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VM brings you the latest information from optical companies and organizations responding to the coronavirus pandemic. As part of ABB Optical Group’s (ABB) continued efforts to assist eyecare professionals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the company has introduced an online Virtual Resource Center with tools, services and initiatives to help support ECPs nationwide. The online resource center, available to ABB customers, focuses on helping ECPs with patient outreach, provider education and practice process and strategy tools. Programs and resources currently available include a patient outreach toolkit designed for ECPs to connect with patients and inform them of direct doctor-to-patient shipping options, assistance with setting up an online ordering platform through Yourlens, information on how to set up ABB AutoShip, the company’s contact lens subscription service, a free educational webinar series, the practice performance dashboard software, ABB Analyze available at no cost, and more.

“We know that ECPs are faced with unprecedented challenges as they try to maintain not only their eyecare business, but also care for their patients,” said ABB Optical Group chief executive officer Tom Burke. “Our ECP Virtual Resource Center is meant to provide our customers with access to the tools, services and solutions they need to continue serving patients and supporting their practice during this complex and uncertain time.”

As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid, the company plans to add additional tools and resources to the center, such as an upcoming podcast series, best practices and strategies from key industry leaders and a resource library.

Anagram, a software company that lets health care providers unlock access to out-of-network benefits, is offering free financial audits and accounts receivable services to its eyecare provider customers that are facing uncertain revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, Anagram said it hopes this will help practices have a better understanding of how to prioritize claims in accounts receivable to catch up on revenue. Practices can sign up for the audit here.

Anagram's co-founder and CEO Jeremy Bluvol said, “At a time when revenue is less certain, overdue payments can be disastrous for much of the health care industry. We recognize the considerable financial strain and anxiety the COVID-19 outbreak is causing for our customers and so this is a way for us to do our part to relieve some of that stress.”

After making the decision to temporarily close from March 20 through April 6, Zyloware will go ahead with its plans to reopen on April 6. The company has been granted clearance to conduct business by the State of New York as an essential business. For the week of April 6, the Zyloware offices and distribution center will be open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. For the following three weeks starting April 13, April 20 and April 27, the Zyloware offices and distribution center will be open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. After this, the company plans to adjust its schedule based upon the situation and needs of partners.

Zyloware will have a small team in the office and distribution and will ensure proper social distancing and keep within the New York State protocol of number of people allowed at one time. In addition, all team members on-site will have access to a face mask, and will be asked to wear it at all times. They will also wear disposable gloves while handling product and materials, and while packing boxes. All frames and packaging will be sanitized prior to shipment, and Zyloware's offices and distribution center will be fully sanitized by a third-party cleaning company before and after workdays.

In a statement, CEO James Shyer said, "We look forward to getting past this situation and back to our mission of providing you with eyewear product excellence as well as an extraordinary experience."

Find the latest COVID-19 news you need in VM's Coronavirus Briefing.