Contact Lens Spectrum, published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins VisionCare Group of Wolters Kluwer Health, announces the appointment of Jason J. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO, to the position of editor. Dr. Nichols will officially assume this role in mid September when current Editor, Dr. Carla Mack, steps down to pursue a new professional endeavor.
     Dr. Nichols will serve as editor of Contact Lens Spectrum as well as the weekly e-mail newsletter Contact Lenses Today. He is currently an assistant professor at the Ohio State University (OSU) College of Optometry. His clinical, research, and teaching interests are in the ocular surface and contact lens areas. In addition to his experience in private practice, research and education, he also has published numerous articles in leading peer-reviewed professional publications and served as a contributing editor for Contact Lens Spectrum for several years, focusing on contact lens materials, dry eye, and lens care solutions. He is also a member of the International Society of Contact Lens Research (ISCLR), a diplomate in the American Academy of Optometry's Cornea and Contact Lens Section and has received top honors from the Academy as well as other professional organizations. In addition to receiving federal NIH funding to support his work in contact lens-dry eye, he has worked with most all major contact lens and lens care companies in a variety of capacities. These have included clinical research projects on current products, in addition to developmental projects on new and upcoming materials, care solutions, and pharmaceuticals.
     "I am pleased to welcome Dr. Nichols to the role of editor of Contact Lens Spectrum," remarked Publisher Roger Zimmer. "His prior achievements within the field and personal drive for excellence will ensure continued quality editorial content in the publication. Dr. Nichols is Dr. Mack's natural successor based on his extensive professional experience, and involvement with the journal for several years now."
     Dr. Carla Mack has accepted a position with Bausch & Lomb as part of their Global Vision Care Clinical and Medical Affairs team. She will assume her new role in mid September where her primary responsibilities will be in developing further Bausch & Lomb Vision Care's academic, education, and publishing efforts. Dr. Mack will be leaving the OSU College of Optometry after nearly 12 years. She has served as the Director of Clinic Services for the past five years and is an Associate Professor of Clinical Optometry and Diplomate in the American Academy of Optometry's Cornea and Contact Lens Section.

To help families better understand the important connection between vision and performance, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Vision Care, Inc. is offering Be The Best You Can Be, a free online educational digest with advice from experts on how to keep eyes healthy for better performance.
     Be The Best You Can Be features advice from optometrists like Dr. Graham B. Erickson, researcher and author, and Dr. Jeffrey Anshel, author of Visual Ergonomics in the Workplace, and other experts on keeping eyes healthy for better performance on the athletic field, behind the wheel of a car, and even in front of the computer screen. Also included are tips on simple exercises that can be done at home to make ocular muscles more efficient, information on a free brochure on eye health and allergies, and advice on how to protect eyes from dangerous UV rays.
     The educational digest, along with a free trial-pair certificate for Acuvue brand contact lenses (professional examination and fitting fees not included), is available for free download at www.acuvue.com/bethebestyoucanbe for a limited time.  

Ocu-Ease Optical Products, Inc. presents its Elite series of disposable lenses. The series consists of four lenses including:
- Elite Sphere in 8.80 and 8.40 base curves with a diameter of 14.2 and powers from +8.00D to -12.00D. Packaged in blister pack of six.     
- Elite Aberration Control (AC) in 8.30 and 8.60 base curves with a diameter of 14.2 and powers from +8.00D to -12.00D. Packaged in blister pack of six.   
- Elite AC Daily in a 8.60 base curve with a diameter of 14.2 and powers from +4.00D to -8.00D. Packaged in 30 or 90 day lens packs. 
- Elite AC Toric in a 8.70 base curve with a diameter of 14.5 and powers from +4.00D to -6.00D with cylinder in -1.00 and -1.75. The axis is in 10 degree increments around the clock. Packaged in blister pack of six.
     Trial lenses are available for all the Elite series. All lenses have a light visibility tint and UV absorber and are manufactured from methafilcon A, 55% water by weight. For additional information call 800-521-8984.   

