The third annual NextGEN OD Canada event is set to take place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, bringing together Canadian optometry students from across North America for an evening of insights, networking, and career-building opportunities.
This year, the event expands its reach, broadcasting live from the University of Waterloo’s Federation Hall and New England College of Optometry (NECO), and simulcast to other participating U.S. optometry schools.
NextGEN OD Canada is dedicated to supporting the next generation of Canadian optometrists by providing access to industry leaders, career resources, and essential discussions on the future of optometry in Canada. The event, starting at 5:30 PM local time in both Waterloo and Boston, will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Jenny Lee (UW 2023), who will share her experiences and insights with students preparing to enter the profession.
At 7:00 PM (ET), the event will transition to a live Zoom simulcast, allowing students across North America to tune in for a dynamic expert panel discussion featuring Canadian Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in optometry. Panelists will share valuable perspectives on the Canadian optometric landscape, providing students with essential knowledge for their future careers.
In addition to expert discussions, registered attendees will have the chance to win exciting prizes, with a total prize pool exceeding $3,000!
Sponsors Supporting the Next Generation of Optometrists
NextGEN OD Canada 2025 is made possible through the generous support of leading industry organizations, including:
🔹 Visionary Sponsors:Eye Recommend, FYidoctors, OSI Group, and Specsavers 🔹 Horizon Sponsors:Vogue Optical, Clinical & Refractive Optometry, and ROI Corporation
Their commitment to fostering the growth and success of future optometrists ensures that students have access to invaluable learning and networking opportunities.
Event Details:
📍 Live Event Locations:
Federation Hall, University of Waterloo (Waterloo, ON)
Optometry students are encouraged to register now for the ZOOM event and secure their spot at this must-attend event for future Canadian optometrists.
In addition to the March 26 event, a live event and rebroadcast is scheduled for April 3rd at 6 PM Pacific time to accommodate students in the western time zones.
Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced Ophthalmology and Therapy has published results from a phase 4 study which assessed early patient-reported outcomes with MIEBO in patients with dry eye disease (DED). MIEBO, indicated for the signs and symptoms of DED, is the first and only prescription treatment to directly target tear evaporation. These results shed light on the benefits of MIEBO after the first use and during the first two weeks of treatment. These data build on results from the GOBI and MOJAVE pivotal studies in which patients experienced significant improvement in the signs and symptoms of DED as early as day 15, with continued improvement through day 57.*
“We know that the symptoms of dry eye disease, which include eye dryness, blurred vision, burning, stinging and eye pain, can have a significant impact on daily activities such as reading, driving, working on a computer and using devices,” said Andrew Stewart, president, Global Pharmaceuticals and International Consumer, Bausch + Lomb. “These study results build on an impressive data set showing MIEBO as a well-tolerated and effective treatment option for dry eye disease that also can deliver much-needed, fast-acting symptom relief. In particular, the study answers the question of how quickly patients can experience relief prior to day 15, which was the first evaluation point in the phase 3 studies.”
The prospective, multicenter, open-label phase 4 study evaluated the effect of MIEBO on symptom severity and frequency early in treatment.* Inclusion criteria aligned with the phase 3 studies where all patients had a history of dry eye disease and evidence of meibomian gland dysfunction. Patients completed early outcome surveys during four clinic visits (day 1 [pretreatment; 5 and 60 minutes post-first administration] and days 3, 7, and 14). Patients rated symptom severity, symptom frequency and treatment satisfaction on a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 to 100.
“Rapid relief of dry eye symptoms is an important factor for adherence to treatment,” said Shane R. Kannarr, OD, study author and optometrist at Kannarr Eye Care in Kansas. “These patient-reported results show that MIEBO provided relief from dry eye symptoms quickly – in some cases in as little as five minutes after the patient’s first use – and that relief was maintained and improved over the two-week period. The study also demonstrated high patient treatment satisfaction, another important element for patient compliance, and patients described the product as silky, smooth and soothing.”
Key points from the trial (for all results P<0.0001):
Patients reported that MIEBO significantly reduced overall symptom severity at the primary endpoint of day 7.
The primary endpoint of change from baseline in the severity of overall dry eye symptoms at day 7 was met. Mean overall symptom severity decreased significantly from 72.1 (17.0) at baseline to 27.8 (22.3) at day 7 (mean change, − 44.5).
