Following Scope Eyecare’s introduction of EYETAMINS by OPTASE to the U.S. market earlier this year, the eye health supplements are the subject of a new ocular nutrition-focused symposium at the 2026 American Academy of Optometry (AAO) annual meeting.
But before we discuss that symposium, it’s worth getting a rundown on this clinically-backed (and eye doctor-approved) supplement.
First: let’s look at the origins of Eyetamins.
The brand was developed in 2019 by Kaushal Kulkarni, MD, neuro-ophthalmologist, prior to the Ireland-based international healthcare company acquiring the line of supplements in 2024.
- See here for our coverage of that purchase.
Fast forward to June 2026: Scope relaunched two Eyetamins products under the OPTASE family name (which we’ll get to in a moment).
So, what exactly is Eyetamins?
Referred to as a “modern approach to eye health,” this is a clinically-backed supplement brand that provides targeted nutritional support for eye health.*
The premise: targeted nutritional support designed to complement traditional eyecare routines—all while supporting long-term eye health.*
… and it was relaunched this year?
Indeed—in June 2026. See here for that announcement, in which two new variations were introduced under the OPTASE brand:
A note on OPTASE: The brand describes its mission as delivering a complete eye health ecosystem of solutions supporting daily eye comfort (see above), healthy vision, eyelid hygiene, ocular surface health, and long-term eye wellness.
Also worth keeping in mind: Eyetamins products are intended to support the consumer’s overall eye health—not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.
Gotcha. And before we talk about these, what’s their regulatory status?
Considering Eyetamins are oral dietary supplements—not drugs—they do not require FDA approval, a monograph, or premarket review.
- See here for more on the regulation oversight of these products.
Importantly: Eyetamins products are reported to be made in FDA-registered facilities operating under current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) requirements for dietary supplements.
Alrighty, now tell me about this Eyetamins portfolio.
First up: Eyetamins by OPTASE Eye Comfort, an omega-7-based eye supplement formulated to support:
- moisture balance for eyes prone to dryness*
- normal inflammatory function*
And its formulation?
That’s where “science-backed nutrition” comes into play.
Below, Glance President Jaclyn Garlich, OD, FAAO, spoke with Mila Ioussifova, OD, FAAO, CNS, FOWNS, owner of South Waterfront Eyecare in Portland, Oregon, on what sets Eyetamins apart from other supplements—and the ocular benefits, particularly in targeting nutritional imbalances.*
Hint: Omega-7 is at the heart of this vegan formula.
To note: Dr. Ioussifova is an ocular surface disease (OSD) expert specializing in dry eye.
What should we know about omega-7?
For starters: “It has a different pathway than omega-3s, but also similar benefits in the body where it can help to maintain homeostasis and balance—especially on the ocular surface, when we're dealing with epithelial imbalances or mucosal membrane,*” Dr. Ioussifova said.
And outside of eyecare: Clinical research has studied omega-7 for its benefits in supporting barrier function and epithelial health.*
Dr. Ioussifova added: “So when you think about your patients prone to dryness—these are the times where you need to think about how you can support the ocular surface from within.*”
The question to ask: In relation to nutrition and diet, what can I provide for the patient that can help support the function of the surface?
And in the case of Eyetamins?
The supplement’s use of omega-7 (for moisture balance) is in the form of sea buckthorn (SB) oil, though the softgels don’t come with the normal “fishy” taste or gastrointestinal concerns associated with traditional omega supplements.
- Fun fact: Two softs gels offer 365 mg omega-7 (the equivalent omega-7 content of 65 sea buckthorn berries).
The recommended dosage: two capsules a day, Dr. Ioussifova advises—which is easily fittable into a daily routine.
“You always want to have your patients take them with a fatty meal so it’s better absorbed,” she said, “Just like with any other fatty acid or fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D.”
I have to ask: why sea buckthorn?
Derived from SB berries (the most potent source of omega-7), SB oil naturally contains three other omega fatty acids (-3, -6, and -9) and antioxidants.
Its role in ocular health:
- Supporting tear secretion*
- Maintaining normal inflammatory function*
- Supporting tear osmolarity in seasonal spikes*
- Maintaining healthy mucous membranes*
And what feedback have patients given?
Consumer research conducted among 100 Eyetamins by OPTASE Eye Comfort users earlier this year indicated a strong acceptance, with:
- 93% recommending the supplements to their friends and family
- 83% willing to pay more for a higher quality product to support their eye health
- See here for pricing.
- And click here to view retailers.
- 83% noticing a difference within 4 weeks of a daily dosing of two softgels
Noted. And what’s in the formula for that second supplement?
Eyetamins by OPTASE Vision Support is a once-daily soft gel supplement intended to enhance eye health and help maintain clear and sharp vision.*
Its formulation: encompasses a range of antioxidants such as:
Lutein and zeaxanthin: plant -derived carotenoids that accumulate in the macula; help to maintain eye health*
- In this formula: FloraGLO lutein (a naturally sourced lutein extracted from marigold flowers)
Vitamins C, D & E
- Vitamin C: Helps maintain healthy collagen in the cornea and supports the health of the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in the retina.*
- Vitamin D: Supports healthy immune function, including normal immune activity on the surface of the eye, and helps support the body's natural defenses against oxidative stress.*
- Vitamin E: Provides alpha-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E with antioxidant activity that helps protect retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells from oxidative stress.*
Copper: an essential trace mineral that supports retinal health and normal optic nerve function. Helps maintain healthy mineral balance when taken with zinc.*
Zinc: a mineral naturally found in the eye that supports normal retinal function and the body's normal tissue renewal.*
Any others?
AstaPure astaxanthin.
This has been clinically backed to support eye health by helping neutralize free radicals and protect eye tissues from oxidative stress, including oxidative stress from everyday light exposure.*
I’m curious … how do the two Eyetamins products compare?
It’s worth noting that Eyetamins Eye Comfort and Eyetamins Vision Support target two different needs:
- Eye Comfort is an omega-7 sea buckthorn oil softgel aimed at patients with eyes prone to dryness—with support for moisture balance and comfort at the ocular surface.*
- Vision Support pairs lutein and zeaxanthin with antioxidant vitamins and minerals, positioned for macular health and normal visual function.*
Duly noted. Now, circling back to that AAO presentation—can I attend?
Absolutely! The AAO symposium Beyond Omega-3: Unlocking the Power of Omega-7 will be presented by Drs Ioussifova and Davison at the following location:
Location: Anaheim Convention Center Room (room 252A) in Anaheim, CaliforniaDate and time: Thursday, Oct. 1, from 12 to 1 pm PST
*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.