Blog - Page 79 of 903

February 26, 2025January 31, 2025

FBC Funded Research Moves to Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial for Diabetic Macular Edema

An intact blood-retinal barrier, important for proper retinal function, is disrupted in eye diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) where uncontrolled blood vessel growth disrupts the barrier, allowing fluid to leak into the eye.

Currently, anit-VEGF is the main treatment for AMD and DME. is While anti-VEGF treatment reduces blood vessel growth, they do not fix existing damage to the blood-retinal barrier. Dr. Sidhu (University of Waterloo) has developed a new antibody treatment which has the potential to restore the blood retinal barrier and help improve vision for those with AMD or DME.

Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) funding helped Dr. Sidhu’s team generate pre-clinical data leading to first in human Phase 1 clinical trials in 2023. Based on promising results from these trials, the molecule, Restoret has been acquired by the pharmaceutical company Merck. A larger clinical trial. will test if the therapy is safe and improves best corrected visual acuity compared to anti-VEGF treatment.

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February 25, 2025February 25, 2025

Optometry Giving Sight’s Grant Process Begins March 1

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) will begin accepting pre-applications for its grant program that funds sustainable, optometry-based projects to end preventable blindness and vision impairment throughout the world. Pre-applications will be accepted from March 1, 2025, until Midnight MST March 20, 2025. Organizations that pass the pre-application process will be invited to submit a full grant proposal in early April. Final grant awards will be announced in August.

OGS funds organizations that focus on the following:

Programs involving optometry where there is a clear outline of optometry’s involvement in and benefits to the program
Establishment or support of optometry schools, eye clinics, vision centers and optical labs
Programs that deliver eye exams and low- or no-cost glasses to underserved or marginalized populations and include a strong optometry education and training component
Integrated, long-term optometry-related programs with a view towards sustainability
Service delivery tied to optometry education and/or the development of optometry

Organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), Canadian registered charities and international charities are eligible for funding. There are no geographic restrictions on the locations of the projects. However, priority is given to programs that are in parts of the world where optometry is not a well-developed profession.

Organizations must be nonpartisan to be considered. They will not be eligible for funding if their parent company is a large corporation. Programs that include only vision screenings, basic eye exams, and eyeglass distribution will also not be considered.

As Optometry’s International Charity of Choice, OGS raises funds from optometrists, optometry practices, and optometry-related businesses and corporations to award grants for sustainable, impactful projects that expand the profession and improve access to vision care in underserved areas of the world.

Prospective grantees may learn more here.

Click HERE for the press release.

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February 24, 2025February 24, 2025

MyoPro™ Spectacle Lenses by East Optical Now Available in Canada

Eyecare providers now have a new tool for the treatment of juvenile-onset myopia with the launch of MyoPro™ spectacle lenses in Canada by Toronto-based Plastic Plus Ltd., Canada’s largest independent optical lab.

MyoPro™ is an innovative spectacle lens design technology called H.O.R.I. (Hexagon Optimized Reticular Integration) that features 540 seamlessly integrated hexagonal lenslets embedded into the front surface of the lens combined with a smaller central zone.

Randomized Clinical Trial Results

MyoPro™ lenses were subjected to a rigorous double-blind, randomized clinical trial at Wenzhou Medical University in China that demonstrated excellent efficacy in myopia control and visual performance.

The adjusted one-year results showed that children wearing MyoPro™ lenses, on average, experienced a 0.38D (57%) reduction in myopia progression and a -0.18mm (50%) reduction in axial elongation compared to the single-vision control.

“We are thrilled about the launch of East Optical MyoPro™ spectacle lenses in Canada. In randomized clinical trials, MyoPro™ lenses have demonstrated excellent efficacy, wearability, and performance in myopia management.”

Olive Su, General Manager, East Optical

“We are pleased to offer this state-of-the-art lens technology in Canada. Myopia is one of the leading vision health concerns among children in Canada, and we are committed to helping eyecare providers find effective solutions and treatment options,” added Plastic Plus president Jason Faibish. “It is also a pleasure to collaborate with the team at East Optical to bring this innovative myopia control option to Canada.”

East Optical is a family-owned business established in 1982 and based in Jiaxing, Zhenjiang.

Today, East Optical is one of China’s leading manufacturers and exporters of a full range of premium lenses. For more information about East Optical click on www.myopro.ca

Click HERE for the press release.

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February 24, 2025February 24, 2025

Marcolin: Mark Parisi Appointed New VP of Optical Sales & Key Accounts

Marcolin announces the appointment of Mark Parisi as the new VP of Optical Sales & Key Accounts for the US starting February 20, 2025. Mark will be directly reporting to the CEO of North America, Marco D’Acunzo.

With over 20 years of experience, Mark has established himself as a leader in multiple industries including medical devices, dental and optical. Mark most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer for ABB Optical Group where he was responsible for over $1.5B in company revenue and 3 business units.

In his new role at Marcolin, Mark will be tasked in new business development and strengthening relationships with the US client network while launching new licensed brands in 2025 including Christian Louboutin, Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister.

Click HERE for the press release.

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February 21, 2025February 21, 2025

Embrace the Sunday Somewhere State of Mind

WestGroupe Someday Somewehere image and logos

Sunday hits the ‘pause’ button, the ‘space’ bar, the ESC key. Forget what Tuesday wants, what Wednesday di, what Thursday told Friday about you. And what’s important on Monday doesn’t matter on a Sunday.

So long as it’s still Sunday. My Sunday, Somewhere.