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University of Alberta Begins First Gene Therapy Trial for Choroideremia in Canada

The University of Alberta has recently begun the enrolling and dosing of subjects in a Phase II clinical trial for a gene therapy treatment of choroideremia, a rare inherited disorder where the capillaries of the choroid degenerate, causing blindness by around middle age.

This gene therapy, in which a viral vector carrying a working copy of the REP1 gene is introduced via sub-retinal injection, was developed by NightstaRx, a UK-based biopharmaceutical company, specializing in the development of therapies for retinal dystrophies. The current phase of this trial involves six subjects, all of them men.

Ian MacDonald, Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Alberta and leader of the clinical research team, says, “It’s a great privilege to be able to do something very positive for people with choroideremia. People have hoped for this for a long time.”

Further Information: http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/11502.asp

SILMO, Rebooting SILMO TV in 2015

SILMO 2015 is continuing its makeover by rebooting SILMO TV, to offer exhibitors and visitors a trade fair with its finger firmly on the pulse of the industry. SILMO TV will without a doubt be a real highlight of the 2015 event, which is scheduled for 25 – 28 September at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre.

SILMO TV with a stunning new look for a trade fair that’s growing ever more connected

With its new, leading edge positioning, more in synch with its market and in step with its times, SILMO needed to come up with an ultra-modern and effective tool… that’s now been achieved thanks to SILMO TV! More than just a TV stage set, SILMO TV will be the go-to multimedia tool of this 2015 edition:
Connected with its public: SILMO TV will be the preferred showcase for all exhibitors seeking visibility and a key information hub for visitors and optics industry players.

Connected with its industry: SILMO TV will be a forum for debates and programmes on the sector’s latest developments, shining the spotlight on 4 major topics: Fashion, Health, Innovation and Training.

Connected with the exhibition’s news as it happens: To ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action, SILMO TV will bring you all the highlights of the trade fair via live coverage on the stage.

Connected with the digital world: SILMO TV will be pre-recorded and broadcast on YouTube, with a presence too on the major social media platforms to give maximum interactivity.

Key figures for SILMO TV:
36 programmes scheduled
24-hour coverage
15 innovations presented
10 major trends uncovered
4 news broadcasts, enabling you to keep tabs both on the exhibition and on the industry’s latest developments!

Get a sneak preview of SILMO TV 2015 style.

The programs will be broadcast in French and English, with simultaneous translation to cater for an international audience.

 

ZEISS DriveSafe Launching August 3, 2015

Launching August 3, 2015: A new solution from ZEISS to combat visual challenges when driving.

Most drivers are exposed to difficult driving conditions that impact their vision, such as driving in rain, snow or fog, and of course driving at night. For most, this can be a major source of stress – in fact, over two thirds of adults report difficulty driving in these challenging visual conditions.

Zeiss is very excited to announce the launch of an innovative lens solution from ZEISS: ZEISS DriveSafe – a lens and coating combo to combat these challenges.  Call at 1-800-268-6489 or visit www.zeiss.ca/drivesafe to learn more.  Or reach out to your local ZEISS representative.

Essilor of America to Acquire Vision Source US

Earlier this morning European time, Vision Source announced that it has entered into an agreement whereby Essilor of America will acquire a majority stake in the Vision Source network. Subject to regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to close over the next couple of months.  Specific terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

VMAIL reports that Vision Source’s Canadian assets, which consisted of 95 franchisees, were transferred to FYidoctors in 2013 and will continue to be managed by that company headed by CEO Alan Ulsifer, OD.  Vision Source founder, Glenn Ellisor said, “Vision Source Canada is not part of the transaction. We have a marketing agreement with FYidoctors. I spoke with Al Ulsifer, and he agreed that our relationship will continue.”

In the US, according the Vision Source press release, Vision Source is expected to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Essilor of America and will continue to be managed independently by the current management team.

Further information available at:
Vision Monday
Vision Source

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