Practice Tip: Improve your communication skills
Effective communication may increase a team’s productivity by as much as 25%, writes Chief Optometric Editor April Jasper, in this month’s “OD to OD” column. Her recommendations for improving one’s communication skills: Determining needs and setting clear expectations. For the full column, visit click here.  

Alcon updates contact lens-ordering app
Alcon has updated its Marlo contact lens-ordering app and will unveil it at the SECO International meeting, in Atlanta, Ga., occurring Feb. 28 to March 3 (Visit booth #1549). The app features a vision screener; messaging on the importance of comprehensive eye exams; contact lens-ordering; educational resources on ocular conditions, such as dry eye disease, and a Marlo doctor locator. The app is now available to download in the Apple App Store.

CooperVision releases digital eye strain research 
CooperVision released the report “A New Look at Digital Eye Strain,” found here. The publication reveals statistics on digital device use and digital eye strain. Additionally, the report highlights opportunities, such as prescribing the company’s MyDay Energys daily disposable and Biofinity Energys monthly replacement contact lenses, for eye care providers to proactively address several device-related habits and symptoms as part of routine eye care, according to a press release.

Envision University provides agenda for Envision Conference East 2024
Envision University unveiled the agenda for its upcoming low vision conference, occurring April 11 to April 13, at the Salus University campus in Elkins Park, Pa. Examples of the agenda: “Expanding Our Low Vision Reach: Toolkits and Resources,” and “Managing Vision and Functional Needs in Neurodegenerative Disease.” For more information, including a full program and speaker details, click here.

Essilor Instruments USA launches in-office lab devices
Essilor Instruments USA released the ES 700M and 800M edgers combined with the TCB 800 automatic tracer-centerer-blocker. Both edgers bring together a hybrid milling and grinding technology to help eye care professionals ensure absolute axis control, even for slippery, hydrophobic or delicate lenses, according to a press release. Additionally, both edgers can reduce wet lens waste and unwanted odors.

First Insight Corporation marks 30 years in business
First Insight Corporation is celebrating 30 decades. The company produces First Insight, MaximEyes, and Fast Pay Health. “As we celebrate First Insight’s 30th anniversary, I am grateful to our loyal customers, dedicated partners, and talented team. You have been the pillars of our success and growth,” says Nitin Rai, founder, president and chief executive officer.

Harrow and Apotex join forces to seek growth within Canadian market
Harrow, Inc., with Apotex, Inc., jointly announced an exclusive licensing agreement under which Apotex will market and distribute Verkazia and OTC Cationorm Plus in the Canadian market, and concurrently pursue market approval for Vevye, Iheezo, and Zerviate, also in the Canadian market, according to a press release.

Prevent Blindness launches Retinopathy of Prematurity program
Prevent Blindness launched the new “Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Education and Support Program,” as part of its first ROP Awareness Week, declared Feb. 26 to March 3, 2024. In recognition of this condition, the organization is offering a variety of free educational resources to the public and professionals, including fact sheets, social media graphics in English and Spanish, dedicated online resources, and a new video series, according to a press release.

RetinalGeniX Technologies gets US patent for imaging device
RetinalGeniX™ Technologies Inc. was granted a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the Company’s System And Method For Visualization Of Ocular Anatomy. The objective of this invention is to visualize naturally unfolded and misfolded proteins in eye tissues, as well as other biological material, and to detect their structures and molecular mechanisms underlying their involvement in diseases, according to a press release.

Vision Council now accepting RSPVs to Fly-In on Capitol Hill April 17 to April 19
The Vision Council’s Government and Regulatory Affairs team is inviting members to register for Fly-In on Capitol Hill, which provides an opportunity for eye care practitioners to engage with Congressional offices. It will take place April 17 and April 19 in Washington DC at the Venable office, 600 Massachusetts Ave. Those interested are asked to RSVP by March 19. Further information can be sought out via Government Relations Coordinator, Taylor Hartman, at thartman@thevisioncouncil.org.

OD Notebook is published weekly on Fridays. 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.