In the know: Toyota helps visually impaired go places

A roundup of ophthalmic news from early March 2016.

David Pyott

1. AAO receives largest gift in history

David Pyott, ex-Allergan chief executive officer, donated $2 million to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) to develop a new glaucoma education resource. This endowment was the largest gift ever contributed to the academy’s foundation from a single individual.

2. Cooper Cos. revenues increase to almost $450 million

President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert S. Weiss, said in a statement that he attributes some of the company growth to its Biofinity line and 1-day silicone hydrogel products.

Victor Curtin, MD

3. Renowned ophthalmologist and professor Victor Curtin, MD, passes away

Victor T. Curtin, MD, an emeritus professor of ophthalmology for 57 years at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, passed away March 9, 2016 in Miami. Dr. Curtin completed his fellowship in ocular pathology and retinal disease at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and a fellowship in ophthalmic pathology at the National Institutes of Health and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.

Stephen From

4. EyeGate Pharma acquires Jade Therapeutics

With the acquisition, EyeGate will now have pre-clinical projects as well as Jade’s proprietary, cross-linked, bio-erodible hydrogel technology. “Our expanded pipeline now includes both preclinical and clinical assets that collectively address a large market opportunity,” said Stephen From, EyeGate chief executive officer.

Courtesy of Toyota

5. Toyota Project BLAID helps visually impaired people gain mobility

To help all people enjoy better mobility and freedom, Toyota is developing a wearable device to help visually impaired people better navigate indoors. The project is still in its early stages.

6. Visunex receives FDA clearance on PanoCam Pro

The PanoCam Pro will be able to detect external, anterior, and posterior segment vision disorders in newborns. The developers hope this device will help millions of children every year.