AOA Announces 2024 Award Winners
The American Optometric Association (AOA) announced the 2024 recipients of the organization’s annual awards, including the AOA Excellence Awards, the Paraoptometric Professional Awards, and several other honors.
Recipients of the AOA Excellence Award are Matthew Jones, OD (Optometrist of the Year), Kelly Deering, OD (Young Optometrist of the Year), Andrew Cook, OD (Distinguished Service Award), Jeffrey J. Walline, OD, PhD (Optometric Educator of the Year), and Maggie Dunn (Student of the Year). The full list of award recipients can be found by going to the AOA’s website here.
IDOC Rebrands Optometry Marketing Services
IDOC’s Marketing Services has rebranded to Optometry Marketing Services and revamped its portfolio to be more accessible to all independent optometrists, regardless of affiliation.
Optometry Marketing Services offers three different digital marketing plans: Impress—a plan focused on modernizing the practice’s website and online presence with a website redesign and SEO optimization; Grow—a plan to expand the patient base and boost revenue with the same features as the impress package as well as custom blog posts, Google ads management, graphic design services, and monthly marketing reports; and Dominate—a plan to control the local market and establish visibility across all channels in addition to organic social posts, paid ads for both Facebook and Instagram, and all the features included in the other two plans.
CooperVision Launches Redesigned Online Success Center
CooperVision announced the launch of its redesigned Online Success Center (OSC). The upgraded on-demand digital platform is designed to provide users with an improved immersive educational experience, more robust resources, and a streamlined myopia control and myopia management certification process. The easy-to-use platform also delivers practical tools to empower staff with new knowledge and skills they can implement in practice.
In addition to myopia management, other key category updates include CooperVision Technology & Programs, Spheres & Digital Lifestyles, and New to Practice—which includes tips and advice for young ODs just getting started in their careers.
BostonSight Expands FitAcademy Program to Provide Immersive Education
BostonSight is expanding its FitAcademy educational events to include programs for practicing eyecare providers (ECPs). FitAcademy started six years ago as an annual educational retreat for cornea and contact lens residents and has now expanded with two new programs, FitAcademy Latin America and FitAcademy Immersive.
FitAcademy offers ECPs training in the designing, fitting, and management of scleral lenses in both interactive classroom and experiential settings. All FitAcademy events are two days, with education customized to the audience. While FitAcademy for Residents is for new scleral lens fitters, FitAcademy Immersive and FitAcademy Latin America are for practicing physicians who wish to advance their skills.
FitAcademy is led by Dr. Carrasquillo along with other faculty. FitAcademy Latin America takes place May 18-19 in Medellín, Colombia: bostonsight.org/fitacademy-latam. FitAcademy Immersive takes place June 27-28 at the BostonSight Clinic in Needham, MA: bostonsight.org/fitacademy-immersive. FitAcademy for Residents takes place in Boston on Sept. 13-14 by invitation only.
Compulink Shares Further Details About Its Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Compulink Healthcare Solutions unveiled details about additional artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities across its Advantage Smart Practice solution by utilizing the company’s AI engine, Advantage AI Practice. Compulink shares that its goal is to implement AI in ways that will advance patient care, practice efficiency, and improve the patient experience. The solution areas where the company is focusing its AI efforts include AI-assisted encounter documentation, patient engagement, revenue cycle management, and technical support.
CSI Dry Eye Software Announces the Release of Version 5.0
CSI Dry Eye Software announced that it has released its latest software update, Version 5.0. Key Features include expanded language support, enhanced visuals, integrated medical intake forms, medication notifications, a referral center, a redesigned inbox system, and simplified assessments.
Viatris Announces U.S. Launch of Ryzumvi for the Reversal of Mydriasis
Viatris and Ocuphire announced the U.S. commercial launch of Ryzumvi (phentolamine ophthalmic solution) 0.75% for the treatment of pharmacologically induced mydriasis produced by adrenergic agonists (e.g., phenylephrine) or parasympatholytic (e.g., tropicamide) agents in the U.S. Ryzumvi is the only US commercially available FDA-approved eye drop to reverse dilation.