Practice Tip: Don’t get caught in the “emotion” of buying frames
When it’s time to choose frames to stock in your optical, it can be easy to be caught up in the emotions of buying, due to pressure to keep up with style trends or make sales reps happy, writes Dr. Jessilin Quint in “Optimizing frame inventory.” To read Dr. Quint’s tips for how to buy frames, click here.
Alcon’s Vivity reaches one million milestone
Alcon announced the AcrySof IQ Vivity and Clareon Vivity extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs have surpassed more than one million implants worldwide. Vivity, which uses Alcon’s non-diffractive Wavefront-Shaping X-WAVE technology, is available in more than 80 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, India, Italy, Russia, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
AOA new clinical practice guideline available for review
The American Optometric Association (AOA) announced the first edition of its evidence-based clinical practice guideline, Care of the Patient with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, is now available online for a 30-day review period. Input is sought from relevant stakeholders, such as doctors, agencies, industry, and the public. To participate:
- Open the guideline draft for review.
- Access the AOA’s peer and public review form to log all comments and suggestions.
- Click “submit” on the online form; you will receive an email confirmation.
Eschenbach announces line of filters
Eschenbach Optik of America introduced Asensys filters, a line of contrast-enhancing eyewear designed to either fit over patients’ prescription glasses or be worn alone. The eyewear is designed to provide protection against the sun and unpleasant glare, with filters available in four colors: yellow, orange, dark orange, and red, with cut-off transmissions of 450 nm, 511 nm, 527 nm, and 550 nm. Learn more at www.eschenbach.com/asensys-filters.
EssilorLuxottica renews license with Dolce & Gabbana
EssilorLuxottica announced a 16-year license renewal for the development, production and worldwide distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses under the Dolce&Gabbana brand. The existing agreement has been renewed and replaced with a new accord, effective Jan. 1, 2024 until Dec. 31, 2039.
IDOC’s annual national conference celebrates ‘wildly independent’
The Connection 2024, IDOC’s annual national conference, drew more than 1,000 attendees to Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Austin, Texas. The theme of this year’s event, held Feb. 15 to 18, was “Wildly Independent,” inspiring attendees to think outside of the box. The Connection 2025 will be back in Texas at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Round Rock, February 13-16. To be notified when registration opens, click here.
Nanodropper hitches ride to the International Space Station
Nanodropper was launched into space aboard the Endeavor spacecraft with the members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8. The Endeavor docked with the International Space Station on March 5, where the crew will conduct more than 200 experiments; this includes experiments using Nanodropper on eyedrop bottles in space to preserve vital medication resources, with the potential for use on future long-term missions. To commemorate the event, Nanodropper is giving away a “mission patch” sticker with every order for the month of March.
Neurolens reports positive impact on headaches, recent report
Neurolens announced the results of a double-masked, crossover peer-reviewed publication demonstrating that Neurolenses provide significant relief from headaches. In this multi-site study (10 optometry practices, 195 patients), Neurolenses demonstrated a statistically significant level of impact based on the widely used and validated Headache Impact Test, or HIT-6. These results were peer reviewed and published by Translational Vision Science & Technology. To learn more and access the full article please visit www.neurolens.com.
Optometry Giving Sight accepting pre-applications for its grant program
Optometry Giving Sight is accepting pre-applications for its grant program, which funds sustainable, optometry-based projects to end preventable blindness and vision impairment. Pre-applications will be accepted through March 20. Organizations that pass the pre-application process will be invited to submit a full grant proposal in early April. Final grant awards will be announced in August. Prospective grantees may learn more here.
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals launches Mite Party campaign
Mite Party, hosted by Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a dynamic multichannel consumer marketing campaign for XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25%), the FDA-approved treatment for Demodex blepharitis. Mite Party is designed to elevate consumer awareness of Demodex blepharitis through relatable messaging and compelling visuals. The official launch took place this week on XDEMVY’s Facebook page.
Vision Expo East awaits
Vision Expo East, co-hosted by The Vision Council, is taking place beginning Thursday, March 14, in New York City, at the Javits Center. This will be Vision Expo East’s final meeting in New York City, before moving to Orlando, Fla., next year. Members of The Vision Council are encouraged to register here.
Vital Tears appoints Dr. Joseph Tauber as chief medical officer
Vital Tears announced that Joseph Tauber, MD, has been appointed Chief Medical Officer of the company. In his new role, Dr. Tauber will lead Vital Tears’ research and development initiatives; provide physician education and training; act as the primary medical liaison between Vital Tears and the medical community; and support Vital Tears’ market access initiatives to expand insurance coverage of serum tears.
WCO reports big turnout for Latin America virtual event
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has reported a significant turnout for its first-ever Latin America-based virtual event series, “Myopia Management: From Theory to Practice,” with more than 3,000 attending eye care professionals representing 25 countries across the region. The free conference, held in partnership with CooperVision, was conducted entirely in Spanish on Feb. 20, 22, 27, and 29. Each day’s session offered practical recommendations from eye care professionals who have successfully integrated myopia management into their clinical practices, plus live Q&A sessions.