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 studies^1,2 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

¹Kwan 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.

February 21, 2024February 8, 2024

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

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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February 20, 2024February 8, 2024

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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February 19, 2024February 19, 2024

Cultivating Supplier Partnerships

Altered overhead photograph of a forest, that looks like a clearing in the shape of two hands shaking.

By Dr. Trevor Miranda, OD

Optical sales representatives or Territory Managers can be an essential part of a well-run optometric practice. Sales reps as we call them often have a wealth of industry knowledge and product knowledge and also have an ear to the ground on industry trends.

Furthermore, the reps know what is working in successful clinics, have insights into competitor strategies and have a myriad of connections to staff and doctors who may one day be candidates to join your growing clinic! Investing time to discuss opportunities with your suppliers is a vital part of a successful independent practice.

Optical Sales Representative Delegation or Abdication?

I hear many “successful” practice owners that say they have delegated meeting with reps to key staff members. While I do believe in empowering staff to meet optical sales representatives and cultivate relationships and business discussions, I also think there should be significant oversight and accountability. Further, owners should consider at least an annual meeting to establish objectives, establish marketing initiatives and create a reporting mechanism to brief practice owners when staff members are meeting with the sales reps.

Photograph of a sales rep and a doctor developing their supplier relationship by looking at a tablet together.

In many cases, the staff have too much power with very little guidance and controls in place. One of the most glaring examples is frame buying where staff buy frames they “feel” will sell well and look great without any budgets or gross margin return on investment measurements (GMROI). Meeting with reps informs owners of promotions and prizes available. We tap all these rewards centrally and disperse them to the team. Don’t allow the dysfunctional practice of one team member benefiting over the team by selfishly hoarding prizes and bonuses for themselves.

Maximizing Supplier Partnerships with Optical Sales Representatives

Having a policy where the owners and leaders of the optometric practice invest time to meet with current or potential future supplier representatives is crucial to evolving your clinic into a better entity. Is there a new piece of equipment that will bring forward a new revenue stream? Is a “bonus” available to inventory contact lenses and achieve a lower cost of goods? Can you partner more deeply with a supplier to reduce shipping costs? Perhaps reducing the number of suppliers to maximize these opportunities make sense but remember to meet with other non-partner suppliers to see if changes would make sense and lead to more profitability and/or better patient outcomes.

Reps are People Too

I find it very bothersome when doctors feel they are much more important than a optical sales representative. These doctors tend to blow off reps, not keep to pre-appointed meeting times and tend to view reps as nothing more than an annoyance. I call this “doctoritis”. Doctoritis, by my definition, is when the doctor has been afflicted by the notion that their time is more important than someone else’s time (this includes your patient’s and rep’s time). Be humble my friends and sit down with everyone.

Smiling businesswoman holding digital tablet standing in office.

Your reps can also be a feedback mechanism to the higher up decision makers. In my practice, I wanted support for contact lens subscription services and my reps helped to make that wish a reality. Complaints such as vendors creating “flash” sales online while not informing their retail partners get fed back to decision makers that OD owners will not sit quietly and allow such unfair retail tactics.

Be the First Choice

Young businessman in a suit celebrating success in supplier partnerships.

Guess what?! Reps and suppliers have their favourites and their not-so-favourite customers. They know which of us are a pain to deal with and which of us they would rather allocate more discretionary marketing dollars to. They know which clinics they would like to go to as patients and which clinics they would recommend other staff to choose if they are not really happy with their current job position.

You have the opportunity to make a great impression in every interaction. Don’t miss this opportunity with each rep every time. Create a culture that fosters supplier partnerships by welcoming reps to the clinic and not as an annoyance. Respect their time! Many optical sales representatives have to pay their own costs and it is expensive to visit your clinic. Invest the time yourself or with a delegated well-informed staff member to maximize this opportunity. They are not “throw-away interactions”. While they want to make sales, there is no excuse to be rude, disrespectful of their time or indifferent to their products.

How can supplier partnerships enhance your practice?

