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Dr. Harris is a professor at Southern College of Optometry after being in private practice in Baltimore for more than 30 years. He serves as the president of the Optometric Extension Program Foundation and lectures internationally on topics of behavioral 

Optometric practices offer tinted and colored contact lenses to aid in cosmetic enhancement; however, many eyecare practices are unaware of the therapeutic effects that tinting a lens (contact or spectacle) can offer.

Relieve migraines with tinted contact lenses

MediPrint Ophthalmics announced results from the company’s phase 2b clinical trial of LL-BMT1 at this year’s 

LL-BMT1 is a novel, preservative-free, weekly drug-eluting 

 created by the company’s proprietary 3D printing technology, that delivers a sustained dose of bimatoprost and hyaluronic acid for the treatment of 

. According to the company, the phase 2b clinical trial met all primary end points with no serious adverse events reported in either cohort.

In the study, the 32-µg dose of LL-BMT1 achieved equivalence to the efficacy of bimatoprost 0.01% in reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP). Furthermore, the company noted that patients with LL-BMT1 only required 6 lens insertions over the course of 3 weeks. This was an 86% reduction in treatment frequency compared to traditional daily eye drops.

The hyaluronic acid delivered by LL-BMT1 also allowed for a “significantly improved patient-reported comfort and relief from dry eye symptoms.” Patients in the chosen dose range, reported a 38% improvement in comfort as well as a 40% improvement in dry eye symptoms.

Ian Ben Gaddie, OD, FAAO, who presented the results at the AAOpt meeting stated, “LL-BMT1 represents a potential major step forward in glaucoma care, offering an effective, less burdensome alternative to daily eye drops and a less invasive option to laser or surgical modalities.”

The company stated that thanks to the results of the phase 2b study,

 MediPrint plans to move forward with two programs in 2025. Programs will include focusing on comfort improvement, with hyaluronic acid in the daily disposable lens market as well as initiating the phase 3 clinical study of LL-BMT1 for glaucoma.

MediPrint Ophthalmics Presents Promising Results from Phase 2b Clinical Trial of LL-BMT1 for Glaucoma at American Academy of Optometry. Press Release; November 12, 2024. Accessed November 12, 2024. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241112595525/en/MediPrint-Ophthalmics-Presents-Promising-Results-from-Phase-2b-Clinical-Trial-of-LL-BMT1-for-Glaucoma-at-American-Academy-of-Optometry

The weekly drug-eluting contact lens was created by the company’s proprietary 3D printing technology and met all primary end points with no serious adverse events reported in either cohort.

Conference

MediPrint Ophthalmics reveals positive results from phase 2b study of LL-BMT1 contact lens

Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, FOWNS, details the positive feedback gained so far from other optometrists that have been prescribing the NutriTears supplement to their dry eye patients.

AAOpt 2024: What optometrists think so far about the NutriTears supplement

Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, FOWNS, discussed a recent study on a supplement containing vitamin D, curcumin, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which showed significant improvements in dry eye symptoms within 14 to 28 days. Key secondary outcomes, such as MMP-9 scores and corneal staining, also improved by day 28 to 56. The supplement has been well-received by optometrists and high-level practitioners, and it offers an alternative to traditional eye drops, especially for contact lens users. Gioia emphasized its potential to expand beyond optometrists to include nutritionists and other healthcare providers in addressing ocular discomfort.

Editor's note: The below transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.

Hi, I'm Dr Neda Gioia. I'm a doctor of optometry, also a certified nutrition specialist. I have my own practice, Integrative Vision in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, and I'm also the president of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society.
So this poster reflects the importance of this new finding with NutriTears. It was used in a publication that we just had in Frontiers in Ophthalmology, and what it did was it showed that, using this supplement, which included vitamin D, curcumin, lutein and zeaxanthin, against a placebo, it showed that tear volume and patient reports via OSDI improved 14 to 28 days. So what's great about this study, it really showed a quick effect with a supplement, and I'm proud to present this this year at Academy. The biggest secondary outcomes were MMP9 scores, cornea and conjuctival staining, and these things were also shown to have clinical significance at day 28 up to 56. So the primary endpoints met what we not wanted, as well as some of the secondary endpoints.

So after a few months of launching this product off the shelves, a lot of optometrists have already found that their patients are very open to one, using it, because it's a new supplement that they can really kind of complement to whatever therapies they already are using, as well as starting it earlier in the dry eye diagnosis. So I think it's been great, the feedback, so far. We have some really high level doctors using this in their clinics already, and so far so good. I'm excited to see more data from those new optometrists using it.
I think what we also need to understand is sometimes our other doctors–or even non doctors, because this can be also addressed with nutritionists as well, right? So if a patient has some ocular discomfort, they can recommend an over the counter supplement as well. So I don't think it is isolated to optometrists, but I do think we add the validity for our patients, but I do think it can go into a broader spectrum of practitioners. Absolutely.

