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Optometry Giving Sight’s Grant Process Begins March 1

Optometry Giving Sight logo a turquoise eye with black icons in the shape of people for the iris

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, 2024 until Midnight MST March 20, 2024. 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-cost 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.

To be considered, organizations must be nonpartisan and 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 Charity,” 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 full press release.

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CSI Dry Eye Software Announces the Appointment of Trudi Charest as Chief Sales Officer

CSI Dry eye software

CSI Dry Eye Software, an emerging AI dry eye software company at the forefront of pioneering artificial intelligence in dry eye diagnostics and treatment recommendations, announces that it has appointed Trudi Charest as CSO – Chief Sales Officer.

Trudi Charest, Chief Sales Officer

Trudi has had a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the eyecare industry.  Trudi is a Licensed Optician who has worked in retail optical, wholesale with Bausch & Lomb, clinical consulting with Optos, VP of Marketing & Training for Eye Recommend before co-founding a digital marketing agency for Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, Marketing4ECPs. 

Trudi brings an impressive history of business development, international public speaking, venture start-ups, best-selling author, board direction and most recently awarded, 2024 Pyxis Award Winner by the Optical Women’s Association, for outstanding contributions to the growth of leadership of women in optical.

Trudi’s appointment comes at a significant time in the software’s history as it continues to release new artificial intelligence advancements and enhancements to the technology that are the first-of-its-kind in dry eye management. Invented and founded by Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghoul, MD, the main goal of the dry eye software is to make diagnosing and treating dry eye disease more accurate, organized, and efficient for all practices. 

“We are excited to have Trudi join our team here at CSI Dry Eye Software and continue our expansion and growth globally.”

Adam Idris, COO, CSI Dry Eye Software 

Click HERE for the full press release.

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SightGlass Vision Receives Breakthrough Device Designation from U.S. FDA

SightGlass Vision, a joint venture of CooperCompanies and EssilorLuxottica that develops innovative technologies and science-based treatments to address the global myopia epidemic, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Device designation to its Diffusion Optics Technology(DOT) spectacle lenses, which are intended to slow myopia progression in children. The unique design is the first to use the contrast management mechanism of action, incorporating thousands of elements that gently scatter light across the retina.

The FDA’s Breakthrough Devices Program is for highly innovative devices that provide for more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating human disease or conditions. Manufacturers are given more frequent opportunities for FDA feedback during the premarket review phase, as well as a prioritized submission review. Since the program’s introduction in 2015, only 18 other ophthalmic devices have received the Breakthrough Device designation.*

“The FDA Breakthrough Device designation for Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lenses is a milestone for our organization—and for the broader fight against the pediatric myopia epidemic. Recent studies1,2 illustrate that about half of U.S. children are myopic, yet most are not receiving treatments proven to slow myopia progression,” said Andrew Sedgwick, CEO of SightGlass Vision. “We are enthusiastic about more closely collaborating with the FDA as we pursue U.S. market clearance.”

SightGlass Vision’s patent-protected technology has demonstrated proven efficacy and safety through rigorous clinical evaluation.3,4,5,6 As reported in September 2023, full four-year outcomes from the pivotal CYPRESS study showed statistically significant slowing of axial length progression and cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction.7

SightGlass Vision two little girls in bicycle helmets wearing glasses
SightGlass Vision

Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lenses have made their commercial debut in several markets, including China, the Netherlands, and Israel, as well as through preliminary market trials in other countries. For more information, visit SightGlassVision.com.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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SightGlass Vision™ Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lenses are not available for sale in the United States.

* As of June 30, 2023. FDA Breakthrough Devices Program. Graph 2: Number of Granted Breakthrough Device Designations by Clinical Panel. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/how-study-and-market-your-device/breakthrough-devices-program#metrics

1 Kwan J, et al. Current Trends in Pediatric Eye Examinations and Contact Lens Prescribing in the U.S. Poster presentation at the Global Specialty Lens Symposium, January 2024.

