PRACTICE TIP: Carefully note symptoms to distinguish glaucoma from “masqueraders”

If you’re trying to determine whether a patient has glaucoma or non-glaucomatous optic neuropathy (NGON), one of the first steps is to carefully listen to the patient describe their symptoms. In “Distinguishing glaucoma from a masquerader,” Dr. Hamza Shah writes that patients with NGONs might describe symptoms such as acute pain upon eye movement, color disturbances, and/or rapid vision loss. To read more of his advice, click here.

Alcon releases digital toolkit for discussing ocular dryness from digital device use

Alcon has released a digital toolkit to help eye care professionals discuss with patients the impact of digital device use on their eyes. The toolkit features talking points, social media posts, and information about Alcon’s Water Innovations contact lens portfolio. Learn more by clicking here.

Amblyopia in childhood tied to obesity, hypertension, diabetes in adulthood

Individuals who had childhood amblyopia that continued into adulthood were more likely to be obese, hypertensive, and diabetic than individuals without amblyopia, according to a study in eClinicalMedicine. Amblyopia was also associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.38 [1.11; 1.72]) and death (1.36 [1.15; 1.60]). Although further research is needed to understand the basis of the observed associations, health care professionals should be cognizant of greater cardiometabolic dysfunction in adults who had childhood amblyopia, according to the researchers. To read the full study, click here.

Avulux hires national sales manager

Avulux named Derek Johnson national sales manager. Mr. Johnson, who brings nearly a decade of experience to this role, is responsible for helping optometry clinics add Avulux Glasses to support patients experiencing migraine and light sensitivity.

Contact Lens Institute reveals communication gap with glasses wearers about contact lenses

Simple adjustments to how eye care practices communicate with spectacle-wearing patients may increase the number of contact lens wearers, according to new data from the Contact Lens Institute (CLI). Specifically, the findings show one in 10 (10.5%) glasses wearers said their optometrist or ophthalmologist recommended contact lenses, with lower rates for exam staff (6%), optical/eyewear display staff (3%), and administrative staff (2%). CLI is previewing this research at Vision Expo East this week, and publishing an in-depth report in April.

CooperVision names Arthur Bradley 2024 Luminary

Arthur Bradley, PhD, research fellow at CooperVision, has been honored as the Wavefront Congress’s 2024 Luminary for his four decades of service to the industry. Specifically, Dr. Bradley has authored nearly 200 scientific papers and over 200 abstracts to date. Before joining CooperVision in 2019, he was a vision science professor and researcher at Indiana University. Throughout his tenure, he has taught in various fields, including optics, visual neuroscience, binocular vision, and visual function.

Envision Conference East to occur April 11 to 13

Envision Conference East will be hosted on the campus of Salus University, in Elkins Park, Pa., from April 11 to April 13. More information can be found by clicking here.

Eyenovia and NovaBay to co-promote prescription ophthalmic products

Eyenovia and NovaBay Pharmaceuticals signed a co-promotion agreement to commercialize prescription ophthalmic products to eye care professionals across the United States. Under the agreement, NovaBay will market Eyenovia’s clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension 0.05% (“Clobetasol”), a steroid indicated for the treatment of inflammation and pain following ocular surgery, through its U.S. physician-dispensed channel. Eyenovia will market NovaBay’s prescription Avenova Antimicrobial Lid & Lash Solution through its Mydcombi and Clobetasol sales representatives strategically located across the United States, according to a press release.

Hilco Vision announces names chief financial officer 

Hilco Vision appointed Thomas Strauch as group chief financial officer (CFO). Mr. Strauch has worked across diverse geographies and businesses in Europe, Asia, and in the United States, according to a press release. He will join Hilco Vision from GN Store Nord A/S, where he was CFO for Jabra Enhance. Prior, Mr. Thomas served as the CFO of Sivantos North America under the leadership of the Private Equity investor EQT.

National Optometric Foundation hosts Dana Shannon, OD, FAAO, to discuss myopia management

Dana Shannon, OD, FAAO, of Clarendon Vision Development in Westmont, Ill., will be guest speaker for the National Optometric Foundation on Monday, March 18, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the organization’s YouTube channel to discuss myopia management. Dr. Shannon is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and is a member of the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control. She serves as a regional trustee for the National Optometric Association.

