Practice Tip: For advanced glaucoma patients and/or for those whom generic glaucoma drops may not be appropriate, Dr. Austin Lifferth, Optometric Management’s clinical editor, suggests having patients stick with predictable branded drops, while utilizing financial support resources, in his latest “Glaucoma” column. These resources: in-office coupons, patient rebates, and direct online patient assistance programs. For a list of such resources, see the full column at https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/november-december-2023/clinical-glaucoma.
Atsena Therapeutics gets FDA Designation for Leber Congenital Amaurosis gene therapy
Atsena Therapeutics received the FDA Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) Designation for ATSN-101, the company’s investigational gene therapy for patients who have Leber congenital amaurosis caused by biallelic mutations in GUCY2D (LCA1). The RMAT designation was given based on positive six-month efficacy data from Atsena’s ongoing Phase I/II clinical trial of the gene therapy.
Bausch + Lomb collects over 76 million units of contact lens products through recycling programs
Bausch + Lomb’s ONE by ONE and Biotrue Eye Care recycling programs have collected a total of 76,645,000 million units, or 464,100 pounds, of used contact lenses, eye care and lens care materials in the United States, which is equivalent to the weight of 140 hippos, according to a press release. The programs, ONE by ONE and the Biotrue Eye Care Recycling Program launched in 2016 and 2021, respectively.
Centre for Ocular Research & Education publishes information on lifestyle choices and the ocular surface
Centre for Ocular Research & Education has published a resource collection on how lifestyle choices affect the ocular surface to promote greater understanding among the global eye care community and their patients, according to a press release. Specifically, the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Lifestyle Reports provide information on how digital eye strain, digital device use, food, beverages, and elective procedures can all effect the integrity of the ocular surface. Find the information in Issue 74 of Contact Lens Update at ContactLensUpdate.com.
Diabetic Retinopathy Task Force seeks OD comments
The Diabetic Retinopathy Task Force is asking optometrists to comment on its recently released consensus document, “Modern Fundamentals of Diabetic Retinopathy Management in Optometry.” Specifically, the task force has developed a survey, so that optometrists can vote on whether they support specific elements of the new guidelines. Included in the survey, which is ongoing, is a write-in response area. For more information or to complete the survey, visit https://survey.hsforms.com/1jDfqULrnRpabczdv5PBV6Q5bvsb.
Lighthouse Guild honors former chief of low vision services
The Lighthouse Guild honored its former chief of low vision services, Dr. Bruce P. Rosenthal, for his impact on the field of low vision and patients under his care at a recent celebration in New York City, according to a press release. Additionally, the organization announced that funds will be raised to create a restricted endowment, titled the Dr. Bruce Rosenthal Chair of Low Vision Services.
Pixium Vision subretinal prosthesis shown feasible and well-tolerated in study
Pixium Vision’s PRIMA photovoltaic retinal stimulation microchip for improving visual acuity in patients who have dry age-related macular degeneration was shown feasible and well-tolerated in a small study (five patients) 48 months post implantation in an open-label, baseline-controlled, non-randomized, multi-center, prospective single-arm pivotal trial on the device. Specifically, patients reliably recognized letters and sequences of letters with a clinically meaningful improvement in visual acuity of up to eight lines. For more information, visit http://www.pixium-vision.com/fr.
Prevent Blindness provides educational materials for thyroid eye disease
Prevent Blindness, celebrating Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week through Friday, is providing free educational materials on the disease, including a new Focus on Eye Health Expert Series episode titled, Thyroid Eye Disease and Mental Wellness. Visit https://preventblindness.org/2023-thyroid-eye-disease-week/ for access to all these materials.
Topcon Healthcare launches Tempo Perimeter
Topcon Healthcare launched its Tempo perimeter. Specifically, the perimeter provides fast, accurate, and comfortable visual field testing with a novel, binocular approach, according to a press release. The perimeter can be connected to Topcon’s Harmony image and data management solution.
The Vision Council announces Harvard Business Review columnist as one of its 2024 Executive Summit speakers
Among The Vision Council’s 2024 Executive Summit’s keynote speakers is Mike Walsh, CEO of the global consultancy Tomorrow, author, and Harvard Business Review columnist. Mr. Walsh will discuss “The AI-powered Organization” on Jan. 24 at 10:45 a.m. As part of the lead up to the 2024 Executive Summit, occurring Jan. 22 to Jan. 24 in Naples, Fla., The Vision Council will be highlighting the contributions of each of its keynote speakers in a Keynote Speaker Spotlight. More information on the event can be found at https://thevisioncouncil.org/executive-summit-2024.
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.