Muriel Schornack, OD, FAAO, discusses the correlation between cigarette smoking and ocular conditions and diseases during the 90th annual SECO International meeting in Atlanta.

Ernie Bowling, OD, reports on retail outlet Pearle Vision’s plans for expansion this year, during the 90th annual SECO International meeting in Atlanta.

Katherine M. Mastrota, OD, offers her view on one panelist’s presentation during the special session “Refractive/Cataract Surgery: The Future Revealed” at the 90th annual SECO International meeting in Atlanta.

Justin Bazan, OD, explains how optometrists can elevate practice marketing to a new level by combining it with Facebook.

Walt Mayo, OD, offers proven tips for enhancing practice Web sites to increase traffic online and through the front door.

David Talley, OD, FAAO, discusses what trends and technology will offer to the optometric profession in the not-too-distant future.

John Warren, OD, discusses using tablets throughout a practice-for data and image review, patient education, and in the optical shop.

Justin Bazan, OD, discusses how word of mouth can make or break a practice and what you can do to make sure your practice gets glowing reviews.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights has published the final rule implementing the HITECH Act. The rule takes effect March 26, 2013; its provisions include modifications to the HIPAA privacy, security, enforcement, and breach notification rules.

Optovue has received FDA 510(k) clearance of the Normative Database for its iVue SD-OCT system. The Normative Database analyzes information to be used as clinical reference in the diagnosis and management of ocular health and disease.

Bausch + Lomb has started its Phase III clinical program of latanoprostene bunod licensed by Nicox S.A. to B+L. B+L’s drug candidate is meant to reduce IOP in patients with elevated IOP due to glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Appeals court upheld a decision favoring Allergan in a patent contest against two generic drug makers over the drug Lumigan.

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals is conducting a global Phase 2b trial of its proprietary NVC-422, a new generation N-chlorotaurine-based molecule for treating viral conjunctivitis.

Vision Expo East will feature a new level of programming for optometry students at the annual meeting to be held Mar. 14-17 in New York City. The purpose is to help students successfully make the leap from the classroom to professional practice.

Vistakon has created a new professional development group that combines its professional affairs, ODLean consulting program, and optometry school educational efforts into one department.

The FDA has approved Rescula (unoprostone isopropyl ophthalmic solution, Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Inc.) 0.15%, an sNDA for lowering IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Volk Optical offers several new lens sets, packaging complementary lenses for easy selection and better value.

Haag-Streit USA has launched a new division, Haag-Streit Surgical, which will market a line of surgical microscopes already widely used in Europe.

Members of the American Medical Group Association (AMGA) are participating in Measure Up, Pressure Down, a nationwide healthcare initiative aimed at preventing, detecting, and controlling high blood pressure.

Medicare has launched the Physician Quality Reporting System-Electronic Health Records Incentive project to make it easier for healthcare practitioners to qualify for payment bonuses under both incentive programs at the same time.