The FDA approved the MiSight 1 day contact lens (CooperVision) to slow myopia progression in those ages 8 to 12. The daily wear, single-use lens corrects refractive errorto improve distance vision. In addition, concentric peripheral rings in the lens focus part of the light in front of the retina. “ . . . We [CooperVision] are learning from other countries in which MiSight is already prescribed to enable the best possible outcomes for the [U.S.] ECP,” says Michelle Andrews, O.D., the company’s senior director, North America Professional and Academic Affairs. FDA approval was based onthe results of a prospective three-year randomized, controlled clinical trial at four sites and real-world evidence, the government agency says. To start, the results of the clinical trial, comprised of 135 children ages 8 to 12, showed patients whowore the MiSight lens vs. a conventional soft lens had less myopia progression and axial length change for the full three years. Also, no serious ocular adverse events were reported in either group.(See https://bit.ly/37mfdTM.)   In regard to real-world evidence, the FDA found the rate of corneal ulcers in contact lens-wearing children was comparable to those of adult wearers. The MiSight lens’ U.S. launch  is March 2020, as part of a CooperVision myopia management initiative, the company says. Visit https://bit.ly/2NYYb6G. Alliances  

• PECAA announced a new program, “90 Days to Dry Eye,”developed in conjunction with Dry Eye University. The program walks participants through the process of building a dry eye profit center in just 90 days. Participating practices can expect to receive clinical dry eye education, staff training, vendor selection coaching, equipment recommendations, facility layout consultations, marketing and referral outreach strategies and more. For information, visit https://www.pecaa.com/dry-eye-education/.
• Vision Source hosted 39,000 visits to its online member event, the Virtual Exchange, which launched in 2016. The seven-day event enables Vision Source optometrist members to purchase ophthalmic equipment and products from vendors at “significantly discounted prices,” Vision Source says. In other news, Vision Source’s senior vice president of vendor relations has been appointed to the University of Houston System Board of Regents, an independent governing body overseeing the administration of education at the university.

  Associations  

• The World Optometry Foundation announced the recipients of the World Optometry Foundation Student Travel Fellowships. They include: Alvin Munsamy, BOptom, MOptom, from South Africa; Isaura Ilorena Dos Santos, BOptom, from Mozambique; Memoonna Arshad, MPhil from Australia; Nabeela Hasrod, BOptom, MPhil, from South Africa; and Nnenne Onu, O.D., MSc, from Nigeria.

  Companies  

• Aerie Pharmaceuticals has agreed to acquire Avizorex Pharma (AVX), a Spanish ophthalmic pharmaceutical company that develops therapeutics for the treatment of dry eye disease. The terms outline an all-cash transaction; Aerie will make an up-front payment of $10 million and AVX Pharma shareholders will be eligible to receive additional payments, for example from clinical and regulatory performance milestones.
• Bausch + Lomb, in collaboration with TerraCycle, donated custom training modules to the Guide Dog Foundation, a national not-for-profit that trains guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired. The training modules — including benches, tables, waste stations and an agility ramp — were made from used contact lens materials collected through the Bausch + Lomb One by One Recycling Program as well as other recycled material. The donation was funded through the Bausch Foundation.
• EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced the appointment of George O. Elston as CFO and head of Corporate Development. Mr. Elston has previously been a consultant to the company and will now transition into this permanent role effective immediately.
•  Leo Lens Technology (LLT) announced that its drug delivery contact lens product was selected as a finalist in Connect w/ San Diego Venture Group’s (SDVG) Most Innovative New Product (MIP) Awards. Connect w/ SDVG is an innovation company accelerator in San Diego that creates and scales companies in the technology and life sciences sectors.According to LLT, it uses a patented platform technology to harness the power of high-tech digital printing to commercialize a drug-eluting, comfort-enhancing contact lens product. Its first product is a lens to treat glaucoma with contact lens-releasing FDA-approved bimatoprost.
•  MacuLogix Inc. has appointed Christine Silverberg, M.B.A., B.S.N., R.N., as director of national accounts, a role in which she will lead business development and partnerships across the industry.
• Marcolin Group has signed an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement for the design, production and distribution of sunglasses and eyeglass frames for BMW, BMW M and BMW M Motorsport labels. The agreement is effective for five years through December 2024.
•  NovaBay Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of NovaSight, an ocular nutritional supplement, on Amazon.com. The product is a companion to Avenova Direct, the company’s prescription-strength lid and lash spray.
• Thema Optical hosted Eastern Optical Research Group, a management organization of U.S. optical retailers, recently in Miami.
• Valley Contax recently held the Custom Stable Cup Challenge at Academy 2019 in Orlando. Current optometry students and alumni were encouraged to participate by visiting the Valley Contax booth where they partnered and fit the Custom Stable lens. First place was awarded to Michigan College of Optometry (MCO) at Ferris State University, which received two $500 scholarships and the Custom Stable Cup trophy. The second-place winner was SUNY College of Optometry, which was awarded a $500 scholarship. Five $100 gift cards were also awarded to Kaitlyn Arnold, MCO; Amalia Burrell, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University; Makayla Porter, Southern College of Optometry; Elise Hoi, SUNY College of Optometry; and Inlanders Coulanges, École d'optométrie — Université de Montréal. Menicon, Contamac, Optovue, and TelScreen were also contributing sponsors, along with special support from the American Optometric Student Association.
• VSP Vision Care and the American Diabetes Association have launched a new collaboration regarding diabetic eye disease. The initiative will focus on the role annual comprehensive eye exams play in early detection, intervention and prevention of eye disease and vision loss caused by diabetes. It will launch in 2020 as part of the ADA’s Overcoming Therapeutic Inertia campaign.
• Warby Parker has launched its own brand of daily disposable contact lenses. Named Scout, the lenses are made of hioxifilcon A lens material, 57% water content and provide 25 Dk/t oxygen permeability.

  In Real Life  

• Daniel Brown, O.D., of Florida Eye Associates, details in a Q and A with Florida Todaythat his passion for optometry began in high school when an optometrist spoke to his class about the profession. “I knew then that it was the right field for me,” he says. Read more at https://www.floridatoday.com/story/life/wellness/2019/11/19/health-pro-visit-real-world-class-led-career-optometry/4205995002/.

  Nonprofit   

• Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) has signed a deal with Optometry Giving Sight USA (OGS) to continue as its preferred project implementation partner. CooperVision has also renewed its sponsorship of the global GOS organization.
• Dr. Ying-Zi Xiong has been selected as a post-doctoral research fellow to conduct studies at the Wichita-based  Gigi & Carl Allen Envision Research Institute. Her research focuses on challenges confronting individuals experiencing hearing and vision loss.