News from the AOA's Blog

Bausch & Lomb today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Besivance™ (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension) 0.6% for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as “pink eye.” Besivance™ is a new topical ophthalmic antibacterial, administered via sterile ophthalmic drops, that treats a wide range of eye pathogens including those that most commonly cause bacterial conjunctivitis.(4) Bacterial conjunctivitis is one of the most common ocular conditions worldwide.(2)

In December 2008, an FDA Advisory Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of Besivance. Besivance is the first fluoroquinolone specifically developed for ophthalmic use and is the first and only ophthalmic fluoroquinolone with no previous systemic use. It offers broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, including activity against the strains that are the most common causes of bacterial conjunctivitis.(3)

Robert Foster provides powerful testimony before an influential council on the need to increase eye and vision care access in underserved areas

Robert Foster, a Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University class of 2009 leader, made the most of an opportunity secured by the AOA Washington office to provide testimony before the National Advisory Council of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) during its May 7 meeting in Philadelphia. Read the rest of this entry ?

President Obama and leaders in Congress remain committed to national health care reform this year.  And as these efforts gain momentum, the AOA has stepped up its proactive work in Washington, D.C., to ensure that optometry retains its rightful seat “at the table” and continues to influence the direction of the debate as Congress begins to consider the most far-reaching overhaul of health care in America. Read the rest of this entry ?

Ken Lawenda, O.D., of Los Angeles, Calif., left, is greeted by his congressman, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chair of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, prior to a timely discussion of health care reform proposals under consideration in Congress and the AOA’s legislative agenda.

Ken Lawenda, O.D., of Los Angeles, Calif., left, is greeted by his congressman, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chair of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, prior to a timely discussion of health care reform proposals under consideration in Congress and the AOA’s legislative agenda. Read the rest of this entry ?