Scientists from the University of Cambridge have used gene therapy to regenerate damaged optic nerves in the eyes of mice, offering hope that this information could help in the development of new treatments for glaucoma.
The optic nerve isn’t normally able to heal once it is damaged, however research in the last few years has shown that it may be possible to stimulate nerves to regenerate.
In this study published in the journal Nature Communications, scientists used a gene therapy approach to get nerve cells to make higher amounts of a protein called Protrudin. What they saw was that after optic nerve damage, nerve cells that were making more Protrudin were able to regrow the nerve, while cells without gene therapy didn’t regenerate.
Carl Zeiss Vision Canada and WestGroupe, through their sales in ValuePak Frame and Lens packages have donated over $110,000 to Optometry Giving Sight since 2016.
ValuePak offers frames from WestGroupe and synchrony® lens from Carl Zeiss Vision Canada.
“We are proud of our
achievement together in partnership with WestGroupe and Optometry Giving Sight”
said Bryan Rossi, President at Carl Zeiss Vision Canada. “One of our corporate pillars
is sustainability, including social and green responsibility. We express our
gratitude that we are able to offer support to those who are in need of eye
care around the world.”
Michael Suliteanu, President, WestGroupe, said, “We cherish the opportunity to give back through our partnership with Carl Zeiss Vision, whereby a portion of every pair we sell is donated to such a significant initiative. Optometry Giving Sight not only reflects the value we place on sustainability and responsibility, but furthermore the humanistic duty that informs our industry—to provide sight and, consequently, quality of life to all.”
More information on the program is available on the ZEISS and WestGroupe websites.
Furthering its commitment to
address the global epidemic of childhood myopia, the World Council of Optometry
(WCO) Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution advising
optometrists to incorporate a standard of care for myopia management within
their practices.
“Myopia is increasing at an
alarming rate, as are the risks for vision impairment associated with the
condition. With more than five billion people projected to be affected by
myopia by 2050, the global optometric community must increase its efforts to
combat this public health issue,” said Paul Folkesson, president, World Council
of Optometry.
The resolution defines the
evidence-based standard of care as comprising of three main components:
Mitigation —
optometrists educating and counseling parents and children, during early
and regular eye exams, on lifestyle, dietary, and other factors to prevent
or delay the onset of myopia.
Measurement —
optometrists evaluating the status of a patient during regular
comprehensive vision and eye health exams, such as measuring refractive
error and axial length whenever possible.
Management —
optometrists addressing patients’ needs of today by correcting myopia,
while also providing evidence-based interventions (e.g., contact lenses,
spectacles, pharmaceuticals) that slow the progression of myopia, for
improved quality of life and better eye health today and into the future.
It also advises optometrists to
incorporate within their practice the standard of care for myopia management,
which shifts from simply correcting vision to managing the condition, and also
includes public education and early, frequent discussions with parents that
explain:
What
myopia is.
Lifestyle factors that may impact myopia.
The increased risks to long-term ocular health
that myopia brings.
The available approaches that can be used to
manage myopia and slow its progression.
The standard of care resolution can
be found in its entirety on the World Council of Optometry’s website, here.
WCO and CooperVision recently announced a global partnership to raise awareness of myopia progression and encourage optometrists to embrace a standard of care to manage the condition. The partnership will establish a global resource to include multi-lingual myopia management resources and programming that currently have not been widely accessible or actively addressed in certain sectors or countries.
To support the continued growth of CooperVision Specialty EyeCare customers, the group has promoted Ledonna Buckner to Head Technical Advisor and hired Christine Moufarrej as Head of Marketing, EMEA.
“Ledonna and Christine add new
perspectives and expertise that will be invaluable as we continue to deepen
relationships and expand our presence and impact worldwide,” Dr. Juan Carlos
Aragón, President, CooperVision Specialty EyeCare.
Ledonna Buckner
Buckner—who has nearly four decades of industry experience—most recently served as Mid-Atlantic Regional Account Manager for Blanchard, as well as a trainer for the CooperVision Specialty EyeCare commercial sales and consultation teams. She is now responsible for educating and training the team of technical advisors on all specialty contact lens categories, so they can consult with eye care professionals (ECPs). Buckner is replacing Robert Martin, who held the position since the founding of Blanchard in 1986.
