Industry News
B+L Announces Positive Topline Results from Second Phase III Trial of NOV03
Bausch + Lomb announced statistically significant topline data from the second Phase III (MOJAVE) trial evaluating the investigational drug NOV03 (perfluorohexyloctane) as a first-in-class eye drop with a novel mechanism of action to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease associated with Meibomian gland dysfunction. The MOJAVE trial met both primary sign and symptom endpoints:
• Change from baseline in total corneal fluorescein staining (tCFS) achieved statistical significance at day 57, using the National Eye Institute scale, compared to control [p<0.001].
• Change from baseline in dryness score achieved statistical significance at day 57, as rated on a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 100 (0=no dryness; 100=maximum dryness), compared to control [p<0.001].
• The MOJAVE trial also met all of its secondary endpoints. Read more.
J&J Vision Appoints Dr. Jong as Global Professional Education Lead, Myopia
Dr. Monica Jong was appointed as Global Professional Education Lead, Myopia at Johnson & Johnson Vision. Dr. Jong co-founded and led the International Myopia Institute, setting up and collaborating with a global advisory board of ophthalmology and optometry thought leaders, and bringing together commercial representatives of the vision care sector to strategically build awareness of myopia.
Eaglet Eye Releases Software
Eaglet Eye announced the global release of Prime, the latest Eye Surface Profiler (ESP) software, which now includes a dedicated module for fitting and tracking Ortho-K, allowing the practitioner to easily see and record the refractive changes induced. Included with Prime is an algorithm specifically designed for Paragon’s CRT lens, a popular Ortho-K design. In addition, several new features have been added to make specialty lens fitting faster and easier, including ZoneControl in which the fitter has the ability to specify apical and mid-peripheral zone clearances for increased precision. Learn more about the company.
MacuLogix Establishes $25,000 Endowment for AMD Advocacy at the PCO at Salus University
MacuLogix has established a $25,000 MacuLogix AMD Advocacy endowed award at PCO/Salus University to be presented annually to a graduating optometrist demonstrating outstanding dedication to managing patients with age-related macular degeneration. PCO/Salus was selected for this award to honor two of its graduates for their commitment to AMD diagnosis: Dr. Glenn Corbin of Wyomissing Optometric Center and Dr. Gary Kirman of Kirman Eye. As the first commercial customers of MacuLogix, Drs. Corbin and Kirman have been utilizing dark adaptation testing in their practices since 2014, starting with the original AdaptDx automated dark adaptometer. In 2020, they also became the first optometrists to use the AdaptDx Pro head-mounted dark adaptometer.
Allergan Launches Site for Presbyopia Information
According to a recent survey commissioned by Allergan, an AbbVie company, of 1,000 adults ages 40 to 55 reporting near vision issues:
• 65% reported they weren’t prepared to have their eyesight worsen as they got older
• A quarter reported they were in denial that their near vision was getting worse.
• Eighty-four percent reported it was more frustrating to have blurry near vision when reading than having a video call freeze.
• Over half with reading glasses (51%) admitted they lose or misplace them at least once a week; more than a quarter (26%) said they lose them daily.
• Half of survey respondents admitted they decreased or gave up on a hobby because they could no longer see well up close.
As a result, Allergan launched BlurryNearVision.com, offering information on presbyopia. Visit the site.
ScienceBased Health Welcomes New Members to Advisory Panel
ScienceBased Health (SBH) announced the addition of Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO; and Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, to its Optometry Clinical Advisory Panel. Dr. Barnett is a principal optometrist at the University of California, Davis Eye Center. Specializing in dry eye disease and specialty contact lenses, Dr. Barnett is currently serving on the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society: A Lifestyle Epidemic Ocular Surface Disease Workshop. Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, is the founder and owner of BeSpoke Vision, a boutique-style eyecare practice that specializes in dry eye disease, specialty contact lenses and aesthetics. She is the vice president of the Intrepid Eye Society, the past president of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians and a SECO Trustee.
Prevent Blindness Declares October as Contact Lens Safety Month
Prevent Blindness declared October as Contact Lens Safety Month, and is strongly urging the public to consult an eyecare professional before purchasing or using contact lenses. Learn more.
IDOC Launches Turnkey Practice Management Services
IDOC launched a full suite of turnkey practice management services designed to help independent ODs reduce the time spent on business tasks and focus their efforts on patient care and other pursuits. Learn about IDOC.