Practice Tip: Arrive at the Show Floor Early
With conference/trade show season in full swing, it makes sense to learn about how to get the most out of attending. One recommendation: Get to the show floor early, so you can ensure one-on-one time with a vendor you’re interested in meeting with: “To make a personal connection, remark kindly about the booth set up and then transition into who you are, why you’re there, and the questions you have,” explains Leil Lowndes, a communications expert, whose works include How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships. For more tricks for trade shows, see here. 

Alcon’s Digital Platform Offering Allergy Season Support
Alcon’s MARLO digital platform, which enables 24/7 contact lens ordering, exam reminders, and personalized recommendations, now features allergy season support. Specifically, the platform provides allergen notifications, alerting patients in high allergy risk areas when local pollen levels are moderate or high, based on data from pollen.com. Currently available on iOS, the allergen notification feature will be launching on Android soon.

Contact Lens Institute Data Show Need for Contact Lens Removal and Dual Wear Conversations
The latest installment of the Contact Lens Institute’s “See Tomorrow Initiative” suggests there is considerable need to enhance patient education specific to contact lens removal, and to increase discussions regarding dual wear (ie, patients situationally shifting between contact lenses and glasses.) See here. 

CooperVision Contact Lens for Myopia Ideal for High Prescriptions, Says Study
CooperVision’s MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses demonstrate an ability to deliver consistent retinal defocus in more prolate-shaped eyes commonly associated with higher myopia, according to a study in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. Additionally, the study illustrates that MiSight 1 day achieved significant optical defocus across varying viewing distances and retinal regions. Access the study here.

Heart Eye Provides Artificial Intelligence Powered Cardiovascular Screening Via Retinal Imaging
Heart Eye is set to unveil an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cardiovascular screening technology using retinal imaging in the United Kingdom, according to a press release. Called Dr.Noon CVD, the noninvasive, AI-driven solution delivers patients’ cardiovascular disease risk results in 3 minutes.

Launchpad Vision Sponsors Innovation Space at Vision Expo East
Launchpad Vision announced its official formation and sponsorship of the Launchpad Innovation Zone at this year’s Vision Expo East in Orlando, Florida. Specifically, the Zone features technologies in areas such as perceptual learning, diagnostic devices, patient management communication tools, sunglass lenses, blue light protection, and artificial intelligence-powered solutions. For more information, see here. The Launchpad Innovation Zone can be found at Vision Expo East at Booth P1473. 

Oculogyx Debuts Artificial Intelligence Services at Vision Expo East
Oculogyx announced its official launch at Vision Expo East in Orlando, Florida, at Launch Pad, Booth #P1473 – L6, across from the Main Stage. Specifically, it showcases advanced image analysis, artificial intelligence- -powered scribe services, intelligent practice agents, and an ophthalmic study guide, according to a press release.

Oculus Makes Myopia Software Package Available
Oculus is launching the Myopia Software Package on its Pentacam AXL Wave to support (1) assessing axial length growth rate, refractive error, corneal stability, and corneal health, (2) explaining their clinical significance to patients, and (3) fitting contact lenses and evaluating orthokeratology treatment success, according to a press release. Learn more here.

Optos Launches Imaging System That Has Expanded Capabilities
Optos introduced MonacoPro, an upgraded ultrawidefield imaging system that integrates spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.Specifically, the new device offers clearer and more detailed visualization of retinal layers, AreaAssist (a tool that automates the measurement of color-based retinal areas), a reference database comprised of 879 eyes, and more. MonacoPro will be available for shipping in March 2025, the company says.

Prevent Blindness Names Second Annual Retinopathy of Prematurity Awareness Week PreventBlindness declared February 24 to March 2, 2025, as the second annual Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Awareness Week. The initiative supports the comprehensive Prevent Blindness ROP Education and Support Program. During the awareness week, Prevent Blindness will be sharing a variety of free educational resources to the public and professionals, including updated fact sheets, web pages, social media graphics in English and Spanish, and a new video series. The ROP Education and Support Program and ROP Awareness Week is supported by funding from Regeneron.  

RetinalGenix Technologies Develops Retinal Imaging Device and
Remote Monitoring System Prototype
RetinalGenix Technologies has created a high-resolution retinal imaging device and remote monitoring system prototype that uses both near-infrared and green modes, according to a press release. Once the final prototype is completed, the company will consider installing units in various settings, including pharmacies, malls, general practices, specialty medical offices, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, nursing homes, and independent living facilities. OM