2 Myopia Management 2024 Report, Jobson Optical Research, January 2024. https://reviewofmm.com/2024-myopia-report/

3 Control of myopia using Diffusion Optics Technology™ spectacle lenses: 12-month results of a randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study (CYPRESS). British Journal of Ophthalmology Published Online First: 01 September 2022. DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2021-321005

4 Rappon J., et al. Two-year effectiveness of a novel myopia management spectacle lens with full-time WEARERS. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2022;63(7):408.

5 Chalberg T., et al. Control of Myopia Using Diffusion Optics Spectacle Lenses: Efficacy and Safety Study (CYPRESS) 42-month results. ARVO 2023 Annual Meeting presentation. 27 April 2023.

6 Laughton, D et al. Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Spectacle Lens for Myopia Control Over Three Years. 2022 American Academy of Optometry annual meeting. 27 Oct 2022.

7 Xiaoying Zhu, Deborah Laughton, Jennifer S. Hill, Marcella McParland, Vanessa Tasso, Jay Neitz, Maureen Neitz, Thomas W. Chalberg. Control of Myopia using Diffusion Optics Technology Spectacle Lenses: Efficacy and Safety Study (CYPRESS) 4 Year Results. Presented at CCOS 2023.

Vitamin A Supplements do not Improve Vision for Individuals with Retinitis Pigmentosa

Fighting Blindness Canada

A new study from Dr. Eric Pierce and Dr. Jason Comander at Mass Eye and Ear does not show any benefit to taking high-dose vitamin A supplements for people with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

An older study looking at patient data from 1984-1991 had originally suggested that taking vitamin A supplements could in a small way slow the loss of vision for individuals with RP. The study also found that taking vitamin E supplements increased vision loss.

In this newer study, published in the journal JCI Insight, Dr. Pierce and his team looked at additional longer-term data from the original patients. The new analysis confirmed that vitamin E supplements should be avoided by patients with RP, but did not show any benefit from taking vitamin A. In the original study the impact of vitamin A supplements on vision was very small, and the results have been controversial. This new study suggests there is no benefit to vitamin A supplements for people with RP.

Other studies have previously suggested that for individuals with Stargardt’s disease, vitamin A supplements can increase retinal degeneration and should be avoided.

About Fighting Blindness Canada:

Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) is the largest charitable funder of vision research in Canada.

Over our 49-year history, FBC has contributed critical funding for the development of sight-saving treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases. By raising and stewarding funds, FBC is helping drive forward research that supports our goal of understanding why vision loss occurs, how it can be slowed and how sight can be restored.

We are an invaluable resource for individuals and families impacted by blindness, providing accurate eye health information through our website and educational events, as well as engaging with government and other stakeholders to advance better vision health policies.

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Custom Lamination Meets Unmatched Style

Featuring a modified round shape with subtly pointed, thoughtfully thickened upper
corners, the Fysh F-3725 col. S412 acetate frame radiates sophistication while
accentuating the distinctive contours of this eyewear masterpiece.

The frame showcases custom lamination for added uniqueness and craftsmanship, available in four captivating colourways, including the daring Black Lace Fuchsia, serene Navy Sage Pearl, whimsical Grape Pearl Teal, and classic Tortoise Cherry Oat (featured
model).

Distributed by: www.westgroupe.com

About WestGroupe:

Established in 1961, WestGroupe is family operated with over 60 years of industry insight. Our mission has always been to provide unique and superior quality eyewear for the fashion-focused consumer. We are driven by our customer commitment to excellent service and exceptional product. WestGroupe is dedicated to defining future standards in the optical business by developing, creating, and supporting innovative products and services that allows our customers to succeed. WestGroupe offers a premium selection of globally recognized proprietary eyewear brands including KLiiK denmark, FYSH, EVATIK, Superflex® and OTP.

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