Dr. Rich Castillo Named Founding Dean of the UNCP School of Optometry
The board of trustees named Rich Castillo, OD, DO, the founding dean of the School of Optometry at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP). The announcement comes two months after UNCP received unanimous approval from the UNC System board of governors to establish a doctor of optometry program. Dr. Castillo will begin his new role Aug. 5.
As dean, Dr. Castillo will guide the School of Optometry’s application process with the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), develop innovative curriculum, and cultivate partnerships with regional, state, and national stakeholders. He will also lead the university’s efforts to establish a community clinic, ensuring students have access to hands-on patient experience under the supervision of experienced clinical faculty.
Dr. Castillo joins UNCP from the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, where he serves as the senior director for clinical examination development and administration. Previously, he served nearly 30 years at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry (NSU-OCO) as a clinical professor, assistant dean, and chief of surgical services. He is certified by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. He is also the founding president of the American Society of Optometric Surgeons,adiplomate of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Optometry.
CooperVision Introduces Clariti 1 Day to U.S. Market
CooperVision announced the immediate U.S. availability of its new Clariti 1 Day multifocal 3 Add contact lenses. The lens features the CooperVision Binocular Progressive System, a three-add design that caters to all levels of presbyopia to provide optimal visual acuity at all distances, according to the company.
CooperVision also utilized its proprietary Optimized Comfort Edge, an upgraded edge design. The new lens pairs this design with WetLoc Technology, which creates a naturally wettable lens that locks in moisture to help keep lenses moist throughout the day for all-day comfort, according to the company.
The somofilcon A lenses have a water content of 56% and a Dk/t of 86 at –3.00D. The lenses are available with an 8.6mm base curve and a 14.1mm diameter. They are available in sphere powers of +8.00D to –10.00D (in 0.25D steps) and –10.50D to –12.00D (in 0.50D steps). Three add powers are available: Low (+0.75D to +1.25D), medium (+1.50D to +1.75D), and high (+2.00D to +2.50D).
Call for GSLS 2025 Papers & Poster Abstracts
The Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) invites the submissions of abstracts for the presentation of free papers and posters at GSLS 2025 to be held Jan. 15-18, 2025, at the Horseshoe Las Vegas. Topics can include new and innovative concepts, clinical cases, and research on all aspects of contact lenses (such as materials, designs, lens care, etc.) in addition to related topics such as corneal and ocular surface disease, diagnosis and treatment approaches, and practice management. Submissions are being accepted now through Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. EST. Visit the GSLS website for more information.
American Academy of Optometry Announces 2024 Award Recipients
Each year, the American Academy of Optometry recognizes distinguished individuals who have made countless important contributions to advancing the profession of optometry.
The Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies awardees include:
James Wolffsohn, BSc, MBA, PhD, Founders’ Award
Barbara Caffery, OD, PhD, Max Schapero Memorial Lecture Award
Additional award recipients include:
Nathan Efron, PhD, DSc, Charles F. Prentice Medal and Lecture Award
Geunyoung Yoon, PhD, Glenn A. Fry Award and Lecture (American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award)
Safal Khanal, OD, PhD, Irvin M. and Beatrice Borish Award
Godwin Overseri-Ogbomo, OD, MPH, PhD, American Academy of Optometry - Essilor Award for Outstanding International Contributions to Optometry
Lotfi Merabet, PhD, OD, MPH, William Feinbloom Award
Barbara Cohn, OD, Brien Holden Humanitarian Award
Lyndon W. Jones, DSc, PhD, Carel C. Koch Memorial Medal Award
Andrew Rixon, OD, Vincent Ellerbrock Clinician Educator Award
Sidney Parks, Julius F. Neumueller Award in Optics (American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award)
Vinita Henry, OD, and Danica J. Marrelli, OD, Michael G. Harris Family Award for Excellence in Optometric Education (American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award)
Ruth Y. Shoge, OD, MPH, AAOF Excellence in Diversity Awareness and Education Award
Stuti Misra, PhD, BOptom, AAOF Outstanding Emerging Leader Award
Barbara Caffery, OD, PhD, Tony Adams Eminent Service Award
Gongpu Lan, PhD; Salavat R. Aglyamov, PhD; Kirill V. Larin, PhD; and Michael D. Twa, OD, PhD, Garland Clay Award.
And, in the Public Health and Environmental Vision Section, Timothy A. Wingert, OD receives the Henry B. Peters Award for Public Health and Environmental Vision (American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award).
EssilorLuxottica Signs an Agreement to Acquire a Majority Stake in Heidelberg Engineering
EssilorLuxottica and Heidelberg Engineering announced that they have entered into an agreement for the acquisition of an 80% stake in Heidelberg Engineering. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2024 pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Optometry Giving Sight Launches Team OGS
Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) has launched the Together Eyecare Achieves Miracles (TEAM) OGS, now available to all optometry practitioners in the U.S. and Canada. The nonprofit organization raises funds from optometrists, optometry practices, and optometry-related businesses and corporations to award grants for sustainable, impactful projects that expand the progression and improve access to vision care. This program allows practices to support OGS on a year-round basis. Visit the OGS website for more information.