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Catch up on the top stories in optometry during the week of June 30-July 4.

Takeaways from this week in optometry: June 30 - July 4

Dr. Quint is in practice at Smart Eye Care in Augusta, Maine.

Articles

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

Videos

Acuvue Oasys MAX 1-Day multifocal for astigmatism is the first and only daily disposable multifocal toric contact lens.

AOA 2025: Devin Sasser, OD, shares patient satisfaction following fitting with Acuvue Oasys MAX 1-Day multifocal for astigmatism

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

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

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A consulting client had a few questions about a patient who came into her office. A contact lens patient wanted to use his Spectera third-party coverage, and the receptionist told him it was no problem.

4 ways to change your thinking-and your reimbursement

Who are we? I had to ask myself that the other day because there was a discussion on online optometry forum ODWire.org about how patients are more apt to see the nurse practitioner at CVS for their conjunctivitis than the OD. That evolved into all manner of unpleasant realizations about optometry.

What is the public image of optometry?

I recently read a blog from a first-year ophthalmology resident talking about how ODs shouldn’t be performing medical treatments. I’ll leave his utter ignorance of his own lack of knowledge aside for just a second and address the responses by my esteemed colleagues Drs. Ernie Bowling and Mohammad Rafieetary. You two are both extremely knowledgeable and way too nice.

OD calls BS on OMD’s fear mongering

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.

Conference

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.

Dry eye disease (DED) is very common among adults; however, it is often undiagnosed and untreated. As DED can have a considerable impact on a patient’s quality of life, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. In this podcast, experts Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO; Cory J. Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO; and Selina R. McGee, OD, FAAO, discuss the roles of ophthalmologists and optometrists in managing DED in an evolving treatment landscape, from screening and diagnosis to disease management.

This activity is supported by an educational grant from Bausch + Lomb.

Schwartz Laser Eye Center​
Scottsdale, AZ​

AbbVie; Allergan Aesthetics; Astellas Pharma US; Azura Ophthalmics; Bausch + Lomb; Bruder Healthcare; Dompé US; LENZ Therapeutics; Ocuphire Pharma, Inc; OCuSOFT Inc; Olleyes; Reichert Technologies; Sight Sciences, Inc; STAAR Surgical Company; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries; Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc; Théa Pharma; Topcon Healthcare; Viatris Inc; Visus Therapeutics, Inc. 

 AbbVie; Allergan Aesthetics; Bausch + Lomb; Dompé US; Sight Sciences, Inc; STAAR Surgical Company; Viatris Inc.

Founder​
The Dry Eye Center of Ohio​
Cincinnati, OH​

: Alcon; Barti Software; CSI Dry Eye Software; Eyenovia; Lumenis Be, Inc; MYZE; Nordic Pharma, Inc; NORWOOD Device & Diagnostics; NuLids; PRN Vision Group; Rinsada; SCOPE Health Inc; Tarsus Pharmaceuticals; Viatris Inc; Vital Tears. 

 Bausch + Lomb; Bruder Healthcare; Dompé US; Lumenis Be, Inc; M&S Technologies; 

Barti Software (Investment); MYZE (Medical Advisory Board Member/Investment); NuLids (Investment).

Visionary Founder/Owner​
BeSpoke Vision​
Adjunct Faculty NSUOCO​
Past-President Intrepid Eye Society​
Secretary/Treasurer, Oklahoma Board of Examiners​
Edmond, OK​

AbbVie; Aldeyra Therapeutics, Inc; Alcon; Amgen, Inc; Avellino Lab USA, Inc; Bausch + Lomb; Bruder Healthcare; Carl Zeiss Meditec; Cynosure and Hahn; Dompé US; KALA BIO, Inc; Lumenis Be, Inc; Optovue; RVL Pharmaceuticals, Inc; ScienceBased Health; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries; Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc; Théa Pharma; Topcon Healthcare; Versant; Viatris Inc Health. 

 AbbVie; Alcon; Bausch + Lomb; Cynosure and Hahn; Dompé US; Lumenis Be, Inc; Optovue; ScienceBased Health; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries; Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc; Viatris Inc.

To learn more about this topic, including information on the diagnosis, testing, and management of patients with dry eye disease, go 

https://www.gotoper.com/courses/archived-webcast-interventional-dry-eye-a-stepwise-treatment-and-management-approach

In this podcast, experts Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO; Cory J. Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO; and Selina R. McGee, OD, FAAO, discuss the roles of ophthalmologists and optometrists in managing DED in an evolving treatment landscape, from screening and diagnosis to disease management.

