CONNECT, an organization dedicated to creating and sustaining the growth of innovative technology and life science businesses, announced SynergEyes, Inc. as the winner of its 22nd annual Most Innovative New Product (MIP) Award for 2009. SynergEyes won the award in the medical products category for ClearKone, its patent-pending advanced hybrid contact lens design for keratoconus patients.
     The CONNECT MIP Award finalists were selected from approximately 100 entries representing a broad range of companies within eight categories. "It is a great honor to receive an award recognizing SynergEyes as a technology leader among the medical device companies in San Diego," said Kellie Kaseburg, Vice President Global Marketing, SynergEyes, Inc. "The award is a true testament to the dedicated team of SynergEyes employees who have reached technical accomplishments in the contact lens industry never before achievable."
     The SynergEyes ClearKone hybrid lens combines a rigid gas permeable (RGP) center that allows for oxygen permeability and the most precise optics with a "skirt" of soft material allowing for healthy, all-day comfort. According to the company, the patent-pending ClearKone design is optimized to vault the predominant irregularities of the keratoconic cornea, thus effectively restoring vision to a vast majority of irregular cornea patients, without compromising comfort or eye health, even in the most challenging cases.
     For additional information, please visit. www.synergeyes.com.

OCuSOFT, Inc. announced the introduction of Tears Again advanced Liposome Spray, a unique eyelid spray which, per the company, has been reported to benefit patients suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction.
     Tears Again spray is a cool, refreshing spray which contains vital nutrients including antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E. Applied directly to eyelids with the eyes closed, this patented formula contains microscopic liposomes, which enhance absorption and lubricate to protect against moisture loss.
     Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, reports "Dry Eye sufferers (particularly those with lipid deficiency) and meibomian gland dysfunction patients do very well with Tears Again [advanced] Liposome Spray. Individuals that have difficulty instilling eye-drops should also be considered."
     Because daily lid hygiene is important for healthy eyes, Tears Again advanced Liposome Spray is ideal to use in conjunction with OCuSOFT Lid Scrub eyelid cleansers.
     The company decided to limit retail availability in order to assist doctors in the promotion of their practice. Special discount pricing is available to doctors for dispensing from their office or optical. Alternatively, patients may order direct (no shipping charges) at www.ocusoft.com.
     For more information or a free trial evaluation please contact: Linda Dang, Marketing Manager at 800-233-5469 or ldang@ocusoft.com.

Patients wearing contact lenses for astigmatism feel the lens sometimes rotates on the eye, resulting in blurry vision. The Accelerated Stabilization Design (ASD) of ACUVUE® OASYS™ Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM provides greater stability by harnessing the pressure of the blink. ASD has four zones of stability to help maintain the position of the lens, resulting in more consistent visual acuity during repetitive eye movements and throughout everyday activities. So with ACUVUE® OASYS™ Brand for ASTIGMATISM, you provide your astigmatic patients with stable, crisp vision throughout their day.
For more information, click here. 

ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses are indicated for vision correction. As with any contact lens, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. Consult the package insert for complete information. Complete information is also available from VISTAKON®, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., by calling 1-800-843-2020 or by visiting jnjvisioncare.com.
     ACUVUE®, ACUVUE® OASYS™, and VISTAKON® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
© Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. 2009.

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Prevent Blindness America (PBA) announced that James E. Anderson, principal at Howe, Anderson & Steyer, P.C., has been elected to serve as the new Board Chairperson on its national Board of Directors.
     "My father was an ophthalmologist who was involved with Prevent Blindness, so I know first-hand the significant impact that quality vision care services has on the public," said Anderson. "By working with Prevent Blindness America for the last 15 years I have been able to help this fine organization contribute to its important mission of providing services, consumer education and advocacy efforts to protect the precious gift of sight for adults and children in this country."
     George Neal, division Vice President, Global Sales at Abbott Medical Optics (AMO) and J. David Pierson, President and CEO of Refac Optical Group, were also elected to the national board at the organization's annual meeting in Chicago.
     "Our national board of directors continues to grow with some of the most respected individuals in the industry," said Hugh R. Parry, President and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. "We are pleased to have such experienced and dedicated members to help guide us in our ongoing mission to preserve the gift of sight."
     For more information on Prevent Blindness America, visit www.preventblindness.org. 

Global Specialty Lens Symposium, January 28-31, 2010, Bally's Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
Plan now to attend the Global Specialty Lens Symposium in January 2010. With an expert international faculty and a CE-accredited agenda, the 2010 GSLS will include insightful presentations by experts in the field, hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge products as well as scientific papers and posters. Look for detailed information and register online at www.GSLSymposium.com.
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Researchers wanted to assess eye care practitioners (ECPs) recommendations for replacement frequency (RF) of silicone hydrogel (SH) and daily disposable (DD) lenses in Canada and the U.S. and to compare noncompliance (NC) with manufacturer recommended RF by the ECP and patient, and the reasons given for NC.
     Invitations to participate were sent by e-mail to ECPs in Canada and the U.S. Twenty patient surveys were sent to 420 ECPs, and 2232 eligible surveys were received from 216 ECPs (26% Canada, 74% U.S.). Questions related to patient demographics, lens type, wearing patterns, ECP instructions for RF, and actual patient RF. ECPs provided lens information and their recommendation for RF after the surveys were completed and sealed in envelopes. Responses were anonymous.
     DD accounted for 18% (Canada) vs. 16% (U.S.) of wearers (p > 0.05); 35% (Canada) vs. 45% (U.S.) wore 2-week replacement SH (2WR; p = 0.011); and 47% (Canada) vs. 39% (U.S.) wore 1-month replacement SH (1MR) lenses (p = 0.025). Thirty-four percent (Canada) vs. 18% (U.S.) of ECPs recommended longer RFs than the manufacturer recommended RF for 2WR lens wearers (p < 0.001); 6% (Canada) vs. 4% (U.S.) for DD wearers; and 2% (Canada) vs. 1% (U.S.) for 1MR lens wearers. NC rates for actual RFs reported by patients were not different between countries (p > 0.05) and were lowest for DD (13% Canada, 12% U.S.), followed by 1MR (33% Canada, 28% U.S.). The highest NC rates were with 2WR (50% Canada, 52% U.S.). The most frequent reason for NC with 2WR and 1MR was "forgetting which day to replace lenses" (54% Canada, 53% U.S.) and in DD wearers "to save money" (56% Canada, 29% U.S., p < 0.001).  
     The researchers concluded that 1MR lenses are more frequently prescribed in Canada. ECPs in Canada were NC with 2WR lenses more frequently than U.S. ECPs, but patient NC rates were the same in both countries for all lens types. ECP and patient NC rates were highest for 2WR lens wearers.
Compliance with Contact Lens Replacement in Canada and the United States. Dumbleton K, Richter D, Woods C, Jones L, Fonn D. Optom Vis Sci. 2009 Dec 23.

Dr. Nichols and the staff of Contact Lenses Today wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Look for Dr. Nichols' annual review of the contact lens industry, events and trends in the January 2010 issue of Contact Lens Spectrum. 

This month at www.siliconehydrogels.org: a review of the potential uses, efficacy, safety and clinical performance of antimicrobial contact lens technology.