Practice Tip: Make Your Office Fun
“In this labor market, employers need to consider why people leave jobs, and take steps to prevent excessive attrition,” writes Steve Vargo, in this month’s “CEO Challenge.” Dr. Vargo notes that, while optometrists may not eliminate attrition completely, they can increase the likelihood of staff staying by creating an environment that makes it hard for employees to leave. For tips on how to make the practice fun, see https://www.optometricmanagement.com/issues/2023/march-2023/leading-off-ceo-challenge-make-your-office-fun!
 
American Academy of Optometry Names CEO
The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) announced that Trish Shomion, CAE, has been appointed CEO. Previously, Ms. Shomion was a senior advisor with Global Management Partners, LLC (GMP), a professional association management company, where she was the executive director of medical organizations. These organizations included the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, and the Organization for Human Brain Mapping. 
 
American Optometric Association to Push Back on ‘Doctor’ Designation Legislation
The American Optometric Association (AOA) and state associations in Florida, Connecticut, and Texas notified members and the vision community of their plans to fight legislation that potentially seeks to block, limit, or discourage doctors of optometry from being referenced as doctors and physicians. AOA advocacy leaders say they view these “Not a Doctor” bills as an attempt to thwart optometry-centered scope modernization and expanded patient access proposals being considered by legislatures in a dozen states, according to the press release.

Cognition Therapeutics to Develop Oral Drug for Geographic Atrophy
Cognition Therapeutics, Inc. announced that its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for  CT1812, an oral drug for geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration, was FDA cleared. Cognition says it plans to start the phase 2 MAGNIFY trial of CT1812 this year. The MAGNIFY trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled study expected to enroll approximately 246 people who have been diagnosed with dry AMD and measurable GA. Change in GA lesion size and BCVA, as well as other measures of safety and efficacy, will be assessed, according to the press release. See https://cogrx.com.

CooperVision Announces Myopia Control Education Campaign, Gives Sneak Peek of ‘Dual Wear’ Study
CooperVision unveiled a multi-faceted consumer and professional marketing campaign to advance myopia control education in the United States at Vision Expo East. The “Make Children’s Sight Your Fight” initiative comprises several avenues to reach the U.S. parent and eye care communities, including media advertising for widespread consumer outreach. The campaign encourages parents to interact with an expanded MiSight 1 day digital ecosystem, spanning YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and MiSight.com. 

DopaVision Names Chief Scientific Officer 
Dopavision, a clinical-stage company developing digitally delivered light-based therapeutics, appointed Prof. Dr. Jens Ellrich (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg) as its chief scientific officer. Prof. Ellrich, former chief medical officer for Cerbomed, Sapiens, EBS, Technolgies, and WISE, will spearhead Dopavision’s research and development activities for the Company’s lead product, MyopiaX^®, a digital treatment for childhood myopia control, according to the press release. 

IDOC Garners Third ‘Great Place to Work’ Certification 
IDOC was certified as a Great Place to Work for the third consecutive year. The certification is based on what current employees say about their experience working at IDOC. This year, 82% of employees said IDOC is a great place to work. The company says its people-first culture drives employees’ sense of workplace fulfillment, with 98% saying they are made to feel welcome upon joining the company, and 90% saying they feel a sense of pride in what they accomplish at work. 

Optometry Giving Sight Kicks Off World Optometry Week with Fundraising Campaign 
Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) announced its fundraising campaign, “Give Sight. Change Lives” to mark World Optometry Week. Specifically, OGS says it seeks to raise awareness of its global impact and encourage donations that will enable the organization to continue supporting projects focused on long-term solutions. To make a donation, visit givingsight.org/world-optometry-day.
 
Transitions Optical Names Dates for Transitions Academy 2023
Transitions announced that its Transitions Academy 2023 will occur from May 21 to May 24, 2023, at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes, in Orlando, Fla. The event will provide industry professionals with presentations, guest speakers, and Transitions product and professional development workshops, according to the press release. Additionally, the winners of the 2022 Transitions Innovation Awards will be announced during the event. Industry professionals interested in learning more about Transitions Academy 2023 can visit TransitionsAcademy.com. 
 
World Council of Optometry Names Theme for 2023 World Optometry Week Celebration
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) will celebrate World Optometry Week, from March 19 to 25, with World Optometry Day on March 23, with the theme “Expanding Optometry’s Role…The Time Is Now!” With this theme, WCO says it seeks to advocate for stronger global access to eye care, and ensure that optometrists throughout the world have the education and skills to thrive and contribute within their respective health care systems. 

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.