Los Angeles County wildfires prompt Small Business Administration to open local Business Recovery Centers
Attention private practice owners: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened two Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) in Los Angeles County for those who have experienced losses from the wildfires that started Jan. 7, according to an SBA press release. “At these centers, business owners can meet face-to-face with specialists to apply for disaster loans and access a wide range of resources to guide them through their recovery,” says Francisco Sánchez Jr., in the press release. Sanchez is the SBA’s associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. Read more.
Accreditation Council on optometric education recognizes new standards
As of Jan. 1, 2025, the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) is recognizing new Professional Optometric Degree Program Standards related to both existing and prospective optometric degree programs. Specifically, the new standards replace two separate sets (developing and existing programs) of standards; incorporate terms defined by the ACOE’s Glossary; define ACOE’s expectations for programs offering distance education or alternate pathways; and stress adherence and a continuous quality improvement cycle. Learn more.
AthenaVision International Optometric Meeting slated for spring
The AthenaVision International Optometric Meeting 2025, an event designed to bring together optometry professionals, researchers, and educators from around the world, will take place May 10 to May 11 at the Eleon Loft, in Athens, Greece. The meeting will feature international speakers discussing topics, such as behavioral optometry, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, pediatric vision care, neuro-balancing lenses, and artificial intelligence in optometry, according to the press release. For more information, visit https://athenavision.gr/.
Bausch + Lomb affiliate purchases maker of glaucoma and geographic atrophy therapy candidates
Bausch + Lomb’s affiliate, the company announced, has acquired Whitecap Biosciences LLC, which is developing therapy candidates for glaucoma and geographic atrophy. Founded in 2015, Whitecap Biosciences has successfully completed phase 2 clinical trials for WB007, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, in glaucoma, according to a press release.
Cure Blindness Project celebrates 30 years of existence
Cure Blindness Project, a global eyecare charity focused on eliminating avoidable blindness, is celebrating 30 years of existence. The organization, founded as the Himalayan Cataract Project, has resulted in 1.6 million sight-restoring surgeries performed; 200,000 corneas secured through partnerships for transplants; 16.5 million eye screenings conducted, identifying potential issues; 50,000 cases of corneal blindness prevented; and expansion into 30 countries, according to a press release. To learn more about the Cure Blindness Project’s mission, visit cureblindness.org.
Evolution Optiks Limited’s refractor ready for pre-order
Evolution Optiks Limited is accepting preorders for a beta version of its LFR-260 refractor. The refractor is intended for tech enthusiasts and early adopters whose insights will be used for optimizing the device before its official market launch, according to a press release. Information on pricing, purchasing, and early-adopter rewards is available at optokare.com.
Ocular Therapeutics reports on wet AMD candidate
Ocular Therapeutics Inc. provided updates to trials involving its therapy candidate Axpaxli (axitinib intravitreal injection). The therapy’s durability, repeatability, and flexibility are being evaluated in two complementary studies, SOL-1 and SOL-R. SOL-1 is being conducted under a Special Protocol Agreement (SPA) with the FDA and has completed randomization. SOL-R has enrolled 311 subjects.
Optical Training Institute offers Exam Pass Guarantee
The Optical Training Institute (OTI) announced its Exam Pass Guarantee as part of its Optician Development Program (ODP). Specifically, students who complete the course curriculum and pass all ODP practice tests and pre-final exams are guaranteed to pass the ABO and NCLE certification exams by their second attempt — or receive a full refund of their ODP course fees, according to a press release. Additionally, students who fail the certification exam on their first try can benefit from OTI’s Test Improvement Plan (TIP), according to the press release. TIP provides students with personalized coaching sessions, additional study materials, and tailored strategies to help them succeed on their second attempt. Visit opticaltraining.com.
Revo Sunglasses joins forces with Launchpad Vision for Distribution
Revo sunglasses partnered with Launchpad Vision, a commercialization services company, to have direct ECP distribution of its eyewear in every major market around the world, according to a press release. Launchpad Vision is comprised of a 12-person sales team. To learn more about Revo’s sunglasses and goggles visit revo.com
Vision Expo East to welcome tennis phenom as keynote speaker
Tennis phenom, entrepreneur, and advocate Venus Williams will take the main stage during Vision Expo East to deliver a keynote interview on Friday, Feb. 21, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. The interview, “Cultivating Innovation in Business,” will focus on the five-time Wimbledon winner’s journey as an Olympian, finding success as a business owner, and her commitment to advocating for and promoting equality through women’s empowerment, according to a press release. Additionally, she will provide her perspective on the importance of eye health and perseverance in the face of her diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome. For more information about the Venus Williams’ keynote, click here.
World Council of Optometry/CooperVision myopia tool utilized in 126 countries
The World Council of Optometry/CooperVision Myopia Management Navigator is now being actively used in 126 countries worldwide, according to a press release. Its usage represents 64% of all countries globally, with the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, India, Australia, and Canada having the most users, according to a press release.Developed in April 2024, the tool provides evidence-based content, advice, and practical actions to help eyecare professionals in all stages of their myopia management journey. It highlights the three Ms of myopia management—mitigation, measurement, and management — offering actionable insights within each section. To access the WCO CooperVision Myopia Management Navigator, visit myopianavigator.info. OM