Practice Tip: Empower staff to become leaders
“When staff are empowered to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and contribute to the growth and success of a practice, the results are transformative,” writes Jessilin M. Quint, OD, MBA, MS, FAAO, in a recent “As I See It” column. So, how can the OD practice owner or practice manager accomplish this? By following four steps, according to Dr. Quint: (1) Understand individual strengths, (2) set clear expectations, (3) provide continuous learning opportunities, and (4) foster mentorship and collaboration. Read more.
ABB Optical Group celebrates 35th anniversary
ABB Optical Group announced it is celebrating its 35th anniversary. (Incidentally, the 35th anniversary is known as the coral anniversary, and ABB’s corporate headquarters are in Coral Springs, Fla.) “For 35 years, our commitment has been to help eye care professionals attract and keep patients, improve efficiencies, and increase profitability,” says Angel Alvarez, founder and co-chairman of the board of ABB Optical Group. “We win when they win. When they lose a patient, we lose a patient. This has always been central.” ABB invites the optical industry to join in the celebration by visiting info.abboptical.com/celebrating35years.
Association for Schools and Colleges of Optometry call for achievement awards nominations
The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is now accepting nominations for the following achievement awards, which will be presented at the ASCO Annual Business Meeting in June 2025: Lifetime Achievement Award, Herbert Wertheim Award, Dr. Jack Bennett Innovation in Optometric Education Award, Rising Star Award, and the Industry Leadership Award. All nominations will be reviewed by ASCO’s Awards and Resolutions Committee and are due end of business day on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. Please email your nomination letter with supporting materials to Sara Lau at slau@opted.org.
Contact Lens Institute opens nominations for second annual Culture Awards
The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) is calling for nominations for its second annual Contact Lens Institute Culture Awards through Oct. 1, 2024. The program honors eye care professionals who foster a positive contact lens culture, exemplifying behaviors and actions that elevate patient experiences and business success as reflected in CLI’s recent See Tomorrow research reports. Complete nomination information is available at contactlensinstitute.org/awards.
CooperVision’s Myopia Collective launches back-to-school resources for eye care professionals
CooperVision’s Myopia Collective, supported by the American Optometric Association, launched a suite of resources designed specifically for eye care professionals (ECPs), according to a press release. These resources (i.e., educational materials, interactive resources, best practices, and social media templates) are designed to provide ECPs with the tools and knowledge needed for effective myopia management during the back-to-school season. Resources can be accessed on the AOA’s website.
Eyenovia and Formosa to co-develop treatment for acute dry eye disease
Eyenovia announced it has signed a non-binding agreement with Taiwan-based Formosa Pharmaceuticals whereby the companies will co-develop a formulation of clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension 0.05% in combination with the Optejet device for the short-term relief of dry eye disease. Both companies will conduct due diligence and work to execute a definitive agreement that will include sharing the development costs and the division of profits upon commercialization, according to a press release. For additional information on the treatment, visit clobetasolbid.com.
Lenz Therapeutics submits New Drug Application to FDA for presbyopia treatment
Lenz Therapeutics submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA for LNZ100 (an aceclidine-based ophthalmic solution) for the treatment of presbyopia. The NDA submission is supported by positive data from the pivotal Phase 3 CLARITY study, which shows that LNZ100 achieved all primary and secondary near vision improvement, according to a press release.
Sandoz gets FDA nod for neovascular age-related macular degeneration drug
Sandoz received FDA approval for aflibercept-abzv (Enzeevu), a 2 mg vial kit and pre-filled syringe for intravitreal injection for the improvement and maintenance of visual acuity in patients who have neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).
Transitions creates starter kit for Gen S lens
Transitions Optical created a complimentary starter kit for eye care professionals to promote its Gen S lens. The starter kit, available for online ordering, equips professionals with tools and resources to help showcase, experience, and educate patients about the new lenses. Eye care professionals interested in enhancing their practice with the Transitions Gen S starter kit can visit TransitionsPRO.com/GENS (one per practice) to place their order, while supplies last, according to a press release.
University of Houston study targets early signs of vision loss in diabetic patients
A $3.3 million study at the University of Houston (UH) College of Optometry will track the health of patients who have prediabetes and diabetes to find out who might develop eye problems and be at risk for future vision loss. The study is being led by Wendy Harrison, associate professor, and is underwritten by the National Eye Institute. To explore how glucose dysregulation affects the vascular and neural retina, cornea, and tear film, the team will investigate whether tests like fat distribution, activity levels, and oral glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetes patients are linked to or can predict ocular health.
VSP Vision’s Eyefinity earns security accreditations
Eyefinity, a VSP Vision company, announced it has earned three security accreditations for its practice management and EHR software: (1) SOC 2 Type 2 recertification, (2) HIPAA Security Risk Assessment, and (3) the Health Network Accreditation Program – Electronic Health Network (HNAP-EHN). To learn more about Eyefinity’s commitment to secure technology, visit eyefinity.com/why-eyefinity/security.html.