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The president and Board of Trustees were officially recognized and inducted at Optometry’s Meeting 2025 on June 28 in Minneapolis, Minnesota during the annual AOA House of Delegates (HOD) meeting

AOA inducts new Board of Trustee members, Dr Jacqueline Bowen as president

New clinical trials reveal PER-001 as a groundbreaking treatment for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, showing significant vision improvements and safety.

Intravitreal implant shows potential for treating the root causes of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy

The campaign, Eyes Tell the Story: The Impact of Dry Eye, will work to educate the public about dry eye by means of personal stories and survey data.

Bausch + Lomb's new dry eye survey data usher in campaign for patient education

In this podcast, experts Quan Dong Nguyen, MD, MSc; and Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, DipABO; discuss the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of NK, focusing on early-stage disease.

Neurotrophic Keratitis: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Enhance Patient Outcomes

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Refractive surgery options continue to evolve. Jake Weber, student at Southern College of Optometry, compares newer refractive surgery devices to traditional refractive surgery weighing the pros and cons at ARVO 2018 in Honolulu.

Advancements in refractive surgery show promise

Shelby Brogdon, OD, details opportunities for practices to answer the patient's concerns from the chair before they hit the internet for their contact lens needs.

AOA 2025: Applying the latest CLI report findings to your practice's contact lens strategy

 Visionary optometrist from Little Rock, Arkansas, provides insights into the latest Contact Lens Institute research about patient behaviors and preferences in contact lens acquisition and information seeking. The research reveals that patients primarily search online for contact lens purchasing information, focusing on specific brands, companies, and online ordering platforms. Despite the prevalence of digital information sources like social media and AI, patients still fundamentally want guidance from eye care professionals. Brogdon emphasized several critical strategies for optometrists to engage patients about contact lenses:

Recognize that 50% of patients wearing glasses are potentially interested in contact lenses

Introduce contact lens options during eye exams, even if patients seem satisfied with glasses

Position contact lenses as solutions to specific patient problems (eg, multifocal vision challenges, sports activities)

Utilize EMR-integrated systems that send automated prescription renewal reminders

Make ordering as simple as possible with 1-click purchasing

Brogdon strongly advocates for optometrists to establish robust online visibility:

Create easy online contact lens ordering systems

Ensure the practice appears prominently in online searches

Be prepared to hire digital marketing support if personally uncomfortable with technology

Brogdon's core message is that eye care professionals must proactively adapt to changing patient information-seeking behaviors. By positioning themselves as trusted experts, offering convenient solutions, and maintaining a strong digital presence, optometrists can effectively guide patients' contact lens decisions. Key recommendations include initiating contact lens conversations during exams, understanding patient lifestyle needs, providing multiple convenient ordering options, establishing a robust online presence, and continuously educating patients about contact lens options.

This approach transforms potential online misinformation into an opportunity for personalized, professional guidance.

To learn more about this report and other consumer reports, visit the 

Conference

Carolyn Majcher, OD, FAAO, detailed a talk she gave alongside Mary Beth Yackey, OD, at Optometry's Meeting 2025.

AOA 2025: A review of myopic retinal complications with Dr Carolyn Majcher

Carolyn Majcher, a professor and director of residency programs at the Oklahoma College of Optometry, presented a collaborative discussion with her colleague Mary Beth Yackey about retinal complications associated with high myopia. Their presentation focused on the critical importance of understanding and managing potential vision-threatening conditions in patients with significant myopic refractive errors. The presentation comprehensively explored several key retinal complications commonly observed in patients with high myopia. These include retinal tears, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, foveal schisis (myopic traction maculopathy), and myopic choroidal neovascularization. Despite neither presenter personally practicing myopia management, they strongly emphasized its potential to prevent serious retinal and glaucomatous complications. 

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the critical role of multimodal imaging in monitoring and managing these conditions. Majcher highlighted the importance of using advanced diagnostic technologies like ultra-wide field imaging to detect retinal breaks or tears that might require prophylactic barrier laser treatment. Additionally, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography were recommended for identifying and tracking choroidal neovascularization, particularly in monitoring treatment response to anti-VEGF therapy. Patient education emerged as a crucial component of managing high myopia-related risks. 

