A new study published in The Lancet shared results from a Phase 1/2 clinical trial testing a one-time anti-VEGF gene therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). The Johns Hopkins University study followed 42 patients for 2 years after gene therapy treatment.
Injected RGX-314 gene therapy produces an anti-VEGF drug called ranibizumab (Lucentis), which is a commonly used therapy for wet AMD. Retinal injection allows cells to make their own anti-VEGF medicine and hopefully reduces or eliminates the need for regular injections. In this study, there was a 60-80% reduction in the number of injections that patients needed. After injection of the gene therapy, patients received 1-4 injections per year compared to about 10 injections before gene therapy.
The treatment is now being tested in two larger Phase 3 clinical trials to ensure that it is safe and effective.
CooperVision recently hosted an Innovation Tour for 20 eye care professionals from across Canada at its state-of-the-art, LEED® certified manufacturing facility located in San José, Costa Rica. The three-day event was part of the company’s Canadian launch of its new clariti® 1 day multifocal 3 Add contact lenses.
Attendees were provided a behind-the-scenes look into the innovative design and manufacturing of CooperVision’s full family of clariti 1 day contact lenses, heard unique insights into the lives of today’s patients with presbyopia, and learned more about the company’s leadership in sustainability. The group also had the opportunity to participate in the planting of 75 trees in the lush forests of Costa Rica in partnership with Fundecor, a reforestation organization.
“I feel good knowing that when I prescribe clariti 1 day multifocal 3 Add contact lenses, I’m providing my patients with improved vision at all distances and freedom from reading glasses, while also doing my part in making a positive impact on the environment.”
Pamela Schmitz, OD, Whitby Vision Care in Ontario
Beth Lennox, OD, returned to her Ontario practice, Cambridge Eye Care, feeling empowered to educate both her team and her patients about CooperVision contact lenses and sustainability. “It was incredible to see sustainable manufacturing and operations firsthand and learn how CooperVision is finding innovative ways to ‘go green’ for the benefit of not only our patients, but the planet.”
The Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) and SCOPE Health Inc. have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative partnership focused on developing innovative technologies for dry eye disease and other ocular surface conditions. By leveraging SCOPE’s knowledge and expertise in eye drop product formulation science, together with CEVR’s extensive experience in ocular drug discovery and delivery translational research, the pair are committed to developing innovative product approaches for doctor and patient unmet ocular surface disease needs.
Professor Ben Thompson, CEO and scientific director of CEVR, remarked, “We are thrilled to collaborate with SCOPE Health Inc., a leading innovator in management solutions for ocular surface diseases. Through this collaboration and SCOPE’s ardent support, engagement in areas such as dry eye management at the practice level and global outreach will increase substantially to deliver tangible change. The research results will advance CEVR’s mission to develop technologies that preserve and enhance vision worldwide. This partnership merges cutting-edge science with formulation and commercialization expertise, paving the way for a transformative solution to support developing technologies that preserve and enhance healthy vision worldwide.”
“Disrupting the status quo and establishing a new standard of care for ocular surface diseases requires collective efforts. Under the leadership of CEVR’s Principal Investigators, Prof. Lyndon Jones, and Dr. Chau-Minh Phan, along with Dr. Howard Ketelson, head of Ideation & Discovery at SCOPE, this collaboration collectively harnesses our expertise’s to develop and commercialize differentiated and clinically valued eyecare products.”
“Independently, these Open Access papers each deepen knowledge of our innovative technology among the global ophthalmology and optometry communities. Collectively, they are providing eye care professionals with even more confidence in our approach and the impact that DOT lenses can have on children’s lives today and in the future.”
Marcella McParland, BSc, MCOptom, FAAO, FIACLE, FBCLA, vice president of Clinical, Medical & Professional Affairs, SightGlass Vision
In addition to supporting the hypothesis that a slight lowering of retinal contrast can slow the progression of myopia, the clinical trial is first multicenter study to demonstrate myopia control in an ethnically diverse population with children as young as age six. This outcome in younger patients is noteworthy, due to their fast physiological and myopic eye growth.
Published in Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics, the journal of The College of Optometrists, “Visual Impact of Diffusion Optic Technology Lenses for Myopia Control”affirms that the SightGlass Vision mechanism provides a clinically equivalent visual experience to standard single vision lenses across key measures.[2] The study at six U.S. sites was led by Professor James S. Wolffsohn, chief scientific officer for the International Myopia Institute and head of the Aston University School of Optometry.
Wolffsohn and his co-authors emphasized that DOT lenses provided a clinically equivalent visual experience to standard single vision lenses and did not compromise reading speed, critical print size, and near visual acuity; maintained normal head posture and contrast sensitivities; and demonstrated excellent high- and low-contrast visual acuities and stereopsis.
Written by noted vision scientists and researchers Drs. Jay Neitz and Maureen Neitz, “Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT): A Myopia Control Spectacle Lens Based on Contrast Theory” presents an in-depth review of the science behind DOT’s innovative methodology.[3] Appearing in Translational Vision Science & Technology, the paper explores the fundamentals of contrast theory, how it compares to blur and defocus approaches, and the resulting implications for the design of optical interventions.
SightGlass Vision’s patent-protected technology has made its commercial debut in several markets, including China, the Netherlands, Israel, and Canada, as well as through preliminary market trials in other countries. The company operates as a joint venture of CooperCompanies and EssilorLuxottica. For more information, visit SightGlassVision.com.
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References
[1] Laughton D, et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 4-year results of a multicentre randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study (CYPRESS). BMJ Open Ophthalmology 2024;9:e001790.
[2] Wolffsohn JS, Hill JS, Hunt C, Young G. Visual impact of diffusion optic technology lenses for myopia control. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2024; 44: 1398–1406.
[3] Neitz J, Neitz M. Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT): A Myopia Control Spectacle Lens Based on Contrast Theory. Trans. Vis. Sci. Tech. 2024;13(10):42.
Visibilia, one of the leading European players in the eyewear market, and Kappa®, the iconic Italian sportswear brand renowned for its athletic heritage and contemporary style, have announced an exclusive licensing agreement for the design, production, and distribution of Kappa® eyewear.
The agreement will come into effect in the second half of 2025 and will remain valid until December 2030. The first Kappa® eyewear collections by Visibilia, comprising optical frames and sunglasses, will debut in August 2025, with deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.
These collections, reflecting Kappa®’s distinctive aesthetic, are designed for men, women, and young people. They will comprehensively address themes of basic, urban, and sportswear, with a detailed focus on the specific needs of the optical market.
The expertise of both companies in their respective fields, combined with a strong commitment to service, product excellence, and Italian design, forms the foundation for an innovative, forward-thinking, and long-term international collaboration. This partnership is further strengthened by Kappa®’s exceptional marketing experience and its clear focus on impactful communication.
“We are thrilled to launch this collaboration with Kappa®, a brand we have long admired for its unique heritage and strong brand identity. Together, our goal is to open a new chapter for this iconic brand in the optical sector, supporting our growth in key markets and expanding our international presence.”
Ralf Kmoch, Managing Director, Visibilia
“The eyewear sector represents a natural extension of our brand, and with this exclusive license with Visibilia – a trusted leader in the industry – we are confident that Kappa® will continue to grow and solidify its position in the optical market, always staying true to our sports heritage and distinctive style.”
Alessandro Boglione, Executive Vice President of BasicNet and President of Kappa®
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
