Practice Tip: Consider prescribing prosthetic contact lenses
Prosthetic contact lenses can be life-altering, in a good way, for patients who have corneal scarring, glare from traumatic aniridia or iris coloboma, or severe photophobia from albinism, writes Susan Resnick, OD, FAAO, in her latest “Contact Lenses” column. For this reason, she recommends optometrists who may not offer them, consider doing so. Additionally, she provides these clinical pearls: “Set realistic patient expectations and perform a careful diagnostic workup: measuring corneal diameter and pupil size. Also, work with lab consultants through digital image documentation of the healthy eye to aid in a successful result. For the full column, visit https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/august-2023/clinical-contact-lenses.
Adverum Biotechnologies names chief technology officer
Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc. appointed R. Andrew “Andy” Ramelmeier, Ph.D., as its chief technology officer, leading Adverum’s technology and operations organization. This will include process development and assay development for Adverum’s investigational gene therapy ixoberogene soroparvovec (Ixo-vec) for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD).
Contact Lens Update covers ocular surface immunology
Issue 73 of Contact Lens Update, from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) focuses on ocular surface immunology and is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com. Specifically, the issue covers the components involved in protecting the ocular surface and the four stages underlying the immunopathogensis of dry eye disease, among other related topics. Contact Lens Update receives support from the educational arms of Alcon, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson.
Eyenovia enters into agreement to acquire ocular inflammation therapy
Eyenovia entered into an agreement with Taiwan-based Formosa Pharmaceuticals whereby Eyenovia has acquired the exclusive United States rights to distribute and sell APP13007 (clobetasol propionate ophthalmic nanosuspension, 0.05%). The therapy is currently under FDA review for the treatment of ocular inflammation and pain. The agency has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act action date of March 4.
EYEnovate to debut at Vision Expo West
The Vision Council and RX, co-organizers of Vision Expo, have announced that EYEnovate, a new series highlighting groundbreaking technological innovations in the optical field, will debut at Vision Expo West, taking place Sept. 27 to Sept. 30, 2023, at The Venetian Convention Center & Expo in Las Vegas.
National Academies Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences focus on myopia
The National Academies Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences formed a committee to deliver a consensus study on findings, conclusions, and recommendations on myopia. The study process will include five committee meetings over the course of a year. Sponsoring organizations include the American Academy of Optometry, National Eye Institute, American Optometric Association, Healthcare Alliance for Patient Safety, Johnson & Johnson, Meta Reality Labs, Research to Prevent Blindness, and Warby Parker Impact Foundation.
New Hampshire optometrists gain vaccination authorization
The public can now get their vaccinations for COVID-19, shingles, and flu from doctors of optometry in New Hampshire. The new law goes into effect Sept. 3.
Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation Association names director of medical education
The Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) selected Amy Pruszenski, OD, FCOVD, as its director of Medical Education for the Association, effective Sept. 1, 2023. In this role, Dr. Pruszenski will help to develop and implement NORA’s medical education programs, including working closely with the NORA board of directors and executive director in establishing the agenda and securing speakers for the NORA Annual Conference. Also, she will assist in the creation of health care professional and patient/caregiver programs and materials to generate broader awareness and education about neuro-optometric rehabilitation.
Ocuco gets private equity backing
Ocuco announced a €60 million minority stake investment from Accel-KKR, a global technology-focused private-equity firm. The investment is set to boost Ocuco’s global momentum, enabling the company to meet the eye care industry’s omnichannel demand through Acuitas 3 Omni-Channel Edition, Ocuco’s cloud-based software solution.
Optometry Giving Sight issues World Sight Day Challenge
Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) has once again issued its 2023 World Sight Day Challenge. The theme of this year’s Challenge is “Giving Together, Seeing Forever,” which celebrates the collective power of the optometry community to give the gift of sight to millions of people in need, according to a press release. Optometry Giving Sight’s World Sight Day Challenge runs through the end of October, with World Sight Day to be celebrated on Oct. 12. Those interested in taking on the Challenge by leading fundraising efforts can visit givingsight.org/wsdc to register and receive a toolkit with ideas and resources. Others may choose to make one-time or recurring donations at givingsight.org/donate-wsdc.
Prevent Blindness launches advocacy website
Prevent Blindness announced the launch of its new Eyes on Capitol Hill advocacy resource: https://advocacy.preventblindness.org. The new website and legislative action center will educate and empower advocates with information and tools needed to successfully advocate for policies that preserve sight, according to a press release.
ScienceBased Health names Optometry Clinical Advisory Panel members
ScienceBased Health (SBH) added Jaclyn Garlich, OD, FAAO; Jacob Lang, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO; and Mark Schaeffer, OD, to its Optometry Clinical Advisory Panel.
World Council of Optometry announces international award winners
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announced the recipients of its international awards, which recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing optometry around the globe. The winners: Dr. Scott Mundle, Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Dr. Uduak Udom; Dr. Ameer Abou Adela, The Young Leader Award in Memory of Dr. Paul Berman; Dr. Sajeesh Kumar Kamala Raghavan, WCO International Optometrist Award; and Dr. Priya Morjaria, Memorial Lecture in Honor of Ms. Karen Sparrow.
Visionix USA releases finishing solution
Briot Altitude 3, from Visionix USA, is an in-house finishing solution featuring an edging and torque management system and wavefront-based technology. The torque management system adjusts edging cycles to the thickness of the lens and material. In addition, the company’s TruScan technology can trace extreme wrap frames, according to a press release.
OD Notebook is published weekly on Wednesdays. Unless otherwise noted, the information presented is based on press releases and/or announcements by the respective organizations. Find earlier editions here. To submit a press release to be considered for publication, click here.