Practice Tip: Emphasize the Importance of Anti-Glaucoma Drops
Emphasizing the importance of the glaucoma therapy at the time the drops are prescribed is an action step optometrists can take to increase patient compliance to their anti-glaucoma drops, says Austin Lifferth, OD, FAAO, in the March issue article, “Overcome Patient Non-Compliance to Therapies.” If patients don’t understand why they are on a drop, they are less likely to remain compliant, he notes. “If patients come back and question why they’re using this drop, then I instantly feel as though it was a missed opportunity,” Dr. Lifferth stresses. For the full article, visit bit.ly/3yxirmv.
ABB Optical Pushes New Platform Release
ABB Optical Group launched its latest contact lens-ordering platform release of Abby. The update includes a new order status dashboard, used to monitor, and track the shipment of any contact lens purchase, and a performance dashboard, designed to provide the eye care provider with reporting and metrics.
Art Optical Introduces MoonLens Identification System
Art Optical introduced a prescription lens-marking system for its MoonLens orthokeratology/myopia management lenses. A set of numbers is now engraved on each lens to correspond to a matching number on the lens invoice. This system facilitates tracking lens parameters during the fitting process in the event of patient handling mix-ups between eyes or sets of lenses, according to the press release.
BioTissue Expands and Renovates Florida Manufacturing Facility
BioTissue, maker of cryopreserved amniotic membranes, recently completed an expansion and renovation of its manufacturing and distribution facility in Doral, Fla. The project includes a new cleanroom space, and the renovation of 9,000 square feet to align with the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations, the company says. The upgraded and expanded facility prepares BioTissue for its upcoming FDA Biologics License Application process and increases the company’s product manufacturing capacity to keep up with current and expected future demand, according to the press release.
BostonSight Introduces Lensy
Lensy, a 3D plush scleral lens, is the newest ambassador for BostonSight. Lensy is the main character in the picture book, “Lensy: A Scleral Lens Story,” which is about the basics of scleral lenses and follows her friend, Sophie Sheep, who needs scleral lenses due to extreme dry eyes. A limited number of Lensy plushies and printed books are available for donation to pediatric patients at Prevention Research Center Network sites via a fundraising campaign: Give (or Get!) the Gift of Lensy. Information is available at https://www.bostonsight.org/give-lensy.
Coburn Technologies Releases Anti-Fog Coating
Coburn Technologies made available Visgard UV Anti-Fog Coating. It is a permanent anti-fog coating available for use in the company’s Velocity Spin Coater platform. The coating can be applied in a single application with others within the Coburn Technologies portfolio, according to the press release.
Compulink to Showcase Latest Platforms at Vision Expo East
Compulink Healthcare Solutions announced that its latest platform innovations will be showcased at Vision Expo East this week, March 16 to March 19th in New York City. These platforms: Eyecare Advantage, which has a new graphical interface; My_Eye_Store, an E-Commerce solution; Advantage Patient Experience, a suite of mobile patient engagement tools; and Advantage Reputation, automated technology to collect and post patient reviews on Google and Facebook. To learn more, stop by the Compulink booth #F2651 at Vision Expo East.
CORE Provides Context to DED Advances
The Centre for Ocular Research & Evaluation (CORE) published a series of clinically relevant perspectives from four international experts on recent technological advances to combat dry eye disease in issue 70 of Contact Lens Update. Specifically, the authors examine several in-office procedures and a clinical case report to demonstrate the advances’ usefulness when treating contact lens discomfort caused by dry eye disease. The latest edition is available for free at www.contactlensupdate.com.
College of Optometrists in Vision Development 2023 Meeting Announced
Registration is open for the 2023 College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) annual meeting, occurring April 25 to April 29, 2023, in Toronto. COVD advises that interested attendees book reservations at the special conference rate soon, due to the Toronto Maple Leafs making the NHL playoffs, which could cause potential crowding issues. In addition to the meeting, pre-meeting courses are also available on April 25 and 26. To register, visit https://covd2023.com/reg2023.
Envision Conference Invites Attendees
There is still time to attend the Envision Conference, from March 30 to April 1, in San Antonio, Texas. The conference includes clinical education and research presentations on vision rehabilitation topics, such as vision science and neurology, among others. See more information on the conference website.
FDA Recalls Eyedrops
The FDA has posted separate recall notices for certain eye drops distributed by Pharmedica and Apotex after the companies said they are voluntarily pulling several lots of their products from the market. Pharmedica said it’s recalling 2 lots of Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops due to “the risk of eye infections that could result in blindness,” according to the press release. Apotex is recalling 6 lots of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.15% sold between last April and February. The company said it launched the recall after finding cracks in a handful of bottle caps that could “impact sterility.”
Harrow’s Ocular Surface Anesthesia Granted Pass-Through Status
CMS approved transitional pass-through reimbursement status for IHEEZO, chloroprocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel 3%. The gel is indicated for ocular surface anesthesia. The designation, granted to Harrow, takes effect April 1, 2023.
Hoot Offers Strategies for Parents of Children Who Have Myopia
Hoot, a marketing automation platform for eye care professionals from Hoot Health, Inc., is offering five strategies as parents embark on their child’s myopia journey. The platform also provides referrals to optometrists who practice myopia management. Visit www.hootmyopiacare.com/our-doctors/.
National Vision Names Scholarship Winners
National Vision, Inc., announced the winners of its 8th annual scholarship program, recognizing bright optometry students based on essay or video submissions. This year’s applicants explored how technology can help break down barriers to receiving and providing quality eye care. The winners are: Lydie Tubene, Illinois College of Optometry, in first place with a $7,500 award; Sara Masood, New England College of Optometry, runner-up with a $2,500 award; and Mahnoor Shahzard, Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry, runner-up with a $2,500 award.
NORA Offers Student/Resident Grant for Annual Meeting
Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association International (NORA) is offering 10 students and residents who have an interest in neuro-rehabilitation an opportunity to apply for a student grant to attend its 2023 Annual Conference, occurring Oct. 5 to Oct. 8, 2023, in Portland, Ore. Each grant recipient will receive full conference registration and a $500 travel grant. To apply: Fill out the application form and send it via email to noraconference@gmail.com before June 30, 2023. Winners will be notified by July 20. More information at https://noravisionrehab.org/about-nora/news/student-resident-grants-available-nora-conference.
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Joins Forces with Eyeganics to Sell OTC Tears
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals announced a partnership with Eyeganics to sell OTC Organic Tears (0.2% organic glycerin) on www.avenova.com and through Avenova’s physician-dispensed channel. Organic Tears are formulated using three ingredients: (1) organic glycerin (oil from organic vegetables), (2) salt, and (3) water. The product is offered in the 10 ml size for $29.00.
Optical Lab Software Solutions Announces New Name
Optical Lab Software Solutions, Inc. announced its global rebrand as Rx-Universe, “a change that reflects the company’s focus on moving confidently into the future of optical lab technology, and embracing where the forward-thinking industry is headed next,” according to the press release. Visit www.rx-universe.com.
World Council of Optometry Names World Optometry Week Celebration Theme
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has named the theme of World Optometry Week “Expanding Optometry’s Role… The Time is Now!” World Optometry Week is from March 19 to March 25, with World Optometry Day on March 23. With the theme, WCO seeks to advocate for stronger global access to eye care and ensure that ODs around the world have the education and skills to thrive and contribute within their respective healthcare systems, according to the press release. To learn more, visit www.worldcouncilofoptometry.infoor follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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.