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Beginning in July 21, the Varilux Physio extensee and Varilux Physio extensee Classic Edition will be available in the US.

Essilor announces release of new progressive lens to improve vision comfort for presbyopes

Kristin Adams, OD, and Colleen Onstad, MSW, LICSW, detailed the importance of recognizing the signs of domestic violence in patients during Optometry's Meeting 2025.

AOA 2025: Collaborative approaches to recognizing and addressing domestic violence

Carlos Chacon, MSc OD, FIACLE, cited economic and geographic barriers and non-standardized education as the major barriers keeping patients from adequate eye care in Latin America.

AOA 2025: Optometry and visual impairment in Latin America

LumiThera’s PBM is the only device that has demonstrated meaningful vision improvement compared to baseline for people living with early to intermediate dry AMD.

Alcon to acquire LumiThera and its photobiomodulation device for the treatment of dry AMD

Optometry Times delivers clinical news, practice insights, and research updates by optometrists for optometrists to advance care and patient outcomes.

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Dr. Dierker has helped to create a comprehensive ocular surface disease service within his practice that incorporates the latest diagnostic and therapeutic advances to serve his patients. He is active in developing innovative strategies to help colleagues

Damon Dierker, OD, FAAO, shares latest updates in research on sutureless cryopreserved amniotic membrane for moderate-to-severe dry eye with short treatment duration.

Revolutionizing dry eye care with shorter-duration cryopreserved amniotic membrane therapy

Dry Eye Boot Camp morphs into Everything Dry Eye

New developments in dry eye treatments

Similar to the benefits that the primary care and pediatrics fields have enjoyed following years of rapid strep and flu testing, the uptake of rapid, single-use, point-of-care (POC) testing in optometry helps to guide clinical management and therapeutic decisions.

In-office lab testing provides diagnostic information

Jessilin Quint, OD, MBA, FAAO, said that you don't need to have a leadership title to take on a leadership role.

AOA 2025: How to take your leadership skills to the next level in your practice

Jessilin Quint, OD, MBA, FAAO, gave a leadership presentation that focuses on the critical role of leadership in eye care practices, emphasizing that leadership is fundamentally about influencing others, regardless of one's official title or position. As a co-owner of Smart Eye Care, a multilocation practice in Maine, Quint shared insights from her AOA optometry meeting talk about leadership dynamics. She argues that leadership is universal - everyone who influences others is, in essence, a leader. This perspective broadens the traditional understanding of leadership beyond formal management roles. The presentation delves into the characteristics that distinguish effective leaders from ineffective ones. Quint highlighted that leadership isn't confined to large organizations but is equally crucial in smaller practice settings. Her philosophy is encapsulated by her favorite book, 

, which suggests that leadership potential exists at every organizational level. Quint emphasized that strong leadership is fundamental to creating a positive company culture. Without effective leadership, organizations can struggle, experiencing decreased efficiency and morale. Her goal is to provide practical tools and resources that professionals can immediately implement to enhance their leadership capabilities. To support leadership development, she recommends multiple resources:

Professional organizations' leadership programs (AOA Leadership Institute, American Academy of Optometry's Flom Leadership Academy)

Importantly, she notes that many of these resources are cost-effective and don't require significant time investments. The focus is on continuous personal growth and skill enhancement. Her presentation aims to empower eye care professionals - whether optometrists, office managers, or support staff - to recognize their leadership potential. By investing in leadership skills, professionals can improve clinic efficiency, elevate patient care quality, and create more satisfying work environments. The core message is clear: leadership is a learnable skill, accessible to everyone willing to invest in personal development, and critical to organizational success.

Conference

Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, shares some statistics on dry eye as outlined in the State of Dry Eye report recently released by Bausch + Lomb.

Reviewing the State of Dry Eye Survey with Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO

newly released State of Dry Eye Survey from Bausch + Lomb

 provides valuable insights into how patients perceive and manage 

. Selina McGee, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, discussed these findings as part of Bausch + Lomb’s “Know Your Dry Eye” campaign.

For McGee, who operates a large dry eye clinic, the results were validating and surprising. One of the most striking data points was that 88% of patients treated with a prescription strongly or somewhat agreed they wished they had started prescription medication for dry eye sooner.

“This was huge for me,” McGee emphasized. “It tells us that patients are not only receptive to earlier intervention but are actually asking for it—whether they say it out loud or not.” She believes these data should give clinicians the confidence to act proactively rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen or for patients to demand treatment.

Widespread misunderstandings about dry eye

Another major takeaway from the survey is that 43% of sufferers mistakenly believe—or are unsure—that dry eye is a temporary condition, and 42% didn’t know or weren’t sure it requires long-term treatment.

According to McGee, these misunderstandings highlight a crucial opportunity to improve patient education. Quoting George Bernard Shaw, "The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place," she explained that a single conversation in the exam room is rarely enough.

“We might think we've communicated clearly, but if patients don’t leave understanding that dry eye is a chronic disease requiring ongoing management, we’re missing the mark,” she said.

