- The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and CooperVision have partnered to release “A Practical Guide to Managing Children with Myopia.” The professional article is authored by four experienced ocular health and science professionals from around the world. It complements the WCO Standard of Care for Myopia Management by Optometrists Resolution, which embraces evidence-based approaches focused on the three pillars of mitigation, measurement, and management. The work is available at myopia.worldcouncilofoptometry.info/professional-article-english . In other news, WCO is partnering with CooperVision to host a virtual event on Feb. 12, 2022, focused on myopia management. Confirmed speakers include Carmen Abesamis-Dichoso, OD (Philippines); Thomas Aller, OD (United States); Philip Cheng, BOptom (Australia); Kate Gifford, PhD, BAppSc(Optom)Hons (Australia); Nicola Logan, PhD, Med, MCOptom (United Kingdom); and Sara McCullough, PhD, BSc Hons Optometry (United Kingdom).
- Acuity Polymers has received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) 510(k) clearance for use of the Tangible Hydra-PEG custom contact lens coating technology with its ultra-Dk Acuity 200 GP material.
- The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has appointed Alex Hui, OD, PhD, as head of Biosciences. Dr. Hui is currently a senior lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney. He will soon relocate to CORE’s facility in Waterloo, ON. Before joining UNSW in 2015, Dr. Hui completed his optometry training and PhD at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science and at CORE. CORE’s current Head of Biosciences, William Ngo, OD, PhD, has been appointed as an assistant professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science, reflecting his ever-growing contributions to the field. He will continue to collaborate with CORE and its research team in his chosen area of ocular surface disease.
- Aramis Biosciences, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for A197, enabling the company to proceed with a Phase II proof of concept clinical trial. According to the company, A197 has a novel mechanism of action targeting the immunopathogenesis of dry eye disease and has a clean tolerability profile.
- Mojo Vision announced strategic partnerships with leading sports and fitness brands to collaborate on next-generation user experiences that combine augmented reality, wearable technology, and personal performance data. The companies will work together using Mojo’s smart contact lens technology, Mojo Lens, to find unique ways to improve access to data and to enhance athletes’ performance during sporting activities. The company’s initial partnerships include Adidas Running (running/training), Trailforks (cycling, hiking/outdoors), Wearable X (yoga), Slopes (snow sports), and 18Birdies (golf). Mojo Vision also announced that it has raised an additional $45 million in its Series B-1 investment round in support of its smart contact lens technology. The additional funding includes investments from Amazon Alexa Fund, PTC, Edge Investments, HiJoJo Partners, and others. Existing investors NEA, Liberty Global Ventures, Advantech Capital, AME Cloud Ventures, Dolby Family Ventures, Motorola Solutions, and Open Field Capital have also participated.
- Bausch Health Companies Inc. announced that, in connection with its previously announced intention to separate its eye health business, its wholly owned subsidiary, Bausch + Lomb Corporation, has publicly filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a preliminary base post-receipt pricing procedure (PREP) prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada (other than Quebec) relating to a proposed initial public offering (IPO) of Bausch + Lomb's common shares concurrently in the United States and Canada. All of the shares being offered will be sold by a wholly owned subsidiary of Bausch Health. The number of common shares to be offered and the price range for the IPO have not yet been determined.
- ABB Optical Group (ABB) has announced that three nonprofit organizations, nominated by eyecare professionals nationwide, will receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for outstanding programming and community impact through the 7th Annual ABB Cares Program. The Platinum ABB Cares Grant of $5,000 was awarded to the Laurel Civic Association in Laurel, FL. Nominated by Eyes On You, the Laurel Civic Association supports low-income families, providing monthly food distributions and supplemental food opportunities by helping them apply for government programs. The Gold ABB Cares Grant of $2,500 was presented to the Brunswick Rotary Foundation in Brunswick, OH, which was nominated by Vision Clinics Group LLC. The Silver ABB Cares Grant of $1,000 was awarded to Friendship Circle of Dallas. Nominated by David E. Weber, OD (dba The Eye Zone), Friendship Circle of Dallas allows children and young adults who have diverse special needs and abilities to enjoy the company of teenage and young adult volunteers in a full range of social activities.