NECO honors Ansel T. Johnson and Mary Scott as Distinguished Alumni

New England College of Optometry recently named its two distinguished alumni of 2023: Dr. Ansel T. Johnson, a graduate of the 1985 class, and Dr. Mary Scott, valedictorian of her 1968 class. More information on their accomplishments can be found by clicking here.

NovaSight announces results of CureSight study

NovaSight has announced the results of a study demonstrating long-term vision gains achieved with CureSight, the company’s digitized, at-home amblyopia treatment, in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. Specifically, the study found that children with various types of amblyopia showed significant improvement in both visual acuity and stereoacuity following short-term binocular treatment with CureSight, and that the gains were maintained for at least one year. To read the study, click here.

OneSpot launches cloud-based insurance billing software

OneSpot, owned by RevCycle Partners, has launched its cloud-based insurance billing software for eye care practices. The productivity software organizes billing tasks into a single, HIPAA-compliant digital hub, automates tasks, and allows staff to monitor AR in one space, according to a press release.

Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation announces 2024 scholarship recipients

Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation shared the recipients of the 2024 Larry J. Alexander Scholarship for Education, Dr. Seymour Galina Scholarship and Bernard Maitenaz Scholarship, This year’s scholarship recipients:

• Meagan Seufert, Pacific University College of Optometry – Dr. Larry J. Alexander Scholarship for Education
• Shawn Matsumoto, State University of New York College of Optometry – Dr. Seymour Galina Scholarship
• Faye Nie, Southern California College of Optometry – Bernard Maitenaz Scholarship

More information on the winners and scholarships can be found here.

Safilo, Missoni renew partnership

Safilo Group and Missoni announced the renewal of their global licensing agreement for Missoni brand eyewear until the end of 2029.

SECO appoints new president

SECO International named Horace Deal, OD, as president for the 2024-2025 term. Elected at the House of Delegates meeting during SECO 2024, Dr. Deal is an alumnus of the Southern College of Optometry, in Memphis, Tenn. He specializes in pediatrics, vision training, glaucoma, and cataracts, leads Professional Eye Care, in Statesboro, Ga., and serves on the board of the Athletic Foundation at Georgia Southern University.

Surface Ophthalmics appoints chairman

Surface Ophthalmics named Richard Lindstrom, MD, as founder and chairman of the company. Dr. Lindstrom is founder and attending surgeon emeritus at Minnesota Eye Consultants, P.A. Dr. Lindstrom will lead in partnership with Surface’s Board of Directors.

Transitions Optical brings certified event to Vision Expo East

Attendees at Vision Expo East have the opportunity to earn their Transitions Specialist certification. The training includes firsthand lens experience through product demonstrations, an introduction to Transition Gen S, and education on light management and Transitions Light Intelligent Lenses. The certified live event takes place on Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m., in room 1E15.

Visionix USA and 20/20 Now to demonstrate tele-optometry program

Tele-Optometry Program at Vision Expo East, from Visionix USA and 20/20Now, is a live tele-optometry demonstration of their strategic alliance. 20/20Now will conduct demonstrations onsite utilizing Visionix devices, integrated into the 20/20Now platform. To check it out, visit booth #F2235.

The Vision Council releases Focused inSights 2024 Frame Trends

The Vision Council released new research into U.S. consumers’ experiences and preferences when purchasing new frames. Focused inSights 2024 Frame Trends findings include:

•      Most optical product purchases are made in-person (including 85% of prescription glasses purchases being made in-person).
• Contact lens purchases are still most likely to be made in-person but have the highest online purchase rate of 37% out of the segments surveyed. 

Click here for the full report.

In other news, the organization expanded its membership structure into the following divisions:

•      Contact Lens
•      Eyewear & Accessories
•      Healthcare
•      Lens, Lab & Lens Processing Technology
•      Over the Counter (Sunglasses & Readers)
•      Retail
•      Technology

VSP Vision expands student loan repayment program

VSP Vision announced the extension and expansion of its Student Loan Repayment Program, including an additional $4 million investment to help optometry students, recent grads, and doctors who have student debt. Combined with the $2 million investment in 2023, the program will payout $6 million over the next four years. More information can be found by clicking here.

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.