Blog

March 17, 2021March 17, 2021

WCO and CooperVision Partner to Define and Promote a Standard of Care to Treat Myopia Progression

World Council of Optometry and CooperVision logos

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and CooperVision have announced a global partnership to raise awareness of myopia progression and encourage optometrists to embrace a standard of care to manage the condition.

“Myopia is arguably the most widespread epidemic faced by the global optometry community. Yet despite the increased prevalence and severity of the condition and its detrimental impacts on eye health, a standard of care does not exist to stem myopia progression. That is a disservice to our profession, patients and public health,” said Paul Folkesson, president, World Council of Optometry. “Together with CooperVision, (…) we can make an even greater impact by providing the platforms, tools and support needed for further progress.”

Myopia is projected to affect the vision of approximately five billion people globally by 2050, more than doubling today’s numbers.

The partnership between WCO and CooperVision will establish a global resource to include multi-lingual myopia management resources and programming, among other elements that will be separately announced in the coming months.

“The World Council of Optometry and CooperVision share a vision of a planet where myopia is effectively managed and controlled, not just corrected at a young age,” said Gary Orsborn, OD, vice president of Global Professional, Medical & Clinical Affairs for CooperVision. “The WCO has a clear, resounding and respected voice within the global optometric community, and we are thrilled to partner with them on this important topic.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

March 17, 2021November 13, 2025

Using CRISPR to Treat Glaucoma

Researchers from the University of Bristol that are looking for a more long-term treatment option for open angle glaucoma, have turned to gene therapy. Published in the journal Molecular Therapy, the study used a CRISPR gene editing approach to block the function of a gene called Aquaporin 1, which transports fluid in the eye. By turning Aquaporin-1 off in the eyes of mice, researchers saw that eye pressure dropped and that the optic nerve had less damage compared to untreated mice.

Follow up experiments are needed to understand if this treatment is safe and has long term effectiveness before it can be considered for a clinical trial.

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

FYidoctors Announces Merger with Family Eyecare

FYidoctors announced a merger with Family Eyecare. Located along the busy Edmonton-Calgary corridor in Central Alberta, the announcement highlights FYidoctors’ first clinic merger in the area.

Founded in the late 1940s by WWII veteran Dr. Les Walker, Family Eyecare was purchased by husband-and-wife duo, Dr. Kevin Engel and Dr. Angela Power in 1999. Joined by associate, Dr. Samantha Sperber in 2017, the clinic holds a longstanding reputation in the community for its highly trained staff, and the personalized approach they take to the vision care of its patients.

“FYidoctors is committed to maintaining a doctor-led approach to eye care which keeps patient needs as the top priority,” said Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO and Chairman of FYidoctors. “We are pleased to partner with Family Eyecare who subscribes to these same values and has been doing so for over 70 years.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to join the FYidoctors’ family and what this will mean for our patients and their eye health moving forward,” said Dr. Engel. The sentiment was echoed by Dr. Power, who added, “not only will this new partnership provide our practice with a variety of new tools and resources, but it also gives us access to the largest optometric network in the world – which will result in efficiencies and cost savings that ultimately benefit the residents of Lacombe.”

Recognized for its outstanding commitment to vision care in the community, Family Eyecare has been twice nominated for local business of the year in Lacombe, Alberta and is known for its contribution to a variety of philanthropic causes across the region.

Click HERE for the full press release.

CORE Offers Tips on Seeking Eyecare During the Pandemic, Provides Free Infographics for ECPs to Use with Patients

As the global COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, a new initiative from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) addresses questions that may keep people from seeking proper eye care.

CORE has designed two infographics that eye care professionals can incorporate into ongoing patient communications, such as through newsletters, email campaigns, website content, social media and in-office displays. Created to be quickly read and easily understood, one infographic focuses on reasons to urgently contact an eye doctor. The other reassures patients of common steps being taken to ensure safety during in-office exams. Both are available for download from COVIDeyefacts.org and may be used at no cost if the content is not altered.

In conjunction, CORE Clinical Scientists Alison Ng, PhD, BSc(Hons), MCOptom, FAAO, and Mike Yang, OD, BSc, FAAO, have authored a consumer-facing feature story in collaboration with The Conversation, the non-profit, independent news organization that carries content from academic experts. “Why You Shouldn’t Neglect Eye Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic” is being distributed to major mainstream news outlets around the globe.

“Like many of our peers worldwide, CORE’s optometrists and clinical scientists have been hearing people’s confusion and concerns about their eyes in relation to COVID-19. Addressing the most frequent should help patients and their families maintain healthy vision while remaining safe,” said Dr. Ng. “Through our new infographics and feature story, we hope that eye care professionals will be able to spread the word even further in their communities.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

You are invited to My Vision Show March 25-28, 2021

Reserve the date for the coolest virtual conference platform in the optical industry.

MyVisionShow platform is designed to facilitate virtual meetings and to ensure that industry professionals can truly connect and interact in large or small groups, or one-on-one.

Attendees have access to nearly 20 live presentations during the four-day event, including:

Barry Santini: The Power and Politics of Disrupting Traditional Eyecare
Dr. Mary Boname: 5 Star Practice Owner – Tips for Success
Jason Kirk: How to Succeed as an Independent optical
Jon Herring: Providing Award Winning Customer Service
And many many more… including Fun Events!

The Lounge will be open for the entire 4-day event to meet up, face to face, with friends and colleagues. The Exhibit Area will host nearly 50 vendors, all of which are focused on the success of independent eye care and eyewear professionals. Show specials will also be available.

NO COST TO ATTEND THIS EVENT

Click HERE to register

This is a sponsored post by My Vision Show.