Practical Approaches to Modern Dry Eye Treatment and Management

A new study found that contact lens users who wear their lenses extensively and engage in substantial use of digital devices expressed “high levels of satisfaction” with Biotrue Hydration Plus Multipurpose Solution (Bausch + Lomb), which they described as gentle and maintained comfort all day, Mark Schaeffer, OD, reported. He practices in Birmingham, Alabama. He presented his experience with the contact lens solution at the 128th Annual 2025 American Optometric Association Congress, Optometry's Meeting, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“Tear film changes during contact lens wear can lead to contact lens dryness and discomfort, which is a primary reason why many contact lens wearers abandon contact lens wear. The correct choice of a contact lens solution is an important part of a comprehensive approach to ensuring comfortable and continued contact lens wear,

The key ingredients in the formulation include moisturizers (hyaluronan, poloxamine 1107, and poloxamer 181), the electrolyte potassium, and an osmoprotectant/antioxidant (erythritol),

The formulation was designed to condition, clean, and disinfect contact lenses and support/maintain the tear film with the goal of improving comfort.

He reported that in studies, the hyaluronan in Biotrue Hydration Plus Multipurpose Solution was retained on silicone hydrogel contact lenses and conventional contact lenses and was released over time for up to 20 hours.

He designed a real-world study to assess the performance of Biotrue Hydration Plus Multipurpose Solution use by patients who wear contact lenses for an excessively long time during the day.

The patients in the study wore their lenses for 10 or more hours daily. All were regular wearers of soft contact lenses and had undergone an ocular examination within the previous 2 years.

The greatest complaint reported by 66.3% of contact lens wearers before the study was contact lens dryness, followed by tired eyes in 61.0%, eye strain in 42.7%, blurry/fluctuating vision in 41.9%, and halos or glare in 23.8%.

The study participants were instructed to use Biotrue Hydration Plus Multipurpose Solution with a new pair of contact lenses for 7 days and then complete an online survey to record the solution's performance.

A total of 344 patients participated in the study.

The findings showed that the average daily contact lens wear was 13.2 hours. The average daily time that patients wore contact lenses while using electronic devices that included computers, smartphones, and tablets was 7.7 hours. In addition, 70.3% of patients wore their contact lenses 7 days a week, and 65.7% of patients had worn contact lenses for more than 10 years, Schaeffer reported.

A high percentage of patients, 98.5%, reported overall satisfaction with the formulation; 96.2% described that the formulation was gentle on their eyes; and 95.9% said the formulation kept their contact lenses clean even after a week of wear.

A deeper dive into the data showed that 93.9% reported that the solution maintained contact lens comfort during the day; 92.2% believed each of the following: that the solution prevented drying of the contact lens, the contact lenses remained comfortable and the eyes were not tired, and the contact lenses remained comfortable even at the end of the day; 92.4% would likely recommend the solution to family member or friend.

The big takeaway from the study was that the patients who wear contact lenses for 10 or more hours daily had a positive contact lens wear experience using this new contact lens formulation, according to Schaeffer.

He concluded, “This large cohort of excessive contact lens wearers with substantial daily digital device use reported high levels of overall satisfaction with Biotrue Hydration Plus Multipurpose Solution. The patients agreed that the solution is gentle, maintained their comfort level throughout the day, and prevented contact lens dryness. Almost all of the study participants would recommend the solution to other contact lens wearers.”

Mark Schaeffer, OD, is a consultant to Allergan, Alcon, Bausch & Lomb, CooperVision, Harrow, LENZ, Orasis, Sight Sciences, ScienceBased Health, Tarsus, and Zeiss. Bausch + Lomb funded the study under discussion.

Jones L, Efron N, Bandamwar K, et al. TFOS lifestyle: impact of contact lenses on the ocular surface. 

Pucker AD, Tichenor AA. A review of contact lens dropout. 

Biotrue Hydration Plus multipurpose solution package insert. Bausch + Lomb. Accessed June 24, 2025. https://pi.bausch.com/globalassets/pdf/packageinserts/vision-care/biotrue-hydration-plus-package-insert.pdf

Biotrue Hydration Plus contact lens solution. Bausch + Lomb. Accessed June 24, 2025. https://www.biotrue.com/products/hydration-plus-contact-solution/

Scheuer C, et al. Poster presented at the AOA meeting, June 15-18, 2022, Chicago.

Contact lens users report high satisfaction with Biotrue Hydration Plus Solution, highlighting comfort and effectiveness during extensive wear and digital device use.

Steve Nelson, OD

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