3 things you need to know from AOA 2015

AOA begins AOA MORE registry enrollment

Seattle-The American Optometric Association (AOA) officially began enrolling optometrists in its AOA Measures and Outcomes Registry for Eyecare (MORE) this week during Optometry’s Meeting 2015 in Seattle.

The registry is a private, secure database that systematically integrates patient data from multiple electronic health record (EHR) systems and facilitates secondary uses of that data. Currently, MORE is available to doctors using RevolutionEHR, Compulink, and MaximEyes EHR systems, but has plans to expand to Williams Group Practice Director, Eyefinity, and Crystal Practice Management systems within the year.

AOA MORE allows ODs to participate in value-based payment systems that Medicare-which requires participation in a registry in order to receive maximum reimbursements-and other insurers utilize. ODs will also be able to privately access statistics from their own patient base through the system’s dashboard. AOA MORE will allow ODs to compare their patient demographics to the national averages, and identify the most common diagnosis codes and medicines prescribed compared to the national averages.  

The registry is free to AOA members. Non-members must pay a $1,800 per year fee. For more information or to sign up, visit aoa.org/MORE.  

Next: CooperVision introduces MyDay lenses to U.S.

CooperVision introduces MyDay daily disposable silicone hydrogel lenses in the U.S.

Seattle-During Optometry’s Meeting 2015, CooperVision announced the introduction of MyDay silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lenses to the U.S. market.

According to CooperVision, MyDay lenses incorporate a new material and an advanced design that offer softness, comfort, and the healthy advantages of silicone hydrogel.

MyDay daily disposable lenses are made with Smart Silicone chemistry, which delivers the best of both hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lenses, according to the company. Smart Silicone optimizes oxygen permeability in a lens that is just 4.4 percent silicon-the lowest percentage of silicon found in a silicone hydrogel, daily disposable lens. By using less silicon, CooperVision says Smart Silicone leaves more room in the lens for built-in channels of comfort-enhancing moisture.

The company says it also enables a modulus of only 0.4MPa-lower than any other one-day silicone hydrogel lens-to make MyDay the softest silicone hydrogel daily disposable available.

“As a partner of the eyecare community, it’s important that we continue to develop and introduce advanced lenses that help build practices and deliver the softest, most comfortable lens-wearing experience possible,” says Jerry Warner, president, North America, CooperVision. “MyDay daily disposable lenses are the result of years of tremendous R&D effort that blends thebest of our research capabilities with a deep understanding of the needs ofpractitioners.”

With a smooth lens surface and rounded edge, MyDay daily disposable lenses incorporate an advanced lens design to provide a natural feeling as the eyelid glides over the lens. According to CooperVision, testing shows that MyDay lenses not only have immediate comfort at application, but they have excellent comfort over the course of the day. MyDay lenses are naturally wettable, unlike surface coated lenses. Built-in UV protection filters 85 percent of UVA and 96 percent of UVB rays, helping promote long-term ocularhealth.

CooperVision first introduced MyDay lenses in Europe in June 2013, then rolled out distribution to Australia and New Zealand in early 2014.

MyDay daily disposable lenses feature sphere powers from +6.00 D to -10.00 D (0.50 D steps after +5.00 D and -6.00 D); a base curve of 8.4 mm; a diameter of 14.2 mm; a Dk/t of 100 (@ -3.00 D); and a modulus of 0.4 MPa.

CooperVision has begun limited distribution of MyDay fit sets and lenses in the U.S., and expects to begin shipping nationwide by early fall 2015. MyDay lenses are available in 90-pack boxes.

Next: Alcon launches Clear Care Plus

Alcon launches Clear Care Plus

Seattle-Alcon announced the U.S. launch of Clear Care Plus Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution containing HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses.

“Hydrogen-peroxide solutions offer exceptional disinfecting efficacy and have long been recognized as the gold standard by eye care professionals,” says Optometry Times Editorial Advisory Board member Bill Townsend, OD, FAAO.

Alcon says that Clear Care Plus starter kits will be available in July so that patients have access to the latest lens care technology.

 “Clear Care Plus combines deep cleaning and outstanding disinfection with the added benefit of Alcon’s proprietary wetting technology that surrounds soft contact lenses with lasting moisture, complementing moisture from the wearer’s own tears,” says Carla Mack, OD, MBA, FAAO, director of professional and clinical support for U.S. Vision Care at Alcon.

Clear Care Plus Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution is now available in the U.S. for over-the-counter purchase. Alcon says it has no plans to phase out the original Clear Care.