Athletes, teens, part-time wearers, and those who are solution-sensitive, suffer from allergies or frequently travel are all great 1·DAY ACUVUE® MOIST™ Brand Contact Lens candidates. All these patient types and more can benefit from the long lasting comfort of LACREON™ technology, the convenience of fresh lenses every day and the protection of Class II UV blocking.* Improve the quality of life for more patients by prescribing 1·DAY ACUVUE® MOIST™ Brand. To learn more, go to:
*Important Product and UV Information | Important Safety Information
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Paragon Vision Sciences unveiled Paragon RG-4 corneal reshaping lens, offered as an alternate to Paragon CRT. RG-4, a more traditional four-curve design, was added as a product extension in response to requests from practitioners that developed their clinical expertise with the traditional reverse geometry designs and preferred to stay with that technology while enjoying the benefits of working with Paragon and their lab partners. Paragon CRT, remains Paragon's recommended lens and fitting system of choice for practitioners, particularly practitioners new to the modality of corneal reshaping.
     RG-4 is manufactured in Paragon HDS 100, which is approved for overnight corneal reshaping. According to the company, the high Dk of Paragon HDS 100 provides 18% more permeability than competitive corneal reshaping lenses. RG-4 is laser marked for immediate parameter identification and plasma treated for improved comfort. RG-4 requires certification to fit the lens and can be fit empirically or by using a diagnostic set.
     For additional information call 800-528-8279.

Contact Lens Spectrum and the Health Care Conference Group will host the Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS), January 15-18, 2009, at Bally's Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.
     The GSLS will include presentations on the latest techniques and technologies for the successful management of ocular conditions using today's specialty contact lenses. Truly an international meeting, GSLS will provide insights of experts from around the globe and hands-on access to the most current products available. The program will be accredited for continuing education under COPE, NCLE and JCAHPO, offering 17+ credit hours.
     Those interested in submitting free papers or posters should note that the submission deadline is September 1, 2008.  Visit www.GSLSymposium.com for more information or to register for this unique meeting. Companies interested in exhibiting should contact Sean Casey at 732-483-4302 or sean.casey@wolterskluwer.com.
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Thomas Bartolac, O.D., in group practice at Your Family Eye Doctors in Pennsylvania, joined VSP as its 25,000th doctor. "Adding our 25,000th doctor is a great milestone for VSP," said Cheryl Johnson, Vice President of VSP's health care services. "Our private practice network continues to grow every year, providing millions of people access to high quality doctors in their community. Nationally, VSP has over 37,000 access points for our members to receive services from a doctor. We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Bartolac and his practice to VSP."
     Your Family Eye Doctors have four locations in the southwestern Pennsylvania area including North Huntington, Cranberry Township, Irwin and Murrysville. Dr. Bartolac practices with his wife, Dr. Justine Cakanac and her two brothers, Dr. Chris Cakanac and Dr. Randy Cakanac.

Imagine not being able to work or look after your family simply because you don't have access to an eye exam and a pair of glasses.
Take the World Sight Day Challenge
         ...and give sight - and hope - to people in need.
Register at www.givingsight.org or contact 1-888-OGS-GIVE / usa@givingsight.org.
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Researchers in Hong Kong proposed to detect the presence of Acanthamoeba in Hong Kong tap water and the contamination of contact lens cases using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Tap water was collected from the bathroom sink of 100 households in Hong Kong and tested for the presence of Acanthamoeba by means of PCR amplification. Characteristics of homes were noted with respect to age, building type, and location. A sample of 100 contact lens cases were collected from regular users of contact lenses and tested for the presence of Acanthamoeba by PCR.
     Ten percent of water samples were contaminated by Acanthamoeba. The risk for contamination was higher in older properties, those located in the urban area of Kowloon, and those in which the bathroom tap was served by a water tank. Only one contact lens case yielded Acanthamoeba. The subject admitted poor compliance with lens care routines.
     The researchers concluded that the levels of Acanthamoeba detected using PCR were somewhat higher than previously reported in Hong Kong. Older plumbing and poorly maintained water storage tanks may increase the risk of Acanthamoeba contamination. Poor compliance with care of the lens case, allowing for the build up of biofilm may increase the risk of Acanthamoeba contamination of the case and possible Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Boost M, Cho P, Lai S, Sun WM. Detection of acanthamoeba in tap water and contact lens cases using polymerase chain reaction. Optom Vis Sci. 2008 Jul;85(7):526-30.

What an honor and pleasure it has been to be the editor for Contact Lenses Today and Contact Lens Spectrum. I'm a true believer in "enjoying the ride" and I have most certainly enjoyed this ride. I have been so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a highly talented team comprised of Roger Zimmer, Lisa Starcher, Kathy Shafer, Dr. Ed Bennett, Dr. Greg Nixon and our Contact Lens Spectrum contributing editors.
     Over the next few weeks, Dr. Jason Nichols and I will work together with our team to ensure a smooth transition. Please know that your past and future contributions and support are most appreciated!
Carla Mack, O.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.O.

This month at www.siliconehydrogels.org: daily disposable silicone hydrogel lenses, the proactive practice, fitting trends, and part one of our ARVO 2008 update.