Groundbreaking ophthalmologist Charles L. Schepens, namesake of the Schepens Eye Research Institute in Boston, has died at the age of 96. He was known for popularizing indirect ophthalmoscopy, and he developed the first prototype for the binocular indirect ophthalmoscope. Dr. Schepens also pioneered modern techniques for retinal detachment surgery, especially scleral buckling using silicone materials. He later founded the Retina Associates in 1951 and the Retina Foundation (renamed the Schepens Eye Research Institute) in 1952.

Eye drops made from a serum from the human umbilical cord are an effective and safe treatment for severe dry eye, according to an article in the April issue of Cornea. Researchers in South Korea found that dry eye patients treated with umbilical cord serum eye drops reduced their symptoms and keratoepitheliopathy score, and increased their tear break-up time. Impression cytology showed that squamous metaplasia and goblet cell density improved significantly. Umbilical cord serum contains essential tear components, the researchers concluded.