FDA Issues Guidelines for Remote Ophthalmic Testing and Monitoring During COVID-19 Crisis

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday issued new, temporary guidelines for remote ophthalmic assessment and monitoring devices during the coronavirus disease crisis. The guidelines, which are voluntary and non-binding, cover diagnostic devices such as visual acuity charts, visual field devices and general-use ophthalmic cameras and tonometers.

The Vision Council Succeeds in Efforts to Win an Issuance of a Proposition 65 Safe Use Determination (SUD) for Exposures to BPA from Certain Polycarbonate Eyewear Products

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council announced that the State of California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is issuing a Proposition 65 Safe Use Determination (SUD) for exposure to Bisphenol A (BpA) from polycarbonate prescription glasses, non-prescription sunglasses, over-the-counter reading glasses and safety glasses manufactured, distributed or sold by members of The Vision Council.

With COVID-19 Crisis, AAO and ASCO Establishes Unprecedented Virtual Clinical Training Program to Keep Optometry Students on Graduation Track

ROCKVILLE, Fla.—With COVID-19 leaving students unable to see patients in person, the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) is establishing an unprecedented virtual clinical training program to help the nation’s 1,800 fourth-year prospective Doctors of Optometry accumulate the 350 clinical observation hours they need to graduate.

Marcolin USA Enacts Reduced Workweek, Temporary Furlough for Some Employees

NEW YORK—In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, all Marcolin Eyewear corporate and field employees are working from home, including the company’s customer service team. Marcolin USA said its distribution center is fully operative with a reduced staff who are following enhanced health and safety measures. In addition, the company said in a letter to customers, a portion of its employees and sales force is temporarily on furlough. The balance of the workforce is experiencing a reduced workweek, and the sales team will remain on payroll and have access to their health benefits from Marcolin. Marcolin USA said its leadership team will also forgo part of its salaries. These temporary actions are in effect from April 6 to the foreseeable future.

COVID-19 Crisis Response Tactics: L’Amy America, The Vision Council

VM brings you the latest information from optical companies and organizations responding to the coronavirus. L'Amy America's Norwalk, Connecticut-based customer service team is working remotely and remains available to take orders online, via email at support@lamyamerica.com or via phone at 800/USA-LAMY. The company's distribution center is shipping orders twice a week with a skeleton staff while following strict social distancing, protection, and sanitation protocols. In a statement, the company said, "Our priority is the safety and health of our L'Amy family and of our customers and together we will get through this difficult period. We wish everyone and their loved ones in our wonderful industry good health and please, stay safe."