Product: Refractive wavefront technology that optimizes vision through improved eyeglasses and contact lenses
Top Line: In partnership with Veatch Ophthalmic Instruments and Huvitz, WaveForm, based in Kalispell, Mont., has developed a process to acquire individualized wavefront data from each patient, integrate this information into the ECP’s refracting process, and then seamlessly transmit this data directly to an advanced free-form generator to manufacture eyeglass lenses at WaveForm’s partner lab, or to its state-of-the-art oscillating head lathe for the manufacture of wavefront guided contact lenses. “The integration of wavefront examination, refractive prescription and lens manufacturing into a single process is designed for today’s high tech practice,” said Stephen A. Dunn, president and founder of WaveForm. “We are seeing a significant improvement in patient satisfaction with the refraction process, and patients appreciate the opportunity to obtain the latest improvements in vision correction.”
Close Up: The manufacture of free-form eyeglass lenses utilizes high order aberration information different than that of contact lenses. Wavefront data for ophthalmic lenses improves or optimizes the cylinder and axis of the resultant manifest refraction and, when combined with precise frame fitting measurements, generates the optimal low order prescription for each patient. For contact lenses, high order aberrations can be asymmetrically placed on the front surface of a soft contact lens, accurately correcting the imperfections that can cause vision discomfort, especially under low light conditions. According to WaveForm, the “wow” factor is clearly demonstrated in patients with degenerative disease such as keratoconus or pellucid marginal degeneration, and the asymmetric optical design of these contact lenses provides significant vision improvement for high astigmats and presbyopic patients. WaveForm will introduce a fully customized wavefront Guided Progressive Multifocal soft contact in early 2012.
Vital Stats: Doug Dolan, OD, a private practitioner in Kalispell, Mont., (pictured at left) examines a patient with a Huvitz HRK7000AW equipped with WaveForm's OWR (Optimized Wavefront Refraction) and custom wavefront soft lens software.
www.waveformlenses.com

Product: Virtual Cane for the Visually Impaired
Top Line: Yissum Research Development Company, the technology transfer company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, recently unveiled a virtual cane that can significantly improve the orientation and mobility of sight-impaired people. The device was developed by Dr. Amir Amedi from the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC) and at Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and his team.
Close Up: The invention, which functions as a virtual flashlight, can replace or augment the classic white cane. The virtual cane emits a focused beam towards surrounding objects, and transmits the information to the user via a gentle vibration, similar to a cell phone vibration. The cane incorporates several sensors that estimate the distance between the user and the object it is pointed at. This allows the blind person to assess the height and distance of various objects, reconstruct an accurate image of the surroundings and navigate safely. The virtual cane is extremely small, easy to carry, accurate, can function for up to 12 hours and is easy to charge. Using the device is highly intuitive and can be learned within a few minutes, according to Yissum. Researchers in Dr. Amedi's lab employ the virtual cane in various environments in order to study the brain, its flexibility and reorganization in blind people. For example, the researchers constructed a real maze that enables subjects to practice walking in changing environments and paths. To date, more than 10 subjects have already successfully navigated the maze, and after a very short practice period managed to completely avoid walls and obstacles.
Vital Stats: The invention has received U.S. Provisional Patent Approval (No. 61/427,185), and Yissum is now seeking strategic partners for further development.
www.yissum.co.il

Product: A new consumer website and social media program to help people with dry eye disease find information and resources about the disease, which affects approximately 40 million people in the U.S. and 100 million people worldwide.
Top Line: TearLab Corporation (Nasdaq:TEAR) (TSX:TLB) is launching Allaboutdryeye.com to help those with dry eye disease (DED), provide a place for them to share their experiences and ask questions, discover the science behind DED, connect with other patients and with doctors, and locate an Accredited Dry Eye Center.
Close Up: "Despite a large and growing patient population, DED has not historically been a major area of eye care practice. There were a variety of reasons for that, including the limited understanding of the disease, the lack of a simple to use, objective and accurate diagnostic tool, and a limited number of treatment options. As a result, DED patients were largely left to suffer through the disease on their own," said Elias Vamvakas, TearLab's CEO. "Now, with the launch of the TearLab Osmolarity System and with a growing list of current and potential new treatment options, it is the right time to build an online community like allaboutdryeye.com to spread the word on the importance of properly diagnosing and treating DED," he continued.
Vital Stats: Accredited Dry Eye Centers are eye care practices dedicated to providing the highest quality of DED care using advanced ophthalmic diagnostic techniques and treatments. In order to become accredited, these centers and their appropriate staff members must complete CLIA required activities, follow best practices for DED diagnosis and patient management, participate in a minimum number of TearLab webinars and complete technicians certification training. The TearLab Osmolarity System uses a novel lab-on-a-chip approach that requires less than 50 nL of tear fluid in order to measure tear Osmolarity. The TearLab Osmolarity System eliminates the challenges that previously prevented point-of-care Osmolarity testing.
www.tearlab.com and www.allaboutdryeye.com

Product: Optical Works Corporation (OWC) has launched a newly updated website in both English and Spanish.
Top Line: Visitors to the revamped site can access detailed information about Optical Works’ complete product line, including auxiliary equipment, and equipment for edging and finishing, fining and polishing, surfacing, layout and blocking, gauges, parts and supplies and accessories.
Close Up: Material Safety Data Sheets for the following products can be downloaded from the site:

• Americal Plus
• Anti Foam
• Blue Blocking Wax
• Surface Saver Tape
• UV NV Coating

Vital Stats: OWC offers a full line of optical lens processing equipment, parts and supplies, as well as expertise in design of optical laboratories and technical support for a full range of laboratory equipment.
www.opticalworks.com