Practice Tip: Have an Awareness of Hyaluronic Acid
In artificial tears, hyaluronic acid helps increase the natural tears’ viscosity, writes Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, in her latest “Dry Eye” column. This leads to increased tear film stability, tear retention time, tear break-up time (working to optimize ocular surface hydration), and lubrication. Studies show that artificial tears containing HA have therapeutic benefits, including corneal epithelial healing, improvement of ocular surface function, and goblet cell density. As additional studies provide more data, OD thinking may change to incorporate HA type as a prescribing deciding factor in particular patients. For the entire column, visit https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/june-2023/clinical-dry-eye.
American Optometric Association Inducts New President During Annual Meeting
The American Optometric Association (AOA) officially named Ronald L. Benner, OD, its latest president on June 24 at Optometry’s Meeting, which occurred in Washington, D.C. A past president of the Montana Optometric Association (MOA), Dr. Benner held numerous roles within the MOA and AOA, as well as within the Great Western Council of Optometry, serving as chair of the board of directors. During the final House of Delegates session, Steven T. Reed, OD, of Mississippi, was named president-elect.
Bruder Adds Diagnostic Allergy Test to Distribution
Bruder Healthcare announced an eye care industry distribution agreement with Tallahassee, Fla.-based AllerFocus for its Percutaneous Allergy Test. The test is a pain-free, needle-free allergy screening for 78 of the most common airborne and environmental allergens, according to the press release.
Hubble Contacts Redesigns Website
Hubble Contacts has redesigned its website as part of a comprehensive rebranding effort. The new site includes a flexible subscription program: A customized delivery date, quantity, and fuss-free cancellation option, among other features. Visit https://www.hubblecontacts.com.
International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Welcomed International Delegates for Event
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) welcomed over 300 delegates to Singapore for 2030 In Sight Live. The event, hosted in partnership with the Singapore Eye Research Institute, is a gathering designed to advance accessible, available, and affordable eye care to all by 2030. The event showcased pressing topics, from inclusion of eye health in future Sustainable Development Goals, to campaigning for change and financing mechanisms. For more information, visit www.iapb.org.
Luminopia Raises Funds for Rollout of Software-Based Amblyopia Therapy
Luminopia, Inc. announced it has raised an additional $16 million in new capital. The funding will be used to support the full commercial rollout later this year of the company’s lead product, Luminopia, a software-based therapeutic for amblyopia.
Oculis to Host Research and Development Day in New York City and Virtually
Oculis will host its first Reasearch and Development day, featuring multiple experts, who will showcase the company’s clinical programs that target retinal diseases. The day will take place on Tuesday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to noon, in New York City or virtually. Attendance is free. Interested parties can check here: https://lifescievents.com/event/oculis/
Ocuphire Announces Diabetes Meeting Presentation
Ocuphire Pharma, Inc., announced that Victor H. Gonzalez, MD, will present a late-breaking poster and ePoster theater presentation at the 83rd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, in San Diego, Calif., June 23 to June 26. The presentation is titled “Oral APX3330 Reduces the DRSS Worsening after 24-weeks Daily Treatment—Efficacy and Safety Results of the ZETA-1 Phase 2 Trial in Diabetic Retinopathy,” and will take place June 24, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT in Poster Halls B-C.
UnitedHealthcare Members Have Additional Option for Prescription Renewal
UnitedHealthcare introduced a new virtual prescription renewal option. The capability is designed as an additional option for UnitedHealthcare Vision members to renew their optical prescriptions until they can schedule an in-person appointment. The service is not a replacement for comprehensive eye care.
Valley Contax Introduces Custom Contact Lens Program
PosEYEdon, from Valley Contax, is a program offering exclusive access to customizable lenses, using strategic marketing campaigns, and expert support, among other offerings. For presbyopic patients, posEYEdon PLUS with Trident technology offers center distance and center near options to fulfill patients’ visual demands at all three distances. Optometrists interested in joining the program can visit www.poseyedonlens.com/provider-site.
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.