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The primary objective of the study was to demonstrate that LUMIFY Preservative Free redness reliever eye drops is non-inferior to LUMIFY redness reliever eye drops in reducing ocular redness. 

Phase 3 study assessing LUMIFY Preservative Free and LUMIFY eye drops meets primary end point

The module can be used in combination with Ziemer’s FEMTO LDV Z8 femtosecond laser platform, an all-in-one laser for refractive, cataract, and therapeutic surgery.

Ziemer USA, CorneaGen launch GALILEI CTAK module for GALILEI diagnostic platform

Gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina is a form of choroidal sclerosis and is a rare, progressive, autosomal recessive, inherited genetic disease that primarily affects the ocular tissue.

Case report: Gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina

The company was presented with the PRMA President’s Award, Platinum Recycling Award, and recognitions in Leadership in Environmental Performance.

CooperVision recognized during 2025 Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association Awards

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Jessica Vaidya, OD, chose EVO ICL to correct her myopia and she shares her experience of being the patient with host Miriam Korik, OD. Dr Vaidya talks about her recovery experience, what the procedure felt like, and suggestions for eye care providers when discussion vision corrective surgery options with patients. 

You and Eye: Undergoing EVO ICL vision correction as an eye care professional - with Jessica Vaidya, OD

indicate that collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) applied topically to the ocular surface have therapeutic potential for treating ophthalmic diseases by reducing tissue stiffness and integrity caused by ocular stress such as that occurring in myopia. The CMPs bind to and repair disease- and trauma-damaged collagen, according to a press release issued by Stuart Therapeutics Inc.

The company’s PolyCol platform of CMPs is described as synthesized therapeutic polypeptides that target and heal specific areas of collagen damage that are implicated in chronic diseases of the eye. In addition to myopia, the platform also may address dry eye disease, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and recurrent corneal erosion.

The study investigators, led by first author Lauren Wareham, PhD, a research assistant professor at Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, explained that several chronic ophthalmic diseases cause the cellular release of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that degrade and remodel collagen proteins.

The effect of MMPs on helical structures decreases their activity as signaling proteins, leading to a cycle of inflammation and further damage. Healthy collagen structures are required for full and healthy recovery of the affected tissues, they explained.

In this study, the researchers measured how stress induced by elevations in intraocular pressure impacts stiffness of the peripapillary sclera and glial lamina in the rat eye and how this was counteracted by topical treatment of a reparative mimetic of type I collagen.

The results showed that with 4 weeks of elevated intraocular pressure, there was a decrease in scleral stiffness that corresponded to an increase in fragmented, or damaged, collagen. During the same period, the application of CMPs to the ocular surface had a concurrently restorative effect on both scleral stiffness and collagen structure.

David Calkins, PhD, vice president for research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and lead investigator of the study, commented, “Stress-induced reduction in tissue stiffness and collagen damage occur and facilitate disease progression in many conditions that involve the peripapillary sclera, including myopia. While more research is needed, our results suggest that CMPs, when applied to the ocular surface, could promote the restoration of tissue stiffness and integrity challenged by degraded or remodeled collagen, thus helping the eye maintain its ability to respond to disease-related ocular stress.”

The researchers concluded, “We have demonstrated the potential of CMPs to repair intraocular pressure-induced decreases in tissue stiffness, presumably due to fragmented collagen. Since collagen damage in the eye may be evident early in conditions such as myopia and glaucoma, the use of CMPs to repair collagen damaged by tissue strain or stress may be an effective preventive or restorative intervention.”

They believe that the implications of treatment with CMPs to restore scleral stiffness are significant, considering the high percentages of individuals worldwide who are myopic. (Patients with high myopia, defined as -6.0 diopters and higher, are more likely to have retinal detachments, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other ocular health problems. “A well-tolerated and effective therapeutic for myopia would provide welcome relief to a very large population,” they said.

Wareham LK, Ghanem GOB, Clark KL, Schlumpf E, Del Buono BJ, Calkins DJ. Topical application of a collagen mimetic peptide restores peripapillary scleral stiffness reduced by ocular stress. 

New research reveals collagen mimetic peptides may effectively restore ocular tissue stiffness, offering hope for myopia and other eye diseases.

Pipeline

Healing damaged collagen in the eye with topical polypeptides in patients with myopia 

Versant Health’s fourth annual Vision Wellness Study recently found that as many as 3 in 4 US citizens are disrupted in their daily activities by poor eyesight or eye health; however, over half of surveyed patients stated that they delay or avoid eye care because it doesn’t “feel urgent.”

