SightGlass Vision Releases First White Paper on Diffusion Optics Technology
CORE’s Lyndon Jones to Headline Global Contact Lens Forum at Vision Expo West 2023
SightGlass Vision Reports Positive Four-Year Clinical Trial Outcomes for Myopia Control DOT Spectacle Lenses
CORE Publishes Guidance on Ocular Surface Immunology for Better Patient Care
Enhanced Myopia Profile Website Boosts ECPs' Learning Journey
Myopia Action Month Approaches: Website and ECP Survey Debut and Increasing Industry Support
Prudential teams up with Bangkok Dusit Medical Services to offer customers access to affordable high-quality breast cancer treatment
CORE Publishes Resource on Ectatic Corneal Diseases
Contact Lens Innovation Shines at 2023 PRSA Silver Anvil Awards
BCLA Research Underscores CL & Myopia Control Advancements
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BCLA: Myopia Control Science and Clinical Insights
With a goal to continuously improve myopia control adoption and outcomes, SightGlass Vision is presenting a range of new scientific studies and professional education at the 2023 BCLA Clinical Conference. Taking place from June 9-11 in Manchester, England, the event is expected to attract many of the world’s most prominent ocular health experts. Three-Year Myopia Control Efficacy of DOT™ Spectacle Lenses in Young Children (Laughton D., et al.) centers on a sub-group six-to-seven-year-olds who participated in the company’s pivotal CYPRESS clinical trial, with investigators noting expectations of highly progressive myopia and a paucity of efficacy data for this age group. After three years, myopia progression among these young children was limited to <1.00 D in 60% of Diffusion Optics Technology™ 0.2 spectacle lens wearers compared to 21% of control lens wearers. This data—shared for the first time in Manchester—further supports previously announced safety and efficacy outcomes. Reliability of Quality of Vision Questionnaire Results from Children (McParland M., et al.) assessed pediatric application of the Quality of Vision (QoV) questionnaire, which is more commonly used for adult refractive surgery and intraocular lens research. Investigators abbreviated the standard QoV instrument to focus on glare, hazy vision, and halos, then analyzed responses from CYPRESS clinical trial participants and from their parents/guardians across three years. The greater consistency of within-child agreement compared to parent-child response agreement suggests that parents may under-report their children’s experiences, while also affirming that children as young as age six can share meaningful QoV-derived insights to help inform clinical decisions. Peripheral Visual Function with DOT Spectacle Lenses for Myopia Control (Aboualizadeh E., et al.) debuts at the BCLA meeting, tapping into the rich CYPRESS data set to review long-term changes in peripheral visual acuity (VA) after three years of Diffusion Optics Technology™ spectacle lens wear. Compared to the baseline, peripheral VA improved or remained stable, with no significant differences between the DOT and standard single-vision groups. SightGlass Vision has also organized one of eight prominent peer review track sessions at the conference on Saturday: How Do Myopia Management Therapies Work and Does It Matter?, led by global myopia experts Prof. Nicola Logan and Prof. James Wolffsohn. Anticipated high demand for the session requires pre-booking from attendees. “We are deeply committed to advancing myopia control, evidenced by our presentations at the BCLA Conference plus recent efficacy, safety, and visual performance data reporting at ARVO in North America and COOC in China. Eye care professionals can confidently prescribe Diffusion Optics Technology™ spectacle lenses, knowing the outcomes are supported by extensive science,” said Andrew Sedgwick, CEO of SightGlass Vision. Spectacle lenses with SightGlass Vision™ Diffusion Optics Technology™ use thousands of micro-dots to softly scatter light to reduce contrast on the retina, a unique mechanism of action to control myopia progression in children. Over the last 18 months, this patent-protected technology with clinically proven efficacy[1],[2],[3] made its commercial debut in several markets, including China, the Netherlands, and Israel, as well as through preliminary market trials in other countries. The company operates as a joint venture of CooperCompanies and EssilorLuxottica. For more information, visit SightGlassVision.com ### [1] 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 [2] 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. [3] 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.
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CORE Shares Myopia, Dry Eye, Contact Lens Comfort, and Foundational Research at BCLA Conference
A team of researchers and educators from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) will present multiple insights this coming week at the 2023 BCLA Clinical Conference. Spanning 11 lectures, paper presentations, and scientific posters, their findings and guidance will include topics such as myopia, dry eye, and contact lens comfort. “CORE’s participation in the BCLA this year exemplifies how we collaborate with sponsors and peers to advance biosciences, clinical research and education—work that is not only intriguing, but has real application with practices and patients,” said Lyndon Jones, FBLCA, CORE’s director. “All of us are enthusiastic about being back in Manchester to share some of our latest initiatives and explore new partnership opportunities. Ocular science and eye care continue to evolve, and we are privileged to be at the centre of that.” Myopia management has dominated conference proceedings of late, and it’s the same at this year’s BCLA. CORE Lead Clinical Scientist Debbie Jones, FBCLA, will moderate a panel discussion on managing a myopic patient’s contact lens journey, then present a paper on young adult acceptance of a dual focus soft contact lens. CORE Head of Clinical Research Jill Woods, FBCLA, joins her to offer a hands-on, 90-minute workshop that will review multifunction instruments for myopia management. Posters on new software for ortho-k fitting success and visual performance of myopia control soft lenses will be presented by CORE Senior Clinical Scientist Doerte Luensmann and CORE Data, Statistics, and Website Manager Sarah Guthrie, respectively. Lyndon Jones is delivering six lectures across all three days, co-presenting with industry sponsors and academic peers on comfort opportunities, clinical myths, presbyopia, and lifestyle impact on the ocular surface. Alongside Professors Jennifer Craig and James Wolffsohn, he will demonstrate the new Dry Eye Wheel, developed in conjunction with the World Council of Optometry. Dr. Jones will close out BCLA with a discussion of CORE’s fabrication of a microfluidic chip for drug delivery and ocular cytotoxicity evaluation—a breakthrough that attracted substantial attention at the recent ARVO meeting in New Orleans. The 2023 BCLA Clinical Conference and Exhibition takes place from June 9-11. Nearly 1,000 attendees from around the world are expected to attend.
