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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

What we should be telling our patients about the remission of type 2 diabetes with weight loss.

How much is enough? Seeking remission from type 2 diabetes

Slideshows

Catch up on the top stories in optometry during the week of July 21-July 25.

Takeaways from this week in optometry: July 21 - July 25

The enhanced clarity in the lens helps reduce glare and enhance visual comfort, according to the company.

HOYA introduces new HOYA Polarized Lenses with Lumacore Mirrors lens

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Current optometry students Liliana Gonzalez, Emmanuel Nwagha, Anna Reard, Grace A Skarohlid, and Trevor Stiede have each been selected to receive a $2,500 scholarship from the online eyewear retailer.

Zenni Optical announces nationwide Eye Care Access Scholarship winners

Robert Weiss, former president and CEO of The Cooper Companies, shares some of the latest optometric schooling developments from Vietnam in his work with Optometry Giving Sight, the Brian Holden Foundation, and Hanoi Medical University.

Vietnam's Pediatric Refractive Error Training Center prepares students amid growing myopia cases

The eye care company and nonprofit organization are teaming up to provide educational resources, patient stories, and a fundraising challenge to help find a cure for glaucoma.

Bausch + Lomb, Glaucoma Research Foundation launch collaborative glaucoma campaign

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.

Video Series

Ahmad M. Fahmy, OD, FAAO, discusses how cryopreserved amniotic membrane therapy can effectively treat complex cases of refractory ocular surface disease by addressing multiple contributing factors simultaneously, as demonstrated in a patient aged 81 years with diabetes, eczema, and severe blepharitis who showed significant epithelial improvement after comprehensive treatment.

Managing Refractory Ocular Surface Disease With Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane Therapy

Understanding the fundamental differences between cryopreserved and dehydrated amniotic membranes is crucial for effective clinical implementation. Research by Sandeep Singh, MD, FAAPMR, and colleagues has demonstrated significant differences in efficacy between these 2 forms. Cryopreserved amniotic membrane preserves critical anti-inflammatory, antiscarring, and antiangiogenic factors essential for ocular surface regeneration. The cryopreservation process maintains the integrity of these therapeutic components, delivering them effectively to the ocular surface without degradation.

The key differentiating factor is the preservation of heavy chain hyaluronic acid and pentraxin-3 molecules in cryopreserved versions, which Dr Fahmy describes as the “secret sauce” of amniotic membrane therapy. These molecules are essential for delivering the regenerative properties that improve ocular surface health. In contrast, dehydrated amniotic membranes lose these critical therapeutic components during processing, significantly reducing their clinical effectiveness. This scientific understanding gives practitioners confidence when discussing treatment options with patients and justifying the choice of cryopreserved products.

Clinical experience supports the superiority of cryopreserved amniotic membrane, with Dr Fahmy observing more consistent and effective outcomes compared with dehydrated alternatives. The extensive research supporting cryopreserved amniotic membrane includes documented improvements in symptom relief, epithelial healing, and nerve regeneration. These improvements occur through restoration of the vital connection between corneal nerve cells and epithelial cells, normalizing the neural feedback loop and disrupting the inflammatory cycle that perpetuates ocular surface disease.

Ahmad M. Fahmy, OD, FAAO, discusses how cryopreserved amniotic membranes preserve the critical heavy chain hyaluronic acid and pentaxin-3 molecules that deliver anti-inflammatory and antiscarring properties, making them significantly more effective than dehydrated versions for regenerating the ocular surface.

Cryopreserved vs Dehydrated Amniotic Membranes

Understanding the fundamental differences between cryopreserved and dehydrated amniotic membranes is crucial for effective clinical implementation. Research by Dr Shepherd Singh and colleagues has demonstrated significant differences in efficacy between these 2 forms. Cryopreserved amniotic membrane preserves critical anti-inflammatory, antiscarring, and antiangiogenic factors essential for ocular surface regeneration. The cryopreservation process maintains the integrity of these therapeutic components, delivering them effectively to the ocular surface without degradation.

Clinical experience supports the superiority of cryopreserved amniotic membrane, with Dr Fahmy observing more consistent and effective outcomes compared with dehydrated alternatives. The extensive research supporting cryopreserved amniotic membrane includes documented improvements in symptom relief, epithelial healing, and nerve regeneration. These improvements occur by restoring the vital connection between corneal nerve cells and epithelial cells, normalizing the neural feedback loop and disrupting the inflammatory cycle that perpetuates ocular surface disease.

Viatris announced that its phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus 0.3% (MR-139) ophthalmic ointment in subjects with blepharitis did not meet the primary end point.

) was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked prospective study. A total of 477 patients were randomly assigned to receive either MR-139 or placebo, self-administered to the eyelids twice daily. Patients were treated and observed over 12 weeks.

The trial's primary end point was complete debris resolution after 6 weeks of twice-daily dosing. At the time of writing, the company has not released in-depth data on the trial results outside of missing the primary end point.

In a news release, Viatris chief R&D officer Philippe Martin said, "Given that the study did not meet its objective for patients suffering from blepharitis, we are evaluating the appropriate next steps for the phase 3 program, which may include revising the planned additional phase 3 study. Thank you to the patients and investigators who contributed to the trial."

The company noted that it is focused on “delivering novel therapies like Tyrvaya and Ryzumvi, while progressing a differentiated pipeline that addresses unmet needs in anterior segment conditions.”

Opus Genetics released positive top-line results from its phase 3 LYNX-2

 trial of MR-142 in keratorefractive patients experiencing visual disturbances under mesopic, low-contrast conditions.

 Opus Genetics and Viatris (through its affiliate) are parties to a global licensing agreement that provides for the development of phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% and grants Viatris exclusive rights to commercialize phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% in the US.

announced positive topline results from VEGA-3

, its phase 3 trial evaluating phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% for the treatment of 

Viatris provides update on phase 3 study of MR-139 for blepharitis. News release. Viatris. July 18, 2025. Accessed July 21, 2025. 

https://newsroom.viatris.com/2025-07-18-Viatris-Provides-Update-on-Phase-3-Study-of-MR-139-for-Blepharitis

Harp MD. Opus Genetics releases topline results from LYNX-2 evaluating phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75%. 

https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/opus-genetics-releases-topline-results-from-lynx-2-evaluating-phentolamine-ophthalmic-solution-0-75-

Harp MD. Opus Genetics reports positive phase 3 results for phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75%. 

https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/opus-genetics-reports-positive-phase-3-results-for-phentolamine-ophthalmic-solution-0-75-

The solution missed the primary end point of the trial, which was complete resolution of debris after 6 weeks of twice-daily dosing.

Jordana Joy, Associate Editor

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