Sen. Boozman Introduces Contact Lens Rule Modernization Act that Would Eliminate Robocalls for Rx Verification

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—In an effort to offset language in the FTC’s updated Contact Lens Rule, Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) last week introduced in the U.S. Senate the Contact Lens Rule Modernization Act,  which would eliminate the use of robocalls to verify contact lens prescriptions, according to a statement by the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (APS). The bill, which APS endorsed, is co-sponsored by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.)

Soaring Screen Time

Long before COVID-19 turned our world upside-down, concerns over too much screen time and the rise of Digital Eye Strain (DES) were already escalating. But it’s safe to say the COVID-19 crisis is exacerbating the situation for people everywhere, and especially for children who have multiplied their time on-screen—using digital devices for both virtual education and recreational down-time. While more time at home has been good for slowing the spread of COVID-19, it’s forcing many people’s eyes to suffer. Our new reliance on digital devices for work, school and entertainment is more all-encompassing than ever.

US Eye Network Expands in South Carolina Through Partnership With Carolina Eyecare Physicians

CHARLESTON, S.C.—Carolina Eyecare Physicians, a leading multi-disciplinary physician group practicing in Carolina’s Lowcountry, has joined the expanding US Eye network of premium eyecare practices, according to an announcement Thursday. Carolina Eyecare Physicians will retain its existing practice name while integrating its operations, procedures and service offerings within the US Eye model, the announcement noted. The terms of the partnership deal were not disclosed.

First-of-Its-Kind Artificial Vision System Moves to Clinical Trials

With millions of people worldwide who are blind or suffering from sight-robbing diseases, and millions more expected to lose their vision over the next few years, a growing number of private companies and research institutes are working to develop bionic eyes, artificial vision systems and advanced visual prostheses. One of the newest projects is being undertaken by Illinois Institute of Technology. Researchers there were recently awarded $2.5 million by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund the first year of a three-year project which involves clinical trials of a first-of-its-kind wireless visual prosthesis system which aims to provide some limited vision to people with profound blindness.

MetLife to Acquire Versant Health for $1.7 Billion

NEW YORK— MetLife Inc. (NYSE: MET) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Versant Health from an investor group led by Centerbridge Partners and including FFL Partners for approximately $1.675 billion in an all-cash transaction, according to an announcement Thursday morning. Versant Health owns the well-established marketplace brands Davis Vision and Superior Vision. Following the acquisition, MetLife will gain access to Versant Health’s roughly 35 million members, and MetLife’s existing customers will gain access to Versant Health’s extensive provider network, which is one of the largest in the industry.