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Ashford Medical Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with Bundle Packages & Launch of New Healthcare App
Ashford Medical Centre, Singapore's fully integrated medical and allied health centre, is celebrating its first-year anniversary in June 2023. The Ashford Group will not only be offering medical and physiotherapy packages but has also announced the launch of the Ashford Healthcare App on 1 June as part of Ashford Medical Centre's 1st anniversary. Range Of Medical & Physiotherapy Packages For Patients Ashford Medical is offering bundle packages for SHINGRIX® and GARDASIL® vaccines to boost immunisation amongst its patients. The SHINGRIX® vaccine provides patients with robust defence against the effects of shingles. Meanwhile, GARDASIL® vaccine offers comprehensive protection for females and males (aged 9-45) from cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers as well as genital warts caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Ashford Medical Centre will also offer 45-minute physiotherapy sessions at a net price of $120. The facility's physiotherapy arm provides open gym spaces for rehabilitation, traction rooms, manual therapy, and the Super Inductive System (SIS) for therapy. SIS therapy uses electromagnetic fields to produce clinically proven therapeutic results and pain relief. Ashford Medical is the only few allied health centres in Singapore offering patients this type of therapy. Launch of the New Ashford Healthcare App Besides offering medical and physiotherapy packages for its patients, the Ashford Group is also set to launch the Ashford Healthcare App on 1 June 2023, which will be available on iOS and Android. This will be used for both Ashford Medical and Ashford Dental patients. The new platform facilitates a seamless digital interface, bridging the gap between patients and healthcare. Patients can engage in medical teleconsultations on the app and receive their medications within hours via delivery. They can also easily access treatment memos, X-rays, screening reports, invoices, medical and dental articles written by Ashford's healthcare professionals, and access packages available from the Group. The app also allows patients to schedule and book appointments in both the dental and medical clinics. In addition to all the above, patients can also utilise the live chat feature on the Ashford Healthcare App, where they can chat with any of Ashford's support staff. Ashford Medical: A Unique One-Stop Healthcare Facility In Singapore Ashford Medical prides itself on a unique approach, offering an array of services in a single centre, including health screening, vaccinations, as well as acute and chronic health treatments. It also houses a physiotherapy clinic, a holistic approach that enhances patients' experience and well-being. The Ashford Physiotherapy clinic is notably the first of its kind in Singapore, combining the expertise of a full-time physiotherapist and a General Practitioner (GP) in one setting. This unique workflow allows for more comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and medication provision, allowing patients to recover more quickly. About Ashford Medical Centre Part of the esteemed Ashford Group, Ashford Medical Centre has rapidly distinguished itself through its high clinical standards and exceptional customer service. With a fully integrated medical and allied health centre, patients' physiotherapy treatments and any needed GP consultation can happen on the same day, within minutes. For more information, please visit https://ashfordmedical.com.sg/
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Merck Study: mRNA Technology a ‘Game Changer’ for Asia-Pacific Vaccine Manufacturers
According to a recent study sponsored by Merck, a leading science and technology company, mRNA technology is a "game-changer" for Asia-Pacific (APAC) vaccine manufacturers. Nearly 40 manufacturers participated in the survey. "Vaccine manufacturers in APAC are looking to build capacity for mRNA technology over the next two to three years, while continuing to produce both traditional and modern cell-based vaccines," said Josephine Cheng, Senior Consultant, Process Solutions APAC at the Life Science business sector of Merck. "Across APAC, governments are investing and supportive of driving therapeutic discovery and manufacturing. With the range of tools we offer, we can better equip vaccine manufacturers to treat the regional and global population." The study interviewed vaccine manufacturers across APAC, including research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Eighty-seven percent deemed mRNA a promising technology, expecting it to be a key modality in the future. This is based on the perception that the mRNA platform benefits from shorter development time and templated manufacturing processes, proven efficacy, lower biohazard risk for operators, and flexibility in covering different types of diseases and variants. Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, China and India are among the markets actively exploring to develop mRNA technology. Over sixty percent of the vaccine makers prefer to revamp or establish new facilities especially for mRNA with expansion planned over the next two to three years. To effectively move mRNA forward, respondents highlighted the need for skilled personnel trained in these new technologies, tech-transfer expertise, a reliable supply chain, and mRNA-specific regulatory guidelines. Merck’s contribution to future vaccine manufacturing Merck's Life Science business supports mRNA manufacturers helping accelerate speed to market, ensuring safety and efficacy, to reducing complexity across the entire mRNA process to help accelerate delivery of mRNA vaccines to patients worldwide. More information is available on sigmaaldrich.com/vaccines
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Philips provides update on completed set of test results for CPAP/BiPAP sleep therapy devices
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHIA), today provides an update on the comprehensive test and research program of its subsidiary Philips Respironics to assess potential health risks related to the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam in specific sleep therapy and ventilator devices under the voluntary June 2021 recall notification/field safety notice.* The risk assessments have now been completed for the CPAP/BiPAP sleep therapy devices under the recall notification/field safety notice* i.e., the first-generation DreamStation, System One and DreamStation Go devices, representing approximately 95% of the registered devices globally. The assessments build on the previous updates in December 2021, June 2022, and December 2022. Additionally, tests and analyses have been completed for first-generation DreamStation devices that have been exposed to ozone cleaning. The test and research program has been conducted together with five independent, certified testing laboratories, and the results have been reviewed and assessed by third-party qualified experts and Philips Respironics, as well as an external medical panel. Philips Respironics has provided the summary of the completed set of test results and analyses for the CPAP/BiPAP sleep therapy devices to the FDA and other competent authorities. The FDA is still considering the data and analyses that Philips Respironics has provided and may reach a different conclusion. ### * Voluntary recall notification in the US/field safety notice for the rest of the world.
