Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada announces Luxturna® (voretigene neparvovec) is now available to Quebec patients with vision loss due to inherited retinal dystrophy caused by confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutations under the province’s public health plan. This announcement follows a positive reimbursement recommendation from the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) recognizing the need for treatment options to slow the progression of the disease.
“It has been a long journey for patients waiting for public access to Luxturna®. We are pleased with the Quebec government’s decision and hope that eligible Canadians in other provinces have the same chance to be treated with Luxturna®,” said Doug Earle, President & CEO of Fighting Blindness Canada. “To progressively lose your vision to blindness, especially at a young age, is shattering. Our hope is that other provinces move quickly, because for these Canadians, time is of the essence.”
“This is a pivotal moment for the IRD community and for patients who could benefit from treatment with Luxturna®,” said Andrea Marazzi, Country President, Novartis Canada. “We believe the recognition by INESSS to fund Luxturna® is vital and gives children and adults with biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy a chance for improved vision. We will continue to work towards broad reimbursement through public drug plans across Canada to ensure other Canadians have the opportunity to thrive.”
Details regarding the INESSS recommendation are available here. The reimbursement criteria for Luxturna® (voretigene neparvovec) on Quebec’s public health plan are available here.
EssilorLuxottica has been named on the 2022 Fortune Change the World list, taking the 6th spot within this annual prestigious ranking which recognizes companies that have had a positive social impact through activities that are part of their core business strategy.
Among 50 companies, the Group is honoured for its commitment and leadership in orchestrating industry-wide efforts to eliminate uncorrected poor vision in a generation, as part of its mission to help people ‘see more and be more’.
Good vision is a basic human right. The ability to see clearly is essential to learn effectively in school, work productively, drive safely, and enhance overall quality of lives. Yet 1 in 3 or 2.7 billion people around the world, 90% of whom live in developing communities, cannot see clearly due to eye conditions that can be corrected by a simple pair of eyeglasses.
To address the issue, EssilorLuxottica has, over the past decade, launched a series of initiatives around the world to bring access to vision care where it wasn’t available before such as deploying rural training programs to create primary vision care providers as well as developing low-cost prescription glasses and diagnostic tools.
This ranking speaks to the significant social impact these efforts have delivered with over 21,000 primary vision care providers and more than 220 vision centers providing over 530 million people with access to vision care to date.
To further scale efforts, the Company founded the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation earlier this year, which unites many of the Group’s global advocacy and philanthropic actions, raising awareness on the importance of good vision and supporting the creation of sustainable vision care through philanthropic grants.
This recognition coincides with the celebration of World Sight Day, the most important day of the year for vision care on October 13.
“As the industry leader, we’ve gathered tremendous momentum on our journey to eliminate uncorrected poor vision in a generation, reaching many milestones such as successfully linking vision care to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which led to the unanimously-passed ‘Vision for Everyone’ resolution,” share Francesco Milleri and Paul du Saillant, respectively CEO and Deputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica.
For over two decades, or most of his career, Kevin Bingham has been dedicating his time to improving and prioritizing the function of Information Technology (IT) and Innovation in the workplace. As the Vice President of Innovation and IT at FYihealth group, Kevin works closely with the companies’ multiple teams to improve the overall utility and value of IT hardware, software assets and services while also keeping a focus on customer experience.
Through capitalizing on new technologies, mindful organizational change management and adding expertise to his growing team, Kevin’s efforts ensure that the organization is always at the forefront of innovation. Today still, CEO and Chair of FYihealth group Dr. Alan Ulsifer, is heavily invested in the development and utilization of technology as it continues to be a significant area of focus for the future growth of the organization.
We caught up with Kevin and some of FYi’s influential Optometrists involved in innovative technology, Dr. Michael Kaplan, based out of Toronto, and Dr. Bunny Virk, based out of Calgary. They shared how innovation and IT are pivotal to patient care at both the leadership and clinic level to support the organization’s growth.
Fostering a Solution-Seeking-Mindset to Innovation and Technology
“Technology advancements are at the forefront of our organization, and decisions are made to support them,” shares Kevin Bingham. FYi has invested millions of dollars into Cyber Security to protect patient confidentiality, along with completing a digital evolution for its Shopify eCommerce platform to deliver a first-in-class digital patient omnichannel experience. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided innovative technology for social distancing while still delivering eye care quickly and responding to our patient’s needs,” Kevin added. FYi also developed a virtual try-on tool that allows patients to try on glasses in the comfort of their own home and speak to a representative online, thus creating a completely virtual shopping experience. All these initiatives support the growth and future of FYidoctors and, in 2021, FYidoctors won the Canadian HR Award for “Most Innovative use of Technology.”
