Practice Tip: Identify the Qualitative Features of Glaucoma
There are three time-tested, qualitative features that optometrists should look for and use for the diagnosis of glaucoma, writes Austin Lifferth, OD, FAAO, in his latest “Glaucoma” column. No. 1 is diffuse or focal neuroretinal rim narrowing/notching, especially within the inferior temporal or superior temporal sectors. No. 2 is diffuse or localized abnormalities of the parapapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) pattern, especially within the inferior temporal or superior temporal sectors. No. 3 is glaucomatous disc hemorrhages, which are literally red flags strongly associated with progressive neuroretinal rim thinning and RNFL loss. See the entire “Glaucoma” column at https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/january-february-2023/clinical-glaucoma.
BOSS Announces Spring Summer 2023 Collection/Campaign
BOSS Eyewear’s Spring/Summer 2023 Eyewear Campaign is a collection of bold, dynamic, modern designs for the inspiration BOSS of today, according to a press release. To promote the line, British supermodel Naomi Campbell, Colombian singer Maluman, South Korean actor Lee Min-ho, Italian tennis player Matteo Berettini, German athlete Alicia Schmidt, and American model Gigi Hadid will take part to showcase these BOSS personalities.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Recommends Immediate Discontinuation of EzriCare Artificial Tear Use
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that clinicians and patients immediately cease use of EzriCare Artificial Tears, as they have been implicated in a multistate cluster of Verona Integron‐mediated Metallo‐β‐lactamase (VIM)‐ and Guiana‐Extended Spectrum‐β‐Lactamase (GES)‐ producing carbapenem‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM‐GES‐CRPA) linked with multiple different infection types, such as eye infections. Patient outcomes have included permanent vision loss resulting from ocular infection, hospitalization, and death of one patient who developed a bloodstream infection.
Eyenovia Displays Microdose Array Print (MAP) Technology at Consumer Electronics Show
Eyenovia, Inc. showcased its Microdose Array Print (MAP) Technology at the Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas., from Jan. 5 to Jan. 8. The microdosing technology behind the company’s Optejet prioritizes ease of use, appropriate dosing, and reducing wasted medication by administering one-fifth the volume of a solution compared to a traditional eyedropper, according to the press release.
Eyenuk Receives European Union Approval for its AI Eye Screening Device
Eyenuk’s EyeArt AI eye screening system was approved by the European Union (EU) for the new uses of detecting age-related macular degeneration and glaucomatous optic nerve damage, according to the company. The EyeArt AI system was previously approved by the EU for the detection of diabetic retinopathy, including diabetic macular edema. Learn more about the EyeArt AI System by watching this video.
Glaucoma Research Foundation to Present Award to Santen
The Glaucoma Research Foundation will honor Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, with its highest honor, the Catalyst Award, at the “Glaucoma 360 Annual Gala” on Feb. 2, in San Francisco, Calif. Specifically, Santen is being recognized for its steadfast commitment to bringing innovation to the field of glaucoma, according to the press release.
In 2021, More Than One in Four U.S. Adults Ages 71 and Older Had a Vision Impairment
The National Health and Aging Trends Study, recently published in JAMA Opthalmology, shows that 27.8% of U.S. adults ages 71 and older had a vision impairment in 2021, higher than prior estimates. Differences in the prevalence of vision impairment by socioeconomic and demographic factors were also observed. To read the report in full visit https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2800246.
OSRX Names Chief Formulation Officer
OSRX, an affiliate of Ocular Sciences, appointed Brian Holdorf as its chief formulation officer. Mr. Holdorf has been promoted three times in more than five years, helping OSRX transform into a PCAB-accredited 503A compounding pharmacy, according to the press release.
Sight Sciences Installs 1,000 TearCare Systems
Sight Sciences, Inc., announced the 1,000th installation of its TearCare System, an FDA-cleared treatment of localized heat therapy in adult patients who have evaporative dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction.
Transitions Optical to Host Live Events
Transitions Optical will host Transitions Certified–live events for eye care professionals to earn Transitions Specialist certification. Hosted in cities across the United States, attendees will earn access to materials designed to prepare them to interact with patients, according to the press release. Event sites include: Charlotte, NC, Feb. 15; Dallas, Feb. 23; Ontario, Calif., March 1; Philadelphia, March 8; New York City, March 18; and Chicago, Ill., March 22. Visit https://trade.transitions.com/whatshot.
The Vision Council Invites Independent Boutique Retailers to Submit Stories for Retail Award
The Vision Council and RX are encouraging independent boutique retailers to submit their stories for the Fifth Annual OPTImum Retail Award by Friday, Feb. 8. The award was designed to celebrate the importance of independent boutique retailers in the optical industry. For additional information, visit https://a.pgtb.me/sh6xMQ.
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.