Here’s a quick look at some industry news you may have missed this week.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a consumer update to encourage more participation and diversity in clinical trials.
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Miami and University of California at Davis have reportedly recently received 2017 grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for optical coherence tomography (OCT) related investigations.
- Researchers at the Swiss National Science Foundation have used x-rays to minutely observe a photosynthesis reaction, which they believe will help them gain a greater understanding of similar processes that occur in the human eye.
- The January issue of Optometry and Vision Science, the official journal of the American Academy of Optometry, takes a look at the latest research and perspectives surrounding traumatic brain injury (TBI) and vision.
- Novanta Inc. announced it has acquired approximately 35 percent of the outstanding shares of Laser Quantum for £25.5 million in cash. Based in the U.K., Laser Quantum a supplier to original equipment manufacturers of solid state continuous wave lasers, femtosecond lasers, and optical light engines for the medical market.
- Pharmacy chain Walgreens is reportedly piloting an optical center in its Chicago flagship store, featuring licensed optometrists and opticians, plus glasses and contact lenses for purchase.
- New start-up Lensabl has launched an online prescription lens replacement service that allows consumers to order their eyewear lenses directly online.
- In the latest smartglasses news, Apple is reportedly rumored to be working on its own pair of lightweight, augmented reality glasses.
- Google is reportedly looking to use its Google Glass "smart" glasses as a way to diagnose concussions in athletes right as they happen.
- A British company called BAE Systems is reportedly working on smart contact lenses that would provide both real-world and virtual elements for soldiers in battle.
- Researchers at the University of Twente are developing a portable device for detecting Type 1 or 2 diabetes at an early stage.
- And scientists at Michigan Technological University are exploring using the eye's tears as a noninvasive alternative to blood tests for nutritional deficiencies.