As part of the Advances in Optometry course at the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), Professor Renee Reeder, OD, FAAO, reached out to numerous industry colleagues to coordinate workshop for students that featured technological advancements in diagnosing and treating conditions of the cornea and ocular surface. Reeder noted that in recent years, management of the irregular cornea, dry eye and ocular surface has been changing exponentially and that many new devices have launched or expanded their offerings to provide better diagnosis and management.
Nine industry colleagues participated in the initiative. Allergan TruTear and Tearlab, although not able to be present, provided their technology for the workshop. Eaglet ESP and Visionary Optics brought instruments that scan the ocular surface and create elevation and 3D mapping of the surface to allow for the design of fully-customizable contact lenses for patients with severe ocular irregularities and deformities. Also participating was Luneau, whose technology analyzes the cornea’s distortions and allows eye care providers to diagnose and follow patients with corneal abnormalities while also helping to determine if there are challenges to their visual system that cause distorted vision. This technology may help to design custom optics for contact lenses to help patients who struggle with ghosting and other challenges to their vision.
Quidel brought their technology to detect for inflammation markers in their tear film, and each student was given the opportunity to take a tear sample from a colleague. This test is instrumental in helping diagnose and manage dry eye.Johnson & Johnson brought its Lipiscan device to show the students how to image the glands that produce the oils in tears and discussed another instrument, Lipiflow, which opens those glands. Alcon brought in its iLux device which warms and expresses the glands. Students were given the opportunity to watch a technique being performed live and some even had a chance to have it done. SightSciences brought in its Tear Care device, a smart device that is placed externally on the eyelids and warms the glands while the patient blinks normally.
Lumenis brought in their IPL device the M22. Students could “fire” the light and see what it felt like on their own wrists. IPL is cutting-edge technology that has several mechanisms by which it provides relief to dry eye patients.
Students rotated in groups to each station allowing them time to interact directly with industry representatives and their various technologies.
“It was a busy workshop filled with exciting, cutting-edge technology,” said Reeder. “Even more exciting is that we will be able to offer virtually all of this to our patients here at the KYCO Eye Clinic, allowing for state-of-the-art patient care and an even more opportunities for the patients to learn. I cannot thank my industry colleagues enough or KYCO and UPIKE for the opportunity to hold this event and to care for the patients who need this cutting-edge care.”