Practice Tip: Overcome Patient Fear of Corneal Collagen Cross-linking
Effectively manage patients’ fear of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) by providing statistics that illustrate its success, what the patient can expect both immediately before and after the procedure, and the risk of not undergoing CXL, suggests Nicholas J. Bruns, OD, FAAO, in the article “Break the Barriers to Corneal Collage Cross-Linking.” He adds to reassure patients that CXL carries a very low complication rate — the benefits far outweigh the risks — and to explain that keratoconus progression can happen rapidly, so having a “wait and see” approach is risky. For the entire article, see https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/may-2023/break-the-barriers-to-corneal-collagen-cross-linki.
BioLight Partners with Alexion for Retinal Disease Diagnostic Technology
BioLight signed a research collaboration agreement with Alexion (AstraZeneca Rare Disease), focusing on exploring a technology that utilizes natural tears for the potential diagnosis of retinal diseases. Specifically, the study, financed by Alexion and BioLight, will assess a screening technique that analyzes components of the tear film.
Envision Conference Seeks Submissions
The Envision Virtual Fall Conference occurring Sept. 29 to Sept. 30 offers 16 hours of CE. The conference is accepting program submissions through July 1, and early discount registration through Aug. 7. Find more information at https://www.envisionuniversityevents.com/event/6921f8d7-9533-44a6-8aee-f0cdaa9d4981/regProcessStep1?RefId=RegistrationvVrtual2023.
Hoot Health Launches Parent Education Campaign
Hoot Health, Inc., launched a new source to help parents with strategies and tips on behaviors that support a child’s myopia management program. HootMyopiaCare.com is an automated marketing system focused on parent education, and freeing up the optometrist and staff to focus on the patient, according to the press release.
Optos Expands Ultra-widefield Color Image Modality
Optos, Plc, announced it is expanding the optomap ultra-widefield (UWF) retinal imaging modalities available with the California FA device. In addition to optomap color rg (red/green), sensory red-free, choroidal, autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography modalities, the company announced an UWF color red/green/blue (rgb) image. This new image modality is captured simultaneous to the optomap color rg image. Thus, a single capture delivers two color ultra-widefield images.
Prevent Blindness Celebrates 115 Years Tomorrow
Prevent Blindness celebrates its birthday tomorrow, June 1. As a result, the organization declared the day Prevent Blindness Day. As part of the celebration, the organization is asking for gifts to support its mission. Donate at PreventBlindness.com/birthday. Those interested in celebrating can also send a message via social media using the hashtags #HBDPreventBlindness and #PreventBlindnessDay.
TearRestore Thermal Mask and Eyelid Wipes Now Available at Walmart
TearRestore announced its Thermal Mask and Eyelid Wipes are now available at participating Walmart stores nationwide and at www.walmart.com. According to the company, the Thermal Mask, an open-eye warm compress, offers consistent heat and the ability to see during treatment. The TearRestore HylaWipe tea tree eyelid wipe combines a mild concentration of tea tree leaf oil with moisturizing compounds. For more information, visit www.tearrestore.com.
The Vision Council Launches Bill Tracker for Members
The Vision Council’s Government and Regulatory Affairs team added a bill tracker to its website. Now, members can keep up to date on bills in Congress pertaining to industry interests. Visit it at https://thevisioncouncil.org/members/vision-related-bill-tracking.
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.