News

Why would adults who have moderate to severe visual impairment not seek eye care? Cost or lack of insurance, and perception of no need, are the most common reasons, according to an analysis of data conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Alimera Sciences Inc. resubmitted its new drug application, or NDA, for an investigational intravitreal insert containing fluocinolone acetonide (Iluvien) to the FDA May 12.

SynergEyes Inc. has added a new patient-focused video about astigmatism to two proprietary video libraries for eye-care professionals (3D-Eye Office and LUMA, Eyemaginations).

Re-profiling company iCo Therapeutics Inc. has entered into a consulting agreement with independent ophthalmic product development firm Ora Inc. in relation to the phase II clinical development of iCo-007.

Bausch + Lomb (B+L) and the Lions Clubs International Foundation have given $150,000 to Tianjin Eye Hospital in China to finance a specialized pediatric cataract training initiative that will include training and education, equipment, and screenings.

The Wills Eye Institute and Thomas Jefferson University have created the Wills Vision Research Center at Jefferson.

Unilens Vision Inc., which develops, licenses, manufactures, distributes and markets specialty contact lenses, has joined the VisionWeb network of suppliers. This strategic partnership gives independent eye care professionals the ability to browse, place, and track C-Vue disposable contact lens orders from Unilens Vision online through the VisionWeb portal.

May 27, the Friday before Memorial Day, has been designated as ?Don't Fry Day? by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. Prevent Blindness America (PBA) and The Vision Council are voicing their support for the day, as part of Ultraviolet Awareness Month in May.

Contact lens wearers are significantly non-compliant in virtually all the active steps involved in soft contact lens wear, including hand washing, case hygiene, lens disinfection and following the recommended lens replacement schedule, according two online surveys sponsored by the Vistakon Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

Scientists from Schepens Eye Research Institute reported that they have regenerated large areas of damaged retinas in mice using induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) derived from skin. The results of their study were published this month in the online science publication PLoS ONE.

WaveTec Vision has secured $15.9 million in Series D financing from existing and new investors.

Vision-Ease Lens (VEL), a designer, manufacturer, and distributor of ophthalmic lenses, is purchasing a cast resin factory in Bangkok, Thailand, from Indelor Lens Co. Ltd. (INDO). The companies expect to finalized the transaction in June after governmental approvals and other conditions to closing are satisfied.

Maui Jim is making a $10,000 contribution to The Ocean Project, a network of more than 1,300 zoos, aquariums, and museums focused on ocean education and conservation, as part of its newest Facebook promotion, "Send a Lei."

Two new brochures from Transitions Optical Inc. provide information and statistics on the types of eye and overall health issues common among older and younger populations. Consumers are encouraged to schedule regular eye exams and ask about eyewear options to enhance and protect their vision.

Fashion Optical Displays has been sold to three of its veteran executives.

Ultraviolet (UV) Awareness Month is May, and the Vision Council (VC) and Prevent Blindness America (PBA) are joining forces to encourage your patients to protect their eyes from UV radiation.

Allergan Inc. and Molecular Partners AG have entered into a license agreement for a phase II proprietary therapeutic protein being investigated as a possible treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME)..

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent to Iridex Corp. that applies to a group of laser handpieces used in invasive ophthalmic surgical procedures, according to the company.

Beginning in 2012, federal employees will be able to donate to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation through payroll deductions. ?The ASCRS Foundation is pleased to be eligible for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list,? said ASCRS Chairman Richard Lindstrom, MD.

Hugh R. Parry has been named chairman of the board of AMD Alliance International (AMDAI), an international organization dedicated exclusively to macular disease.Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America, was appointed during the annual board meeting of AMDAI in New York on April 16, 2010.

Prevent Blindness America?s fifth annual online auction kicked off May 2, and runs until May 25. The auction gives the public the opportunity to help fund sight-saving services by bidding on and purchasing a wide variety of donated items. Participants may either bid on an item or purchase it immediately. All proceeds from the auction will go to fund vision and eye health education programs across the country.

As summer approaches, the Vision Care Institute (VCI) is reminding ophthalmologists and the general public about the importance of protecting eyes from damage by the sun?s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The VCI, citing its study, Global Attitudes and Perceptions About Vision Care, said that although 85% of Americans recognize that UV rays can damage their eyes, only 65% wear sunglasses for protection, and even fewer (39%) make sure their children wear sunglasses.

Costa has created a prescription sun lens program using the company?s proprietary 580 lens in two proprietary materials: Trivex and glass.

PRN PharmaFarm LLC has introduced the PharmaFarm virtual incubator. The new service is designed help establish new ophthalmic start-ups by providing consulting services and filling short-term personnel positions.

VSP Vision Care and Vistakon, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., have announced an exclusive satisfaction guarantee on one of Vistakon?s propriety contact lens brands (Acuvue).

TearLab Corporation has been granted a U.S. patent that allows the company to build upon its non-invasive in vitro diagnostic platform to expand testing beyond tear film osmolarity for dry eye disease.

SynergEyes Inc.?s second-generation silicone hydrogel hybrid contact lens (Duette) has been prescribed to more than 3,000 patients in 700 practices across 47 states since it became available nationwide Jan. 1, according to the company.

STAAR Surgical Co. has received CE Mark approval for a single-piece IOL (nanoFLEX Collamer) and the V4c design of its implantable contact lens ([ICL]; Visian Implantable Collamer Lens). ^ CE mark approval allows the company to market the products in the European Economic Area (EEA) and can serve as a foundation for additional approvals in countries outside the EEA.

Transitions Optical Inc. has a new campaign and contest, ?Life Less Squinty,? designed to promote the benefits of its lenses for glare and ultraviolet light protection.

Leica Microsystems GmbH now has access to the portfolio of patents held by Olympus America Inc. in the field of digital pathology and virtual microscopy through a nonexclusive worldwide licensing agreement signed by the two companies.