In response to increased clinical interest regarding ocular surface immunology, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has published a collection of resources to create a greater understanding among the global eye care community.

Issue 73 of Contact Lens Update focuses on the topic and is available by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“The ocular surface forms the main line of defence in protecting the eye against external pathogens and has a crucial inflammation-regulating role. Inflammatory eye conditions disrupt the homeostasis of the immune system and can result in reduced quality of life or permanent sight loss,” said Lyndon Jones, director of CORE. “Increased awareness of the pathophysiology, early diagnosis, and effective management of ocular surface disease can benefit practitioners and patients alike.”

In primary eye care settings, immunological conditions that impact the ocular surface are routinely observed in people suffering from allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye, Sjögren’s syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. As knowledge of ocular surface immunology continues to evolve, eye care practitioners who are familiar with the latest research and treatment options can offer a higher standard of care.

Sezen Karakus, assistant professor at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, shares her expertise in the issue’s editorial.

The feature article is authored by Jeremy Chung Bo Chiang, a postdoctoral research associate at Aston University. He succinctly presents the four stages underlying the immunopathogensis of dry eye disease, followed by valuable information about current topical ophthalmic treatments, their mechanisms of action, and clinical tips.

Barbara Caffery, an optometrist at Toronto Eye Care and former president of the American Academy of Optometry, shares her knowledge in the issue’s clinical insight column. The case report details a patient’s journey through an initial examination, dry eye diagnosis, and management. She then poses important questions that can help identify people who may have Sjögren’s syndrome and delves into additional tests required for diagnosis.

The conference highlight is contributed by Elyana Locatelli, a pre-medical student and research fellow at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami. Based on her poster that was presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 2023 annual meeting, the retrospective study examines the subjective preference of cyclosporine compared to lifitegrast in patients with dry eye and investigates whether any patient factors were associated with medication choice.

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To support its mission to eradicate uncorrected refractive error through the growth and expansion of optometry around the world, Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) has issued its 2023 World Sight Day Challenge.

The theme of this year’s Challenge is “Giving Together, Seeing Forever,” which celebrates the collective power of the optometry community to give the gift of sight to millions of people in need.

“The projects we support are almost entirely funded by eye care professionals, optometry practices, and companies within this industry,” said Lois Schoenbrun, Executive Director, Optometry Giving Sight. “Dollars donated help deliver access to eye care for mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and more. We can only help these families with the help of your families—whether that is the ‘family’ at home, in your optometry practice with staff and patients, or at your company.”

Optometry Giving Sight’s World Sight Day Challenge runs from now through the end of October, with World Sight Day to be celebrated on October 12. Those interested in taking on the Challenge by leading fundraising efforts at their practice or company can visit givingsight.org/wsdc to register and receive a toolkit with ideas and resources. Others may choose to make one-time or recurring donations at givingsight.org/donate-wsdc.

“In some of the most underserved areas of the world, the most basic eye care keeps kids in school and people at work, enabling them to provide for their families and even bring communities out of poverty,” said Greg Pearl, OD, of Pearl Optometry in Norwalk, Calif., who participates in the Challenge. “This cause belongs to optometry. We are the only ones who will address this, and we can do it together. If every one of us donated even one day of eye exam fees for the World Sight Day Challenge, it would change everything.”

With funds raised, Optometry Giving Sight provides grants to programs focused on long-term solutions, including those that establish optometry schools, vision centers, and optical labs in underserved communities both at home and around the globe. Individuals receive education and training to become optometrists who then provide ongoing eye care for years to come.

Over the last two decades, OGS funding has provided basic eye care services to more than 8 million people, assisted with training more than 14,000 eye care personnel, established more than 130 vision centers, and served people in more than 40 countries. In the last two years alone, OGS has provided funding to more than 30 project partners around the world, totaling more than $1.5 million in grants. For more information, visit givingsight.org.

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A lightweight choice for bold accents, the range encourages creativity with its colourful and cosmopolitan styles. Pronounced contours and a wide temple design combine with enchanting two-tone finishes.

Blending unique techniques and high-tech materials synonymous with Silhouette, the collection comprises four full-rim shapes in six colours. The round, rectangular and square contour frames are offered in matte or gloss finish.

Head of Design, Roland Keplinger, says, “Contemporary shapes paired with vivid colours give a bold look with unparalleled Silhouette wearing comfort and lightness. Versatile colouring techniques and colour blocking bring a fresh appeal and widen the range of full-rim options in the Silhouette world.”

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