Natroba (spinosad 0.9%, ParaPro LLC) topical suspension has just received FDA approval for the treatment of head lice. The new treatment can be safely used for infestations in both adults and children as young as four years of age. The manufacturer said a single application of the product to the scalp should resolve most head lice within 10 minutes. Adverse events included application site redness (3%), redness and irritation of the eyes (2%) and application site irritation (1%).

Nearly half of U.S. employees do not fully take advantage of their company’s vision benefits, according to the annual Employee Perceptions of Vision Benefits survey conducted by Transitions Optical. The survey indicated that 24% of employees don’t enroll in their company’s vision benefit program. Of those who do enroll, 32% don’t schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Also, 30% of all employees said that their employers don’t take appropriate steps to make sure employees understand their vision benefit.

VSP is launching a live beta test of its new online optical retail store, www.eyeconic.com, on February 18. The beta test will allow 473,000 VSP members to use the site to purchase contact lenses, prescription eyewear and sunwear. The company says this site will support independent eyecare providers by referring consumers shopping online back to their offices, generating revenue for VSP practices, connecting new patients with high quality eyecare and giving providers a new channel for second pair sunglasses and contact lens sales.