PRACTICE TIP: Address anterior surface disease to improve lens wettability

Wettability is crucial for maintaining vision clarity in scleral lens patients, and Dr. Aimee Grimm has several tips to help patients with this. First, Dr. Grimm recommends addressing any anterior surface disease, such as Blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. These common conditions can cause lipid and gland variability that results in tear film instability, thus reducing wettability. For the rest of Dr. Grimm’s advice on improving scleral lens wettability, click here.

Research Notes:

• HOYA Vision Care held “Confidence through Evidence – Miyosmart in Daily Practice,” a satellite symposium to European Academy of Optometry and Optics, and shared research related to use of the Miyosmart. The symposium, which ran from May 10 to 12, was commenced with a talk by Dr. Rakhee Shah, Global Scientific and Medical Affairs Manager at HOYA Vision Care, who spoke of the importance of credible evidence for patients, parents and Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) in myopia management. Dr Shah also shared the six key areas to empower ECPs to meet the diverse needs of their patients. More information can be found here.
• Ocugen announced completion of dosing in the second cohort of its Phase 1/2 GARDian clinical trial for OCU410ST (AAV-hRORA), a modifier gene therapy candidate being developed for Stargardt disease as a one-time treatment for life. Six patients with Stargardt disease have been dosed in the Phase 1/2 clinical trial to date. An additional three patients will be dosed with the high dose (Cohort 3) of OCU410ST in the dose-escalation phase. The Company expects to provide a clinical trial update for OCU410ST in the third quarter of 2024. More information can be found here.

Haag-Streit launches 3D imaging module
Haag-Streit has released a new addition for its Imaging Module 910, the Imaging Module 910 3D, which will allow it to record 3D content, including videos and images. The inclusion of depth information in the visual representation, according to the company, is meant to enhance clarity and interpretability of the images. More information can be found here.

Notal Vision receives De Novo authorization for home OCT device
Notal Vision’s SCANLY Home OCT device has received De Novo authorization from the FDA. SCANLY is intended to be patient-operated and can capture spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) images in a 10 by 10-degree area centered on the point of fixation. The AI-based Notal OCT Analyzer will then look for biomarkers of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. More information can be found here.

MyEyeDr introduces two new eyewear collections
MyEyeDr launched two new eyewear collections, Alex Grant and Nelson, now available in MyEyeDr locations. The collections were created by MyEyeDr CEO and co-founder Sue Downes. The collection include men’s and women’s frames that include brands such as Burberry, COACH, Giorgio Armani, and Ray-Ban.

Reichert releases Tono-Vera tonometer 
Reichert announced the availability of its new tonometer, the Tono-Vera. The Tono-Vera is a rebound tonometer that features Reichert’s ActiveView Positioning System, which helps guide the user to the apex of the cornea to provide more confidence in IOP readings. When correct alignment is achieved, Tono-Vera will automatically measure IOP. For more information, click here.

Cherry Optical Lab announces production of Varilux XR Series lenses
Cherry Optical Lab, Green Bay, Wis., announced that it is the first independent lab to produce EssilorLuxottica’s Varilux XR Series (Varilux XR and Varilux XR Track) lenses on-site in the United States.

Envision University hosts Low Vision Grand Rounds
Envision University will host the Low Vision Grand Rounds webinar, which will be live streamed online as well as presented in-person at Envision’s headquarters in Wichita, Kans. The speaker is Sarika Gopalakrishnan, PhD, FAAO, a postdoctoral fellow at the Envision Research Institute. More information can be found here.

IAPB announces keynote speaker for 2030 In Sight Live
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) announced program and speaker details, including keynote speaker, for its 2030 In Sight Live, taking place June 25 to 27 in Mexico City. The keynote speaker will be Eduardo Avila Sanchez, Paralympic gold medalist, actor, and influencer. More information on 2030 In Sight Live can be found here.

Prevent Blindness praises Congress’ proposed EDVI Act
Prevent Blindness announced support for the “Early Detection of Vision Impairments in Children” (EDVI) Act, which was proposed with bipartisan support by the U.S. House of Representatives. The EDVI Act seeks to establish grants for states and communities to improve children’s vision and eye health through coordinated systems of care, and is cosponsored by the co-chairs of the congressional vision caucus. More information can be found here.

In other Prevent Blindness news, the nonprofit has also launched the “It Started With an Eye Exam” campaign, to encourage consumers to share their stories of how eye care had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing and thereby increase awareness of the role vision plays in overall health. More information on the campaign can be found here.

Vision Council launches 2024 National Sunglasses Day campaign
The Vision Council will celebrate National Sunglasses day on June 27, and this year will spotlight sports sunglasses. The Vision Council is inviting the public to share a sunglasses selfie across social media using the hashtag #NationalSunglassesDay. The Vision Council will spotlight posts from around the United States and elsewhere through its own social media accounts. Eye care and eyewear professionals are invited to participate by following The Vision Council on social media and visiting The Vision Council’s website here.

VSP and HUED offer cultural competency training to network doctors
VSP Vision and HUED have announced a partnership to offer Cultural Competency and Humility Training at no cost for VPS network doctors. Completion of the training offers will net practitioners COPE-accredited CE credit and placement on the directory of increased visibility as a culturally competent and humbled provider via HUED. More information and enrollment can be found here. 

Walman Optical, ADO Practice Solutions offer rebate program to ECPs
Walman Optical and ADO Practice Solutions unveils the PEAK Impact Program, an initiative that offers exclusive benefits and rebates aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and profitability of eye care practices. Program offerings include: rebates on lab work, savings on eyeglasses and contact lenses, complimentary frame shipping, and marketing support through DONE4YOU. For more details on the PEAK Impact Program and enrollment information, click here.