Brant Southwell, Avulux Chief Commercial Officer (Credit: CNW Group/Avulux)
Avulux appointment. Light sensitive lens company Avulux (Miami, USA) has appointed Brant Southwell as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Southwell, who previously spent a decade with EssilorLuxottica launching multiple products and product lines, will be responsible for leading Avulux’s B2B commercial strategy. Link
Essilor–Heidelberg deal. EssilorLuxottica has signed an agreement with Heidelberg Engineering to acquire an 80 percent majority stake in the ophthalmic diagnostic solutions company. Link
POAG and increased stress. Stress elevates intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients by approximately 4 mmHg, according to a new Ophthalmology Glaucoma study. Link
PRA in canines. University of Cambridge scientists have developed a DNA test for the genetic mutation that causes the canine form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) found in English Shepherd Dogs. This is the 23 genetic mutation causing an inherited eye disease in dogs that the team have discovered. Link
Imaging in the Eye. At ARVO’s 2024 “Imaging in the Eye” conference, researchers from Oregon Health & Science University presented an advanced, high speed swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) machine to investigate macular optoretinography. The team hopes that the development – an objective, quantifiable biomarker for macular vision function – will represent a “paradigm shift for ophthalmic examination.” Link
PACK-CXL review. A University of Zurich team has conducted a scoping review on photoactivated chromophore for keratitis-corneal cross-linking (PACK-CXL). The review aims to provide systematic mapping of existing PACK-CXL protocols in preclinical studies to drive future translational research, as well as promote cross-disciplinary efforts in PACK-CXL throughout the ophthalmic profession. Link