Some of the other key takeaways to this supplement, I think we have to start thinking about patients that may want other alternatives outside of drops, especially if they're contact lens users. You know, when you start really thinking about how we can use this supplement in various ways, I really think it will bring value that, you get a nice add on to your toolbox, because we really need that in dry eye approach.

Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, FOWNS, details the positive feedback gained so far from other optometrists that have been recommending the NutriTears supplement to their dry eye patients.

AAOpt 2024: What optometrists think of the NutriTears supplement so far

This quiz accompanies THIS article from our December issue

c. One-third eye width, canthus to canthus

d. One-third eye fissure opening vertically

Quiz: Know the ocular effects of eyelash growth serums

A group of bright-eyed American Academy of Optometry Fellows took time to gather for a luncheon at this year’s annual meeting to discuss their recent experiences in the Academy’s Merton C. Flom Leadership Academy. The luncheon provided an opportunity for about 40 fellows to share insights and takeaways they gain from the Flom program. The Flom program was sponsored by CooperVision for 2024.

Pabita Dhungel, BScOptom, MS, of the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, who is a member of the most recent Flom cohort, said that the roundtable discussion at the luncheon provided an important opportunity to gain perspective from other members of her cohort. “The conversation reinforced vital leadership principles and fostered a sense of community and mutual support among participants,” she said.

Originally conceived as the Merton C Flom Leadership InSight program, proposed addition of virtual modules in 2020 led to a revision and expansion of the program, and was renamed the Merton C Flom Leadership Academy. The revised program was then initiated in 2021.

Flom works by identifying and optimizing personal talents as identified through the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment, while also facilitating discussion and guides participants through individual study to identify and hone in on leadership potential. A cohort of participants are enrolled each year and are expected to complete 8 learning modules, which are led by optometric community leaders. Flom participants also meet via virtual sessions about every 6 weeks throughout the year to allow participants and course faculty to discuss the covered content.

 Some of the learning module topics include principles of effective leadership, embracing diversity in leadership, effective communication, public speaking, writing skills, and mentorship.

Dhungel recounted her time in the program as transformative by means of enhancing her leadership and communication skills, as well as strategic thinking. “The program has deepened my understanding of how to lead effectively in academic and clinical settings and has strengthened my confidence in managing complex projects and teams,” she said.

Another cohort member, Melissa Rice, OD, FAAO, of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, stated that Flom has both helped her become a better leader and to recognize leadership skills and coach colleagues as well. “Anyone can gain something from Flom, even those not in a leadership title,” she said.

Dhungel also emphasized her positive experience with the program and urged those considering it to take the leap. "If you're considering the Merton C Flom Leadership Academy, I highly recommend it,” she said. “The course is thoughtfully designed to develop core leadership skills specific to the field, such as effective communication, team management, and strategic thinking. It's not just about building competencies; it also connects you with like-minded professionals and mentors who support your growth and help you gain confidence in navigating both academic and clinical environments. The program’s insights and networking opportunities can be a game-changer for your career trajectory.”

Merton C Flom Leadership Academy. American Academy of Optometry. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://aaopt.org/education/professional-development/flom-leadership-academy/

Approximately 40 fellows to share insights and takeaways they gain from the Flom program.

AAOpt 2024: Merton C Flom Leadership Academy luncheon provides insights and takeaways on the program

Dr. Glenda Aleman discusses the importance of diversity in practices and how LEO is attracting more Latinos to the industry.

VEW 2024: Cultural competency in optometry

At Vision Expo West 2024, Glenda Aleman, OD, participated in a panel called, "Cultural competency in eye care," wherein she and other panelists discussed the power of diversity in a practice. Other panelists included Larry Jones, OD; Linda Shi, OD; and moderator Charissa Lee, OD, MBA, FAAO. You can watch the full recording of the panel 

Aleman also discussed the impact of Latinos en Optometry (LEO), an organization rallied around increasing the density of Latinos in optometry by encouraging students to consider eye care as a profession.

Dr. Glenda Aleman discusses the importance of diversity in practices and how Latinos en Optometry is attracting more Latinos to the industry.

Video Series

Click here to see our latest poll results: Have you or do you plan to implement myopia control into your practice?

This poll is for optometrists and eyecare professionals, only. It will close on Friday, September 10, 2021.

Paul Harris, OD, FCOVD, FACBO, FAAO, FNAP

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