She is a licensed dispensing optician, a Fellow and board member of the Contact Lens Society of America (CLSA), a master of contact lens technology in the National Contact Lens Examiners, and member of the ABO/NCLE board of directors.
Christine Moufarrej
In her newly created role, Moufarrej is responsible for further developing the CooperVision Specialty EyeCare marketing strategy and operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Previously, she held various positions at pharmaceuticals manufacturer STADA, most recently holding the position as the Group Marketing & Business Development Manager in Dubai. Earlier, she served in product management and sales roles with Grünenthal Group and Algorithm Pharmaceuticals.
FYidoctors announced a merger with Prescott Optometric Centre. The announcement marks the eye care provider’s 50th location in Ontario.
“On behalf of the FYidoctors family, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Holmes and the Prescott Optometric Centre team,” said Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO and Chairman of FYidoctors. “The addition marks a milestone for the company in Ontario along with an equally exciting opportunity to extend our services and products to the community of Prescott.”
Located in the riverside community of Prescott, Ontario, Prescott Optometric Centre has served the community and surrounding areas for over 45 years. The company is founded and led by Dr. James A. Holmes, who has received a variety of awards over the years including the Ontario Association of Optometrist Community Service Award, the Children’s Vision Care Award, and the Augusta Township Senior Citizen Award – in addition to his commitment to supporting non-profits to various entities in the community.
“FYidoctors’ standards for optometric care are world-class. That coupled with the positive reputation they have in the industry made joining the company an easy decision,” said Dr. Holmes.
Working alongside Dr. Holmes is the clinic’s team of optometric assistants and administrators including Registered Optician, Kylie Malanka; Reception and Pre-test Technician, Shelley Stephenson; and Frame Stylist and Pre-test Technician, Lena Bourne.
Experience the pinnacle of eye care education at Vision Expo West. This September’s educational program is now unveiled offering attendees new insights and knowledge on a diverse range of topics, from disease management and practice growth to lens innovations, the latest eyewear trends and more.
Introducing the BITTER sunglasses from the Odd Fruits capsule collection; a women's model with a handcrafted frame made of high-quality Italian acetate.
AYA announces the launch of their latest collaboration, "Iris" – a new addition to their eyewear collection that honours the rich tapestry of indigenous art with a distinct nod to fashion.
Experience the pinnacle of eye care education at Vision Expo West. This September’s educational program is now unveiled offering attendees new insights and knowledge on a diverse range of topics, from disease management and practice growth to lens innovations, the latest eyewear trends and more.
Introducing the BITTER sunglasses from the Odd Fruits capsule collection; a women's model with a handcrafted frame made of high-quality Italian acetate.
AYA announces the launch of their latest collaboration, "Iris" – a new addition to their eyewear collection that honours the rich tapestry of indigenous art with a distinct nod to fashion.
Experience the pinnacle of eye care education at Vision Expo West. This September’s educational program is now unveiled offering attendees new insights and knowledge on a diverse range of topics, from disease management and practice growth to lens innovations, the latest eyewear trends and more.
Introducing the BITTER sunglasses from the Odd Fruits capsule collection; a women's model with a handcrafted frame made of high-quality Italian acetate.
AYA announces the launch of their latest collaboration, "Iris" – a new addition to their eyewear collection that honours the rich tapestry of indigenous art with a distinct nod to fashion.
Experience the pinnacle of eye care education at Vision Expo West. This September’s educational program is now unveiled offering attendees new insights and knowledge on a diverse range of topics, from disease management and practice growth to lens innovations, the latest eyewear trends and more.
Introducing the BITTER sunglasses from the Odd Fruits capsule collection; a women's model with a handcrafted frame made of high-quality Italian acetate.
AYA announces the launch of their latest collaboration, "Iris" – a new addition to their eyewear collection that honours the rich tapestry of indigenous art with a distinct nod to fashion.