Majcher stressed the need to educate patients about their increased vulnerability to retinal complications. She recommended providing patients with Amsler grids to help them self-monitor for early signs of macular changes and teaching them to recognize symptoms of retinal detachment and tears. 

The presentation underscored the importance of proactive management and early intervention. By educating patients, utilizing advanced imaging technologies, and maintaining vigilant monitoring, eye care professionals can potentially mitigate the risk of severe vision-threatening complications associated with high myopia. The key takeaways included the critical nature of myopia management, the value of multimodal imaging, the significance of patient education, and the need for timely referrals to retinal specialists when complex complications are detected.

Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, gives insight into the decision to move to a single annual meeting and shares the vision for the meeting going forward.

Vision Expo: Q&A with The Vision Council CEO Ashley Mills on big changes coming to the meeting

announced a strategic shift to a single, annual Vision Expo beginning in 2026

. Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, shared that this isn’t merely a consolidation; it's a strategic evolution aimed at strengthening the industry’s premier event and delivering even greater value to exhibitors, attendees, and stakeholders.

“We’ve spent years listening to our community and reviewing data. What emerged was a clear desire for 1 powerful, unified event—a true industry touchstone,” said Mills.

Vision Expo has long served as a centralized platform where professionals across the optical spectrum gather to see product launches, connect with peers, and access education. In today’s demanding economic and regulatory environment, the Vision Council’s goal is to maximize the value of every minute spent at the event.

Beginning in 2026, Vision Expo will take place annually in Q1, which is a deliberate decision to establish it as the North American launchpad for the entire optical industry. Exhibitors have already committed to holding major product releases for this event, ensuring it becomes the primary showcase for the latest technologies, designs, and initiatives.

The decision aligns with broader changes at The Vision Council itself. Mills highlighted the organization’s efforts to become more inclusive and reflective of where the industry is headed:

The addition of an Optical Retail Division to better represent patient-facing sectors.

The inclusion of health care and technology members, acknowledging the industry's convergence with medical and digital innovation.

This more comprehensive representation will be mirrored in the future Vision Expo, ensuring a platform that unites all segments, from manufacturing and retail to tech and clinical care.

Recognizing regional attendance patterns from the former East and West events, the new annual Vision Expo will rotate locations across the US to maintain accessibility:

2026: Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida

2028: The Javits Center in New York, New York

This rotational model ensures all regions of the country have access to this critical industry event.

One of the unique elements of Vision Expo is that it directly fuels the mission of The Vision Council. Revenue from the show supports:

Advocacy efforts in Washington, DC (eg, recent tariff discussions with the White House)

World-class data and research programs to guide optical businesses

Consumer awareness campaigns, such as National Sunglasses Day and other public health initiatives

“Vision Expo isn’t just a trade show. It’s the economic engine driving industry-wide growth,” Mills emphasized.

As the optical industry faces increased complexity and opportunity, Vision Expo’s next chapter offers a centralized, future-focused event that fosters innovation, collaboration, and growth.

“This is the time to unify, fortify, and amplify the vision industry," Mills concluded. "We’re proud of what Vision Expo stands for, and we’re ready for what comes next.”

Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, gives insight into the decision to move to a flagship annual meeting and shares the vision for the meeting going forward.

Vision Expo: Q&A with Vision Council CEO Ashley Mills on big changes coming to the meeting

The recent 2024 Impact Report released by VSP Vision highlights an increase in the percentage of frames made from sustainable, recycled, and biobased materials by the company. VSP has a goal of producing 50% of its eyewear frames from sustainable materials by 2025, and has documented a current percentage of 53%, according to a news release. This marks a 61% increase from 2023.

“I’m incredibly proud of the thousands of VSP employees whose dedication and sense of care are what drive these programs,” said VSP Vision President and CEO Michael Guyette in the release. “I’m also grateful for the members, clients, and doctors whose engagement with VSP makes all of this possible. This year, we will continue to build on the work of the past as we mark our 70th anniversary, a milestone that serves to remind us all about the potential we can achieve together.”

