News from the AOA's Blog

ScienceBased Health (SBH), a leading provider of evidence-based nutraceuticals for eye health, and HOYA Surgical Optics, Inc (HSO), a leading manufacturer of high technology precision optics, announced their partnership to increase awareness of nutrition’s role in eye health in the ophthalmic market.

Since 1997, SBH has been developing innovative nutraceuticals to promote visual health. Its products are
recommended and distributed by thousands of ophthalmologists and optometrists throughout the United States. Read the rest of this entry ?

Hoya Vision Care, N.A. undertook a major initiative to re-position the Hoya brand in the United States by introducing The HOYA Free-Form Company. The positioning objective is to explain, demonstrate, facilitate and clarify Hoya free-form technology through a variety of unique tactics.

Confusion regarding free-form versus digital surfacing versus high definition technology in the U.S. is at an all-time high. Adding to the misunderstanding is the terminology iterations of free-form processing versus free-form design. Read the rest of this entry ?

Vistakon®, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., named W. Lee Ball, O.D., associate director, and Janelle Routhier, O.D., manager, Medical Affairs. 

In their new roles, Dr. Ball will be responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership for Medical Affairs and Dr. Routhier will be responsible for clinical and technical aspects of Acuvue® Brand Contact Lenses. 

They will report to Sheila Hickson-Curran, MCOptom, director, Medical Affairs. Read the rest of this entry ?

Seiko Optical Products of America, Inc., and Transitions Optical, Inc. announced the introduction of Seiko® Sportswear Transitions® SolFX™ sun lenses, the latest product in the Transitions SolFX line of performance sunwear.

Specifically optimized to improve color recognition, contrast and depth perception in varying lighting conditions, the lens is designed for a wide variety of outdoor sports and related activities, including running, hiking and walking.

Available Seiko Sportswear Transitions SolFX lenses include Seiko and Perfas branded free-form progressive lenses, as well as Seiko’s new 1.67 Wrap Tech single-vision free-form lens and frame package, and 1.67 standard aspheric single-vision lenses. They can be ordered through Seiko’s free-form laboratory and network of independent optical laboratories. Read the rest of this entry ?

Bausch + Lomb announced the appointment of Calvin W. Roberts, M.D. to the newly created position of chief medical officer (CMO). Dr. Roberts will serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and coordinate the company’s global R&D efforts across the Vision Care, Pharmaceuticals and Surgical business units for greater leverage and outcomes.

Dr. Roberts brings a unique combination of academic, clinical and product development experience to the new Bausch + Lomb CMO role. A specialist in cataract and refractive surgery, Dr. Roberts is credited with developing and producing over-the-counter products for vision care, prescription ocular therapeutics and innovative treatment regimens. Dr. Roberts is considered to be the “father” of ophthalmic non-steroidals; he has published 50 peer-reviewed articles. Read the rest of this entry ?

Abbott Medical Optics Inc. is focused on providing the full range of advanced technologies and support to help eye care professionals deliver optimal vision and lifestyle experiences to patients of all ages.

We do this by providing a differentiated suite of advanced products and services designed to address vision disorders at all stages of life. We offer market-leading technologies for myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, cataract, spherical aberration and corneal health, and proven educational and support programs that help eye care professionals master refractive technologies and grow their practices.  Read the rest of this entry ?

The 2011 allergy season is expected to be 27 days longer in northernmost parts of North America, adding almost a month of suffering to the typical pollen allergy season of February/March-October, according to a study published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The longer allergy season could be particularly rough on eye allergy sufferers, notes a leading expert.

“Ocular (eye) allergies affect one in every five individuals and it is estimated that 50 percent of individuals with seasonal and indoor allergies also experience some degree of ocular allergy,” said Paul Karpecki, O.D., clinical director, Koffler Vision Group, Lexington, Ky. Read the rest of this entry ?

Leading contact lens manufacturer CooperVision unveiled its new brand positioning and visual identity that better reflects the organization’s values.

“CooperVision had a record year in 2010,” said John A. Weber, president of CooperVision Inc. “In developing this new positioning we harnessed the momentum from 2010 and coupled it with a strong product pipeline and increased investment in sales & marketing to create a platform that brings a refreshing perspective to the market.” Read the rest of this entry ?