 Survey participants cited cost concerns, perceived inevitability, and deprioritization as obstacles to receiving eye care, according to a news release.

“A vision benefit isn’t just an add-on – it can be a cornerstone of comprehensive care,” said Neelam Gor, MD, chief clinical officer at Versant Health, in the release. “Our study highlights how vision benefits can serve as an essential bridge to regular eye care, but only when the coverage is understood and perceived as valuable.”

The survey included 3045 US adults 18 years and older who must share responsibility for health care decisions or “be the primary decision maker in their household,” according to the release. Data were collected from 42 interviews with US consumers, eye care professionals, employee benefits brokers, health plan executives, and HR decision makers in small, midsize, and large businesses. Surveys, interviews, and analysis were conducted by global strategy, insights, and analytics group STRAT7.

Over half (53%) of patients who get their eyes tested less than once every 2 years stated that cost concerns or a lack of access to vision care benefits were the main reasons why they weren’t receiving more regular examinations. Additionally, 66% of patients stated that they viewed deteriorating eye health as an inevitable part of aging, negating the need for regular examinations. A majority of survey participants (63%) stated that they were prioritizing other aspects of their health over their eyes, with Gen Z at 69% and millennials at 70%.

The survey results also found significant knowledge gaps related to eye care and vision benefits, according to the release. About half (55%) of patients can correctly define the difference between a comprehensive eye examination and a vision screening. Additionally, only 30% of patients confidently know that an eye examination can help diagnose diabetes, with 25% confidently knowing its role in hypertension detection. However, about 9 in 10 patients (86%) reported that they are more likely to schedule an eye examination once they understood how these examinations can aid in the early detection of serious medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

“Overcoming these barriers and the low sense of urgency is imperative for improving eye health outcomes. Our research shows that access to vision benefits, combined with an understanding of how the coverage works, are key drivers of seeking eye care,” said Meredith Ryan-Reid, Versant Health CEO, in the release. “When carriers, vision care providers, and employers help connect vision care with overall health, 4 in 5 people enrolled in vision benefits are more likely to use them.”

Patients also displayed a desire for more engagement and direction from vision and health care carriers, with 71% stating that they are likely to seek advice about eye health from carriers, 75% are looking to their eye care providers to share advice on how nutrition can improve eye health, and 86% of parents are seeking eye care advice for their children.

Patients also voiced an interest in better understanding their vision benefits and how to choose and use them. As many as 67% of patients offered vision coverage through their employer or health plan state that the benefit’s value hasn’t been clearly explained, or they report that it is confusing for them to select the right plan. Over 60% of patients also stated that a clearer explanation of how their plan works, including what is covered, out-of-pocket costs, and available discounts, would make them more likely to enroll in vision benefits.

Despite majority of Americans struggling with the impact of poor eyesight and eye health on daily life, more than half are delaying or avoiding eye care. News release. Versant Health. July 1, 2025. Accessed July 21, 2025. 

https://versanthealth.com/press-releases/fourth-annual-vision-wellness-study/

Survey participants cited cost concerns, perceived inevitability, and deprioritization as obstacles to receiving eye care.

Survey finds majority of US patients delaying eye care despite experiencing poor eyesight, eye health

The Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association (PRMA) has recognized CooperVision’s Juana Diaz manufacturing facility for its achievements in sustainability and occupational health and safety.

 For the 13th consecutive year, the company was honored during the 2025 Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association Awards, which presented the company with the PRMA President’s Award, Platinum Recycling Award, and recognitions in Leadership in Environmental Performance, according to a news release.

“Year after year, these awards are a celebration of our team’s longstanding dedication to maintaining high standards and consistently raising the bar,” said Rolando Torres, chief operations officer at CooperVision, in the release. “The PRMA’s continuous focus on progress keeps us moving forward and making a positive impact on our workplace, our community, and the planet.”

The President’s Award recognized CooperVision for maintaining a workplace injury and illness rate below the national average for other comparable industrial operations. The Platinum Recycling Award recognizes a company for diverting more than 90% of nonhazardous waste from landfills.

For the Leadership in Environmental Performance recognition, CooperVision received the Eco Label Certification and the Eco Label LEED Gold Certification. The Eco Label Certification was given to the company for achieving LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council and Zero Waste Facility Program Certification through SCS Global Services. The latter certification is in recognition of compliance, operations, conservation, and environmental protection, in addition to partnerships with Environmental Excellence Programs, including the EPA Energy Star, LEED, Zero Waste to Landfill, Zero Liquid Discharge, and other awards that are evaluated and granted by an independent agency.