Technology Focused for Future Growth
“Our company views the IT department as an investment into our organization,” Kevin shared in his interview. FYi considers technology to be one of the driving factors for success and sees the benefits of a forward-thinking approach to technology advancements. Kevin added: “the IT team comprises over 75 full-time employees, two of whom have been with us since our inception in 2008 and employs four FTE team members for IT project management for all the mergers, projects, and implementation of new software updates.” As an example, when a new clinic joins the FYi network, it is a top priority for our team members to get in place efficiently so the new team can be up and running and serving patients on day one of operations. Undergoing integration is an extensive process, and our team shares with the new clinics the process starting with “where the business is now and mapping out “where we (FYi) are taking them.” This information sharing process allows the new clinics to have a clear vision of their technology roadmap for all their members, and for their patients’ files. This approach supports every clinic towards a smooth integration to the FYi network, which includes platforms like Acuitas (PMS) and NetSuite.
The Evolving Technology to Support Patient Care
”Technology advancements have helped provide a more accurate and comprehensive eye examination and patient education tools,” explains Dr. Michael Kaplan, FYidoctors Optometrist. “It allows us to see the finer details of the tissue we are examining, follow any subtle changes over time, and provide better diagnosis and proactive intervention” Dr. Kaplan added. FYi optometrists are optimistic about the continuing evolution of technology to help provide earlier detection of diseases and ways of treating them before the damage has already been done. “Looking into the future, potentially, a device including artificial intelligence (AI) would enhance our diagnostic abilities for much earlier detection and preventative measures. AI would integrate with our current technologies to help with detection earlier for patients,” shares Dr. Bunny Virk, FYidoctors Optometrist in Calgary.
Exam Technology Findings and Looking into the Future
“We use a wide range of technologies in our exam rooms, including Wide Field Retinal Imaging/Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Biometers to help with the newly emerging field of myopia management, ILux, IPL and RF to help assist with dry eye disease, and Heidelberg Retinal Tomography (HRT) to help detect glaucoma,” explained Dr. Kaplan. Dr. Virk added that “innovations in contact lens materials and designs have helped with the lenses’ comfort, health, and vision. The contact lens advancements and measurement techniques have allowed us to treat individuals with corneal pathologies and transplants to improve vision, which was previously difficult. A device that works well is Corneal Topography, which measures the cornea like a topographical map for detecting early corneal pathologies and degenerations.” All these technological advancements are a great aid in providing quality eye care for FYi’s patients.
FYihealth group is committed to providing the highest quality patient care to enhance lives across North America. It strives to be a prevalent healthcare company in the marketplace by continuing to foster conversations regarding innovation and evaluate benchmarks in technology.
The IAPB World Sight Day 2022 Photo Competition is an opportunity for amateur and professional photographers to demonstrate their skills and share with the world what they see and what it means to #LoveYourEyes.
Since its inception in 2015, the IAPB World Sight Day Photo Competition has highlighted the importance of eye health, by shining a light on the social and economic impact of vison loss, and to celebrate the tireless efforts of those who work to ensure healthy vision for all.
Photo of the 2021 winner in the amateur category
The contest is looking for images that capture the range of what it means to have healthy vision. There are five categories:
YOUR EYES A picture capturing subject(s) receiving eye health services or care. This category showcases the importance of eye health, rehabilitation and access to services.
EVERYONE EVERYWHERE A portrait of an individual – can be posed or observed. This category demonstrates how each individual counts and has right to be included – regardless of gender, age, ability, health, economic status or location.
HEALTH FOR ALL A picture capturing subjects delivering health services. Health professionals, eye health and otherwise, are champions – pre-pandemic, during and post pandemic. This category celebrates their tireless efforts to ensure no one is left behind.
HOPE A picture that captures the magic of a moment. This category reminds us that during this time in history, there is joy, and hope for the future.
EYE-SIGHTS This category celebrates the intimate connection between photography and eyes. Entrants are asked to capture their own ‘Eye-sights’ as a reminder to all of us to #LoveYourEyes. Eye-sights can be anything in our everyday life that resembles an eye, like a cloud formation, a landscape or a random object.