To address this gap, McGee recommends supporting verbal explanations with written handouts, digital resources, or take-home materials. Additionally, training the entire care team to answer common questions and reinforce key points ensures consistency in messaging.

These strategies can help patients better understand the chronic nature of dry eye and the importance of sustained treatment, leading to improved long-term outcomes.

Ultimately, the survey underscores 2 urgent priorities: act sooner and communicate better. By taking a proactive approach and ensuring patients understand the need for long-term management, clinicians can significantly enhance care and patient satisfaction.

As dry eye disease continues to affect millions, these findings offer a clear path forward for providers committed to delivering truly patient-centered care.

In this podcast, experts Deborah Ristvedt, DO; and Melissa Tawa, OD, FAAO, discuss individualizing glaucoma therapy with selective laser trabeculoplasty and sustained-release drug implants, providing key take-home insights for optimizing glaucoma management across diverse patient profiles.

Upon successful completion of this activity, you should be better prepared to:

nontopical therapies available for management of ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma, including laser procedures and sustained drug delivery options

the latest advances in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery in appropriate patients

Acknowledgment of Educational Grant Support

This activity is supported by an educational grant from Glaukos Corporation and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.

Anterior Segment Surgeon
Vance Thompson Vision
Alexandria, MN


 AbbVie, BVI Medical, Glaukos, Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, RxSight, Sight Sciences; 

 AbbVie, BVI Medical, Glaukos, Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, RxSight, Sight Sciences.

Assistant Professor
Southern California College of Optometry
Marshall B. Ketchum University
Anaheim, CA

Melissa Tawa, OD, FAAO, has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Faculty, Staff, and Planners’ Disclosures

In accordance with ACCME Guidelines, PER® has identified and resolved all conflict of interest for faculty, staff, and planners prior to the start of this activity by using a multistep process.

The staff of Physicians’ Education Resource®, LLC, have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

This podcast was developed by PER® editorial staff based on an online activity developed with these faculty.

To learn more about this topic, including information on newer mechanisms of action for topical glaucoma therapies, go to 

https://www.gotoper.com/courses/navigating-the-glaucoma-therapeutic-and-surgical-landscape-from-conventional-to-cutting-edge

This activity may or may not discuss investigational, unapproved, or off-label use of drugs. Learners are advised to consult prescribing information for any products discussed. The information provided in this accredited activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent clinical judgment of a health care professional relative to diagnostic, treatment, or management options for a specific patient’s medical condition. The opinions expressed in the content are solely those of the individual faculty members and do not reflect those of PER® or any company that provided commercial support for this activity.

Navigating the Glaucoma Therapeutic and Surgical Landscape from Conventional to Cutting Edge

Janna Pham, OD, shares key takeaways from a corneal tomography session she presented alongside Travis Pfeifer, OD, and Matthew McGee, OD.

AOA 2025: Is it keratoconus or a bonus diagnosis?

At the 2025 AOA Optometry’s Meeting, Janna Pham, OD, delivered an insightful and engaging lecture titled, "To be or not to be: keratoconus or a bonus diagnosis," presented alongside Travis Pfeifer, OD; and Matthew McGee, OD. The session addressed a topic that continues to challenge and intrigue optometrists: how to confidently diagnose keratoconus and differentiate it from similar corneal irregularities.

Pham began by reviewing the fundamentals of keratoconus—a progressive, degenerative corneal disease characterized by thinning and conical protrusion of the cornea. Patients often present with distorted vision, frequent prescription changes, and, in advanced cases, significant visual impairment.

During the lecture, Pham emphasized the importance of recognizing early signs and subtle presentations. She noted that a thorough understanding of the condition’s clinical features—such as irregular astigmatism, inferior corneal steepening, and characteristic topographic changes—is essential for early detection and timely intervention.

The role of tomography and advanced diagnostics

A significant portion of the presentation focused on corneal tomography, which can reveal subtle signs of ectasia even before significant visual changes occur. Pham and her colleagues shared real-world case studies where initial tomography scans suggested keratoconus due to borderline inferior steepening. However, after additional assessments—including refraction, slit lamp examination, OCT, and the Belin/Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display—these cases were ultimately determined not to be keratoconus.

Pham highlighted the importance of combining multiple diagnostic tools rather than relying on a single scan. She encouraged optometrists to consider the entire clinical picture and avoid premature conclusions based solely on tomography.

The importance of monitoring and referrals

A major takeaway from Pham’s presentation was the critical need for repeat scanning and monitoring for progression. Even if keratoconus is ruled out at the initial visit, optometrists should continue to monitor for subtle changes over time. Progression might manifest later, making periodic tomography essential to protect long-term visual outcomes.

She also stressed the value of timely referrals for corneal cross-linking—a treatment that can halt progression and preserve vision if performed early enough. Recognizing progression and referring patients to the appropriate specialist can make a profound difference in their quality of life.

: Use a combination of tomography, refraction, slit lamp, and OCT to make an accurate diagnosis.

: Disease progression can be slow and subtle; ongoing monitoring is vital.