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CooperVision Specialty EyeCare Introduces Visavy to New Markets
CooperVision Specialty EyeCare recently launched its pioneering digital fitting tool, Visavy® (pronounced Vee-SAH-vee) in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg (BeNeLux), and the Nordic region. The easy-to-use, web-based fitting software enhances the company’s former MyProcornea tool by incorporating topography-guided algorithms and simulated fluoresceine patterns to assist in the design and selection of the company’s scleral, rigid gas permeable (RGP), custom soft, and orthokeratology contact lenses. The all-in-one platform enables eye care practitioners (ECPs) to seamlessly manage lens product ranges, order and/or re-order contact lenses, track all orders in real-time, and chat with online consultants. The integrated ordering function helps ECPs to reduce chair time, while the topography-driven approach and fluorescent image simulation promotes greater precision and accuracy when customizing lenses. “After the proven success of MyProcornea over the past few years, we wanted to enhance the digital fitting tool to better serve the eye care community by introducing new features and expanded capabilities,” said Ron Beerten, BOptom., FAAO, FBCLA, FIACLE, Head of Professional Services and Technical Director, CooperVision Specialty EyeCare, EMEA. “Through a combination of practitioners’ requests and our own research, the newly-branded “Visavy®” will further provide ECPs with the tools, resources, and support they need to enhance their specialty lens practices.” A recent clinical study indicates a 70% fit success rate with orthokeratology contact lenses using Visavy®. Visavy® is expected to roll out in other regions throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region in 2023. ECPs interested in learning more about the software can visit www.coopervisionsec.eu/visavy for more information. CooperVision Specialty EyeCare develops, manufactures, and provides access to an unmatched portfolio of industry-leading soft custom and rigid gas permeable lens designs, including orthokeratology and scleral lenses to address segments such as myopia management, irregular cornea management, and presbyopia management. Its steady voice, ongoing research and innovative products and services play a leading role in expanding eye care worldwide. The group’s brands include Blanchard, GP Specialists, Paragon, Procornea, Soflex, EnsEyes, No7 Contact Lenses, and SynergEyes. For additional information about the company’s products, please visit CooperVisionSEC.eu
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Protect Children’s Vision: Join the Movement for Universal Eye Screening
With the increasing usage of digital devices at young ages, it is estimated that one in four school-aged children has vision problems. The number of children with myopia and other vision problems is expected to rise. Unfortunately, many children with vision problems are not aware of their condition, leading to poor development and learning. To address this issue, optometrist and preschool owner Andy Teo has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo for the "Children Eye Screening Book for Teachers & Parents." The book is a children's board book that allows teachers and parents to perform a basic eye screening for children from three years old, featuring easy-to-recognize shapes. The project's goal is to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of eye problems in children and to encourage more schools in the region to perform universal eye screenings. Andy's passion for this project stems from his experience of having a cataract in his right eye as a child and his detection of vision problems in young children as young as two years old in his own preschool. As he frequently volunteered to perform eye screenings for schools in the region, he realised that eye screenings were not mandated, unlike in Singapore where all pre-schoolers receive their 1st eye screening at 5 years old. He believes early detection of eye problems in children is crucial for their learning and development, and wishes to start a movement for more schools in the region to provide a basic eye screening for every child. Several schools, including AppleTree Preschool (Indonesia), Stella Gracia School (Indonesia), and Avenue Early Years Center (Philippines) in the region have already joined the movement to bring basic eye screening to every child. "We believe that early detection of eye problems in children is crucial for their learning and development. With this book, we aim to start a movement to provide basic eye screenings for young children through schools and teachers. We hope that this project will help raise awareness about the importance of eye screening and encourage more people to take action to protect their children's vision." Says Andy Teo. The project is seeking funding on Indiegogo, and backers can receive rewards such as a digital eye screener or an eye screening board book. Supporters can also donate eye screening books to schools in disadvantaged communities. Join the movement to protect children’s vision. Visit the Indiegogo campaign page at https://igg.me/at/eyebook to support the “Children Eye Screening Book for Teachers & Parents” and help ensure that all children have access to basic eye screenings. For more information, please email andy@visionandperception.com.sg
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LianBio Announces Marketing Approval of CAMZYOS (mavacamten) in the Macau SAR of China
LianBio (Nasdaq: LIAN), a biotechnology company dedicated to bringing innovative medicines to patients in China and other major Asian markets, announced yesterday that CAMZYOS ®(mavacamten) has received marketing approval for the treatment of adults with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) from the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau of the Macau SAR. "Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a cardiovascular disease that significantly impacts the quality of life of patients," said Dr. Xiuhua Feng, Consultant of Cardiology at Kiang Wu Hospital. "We are very pleased to see the approval of mavacamten in Macau, as it will bring hope to local patients living with this chronic and debilitating condition." "Macau marks mavacamten's first approval in LianBio's licensed territories," said Yizhe Wang, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of LianBio. "This approval is a major milestone for patients in the region and demonstrates LianBio's commitment to accelerating patient access throughout Asia to innovative new treatments." In April 2023, the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) accepted with Priority Review the New Drug Application for mavacamten for the treatment of adults with symptomatic oHCM. In April 2023, LianBio announced positive topline results from the Phase 3 EXPLORER-CN trial investigating mavacamten for the treatment of Chinese patients with symptomatic oHCM. EXPLORER-CN met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in Valsalva left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient from baseline to week 30 compared to placebo (p<0.001). Additionally, mavacamten demonstrated clinically important improvements for all secondary endpoints, including change from baseline to week 30 in resting LVOT peak gradient, proportion of participants achieving a Valsalva LVOT peak gradient <30 mmHg at week 30, proportion of participants achieving a Valsalva LVOT peak gradient <50 mmHg at week 30, proportion of participants with at least one NYHA class improvement from baseline to week 30, change from baseline to week 30 in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) Clinical Summary Score (CSS), and change from baseline to week 30 in left ventricular mass index evaluated by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Safety results in the trial were consistent with previous studies of mavacamten in symptomatic oHCM, and no new safety signals were reported.
