Practice Tip: Promote your power to prescribe
“Many people — both patients and other health care professionals — remain confused regarding optometrists’ scope-of-practice, including their prescribing ability,” writes Kevin Cornwell OD, in the online exclusive “Educate patients on prescription-writing services.” To rectify this, educate patients that you have prescription rights when identifying an ocular condition; educate staff, so they can inform patients during the pretesting; and network with other local health care professionals to explain optometry’s role within the greater health care system, he recommends. Read more. Read more.
Annexon initiates Phase 3 trial of geographic atrophy treatment
Annexon has initiated the global pivotal Phase 3 ARCHER II trial evaluating ANX007 for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA). Specifically, the therapy will be compared to sham control and is expected to enroll about 630 patients. The Phase 2 trial on the GA treatment shows statistically significant and dose-dependent protection of vision measured by best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) protection against ≥15-letter loss at month 12, among other data.
CooperVision launches 2024 myopia advocacy initiative
CooperVision has announced its newest consumer myopia advocacy initiative: “MiSight Today, Anything Tomorrow.” This year’s campaign focuses on equipping parents with the information they need to correct their child’s myopia and help slow its progression, according to a press release. In addition to how the MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses can help to support a young myope’s vision, the campaign highlights the critical importance of scheduling comprehensive eye exams for children before the school year begins. The campaign will be featured on audio and video streaming platforms as well as on CooperVision’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and MiSight.com.
ECPs participate in Contact Lens Institute video series
Eighteen prominent members of the eye care community are starring in a new digital video series from the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) that promotes its “EASY as 1-2-3” program, which is focused on healthy contact lens wear and care behaviors for their soft contact lens patients. The three-video series is available as a YouTube playlist at bit.ly/EASYway123.
EYE6 with Ivy, AI-powered smart glasses, launch at American Retina Forum
EYE6 with Ivy, from Eyedaptic, is a wearable vision aid that both enhances vision and provides an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered visual assistant, according to a press release. The smart glasses feature Ivy, an interactive visual assistant meant to help individuals who have retinal disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration. The technology was introduced at the American Retina Forum National Meeting that took place this week.
OCuSOFT Retaine Allergy launches with availability online
OCuSOFT Retaine Allergy olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP 0.2% is a once-daily antihistamine therapy for the treatment of eye allergy itch relief. Each multidose bottle of the new formulation contains a 30-day supply. The drops are available through www.ocusoft.com.
Optical Training Institute makes select courses available in Spanish
The Optical Training Institute has released four courses available in Spanish. The courses, for the American Board of Optometry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE), are worth two CE credits each and are approved by the ABO-NCLE board:
- “What, Why, and How of Frame Adjustments (El Qué, Por qué y Cómo de los Ajustes de las Monturas)”
- “What Blue Can Do: Harm or Help? (Lo que puede hacer la luz Azul: ¿Daño o Beneficio?)”
- “Soft Contact Lenses: Best Practices (Lentes de Contacto Blandos: Prácticas Recomendadas)”
- “When to Say No to Contact Lenses (Cuando decir “no” a los lentes de contacto)”
For more information, visit https://opticaltraining.com/continuing-education/spanish/.
The Vision Council announces philanthropic arm of organization
The Vision Council has announced the creation of The Vision Council Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the organization that expands the knowledge, access, and opportunities needed for professionals and consumers alike to make informed decisions about eye health, according to a press release. A new website (thevisioncouncilfoundation.org) consolidates programming and resources to serve as a single central hub for education, research, and marketing tools. To see a video about The Vision Council Foundation’s offerings, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYE25BUCqrs. To donate and to learn more about The Vision Council Foundation’s resources and programs, visit https://thevisioncouncilfoundation.org/.
VisionEd to come to Vision Expo West
The Vision Council, co-organizer of Vision Expo, will offer premier accredited educational programming at Vision Expo West 2024, according to a press release. VisionEd kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 18, and runs alongside the show through Saturday, Sept. 21. This year’s program is set to offer more than 150 hours of courses for opticians, optometrists, and allied health professionals.