Racial and ethnic difference of refractive error characteristics. Study of refractive errors over 36 months in 485 Hispanic and Black children concludes that astigmatism in the Hispanic children was significantly higher than in Black children. However, Black children had a higher prevalence and degree of anisometropia than Hispanic children. Link

Comparison of ECPs in India and Australasia. Survey-based comparison of the diagnosis and management of Demodex blepharitis between eye care practitioners (ECPs) in India and Australasia concludes that, overall, practitioners in Australia and New Zealand were more evidence-based in their investigation and management. However, both regions reported interprofessional differences in perceived optimal treatment duration and frequency. Link

Eye care businesswoman boosts Scottish town. Sian Wilkie, Director of Wilkie’s Eyecare, is working to improve the fortunes of the Scottish town of Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, and see it designated as a Business Improvement District (BID). Link

ABDO consultation call. The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is urging its members to have their say following the government’s instigation of a six-week public consultation on the NHS – “the biggest national conversation about the future of the NHS since its birth.” ABDO clinical lead, Max Halford, commented: “We recognize that there will be opportunities for our members to help in the shift of work from hospital to community, to ensure patients are seen in a timely manner, local to their home and by registered clinicians they know and trust.” ABDO is asking members to send their responses to policy@abdo.org.uk by 5pm on November 19. Link

New OSA arm focuses on technological innovation. The Optical Suppliers Association (OSA) has launched a new commercial enterprise to foster collaboration and bring new technologies to mainstream healthcare. Opticare Innovations evolved from the rapid growth of the OSA’s E-Health Focus Group. “The opportunities to move forward with new technologies are proving to be enormous. DICOM, remote monitoring, stakeholder management, plus the concept of a Vision Passport, are just some of the paths for smaller tech companies to work together to create bigger solutions,” said Karl Jeebaun, newly appointed CEO of Opticare Innovations. Link

Lens soirée. Transitions EssilorLuxottica hosted an exclusive event for 200 eye care professionals to celebrate the recent launch of Transitions GEN S at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester, on October 22. The program included a panel of optical professionals reflecting on their recent experiences of dispensing the lens to patients. Link