Declaring an interest in a contact lens company

[Lynn White]

As many people know, I have been posting on these boards for some time now. I have been absent somewhat lately for a very good reason.

Three months ago, I was offered a position as keratoconus consultant for Ultravision – the company that makes Kerasoft. They are keen develop this aspect of their lens production and felt it would help all round if they had an optometrist on board who was aware of many of the issues that surround keratoconus.

I accepted the job but had to give 3 months notice to my employers. Meanwhile, I felt reluctant to post because of any possible conflict of interest and I asked the committee to consider if they thought it was appropriate for me to continue being active on the boards. I couldn’t really say much at the time as it was not fair to my then current or future employers.

Meanwhile, during my notice period, I have been inputting into the development of new keratoconic lenses at Ultravision. These are the lenses that Gareth has been trying out – he has been bursting to say more about them but I resisted because I did not want it to look as if the Group was promoting any particular product.

However, I have now officially started at Ultravision. We had a hospital optometrist conference this last weekend at which I spoke about new developments in contact lens designs. We have a redesigned Kerasoft in Silicon Hydrogel material, a new type of RGP and an even more futuristic soft lens – the last two being in development. However, to advance the new developments we do need people to try the lenses. We are developing ongoing trials in various hospitals but would welcome anybody who would like to volunteer for any kind of trial. This might well be a case of supplying your own optom with trial lenses.

To this end, I have now really got to declare my interest in Ultravision and see if members object to me continuing to post on the boards. It has been hard for me to watch posts about Kerasoft and not reply – but I have resisted up until now because of sheer ethical considerations.

If anyone does object – please let the committee and myself know. I have always endeavored to give impartial advice and will continue to do so. I have included a signature that makes it clear that I have an interest in a contact lens company.

[Andrew MacLean]

Lynn

Thank you for declaring an interest in a contact lens company.

Let me say firstly that, for me, it is heartening to know that someone with your expertise and interest will be present influencing the development of new products for keratoconus. I have always valued the advice you have given, to me and to others, and I hope that your new duties will not keep you from the forum.

I should think that a line in your signature that makes it clear that you work for ultravision would alert future readers to the fact that you have a professional as well as personal interest in KC.

All the best.

Andrew

[Karl R]

Lynn,

I have always found your posts to be fair and impartial and would not expect this to change. Your openness, honesty and integrity has, in my opinion, been restated by your declaration of interest.

Long may you continue to provide good advice.

Karl

[Lynn White]

Andrew, Karl...

Thank you both for your posts. It is always tricky when one does have an interest - but as an optometrist anyway, I have never let the fact that a practice also sells spectacles and contact lenses get in the way of giving impartial advice.

[Ann]

Lynn, we need you on this forum with the depth of knowledge of keratoconus that you have. You taking a new job working to develop new lenses to help people with keratoconus emphasises your commitment. Thanks for all your help and good luck with the new job!

[Matthew_]

We would be worse off without your advice and professional knowledge. Your statement is evidence of your integrity. I have been very much helped by your advice when I had trouble wit' lenses: thanks!

By the way, I am using Kerasoft right now and they are brilliant My vision is not quite as good as rgps but good enough and with the extra bonus of actually being able to wear them!:D

[GarethB]

Mathew

The Kerafosts in Silicon hydrogel are giving me RGP performance and extremely comfortable. I find them less bulky than the original Kerasofts.

So if you ever feel the need to have to boost the vision, sure Lynn would appreciate feedback to see what they bring you too.

[timtim]

Lynn-Your input and work with the company are greatly appeciated by all I would love to offer my services to helping people with KC if I could in any way.

I am very interested in learning anything more about the Silicon Hydrogel lenses for KC that anyone knows. I have recently been fitted for my first pair of RGP's, but have been struggling with them. I have gone back to my soft lenses. I want to try a different type of lens, and this intrigues me. Any word on how soon they will be available? And are they supposed to provide really good vision and also be more comfortable than RGP's? I look forward to learning more...

[Lynn White]

timtim

I just read some of your earlier posts... especially about the problems you have with getting your eyes to work together. It seems to me that some of your problems are caused by what we call muscle balance rather than purely KC related. Have you discussed this with your optom??

As for the SiH lenses, they are only going to be available here for the time being. The US has this thing called FDA? Yes, it is a good thing because it protects people.... BUT many small innovative companies simply do not get involved because 1) its too expensive and 2) it restricts innovative research. If a company commits to a several years program for validation for a product.... then they may very well lose their way and miss out on a major development. This is precisely why things like C3R develop in places like Germany and Mexico.

Back to your problem. Please do consult your optom again and emphasise that your vision probs may be related to the way your eyes work together. Let me know how you get on.

[timtim]

Thanks for your interest in helping me Lynn. I will mention what you said to my doctor. Is the muscle balance thing something that can be treated or helped somehow? I'll see what he has to say about it.

I understand what you said about the lenses too. I hope that, if they are a significant help for KC, they will eventually be available over here.

Thanks again for all your help and input. Keep us updated on your work with the new lenses...it is very informative.