The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published instructions for updates to the clinical laboratory fee schedule for 2012, including a revised reimbursement rate for the TearLab Osmolarity Test, effective January 1, 2012. The payment code of 83861 that currently applies to the TearLab Osmolarity Test will be cross-walked or paired with code 84081.
 
The Optical Laboratories Association (OLA) and The Vision Council have signed a final merger agreement, naming OLA the new Optical Lab Division of The Vision Council. The activities of both associations will be combined to benefit their respective members. Over the next few months, optical lab division members will receive updates and information about the new programs and services available to them. There will be an in-person opportunity to learn more when the division convenes its next annual member meeting in September 2012, in conjunction with Vision Expo West in Las Vegas.

Alcon is working with the FDA, industry cargo theft organizations and law enforcement officials to recover CIBA Vision contact lenses that were stolen on or about January 9, 2012 while being delivered to an Alcon distribution center in Georgia. The stolen products consist of FreshLook ColorBlends contact lenses. Anyone who has information regarding this incident, or has received suspicious or unsolicited offers for the specified products, is encouraged to contact the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations at (800) 551-3989 or to visit www.fda.gov/OCI.