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VM brings you the latest information from optical companies and organizations responding to the coronavirus pandemic. ICU Eyewear, in partnership with Contour Optik, has begun producing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 test kits. ICU is able to produce and ship N95 face masks, KN95 (Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for the KN95 is underway), ASTM Levels 1, 2, and 3 face masks, and goggles, face shields, gloves and other protective equipment in mass quantities. In a statement, ICU said it can manufacture KN95’s at a rate of 1 million per day, and ASTM Levels 1 and 2 face masks at a rate of over 5 million per day. In addition, ICU is North America’s exclusive agent for Mole Bioscience. The two are working to get COVID-19 test kits to market as quickly as possible. Currently, the FDA’s EUA process is underway and tests will be available as soon as approval is granted.

David Chao, Contour Optik chief executive officer said, “ICU and Contour are pleased to be donating a total of 100,000 masks and 50,000 face shields to medical organizations in underserved communities throughout the state of California in this time of great need."

In a statement, ICU CEO Kirk Hobbs said, “We are working with our partner companies in China to assist them in going through the FDA regulatory process. This ensures that our products meet U.S standards so they can be imported and placed into the hands of the providers who need them."

ICU Eyewear is a California-based supplier of eyewear focused on the retail channel with customers including Target, Whole Foods and Office Depot, that has been in business for over 20 years. In a statement, the company explained, "Given the need for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) due to the Covid-19 epidemic, we have focused significant resources on the production, importation and distribution of PPE and Covid-19 test kits.

"Contour was drafted by the Chinese government to produce surgical goggles and face shields during the peak of their own COVID-19 crisis. As a member of the consortium of companies called upon to produce PPE for the Chinese outbreak, Contour developed connections and relationships throughout the Chinese PPE supply-chain. Contour and ICU have developed supply relationships with key manufacturers for all of the PPE items, and are currently taking purchase orders and delivering.

Walman Optical has created an information and resource HelpLine for independent ECPs. At the hotline, experts will be available to help with questions regarding:

• Where to start with staffing resources and payroll
• Extended payment terms and programs with Walman Businesses
• Templates and resources for rental and landlord communications
• What to know about government assistance and where you practice can start

The ASKWALMAN HelpLine is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST to everyone as a confidential and complimentary service by calling (855) 868-1076. More information is available online at www.walman.com/AskWalman. 

Find the latest COVID-19 news you need in VM's Coronavirus Briefing.