- After more than a decade of research and testing, Mojo Vision has announced changes to its strategy; the company will now focus on commercializing its Micro-LED technology developed for the lens and “decelerate” its work on an augmented reality (AR) smart contact lens, the Mojo Lens. Mojo Vision indicated that the significant challenges that it had in raising additional private funding directly influenced this change. Mojo Vision stated that it plans to return to developing the Mojo Lens in the future. Because of the shift in the company’s focus, Mojo Vision has changed its organizational structure and has reduced staffing by 75%.
- Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Biotrue Hydration Boost Contact Lens Rehydrating drops, a preservative-free multidose rehydrating drop for use with soft and rigid GP contact lenses. Biotrue Hydration Boost Contact Lens drops contain a combination of ingredients informed by the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society’s Dry Eye Workshop II (DEWS II) report including hyaluronan, a moisturizer found naturally in the eye, and other naturally inspired ingredients. According to the company, Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contact Lenses also matches the pH of healthy tears for comfort.
- Harrow announced that it has entered into a binding agreement for the acquisition of the exclusive U.S. commercial rights to five FDA approved ophthalmic products from the Novartis group of companies. Following the NDA transfer period, Harrow will assume control over all U.S. market activities and will begin a process to have the products manufactured by third parties.This transaction, which is the second acquisition transaction between Harrow and Novartis, transfers exclusive U.S. rights to Ilevro (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension) 0.3%, a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory eye drop indicated for pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery; Nevanac (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension) 0.1%, a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory eye drop indicated for pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery; Vigamox (moxifloxacin hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) 0.5%, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic eye drop for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of organisms; Maxidex (dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) 0.1%, a steroid eye drop for steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe; and Triesence (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension) 40 mg/ml, a steroid injection for the treatment of certain ophthalmic diseases and for visualization during vitrectomy.
- Eyenovia Inc. announced that the FDA has accepted for review the company’s new drug application (NDA) for MydCombi ophthalmic spray. MydCombi is a drug-device combination product that comprises the company’s proprietary, first-in-class combination of tropicamide and phenylephrine for in-office pupil dilation (mydriasis), administered via the investigational Optejet drug delivery technology. The agency has assigned the resubmitted NDA a standard review with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date of May 8, 2023. The FDA also indicated that it is currently not planning to hold an advisory committee meeting to discuss the application.
- The World Council of Optometry (WCO), in partnership with CooperVision, has issued a Myopia Management Standard of Care Pledge challenge. More than 35 global eyecare organizations and 25,000 practitioners have so far pledged to adopt myopia management as the standard of care. Learn more and take the pledge at myopia.worldcouncilofoptometry.info/myopia-management-pledge .
- Derrell James, vice president and general manager of X-Cel Specialty Contacts, has been elected as the president of the Contact Lens Manufacturers Association (CLMA). He also serves as the vice president for the GP Lens Institute (GPLI), the CLMA’s education partner. Joining Mr. James on the CLMA executive board is John Hibbs of Contamac as vice president and Sara Yost of BostonSight as secretary/treasurer. Additionally, the following industry leaders were elected to the CLMA board of directors: Cindy Belliveau of Visionary, Andy Jackson of ABB Optical, Jonathan Jacobson of Acuity Polymers, Troy Miller of Acculens, Chris Pantle of DAC International, Monica Sanders of Visionary Optics, and Jan Svochak of TruForm Optics. Josh Adams is the immediate past president of the CLMA and will also serve on the board.The GPLI elected the following board of directors and officers for 2023: Ed Bennett, OD, MSEd, president; Mr. James, vice president; Mr. Hibbs, secretary/treasurer; Mr. Adams; Kurtis Brown; Rob Davis, OD; George Mera; Daren Nygren; Mr. Pantle; Mr. Svochak; and Ms. Yost.
- CooperVision Specialty EyeCare has introduced the latest episodes in its Myopia Minute video series, timed with the 20th anniversary of Paragon CRT contact lenses. The new four-part installment is led by Maria Liu, OD, PhD, MPH, MBA, founder and chief of the Myopia Control Clinic at the University of California, Berkeley.The videos—which were filmed at CooperVision’s Education & Training Center in Gilbert, AZ—focus on fitting and prescribing Paragon CRT 5mm Optic Zone Diameter (OZD). Topics include tips for fitting Paragon CRT 5mm OZD, identifying candidates, and indications for use. The videos are available at marketing.coopervisionsec.com/5mm-ozd-lens-customization .
- Myopia Profile has launched an upgrade of its MyKidsVision.org website. This free resource for parents provides evidence-based information on myopia and its management. My Kids Vision is designed as a trusted research-referenced resource to which ECPs can refer parents as they navigate their child’s myopia management journey.The updated Knowledge Center now offers more than 40 articles explaining myopia, treatment options, and children’s vision including age-specific and topic categories for babies and toddlers, children, teenagers, and young adults. Additionally, a new resource on the website offers printable graphics with QR codes that ECPs can share with parents during the consultation. These promote targeted reading and information on different aspects of myopia, treatment options, and management principles. My Kids Vision also offers a six-question parent survey and advice on addressing a child’s risk of myopia development or progression. Several key features of MyKidsVision.org are currently available in six languages with additional language offerings in development.