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Fosun Participates in the 3rd BEYOND Expo to Deepen Biotechnology Innovation and Global Development
On 10 May, themed on "Technology Redefined", the 3rd BEYOND International Science and Technology Innovation Expo – also known as BEYOND Expo 2023 kicked off at the Venetian Macau Convention and Exhibition Center. This year is the third consecutive year that Fosun has participated in the Expo with the latest innovative achievements of Fosun Pharma and ecosystem enterprises in the Health segment, fully showcasing the latest R&D achievements under the strategy of "innovation-driven" and "global operation". The Healthcare Summit, one of the three major sub-brands of the Expo, has attracted great attention. Fosun and Fosun Pharma, together with well-known domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies, discussed pharmaceutical innovation, industry trends and solutions to global health challenges. Li Haifeng, Fosun Global Partner and Chairman of Fosun Foundation, was invited to the Expo as a guest at the Healthcare Summit Forum and in-depth exchanged with visiting guests and partners. Li Haifeng said, "As an innovation-driven global consumer group rooted in China, Fosun is committed to creating a global happiness ecosystem fulfilling the needs of one billion families in Health, Happiness and Wealth. Ecosystem enterprises in the Health segment, represented by Fosun Pharma, firmly implement the strategy of innovation and internationalization, accelerate innovation and transformation, and have achieved considerable development in the global clinical development and commercialization of innovative drugs." In 2022, Fosun Pharma continued to increase R&D investment and achieved many breakthroughs; its revenue amounted to RMB43.952 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 12.66%. In particular, the core pharmaceutical manufacturing segment made outstanding contributions; the revenue of innovative drugs and biosimilar drugs (mainly products launched after 2019) exceeded RMB10 billion in 2022, marking a solid step in innovation and transformation. Chinese innovation and global development in the field of biopharmaceuticals In recent years, the R&D and launch of innovative drugs have ushered in a period of rapid development, and the proportion of innovative drugs has continued to increase. China encourages clinical value-oriented innovation and promotes the differentiation and globalization of R&D of local pharmaceutical companies. In 2005, artesunate, an innovative drug self-developed and manufactured by Fosun Pharma in China, was pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO-PQ), representing a breakthrough for Chinese self-developed innovative drug to go global. As the first Chinese pharmaceutical brand well recognized in Africa, Artesun® (artesunate for injection) has been used to treat over 56 million severe malaria patients worldwide and has provided more prevention and treatment options for children with malaria. As of December 2022, Fosun Pharma had 30 antimalarial drugs prequalified by the WHO, ranking first in the world. It is also currently one of the world's largest antimalarial drug developers and manufacturers. Fosun Pharma has become a core supplier of antimalarial drugs to the Global Fund, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), WHO, and national drug procurement centers in Africa. Li Haifeng said, "Fosun will further accelerate the R&D and transformation of innovative technologies and products, while shouldering the social responsibility of a global enterprise, actively expanding cooperation opportunities with global leading enterprises, and jointly contributing to major global medical issues and public health." International forward-looking layout in the field of biopharmaceuticals to serve Chinese patients With regards to serving Chinese patients with cutting-edge technologies in the global pharmaceutical industry, Li Haifeng said that, "Fosun Kite, a key enterprise specializing in cell therapy in Fosun's Health segment, has introduced the world's cutting-edge CAR-T technology to China, bringing hope of a cure to advanced lymphoma patients with only 5-6 months of survival. This is also the original intention and mission of Fosun Kite when it started to deploy CAR-T six years ago." In early 2017, Fosun Pharma and Kite Pharma of the United States decided to establish a joint venture, Fosun Kite, focusing on the R&D and industrialization of CAR-T cell therapy in the Chinese mainland. Four years later, Fosun Kite successfully launched Yikaida in the Chinese mainland in June 2021, which became the first cell therapy approved for launch in China. Since then, China's cancer treatment development has entered a new era. In the past two years, Yikaida has been used to cure more than 400 patients, and nearly 60% of the patients achieved complete remission, with an objective remission rate of more than 80%. "After these patients were treated with Yikaida, they returned to their families and society normally. We are very excited and delighted by the recovery of each patient." Li Haifeng also expressed the hope to introduce Yikaida to Macau to benefit more patients. Deeply cultivating Macau and joining hands with the Greater Bay Area to usher in the spring of the health industry As the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) continues to improve in the national development strategy, Fosun has allocated more resources to support the development of the GBA. Under the guidance of the two national strategies of "Healthy China 2030" and "Digital China", after years of intensive industrial development, Fosun Health has owned and operated many general hospitals with brand and medical capability advantages in the Greater Bay Area, such as Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital, Zhuhai Chancheng Hospital, and Guangzhou Xinshi Hospital. While deepening the layout, it has continuously promoted the online and offline integration of medical institutions and enhanced the regional medical and healthcare service model. In addition, with the support of the Macau SAR government, Comirnaty (BNT162b2) and Comirnaty bivalent mRNA vaccines jointly developed by Fosun Pharma and BioNTech, a German biotechnology company have been approved as regularly imported vaccines in Macau SAR, covering both public and private markets. Fosun Health is also one of the first platforms in the Chinese mainland to provide one-stop vaccination service of the Comirnaty mRNA vaccines. Through the Fosun Health APP or mini program, Fosun Health provides services such as vaccine consultation, vaccine appointment, vaccination, and online consultation. Li Haifeng said, "Macau is an important part of the development of the GBA. Fosun has always been very optimistic about the development potential of Macau. As an important hub and platform for the exchange and development between the Chinese mainland and Portuguese-speaking countries, Macau plays a pivotal role in economic, cultural, commercial and other sectors. Fosun has already established industrial presence in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries. In the future, Fosun will continue to deepen the development of various industries and conduct more businesses in Macau." The 3rd BEYOND Expo is open to the public from 10 May to 12 May. Fosun Pharma, together with member enterprises in the pharmaceutical and healthcare services sectors, and Fosun Lead, an in-depth incubation platform, have set up a booth with a number of interactive activities in the Life Sciences Exhibition Area (Booth No. B28) at the Expo. During the Expo, shuttle services have been arranged to pick up and drop off visitors to receive Comirnaty vaccine at the Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital (University Hospital) COVID-19 vaccination center.
