Practice Tip: Explain the Earliest Symptoms of Presbyopia
Consider adding 30 seconds to your exam to explain the earliest symptoms of presbyopia to those in their late 30s and myopic patients in their early 40s. This is to reassure them that presbyopia is an expected change to vision, and that treatment options are available when the refractive change presents itself, writes Micaela Crowley, OD, in her article “Approaching the Presbyopic Patient with Empathy and Care,” which appears in our sister publication Presbyopia Physician. See the entire article at https://www.presbyopiaphysician.com/issues/2022/december-2022/approaching-the-presbyopic-patient-with-empathy-an
 
Alcon Experience Academy App Launches
Alcon launched its Alcon Experience Academy app to help optimize eye care professionals’ (ECPs) digital learning experiences, the company says. The customizable global platform offers ECPs courses of varying levels in 17 languages, as well as newly launched podcasts and discussion forums on eye care topics. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. 
 
Art Optical Includes New Optometrists in Specialty Contact Lens Travel Grant Program
Art Optical Contact Lens Inc. expanded its recently launched Specialty Contact Lens Travel Grant program to include eye care professionals who have been in practice fewer than three years. The Travel Grant Program allows optometry residents, third- and fourth-year students, and now, newly practicing ODs who have an interest in specialty lens fitting, to apply for a $750 grant. The grant is to be used toward travel and registration expenses at professional specialty contact lens meetings. Qualification details and grant applications are available at artoptical.com/travelgrant.
 
Compulink Releases New Interface for Advantage SMART Practice Solution
Compulink has updated its graphical user interface for its Advantage SMART Practice solution. The new interface features pleasing design elements and efficiencies, such as panel displays and menus, according to the press release.
 
Contact Lens Institute Releases Video Series on Enhancing Patient Communication
The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) says it seeks to help the eye care community better communicate with contact lens wearers about healthy, comfortable wear and care behaviors with the “EASY Does It” video series now available as a YouTube playlist at bit.ly/EASYDoesIt. The “EASY Does It” video series is being promoted across CLI’s social media channels, CLI Visionaries’ own digital channels, and through CLI member companies Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.
 
CooperVision Hosts Scleral Lens Trainings
CooperVision Specialty eye Care is hosting two scleral lens training workshops in cities throughout the United States: Scleral Accelerator arms attendees with fitting and troubleshooting of the Onefit. Scleral Lens Basics is geared toward support staff and fitters and will provide a foundational understanding of contact lenses. Registration and more information can be found here: https://marketing.coopervisionsec.com/beyondthelimbus. 
 
EssilorLuxottica Renews Operating Agreement for Target Optical 
EssilorLuxottica renewed its licensing agreement with Target Corp., serving guests in 2,000 stores and at Target.com, for the operation and management of Target Optical. The multi-year agreement became effective on Feb. 12; Target Optical provides comprehensive eye care services for more than 1.4 million guests, according to the press release. 
 
Federal Trade Commission Sends Cease and Desist Letters to Contact Lens Prescribers
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent 24 cease-and-desist letters to eye care prescribers after receiving complaints claiming the prescribers failed to comply with the Contact Lens Rule. Some letters also cited potential violations of the Ophthalmic Practice Rules (known as the Eyeglass Rule). The FTC is not making the names of the prescribers receiving letters public at this time. The letters also included links to its business guidance pieces, FAQs: Complying with the Contact Lens Rule and The Contact Lens Rule: A Guide for Prescribers and Sellers and, where appropriate, Complying with the Eyeglass Rule.
 
First Insight Adds Vice President of Sales
First Insight Corp. appointed Craig Drury as vice president of sales. Before joining First Insight, Mr. Drury was vice president of customer development at VisionWeb. 
 
Glaukos Submits New Drug Application for iDose TR
Glaukos Corp. submitted its NDA to the FDA for iDose TR, a micro-invasive intraocular implant designed to continuously deliver therapeutic levels of a proprietary formulation of travoprost from within the eye for extended periods. The implant is intended to address non-compliance associated with topical glaucoma medications.  
 
Global Specialty Lens Symposium Program Committee Calls for Educational Submissions
The Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) Program Committee is inviting the submissions of one-hour CE breakout courses and two-hour CE workshop courses for consideration for GSLS 2024, which will occur Jan. 17 to Jan. 20, 2024, at the Horseshoe Las Vegas, formerly Bally’s. Specifically, the GSLS Program Committee is seeking new and innovative education on materials, designs, and lens care, corneal and ocular surface disease, diagnosis and treatment approaches, myopia management, and practice management. All submissions must be made via the GSLS website. The submission window opens today and closes April 3, at 5 pm EDT. 
 
Illinois Patients with Low Vision Could Benefit from Partnership
The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB) is partnering with Horizon Therapeutics to provide low vision equipment to the underserved in Illinois as part of the ISPB Low Vision Equipment Reimbursement Program. The program provides reimbursement for low vision aids, scleral lenses, and eyeglasses to those who cannot otherwise afford them. Horizon is supporting the program with a donation of $50,000. 
 
Prevent Blindness Declares March Workplace Eye Wellness Month
Prevent Blindness named March Workplace Eye Wellness Month to help keep eyes healthy, safe, and protected on the job. To help employers educate workers on eye protection and safety, Prevent Blindness is offering a Workplace Safety module as part of its free program, the Healthy Eyes Educational Series. The module includes a Presentation Guide and corresponding PowerPoint presentation. Prevent Blindness also offers a variety of workplace eye safety fact sheets and shareable social media graphics.
 
Safilo Announces Senior Vice President of Sales Promotion
Safilo promoted Paolo Bizzotto to senior vice president of Sales, North America Independent Channel, reporting to Francesco Rinaldi Ceroni, president of North America, Safilo Group. In this capacity, Mr. Bizzotto will lead the independent optical sales team, as well as a cross-functional team overseeing strategic accounts, buying groups and alliances, according to the press release. Most recently, he served as vice president of Key Accounts, North America.
 
SUNY Campuses Extend Optometry Offering to Central, Western New York
Two SUNY campuses are joining forces to improve access to health care by offering an optometry campus extension program. The program provides a doctorate of optometry degree, collaborative vision research, and access to eye care, and economic opportunities in the region, according to the press release. 
 
Vision Expo Releases Details on Offerings for March Show
The Vision Council and RX, co-organizers of Vision Expo, have released new details on the offerings at Opticon @ Vision Expo. For more information, or to register for the event beginning March 16 in New York City, visit visionexpo.com. 
 
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.