Practice Tip: “I find that parents who bring their teens in for an annual exam expecting to get a new prescription and pick out some new frames, are, therefore, not in the mindset to hear their child has a sight-threatening disease,” writes Nicholas J. Bruns, OD, FAAO, in the article “Break the Barriers to Corneal Cross-Linking.” To overcome this, he suggests discussing with patients the condition’s expected course over time and referring to the Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus Study. For the full article, visit https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/may-2023/break-the-barriers-to-corneal-collagen-cross-linki.
BioTissue Named a Great Place to Work
BioTissue was certified by Great Place to Work in the United States. Great Place to Work recognizes companies based entirely on employee feedback received through independent assessments, according to the press release. Specifically, a total of 87% of BioTissue employees affirmed that BioTissue is a great place to work and feel empowered. Further, more than 90% of the company’s employees say they take great pride in their work.
Envision University Hosting Grand Rounds on Unilateral Visual Neglect
Envision University invites attendees to its Grand Rounds on the CE program, “Unilateral Visual Neglect (UVN): Beyond Buzzwords; an evidence-informed approach to screening, evaluation, and intervention.” It will occur on June 15 in Main Wichita, Kansas, and will be live streamed. Registration, available here, is requested through June 13.
Eschenbach Introduces Adjustable Elumentis LED Lamp
The Elumentis LED Lamp, from Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc., provides bright, adjustable illumination to improve contrast and help those who have vision loss from macular degeneration, among other eye diseases, see better, according to the press release. The lamp allows users to select the optimal light color temperature and brightness level they need to maximize their viewing environment. For more information, see https://eschenbach.com/non-optical-task-lighting-elumentis-lamp.asp.
Eyenovia Announces FDA Approval of Mydriasis Drug and Dispensing Device
Eyenovia, Inc. announced that the FDA approved Mydcombi (tropicamide and phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic spray 1%/2.5%) for inducing mydriasis for diagnostic procedures and in conditions in which short-term pupil dilation is desired. This fixed-dose combination drop is the first product using Eyenovia’s proprietary Optejet device to be approved by any regulatory authority. For more information, visit https://eyenovia.com/pipeline/mydriasis/.
Glaukos Announces FDA Acceptance of New Drug Application Submission
for IOP-Lowering Implant
Glaukos Corporation received the “Day 74” notification from the FDA acknowledging the submitted New Drug Application (NDA) for iDose TR (travoprost intraocular implant) is sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act goal date for the completion of the FDA’s review of the iDose TR NDA is set for December 22, 2023, according to the press release.
Global Specialty Lens Symposium Seeking Nominations
The Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) is looking for nominations for its Award of Excellence and Rising Star Award. The former recognizes lifelong achievements in the field of contact lenses, especially as they relate to specialty contact lenses. The latter recognizes an emerging leader (i.e., within 10 years of receiving their degree or residency training) in the field of cornea and contact lenses. Nominations should include the names, title/affiliation/contact information, curriculum vitae, and a summary (up to 500 words) of why the nominee should be considered. Send all nominations, due by June 15, to GSLS Chair Jason Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, at jason.nichols@broadcastmed.com.
HOYA to Roll Out Global Myopia Education Platform
HOYA Vision Care is rolling out a myopia education platform for ophthalmologists and optometrists. The goal of the platform is to provide independent CE and share the latest developments in myopia management to eye care professionals across the globe, according to the press release. The content will incorporate the latest evidence-based research, insights, and knowledge from a variety of sources, including global experts and recognized organizations, such as the World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (WSPOS) and the International Myopia Institute (IMI). View a preview of the content at https://www.hoyavision.com/about-hoya/hoya-vision-care-news/news/hoya-vision-care-rolls-out-new-global-myopia-education-platform/.
National Vision Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, Launches See Inside Collection
National Vision, Inc., recognized the start of Mental Health Awareness Month with the launch of its limited edition “See Inside” frame collection. In conjunction with the launch, National Vision’s philanthropic foundation, 20/20 Quest, is making a $25,000 donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. For more information, visit https://www.nationalvision.com/news/2023/05/01/see-inside-collection/.
Prevent Blindness Names Inherited Retinal Disease Genetic Testing Week
Prevent Blindness declared May 15 to May 21, 2023, as the fourth annual “Inherited Retinal Disease (IRD) Genetic Testing Week.” To help raise awareness and educate the public on IRDs and the importance of genetic testing, Prevent Blindness is offering the dedicated web resource, www.PreventBlindness.org/inherited-retinal-diseases. Educational videos, shareable social media graphics, and fact sheets in English and Spanish are available here.
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals Launches Campaign Encouraging Demodex Blepharitis Patients to Visit Eye Care Providers
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. launched “Don’t Freak Out. Get Checked Out,” a disease-education campaign designed to encourage patients who may have Demodex blepharitis to visit their eye care provider for an eyelid check. The “Don’t Freak Out. Get Checked Out.” website, www.EyelidCheck.com, features tools and educational resources, including patient testimonials, information about joining a Demodex blepharitis community, social media channels, and a quiz on differentiating factors of potential causes of eyelid discomfort.
World Council of Optometry Managing Director Announces Retirement
Dr. Susan Cooper, managing director of the World Council of Optometry (WCO) officially announced her retirement. Ms. Alyssa Callaghan will step into the role after her post as WCO Operations and Communications Manager.
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.