Significant symptom relief was observed within 5 and 60 minutes after a single administration on day 1:
The mean score on the VAS for overall dry eye symptoms was 72.1 (17.0) at baseline and decreased to 38.5 (22.8) at 5 min post-administration and 31.7 (22.1) at 60 min post-administration.
Significant reductions were seen for overall symptom severity and across all symptoms, including dryness, blurred vision, eye irritation, light sensitivity, eye tiredness, burning/stinging, itching and eye pain, at all post-baseline assessments.
Significant decreases were also observed in mean frequency of awareness of dry eye symptoms, fluctuations in quality of vision and time experiencing the most bothersome symptoms:
Mean Frequency of Awareness of Dry Eye Symptoms
Fluctuations in Quality of Vision
Mean % of Time Experiencing Most Bothersome Symptoms
Baseline
77.6%
62.8%
77.9%
Day 3
39.7%
29.8%
46.7%
Day 7
32.6%
24.5%
41.3%
Day 14
27.6%
19.4%
34.7%
Median satisfaction ratings increased steadily from 83.0 at day 3, 86.0 at day 7, and 90.0 at day 14, reflecting high patient satisfaction with MIEBO.
From 10 descriptors, study participants most commonly chose “silky, smooth and soothing” to describe how the drop felt on administration.
MIEBO was well tolerated with no reports of treatment-related adverse events.
For more information about MIEBO, please visit www.miebo.com.
*About MIEBO Pivotal and Early Efficacy Studies
GOBI and MOJAVE were two pivotal 57-day, multicenter, double-masked, saline-controlled studies conducted in adults ≥18 years old with a self-reported history of DED in both eyes and clinical signs of meibomian gland dysfunction. Patients administered one drop of MIEBO four times daily during the study. Primary endpoints were change from baseline in total corneal staining and change from baseline in eye dryness score (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]) at Day 57. Day 15 was the earliest time point at which signs and symptoms were evaluated in the trials. Day 57 (primary endpoints) was the last.
Individual symptom data for GOBI: Mean (SD) CFB –27.4 (27.9) for MIEBO (n = 289) vs –19.7 (26.7) for control (n = 279) (P<0.001) at Day 57. Individual symptom data for MOJAVE: Mean (SD) CFB –29.5 (28.6) for MIEBO (n = 302) vs –19.0 (27.2) for control (n = 296) (P<0.001) at Day 57.
The Early Efficacy study was a prospective, multicenter, open-label phase 4 study in adults ≥18 years old (N=99) with a self-reported history of DED in both eyes and clinical signs of meibomian gland dysfunction. Patients administered one drop of MIEBO four times daily in both eyes for 14 days. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in the severity of overall dry eye symptoms at day 7 (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]). Study limitations include the open-label design, absence of a control group, lack of assessment of clinical signs of DED, and limited diversity of the study population.
Disclaimer: Data should be interpreted with caution. No formal conclusions should be drawn.
INDICATION MIEBO® (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution) is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
MIEBO should not be administered while wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses should be removed before use and for at least 30 minutes after administration of MIEBO
Instruct patients to instill one drop of MIEBO into each eye four times daily
The safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 18 have not been established
The most common ocular adverse reaction was blurred vision (1% to 3% of patients reported blurred vision and conjunctival redness)
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Click here for full Prescribing Information for MIEBO.
References
Dana R, Bradley JL, et al. Estimated prevalence and incidence of dry eye disease on coding analysis of a large, all-age United States health care system. Am J Ophthalmol. 2019;202:47-54. doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2019.01.026.
Dana R, Meunier J, Markowitz Jt, Joseph C, Siffel C. Patient-reported burden of Dry Eye disease in the United States: Results of an online cross-sectional survey. Am J Ophthalmol. 2020;216,7-17. doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2020.03.044.
Lemp, MA, Crews, LA, Bron AJ. (2012). Distribution of Aqueous-Deficient and Evaporative Dry Eye in a Clinic-Based Cohort: a retrospective study. Cornea, 31(5), 472-478. 2012;31(5):472-478. doi:10.109/ICO.0b013e318225415a.
