Practice Tip: Consider Time-Saving Features of OCT
One step to establish clinic efficiency with OCT is to have a “general understanding of various OCT instruments now commercially available, and the individual features they offer,” write Chris Wroten, OD, and Onyale Warnock, OD, in their article “Improve OCT Imaging Efficiency in Glaucoma.” They explain that some models can image both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and perform OCT-Angiography (OCT-A), among other functions. For a full list of time-saving features to keep in mind, see the article at https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/march-2023/improve-oct-imaging-efficiency-in-glaucoma.
Advanced Therapies, Innovation Drive Market Growth
The global eye inflammation treatment market is estimated to be valued at $564.4 million in 2022, and is expected to exhibit a compounded annual growth rate of 5.8% from 2022 to 2030. According to Coherent Market Insights, key trends in the market include increasing approvals by regulatory bodies and increasing funding for the research and development of new treatment for eye disease, among others.
Alcon Debuts Total30 for Astigmatism and Other Innovations at SECO International
Alcon presented its TOTAL30 for Astigmatism, a reusable water gradient toric contact lens at the SECO International meeting in Atlanta, Ga. The lens is now available to Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) across the United States. Alcon also shared plans to expand MARLO, the company’s digital-ordering platform for contact lenses, to further drive connection between ECPs and their patients, while providing greater access to eye care in the U.S., Alcon says. The 20th anniversary of the artificial tear, Systane, coincided with Alcon’s presence at SECO, where the company highlighted findings on the performance and efficacy of its dry eye and ocular health offerings.
American Academy of Optometry Foundation Accepting Applications for 2023 Contact Lens Awards
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) is accepting applications for their 2023 Joe and Janet Barr Early Career Cornea and Contact Lens Research Award. Named for Joseph T. Barr and his wife, Janet, the research award provides a first- or second-year MS or PhD student in vision science or physiological optics with $2,000 of seed funding for research in cornea/ocular surface or contact lenses. Additional application requirements may be found at bit.ly/3y1Sf33, and questions directed to Sarah Kidd, manager, awards and donor relations. The submission window closes April 1 at 5 p.m.
American Optometric Association Revises Clinical Practice Guideline for Adults
Citing the significant public and economic impact posed by an aging population, increased visual impairments and blindness in the United States, the American Optometric Association (AOA) issued a revised, research-based clinical practice guideline to aid optometrists in providing eye and vision examinations for adults, highlighting the importance of annual, in-person exams for all Americans. To view the revision, click here.
Cognivue Appoints Chief Scientific Officer
Cognivue named neuroscientist James E. Galvin, MD, its chief scientific officer. He is the founding director of the Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, professor of Neurology, and professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Companies Combine Forces for Dry Eye Drop Development
Selagine, Inc., entered into a research, development, and sublicense agreement with Grifols, a creator of plasma-derived medicines for the development and commercialization of immunoglobulin eye drops for dry eye disease. The eye drop is an immunoglobulin biologic drug containing functional antibodies generated from human plasma. Selagine is a spin-out company from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
CooperVision Announces Digital Eye Strain Lens Now Available in the United States
MyDay Energys, from CooperVision, is now available in the United States, as the company rolls out the contact lens brand globally. The contact lens is a daily disposable with an aspheric design and proprietary material technology to quell the tiredness and dryness associated with digital eye strain, according to the press release. The lens includes DigitalBoost innovation, which is a single vision aspheric design that delivers a +0.3D boost of power intended to ease the strain on eye muscles, so the wearer can shift focus from on screen to off screen with less effort.
Harrow Appoints New Head of Regulatory Affairs
Harrow named Mark Mannenbach, PhD, RPh, its head of regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance. In this position, Dr. Mannenbach will be responsible for overseeing and managing all regulatory submissions and strategy related to the company’s portfolio of new and existing products.
Iveric Bio to Present Clinical Trials at Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
IVERIC bio, Inc., will present an analysis of its GATHER1 and GATHER2 clinical trials at the upcoming Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology annual meeting, occurring April 23 to April 27. The trials were designed to evaluate the rate of geographic atrophy (GA) lesion growth in patients with GA secondary to age-related macular degeneration.
Lenz Therapeutics Announces Financing for Presbyopia Treatments
Lenz Therapeutics announced it has raised $83.5 million in oversubscribed Series B financing for its LNZ100 (aceclidine) and LNZ101 (aceclidine and brimonidine) therapies for presbyopia.
Optometry Giving Sight Requests 2023 Grant Applications
Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) opened the call for applications for its 2023 grant cycle. OGS funds organizations that focus on optometry-centric programs, including the establishment or support of optometry schools, eye clinics, vision centers, and optical labs. Grants average $25,000 to $45,000 USD/CAD, and can range up to $100,000. For the first time this year, OGS will consider applications for multi-year funding. Domestic and international nonprofit organizations interested in applying for funding from OGS must complete a pre-qualification questionnaire by March 20.
Prevent Blindness Advocates Take to Capitol Hill
Prevent Blindness is hosting its 18th annual Eyes on Capitol Hill advocacy event, beginning Tuesday and continuing through today. The event brings together patients, care partners, allied personnel, and medical professionals to speak directly with their elected officials to discuss a variety of vision and eye health issues and the need for legislative funding and support.
Visionary Optics to host a Europa Tangent Webinar
Visionary Optics will present the webinar, “Step into a New Fit with the new Europa Tangent” on March 28. Specifically, Dr. Lynette Johns and Dr. Greg DeNaeyer will guide practitioners through the advantages of this design, which offers compression-free landing zone alignment, a simplified step system for independent adjustments, and individualized customization for complex cases. Interact with both Drs. DeNaeyer and Johns throughout the webinar with chat, polls and a “clinical choice” section. Register for the event at https://www.visionary-optics.com/europa-tangent-webinar/.
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.