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International Research Effort Points to Calcium Deposits as Origin of AMD

Microscopic spheres of mineralised calcium phosphate (hydroxylapatite) commonly found in bones and teeth may be a cause in AMD progression, according to a UK-led research team.

The researchers believe that these spheres attract fat and lipid deposits over time to form drusen. The study is based upon observations in 30 eyes in donors aged 43 to 96.

The researchers are hopeful that this understanding of the origin of drusen will lead to prevention strategies that might stop AMD from developing.

Source: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0115/200115-macular-degeneration-linked-to-calcium#sthash.Q0VSBy0g.dpuf

Novartis and its Alcon Division Report Marginally Increased Global Sales in 2014

Novartis sales increased 1%, or 3% at constant exchange rates to $ US 58 billion ($74 billion CDN). The company expects growth of approximately 5% of its net sales in 2015. Alcon, a Novartis division since 2010, reported an increase of 3% in 2014 to US $10.8 billion ($13.7 billion CDN). Sales of the Vision Care segment, which includes the launch of Dailies Total1 lenses and AirOptix Colors, increased by 2%, while sales of contact lens care products declined.

The surgery business increased by 5%, while Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals grew by 3% due to good performance of Systane of Ilevro and treatments for glaucoma.

The Novartis report did not provide any North American or Canadian results relating to the Alcon Division.

For more information:

http://www.novartis.com/downloads/investors/financial-results/quarterly-results/q4-2014-media-release_en.pdf

Brien Holden Teams with Contamac to Develop Contact Lenses for Myopia Control

Contamac, UK global provider of biocompatible materials for the ophthalmic industry and the Brien Holden Institute announced a partnership to develop gas permeable and silicone hydrogel contact lens products (CLs) focused on myopia control.  The goal is to commercialize specialized CLs designs that reduce myopia progression in children.

“This is an important step in making effective myopia control technologies available to reduce the rate of progress of myopia and the risk of permanent vision impairment associated with high levels of myopia later in life,” said Professor Brien Holden, CEO of the Brien Holden Vision Institute.

Contamac indicates that the number of eye care professionals using CLs to control myopia is rising and interest in specialty contacts is growing rapidly. Martin Dalsing, Contamac’s Director of Global Strategy and Business said, “Making available these specialized custom lens parameters and designs to the eye care professional through our laboratory network will be crucial for today’s modern specialty contact lens practice.”

Source: http://www.contamac.com/Company/News/news-23-01-20151024.aspx

 

Kirk & Kirk Partners With Luxe-Lab for North American Distribution

Kirk & Kirk has announced Luxe-Lab will now distribute their Vivarium and Solarium collections in the U.S. and Canada.

The British company, launched at Silmo 2014, have already made an impact in the optical market winning the Newcomer Award at Hall Of Frames, voted by Swiss and German opticians, and also a Silver Award at The London Design Awards, a multi-discipline design program.

Opticians recognized as accredited resellers of Kirk & Kirk will be able to order direct from Luxe Lab to reduce delivery time and save on transportation costs.

Luxe-Lab is the company of Richard Wilhelm, longtime friend of Jason Kirk.

Kirk & Kirk will show their collection for the first time in the US at Vision Expo.

JIL SANDER AND RODENSTOCK SIGN EYEWEAR LICENSE AGREEMENT

Jil Sander has joined forces with Rodenstock giving them the exclusive worldwide license to design, manufacture and distribute their ophthalmic frames and sunglasses.

The 2015 women’s and men’s collection will be the first collaboration between the two groups.

The new collection is being developed in collaboration with Rodolfo Paglialunga, Creative Director of Jil Sander and will be available in May.

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