Myers Continues to Contribute to Optometry

Myers Continues to Contribute to Optometry

Dr. Ray Myers, Emeritus Clinical Professor since retirement from the College of Optometry this spring, has continued to develop patents within three technological areas.  In the past year, he has received six patents for which he is a co-inventor-2 US and 4 international patents (Japan, China, European registration, and Australia) and has submitted two more patent applications. They complete a portfolio since 1997 of 5 US patents, 6 international patents, and 8 pending patents.

Dr. Myers most recent patent area is femtosecond laser modification of the crystalline lens for cataract retardation, an area that was incompletely defined nineteen years earlier in his first patent.  Another patent area includes femtosecond modification of the crystalline lens for presbyopia and other refractive conditions.  The third area is a family of self-destructive contact lenses, which last a specific time, in order to reduce bacterial and biofilm buildup and to simplify and reduce patient compliance steps and errors that lead to infection.

Dr. Myers’ patent involvement, which has expanded since retirement, includes consulting with companies who are assigned the patents or the licensees.  Also, the prosecution of the patents with the US Patent office and patent attorneys allow for additions and clarifications of the original patents.   With any patent, a novel idea is always a single component of what makes a successful product or service.  

During his years at the College of Optometry Dr. Myers had various students who had interesting ideas, possible patents, and even a patent submission from a student.  He concluded with from this involvement and student experience, that optometry offers a broad science and clinical background conducive to creating new ideas and products.

Compliance Contact Lens Cases promote safety and compliance by having a plug of a proprietary polymer.

The plug reacts to solution exposure, eventually leaking into an added chamber below.   The leakage in a confined area or a color change 1-2 days before failing protects the case from outside leakage.