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CORE Insights on Biometry in Myopia Management
Addressing the rapidly-evolving importance of biometry in myopia management, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated Issue 71 of Contact Lens Update to the topic. Four international experts offer timely, clinically-relevant perspectives that eye care professionals can employ in their practices for equipment selection, axial length assessment, and outcomes interpretation. The latest edition and all past issues are available for free at ContactLensUpdate.com. “With global myopia prevalence estimated to reach 50% by the year 2050, more effectively controlling and managing the disease has captured the attention of the optometry and ophthalmology communities like few other issues,” said CORE Director Lyndon Jones. “This issue of Contact Lens Update is designed to help our clinical peers better understand several aspects of biometry and axial length, in a succinct format that can be read in a matter of minutes.” Debbie Jones, clinical professor at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science and lead clinical scientist at CORE, authors the opening editorial. She summarizes several multifunction instruments that are becoming mainstays in clinical settings, each capable of supplying a wealth of information to support management of young myopic patients. The feature article from Marielle Reidy, a pediatric optometrist and a PhD candidate conducting myopia research at the Ohio State University, discusses the results of a study assessing the potential of ocular biometrics and uncorrected visual acuity for detecting myopia. She writes that “some biometric measures taken under noncycloplegic conditions can serve as useful screening tools for myopia detection, when cycloplegic refractive assessment is not possible. Axial length, the AL/CR ratio, or the AL/CR ratio in combination with UCVA can all detect myopia with good success.” Gareth Lingham, an orthoptist and postdoctoral fellow at the Centre for Eye Research Ireland, shares results from his poster first presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2022 annual meeting. This study assessed the performance of a machine learning-based algorithm in estimating axial length by using age, sex, spherical refractive error, astigmatism and corneal radius of curvature data. The outcomes highlight the potential for new technologies to be employed when biometry is unavailable. Also included in this issue is a clinical insight by Jason Compton, owner of Compton Eye Associates in the New York City area and assistant adjunct faculty of the SUNY College of Optometry. His downloadable practitioner resource provides a useful overview of the benefits of optical biometry over ultrasound for measuring axial length. Published six times per year, Contact Lens Update provides a global platform for unbiased clinical insights based in current research. Since 2011, each issue has provided dependable and up-to-date ocular health information for more than 60,000 leading eye care professionals. In addition to a complete archive of back issues, ContactLensUpdate.com offers a resource library that provides no-cost professional tools, patient resources, images and video. It also houses complimentary technical training videos produced by International Association of Contact Lens Educators, plus an industry glossary. Industry professionals can access the latest issue directly from ContactLensUpdate.com or quickly sign up for email receipt of future issues. The publication receives support from the educational arms of Alcon, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.
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CLI Publishes "Double Duty" Report on Dual Contact Lens & Glasses Prescribing
A new, comprehensive report from the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) indicates that the eye care community has significant yet largely untapped upside opportunity by prescribing both contact lenses and glasses. “Double Duty: The Patient & Practice Potential of Dual Contact Lens & Glasses Wear” is now available for online reading or download from ContactLensInstitute.org. The latest CLI See Tomorrow series report draws from recently conducted custom research with more than 2,000 prescription vision-corrected U.S. adults, combined with insights from more than a dozen of the country’s leading eye care professionals. It also includes previously unpublished data from The Vision Council, with whom CLI is partnering to extend the study’s reach. “Having an industry association with our specific focus advance glasses prescribing—in conjunction with increased contact lens wear, of course—may be unexpected. But we firmly believe that the greatest potential for consumer satisfaction and professional success has a foundation in holistic eye care,” write CLI Executive Director Stan Rogaski and CLI Board Chair Michele Andrews, OD, in the report’s opening letter. “While some of findings affirm what we have long suspected, and others are surprising, all contribute toward a more informed and effective community of eye care professionals. Expanding on data first previewed on the 2023 Vision Expo East Innovation Stage, CLI quantifies latent demand for dual wear among current glasses and contact lens users—more than one in three patients (36%)—and explores why consumers define choice as a strongly compelling proposition. This includes deep dives with accompanying infographic illustrations into situational wear by activity, time of day, and day of the week. For the first time, CLI isolates the demographics of dual wearers, including employment status, household income, education, gender, and vision insurance coverage. The findings also offer understanding of what prompts a dual wearer to choose contact lenses or glasses, with convenience scoring high for both types of vision correction (31% and 37%, respectively). Details surrounding self-confidence, quality of vision, physical activities, fashion, and comfort elements are also conveyed. The largely overlooked importance of trial stands out within the research. Among glasses-only wearers, contact lens trials are largely underutilized. 32% of that patient population said that a free trial would increase their consideration. Yet among the subset who reported that contact lenses were discussed at their most recent exam, only 10% were subsequently offered trials of any type. Among contact lens-only wearers, when glasses were discussed during an exam, only one in three were offered the chance to look at glasses in the office. Columns authored by 2023 Contact Lens Institute Visionaries are placed throughout the publication, each offering examples of how to transform the report data into high potential practice management behaviors. Many center on engaging in more productive exam lane conversations, extending those to all staff who interact with patients prior to, during, and after their visit. “Our profession has inadvertently made glasses and contacts an ‘either-or’ selection, when the real choice lies in having the ability to pick between the two on any given day and time to suit ever-changing environments. CLI hopes the eye care community will embrace this new research, share the insights among one another, and consider how dual wear can provide a better experience for practice and patient alike,” said Dr. Andrews. The Contact Lens Institute advances the latest innovations in safe and effective contact lens and lens care products and services that provide unique benefits to patients while satisfying the evolving needs of eye care professionals. CLI undertakes activities that properly assess, enhance, promote and balance contact lens and lens care industry welfare and growth, including the safe use of products in the marketplace. Its members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision. For more information, visit contactlensinstitute.org