Use the time to educate yourself; learn about their product or ask the rep how they could improve your clinic. What do they suggest? The reps enter so many practices and chat with so many clinicians. Take the opportunity to have your blind spots exposed. Consider asking them to secret shop or look at your website and suggest improvements. Book lunch and learn training events or other training pieces that many territory managers are armed with. Most reps are armed with practice-specific programs they can deploy to grow their territory.

Ask your rep if there is something they set up that is of mutual benefit. Our optical sales representatives are a trusted source of information, feedback and inspiration; remember to utilize supplier partnerships and help grow your practice!

Dr. Miranda is a partner in a multi-doctor, five-location practice on Vancouver Island. He is a strong advocate for true Independent Optometry. As a serial entrepreneur, Trevor is constantly testing different patient care and business models at his various locations. Many of these have turned out to be quite successful. Dr. Miranda is a regular contributor to Eye Care Business Canada under the category “Independent SightLines”.

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Dr. Trevor Miranda, the article's author, smiling and wearing a suit.

February 16, 2024February 16, 2024

ClearVision Optical and SUNY Optometry Award Scholarships to Three Students

ClearVision Optical’s David Friedfeld and SUNY College of Optometry awarded the latest Fred Friedfeld Memorial Scholarship and inaugurated a new scholarship, the Optical Community Scholarship, this past November at the college’s annual Scholarship Presentation program, held in partnership with its foundation, the Optometric Center of New York (OCNY).

The Optical Community Scholarship

David Friedfeld, co-owner and president of ClearVision, joined with the college, as well as the OCNY, to create an endowed fund to be annually awarded to optometry students who demonstrate personal experience with or an interest in working with underrepresented patients and communities.

Disparities in access to eyecare remain, and this scholarship effort aims to close that gap by identifying students who will work with underserved communities to offer more inclusive care and ensure improved vision health. With the Optical Community Scholarship, David Friedfeld and ClearVision Optical hope to work with SUNY College of Optometry and OCNY to build a future with better eyecare access for everyone.

As an endowed fund, the Optical Community Scholarship will be funded annually through Friedfeld’s initial donation.

The winners of the inaugural Optical Community Scholarship were Christine Chou, class of 2025, and Nia Ebrahim, class of 2024.

Click here to donate to the Optical Community Scholarship endowed fund.

“ClearVision was founded 75 years ago on a set of values including service, compassion, respect, and integrity. Those values were instilled in the company, and in our family, through my father. This scholarship is an effort to live up to those values by helping future optometrists close the gap in eyecare access and ensure better industry and vision health for patients everywhere.”

David Friedfeld, co-owner and president of ClearVision

Friedfeld Award

The Fred Friedfeld Memorial Scholarship

The Friedfeld family and ClearVision Optical also partner with the SUNY College of Optometry to grant the Fred Friedfeld Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was founded in 2014 by David, his brother and ClearVision Co-Owner and Vice President Peter, and Friedfeld family in honor of Friedfeld’s father and founder of ClearVision, Fred Friedfeld. Since then, over $110,000 has been raised for the Fred Friedfeld Memorial Scholarship and 10 scholarships have been awarded. Recipients receive $3,500 each year.

The recipient of the 2023 Fred Friedfeld Memorial Scholarship was Gurleen Klair, class of 2024.

“We place great emphasis on our relationships with universities, working closely with several, including Stony Brook University, Lehigh University, and Drexel University,” Jen Trakhtenberg, chief people officer and co-COO of ClearVision, said. We also consider our engagement with students, particularly through our dynamic internship program, as a key way to meaningfully contribute to the community and to the ongoing career development, education, and skill-building of future professionals through training and support.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

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Blog

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

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

About Fighting Blindness Canada:

Custom Lamination Meets Unmatched Style

About WestGroupe:

Cultivating Supplier Partnerships

Optical Sales Representative Delegation or Abdication?

Maximizing Supplier Partnerships with Optical Sales Representatives

Reps are People Too

Be the First Choice

How can supplier partnerships enhance your practice?

ClearVision Optical and SUNY Optometry Award Scholarships to Three Students

The Optical Community Scholarship

The Fred Friedfeld Memorial Scholarship

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