News from Alcon, Advancing Eyecare, Bausch + Lomb, Centre for Ocular Research & Education, Cognivue, Eyepoint Pharmaceuticals, Optometry Giving Sight, Transitions Optical, and more…
Practice Tip: Optometrists can make a life-altering difference in the lives of stroke patients, writes Pamela Miller, in the article, “The Stroke Patient and You:” “About 65% of stroke victims may experience vision issues. Most people who experience stroke-related vision loss do not fully regain their vision, but some recovery is possible,” Dr. Miller writes. “Proper diagnosis and vision rehabilitation can help patients improve most daily activities.” For more, see https://bit.ly/3FbciNC.
Advancing Eyecare Buys Santinelli International
Advancing Eyecare, a provider of ophthalmic instruments and a portfolio company of Atlantic Street Capital, acquired Santinelli International, a provider of optical finishing equipment. Advancing Eyecare is also made up of Lombart Instrument, Marco Ophthalmic, INNOVA Medical, and S4Optik, among other brands. Visit www.advancingeyecare.com for more information.
Alcon Launches DAILIES TOTAL1 Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Alcon launched DAILIES TOTAL1 for Astigmatism, which feature a water gradient surface material, the PRECISION BALANCE 8|4 lens design for stability, AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde, and SmarTears Technology to stabilize the lipid layer of the tear film, the company says. DAILIES TOTAL1 for Astigmatism will be available in the United States with 2,300 parameters in March 2022.
Bausch + Lomb Announces Glaucoma Patient Survey Results on Impact of Hyperemia
Bausch + Lomb and the Glaucoma Research Foundation released survey results that detail the impact of hyperemia on the lives of glaucoma patients. Hyperemia has been identified as the primary reason for non-adherence and discontinuation of glaucoma treatment. The survey of 101 U.S. adults reveals that 43% of respondents reported talking to their providers about changing treatment due to hyperemia, and 12% of patients either skipped doses or discontinued their glaucoma treatment due to hyperemia. Additionally, respondents indicated that hyperemia negatively affected their self-confidence, disrupting social and professional interactions.
Centre for Ocular Research & Education Names Head of Biosciences
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education appointed Alex Hui, OD, PhD, FAAO, head of Biosciences. Dr. Hui was a senior lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW Sydney. In addition to drug delivery systems, his research focuses on ocular therapeutics, myopia control, and contact lenses. Dr. Hui is also an associate editor for Clinical and Experimental Optometry.
Cognivue and American Institute of Balance Partner in Expansion of
Cognitive Screening Resources
Cognivue joined forces with the American Institute of Balance (AIB) to provide access to the company’s cognitive screening products and services available to AIB’s network of providers, including certified physicians, audiologists, and physical therapists. The cognitive resources are intended to aid in diagnosing and evaluating neurodegenerative and neuropsychological disorders, and include Cognivue’s Clarity and Thrive portable devices, which provide self-administered and computerized screening for various disorders. The companies will also partner in a data collection project, promotions, direct-to-consumer marketing, and provider CE.
CooperVision Facilitates Special Olympics CE Series for ECPs
As part of its ongoing partnership with the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes program, CooperVision is helping to facilitate a CE series for eye care professionals (ECPs) that explores ocular and general health concerns for people who have an intellectual disability, among other disabilities, to better quality of and access to care, the company says. The next CE webinar — Refractive Error & Strabismus & Ambylopia, Oh My! Management Tips — will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 18th, at 9 p.m. ET. To register for the course, visit https://bit.ly/OpeningEyesJan18.
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Names Chief Corporate Development and Strategy Officer
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc. appointed Michael C. Pine chief corporate development and strategy officer. Mr. Pine has over 20 years of business and corporate development expertise. Most recently, he was a senior vice president of Business Development and Strategy at Medexus Pharmaceuticals. In other news, the company has announced clinical plans for 2022, centered on lead drug candidate EYP-1901 for wet AMD.
Envision Opens National Art Gallery for BVI Artists and Audiences
Envision will open an inclusive and diverse art gallery that will champion art accessibility featuring work of 18 artists who are blind or visually impaired. As the first gallery primarily for artists with vision loss, the grand opening will be held the Saturday, Jan. 15, starting at 12 p.m. CT with kid-friendly activities for families and a special reception at 6 p.m. The gallery space is in the Historic Union Station area in downtown Wichita, Kan. For more information, visit www.envisionus.com.
Fittingbox Uses Diminished Virtual Reality for New 3D Digital Try-On Tool
Fittingbox launched a new virtual try-on tool that allows users to “try on” digital frames without having to remove their current frames. The tool uses diminished reality technology, which removes visual elements (like eyeglasses) from the user’s real-life environment instead of adding them, as with augmented reality. The “Frame Removal” feature is compatible with all devices and platforms and ensures that frames will fit any face to its exact dimensions, reports the company. Visit www.fittingbox.com.
Ocuphire Provides Corporate Updates on Clinical Trial Progress
Ocuphire Pharma updated its website to include progress on its clinical trials for Nyxol drops for the reversal of pharmacologically induced mydriasis in healthy pediatric subjects. Enrollment has commenced, with safety as the primary endpoint and efficacy as the secondary endpoint. The company says it plans to file an NDA with the FDA late in 2022. Also, enrollment is complete in a Phase 3 trial for the same drug, but for the treatment of NVD (dim light vision disturbances). Topline results are expected in early 2022.
Optometry Giving Sight Names Director of Development, North America
Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) appointed Sharyn Gallatin as the new director of Development, North America, and announced the retirement of Eric Anderson, director of Donor Engagement, North America. Ms. Gallatin has over 20 years of fundraising experience. Most recently, she was the director of Foundations and Endowment for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan.
Prevent Blindness Calls for Award Nominations
Prevent Blindness, is calling for nominations for the “2022 Jenny Pomeroy Award for Excellence in Vision and Public Health,” and the third annual “Rising Visionary Award.” The submission deadline for both awards is Feb. 4, 2022 at noon EDT, and they will be presented at the 11th Annual Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health National Summit, occurring virtually on July 13 to July 14, 2022. For more information on the Prevent Blindness Jenny Pomeroy Award for Excellence in Vision and Public Health, visit https://preventblindness.org/jenny-pomeroy-award-for-excellence-in-vision-and-public-health/. Information on the Prevent Blindness Rising Visionary Award may be found at https://preventblindness.org/rising-visionary-award/.
Transitions Optical Postpones Transitions Academy 2022 Due to COVID-19
Transitions Optical announced the postponement of its Transitions Academy educational event in 2022 — originally scheduled for Jan.16 to Jan.19 in Orlando, Fla. — due to the COVID-19 Omicron variant. Rescheduling information is yet to be released.
Vision Expo Extends Global Talent Search Deadline
Vision Expo, The Vision Council, and RX extended the deadline to apply for the second annual Vision Expo Global Talent Search to Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. The competition seeks to identify and support emerging designers and promote their talent to the vision community. To access the application, click here. For more information on the Vision Expo Global Talent Search, click here. In other news, the Vision Council postponed the 2022 Executive Summit, set to occur Jan 24 to Jan. 26, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Registered attendees must cancel their hotel reservations with the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. Direct all questions to ExecutiveSummit@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.