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CORE Receives 2023 OAO Public Education Award
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has received the Public Education Award from the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO), which honors members for outstanding contributions in public education and awareness campaigns and activities. CORE was specifically recognized for promoting eye health and safety, including providing scientifically-sound information to consumers during the pandemic and efforts to slow the progression of myopia through myopia control methods. “The real heroes behind this honor are the people of CORE, practitioners with whom we partner, and sponsors who have contributed to our professional and public education platforms over the past several decades. It’s wonderful to see their work and the impact acknowledged,” said Lyndon Jones, CORE’s director. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, CORE led the world’s first global response to misinformation about contact lens wear, setting the entire industry on a path to recovery. In only 30 days, CORE replaced falsehoods with facts for both consumers and eye care professionals, with its guidance appearing in more than 6,000 media outlets across 55 countries. Months later, CORE was instrumental in raising practitioner and public awareness of mask-associated dry eye. Through a series of papers and columns, easy-to-grasp infographics, and media interviews in more than 2,500 news outlets on six continents, the initiative drove global understanding of the cause and simple actions to mitigate onset. In tandem, CORE collaborated with The Conversation Canada to publish a story about not neglecting eye care as the pandemic continued—reaching millions of consumers in Canada, the U.S., and English- and French-speaking overseas countries. More recently, CORE pivoted from pandemic-related public education to two of the most discussed topics in eye health—childhood myopia and dry eye. CORE’s work helped inform parents and encouraged them to seek comprehensive eye exams for their children. Additionally, the CORE team helped bring attention to the challenge through employers, who in many cases are positioned to influence action through benefits plans. On the dry eye front, CORE collaborated again with The Conversation to share information and discuss the crucial role of optometrists in helping deliver sustained relief. In any given year, CORE delivers countless in-person and virtual lectures, papers and posters, and produces a bi-monthly, 60,000-subscriber Contact Lens Update magazine—all of which contribute to furthering the practice of optometry worldwide. The Ontario Association of Optometrists represents over 1,700 optometrists across the province. It is dedicated to helping members provide the highest standard of eye health and vision care for Ontarians while driving the profession of optometry forward.
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SightGlass Vision Reports 42-Month Study Data, Other Myopia Control Outcomes @ ARVO 2023
SightGlass Vision today announced positive outcomes of multiple studies designed to evaluate the performance of its Diffusion Optics Technology™ spectacle lenses, which are designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. All are being presented this week at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Most prominent is the reporting of 42-month data from the company’s pivotal CYPRESS study extension. Results reinforced the safety and efficacy of Diffusion Optics Technology™ spectacle lenses in children aged 6–10 at the study’s start.[1] The latest investigation re-enrolled 98 participants from the original three-year, double-masked, randomized, multi-site clinical trial to generate six additional months of data. Outcomes again demonstrated statistically significant improvements in axial length (AL) and cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (cSER) between the test and control groups. Separate work calculated age-independent myopia AL growth to evaluate Diffusion Optics Technology™ spectacle lens efficacy.[2] Because AL growth occurs even in persistently emmetropic eyes as a child develops and is most rapid before preadolescence, deriving an age-adjusted measure is valuable for clinicians and researchers. Physiological AL growth was determined based on age-matched emmetropic eye growth data from the Orinda Longitudinal Study of Myopia,[3] then compared to AL growth observed in the original three-year CYPRESS study. Children in the test lens group showed 0.23 mm (73%, p=0.003) less pathological AL change than the control group (test: 0.08 ± 0.06 mm; control: 0.31 ± 0.05 mm). “The extensive and rigorous science we are communicating at ARVO 2023 demonstrates the depth of our commitment to advancing myopia control, while also building additional confidence in the efficacy, safety, and overall performance of Diffusion Optics Technology™ spectacle lenses,” said Andrew Sedgwick, CEO of SightGlass Vision. In addition to the featured CYPRESS presentations, SightGlass Vision and its research partners will display several scientific posters at the meeting. A study from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) shows that Diffusion Optics Technology™ spectacle lenses have no significant effect on accommodative lag after short-term wear.[4] Work from Indiana University suggests that Diffusion Optics Technology™ contrast-reducing micro-dots do not limit high quality spatial details and good visual performance,[5] while another Indiana investigation concludes that wearers are unlikely to notice substantial contrast decreases when looking through the spectacle lens treatment zone.[6] A SightGlass team also examined the effect of social restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic on myopia progression in North American children who participated in the CYPRESS study.[7] Spectacle lenses with SightGlass Vision™ Diffusion Optics Technology™ use thousands of micro-dots to softly scatter light to reduce contrast on the retina, a unique mechanism of action to control myopia progression in children. Over the last 18 months, this patent-protected technology with clinically proven efficacy[1],[2],[8],[9],[10] made its commercial debut in several markets, including China, the Netherlands, and Israel, as well as through preliminary market trials in other countries. The company operates as a joint venture of CooperCompanies and EssilorLuxottica. For more information, visit SightGlassVision.com ### [1] 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. [2] Laughton D., et al. Calculated age-independent myopic axial length growth in the CYPRESS clinical trial. ARVO 2023 Annual Meeting presentation. 26 April 2023. [3] Jones et al. Comparison of ocular component growth curves among refractive error groups in children, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2005;46:2317-2327 [4] Jabeen A., et al. Evaluation of the Lag of accommodation with DOT spectacle lenses. ARVO 2023 Annual Meeting presentation. 27 April 2023. [5] Gantes-Nuñez, F., et al. Optical Characterization of a Diffusion Optics Technology Ophthalmic Lens Designed for Myopia Control. ARVO 2023 Annual Meeting presentation. 27 April 2023. [6] Meyer D., et al. Evaluation of Contrast Sensitivity with Diffusion Optics Technology Lenses. ARVO 2023 Annual Meeting presentation. 27 April 2023. [7] McParland, M., et al. Myopia progression before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in North American children. ARVO 2023 Annual Meeting presentation. 23 April 2023. [8] 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 [9] 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. [10] 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.