As part of its sustainability efforts, VSP switched to producing sustainable demo lenses made from 100% recycled postconsumer content and is GRS-certified. The company has also discontinued using polyvinyl chloride nose pads, commonly used in the eyewear industry. Greener packaging solutions were also implemented in the use of polybags that are made from 100% recycled postconsumer content and GRS-certified, which diverted 31 tons of plastic from landfills in 2024. VSP has diverted 66 tons since 2023.

Additionally, VSP has invested more than $11.3 million in direct and in-kind funding with the goal of increasing equitable access to vision care in 2024. Last year, the company provided 252,000 people in need with access to free vision care through its VSP Vision Eyes of Hope initiative. In total, the program has now helped more than 4.3 million patients. In 2024, 201,000 pairs of eyewear were donated, making the program’s total 2.9 million.

The company also invested $695,000 in relief to communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, among other natural disasters. The total donated for disaster relief is now $21.4 million. Scholarships and grants were also supported in the investment of $335,000 in 2024 for optometry students, with more than $4 million invested to date.

Other academic initiatives taken on by VSP last year include the launching of the Future Leaders Academy, a professional development program for recent graduates and early-career optometrists, which works to develop leadership skills.

On the inclusion front, VSP cited an improved onboarding process for new employees, which has led to retention rates 17% above industry standards. As a result, VSP won the Training Magazine APEX Award and Great Place to Work Certification. In partnership with VSP Business Resource Groups, VSP also launched the “Special Fit” page on its online eyewear store Eyeconic. The page supports patients with Down syndrome and other patients who may need large or small fits, low bridge, or high prescription.

VSP employees also showed out to volunteerism opportunities in 2024, rising by 41% to over 16,200 volunteer hours that helped raise $506,000 for almost 1500 nonprofits.

VSP Vision releases 2024 Social Responsibility Impact Report; exceeds sustainable eyewear frame goal. News release. VSP Vision. June 23, 2025. Accessed June 24, 2025.

The company is producing 53% of its eyewear frames from sustainable materials, according to VSP's 2024 Impact Report.

VSP Vision surpasses sustainable eyewear frame goal

The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has published a new comprehensive report investigating how and why individuals seek information about contact lenses through online resources.

 The Digital Discovery: Consumer Searches Reveal Contact Lens Realities report is the latest of CLI’s 

“Patients are posing questions about contact lenses to search engines, artificial intelligence [AI] platforms, and social channels that they may never raise in the exam chair. By understanding what’s being asked, eye care practitioners and staff can reconsider how they’re presenting contact lens wear, care, and purchase options,” said Stan Rogaski, CLI’s executive director, in the release. “Based on preliminary findings that we shared earlier this year, some practices are already adjusting how they’re communicating with and educating wearers, plus evolving their practice management techniques. This report goes much further, with perspectives that are broadly applicable.”

The report examined the most common contact lens searches via Google auto-complete results, 65% of which were reported as purchase driven. Not only were search behaviors examined in the US and Canada, but common questions asked by patients were also researched to reveal patient challenges. These may suggest that the contact lens community could benefit from increased focus on health and safety, cost, wear and care, and how brands differ, the release stated. The report also relayed the importance of optimizing a practice’s website for location-based search, in addition to liberally include the term 

into digital content, which is reported as the preferred shorthand used by patients when searching for clinical sources online regarding contact lenses.

Large language models including ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini were also assessed in the adoption of AI platforms in how they handle contact lens queries. CLI’s report found that AI platforms’ ability to provide the best sources of information is often inconsistent. Therefore, the organization recommended that eye care providers have preemptive conversations concerning AI-generated results with patients who frequently use AI platforms. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, 40% of US adults aged 18 to 64 years use generative AI, with Leger reporting that 47% of Canadian adults have used AI tools.

The report also examined searches made for different contact lens modalities, insertion and removal guidance, part-time contact lens and glasses wear, regional and global differences on X (formerly Twitter), and the use of non-English languages. The report also included “how to” columns from 16 CLI Visionaries in order to offer practical advice on using the data and insights from the report in practice.

