Brien Holden, a well-known figure in the industry, has received the highest scientific honour in optometry from the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).

He was presented with an award at the annual AAO meeting, held in Denver, Colorado, November 12–16, 2014.

Established in 1958, the Charles F. Prentice Medal recognizes a career-long record of advancement of knowledge in vision science.

Brien Holden is a professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, and CEO of Brien Holden Vision Institute, a global leader in research and innovation .

For further information: http://brienholdenvision.org/media-centre/latest-news/984-optometry-s-highest-honour-for-brien-holden.html

 

Visionix and the Axis Medical Group have announced the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement for Canada, effective January 1, 2015.

Visionix is a company of the Luneau Technology Group, whereas the Axis Medical Group consists of Precision Ophtalmique based out of Montreal, Axis Medical (formerly B&H Optical) based in Belleville, and Pacific Medical based in Vancouver. Together, the Axis Medical Group brings eyecare professionals from across Canada the latest globally recognized technologies.

With this agreement, the Axis Medical Group will have access to the full range of Visionix products to outfit any practice. The agreement also includes the Briot and Weco lines of edging equipment for Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.

For further information: http://www.axismedical.ca/

 

Valeant acquires Nicox Inc., Nicox’s US subsidiary specialized in diagnostic tests.

The deal is worth up to US$20 million, with US$10 million to be paid out upfront.

Nicox will concentrate on ophthalmic therapeutics. It intends to build an international ophthalmic company in Europe and in the United States, in light of its acquisition of Aciex and positive phase 3 results for Vesneo® (latanoprostene bunod).

Expected to be launched in 2016, this glaucoma therapy is under license by the Valeant division Bausch + Lomb. Valeant estimates that the drug’s potential peak global sales will exceed CA$1 billion.

For further information: http://www.nicox.com/news-media/news/acquisition-nicoxs-us-ophthalmic-diagnostics-subsidiary-valeant-2/

Vision-Ease Lens has named John Weber as its new chief executive officer.

Weber joins Vision-Ease Lens after serving for six years as president of CooperVision. Prior to assuming that role he was president of CooperVision Asia Pacific and served as executive vice president of worldwide operations for contact lens manufacturer Ocular Sciences.

On his part, Doug Hepper, who has served as the company’s CEO for the past 12 years, will transition to the role of executive chairman.

Vision-Ease Lens was acquired by the private equity investment firm Wind Point Partners in September 2014.

For further details: http://www.vision-ease.com/Home/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/30/VisionEase-Lens-Announces-John-Weber-as-CEO.aspx

Actavis and Allergan announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Actavis will acquire Allergan.

Actavis will pay $129.22 US in cash plus Actavis shares for each share of Allergan common stock. Based on the closing price of Actavis shares on November 14, 2014, the transaction is valued at approximately $66 billion, or $219 per Allergan share.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is supported by the two management teams. This consequently puts an end to Valeant’s attempt to take over Allergan that began several months ago and about which much has been written.

The two companies combined will create one of the top 10 global growth pharmaceuticals with expected revenue of $23 billion in 2015. This deal should close in the second quarter of 2015.

For further details on the transaction: http://agn.client.shareholder.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=883356