Practice Tip: Use appointment scheduling to discuss contact lens wear
“At the time of appointment scheduling, it’s helpful to have the administrative team employ verbiage, such as, ‘We look forward to seeing you for review of your eyeglass, contact lens, and eye health needs,’ writes Susan Resnick, in a recent “Contact Lenses” column. She adds that this statement plants the seed in the established patient that contact lens wear may be a beneficial option. For more tips on approaching contact lens wear with established patients, click here. 

American Optometric Association participates in bicameral discussion on vision benefit policies
The American Optometric Association participated in a special panel for U.S. senators and representatives to further investigate the behaviors of vision benefit managers (VBM). At the request of a key U.S. House committee, members of congress and staffers heard firsthand accounts of these behaviors. Doctors of optometry having issues with a VBM policy can report difficulties or challenges with health or vision plans to stopplanabuses@aoa.org. Visit the AOA’s Health and Vision Plan Advocacy page for more information about AOA’s and affiliates’ efforts. 

American Academy of Optometry Foundation and Meta Reality Labs partner to tackle myopia
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) and Meta Reality Labs (a company that “builds tools that help people feel connected” announced that they will fund an open-science initiative to accelerate the study of visual experience as it impacts myopia onset and progression. Specifically, the collaboration will fund three independent research studies of quantified longitudinal visual experience and subsequent myopia outcomes, totaling $1.5 million. The submission criteria and application window for these initiatives will be announced during Academy 2024 Indianapolis, the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting, at the AAOF’s Awards Celebration Brunch on Saturday, Nov. 9. 

BioTissue earns Great Place to Work recognition from Fortune
BioTissue has ranked 14^th on the Great Place to Work in Fortune’s 2024 Best Workplaces in BioPharma List. The recognition is awarded based on employee feedback gathered through independent evaluations; it highlights companies that are excelling in workplace culture, according to a press release.

IDOC The Connection 2025 open for registration
IDOC’s annual meeting, The Connection, is now open for registration. The meeting, occurring Feb. 13 to Feb. 16 at the Kalahari Resort, in Round Rock, Texas, will include roundtables, complimentary childcare, and a closing party you won't want to miss, according to a press release. This year’s theme is “Ignite Your Vision,” where attendees are invited to explore what is new in the industry, technology, systems, and strategies to implement in practice, and more! Register here.

Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association names executive director
The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) named Barbara Barclay as its new executive director, effective Oct. 1. Barclay brings more than 30 years of leadership experience, including two decades of advancing technology in health care, according to a press release. She previously served as president of RightEye and as North American general manager for Tobii.

Pair Eyewear expands in America’s Best Stores
National Vision Inc. and Pair Eyewear announced the expansion of the customizable eyewear brand into all America’s Best Stores. Through this partnership, customers can experience the convenience of purchasing the eyewear online with the added benefit of the in-person eye exam, according to a press release.  

Prevent Blindness names Dr. Howard Purcell 2025 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision
Prevent Blindness announced the 2025 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award: Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, president and CEO of New England College of Optometry. The Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award recognizes an individual whose inspired outlook champions healthy vision and its importance for a healthy life, according to a press release. Dr. Purcell was chosen by a volunteer committee as the recipient of the 2025 Person of Vision Award for his outstanding dedication to vision and eye health, leadership of eye care professionals, and dedication to the vision industry.

Serengeti unveils sun collection at VEW
Serengeti unveiled its 2025 Sun collection at Vision Expo West last week. The line blends innovation, craftsmanship, and modern advancements, celebrating the brand’s legacy while catering to its modern consumers with a commitment to style and performance, according to a press release. All styles are available in prescription. If you are interested in becoming an authorized dealer, contact marketingdept@serengeti-eyewear.com for more information.

SightGlass touts studies supporting Vision Diffusion Optics Technology
Studies presented at the 2024 International Myopia Conference in China have reinforced the performance of SightGlass Vision’s Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT 0.2) spectacle lenses in slowing myopia progression in children. Specifically, the studies affirm positive performance in clinical and real-world settings, demonstrating excellent safety and efficacy, and the lack of a rebound effect. The studies that will be presented at the International Myopia Conference 2024 include:

1. Chen et al. Control of Myopia using Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lenses in a Chinese population: 6-month results.
2. Hill et al. Myopia progression after cessation of Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lenses.
3. Laughton et al. Initial axial length reduction in response to Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lens wear.
4. Sheppard et al. Patterns of ocular growth in young children wearing Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lenses: a 3-year longitudinal study.
5. Wang et al. Real-World Effectiveness of Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) Spectacle Lenses for Myopia Control in Chinese Children.
6. Ho et al. One-Year Myopia Control Performance of Contrast Modulation Spectacle Lenses Compared to Defocus-Based Spectacle Lenses in a Canadian Practice.

Southern College of Optometry hosts State Day
Southern College of Optometry hosted leaders and representatives from several state and national optometry associations to its annual State Day program on its campus in Memphis, Tenn. This year’s theme centered on unexplored opportunities that can be found in rural optometry settings. The event was an opportunity for current students to network with practitioners and association representatives.