Practice Tip: Pick up a Patent
One action step to get a patent for your invention, be it in the eye care arena or elsewhere, is to detail the invention, writes Paul C. Onderick, OD, JD, in his article, “From Idea to Patent.” “Describe the invention in as much detail as possible in writing and in drawings or other depictions, such as charts or photographs,” he writes. “…The more detail you can provide, the more efficiently an appropriate patent application can be prepared. For the full article, read here.
American Optometric Association offers suggestions for Paraoptometric Appreciation Month
As September is Paraoptometric Appreciation Month, the American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests the following to show these staff members you care: Enroll staff as AOA associate members, encourage paraoptometric certification, and have them engage on the AOA’s EyeLearn Professional Development Hub. Please direct all questions about enrolling paraoptometric staff or associate member benefits to the AOA Education Center at educationcenter@aoa.org.
Bruder Healthcare’s Retaine MGD gets new name
Bruder Healthcare has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Santen S.A. to market Eyeleve MGD, previously marketed in the United States as Retaine MGD. It is a preservative-free ophthalmic emulsion that provides moisturization, lubrication, and protection for moderate-to-severe evaporative dry eye, according to a press release. EyeLeve MGD will be marketed in early 2025.
Contact Lens Update talks cosmetics and cosmetic treatments
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)’s 79th issue of Contact Lens Update covers the effects of cosmetics and cosmetic treatments on the eye. Available for free at www.ContactLensUpdate.com, the issue’s feature article summarizes the findings of a study that investigated the prevalence of dry eye symptoms in a group of adult females from Saudi Arabia who use eye cosmetics. The overview explores the frequency and type of products that were applied, and the severity of the symptoms assessed with a validated dry eye questionnaire.
Contact Lens Institute promotes contact lens health with football personality
The Contact Lens Institute is teaming up with former professional football referee and rules analyst Gene Steratore to promote healthy contact lens wear and care. Specifically, Steratore will appear in a video on major social media platforms over the next month telling viewers about a few easy rules to contact lens wear. View it now on YouTube.
EyeMedsNow unveils digital tools
PALens Recommender, from EyeMedsNow, is a digital technology that aids optometrists and opticians in identifying and recommending progressive addition lenses. The system uses an algorithm based on the expertise, experience, and intelligence of domain experts, according to press release. In other news, the company has also released EMN Daily Quizzes, a quiz program structured to provide students/residents with 75 questions, delivered by email five days/week for 15 weeks. The objective of the quiz is to enhance students’ knowledge of ocular pharmacology.
Myopia Action Month begins in September
Myopia Profile announced the return of Myopia Action Month in September. The initiative unites eye care professionals globally to address the rising prevalence of childhood myopia. The program features four weeks of online seminars, expert-led lectures, and educational resources with a focus on advancing myopia management, according to a press release. For more information on Myopia Action Month, including how to access the online seminar series, visit www.myopiaaction.com.
Prevent Blindness releases sports vision data ahead of Sports Eye Health Month
Prevent Blindness declared September as Sports Eye Safety Month to educate the public on the risk of painful and blinding eye injuries incurred while playing sports without proper eye protection. New data from the organization indicates that there were more than 32,600 sports-related eye injuries treated in the United States in 2023. The new data places pool and water sports among the highest for rates of eye injuries, followed by non-powder guns, darts, arrows, and slingshots. Additional information from Prevent Blindness as well as that of the American Academy of Ophthalmologycan aid in patient education during this awareness month.
State University of New York College of Optometry names new president
The State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees appointed Dr. David Troilo as president of the SUNY College of Optometry. Troilo is the fourth president to serve the college of optometry, following the retirement of Dr. David A. Heath after 17 years of service. Dr. Troilo’s appointment is effective immediately. Troilo joined SUNY College of Optometry in July 2008 as professor, vice president, and dean for Academic Affairs.
Visioneering Technologies inks distribution agreement for Australia and New Zealand
Visioneering Technologies Inc. has added Gelflex as an authorized distribution partner for NaturalVue (etafilcon A) Multifocal 1 Day contact lenses in Australia and New Zealand. The agreement was effective as of Aug. 19.