Practice Tip: Educate patients on eye-friendly makeup remover
Optometrists should talk with patients who wear cosmetics on a regular, or even occasional basis, about the importance of using safe and effective eye makeup removers and lid cleansers, so they can keep blepharitis and dry eye disease at bay, writes Samantha Hornberger, OD, in her July/Aug. article, “The tools for lid hygiene.” “I routinely ask patients whether they wear eye makeup and if so, whether they remove it nightly. Many divulge they do not remove it. Those who say they do, are not using an eye-safe cleanser,” she says. Read more.
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American Academy of Optometry names award recipients
The American Academy of Optometry recognized individuals who have made countless important contributions to advancing the profession of optometry. Specifically, through “Inspiring Excellent in Eye Care,” The Academy’s awardees are nominated by Fellows who were inspired by the achievements each awardee attained in research, education, leadership, and/or service to our profession, according to a press release. For the full list of award recipients, click here.
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Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry reports record number of applicants
The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) announced its U.S. institutions had the highest number ever of applicants during the 2023 to 2024 Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) application cycle. Specifically, optometric institutions collectively saw 2,868 applicants; the previous highest number of applicants was 2,812 in the 2015 to 2016 application cycle. Applicants apply through OptomCAS (https://www.optomcas.org), which recently launched on June 27 for application cycle 2024 to 2025. All 24 ASCO member schools and colleges participate in OptomCAS.
Avulux names chief commercial officer
Avulux announced that Brant Southwell has joined the company as chief commercial officer. In this role, Southwell is responsible for leading the company’s business-to-business commercial strategy, including sales, account management, strategic partnerships, distribution, professional development, and market integration.
CooperVision releases clariti 1 daily multifocal 3 Add in the United States
CooperVision’s clariti 1 daily multifocal 3 Add contact lenses are now available in the United States. The contact lenses feature the company’s Binocular Progressive System, Optimized Comfort Edge, WetLoc Technology, and a simplified fitting process, according to a press release. The contact lens is available in 8.00 D to
-10.00 D (in 0.25 D steps) and -10.50 D to -12.00 D (in 0.50 D steps). Read more.
Eyefinity releases patient engagement solution
Eyefinity, a VSP Vision company, introduced Eyefinity PatientNavigator, a patient engagement solution. Specifically, the software manages post-exam inquiries and provides access to patients for prescriptions and receipts, among other updates. It integrates with Eyefinity Practice Management. Read more.
EssilorLuxottica to Buy Majority Stake in Heidelberg Engineering
EssilorLuxottica has signed an agreement to acquire an 80% stake in Heidelberg Engineering to bolster its presence in the med-tech space, according to a press release. The transaction is expected to close in H2 2024 pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. In other news, Heidelberg announced the FDA clearance of its Spectralis OCTA Module with Shift technology. The preset OCTA speed of 125 kHz is designed to help streamline workflow, enhance clinical efficiencies, and maintain Heidelberg image quality, according to a press release. Read more.
IDOC announces theme for upcoming annual conference; search for speakers
The theme for IDOC’s upcoming annual The Connection conference is “Ignite Your Vision.” The theme symbolizes the empowering journey of independent optometrists and highlights the importance of conferences that bring the OD community together to share insights, learn innovative strategies, and network with other independent practices and key industry partners, according to a press release. IDOC is looking for speakers in clinical advancements, practice management, finance, staff training, marketing and growth strategies, technology integration/AI, and patient experience. Submissions are due July 31st. Registration is scheduled to open the beginning of September. Read more.
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Lighthouse Guild study finds head-mounted devices can improve reading ability
A recent study published by a research team from Lighthouse Guild in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, the Journal of the College of Optometrists, reveals head-mounted display devices work as magnifiers, allowing for better performance on reading tasks. The study, titled “Performance on clinical outcomes, activities of daily living and user experience on head-mounted displays for people with vision impairment” can be found here.
Optometry Giving Sight launches Team OGS for year-round support
Optometry Giving Sight has launched the Together Eyecare Achieves Miracles (TEAM) OGS, now available to all optometry practitioners in the United States and Canada. The non-profit organization raises funds from optometrists, optometry practices, and optometry-related businesses and corporations to award grants for sustainable, impactful projects that expand the progression and improve access to vision care. This program allows practices to support OGS on a year-round basis. Read more.
Sydnexis names chief executive officer
Sydnexis, Inc. (www.sydnexis.com), a pre-commercial stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of the progression of pediatric myopia, appointed Perry J. Sternberg as its chief executive officer and as a member of the board of directors. Sternberg’s tenure in eye care spans 15 years across Novartis, Bausch & Lomb, and Shire. He will join Sydnexis on Aug. 5.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke School of Optometry names dean
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke School of Optometry appointed Rich Castillo, O.D., D.O., as the institution’s founding dean. The announcement comes two months after the school received unanimous approval from the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors to establish a doctor of optometry program. As dean, Dr. Castillo will guide the School of Optometry’s application process with the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education, develop innovative curriculum, and cultivate partnerships with regional, state and national stakeholders, according to a press release. Dr. Castillo will also lead the university’s efforts to establish a community clinic.
VSP Vision honors optometry students at National Optometric Association Convention
VSP Vision recognized six optometry students during the annual National Optometric Student Association scholarship ceremony last Friday, as part of the National Optometric Association Convention, which occurred in Philadelphia, July 11 to July 14.
The 2024 recipients:
- Abarnaa Arithas – class of 2025 at University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science
- Olivia Wynn – class of 2026 at New England College of Optometry
- Emely Minino Soto – class of 2025 at New England College of Optometry
- Melisa Philogene – class of 2024 at Illinois College of Optometry
- Dominica Dzakah – class of 2025 at Salus at Drexel, Pennsylvania College of Optometry
XP Health and Ipsos survey shows desire for hybrid digital solution
A survey conducted by XP Health and Ipsos suggests that offering digital solutions with a hybrid (i.e., in-person or virtual) approach can improve satisfaction with vision care. Specifically, 22% of employees say they prefer to access their vision benefits via a hybrid or virtual platform first. From the employee perspective, hybrid care is associated with access to a health care facility covered by their insurance (42%), the transparency of cost (40%), having providers they trust (38%), and a high-quality service (37%), according to a press release. The survey was comprised of 710 respondents in the United States, including 510 employees and 200 employers, between April 11 and May 1, 2024. To read the white paper, visit https://www.xphealth.co/whitepaper/.