Practice Tip: Manage the Risks of Artificial Intelligence on Myopia Control
In her “Myopia” column, which appears online this week, Dr. Maria Liu cautions practitioners to look before they leap when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI) and myopia control: “The future of AI in myopia care depends not only on technological innovation, but also on our ability to manage risks—particularly those related to misinformation, deepfake technologies,
and confirmation bias,” she writes. Read more
CooperVision Hosts 2025 New Graduate Summit
To help bridge the gap from student to practicing clinician, CooperVision recently hosted its 2025 New Graduate Summit on both the East and West Coasts, according to a press release. Specifically, the company welcomed more than 100 new ODs for multiday educational events that provided practical guidance on topics ranging from employment contracts to financial planning to building confidence in patient care. CooperVision’s support for new graduates continues beyond the summit, with additional professional development resources available through the company’s Online Success Center. In other news, CooperVision was one of 2 recipients of Optometry Giving Sight’s first Brien Holden Founder Award for making “remarkable, impactful contributions to advancing global vision care,” according to a press release. The other recipient was Greg Pearl, OD.
IDOC Announces Theme for Its National Conference and Calls for Speakers
IDOC, an alliance for independent optometrists, announced “The Future in Focus” as the theme for The Connection 2026, which will occur February 12 to 15, 2026, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida. Additionally, the organization announced it has opened its call for speakers for the event, with priority topics including data-driven practice management and financial strategies, staff development and training, and artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, among others. Proposals must include a course title, summary, speaker biography, relevant experience, and CE certification information (if applicable) by June 26, 2025. Submit your proposal here.
Latinos en Optometry Blog Emphasizes Importance of Tailoring Care
The June edition of the “Cultural Responsiveness” blog, by Latinos en Optometry and sponsored by VSP Vision, highlights an article written by Bryce St. Clair, OD, MPH, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Wilmer Eye Institute, in Baltimore, Maryland, on the significance of tailoring care to individual patients by considering their cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. St. Clair’s blog is available on the Latinos en Optometry website at https://latinosenoptometry.org/individualizing-optometry-care-to-all-patient-populations.
RevitalVision Drives Education on Digital Training Therapies With Help From NASCAR Driver
Joey Gase, NASCAR driver and co-owner of Emerling-Gase Motorsports, is promoting RevitalVision’s prescribed home-based vision training software, according to a press release. Specifically, Gase, who was diagnosed with keratoconus in 2020, is helping to raise awareness about the software, which operates directly from a standard web browser and utilizes a proprietary algorithm, which visually stimulates the brain’s visual cortex to addresses eye conditions including keratoconus, adult amblyopia, nystagmus, and early presbyopia. For more information about RevitalVision, visit www.revitalvision.com.
Valley Contax Launches Student Travel Grant Availability for Academy 2025
Valley Contax Inc, in partnership with Contamac US, announced a new travel grant opportunity for students to attend Academy 2025 in Boston, according to a press release. Specifically, 2 students from the graduating classes of 2026 or 2027 will be selected based on a 100-word submission about the teacher who has had the most significant impact on them and why. The submission form is conveniently available at https://fs10.formsite.com/MqlEMM/studentgrants/index.html. Submissions close on August 4.
ViGeneron Rebrands as VeonGen Therapeutics; Announces Progress on Gene Therapies
VeonGen Therapeutics, formerly known as ViGeneron, has advanced 2 first-in-class gene therapy programs into clinical development. These programs include VG801, a novel dual AAV gene therapy for Stargardt’s disease and other ABCA4-related retinal disorders; and VG901, an intravitreally delivered AAV gene therapy for retinitis pigmentosa caused by CNGA1 mutations. The newly named company also announced that VG801 received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ABCA4 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy. This investigational therapy is being evaluated in a first-in-human Phase 1/2 clinical trial, with patient dosing underway. For more information, visit www.veongen.com. OM