NEWS spectrum

ABO Releases Exam Content Overview

The American Board of Optometry (ABO) has completed development of the Board Certification Examination Test Specification/Content Outline for the inaugural examination. The examination window is scheduled for June 1 to 18, 2011, at more than 400 Prometric Test Centers in the United States and throughout the world.

The examination content overview is available on the ABO Web site at www.abopt.org under News and Events. The test specifications for the ABO Board Certification examination are based on the results of the Job/Profession Analysis Survey that was sent to the profession earlier this year.

Active candidates who have had their post-graduate education requirements verified by May 16, 2011 will be able to reserve a slot for the inaugural examination in June. The exam will take approximately six hours (a morning and an afternoon session) and contain 240 test items. Optometrists may apply to become Active Candidates for ABO Board Certification on the American Board of Optometry Web site mentioned above.

Manufacturers Release Lenses in New Latheable Silicone Hydrogel Material

Three contact lens companies announced the addition of the Definitive (Contamac) latheable silicone hydrogel material, which recently received FDA approval, to their lens offerings.

Art Optical announced the availability of its Intelliwave custom soft lens designs in the Definitive material. Intelliwave lenses are available in aspheric, aspheric toric, multifocal, and multifocal toric design options in a quarterly replacement modality and are offered in virtually unlimited parameter ranges. Complete product details are available at www.artoptical.com

X-Cel Contacts announced that all Flexlens specialty lens designs are now available in the Definitive silicone hydrogel, including Flexlens Keratoconus. Alcon's Opti-Free Replenish MultiPurpose Disinfecting Solution is featured as the preferred contact lens solution for the rollout of the new Definitive silicone hydrogel lens designs.

The RevitalEyes post refractive surgery soft lens from Metro Optics also is now available in the Definitive material. All of the MetroSoft line of lenses will be available in Definitive including the MetroSoft Toric, MetroFocal and MetroFocal Toric.

Definitive, which has been available globally for nearly two years, has sold more than 500,000 units prior to receipt of its recent FDA clearance.

Alcon, Novartis Agree on Terms

Alcon's board of directors has approved a merger agreement with Novartis AG, whereby Novartis will pay a total merger consideration valued at $168 per share for the Alcon shares it does not currently own. Under the terms of the deal, the merger consideration will be comprised of a combination of Novartis shares and, if necessary, a cash contingent value amount to result in a total value of $168 per share. The exact exchange ratio and cash contingent value amount will be calculated based upon formulas set forth in the merger agreement.

In accordance with Alcon's Organizational Regulations and after receiveing a fairness opinion from its independent financial adviser, Greenhill & Co., the Independent Director Committee (IDC) recommended approval of the merger agreement to the Alcon board. The board also received a separate fairness opinion rendered by Lazard in connection with the transaction. After considering these items and other appropriate information and factors, the Alcon board approved the merger proposal. The merger will be effected under Swiss merger law.

“This merger will create a stronger eyecare business with broader commercial reach and enhanced capabilities to develop more new and innovative eyecare products that address unmet clinical needs in eye care,” said Kevin Buehler, Alcon's president and chief executive officer.

Upon completion of the merger, Alcon will become the second largest division within Novartis. Ciba Vision and select Novartis ophthalmic medicines will be integrated into Alcon.

“Alcon is a great strategic fit for Novartis, as a science-based leader in a high growth segment of healthcare,” said Joseph Jimenez, chief executive officer of Novartis.

Menicon Names New Executive

Menicon Company Ltd. has appointed a new chief technical officer, Steven Newman.

Newman, who joined Menicon with the acquisition of the ClearLab Flat Pack technology from 1-800 Contacts in June 2007, will direct the first production lines for the introduction of Menicon One Day Flat Pack in 2011. He also will direct product planning, brand strategy, packaging strategy, and manufacturing strategy on a global basis in conjunction with Menicon's HQ office and the subsidiaries worldwide.

Dr. Hidenari Tanaka, Menicon's president, said he was pleased to welcome Mr. Newman to his new role, which coincided with the company's 60th year in business and its new product launch.

Newman said that the impending packaging launch makes it a “very exciting time to be part of Menicon.”