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the 6th World Congress of Optometry (WCO6), which will be held in collaboration with the Saudi Society of Optometry (SSO), its 11th Optometry Conference and Exhibition (SSO 2026). The event is set to take place November 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“The 11th Conference of the Saudi Society of Optometry (SSO 2026) and the 6th World Congress of Optometry (WCO6) will bring together global vision leaders in Riyadh, located at the crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean region,” says Dr. Waleed M. Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Society of Optometry. “Together, we are dedicated to advancing optometric education, research, and innovation, while strengthening international collaborations that will shape the future of eye care.”
The joint event will feature expert-led discussions, poster presentations, interactive workshops, and valuable networking opportunities, alongside a comprehensive selection of optometric continuing education (CE) courses. These offerings will highlight the latest advancements and trends in the field. SSO’s annual conference is recognized as the largest gathering of optometry professionals in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
“This marks the first time that the WCO will host a World Congress in the Eastern Mediterranean region,” shares Dr. Cindy Tromans, WCO President-Elect. “This exciting event will showcase the latest developments in optometric education, research, and innovation. We invite optometrists from around the world to join us in collaborating to advance our profession.”
“The 6th World Congress of Optometry in Saudi Arabia represents a historic milestone for the Eastern Mediterranean region, demonstrating our commitment to advancing optometry, eye care, and global collaboration,” says Ameer Abou Adela, WCO Geographic Representative for the Eastern Mediterranean region. “This congress will reinforce the pivotal role of optometry in creating a future where quality eye health and vision care are accessible and equitable for all.”
The Saudi Society of Optometry (SSO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing optometry in Saudi Arabia, is a Country Member of the World Council of Optometry (WCO). SSO is committed to professional development, public awareness, accredited continuing education, and community support.
With over 100 years of heritage, Nikon Optical Canada is devoted to using its knowledge and understanding of sight to bring a unique life experience to each wearer of its eyeglass lenses. Its meticulous and detailed effort in its product development goes beyond providing the best personalized vision to eyeglass wearers.
In Canada for the last 35 years, every Canadian should have the opportunity to learn more about Nikon Lenswear. With this in mind, Nikon Optical Canada is proud to announce the release of its new consumer website www.nikonlenswear.com/ca.
This new website is dedicated to helping consumers learn more about vision correction, protection and style. It offers the latest eye care tips, educates on various types of vision correction, informs about the latest lens innovations and allows consumers to explore lens options tailored to their lifestyle, helping them to be more knowledgeable before visiting an eye care professional.
For more information, visit the Nikon Lenswear website and contact a Nikon Business Development Partner to learn more about Nikon as a lens partner for your practice.
As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing eye care in Canada, WestGroupe has donated a total of $35,000 to the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI). This includes an initial contribution of $15,000 in 2023, followed by an additional $20,000 in 2024, reinforcing WestGroupe’s dedication to supporting vision research, education, and expanded access to care.
The Waterloo Eye Institute, part of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science, is set to become a national centre of excellence for eye and vision care, research, and education. The Waterloo Eye Institute’s 68,000 square feet of new and renovated space will include state-of-the-art clinics emphasizing both primary eye care and specialty services like myopia management, vision therapy, and low vision rehabilitation. With enhanced facilities, future optometry professionals will train to provide the highest level of care to their patients.
“We are thrilled to support the groundbreaking work of the Waterloo Eye Institute,” said Michael Suliteanu, President of WestGroupe. “At WestGroupe, we believe innovation and accessibility are key to advancing eye care. By contributing to WEI, we are investing in a brighter future for patients across Canada.”
“We are grateful to WestGroupe for this ongoing support of the Waterloo Eye Institute,” said Dr. Stanley Woo, Director of the School of Optometry & Vision Science. “This additional gift indicates WestGroupe’s ongoing commitment to our shared vision of helping people see.”
WestGroupe’s donations play a vital role in fuelling innovation in vision care at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science, helping to ensure greater access to essential eye care services for Canadians. This initiative aligns with the company’s core values of innovation, excellence, and accessibility in the field of optometry.
HOYA Vision Care introduces LensPreview, a new virtual try-on tool for photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, now available in the U.S. and Canada.
HOYA Vision Care introduces LensPreview, a new virtual try-on tool for photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, now available in the U.S. and Canada.
HOYA Vision Care introduces LensPreview, a new virtual try-on tool for photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, now available in the U.S. and Canada.
HOYA Vision Care introduces LensPreview, a new virtual try-on tool for photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, now available in the U.S. and Canada.
