Blog

December 10, 2014April 24, 2018

Artificial retinas see the light

Israelian scientists have developed an artificial retina that could restore sight in some patients.

Many research teams are striving to create a device that can replace retinas damaged by diseases such as AMD. However, all the devices offered so far use metallic parts, have encumbersome wiring or have low resolution.

The Isrealian researchers combined semiconductor nanorods and carbon nanotubes to create a wireless, flexible, light-sensitive film that could be used to replace a damaged retina. When they tested it on a chick retina, which is not yet light-sensitive, they found that the film absorbed light and sparked neuronal activity.

For further information: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nl5034304

December 10, 2014April 24, 2018

Jobson Optical Group and VuePoint IDS Canada Forge Strategic Alliance

VuePoint IDS Inc., Canada’s leading print and digital eye care publisher, and Jobson Medical Information LLC., have formed a comprehensive multi-year strategic partnership, effective immediately.

The partnership facilitates the Canadian expansion of Jobson’s renowned media titles, including 20/20^©, Vision Monday^©, VMAIL^© and Review of Optometry^© in collaboration with VuePoint’s recently acquired print and digital publications, including OPT!K^©, Canada’s fully bilingual B2B eye care publication.

Under the terms of the reciprocal and exclusive arrangement, Jobson is the representative of VuePoint in the US market, and VuePoint represents Jobson media titles and services in the Canadian market. In addition to the development of co-branded digital and print publications, the companies will cooperate on a range of services to eye care stakeholders including marketing research, continuing education, interactive services and custom program development.

“We are thrilled to be working with VuePoint IDS and David Pietrobon to extend the reach of our content and brands into the increasingly important Canadian market. VuePoint’s acquisition of M2L’s optical media properties provides it with a solid base of leading information brands, which it can build upon and enhance through its relationship with Jobson,” Marc Ferrara, CEO, Information Services Group, Jobson Medical Information, stated. “In addition, David’s extensive years of experience as both an ophthalmic industry executive and a media entrepreneur provides him with a unique and valuable framework which will allow VuePoint to meet the Canadian market’s evolving informational needs.”

David Pietrobon, President, VuePoint IDS, stated, “Partnering with Jobson provides us with access to tremendous world-class resources and capabilities. Combined with VuePoint’s Canadian perspective and market-leading access, the arrangement uniquely positions us to provide relevant and essential information to Canadian ECPs and effective communications solutions to all vision care stakeholders.”

More information on the recent acquisition by VuePoint is available HERE.

For further information: https://www.optiknow.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/PressReleaseJobson.pdf

December 9, 2014April 24, 2018

New On the waves models at J.F. Rey

J.F. REY showcases exclusive Mazzucchelli^® acetates and a beta-titanium hinge in its On the waves collection. The hinge gives the temple natural flex, which easily adapts to the curve of the face. http://www.jfrey.fr/

December 8, 2014April 24, 2018

New Stetson Slims styles

Zyloware plans to expand its Stetson Slims collection in January 2015, with three new styles (315, 316, 317). The first two are full-rim models, while 317 is a semi-rimless metal frame. The 316 features acetate temples with a metal stud and a flexible metal wire in the centre, for comfort. www.zyloware.com

December 8, 2014April 24, 2018

New line of attack against eye infections

Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria may contain properties that allow it to stick to the surface of the eye, grow and cause damage.

After examining the genomes of a collection of the bacteria, a team of American researchers found that about 90% of them were related and formed a subgroup of S. pneumonaie with infectious properties that were different from any other known strains.

These new properties allow the bacteria to resist the normal clearance mechanisms of the eye, including blinking and tears, stick to the surface and cause damage. Including some of the bacteria’s proteins in a vaccine might prevent nearly 90% of the cases of conjunctivitis caused by this microbe.

For further information: http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2014/141112/ncomms6411/full/ncomms6411.html