“Our latest report delivers a snapshot of what may be on the minds of the person considering contact lenses for the first time as well as new and longtime wearers, helping the thousands of professionals in eye care remain 1 or more steps ahead as the ultimate experts,” Rogaski said in the release.

New report investigates why consumers search online for contact lens information. News release. Contact Lens Institute. June 23, 2025. Accessed June 23, 2025.

The report examined the most common contact lens searches via Google auto-complete results, 65% of which were reported as purchase driven. 

New CLI report investigates the "how" and "why" of online searches for contact lens information by patients

Aldeyra Therapeutics has resubmitted a new drug application (NDA) to the FDA for topical ocular reproxalap for the treatment of signs and symptoms of 

Previously, Aldeyra had received 2 complete response letters (CRL) from the FDA in 

 In the CRL at the end of 2023, the FDA identified no safety or manufacturing issues with reproxalap but noted the NDA did not demonstrate “efficacy in treating ocular symptoms associated with dry eyes” and that “at least 1 additional adequate and well-controlled study to demonstrate a positive effect on the treatment of ocular symptoms of dry eye” should be conducted.

In the NDA issued in April 2025, again the FDA found no manufacturing or safety issues with reproxalap but noted the NDA “failed to demonstrate efficacy in adequate and well-controlled studies in treating ocular symptoms associated with dry eyes” and that “at least 1 additional adequate and well-controlled study to demonstrate a positive effect on the treatment of ocular symptoms of dry eye” should be conducted, mirroring the prior CRL.

Additionally, in the most recent CRL, the FDA noted that it had identified “concerns with the data from the trial submitted to the NDA [in November 2024] that may have affected interpretation of the results,” which the FDA stated may be related to methodological issues, including a difference in baseline scores across treatment arms.

The most recent NDA includes new clinical data from the 

 The dry eye chamber trial was statistically superior to the vehicle in terms of ocular discomfort, and although the field trial missed statistical significance for the primary end point, the company noted it was consistent with previous field trials.

 the FDA accepts chamber trial results per its draft guidance for dry eye drug development, but they are rare for dry eye clinical trials. Also called a challenge-model trial, this trial design uses a controlled chamber to regulate temperature, airflow, humidity, and other environmental factors.

 All other dry eye disease therapeutics on the market today have used a more traditional environmental exposure study, marking Alderya’s trials as particularly unique.

Todd C. Brady, MD, PhD, president and CEO of Aldeyra, commented on the resubmission in a news release from the company.

“Consistent with a number of clinical trials that suggest the potential of reproxalap to rapidly improve the symptoms of dry eye disease, we believe the clinical trial results included in the resubmission announced today are robust,” said Brady. “Based on the lack of notable baseline differences across treatment arms and the highly statistically significant achievement of the prespecified primary end point in favor of reproxalap over vehicle, in conjunction with recent FDA discussions, we believe that previous concerns raised by the FDA have been addressed.”

The Prescription Drug User Fee Act target guidelines for NDA resubmissions include acknowledgment of acceptance for review within 30 days of submission by the FDA and completion of submission review within 6 months.

Aldeyra Therapeutics Resubmits Reproxalap New Drug Application for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease. Published June 17, 2025. Accessed June 17, 2025. 

https://ir.aldeyra.com/news-releases/news-release-details/aldeyra-therapeutics-resubmits-reproxalap-new-drug-application-0

FDA issues Complete Response Letter to Aldeyra Therapeutics for resubmitted New Drug Application of reproxalap. Published April 3, 2025. Accessed June 17, 2025. 

https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/fda-issues-complete-response-letter-to-aldeyra-therapeutics-for-resubmitted-new-drug-application-of-reproxalap

Maharjan EK. Aldeyra Therapeutics hits primary end point in 1 of 2 phase 3 trials for reproxalap. Published May 7, 2025. Accessed June 17, 2025. 

https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/aldeyra-therapeutics-hits-primary-end-point-in-1-of-2-phase-3-trials-for-reproxalap

Aldeyra resubmits NDA for reproxalap, aiming to address FDA concerns and demonstrate efficacy in treating dry eye disease symptoms.

Jake Weber

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