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CooperVision Seeks Proposals for 2023 Science and Technology Awards
To foster continuous advancement in contact lens research and development, CooperVision is now accepting submissions for its 2023 Science and Technology Awards program. The longstanding program enables researchers around the world to explore new dimensions in vision care, with the goal of translating innovative ideas into practical solutions. “Our relentless drive to discover new ways to meet the current and future needs of eye care professionals and contact lens wearers is what keeps CooperVision at the forefront of product development,” said Francis Erard, CooperVision’s Vice President of Research & Development. “The Science and Technology Awards program extends the path to innovation outside of our own organization, providing opportunities to some of the brightest minds in the field to pursue research and make progress toward solving the vision challenges for which they are most passionate.” Each year, CooperVision determines specific areas of focus for the Science and Technology Awards program. In 2023, submissions will be considered for the following subjects: Understanding childhood myopia development, including pathogenesis, mechanisms, and risk factors New methods to prevent the onset of myopia, including prophylactic technologies and novel proposals for glasses, contact lenses, interactive and combination therapies Strategies to prevent the development of symptomatology in new contact lens wearers, with an emphasis on diagnosis and early intervention therapies, understanding biochemical changes in newly fitted wearers over time, and controlled release technologies for delivery of beneficial agents, as well as approaches to improve moisture retention The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on contact lens fitting and diagnosis, including applications for optometry and orthokeratology (ortho-k) with technologies such as ChatGPT, Bard, and more. Since 2014, the CooperVision program has made grants totaling more than $2 million to investigate a wide variety of topics that have led to notable advancements in product design and development, as well as to directly inform approaches in clinical care. For example, research exploring causes and treatment for contact lens discomfort conducted by two past recipients of the Science and Technology Awards has resulted in widespread citations from professional peers. Dr. Laura Downie, Associate Professor in the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at the University of Melbourne, also built on findings from her award-funded contact lens discomfort research to pursue additional studies to increase knowledge on this topic. Dr. Ping Situ, Associate Scientist at the Indiana University School of Optometry, received funding for two studies examining the correlation between discomfort and the sensory response. Dr. Situ is scheduled to present findings of her latest research on the topic at the upcoming British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) Conference & Exhibition in June. “CooperVision’s Science and Technology Awards program has been highly valuable to my career development and others for more than a decade. It was instrumental in my ability to employ my first dedicated contact lens research staff member in my laboratory in 2015,” said Dr. Downie. “It has been fantastic to collaborate with leading scientists and clinicians at CooperVision to develop ideas and to pursue exciting research that has now evolved over several years into a substantial research program.” Proposals may span proof-of-concept through translational stages and are eligible for two types of awards. The CooperVision Seedling Award is intended for investigation of early-stage concepts for a one-year period, with a maximum grant of $100,000. The CooperVision Translational Research Award is a two-year grant for substantive projects with funding up to $400,000. CooperVision Science and Technology Awards are open to any researcher with principal investigator (PI) status holding an OD, MD, PhD or equivalent degree. Applicants such as postdoctoral fellows with a waiver of PI status must submit appropriate documentation before funding can be disbursed. Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent before June 23, 2023. If a letter is accepted, an applicant will be invited to submit a full proposal. Additional information and the online application are available at www.coopervision.com/about-us/science-and-technology-awards
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Cobalt Iron Earns Patent for Applying Machine Learning to Device Behaviors and Health Status
Cobalt Iron Inc., a leading provider of SaaS-based enterprise data protection, today announced that it has received a patent on its technology for machine-learning-driven authentication control of IT resources. U.S. Patent 11632374, issued on April 18, describes new techniques that will be implemented in Cobalt Iron Compass®, an enterprise SaaS backup platform. This patented technology is unique in that it will apply machine learning (ML) techniques to device behaviors and health status. As a result, IT infrastructures and business security controls will become more intelligent over time by learning from past operational outcomes, thereby optimizing security controls of IT resources. This patent is associated with US Patent 11310237, Cobalt Iron's technology for ML optimization of authentication control, issued in April 2022. By applying new ML techniques, that patent extended Compass' already patented ability to optimize user authentication and access to IT resources dynamically based on what's happening in the environment. This new patent is similar, but it also incorporates machine learning techniques to analyze the behaviors and health status of computing and storage devices. Authentication controls in use today are static and don't respond to changing conditions and events. In addition, those authentication controls are not monitored or analyzed to determine whether they are effective or optimized in achieving company security and safety objectives. Likewise, critical IT resources — such as computing servers and storage devices — typically have the same authentication techniques in place as were used decades ago. This practice is unacceptable in today's world of relentless cyberattacks. In order to be more secure, IT resources and infrastructure must be responsive to evolving cyber and health events. in order to be more secure. User authentication roles and privileges may need to change temporarily under certain conditions, such as to accommodate failing storage devices or hardware devices under cyberattack. Cobalt Iron's latest patent covers just those concerns. The new patent's novel techniques will use extensive data collection, analytics, and machine learning to adjust user authentication and access to IT resources dynamically based on environmental events and operational outcomes. Specifically, the techniques disclosed in this patent will: Collect training data such as computing and storage device health status, IT operation health status, device event data, users' permission access patterns, access control duration data, project data, cyberevent information, security event logs, and data protection operational results. Analyze training data to determine the effectiveness of authentication controls during previous conditions and events. Generate ML rules based on the training data to potentially adjust authentication controls during future conditions and events. Monitor the health status of IT resources such as computing and storage devices for various health conditions and events. Dynamically adjust user authentication privileges based on generated ML rules. Modify durations of user authentication privilege adjustments in response to generated ML rules. For example, these techniques could automatically and temporarily restrict access to computing or storage devices that show indications of being targets of a ransomware attack. In another example, a change in the health status of a computing or storage device (e.g., devices going offline or online or having various kinds of health failures) could trigger adjustments in authentication control to those devices. "Controlling authorization and access to key IT resources such as computing and storage devices is a critical part of securing any enterprise. Authentication controls in practice today are static and unresponsive to changing conditions and events," said Greg Tevis, vice president of strategy at Cobalt Iron. "This patent discloses techniques that will automatically optimize authentication controls in response to the health status of IT resources. This helps eliminate the pervasive security exposures of stale, obsolete, and unresponsive authorization controls. IT resources and the entire IT infrastructure will become more secure as authentication controls get adjusted automatically as the environment changes. And authentication controls will continually improve over time by learning from the past."
