The Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University School of Med-icine opened a $100 million, privately funded, 207,000-square-foot facility that will build on the current research and clinical space for its 130 full-time faculty (90 clinician scientists; 40 PhD researchers).

In response to reports received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding eye infections from Acanthamoeba, Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) has voluntarily recalled its Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solutions. No evidence suggests that the voluntary recall is related to a product contamination issue, according to AMO. The company is working with the CDC, FDA, and others to ensure that consumers are aware of the need for proper contact lens disinfection and proper lens handling.

Irvine, CA?Medennium Inc. expects that its photochromic IOL (Aurium) will be available in all European countries by September now that it has obtained CE mark clearance to market the lens. It is the first and only photochromic IOL, according to the company.

Boston--More than 70% of stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors with homonymous visual-field defects demonstrated a visual field improvement of more than 3% following a six-module course of vision restoration therapy, according to a study released by NovaVision.

Tampa, FL?Two companies are researching cyclosporine A as a potential treatment for dry eye syndrome.

San Diego?Baxter Healthcare Corp. has launched its hyaluronidase human injection (Hylenex recombinant) for use in enhancing the absorption and dispersion of injected ophthalmic anesthetics.

Bethesda, MD?The FDA will allow Regene-Rx Biopharmaceuticals Inc. to begin a phase II trial of its Thymosin beta 4 (TB4) for the treatment of diabetic patients undergoing vitrectomy surgery.

San Diego?Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) Inc. has introduced a new phacoemulsification system featuring dual-pump fluidics (WhiteStar Signature with Fusion).

Lincoln, RI?Biotechnology firm Neurotech Pharmaceuticals Inc. has begun two phase II/III clinical trials with NT-501, the company's lead Encapsulated Cell Technology (ECT) product for the treatment of visual loss associated with retinitis pigmentosa.