Practice Tip: Maintain a consistent style on Instagram and TikTok
Ensure your Instagram and TikTok accounts maintain a consistent style, focus on a specific theme, and convey a distinct brand voice, writes Jennifer Tsai, OD, in this month’s “Social Media” column. “Posting on a similar topic, using a similar tone of discussion, or similar images are all ways to develop a brand voice,” she says. For the entire column, visit https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/november-december-2023/business-social-media.
AesculaTech to reveal dry eye treatment device at Ophthalmology Innovation Summit XIII
AesculaTech, Inc. announced that its dry eye treatment device, Humidifeye, will be presented during the Innovation Showcase at the Ophthalmology Innovation Summit XIII on Dec. 1, 2023, in San Diego, Calif. Humidifeye deploys a temperature-responsive hydrogel into the tear duct, where it adapts to patient anatomy and transforms into a soft solid. This provides a fast and comfortable solution for dry eye disease, according to a press release. In a first-in-human study, the device demonstrated a rapid improvement in both DED signs and symptoms, with efficacy observed through 3 months. The device has not yet been FDA approved. To learn more, visit www.aesculatech.com/meet-humidifeye.
Contact Lens Institute culture awards open for nominations through Nov. 30
Nominations for the inaugural Contact Lens Institute Culture Awards are being accepted through tomorrow. The program honors eye care professionals who foster a positive contact lens culture and prescribe or support soft contact lens prescribing. Nomination information is available at http://www.contactlensinstitute.org/resources/awards/.
EssilorLuxottica and Moncler sign exclusive licensing agreement
EssilorLuxottica and Moncler signed an exclusive licensing agreement that includes the design, production, and global distribution of Moncler eyewear. The agreement will be in effect from Jan. 2024 to Dec. 2028, with an automatic renewal option for an additional five years.
Eyewear Artwalk is accepting submissions for speakers
Eyewear Artwalk announced it is accepting submissions for speakers to participate in the 2024 edition. Speakers are invited to submit proposals aligned with the following categories: frame making and design; marketing, advertising, and branding for optical shops; optician CE and ABO; technology in eye care; patient experience; sales 101 for optical shops; data and analysis; and many more, according to a press release. Interested parties can submit their speaker proposals by visiting https://www.eyewearartwalk.com/eyewear-artwalk-conference/submit-to-speak. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 19, and selected speakers will be notified by Dec. 31.
Harrow completes transfer of Triesence New Drug Application
Harrow announced the completion of the transfer to Harrow of the New Drug Application (NDA) for Triesence (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension) 40 mg/mL, a synthetic corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of sympathetic ophthalmia, temporal arteritis, uveitis, and ocular inflammatory conditions unresponsive to topical corticosteroids, as well as visualization during vitrectomy. In January of 2023, Harrow agreed to acquire the U.S. commercial rights to Triescence. Aside from the transfer of the Triesence NDA ahead of the date previously agreed to, all other acquisition terms remain unchanged.
Keeler’s binocular indirect ophthalmoscopes now built in United States
Keeler announced that its binocular indirect ophthalmoscopes are now built locally in the United States. Specifically, the final optical assembly of its Vantage Plus and All Pupil II devices are completed in the United States. This change has resulted in a significant impact on Keeler’s sustainability efforts, with the reduction in supply chain and transportation saving approximately 12.1 carbon tons every year, according to a press release.
Myopia Profile enhances eye care professional reference guide
Myopia Profile, a clinical myopia management information center for eye care professionals enhanced its Managing Myopia Guidelines Infographic. The infographic now contains two components differentiated by their color schemes. The predominately blue section is a chairside reference guide for eye care providers offering information on myopia risk factors, prescribing recommendations, follow-up schedules, and evaluation of long-term outcomes. The multi-colored section assists with patient and parent communication tactics, including addressing visual environments, available interventions, the ease of children wearing contact lenses, and myopia management’s importance. The infographic is available as a free download on MyopiaProfile.com/Resources.
Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation Association appoints new executive and Advisory Board officers
The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) recently appointed Charles Shidlofsky, OD, FCOVD, president; Melissa Zarn Urankar, OD, FAAO, vice president; and Shirley Blanc, OD, FNORA, secretary/treasurer. Additionally, Drs. Kathryn Collins and Cheryl Lethern are new members of the NORA Advisory Board, joining returning member Gina Kim, MOT, OTR/L, CBIS.
Ocuphire Pharma appoints new chief operating officer
Ocuphire Pharma announced the appointment of Joseph K. Schachle, MBA, into the newly created role of chief operating officer. Mr. Schachle was most recently chief operating officer of Opus Genetics, a gene therapy company focused on rare, inherited retinal diseases.
100% Optical to return in February to London
100% Optical will return for its 10th year at ExCel London, Feb. 24 to Feb. 26, showcasing brands including SALT Einstoffen, Gotti, Orgreen, Danielle Rattray, Tavat, Nirvan Javan, Blackfin, and Leisure Society. In addition, a larger dedicated area has been created for The Studio sponsored by Nikon Lenswear UK, located in the heart of the Eyewear zone, according to a press release.
Skye Bioscience uses topical eye drop on first patient
Skye Bioscience, Inc. treated the first patient in its phase 2 clinical trial evaluating SBI-100 ophthalmic emulsion’s ability to lower IOP, safety and relevant biomarkers, in primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients. SBI-100 is a synthetic prodrug of tetrahydrocannabinol that can bind to and activate CB1 receptors in key ocular tissues. The trial is comprised of 54 patients.
Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society to hold conference in Italy
The Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) will hold its 10th International Conference Basic Science and Clinical Relevance Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, 2024 in Venice, Italy. The conference’s sponsor is Bausch + Lomb. Information about the program and registration will soon be available on the TFOS website (www.tearfilm.org).
20/20NOW and Visionix USA announce alliance
20/20NOW and Visionix USA announced a strategic alliance to bring tele-optometry to more eye care professionals in North America. One example of this strategic alliance is that 20/20NOW will be utilizing the new VX650 multi-testing platform from Visionix that performs automated pretesting in one device, including auto-refraction, non-contact tonometry, corneal topography, pachymetry, as well as anterior and poster segment imaging. Patients will now be able to have multiple tests in one sitting without having to readjust positions.
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.