Also Notable

• AbbVie and Allergan have announced the FTC has accepted the proposed consent order in connection with AbbVie’s pending acquisition of Allergan. The acquisition closing remains subject to other closing conditions set forth in the transaction agreement and Irish High Court approval.
• Alcon has introduced the Online COVID-19 Optometry Recovery Resource Center to support O.D.s as their practices reopen. The Center includes tips for engaging with staff while the office is closed; support for practice cash flow needs; learning opportunities and more. Visit professional.myalcon.com/od-recovery-resources .
• CooperVision has provided an educational grant for “Myopia Control 2020: Where are we and where are we heading?” Published in Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics, and written by Drs. Mark Bullimore and Kathryn Richdale, the paper presents a range of critically evaluated safety and efficacy considerations for behavioral, optical and pharmaceutical myopia management pathways.
• EssilorLuxottica announced it donated over two million pieces of personal protective equipment, including safety goggles, protective eyewear and face masks to hospitals, public institutions, employees and partners.
• Heidelberg Engineering awarded Prof. John M. Nolan, of the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland, School of Health Science, Waterford Institute of Technology (Ireland), the Heidelberg Engineering Xtreme Research Award for his research related to macular pigment for vision health and function, as well as for his recent work on how to use macular pigment as a biomarker for brain nutrition and its connection to cognitive function and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Johnson & Johnson Vision has appointed Rajesh K. Rajpal, M.D., as chief medical officer and global head of Clinical and Medical Affairs. In this role, Dr. Rajpal will lead the integration of rapidly evolving medical and clinical insights into new product development globally.
• Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo has updated its COVIDEyeFacts.org website with additional resources, including: translated versions of CORE’s Contact Lens Wear and Coronavirus infographic; a 60-second video that explains facts for contact lens and spectacle wearers; individual videos with each author of “The COVID-19 Pandemic: Important Considerations for Contact Lens Practitioners,” published in Contact Lens & Anterior Eye; and an extended “Behind the Science” video discussion with all five authors.
• TearLab Corporation has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Accelmed Partners II (AP-II) will acquire TearLab. Post transaction, TearLab will be a private company and AP-II will be the controlling shareholder.
• TearClear, an emerging ophthalmic pharmaceutical company with the goal of disrupting the way current topical medications are delivered to the ocular surface, has appointed Robert J. Dempsey as CEO. Mr. Dempsey has more than two decades of experience in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical industry, including serving as Global Head of Ophthalmology at Shire.
• X-Cel Specialty Contacts has launched the Bounce Back program, which offers programs including patient recall support; simplified ordering with free add-ons; extended warranties to 120 days; reduced prices on fitting sets and spare lenses; shipping discounts; direct shipments to patients; as well as educational events to support practices through the COVID-19 crisis. For more information, visit xcelspecialtycontacts.com .
• The Vision Council released data that shows the percentage of consumers reporting that they will postpone or cancel eyewear purchases has been declining at a slightly more accelerated rate over the three weeks ending May 4, dropping from 38% to 25% over that time. Additionally, more ECPs are reporting being open in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This corresponds with an increase in business performance, with 19% of ECPs reporting unchanged or increased capture rate, compared with 14% the previous week, The Vision Council says. OM