- I-Med Pharma Inc. announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with ESW Vision of France to be its exclusive distributor in the United States. Through I-Med Pharma USA, two dry eye devices will be available directly to all eyecare professionals across the country. E>Eye is a CE-certified medical device that uses patented intense regulated pulsed light (IRPL) technology developed specifically for the treatment of dry eye disease caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Tearcheck is a dry eye diagnostic and analyzer tool that performs nine exams in under 10 minutes. In unrelated news, NTC Srl and I-Med Pharma Inc. announced that I-Defense, a long-lasting, lubricating ointment containing 0.4% sodium hyaluronate, indicated for the relief of dry eyes and of lagophthalmos symptoms, has been successfully registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is the first European NTC medical device product for ophthalmic use approved in the United States.
- Nicox SA announced the appointment of Doug Hubatsch to lead all of the company’s non-clinical and clinical development activities. As chief scientific officer, Mr. Hubatsch will be responsible for setting the research and development strategy of the group and will be a member of the Nicox executive committee, reporting to Michele Garufi, CEO. He will be based in Nicox’s U.S. subsidiary Nicox Ophthalmics Inc., in Durham, NC. Mr. Hubatsch joins Nicox from Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where he was global medical head for Ocular Surface Disease and Digital Medicines within Global Medical Affairs.
- The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) announced a new “hybrid” conference, BCLA Focus, that will be held on June 11 and 12, 2022. The event will be held both online and in person at The Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The full program, which will be open to members and non-members of the BCLA, will be announced shortly. The conference will feature a live lecture stream and workshop sessions while providing sponsors and exhibitors the opportunity to discuss the latest innovations and to share new products and business strategies. Registration for the event will open in early 2022, with full details on www.bcla.org.uk .
- VSP Global, in partnership with the American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF), announced the recipients of the 2021 Practice Excellence Scholarship. Only two recipients from each of the 25 schools and colleges of optometry were selected from nominations submitted by their individual institutions. Scholarship recipients were selected based on the students' commitment to enter the independent practice of optometry and on their clinical and academic performance. A full list of the 2021 Practice Excellence Scholarship recipients can be found on the AAOF website at https://bit.ly/3rixNal .
- Haag-Streit Group announced that Jeff Sieve was appointed as the new CEO for Haag-Streit USA, based in Mason, OH. Mr. Sieve begins his new role immediately, succeeding Ernest Cavin, PhD, who previously served in this position and recently left the company to pursue new opportunities. Mr. Sieve will report to Haag-Streit Group management, led by Thomas Bernhard, CEO. Mr. Sieve is an experienced business leader, having served most recently as the head of sales for the U.S. Refractive business for Zeiss. According to the company, Mr. Sieve brings valuable experience from his roles as national director for Key Accounts as well as other business development and sales roles throughout his professional career.
- Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) announced Sharyn Gallatin as the new director of Development, North America, and the retirement of Eric Anderson, director of Donor Engagement, North America. Ms. Gallatin has more than 20 years of fundraising experience as both a volunteer solicitor and from when she moved to the professional side of philanthropy where she assumed the role of chief development officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. Most recently, she was the director of Foundations and Endowment for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. In addition to her work in nonprofit development, she has more than 20 years of experience as an estate planning attorney, which is instrumental in planned giving and is vital to the long-term sustainability of the organization. Mr. Anderson has been with OGS for seven-and-a-half years and came with a wealth of fundraising experience, mostly in higher education. He has been a driving force in securing support from the optometric community to meet the OGS mission.
- Harrow Health, Inc. announced its acquisition of the exclusive U.S. commercialization rights of four U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved ophthalmic medicines from Novartis: Iopidine 1% and 0.5% (apraclonidine hydrochloride), Maxitrol (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfate and dexamethasone) 3.5mg/10,000 units/0.1%, and Moxeza 0.5% (moxifloxacin hydrochloride). The acquired products will be sold, marketed, and distributed through Harrow’s wholly owned subsidiary, ImprimisRx.
