News Blinks — December 16, 2016

Here’s a quick look at some industry news you may have missed this week. 

• A recent study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology reportedly links preeclampsia to an increased risk of maternal retinal disease, especially retinal breaks, traction detachments and diabetic retinopathy.
• Researchers at the University of Ghent are reportedly developing smart contact lenses that are able to automatically change from transparent to dark like a pair of sunglasses, providing relief for those who have limited iris ability.
• A Korean research team has reportedly developed a soft contact lens for treating glaucoma through the addition of vitamins that help improve drug delivery efficiency.
• Eight companies from the U.K. and Denmark are reportedly teaming up to develop a high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for glaucoma diagnosis. Called the "GALAHAD," the €4 million European project is reportedly funded through the Horizon 2020 innovation platform of the European Commission.
• The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced its final rule to ban powdered surgeon's and patient examination gloves, as well as absorbable powder for lubricating a surgeon's gloves, as these products present "unreasonable and substantial risk to health care providers, patients and other individuals."
• Researchers at Indiana University reportedly plan to launch a study to investigate the link between eye movement and subconcussive head impacts. For the study, researchers will reportedly use a device from EYE-SYNC to evaluate the ocular-motor system following a subconcussive head impact.
• Scientists from Australian National University have designed a nano crystal about 500 times smaller than a human hair that can create high intensity light and could be used to create lightweight night-vision goggles.
• The College of Opticians of Ontario and College of Optometrists of Ontario are seeking an injunction against Clearly — owned by Essilor Group of Canada Inc. — from dispensing prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses online to the Ontario public, without following Ontario legislation.
• The International Planetarium Society (IPS) is offering a free program called "Seeing!" to planetariums based on the PBS documentary "Sight — The Story of Vision."
• The Alberta Association of Optometrists have reportedly launched a pilot program to help identify vision issues in more than 1,600 elementary school children in the Edmonton area.
• Next year, Visionworks is teaming up with Little League® to become the official eyewear and eye care retailer of Little League baseball and softball, in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of annual eye exams and protective eyewear for school-aged kids.
• SPY Optic recently hosted 15 Vision Source offices for an evening of food, drink and education, as well as a special musical performance from 13-year-old Vision Hero Joel Gomez, courtesy of SPY and the Vision of Children Foundation.
• In 2016, ic! berlin is celebrating its 20th anniversary of screwless eyewear handmade in Berlin. To celebrate, the company has put together the "20 Years Book" featuring an anthology of lookbooks, photoshoots, catalogues and much more.
• A new study from the University of Surrey has found people’s energy towards colleagues has a major influence on how likely they are to leave their job voluntarily.
• And if your currently workplace is lacking in the fun department, you may want to see what you can do to change it — a new study has found having fun at work can help employees learn in an informal way, resulting in an improved job performance.