Previously, CooperVision won an award in 2024 for its Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) project in Juana Diaz. This project utilized more efficient generators than conventional on-site diesel, natural gas, or propane-powered generators. The CHP is natural gas-fueled, which captures and reuses excess heat and avoids distribution losses, according to CooperVision.

The company also commits to sustainability efforts in conserving natural resources with renewable options, collecting manufacturing waste and giving it new life by way of recycling, and offsetting waste from products and packaging that cannot be reclaimed. CooperVision partners with Plastic Bank in order to offset a portion of the company’s plastic footprint, in addition to purchasing ISCC PLUS-certified plastic.

 In April 2025, the company announced that its partnership with Plastic Bank had prevented the equivalent of more than half a billion plastic bottles from entering oceans on an international scale. These products that were collected and recycled in part of the initiative, which began in 2021, include soft contact lenses and blister and packaging components.

CooperVision honored for sustainability and occupational safety excellence at 2025 Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association Awards. News release. CooperVision. July 24, 2025. Accessed July 25, 2025.

A brighter tomorrow starts with all of us, today. CooperVision. Accessed July 25, 2025. 

https://coopervision.com/about-us/coopervision-sustainability

CooperVision’s plastic neutrality initiative reaches remarkable half-billion bottle milestone. News release. CooperVision. April 17, 2025. Accessed July 25, 2025. 

https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervisions-plastic-neutrality-initiative-reaches-remarkable-half-billion

As threats continue in the US to slash federal medical and vision funding and to consolidate the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Eye Institute (NEI) into the broader Institute on Neurosciences and Brain Research, eye care providers, researchers, and vision organizations are working together to launch a campaign to protect vision research.

 The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO), American Academy of Optometry (AAOptom), Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR), and Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR) are collaborating to oppose any proposal to consolidate the NEI with the launch of the #SeeWhatMatters campaign, according to a news release.

The educational and grassroots advocacy effort will work to elevate the profile of federally funded vision research, reinforce the need to keep the NEI independent, and illustrate the human impact of vision science. The campaign provides tools to patients, researchers, clinicians, industry, and advocates to tell their stories advocating vision research.

“The National Eye Institute plays an irreplaceable role in advancing the science that drives better patient outcomes, informs clinical practice, and fuels innovation in vision care,” said Trish Shomion, CEO of the AAOptom, in the release. “Defending and strengthening the NEI is not only about protecting research – it’s about safeguarding the vision health and independence of millions of Americans. Our community stands united to ensure that this vital organization continues to lead progress in preventing blindness and improving quality of life for people across the country.”

The release provided a handful of examples as to why the campaign proves necessary and vision research is crucial to the health of patients, including NEI research that has powered the development of ocular coherence tomography (OCT) that “has revolutionized treatment of several blinding eye diseases and saved both Medicare and patients billions of dollars.” NEI funding also paved the way for the first vision-restoring treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the anti-VEGF class of drugs. NEI-supported scientists have also been able to use gene therapy to partially restore vision to those diagnosed with Leber congenital amaurosis, in addition to being an early investor in backing the artificial intelligence (AI) platform LumineticsCore that has the potential to prevent vision loss in patients with diabetes.

The campaign also cites that NEI trials have demonstrated that laser surgery, blood glucose control, and lipid-lowering therapies can aid in the slowing of vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy. For AMD, NEI studies have shown that antioxidant and zinc supplements can reduce the risk of advanced AMD-related vision loss. Research on glaucoma has identified effective medications for lowering intraocular pressure to aid in the prevention of blindness. Additionally, other trials have shown that eye patching and drops can improve vision in the weaker eye of children with amblyopia. NEI research has also unveiled that an oral antiviral can reduce the recurrence of corneal stromal keratitis, a severe herpes-related eye disease.

The #SeeWhatHappens campaign urges researchers, clinicians, patients, and advocates to contact US Congress representatives to illustrate the need for vision research through the NEI. A campaign toolkit is available on the campaign’s website to aid in call-to-action resources, social media advocacy avenues, and more.

Nation’s eye physicians, researchers launch campaign to protect America’s standing as world leader in vision research. News release. American Academy of Optometry. July 23, 2025. Accessed July 23, 2025. 

https://aaopt.org/about-us/news/#toggle-id-1

Stand Up for Sight-Saving Science. #SeeWhatMatters. Accessed July 23, 2025. 

https://www.seewhatmatters.org/#resources

The campaign provides tools to patients, researchers, clinicians, industry, and advocates with tools to tell their stories that advocate for vision research.