“The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Vision Health in Canada 2021” report card found that vision care in Canada has not returned to pre-pandemic levels due to significant staff shortages, surgical backlogs and people not keeping their doctor appointments or having their regular eye examinations.
Despite substantial commitments from governments of over $2 billion across Canada to provide capacity to clear the backlog of people needing treatment, wait times and the delivery of eye care have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, underlying the urgent need for a national eye care strategy.
Canadians cannot access specialized care to prevent blindness, despite the fact that 3 out of 4 people can stop vision loss with early diagnosis and access to treatments. Two-thirds of Canadians have not had an eye exam in the past year, and it is estimated that there were 108,000 fewer eye surgeries performed in Canada in 2021 compared to 2019. There were 1.8 million fewer optometrist visits in 2021 compared to 2019.
Report card highlights:
Progress in vision care is happening, but not quickly enough.
The current study found that the number of eye surgeries had increased by 25% in 2021 compared with 2020 but 108,000 fewer eye surgeries were performed in 2021 compared to 2019.
However, this number was still 20% below 2019, indicating a persistent gap in surgery capacity.
The net result is that surgical volumes in 2021 did not return to pre-pandemic levels and the surgical wait times continued to grow, leading to vision loss that could have been prevented.
Despite funding, staff shortages remain a critical issue.
In March 2022, the federal government announced that $2 billion would be available to provinces to reduce the surgical backlog.
Despite this, the backlog continued to grow due to staff shortages including being ill due to COVID-19 or severe burnout.
A survey conducted by Statistics Canada in 2021 reported that 25 to 40% of health care workers were considering leaving their place of employment or changing their jobs. This is of concern as the health care system struggles to overcome the continued impact of the pandemic.
The backlog of specialized eye care has led to severe and, in some cases, irreversible outcomes for certain Canadians living with vision loss. Canadians with vision loss continue to be underserved, and many are going blind or losing vision despite the medications and treatments available.
It is crucial that we design systems and policies that correct this dangerous trend. Visit StopVisionLoss.ca and sign the petition asking the Canadian government to deliver a national eye care strategy and to address the backlog in eye care that is leading to today’s preventable blindness crisis.
Statements:
“Our health care system continues to face critical challenges brought on by the pandemic. Our latest findings on the state of vision health care in Canada show that despite some progress, we are still facing a crisis when it comes to surgical backlogs and growing wait times to access critical eye care,” says Doug Earle, President and CEO, Fighting Blindness Canada. “Canadians need to take urgent steps to stop preventable blindness by receiving an eye examination and signing our petition for a national eye care strategy at StopVisionLoss.ca. Together we can stop preventable blindness in Canada.”
“Optometrists play a critical role in examining patients and identifying preventable diseases that cause vision loss. We care about our patients, and it is concerning that they wait to receive eye care when we know the importance of treating these conditions as soon as possible,” said Stephanie Kwan, Optometry Partner, Specsavers in Hamilton, Ontario. “Not only do Canadians need to get their vision checked at least every two years, but they also need to ensure they are receiving a comprehensive eye exam. Specsavers has found that using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is helping optometrists to identify early-stage eye disease and manage these patients effectively with accurate referrals. Our data shows that 34% of patients who were assessed with OCT had signs of vision-threatening diseases.”
The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) was recognized as a Cochrane Eyes and Vision (CEV) Center for Evidence-based Vision Care during Academy 2024 Indianapolis, November 6-9, 2024.
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
Delve into the world of night vision technology. From thermal imaging to infrared systems, explore how these innovations improve our ability to see in the dark.
The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) was recognized as a Cochrane Eyes and Vision (CEV) Center for Evidence-based Vision Care during Academy 2024 Indianapolis, November 6-9, 2024.
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
Delve into the world of night vision technology. From thermal imaging to infrared systems, explore how these innovations improve our ability to see in the dark.
The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) was recognized as a Cochrane Eyes and Vision (CEV) Center for Evidence-based Vision Care during Academy 2024 Indianapolis, November 6-9, 2024.
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
Delve into the world of night vision technology. From thermal imaging to infrared systems, explore how these innovations improve our ability to see in the dark.
The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) was recognized as a Cochrane Eyes and Vision (CEV) Center for Evidence-based Vision Care during Academy 2024 Indianapolis, November 6-9, 2024.
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
Delve into the world of night vision technology. From thermal imaging to infrared systems, explore how these innovations improve our ability to see in the dark.
