5 things you missed at SECO 2020

Industry commits to collaboration for OD education and profession

Atlanta-The New England College of Optometry (NECO) and industry leaders gathered to sign an Industry Collaborative Proclamation committing to collaborate on achieving key objectives for the profession of optometry. The signing took place during the SECO annual meeting in Atlanta.

The proclamation came about after NECO held discussions on its Boston campus in November 2019, dubbed the NECO Industry Collaborative. At that meeting, 63 attendees representing 44 industry partners, media colleagues, and optometry employers gathered in Boston alongside representatives from NECO’s administration, faculty, and student body to educate each other and discuss the key challenges impacing the profession. 

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“We believe that together we can all be part of the solution,” says Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, NECO president and CEO. “Although our perspectives may be different at times, it is critical that we come together and focus our energy on the same issues in order to prepare today’s optometrist for tomorrow’s optometry.”

The proclamation listed three areas of focus:
• Practice empowerment and acceleration
• Public perception and expectations
• Impact of technology on optometry and vice versa

Signatories of the proclamation include Essilor of America, Jobson, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Luxottica, and NECO. Many other industry leaders and participants also signed the Proclamation exhibiting their support of these key initiatives.

Signatories committed to working on committees to develop concrete next steps to advance the opportunities defined at the first NECO Industry Collaborative. The next Industry Collaborative meeting is planned for the fall 2020.

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CooperVision launches Biofinity toric multifocal lensesAtlanta-CooperVision, Inc. announces the availability of its new Biofinity toric multifocal contact lenses. The company has begun initial shipments of the lenses, with nationwide availability expected in May.

The latest addition to CooperVision’s Biofinity family of lenses combines the comfort and  optical designs of Biofinity toric and Biofinity multifocal. Like all Biofinity silicone hydrogel lenses, Biofinity toric multifocal features CooperVision’s Aquaform Technology, which offers breathability and high moisture content.

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Biofinity toric multifocal is a made-to-order lens. Parameters are:
• Sphere powers from +10.00 D to -10.00 D (0.50 D steps after ±-6.00 D)
• Cylinder powers from -0.75 D to -5.75 D (0.50 D steps)
• Axis of 5 degrees to 180 degrees in 5-degree steps
• Add powers of +1.00 D, +1.50 D, +2.00, D and +2.50 D

According to the company, the range of parameters allows for 205,000 toric multifocal prescription options.

Biofinity toric multifocal features a combination of two of CooperVision’s technologies, Optimized Toric Lens Geometry and Balanced Progressive Technology.

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Alcon unveils Systane Hydration Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye DropsAtlanta-Alcon added to its Systane family of dry eye products with the launch of
Systane Hydration Preservative-Free (PF), a new preservative-free option for dry eye sufferers with sensitive eyes and those in need of long-lasting relief.

Alcon suggests Systane Hydration PF with HydroBoost Technology for patients with sensitive, dry eyes who are using lubricating drops more than four to six times a day or those who are experiencing aqueous deficient dry eye.

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Systane Hydration PF is preservative-free and features proprietary HydroBoost Technology, a combination of inactive ingredients including sodium hyaluronate and HP-Guar.

Systane Hydration PF is available in 30 single-use vials in select retail stores and online.

In related news, Alcon launches Systane MyEye,s a patient support program focused on increasing continuity of care and retention. The program, in combination with DEEP (Dry Eye Excellence Program), helps set the practice up for success when it comes to education, implementation, and patient retention after initial iLux meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) treatment.

Following iLux treatment, eyecare professionals can offer each patient the opportunity to enroll in Systane MyEyes by visiting SystaneMyEyes.com or using a QR code mapped to their specific practice. Once enrolled in the program, patients will receive an iLux patient care kit, ongoing communication around what to expect after treatment, tips for maintenance between doctor visits, coupons for Systane products, and email reminders that direct the patient back to the doctor for follow up and additional treatment.

Alcon is launching additional resources to drive patient awareness and visibility around iLux:
• New consumer website with doctor locator-GetToRootCause.com
• New professional website-SystaneiLUX.com
• Patient outreach-Geo-targeted communications to dry eye sufferers within a 25-mile radius of an iLux provider 

In additional related news, doctors and patients will see new Dailies Total1 packaging with gold accents in April, and Pataday (olopatadine) allergy eye drops are now available to patients over the counter in once- or twice-daily dosing at prescription strength.

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