Practice Tip: Cover three bases in glaucoma
“Diagnosing glaucoma, and detecting glaucomatous progression directly depends on a reliable baseline data set of both structural and functional testing,” writes Austin Lifferth, OD, FAAO, in his latest “Glaucoma” column. To diagnose and manage the condition early, he says ODs should cover three bases, provided by the World Glaucoma Association: (1) “A good baseline of reliable VFs is essential to be able to monitor for progression.” (2) “Decisions on progression should not be made by comparing only the most recent [visual] field with the one before.” (3) “Suspected progression should be confirmed by repeating the [visual] field.” For the full column, visit https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/july-2023/clinical-glaucoma. 

Canadian Association of Optometrists names 2023 award recipient
The Canadian Association of Optometrists named Debbie Jones, BSc, FCOptom, FAAO, FBCLA, its 2023 President’s Award recipient. The organization’s highest honor was conferred in recognition of her significant contributions to pediatric vision care, myopia control, and optometry education, according to a press release.
 
National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research responds to house committee appropriations suggested budget
The National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research has responded with concern over the House Labor, Health & Human Services (LHHS) subcommittee proposed appropriations bill. Specifically, the suggested funding would cut the National Institutes of Health by over $2.8 billion from the fiscal year 2023 level of $47.46 billion to $44.6 billion for fiscal year 2024. This includes level funding for the National Eye Institute. Read, in full, the organization’s statement of concern here. 
 
National Vision announces scholarship winners
National Vision, Inc., announced the winners of the 2023 National Optometric Student Association scholarships, awarding a total of $7,000 to three optometry students. They include: Laura Media, SUNY College of Optometry, Class of 2024; Joanna Lopez, UC Berkeley School of Optometry, Class of 2025, and Christine Chou, SUNY College of Optometry, Class of 2025. 
 
Hoot announces use of Artificial Intelligence in myopia platform
Hoot Health, Inc. introduced new AI-generated content, video, and clinical support for eye care practitioners treating myopia nationwide. Supporting materials include summaries of the latest clinical research, a behavioral coaching learning series, and personalized practice videos to share with parents. Visit https://www.hootmyopiacare.com. 
 
Medical consulting group consolidates to one location
Medical Consulting Group (MCG) announced it has moved its headquarters to Springfield, MO. MCG occupies 16,000 square feet of the office space, which brings all company operations to a central location. Visit https://www.medcgroup.com. 
 
Optometric Center of New York welcomes board members
The Optometric Center of New York named Aravella Simotas and Kevin Gioia, MD, to its board of trustees for a three-year term, beginning this month (July). 
 
Prevent Blindness’s art therapy for those with thyroid eye disease returns 
Prevent Blindness is bringing back its art therapy program for people who have Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) and their care partners beginning September and running through November. The eight-week, two-hour virtual session program offers community connection from the comforts of home. Each session is curated by registered art therapists who tailor the program topics, themes, and materials for people affected by TED. Apply today to be included; applications accepted through Aug. 22. Visit https://preventblindness.org/events/2023-prevent-blindness-art-therapy-program-ted/#:~:text=Prevent%20Blindness%20is%20excited%20to,comfort%20of%20their%20own%20home. 
 
Tarsus anti-Demodex drug receives FDA approval 
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced that the FDA approved lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25% (Xdemvy), formerly known as TP-03, as a treatment that directly targets Demodex mites, the root cause of Demodex blepharitis. The FDA approval is based on the results from two randomized, multicenter, double-masked, vehicle-controlled studies (Saturn-1 and Saturn-2), designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Xdemvy in 833 patients, 415 of whom received Xdemvy. For more information about Xdemvy and full-prescribing information, visit www.xdemvy.com.

Verséa Ophthalmics launches ocular surface disease point-of-care test
Verséa Ophthalmics commenced initial shipments of its T-POC TOTAL IgE Immunoassay Kit, a quantitative point-of-care test used in the diagnosis and management of patients suffering from ocular surface disease. The T-POC TOTAL IgE test measures the actual levels of IgE, providing a numerical value that enables clinicians to differentially diagnose a patient’s condition and to inform the prescribing decision. If the test is repeated after initiation of therapy, it may allow for confirmation of a desired therapeutic response, according to a press release.

VisionSpring screens vision of Dalai Lama community members 
VisionSpring provided vision screening for the community of the Dalai Lama. Taking place in June, in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India, VisionSpring screened the eyesight of 681 monks, artisans, and students, with a total of 385 community members benefiting from clearer vision with VisionSpring eyeglasses, according to a press release. 

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.