Practice Tip: Recognize your importance in treating post-concussion syndrome
“An optometrist’s timely assessment (i.e., several batteries of oculomotor, vergence, accommodative, and visual-processing tests) of these patients’ visual function can aid in the diagnosis or triage of visual impairments associated with concussions,” write Patrick T. Quaid, MCOPT, FCOVD, PHD, and Brendan Mooney, CAT(C), in the September article “Collaborate on Concussion Management.” This assessment: dynamic visual skills assessments (i.e., saccadic function, vergence, and/or accommodation function), in addition to a comprehensive eye examination to rule out eye disease or systemic pathology, especially when significant visual symptoms are present. For the full article, visit https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/september-2023/collaborate-on-concussion-management.
Bausch + Lomb launches anti-tear evaporation drug in the United States
Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced the U.S. commercial launch of perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution (Miebo) for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). Miebo directly targets tear evaporation. For more information, visit https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/september-2023/therapeutic-focus.
Bruder Healthcare names national account director
Bruder Healthcare added Steven Fusco to its team as National Account Director. In this position, he will develop initiatives, foster partnerships, and accelerate growth opportunities to expand the company’s reach and impact within the eye care sector, according to a press release.
BVI increases European footprint
BVI announced the acquisition of Medical Mix, a company specializing in the supply of medical devices for ophthalmic surgery across Spain and Portugal. The acquisition is a step in BVI’s strategic growth trajectory and increases the company’s European footprint with direct sales representatives and infrastructure to span all major European markets, according to the press release.
Johnson & Johnson joins International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness announced that Johnson & Johnson Vision is a Brand A Member, focusing on advocating for better eye health around the world. It joins over 200 organizations working toward a world where no one experiences unnecessary or preventable sight loss, according to the press release.
LKC Technologies releases consensus report on diabetic retinopathy
LKC Technologies released the consensus report “Modern Fundamentals of Diabetic Retinopathy Management in Optometry,” developed by an optometric task force comprised of medical optometry educators. Specifically, the report presents a framework to simplify management, so that optometrists can confidently care for the growing population of patients with diabetes, according to the press release.
The guidelines are based on five pillars: (1) Detect, (2) Grade, (3) Assess risk (4) Manage, and (5) Support. To learn more about the task force and events and resources associated with these new guidelines, visit https://lkc.com/advisors/
Oculis reports new personnel, positive results for new therapies
Oculis appointed of Rebecca Weil, PhD, as chief commercial officer. Dr. Weil will lead the organization to commercial readiness, according to a press release. Relatedly, Oculis reports positive topline results for its phase 3 DIAMOND stage 1 trial for diabetic macular edema and its phase 3 OPTIMIZE trial for inflammation and pain following cataract surgery.
OKYO completes enrollment in DED therapy treatment
OKYO Pharma Limited completed full enrollment of patients in the randomized portion of its phase 2 multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial of topical ocular OK-101 to treat dry eye disease. A total of 240 patients have been enrolled in the study. Participants will be randomly divided into three cohorts of 80 patients treated with placebo, 0.05% OK-101, and 0.1% OK-101 administered in both eyes b.i.d. for 12 weeks. Treatment is approximately 14 weeks, including a two-week run-in period.
Prevent Blindness and Regeneron partner with entertainer
Prevent Blindness and Regeneron joined forces with actor and choreographer Debbie Allen
to launch the Gr8 Eye Movement. This is a disease awareness campaign that aims to address gaps in how people understand the risk of developing certain serious retinal diseases, such as wet AMD, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. The campaign creates a moment in time to prioritize eye health regularly, designating the 8th of every month as a day to check on vision. Learn more at www.Gr8EyeMovement.com.
Sight Sciences names chief commercial officer
Sight Sciences, Inc. appointed Matthew Link as its chief commercial officer. Mr. Link has more than 20 years of experience building teams and leading innovation in the health care and medical technology industries, most recently serving as managing partner at Orion Healthcare Advisors, LLC, consulting services provider, according to the press release.
Visioneering Technologies presents studies on multifocal contact lens wear in myopic children
Visioneering Technologies, Inc., presented the positive results of three independent retrospective studies on myopic children wearing NaturalVue MF contact lenses. The contact lenses feature Neurofocus Optics Technology, which uses an extended-depth-of-focus design to address known optical risk factors associated with the progression of myopia, according to the press release. “Consistency in Outcomes – Results from Three Different Retrospective Analyses” was presented by Douglas P. Benoit, OD, FAAO, at a Vision By Design meeting in Chicago. Download a fact sheet from the presentation here.
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.