: Timely treatment can help preserve vision and prevent severe keratoconus complications.

Pham’s lecture served as both a practical guide and a reminder of the importance of vigilance in corneal disease management. By thoughtfully combining advanced diagnostics and careful monitoring, optometrists can make a significant impact on patient outcomes—ensuring they not only "see" keratoconus but see it at the right time.

Janna Pham, OD, shares key takeaways from a corneal tomography session she presented alongside Travis Pfeifer, OD; and Matthew McGee, OD.

Jacob Lang, OD, FAAO, details early symptom relief demonstrated in as early as day 1 during AOA's Optometry's Meeting 2025.

AOA 2025: Perfluorohexyloctane demonstrates early symptom relief and patient satisfaction

Jacob Lang, OD, FAAO, an optometrist from Associated Eye Care in Hudson, Wisconsin, presented a research poster about perfluorohexyloctane during the American Optometric Association's Optometry's Meeting 2025. The poster focused on early symptom improvement and patient satisfaction with this treatment for dry eye disease. The study uniquely examined patient improvements during the initial stages of treatment, specifically within the first 2 weeks and even as early as day 1, which differs from many clinical trials that typically assess outcomes at later timepoints like week 2, week 4, or day 90. Key findings from the research include the following:

Patients experienced substantial improvements in all dry eye symptoms

Symptoms addressed included light sensitivity, eye dryness, and burning sensations

These improvements were observed as early as the first day of treatment

Participants found perfluorohexyloctane comfortable and effective

High levels of patient satisfaction were reported throughout the 2-week study period

The research provides clinicians with insights into potential rapid treatment responses

Offers practitioners a better understanding of what patients can expect when using this new treatment

Demonstrates the potential for quick symptomatic relief in dry eye disease management

Lang's professional credentials add weight to the study's credibility. As president of the Intrepid Eye Society and immediate past president of the Anterior Segment Section of the Academy of Optometry, his research carries significant professional authority. The study's primary value lies in its focus on early intervention and patient-centered outcomes. By highlighting potential improvements as quickly as day 1, the research offers hope for patients suffering from dry eye disease, who often seek rapid relief from their symptoms. This research contributes to the evolving understanding of dry eye treatments, emphasizing the importance of not just long-term efficacy but also immediate patient comfort and symptom management.

Doerte Luensmann, PhD, shares key takeaways from one of the top 5 posters from Optometry's Meeting 2025.

AOA 2025: Coverage of ametropia with a planned replacement soft contact lens portfolio

At the 2025 AOA Optometry’s Meeting, Doerte Luensmann, PhD, Dipl Ing (AO) FAAO, senior clinical scientist at the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo, presented a poster that earned distinction as one of the top 5 of the year. The poster, entitled "Coverage of ametropia with a planned replacement soft contact lens portfolio," was presented by Luensmann; Jill Woods, MSc, MCOptom, FAAO, FBCLA; and Lyndon Jones, BSc, PhD, DSc, FCAHS, FCOptom, DipCLP, DipOrth, FAAO, FIACLE, FBCLA. The research focused on the prescription coverage capabilities of the Bausch + Lomb ULTRA contact lens portfolio and its ability to meet the needs of a broad patient population.

Note: This study was financed by Bausch + Lomb.

Using an extensive data set of over 100,000 patient prescriptions, Luensmann and her team sought to evaluate how well the Bausch + Lomb ULTRA lens family can accommodate common levels of ametropia—including spherical, astigmatic, and presbyopic corrections. The analysis included the 4 key lens types in the portfolio:

By combining these lenses, the portfolio is positioned as a robust option to meet a wide range of visual needs.

Exceptional coverage across refractive profiles

The results demonstrated that the ULTRA portfolio provides remarkably high prescription coverage across various patient types:

Spherical coverage (≤0.50 D cylinder): Over 99% of patients are eligible for single vision or multifocal spherical lenses.

Single vision toric coverage (≥0.75 D cylinder): More than 95% of patients with astigmatism fall within available parameters.

Multifocal toric coverage: These lenses address over 92% of presbyopic patients with astigmatism.

When considered as a whole, the Bausch + Lomb ULTRA portfolio can meet the prescription needs of more than 97% of patients walking into an optometry practice.

Luensmann emphasized that having access to a complete and versatile lens portfolio—including multifocal torics—is key to fitting more patients successfully, especially those in the presbyopic and astigmatic categories who have historically faced limited options.

She also encouraged optometrists to proactively discuss contact lenses, even when patients don’t explicitly request them. “Just because a patient doesn’t ask doesn’t mean they’re not interested,” she said. “There are plenty of everyday scenarios—sports, work, or special occasions—where patients may benefit from not wearing glasses.”

By illustrating the real-world applicability of the ULTRA family, Luensmann’s work helps optometrists expand their contact lens practice and improve visual outcomes across a diverse patient base.

Doerte Luensmann, PhD, Dipl Ing (AO) FAAO, shares key takeaways from one of the top 5 posters from Optometry's Meeting 2025.

Damon Dierker, OD, FAAO

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