Unilens Vision, Inc. announced the launch of the all new C-Vue Advanced Custom Toric contact lens. According to Unilens, the lens features include a revolutionary trial program, an advanced hydration material and exceptional deliverability (typically ships within two to three days).
    Available in new convenient blister packaging, C-Vue Advanced Custom Toric is manuafactured in hioxifilcon D, a material which offers advanced hydration properties that allow it to retain 97% of its moisture resulting in all day comfort, per the company. The new product offering and hassle free trial/no returns necessary program are intended provide independent practitioners with an additional specialty C-Vue contact lens option that contributes to patient retention and practice profitability.
    C-Vue Advanced Custom Toric is an easy-to-fit specialty toric contact lens, designed in a wide range of customizable parameters with exceptional deliverability. The lens offers made-to-order base curves, diameters, powers and cylinders combined with axis in one degree steps.
    "The launch of the C-Vue Advanced Custom Toric continues our tradition of providing outstanding specialty lens technology exclusively to licensed optical professionals," stated Michael Pecora, Chief Executive Officer of Unilens Vision, Inc. "With our revolutionary Free Trial Program for custom lenses, we eliminate the time and expense of returning lenses, thereby increasing profitability to the Independent Eye Care Professional as well," concluded Mr. Pecora.

Joseph Barr, OD, MS, Vice President, Global Clinical & Medical Affairs and Professional Services, Vision Care for Bausch & Lomb, has been named the 2008 recipient of the prestigious EFCLIN Award for his outstanding contributions to the contact lens industry.
     EFCLIN (European Federation of the Contact Lens Industry), whose membership includes international contact lens manufacturers and suppliers, champions education and maintenance of the highest level of professional services within the contact lens industry. Each year EFCLIN recognizes a dedicated individual whose selfless contributions have made a lasting and positive effect on the industry. Dr. Barr was chosen specifically for his continued commitment to education, and for his many professional publications and lectures by which he has advanced the fitting of contact lenses.
     Dr. Barr has devoted his career to professional education as well as research and development. He is an Emeritus Professor of Optometry and Vision Science at The Ohio State University and was the Director of the Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation in Keratoconus Photography Reading Center. He has written more than 50 peer-reviewed publications related to contact lenses and the cornea. He previously served as Chairman of the Section on Cornea and Contact Lenses of the American Academy of Optometry.
     Prior to joining B&L in July 2007 he served as the Associate Dean for Clinical Services and Professional Program at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. From 1983 to 1998, he was Chief of the Contact Lens Clinical Service, and was Chairman of the Clinic Committee/Chief of Optometry Clinical Services from 1986 to 1996. From 1987 to 2007, Dr. Barr was Editor of Contact Lens Spectrum, holding one of the longest editorial tenures in healthcare publishing. He also edited the Contact Lens Today weekly newsletter.

Now is the perfect time to fit more of your patients in ACUVUE® OASYS™ Brand Contact Lenses with HYDRACLEAR® Plus for all-day comfort and Class 1 UV blocking* for great protection against UV rays. To learn more about our innovations in comfort, vision and health, go to:
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SynergEyes, Inc., the manufacturer of hybrid contact lenses, announces the launch of the SynergEyes Enrichment Program, a new marketing initiative designed to help optometrists grow their specialty contact lens practices.
     The SynergEyes Enrichment Program will include a series of live lectures, interactive web trainings, and peer-to-peer roundtable discussions covering practice management topics such as: increasing contact lens profitability, differentiating with new technology, and implementing effective patient marketing campaigns. The program will feature recognized practitioners and key industry thought leaders who have successfully grown their practices and increased their profitability by integrating new technology, like SynergEyes, into their specialty contact lens practices.
     "SynergEyes has long been committed to providing patients with technologically advanced vision correction, while giving practitioners an opportunity for practice growth. The SynergEyes Enrichment Program takes our allegiance to the optometric community to the next level," says Kellie Kaseburg, Vice President of Global Marketing. "The goal is to provide a one of a kind education program that will help optometrists build a successful contact lens practice; increase patient loyalty and satisfaction; generate more referrals; and improve their bottom line." 

CLSA Past President Kenneth V. "Kenny" Swanson passed away November 5, 2008 at his home in St. Louis, Missouri. He was 90 years old.
     Ken was President of CLSA in 1963, and remained in communication with the national office until his death. In 1979, Ken endowed the Kenneth V. Swanson Merit Award to serve as recognition to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the contact lens industry. The award is presented every other year. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the CLSA Foundation in Ken's name. 

Join Contact Lens Spectrum and the Health Care Conference Group for 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 - from presbyopia to pediatric vision correction - 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. 
     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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The authors wanted to estimate the ten-year incidence of dry eye in an older population and examine its association with various risk factors. The 43 to 86 year old population of Beaver Dam, WI, was examined in 1988 to 1990 (n = 4926) and 1993 to 1995 (n = 3722). Dry eye data were first collected in 1993 to 1995. Subsequent examinations or interviews occurred in 1998 to 2000 (n = 2827) and 2003 to 2005 (n = 2124). The incidence cohort comprised 2414 subjects not reporting dry eye in 1993 to 1995. Risk factor information, ascertained in 1993 to 1995, included demographics, medical history, cardiovascular disease risk factors, medications, and life-style factors. Ten-year cumulative incidence was estimated by the product-limit method.
     Over the 10-year period, 482 subjects developed a history of dry eye for an incidence of 21.6% (95% confidence interval, 19.9 to 23.3%). Incidence increased significantly (p < 0.001) with age. Incidence was greater in women (25.0%) than men (17.2%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, incidence was greater (p < 0.05) in subjects with arthritis, allergy or thyroid disease not treated with hormone, using antihistamines, antianxiety medications, antidepressants, oral steroids or vitamins, and poorer self-rated health. Incidence was less (p < 0.05) in subjects consuming alcohol. It was not significantly associated with blood pressure, hypertension, serum total or high density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass, diabetes, gout, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, smoking, caffeine use, or taking calcium channel blockers or anticholesterol medications. In a multivariable model with time-varying covariates, increased incidence was associated with age, female gender, poorer self-rated health, antidepressant or oral steroid use, and thyroid disease untreated with hormone. It was lower for those using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or with a sedentary lifestyle.
     The authors concluded that dry eye incidence is substantial. However, there are few associated risk factors. Some drugs (antihistamines, antianxiety drugs, antidepressants, oral steroids) are associated with greater risk, while angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may be associated with lower risk.
Moss SE, Klein R, Klein BE. Long-term incidence of dry eye in an older population. Optom Vis Sci 2008;85:668-74.  

What an interesting and busy month October of 2008 turned out to be on a variety of different levels. Looking back, I note that there were at least three major meetings that occurred during this busy month, which got me thinking. Over the course of a year, there are at least 10 major meetings that occur where we have continuing education and exhibits available to us. That does not include any of the smaller specialty or regional meetings. LWW VisionCare even has its own forthcoming meeting, the Global Specialty Lens Symposium, that occurs in January. What is it about a meeting that attracts you to attend? High-quality continuing education? Exhibits? Cost? Convenience? Reputation? I'd very much like to hear your thoughts on this as we continue to plan for and report on future events.
Jason J. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO

This month at www.siliconehydrogels.org: factors affecting patient comfort, lens-solution staining, part two of our ARVO 2008 synopsis, and silicone allergies - fact or fabrication?