Practice Tip: Conduct an experiment that will probably fail
“It’s been my observation in working with hundreds of practice owners that when successful people are asked about their success, they often end up discussing their failures,” writes Steve Vargo, OD, MBA, in his latest “CEO Challenge.” In the spirit of learning from failure to create practice success, he suggests ODs conduct an experiment that will probably fail. To see the action steps associated with such an experiment, read more.
American Academy of Optometry Foundation opens submissions for Golden Opportunity Award
The AAO Foundation, in collaboration with PERC Alliance, announced that submissions are now open for the second annual Golden Opportunity Award. This is an initiative that honors the legacy of Dr. David Golden by providing substantial support to emerging optometric professionals, according to a press release. Specifically, from Oct. 16, 2024, through Jan. 15, 2025, applications will be accepted for the award, which will recognize three deserving optometrists with $50,000 each to help establish their first independent practice. To learn more about the award and application requirements, visit percalliance.com/Programs/Golden-Opportunity.
Glaukos Corporations’ second phase 3 trial on epi-on corneal cross-linking treatment meets primary efficacy endpoint
Glaukos Corporation announced that the second phase 3 trial for Epioxa, the company’s epi-on corneal cross-linking therapy for the treatment of keratoconus, successfully met the study’s pre-specified primary efficacy endpoint. Specifically, it demonstrated a clinically relevant and statistically significant improvement in maximum corneal curvature (Kmax) at 12 months from baseline between the Epioxa treated arm and the sham/placebo-controlled arm.
Hilco Vision appoints national account director of Vision Care Solutions division
Hilco Vision has named Geoff Cochran as its national account director of its Vision Care Solutions division. Cochran will develop and expand key partnerships, as well as accelerate growth opportunities and initiatives to expand the reach of Hilco Vision and its portfolio of leading brands, including Bruder Healthcare and M&S Technologies, according to a press release.
Heidelberg gets green light from the FDA for Spectralis Flex Module
The Spectralis Flex Module, from Heidelberg Engineering, has been cleared by the FDA. The multimodal diagnostic imaging platform is designed for imaging of the posterior segment of pediatric and adult patients in a supine position. The Flex Module mounts Spectralis to a movable stand with an articulated adjustable arm, offering flexibility that extends imaging capabilities to various positions and acquisition environments, according to a press release.
Nonprofit aims to recover from flood in capital campaign
Miracles In Sight, a nonprofit eye bank operating globally, has launched a capital campaign to help recover from a 2022 flood in its local facility. The Miracles In Sight fundraiser aims to raise $5 million to be used in the purchase, remodel, and upfit of a new facility in Clemmons, NC. The fundraiser will run through the end of 2025. For those interested in making a contribution or learning more about the Miracles In Sight campaign, visit, miraclesinsight.org.
Ocular Therapeutix announces accelerated timeline for wet AMD therapy
Ocular Therapeutix announced an accelerated timeline for the SOL-1 phase 3 registrational clinical trial of Axpaxli in wet age-related macular degeneration. It now expects the SOL-1 study to be fully enrolled by the end of the first quarter of 2025. SOL-1 is a superiority study being conducted under a Special Protocol Agreement with the FDA. The primary endpoint is the proportion of subjects who maintain visual acuity (VA), defined as < 15 ETDRS letters of best-corrected VA loss, at week 36.
Okyo Pharma starts phase 2 clinical trial on treatment for neuropathic corneal pain
Okyo Pharma announced that screening and recruitment of patients has started for a phase 2 trial of OK-101 to treat neuropathic corneal pain (NCP). OK-101 is a lipid-conjugated chemerin peptide agonist of the ChemR23 G-protein coupled receptor, which is typically found on immune cells of the eye responsible for the inflammatory response. The phase 2 trial will be a double-masked, randomized, 12-week placebo-controlled trial in 48 NCP patients, according to a press release. For further information, visit www.okyopharma.com.
Scope Health purchases Eyetamins ocular nutritional supplements
Scope Health has acquired Eyetamins, supplements made with “carefully sourced and clinically backed” ingredients to support eye health and vision, according to a press release. The company notes that this acquisition will enable it to deliver on its mission to improve people's well-being and aid its vision of offering a broader range of eye care products, according to a press release.
Sight Sciences announces study findings investigating TearCare’s efficacy
Sight Sciences Inc. announced the publication of “Impact of TearCare on Reading Speed in Patients With Dry Eye Disease” in Clinical Ophthalmology. Key study findings include: A total of 52% of participants (N = 32) had a clinically significant improvement in reading speed after therapy with TearCare, defined as greater than a 10 words per minute increase in their International Reading Speed Texts (“IReST”) score; and significant improvements in all dry eye disease sign metrics (P <.0.001), including tear break-up time, meibomian gland secretion score, and corneal fluorescein staining.
Smartglasses from SolidddVision premiere in beta
SolidddVision, currently in its beta version, are smartglasses from Soliddd Corp. for people living with wet and dry age-related macular degeneration. Their optics and software beam many separate, in-focus views in a parallel-ray light field to all areas of the retina, according to a press release. The brain’s visual cortex automatically constructs a single, stereo, full-field image with good acuity from the multiple inputs to each eye. Even if some area of the wearer’s visual field is blocked or unfocused, the redundant visual information received in other areas of the retina combines, resulting in the wearer seeing a full-field, well-focused, and bright image. For more information, visit www.soliddd.com.
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals launches direct-to-consumer TV campaign for
anti-demodex drug
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced the launch of a new direct-to-consumer TV campaign for lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25% (Xdemvy), an FDA-approved treatment for demodex blepharitis. Titled “Your Mitey Problem,” the campaign provides viewers with an inside look at a demodex mite “party” taking place on a patient’s eyelids. The uninvited eyelid squatters are feasting on oily sebum, clawing onto eyelashes, and leaving behind a trail of waste, eyelid redness, and inflammation. The full TV spot can be viewed by visiting www.xdemvy.com.