Myopic, black, young adults have higher IOP and thinner corneas compared to other ethnic groups, according to new data from the COMET study published in August’s Optometry and Vision Science. “Given the risk factors for POAG (i.e., higher IOP, thinner central corneal thickness [CCT], myopia and African descent), these findings suggest that examination of myopic blacks should begin at a young age [prior to adulthood] and include both IOP and CCT,” says lead author Karen Fern, O.D., of University of Houston College of Optometry.

The FDA granted Bausch + Lomb four additional labeling indications for Besivance (besifloxacin 0.6%). The eye drop now is now indicated to treat bacterial conjunctivitis infections caused by susceptible isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aerococcus viridans, Moraxella catarrhalis and Staphylococcus warneri. In addition, the FDA has approved the company’s New Drug Application for Lotemax Gel (loteprednol etabonate 0.5%) for treatment of post-op inflammation and pain following ocular surgery.

Of the 214 optometrists who took its Board Certification Examination in July, the American Board of Optometry announced that 198 of them (92.5%) passed, successfully becoming ABO Diplomates. Meanwhile, ABO has added new testing dates to its winter examination window, which will now begin on December 10, 2012 and run through January 20, 2013. Registration is open, and applications for active candidacy are accepted on a rolling admission.