Practice Tip: Compensate and reward spectacular staff
“Offer fair wages and never skimp on deserved raises,” writes Patricia Fulmer, OD, FAAO, in her Nov./Dec. article, “Secure Sensational Staff.” If unsure of what is considered “fair wages” locally and nationally, she recommends OD employers conduct searches on job sites, such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter. Both resources allow for comparisons in an employer’s area and other areas in the country, as well as the national average for positions, such as optometric technician, optician, optometric assistant, and medical receptionist, she writes. For the full article, visit https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/november-december-2023/securing-sensational-staff.
Adverum Biotechnologies names new board of directors member
Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc., which aims to establish gene therapy for highly prevalent ocular diseases, appointed C. David Nicholson, PhD, as an independent member of its board of directors, effective Nov. 3, 2023. Dr. Nicholson previously served as executive vice president and chief research and development officer of Allergan prior to its acquisition by AbbVie in May 2020.
Carrera offers smart glasses with Alexa
Safilo’s Carrera Smart Glasses with Alexa combine fashion with Alexa artificial intelligence (AI). The collection is comprised of Carrera Cruiser and Carrera Sprinter. Cruiser is available in grey gradient sunglasses, and Sprinter is available in blue-light-filtering and polarized sunglasses. The Carrera Smart Glasses with Alexa will be available for purchase on Amazon.com, us.carreraworld.com and from select opticians.
Cognivue names Clinical and Medical Affairs vice president
Cognivue, Inc. hired Ernest Fung, PsyD, ABPP, as vice president of Clinical and Medical Affairs. Specifically, Dr. Fung will lead the company’s efforts in foundational and clinical research, health care professional collaboration, and ongoing partnerships with the medical community, according to a press release. He is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and a diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology.
Additionally, he is an expert on digital and traditional cognitive assessment techniques and approaches in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, according to the company.
Lumenis introduces dual-frequency radiofrequency energy device for aesthetic use
Lumenis launched OptiPLUS, an FDA-cleared dual-frequency radiofrequency technology that enables energy penetration to different skin depths, heating the superficial layer to promote collagen formation and stimulate peri-orbital skin rejuvenation, while also reaching into the deeper tissue to target the meibomian glands, according to a press release. OptiPLUS is a complementary device to Lumenis’ OptiLIGHT technology, the company says. To learn more about this pairing, visit https://information.lumenis.com/optilight.
New England College of Optometry Center for Eye Care features tactile image of visual system
The New England College of Optometry (NECO) Center for Eye Care has a new interactive experience featuring a tactile image of the visual system on display at 930 Commonwealth Ave., in Boston. The tactile image is designed to help individuals understand the inner workings of the brain that create a visual understanding of the world, according to a press release. It was donated by former Commissioner of the U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration and NECO Board Member Janet LaBreck, for whom NECO’s Low Vision Center is named.
Ora and BlindCAN Film Festival launch Blind Canvas Project
Ora Inc. created The Blind Canvas Project, a diverse, global project that is a collaboration between the company and BlindCAN Film Festival, a team of industry professionals in the blindness community who provide opportunities and education for the visually impaired. Specifically, the project uses storytelling and generative artificial intelligence to foster a deeper understanding of the lives and experiences of people living with inherited retinal disease, childhood visual impairments, and macular degeneration, among other blinding conditions. Immersive interviews of blind individuals, visual works of AI-generated art, and multidimensional pieces can all be found at www.blindcanvasproject.com.
Southern Council of Optometrists seeks award nominations
The Southern Council of Optometrists (SECO) is asking for nominations for its annual awards, to be given March 2, at SECO’s annual meeting, which will occur in Atlanta. The award categories: Optometrist of the South; Paraoptometric of the South; Young Optometrist of the South; Optician of the South; and the Executive Director Award. To submit nominations, provide a letter that includes the nominee’s name, the award for which the individual is nominated, City and State of practice; the reasons the nominee should receive the award; and a copy of the nominee’s biography or curriculum vitae to bfripp@secostaff.com. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 30, 2023.
Théa Pharma creates Preservative Freedom Coalition
Théa Pharma launched the Preservative Freedom Coalition to raise awareness of the unmet needs in ocular surface disease and opportunities to pursue preservative-free topical ophthalmic medications, according to a press release. In addition to Théa, founding members of this company and brand-agnostic initiative include The Glaucoma Foundation, The Intrepid Eye Society, National Medical Association Ophthalmology Section, and Real World Ophthalmology. The Preservative Freedom Coalition will focus on three key areas: Awareness, Availability and Advocacy.
Treehouse Eyes holds third Annual Practice Summit
Treehouse Eyes hosted its third Annual Practice Summit on Sept. 27, 2023. The event united clinical experts, thought leaders, and optometry professionals to explore the latest trends and advancements in myopia management, while celebrating excellence in the field, according to a press release. Keysessions included The Power of Brand and the Consumer Experience; Understanding DifferentBehavioral Considerations in Children That Impact Delivering Successful Treatment; and ClinicalAdvancements in Myopia. Additionally, Drs. Laurie Sorrenson, Juan Menjivar, and Bertha Esparza took home Practice of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Myopia Treatment Coordinator of the Year, respectively.
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.