly/3Bo2Shl.
Centre for Ocular Research and Education Study Shows Positive Impact of Omega Supplements on Dry Eye Disease
A recent study from the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) shows that dry eye sufferers may benefit from a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid dietary supplementation. Specifically, the three-month, randomized controlled study, published in the Jan. 2022 issue of the Optometry and Vision Science, the journal of the American Academy of Optometry, reveals users with baseline Ocular Surface Disease Index scores greater than 52 averaged a 20.8-point reduction in that score, while the placebo group averaged a 7.8 reduction.
Contact Lens Institute Names Panelists for Upcoming Learning Events
The Contact Lens Institute announced the following panelists for free online learning events occurring March 3: Drs. Chris Lievens, Mark Schaeffer, Bridgitte Shen Lee, and Jason Tu will headline “Making Contact Lens Compliance Stick: EASY Insights, Tips & Tools from Visionary Eye Care Pros.” Live sessions, including a participant Q&A, will be offered at both 6:30 pm EST and 6:30 pm PST. Registration is available for the earlier session at bit.ly/EASYWayEastern and the later session at bit.ly/EASYWayPacific.
First Patient Enrolled in Phase 3 Trial for Severe Sjögren's-Related DED
Dompé announced that the first patient has been enrolled in its Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cenegermin in patients with severe Sjögren's-related dry eye disease. This trial is part of a program that includes two randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled studies to be conducted at more than 10 sites in the United States and Europe, and was initiated following encouraging data from a Phase 2 study. That study evaluated the efficacy and safety of cenegermin ophthalmic solution versus vehicle in patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye, including a subset of patients diagnosed with Sjögren's without an accompanying rheumatic disease.
Euclid Systems Expands US Commercial Team
Euclid Systems Corporation added Kellie Wesley as national account manager, and Christie Yee, practice management specialist, expanding its U.S. commercial team. Ms. Wesley has spent almost a decade in the medical device industry, including at Hoya Vision Care. Ms. Yee has provided direct patient care as a contact lens specialist for seven years at Park Nicollet Health Partners.
FDA Approves First Generic of Restasis
The FDA approved the first generic of Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% single-use vials (eye drops) to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The sponsor of the approved generic cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% single-use vials is Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.
HOYA Vision Care Announces Visionary Alliance Loyalty Program Results
HOYA Vision Care says its Visionary Alliance loyalty program, launched in 2021, more than doubled its member community of eye care professionals (ECPs). The program allows ECPs to earn points for every purchase of qualifying HOYA products toward rewards. For additional information, visit https://visionaryalliance.com.
Hubble Contacts Launches Frames
Hubble Contacts announced Frames by Hubble, a collection of prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, with prices starting at $48. The glasses are available in multiple sizes with standard, blue light, and polarized lens types, the company says. Hubble Contacts also provides custom-made polarized sunglasses, available with prescription or non-prescription lenses, according to the company. For more information, visit www.hubblecontacts.com/glasses.
International Agency for Prevention of Blindness Announces Series on Gender Equity
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) will continue its “Focus On” series with gender equity, taking an in-depth look at SDG 5 Gender Equality. (See https://bit.ly/3sGX5zI.) Additionally, IAPB will work to raise the advocacy, awareness, and knowledge of this eye health area. Santen will support the series. For more information contact Saloni Nagpaul at snagpaul@iapb.org.
Leiters Buys Manufacturing Facility
Leiters, an FDA-registered 503B outsourcing provider of hospital and ophthalmology compounded sterile preparations, completed the acquisition of a new manufacturing facility in Buena, NJ. The 110,000 square foot facility will be cGMP compliant with automated capabilities to provide additional 503B capacity and redundancy to the company’s existing capabilities and portfolio in Englewood, Colo., Leiters says. Visit
https://leiters.com.
Quantel Medical Launches C.Stim
Quantel Medical launched the C.Stim intense pulsed light (IPL) system. Based on IPL technology, C.Stim is designed to treat the root causes of dry eyes: meibomian gland dysfunction, inflammation, and Demodex. According to Quantel, C.Stim integrates technological features to guarantee efficacy, safety, and ergonomics, and to offer a “plug and play” easy delegable product.
TissueTech Rebrands to BioTissue
TissueTech, Inc. unveiled a corporate rebranding, including a name change and a new logo for its entire business. According to the company, the new BioTissue brand includes a bold new design representing healing, energy, and life. BioTissue will continue to roll out the updated branding in the weeks to come, including a new website, conference/exhibit booth, and full suite of customer-facing support materials.
The Vision Council and RX to Launch New Trends Showcase at Vision Expo East
The Vision Council and Rx are introducing NOW by Vision Expo (VE), a new eyewear trends showcase offering frames representative of the themes of this year’s Vision Expo, taking place from March 31 to April 3 in NYC. Themes include:
• Sustainability
• Fashion Post-Pandemic: Statement Pieces/Larger than Life
• Diversity and Inclusion through Eyewear
• Craftsmanship + Technology and Innovations through Details
Exhibitors in The Atelier, The Springs, The Park and The Union VE neighborhoods may submit one frame per company that represents one of the themes by Feb. 25. An advisory committee will select the final choices for display. Visit https://bit.ly/3uSmPfe. In other news, The Vision Council is celebrating Black History Month by sharing member stories. Members can submit an inspiring story — along with any associated imagery — for consideration to Hayley Rakus, The Vision Council’s senior communications manager, at hrakus@thevisioncouncil.org.
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.