Eye care organizations, researchers launch campaign advocating for vision research

Rain Eye Drops LLC announced the launch of a newly refined first-of-its-kind RainDrop Dispenser Aid created specifically for single-use preservative-free dry eye drops. The device, which is patent pending, is licensed exclusively by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the University of California.

According to the press release, the tool “is designed to help Americans with dry eye apply mono-dose eye drop vials more easily and accurately.” The dispenser aid is available free with any Rain purchase.

Julie Schallhorn, MD, a VA ophthalmologist in San Francisco and creator of the device, explained that the device is intended to aid veterans who struggle using single-use vials with fumbled applications, squeezing too hard, or wasting precious drops. She noticed these common problems among her patients while instilling eye drops. “It’s difficult to see patients who are suffering and are not served by the current options. This was a major motivation for me,” she commented.

According to the press release, the dispenser is made of 1 piece of plastic and features a hammer-shaped handle that releases a precise drop of fluid with a stabilizing bar resting on the patient’s cheekbone that ensures consistent positioning.

The development of the product was achieved through collaboration between bioengineers in the laboratory at the VA Technology Transfer Program (TTP) and researchers and clinicians.

John Kaplan, MD, director of the VA TTP, stated, “The ability to connect VA researchers and clinicians with top-notch biomedical engineers in the VA TTP Technology Transfer Assistance Project helps the VA innovators translate their dreams into real-world products that help veterans and the population at large.” The mission of the TTP is to improve veterans’ lives by making better health care products and services available to them, with benefits to the American public as well.

Mike Rain, CEO of Rain Eye Drops LLC, said, “RainDrop Dispenser Aid is a game changer for anyone who struggles with monodose eye drops, whether due to arthritis, tremors, or the everyday hassle of aiming those tiny vials.”

Rain Eye Drops has also developed its own preservative-free eye drop, Rain Renewal Eye Drops. The drops utilize CMS Eye Moisture technology that works to moisturize dry eyes and rejuvenate the irritated surface of the eye by reducing the evaporation of natural tears and irritation, which may be caused by environmental elements or digital eye strain. The company also states that the drops are gentle enough for sensitive eyes and combat moderate to severe dry eye.

Rain Eye Drops launches first ever dispenser aid for single-use eye drops. News release. Rain Eye Drops. July 2025. Accessed July 23, 2025. 

Why Rain Eye Drops is the #1 Artificial Tear Drop. Rain Eye Drops. Accessed July 23, 2025. https://tryrain.com/shop 

The tool is designed to help with the application of mono-dose, dry eye eye drop vials more easily and accurately.

VA-developed RainDrop Dispenser Aid aims to simplify use of single-use eye drops for patients with arthritis, tremors 

Ahmad M. Fahmy, OD, FAAO, discusses how cryopreserved amniotic membrane therapy can successfully address ocular surface complications in complex patients with autoimmune conditions and glaucoma, emphasizing the importance of treating surface disease before surgical procedures to optimize patient outcomes.

Treating Ocular Surface Complications in Glaucoma and Autoimmune Disease With Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane

Video content above is prompted by the following: 

The second case involves an active patient aged 56 years with multiple systemic conditions, including Sjögren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and alopecia, who requires timolol for glaucoma management. Despite well-controlled intraocular pressure and cyclosporine therapy, the patient experienced significant foreign body sensation and vision variability that interfered with her active lifestyle, particularly outdoor activities with her children. This case exemplifies the complex interplay between systemic autoimmune disease, necessary glaucoma medications, and ocular surface health in younger, more active patients.

Meibomian gland imaging revealed relatively intact gland morphology without significant atrophy or dropout, suggesting good potential for functional recovery. Dr Fahmy emphasizes the importance of meibomian gland assessment in all patients with irritation symptoms, noting that even basic penlight examination can provide valuable information about gland morphology. Diagnostic expression of meibomian glands helps assess secretion quality and quantity, guiding treatment decisions. The patient demonstrated immediate tear breakup and evaporative dry eye with conjunctival chalasis, along with diffuse epitheliopathy and epithelial cell compromise.

Treatment with multiple rounds of Cam 360 successfully improved the corneal epithelium from diffuse punctate epithelial keratopathy to a much healthier surface. Dr Fahmy discusses alternative approaches, including Prokera (cryopreserved amniotic membrane on a ring) for cases requiring better centering, particularly in patients with atopic disease or those prone to eye rubbing. He also employs stabilization techniques, including eye patches, to optimize membrane retention and clinical outcomes. The case demonstrates successful management of complex ocular surface disease in patients with multiple contributing factors, emphasizing the importance of addressing ocular surface health before any surgical procedures to ensure optimal outcomes.

Jessica Vaidya, OD

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