Bausch + Lomb has voluntarily recalled its PreserVision Eye Vitamin AREDS 2 Formula with Omega 3 soft gels, which were only available in the U.S. There were some reports of patients older than 70 who had difficulty swallowing when taking the soft gel due to its size. B+L expects to re-release the formulation in a smaller design later in 2010.

World Sight Day is October 14. Optometry Giving Sight is challenging all eye care professionals to take part in the World Sight Day Challenge by donating one day’s exam fees. This fundraising campaign benefits OGS projects that provide vision care, local training and infrastructure support to benefit those patients who are blind or visually impaired due only to the need for an eye exam and glasses. Go to www.givingsight.org for ways to participate.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has updated the Z80.1 standard for prescription spectacle lenses. The Z80.1 standard applies to the processing of all prescription ophthalmic spectacle lenses in edged or assembled form. One notable update is that the ISO international method of lens power measurement is no longer used. It is now done using the method most familiar to labs and eye care providers: the sphere-and-cylinder method. Other updates pertain to lens abrasion resistance and AR coating requirements. The ANSI update is available at www.webstore.ansi.org. The updated standards do not apply to nonprescription sunglasses and fashion eyewear.