Practice Tip: Compensate for astigmatism with this technique
“To determine the patient’s cylindrical correction, you or your team can employ the Jackson cross-cylinder (JCC) technique,” writes Mark Wilkinson, OD. To find the patient’s true cylinder axis, line up the JCC flip knobs with the cylinder axis, sometimes marked as an “A” on the phoropter, so that the JCC’s white and red dots straddle the cylindrical axis by 45° on either side. For related information on autorefraction, retinoscopy, and the pinhole visual acuity test, click here.  

Millie Bobby Brown eyewear collection headed to America’s Best
National Vision has partnered with Florence by Mills for the launch of the Gen Z-focused brand’s eyewear collection at America’s Best stores. The exclusive retail partnership includes Millie Bobby Brown’s collection of eyewear, manufactured by Mondottica Group. The collection features sun and optical options in pastel colors and metal frames.

Myoptechs makes progress on clinical development program
Myoptechs, a clinical-stage pediatric, ophthalmic medical device company developing soft contact lenses and spectacles designed to slow the progression of myopia, announced progress on its fundraising and clinical development program. Specifically, the company has raised $2 million, from Rev1 Ventures, with additional investments from Goga Holdings, WS Investment Company, and individual investors passionate about supporting eye health and the pediatric patient population, according to a press release. Proceeds from the fundraising will be used for studies and prototypes.

National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research cites progress in Senate to preserve the National Eye Institute
The National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research updated its members recently on advocacy efforts to oppose the consolidation of the National Eye Institute (NEI) with other institutes into a new Institute on Neuroscience and Brain Research, an action that was proposed earlier in the year by the House Energy & Commerce Committee. Following meetings with congressional offices “to convey the critical importance of preserving the NEI as a standalone institute,” the update indicated headway was made in the Senate, where the committee of Labor, Health and Human Services maintain the current structure and funding for the NEI in its version of the bill. The consolidation remains part of the House’s bill, however. 

Prevent Blindness to launch World Sight Day activities with Capitol Hill event
Prevent Blindness is joining forces with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and its member organizations worldwide to support “World Sight Day” by planning a series of events and program partnerships leading up to the event on Oct. 10, 2024. One such event is a vision screening and education event, along with a Congressional briefing on Sept. 12, with support from the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington. This year’s World Sight Day theme, “Love Your Eyes,” will focus on the unique needs of children’s vision and eye health. To attend on Sept. 12, RSVP.

The Vision Council Foundation provides back-to-school tools for practitioners
The Vision Council Foundation is providing a range of free online and downloadable educational tools that eye care practitioners can share with parents and staff: Check out its “Guide to Kid’s Eye Health and Myopia Management This School Year,” and Back to School Eye Exams Toolkit. The latter offers graphics, social media posts, and a printable poster that eye care practices can use to encourage families to schedule a comprehensive exam, according to a press release.