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NEWS IN BRIEF

OCT-A used in long Covid research Dr Bettina Hohberger, from the Eye Clinic at the Friedrich Alexander University in Erlangen, Germany, has won the Heidelberg Engineering Xtreme Research Award for her diagnostic insights into long Covid.

Hohberger’s research used optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) on the Spectralis platform in an experimental setting to assess therapeutic responses of patients impaired by chronic fatigue syndrome found long Covid may present certain characteristics in retinal capillary density.

‘It is an honour for me to accept this award from Heidelberg Engineering. With this technology, we were able to gain novel insights into the field of long Covid,’ said Hohberger. ‘Scientific research relies on highresolution images and precise measurements, and we are fortunate to have OCT-A devices with a high resolution to help us detect and image physiological changes, discern patterns, and formulate potential treatment options.’

With the Xtreme Research Award, Heidelberg Engineering recognised talented researchers for their outstanding projects that provided tangible benefits to ophthalmic science and eye care, and improved patient care.

Krysten Williams, head of global marketing and education, said: ‘Dr Hohberger’s research is making substantial contributions to medical insights into long Covid and may help refine treatment options.’

Marcolin buoyed by Thélios sale Marcolin reported growth and a return to profit in its financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2021.

Net sales increased in 2021 by 34% to €455.6m compared to 2020 and adjusted Ebitda exceeded €50m, which was almost double the rate in 2020.

Proceeds from investment in Thélios partly contributed to net profit of €153m as well as reduction in its net debt because of divestment of the joint venture, with Marcolin’s sales of shares finalised by the end of 2021.

Fabrizio Curci, Marcolin CEO and general manager, said: ‘Marcolin is a solid, high-performing company that has managed to react and achieve important results despite two difficult years due to the pandemic.’

Missed opportunity for CL discussion identified Contact Lens Institute research has found eye care professionals in the US are missing an opportunity to talk about contact lens options with two out of three patients.

Stan Rogaski, executive director for the Contact Lens Institute, explained patients do not know as much about contact lenses as the eye care industry may assume.

‘We found both troubling misinformation and a startling lack of information; areas that can be directly and effectively addressed by prescribers and staff. Incorporating these into conversation during an exam, which requires only seconds of additional time, presents a massive opportunity to increase patient knowledge, trust and satisfaction, as well as grow their practice,’ Rogaski said.

Body Doctor wins Queen’s Award for Enterprise The Body Doctor has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the innovation category for its Sterileyes antibacterial compress for dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis.

Dr Hilary Jones and Body Doctor MD Sue Grant

It is the second time the company has been recognised with this accolade, which is now its 56th year of recognising businesses for outstanding achievements.

Sue Grant, the Body Doctor’s managing director, said: ‘We are incredibly proud at receiving this recognition again. It is reflective of the hard work and dedication from the whole Body Doctor team to offer the very best products to our customers.’

Inspecs starts year with revenue increase Revenues at Inspecs in the first three months of 2022 increased by €7.9m to €75.1m when compared to the same period opticianonline.net in 2021 (€62.2m).

The British optical company said this performance was achieved through organic growth of existing entities, as well as strong starts to the year by acquisitions made in December, 2021. Revenues increased by 18.5% at constant exchange rates.

Inspecs acquired BoDe Design and Ego Eyewear, and said the integration of these brands was progressing as planned. The group’s final results will be published on May 19.

Behavioural bursary Applications for the British Association of Behavioural Optometrists’ (BABO) Paul Adler Bursary remain open to practitioners interested in promoting, researching or advancing the behavioural optometry specialism.

Paul Adler, founding fellow of BABO, originally wrote and delivered the Introduction to Behavioural Optometry course more than 30 years ago. BABO said Adler had revised and updated the course for online delivery and to show appreciation for his hard work, it had created a bursary to fully fund one graduate optometrist a year to take the two course modules.

Visit www.babo.co.uk/ovt1 to apply before May 15, 2022.

BHVI launches myopia resources Resources for patients and practitioners have been created by the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) ahead of Myopia Awareness Week from May 23-28.

Tools have been given a Make Your Eye Moves theme to encourage activities that promote eye health and reduce risk of myopia.

Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg, head of myopia programme at BHVI, said: ‘Covid-19 has significantly raised the stakes and increased the burden of myopia. We must engage from the frontlines – through eye care practitioners – to ensure they are able to educate their communities about myopia and manage and protect our children’s futures.’

6 May 2022 OPTICIAN 5