- The American Optometric Association (AOA) announced a new partnership with pro-basketball player Tacko Fall to promote Eye Deserve More, a national campaign to bring awareness to the critical role that doctors of optometry play in the eye care and overall health of Americans. From a young age, Tacko has been very tuned into his eye health after receiving his first pair of glasses at the age of 5 due to myopia and having a brain tumor removed when he was 17. Because of his personal experience, he hopes to reach people with a clear message that even if you don’t think you need glasses or contact lenses, or if your prescription hasn’t changed, it is still important to visit an optometrist to screen for underlying eye and overall health issues. People are encouraged to visit AOA.org/EyeDeserveMore to hear more real-life stories and to find a local eyecare practitioner near them.
- Sight Sciences, Inc. announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance of the TearCare System for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The indication clears TearCare for the application of localized heat therapy in adult patients who have evaporative dry eye disease due to MGD when used in conjunction with manual expression of the meibomian glands. The TearCare System consists of a reusable hardware controller, the SmartHub, and a software-controlled eyelid technology called the SmartLids.
- Nicox SA announced that patent EP2408453, covering the company’s product Zerviate (cetirizine ophthalmic solution), 0.24%, has been issued by the European Patent Office (EPO). The patent covers the formulation of Zerviate (which is commercialized in the United States by Eyevance Pharmaceuticals) and its use in the treatment of the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The European Patent grants exclusivity until 2030, meaning that the Zerviate formulation is protected by granted patents in the United States through 2032 and in Europe, Japan, and Canada through 2030.
- Tarsus Pharmaceuticals announced the appointment of Elizabeth Yeu, MD, to its board of directors. Dr. Yeu will continue to serve as Tarsus’ chief medical advisor. As part of her board appointment, she will join the Science and Technology Committee, which provides strategic direction on external and internal innovation and pipeline opportunities. In addition to serving as Tarsus’ chief medical advisor since August 2020, Dr. Yeu is a partner and practicing ophthalmologist at Virginia Eye Consultants and is Medical Director at Virginia Surgery Center.
- Prevent Blindness has declared 2022 the “Year of Children’s Vision.” The goal is to highlight and address the diverse and critical vision and eye health needs of children and to improve outcomes through advocacy, public health, education, and awareness. Prevent Blindness plans to embark on a variety of initiatives and programs throughout the Year of Children’s Vision including, but not limited to, providing families, caregivers, and professionals with free educational materials and resources on a variety of eye health topics including visual disorders and eye safety recommendations; continuing efforts to inform and work with policymakers on opportunities to address children’s vision and eye health as part of early childhood development, education, health equity, and public health; conducting a series of free webinars, hosted by the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health (NCCVEH), including topics such as vision health of children who have special needs and workshops from the Better Vision Together community and state coalitions; expanding the reach of the NCCVEH-convened Children’s Vision Equity Alliance; leading efforts to promote new research into children’s eye and vision health; launching various social media campaigns on specific children’s vision topics and issues such as campaigns to include the #YOCV in posts; and conducting various programs throughout the Prevent Blindness affiliate network dedicated to advancing children’s vision.
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SYMPOSIUM SPOTLIGHT: SUBMIT YOUR GMS COURSE FOR CONSIDERATION
• The Global Myopia Symposium (GMS) (www.clspectrum.com/gms ) is coming back this year on Sept. 9 to 11. As the premier meeting focused solely on myopia and its management, the GMS provides cutting-edge, clinical information based on the most current research that you can implement directly into your practice.
The Education Committee is seeking the submission of new and innovative courses and workshops on all aspects of myopia and its management in addition to related topics such as epidemiology, controversies, risks/benefits, diagnosis and treatment approaches, and practice management.
Courses may be submitted at https://www.clspectrum.com/gms/call-to-courses . Submissions are being accepted until Feb. 15, 2022.
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