News

Running an optical shop requires business skills, which are not taught in optometry school. Training staff on customer service best practices can help increase a loyal customer base and keep current customers faithful. By helping employees learn and apply a few basic skills, the bottom line may never look so good.

Pfizer Inc. has launched a program called MAINTAIN (Medicines Assistance for Those who Are in Need) to provide more than 70 primary-care medicines for free to newly unemployed Americans.

Tura's lightweight TuraFlex model M840 features a unique upper-mounted endpiece for a fashionable look.

The latest sunwear models from Kaenon Polarized are characterized by their rich texture, earthy tones, and bold prints-which enhance Kaenon's signature athletic inspiration and contemporary style.

The perception of an optometrist by the general public seems to be that of a provider of ophthalmic-related products and services, an occupation that is as accessible as any other retailer. We are, in fact, eye physicians and have earned the right to call ourselves doctors and treat our patients with all the skills that we have at our disposal.

In the past, eye-care providers diagnosed glaucoma based solely on raised IOP or visible or distinct damage to the optic nerve. Those rules have changed, thanks to more information about the risk factors for glaucoma including thin central corneas, elevated IOP, cup-to-disc ratios, and retinal nerve fiber layer defects.

Vistakon, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc., has launched an online staff-training program (Office Readiness) to improve efficiencies in the delivery of contact lens services.

Essilor of America Inc. announced that for every five pairs of Essilor Junior lenses sold now through Dec. 31, Essilor will donate one pair to the Essilor Vision Foundation for its work to improve the vision of children across the United States.

A drive is currently under way for board certification in optometry.

The Kenmark Group unveils two Vera Wang ready-to-wear sun styles: Pascal and Francoise.

Diagnosing glaucoma and deciding when, and whether, to begin treatment is not clear-cut. The patient's history, a comprehensive eye examination, and a diagnostic work-up can help in the decision process.

Daisy Fuentes Elana has a full-rim, sheet-metal front and temples in a modified oval silhouette.

SynergEyes Inc. expands the parameters of its multifocal hybrid contact lens to address patients with emerging presbyopia seeking binocular visual acuity.

Paul E. Berman, OD, FAAO, is on a mission to reduce sports-related eye injuries. Dr. Berman urges optometrists to play a major role in the campaign by educating their patients about wearing eye protection when they participate in sports.

Boredom is not an option in Washington, DC. A simple walk outside one's hotel can keep the average person occupied for hours. Museums, theaters, monuments, parks, and restaurants are plentiful in DC and cater to the budget friendly as well as the extravagant traveler.

Reichert's ClearChart 2 digital acuity system is LINUX-based and free of hard drives, fans, and other moving parts for silent and "lock-up-free" operation.

Safilo offers stylish back-to-school options by releasing 15 new children's frames in its Carerra Kids, Chesterfield, Nine West, and Juicy Girls eyewear collections.

An exchange-traded fund can offer an inexpensive way to diversify an investment portfolio.

Aton Pharma has acquired the U.S. marketing rights to the Timoptic (timolol maleate) product line from Merck & Co.

The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services study, "Assessing the Need for On-Site Eye Care Professionals in Community Health Centers," found that the absence of eye-care services in rural and low-income areas is a major public health crisis that puts individuals at greater risk for undiagnosed and untreated eye and vision problems.

Vistakon, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, and the American Optometric Foundation have announced the 2009 recipients of the Dr. Terrance Ingraham Pediatric Optometry Residency Awards, the Dr. George W. Mertz Contact Lens Residency Awards, and the Dr. Sheldon Wechsler Contact Lens Residency Awards.

With the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (HR 1) in Denver, the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research praised Congress and biomedical research champions that facilitated the $10 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health.

Essilor of America has announced the winners of its enhanced Independent Distribution Division Advantage Plan Annual Laboratory Awards.

Prevent Blindness America recently launched the Healthy Eyes Vision Wellness Program to help businesses provide the tools employees need to protect their ocular health.

EMRlogic has announced that Scot Morris, OD, and Ben Gaddie, OD, will help shape enhanced capabilities for the company's OD Professional and MD Professional software solutions.

B vitamins may help prevent age-related macular degeneration in older women, according to The Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study, the first rigorous study of its kind, published in the Feb. 23 edition of Archives of Internal Medicine (2009;169:335-341).

Lux Biosciences began a phase 1 study of LX214, a proprietary topical ophthalmic solution containing the next-generation calcineurin inhibitor voclosporin.