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Elsevier reimagines clinical decision support with the new ClinicalKey®
Elsevier, a global leader in evidence-based clinical practice content, research publishing and information analytics, is announcing the launch of its newly enhanced clinical decision support solution ClinicalKey®, which includes an extensive drug compendium, a new mobile application and deeper integration into the Electronic Health Record (EHR). These new features provide physicians in the US and across global markets with easier access to comprehensive and reliable medical content at the point of care, helping them to diagnose and treat patients faster. ClinicalKey is a global leader in reference use cases, providing access to market-leading, evidence-based content. The new features announced today mean clinicians can now additionally use ClinicalKey to access crucial, trusted summary information, all within a single source. Josh Schoeller, President of Clinical Solutions, Elsevier said "Today's clinicians are facing growing pressure as they provide care – more patients presenting with complex comorbidities, an increasing workload due to a global shortage of healthcare professionals, and a high volume of medical research output. Against this backdrop, we need to support clinicians by making the information they need as accessible as possible. Today's enhanced ClinicalKey will make the lives of clinicians easier by providing a single, simple location to access the essential information they need at the point of care." The development of the next generation ClinicalKey was created with the needs of physicians in mind. Based on the latest findings, physicians spend half of their shift in the EHR[1], so clinical decision support must be deeply embedded in the EHR system. 80% of doctors use mobile devices at work[2] making access to a modern mobile app crucial for a point of care solution, and many clinicians find an increasing number of clinical questions at the point of care are about drug information. The enhanced ClinicalKey responds to all these challenges: EHR integration – with an EHR-integrated experience through SMART on FHIR, clinicians can navigate to ClinicalKey directly within their workflow. Drug information – frictionless access to expanded drug information and tools to support clinical decision making. Mobile app – a completely redesigned mobile experience that allows clinicians to easily access the information they need, when they need it. To learn more about ClinicalKey, click here. https://www.elsevier.com/solutions/clinicalkey ### [1] https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/report-doctors-spend-half-their-time-on-computer-tasks/439861/ and https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/primary-care-doctors-spend-more-than-50-workday-ehr-tasks [2] https://www.informationweek.com/mobile/80-of-doctors-use-mobile-devices-at-work
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CORE Demonstrates Advanced 3D Printing for Ocular Research at ARVO 2023
Scientists from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) are poised to unveil multiple advancements in 3D printing next week during the ARVO 2023 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. These innovations have widespread applications, with the potential to accelerate development of drug delivery systems, biodegradable contact lenses, and pharmaceuticals. “Our multidisciplinary team has created one of the most sophisticated 3D printing environments for ocular research in the world,” said Alex Hui, OD, PhD, FAAO, head of Biosciences at CORE. “This investment in people and technologies is opening doors for new discoveries, product validation, and clinical insights, with so many implications for enhancing vision.” CORE’s scientific poster presentations at ARVO span several interlinked aspects of three-dimensional modeling. Three related works focus on a new, CORE-developed method to rapidly fabricate PDMS (polydimethyl siloxane) microfluidic chips at a low cost and with high throughput. These chips are used to test ocular cellular responses to various conditions, formulations, and materials. Researchers were able to incorporate human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs), which showed strong adherence, metabolic activity, and growth capability, indicating the viability of chip-based cell biological studies. CORE also fabricated a PDMS microfluidic chip for evaluating contact lens-based drug release. ARVO organizers have designated “Fabrication of a Microfluidic Chip for Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Studies Using 3D Printing” (Ramasamy M., et al.) as a scientific highlight for the entire conference. Another CORE program to be shared in New Orleans developed a biodegradable bioink for fabricating ophthalmic devices. A novel gelatin methacrylate (GelMA)-centric formulation was used with a commercial masked-stereolithography (mSLA) 3D printer, with the resulting material assessed for degradation. Investigators also fabricated a contact lens from the same material, without requiring any support structures during printing. In a quest to better evaluate ocular drug delivery, CORE scientists designed a soft hydrogel eye model, including an upper and lower eyelid, a frontal surface to mimic the cornea and sclera, and an internal chamber to mimic the interior of the eye. The eyeball and the lower eyelid were 3D bioprinted, then fit to a CORE-created in vitro OcuBlink device for automated blinking and tear collection. The outcomes supported the method for testing that more closely mimics a human ocular system, especially for drug absorption through the cornea. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest and most respected eye and vision research organization in the world. Its members include nearly 10,000 researchers from more than 75 countries. The ARVO 2023 Annual Meeting runs from April 23–27, and attracts thousands of attendees from academic, industry, and clinical settings.
