Catch up with what Optometry Times® shared this week:

Azalea Vision announces first on-eye test of its smart contact lens prototype

David Hutton, Managing Editor, Ophthalmology Times

Belgium-based company Azalea Vision has debuted its ALMA Lens, the first functional prototype of its smart contact lens platform designed to provide a non-surgical solution for patients with conditions such as keratoconus, corneal irregularities, photophobia, and presbyopia. The smart lens incorporates an embedded diaphragm, liquid-crystal technology, a microchip, an RF antenna, a medical-grade micro-battery, and configurable light control, aiming to enhance visual acuity without surgery, and the first application targets patients with irregular astigmatism, potentially addressing a substantial market of nearly half a million patients in the EU and USA alone, with a total addressable market of over 2 billion euros annually.

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Rapid progress: An update on corneal endothelial cell therapy

Justin Schweitzer, OD, FAAO

Corneal endothelial cell therapy, a groundbreaking treatment for corneal endothelial disease, is making strides in ophthalmic innovation. Developed by Shigeru Kinoshita, MD, PhD, and licensed to Aurion Biotech, the therapy involves a minimally invasive procedure with a readily available supply of cells, presenting a promising alternative to the current standard of care, endothelial keratoplasty. With regulatory approval in Japan, Aurion is set to initiate clinical trials in the US, offering a potential transformation in the management of corneal endothelial disease.

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Prepare your private practice for a successful 2024

Diana Canto-Sims, OD

To prepare for a successful 2024, optometrists are advised to utilize the last two weeks of 2023 to analyze practice data, assess financial performance, and plan strategically. Key steps include evaluating frame inventory, negotiating with frame representatives for exchanges or discounts, reviewing laboratory agreements, setting SMART revenue goals, investing in staff training and performance reviews, maintaining clinical equipment, decluttering the practice, planning marketing strategies, and conducting a budget review for improved profitability in the upcoming year.

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EyeCon 2023: Learn the ADCs of managing ocular toxicities in patients with cancer

Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO; Emily Kaiser Maharjan, Assistant Managing Editor

Dr Mile Brujic discussed the management of ocular toxicities associated with antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) at the Optometry Times EyeCon, highlighting the unique mechanism of action and the need for a specific protocol involving topical corticosteroids. He also shared insights on innovations in eye care, covering new technologies, treatments, and advancements in practice management, emphasizing the conference's focus on innovation, interactivity, and approachable faculty.

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Prevent Blindness observes geographic atrophy awareness week

David Hutton, Managing Editor, Ophthalmology Times

Prevent Blindness is organizing its third annual Geographic Atrophy (GA) Awareness Week from December 4 to 10, 2023, offering free educational resources such as a dedicated webpage, expert videos, fact sheets, and social media graphics. Supported by Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Iveric Bio, the initiative aims to raise awareness about GA, a later stage of dry age-related macular degeneration, affecting over 8 million people worldwide, with Prevent Blindness participating in the first World Geographic Atrophy Day on December 5 to provide global education, advocacy, and support.

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