- The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS) announced Ralph Kohl as the new executive director. Mr. Kohl, a seasoned and recognized health care association expert, will serve as the coalition’s leader and will work closely with HCAPS partners to set a strategic plan for the future. Previously, Mr. Kohl worked for the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) and led AANA’s federal legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts. Additionally, he has worked in senior roles with health care professional associations at the federal and state levels as well as a staff member for the New York State Legislature in Albany, NY. HCAPS was founded in 2018 by the American Optometric Association to advocate for patient safety and to protect the doctor-patient relationship, the essential foundation of personalized health care decision-making.
- Nancy M. Mackowsky, OD, has been appointed as chair of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association International (NORA) Fellowship Committee, succeeding Derrick Tong, OD, who will be stepping down from the position Feb. 1, 2023. Dr. Mackowsky founded The Mackowsky Visual Learning and Rehabilitation Clinic in Raleigh, NC, and is the sole owner. Her practice is devoted solely to providing neuro-optometric rehabilitation and vision therapy to her patients.
- Euclid announced that it will be holding a three-part webinar series on myopia management implementation, titled “Building a Successful Myopia Management Practice: Proven Strategies form the Experts,” which will be moderated by Christie Yee, Euclid’s Practice Management and Implementation Specialist. During the first part, which was held on Jan. 11, David Kading, OD, presented about the importance of setting goals, pricing strategies, and office policies, including informed consent and wearing contracts.Part II will be held on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Thanh Mai, OD, will discuss exam strategies on building a successful myopia management practice including steps for the exam process, patient follow-up, and the best ways to leverage your staff. Part III will be held on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Bethany Fishbein, OD, will talk about successful strategies for conducting a successful myopia management consultation including improving your capture rate, language for success, and how to talk to parents and patients. To register, visit bit.ly/3X3LhFO .
- Orasis Pharmaceuticals announced that it has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA for investigational CSF-1 (low-dose pilocarpine hydrochloride 0.4%). CSF-1 is a novel corrective eye drop candidate being investigated for the treatment of presbyopia. CSF-1 is a proprietary, preservative-free formulation of low-dose pilocarpine and a multifaceted vehicle designed to achieve an optimal balance between efficacy, safety, and comfort, according to the company. Orasis Pharmaceuticals also noted that CSF-1 improves near visual acuity by pupil modulation, resulting in a “pinhole effect” and an increase in the depth of field, thus increasing the ability to focus on near objects.
- The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) launched its Voices of Diversity project, an addition to the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging Eye on Diversity initiative, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision. The Voices of Diversity videos feature first-person accounts from optometrists, optometric educators, and optometry students and their stories about the impact that race and prejudice have had on them—personally and professionally. Filmed during the July 2022 Annual Conference of the National Optometric Association, the videos describe instances of microaggressions, sexism, misogyny, bigotry, and prejudice. They also include examples of supportive mentorship, collaboration, helpful guidance, and allyship.
- EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that Jay S. Duker, MD, who has served as the company’s COO since November 2021, has been promoted to the additional role of president. In addition to continuing to oversee his duties as COO, in his expanded role, Dr. Duker will also oversee regulatory affairs. Prior to serving as COO at EyePoint, Dr. Duker held earlier roles at the company as chief strategic scientific officer on a part-time basis beginning in 2020, after having served as an independent member of EyePoint’s board of directors since 2016. Previously, Dr. Duker was the director of the New England Eye Center and chair of Ophthalmology at Tufts Medical Center and the Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Duker also co-founded several startups, including Hemera Biosciences. In addition, Dr. Duker is currently the chair of the board of Sesen Bio, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company.
- Harrow announced the availability, for in-office use, of Fortisite (compounded Tobramycin 1.5% + Vancomycin 5%) from its U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registered and FDA inspected ImprimisRx 503B outsourcing facility. Fortisite formulations are patent-pending high-concentration, refrigeration-stable, fortified antibiotic formulations in solution. According to Harrow, the availability of Fortisite for in-office use represents the first time eyecare professionals have been able to stock a fortified or high-concentration compounded antibiotic formulation for the immediate treatment of patients in need.
- IDOC announced new partnerships for 2023 with more than 15 additional vendors to add to its portfolio, including Lombart Instruments, Zeiss Vision Technology Solutions, RevCycle Partners, RCM by VisionWeb, and EyeDesigns. IDOC partners provide exclusive pricing discounts, rebate programs, and resources to IDOC members. To see the full list of IDOC vendor partners, visit idoc.net/partners .
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