A Look Back: 2025 Year-in-Review at BRIGHT Eyes
2025: A Year of Firsts, Foundations, and Foresight
As we wrap up 2025, we’re feeling deeply grateful—for our patients, our community, and all the new tools we now have to help you see, feel, and live better.
This year brought major advances in dry eye and ocular aesthetics, the official launch of our signature BRIGHT programs, and even a new way to support patients’ mental and emotional health right here in our space.
Here’s a look back at what changed—both inside BRIGHT Eyes and across the field of dry eye care.
Practice Milestones at BRIGHT Eyes in 2025
1. Becoming the First in NC with OptiLift DMSt Neuromuscular Technology
In early 2025, we introduced OptiLift Dynamic Muscle Stimulation (DMSt) by Lumenis, becoming the first practice in North Carolina to offer this neuromuscular technology specifically for our dry eye and ocular aesthetic patients.
What OptiLift DMSt has meant for our patients:
Gentle, targeted stimulation of the periorbital muscles to support a healthier, more complete blink
Synergy with our dry eye therapies like IPL, RF, lid hygiene, and LLLT
A refreshed, naturally “lifted” periocular appearance that pairs beautifully with ocular comfort
A non-invasive, non-surgical option for lower lid laxity, under eye bags, and other age-related changes
OptiLift DMSt has quickly become one of the cornerstones of our advanced care, and it’s also the beginning of our evolution into a deeper focus on neuro-ocular function—how the muscles, nerves, and ocular surface work together to protect your eyes.
Dr. Mandy Rights of BRIGHT Eyes in Boone, NC celebrating being named the first doctor in North Carolina—and one of the first nationwide—to integrate OptiLift DMSt neuromuscular therapy in their Dry Eye Center.
2. Launching Our Signature BRIGHT Programs
This year, we also organized our care into clear, easy-to-understand signature programs so patients know exactly where they fit:
BRIGHT Soothe™ – Our comprehensive dry eye and ocular surface program
BRIGHT Shield™ – Specialty contact lens and corneal protection (including scleral lenses and ortho-K)
BRIGHT Sight™ – Myopia control and long-term vision protection for kids and teens
Happy Eyes™ – Pediatric dry eye and ocular wellness for our youngest patients
These programs allow us to wrap your care in a plan, not just a one-off visit: clear timelines, layered treatments, maintenance strategies, and education tailored to your specific needs.
3. Growing Our Specialty Contact Lens & Myopia Control Center
We officially expanded into a full Specialty Contact Lens and Myopia Control Center, including:
Scleral lenses for severe dry eye, irregular corneas, and ocular surface disease
Ortho-K (overnight reshaping lenses) for clear daytime vision without daytime glasses or contact lenses
A structured myopia management pathway using options like daily myopia control contact lenses and ortho-K for kids and teens
This growth allowed us to:
Give dry eye and ocular surface patients custom-fit lenses that protect and bathe the eye instead of aggravating it
Offer active kids a way to slow myopia progression while still participating fully in sports and daily life
Integrate these services seamlessly under our BRIGHT Shield™ and BRIGHT Sight™ programs
4. Integrating Mental Health Into Our Eye Spa Space
One of the quiet but powerful changes this year was our partnership with a mental health practice to offer counseling on-site in our office.
Why this matters:
Chronic eye discomfort, vision changes, and cosmetic concerns can take a toll on mood, anxiety, and confidence.
Stress and mental health can in turn affect sleep, inflammation, and symptom perception.
By partnering with mental health professionals, we’re able to support patients more holistically—honoring the connection between the mind, nervous system, and eyes.
An illuminated sign with the words “Look on the BRIGHT Side” shines brightly in the Eye Spa—a reminder to keep thinking positively, even when facing a chronic health condition such as dry eye disease.
5. Big 2025 Updates in Dry Eye Science & Treatment
Dry eye care continues to evolve, and 2025 brought important updates in how we think about and treat the ocular surface, including:
Ongoing work from global experts refining frameworks like TFOS DEWS III to emphasize subtype-based, personalized treatment approaches.
New and emerging therapies, such as novel neuromodulating drops that target specific receptors on the ocular surface to stimulate natural tear production and comfort in new ways.
We’ve continued to follow the literature closely and thoughtfully integrate new tools into our multi-layered dry eye plans—never abandoning the basics (like lid hygiene, nutrition, and environment) but adding in device-based and neurosensory treatments where they fit.
And last but not least… our favorite milestone:
6. Celebrating Our One Year Anniversary!
In the summer of 2025, BRIGHT Eyes – Dry Eye Center & Eye Spa celebrated its one-year anniversary.
In our first year, we:
Helped patients from all over the U.S. with dry eye, MGD, blepharitis, ocular rosacea, and ocular aesthetics concerns
Distributed hundreds of dry eye relief kits & eye care items to those in our local community and across Western NC/Eastern TN after Hurricane Helene
Launched our signature BRIGHT Soothe™, BRIGHT Shield™, BRIGHT Sight™, and Happy Eyes™ programs
Introduced OptiLift DMSt and expanded our in-office dry eye treatment options
Built out a robust Specialty Contact Lens and Myopia Control Center
Welcomed a mental health partner into our space to care for the whole person, not just the eyes
Thank you for trusting us with your vision and comfort during this foundational year.
A Glimpse of What’s Coming in 2026
We have even more in store for 2026, and while we won’t give everything away just yet, here’s a sneak peek:
More appointment availability with new, expanded office hours
New ways to bring the Eye Spa experience home—or bring the party to the Eye Spa!
Greater focus on ocular nutrition & mind-body wellness
Digital patient education and resources
Plus, much more!
Quick Self-Check: Is It Time to Revisit Your Plan?
As you look back on 2025, ask yourself:
Have my eyes felt drier, more irritated, or more light-sensitive this year?
Do I still rely on frequent artificial tears just to function?
Have I noticed redness, eyelid changes, or makeup intolerance around my eyes?
Could I or my child benefit from specialty lenses or myopia control?
Do stress or mental health struggles seem tied to how my eyes feel?
If any of this resonates, it may be time for a fresh, 2026-ready plan.
Looking Ahead: Your 2026 Eye Reset Starts Now
Ready to start 2026 with calmer, clearer, more comfortable eyes?
Schedule a visit at BRIGHT Eyes – Dry Eye Center & Eye Spa to review your current plan, join one of our BRIGHT programs, or explore the next level of care in dry eye, aesthetics, specialty lenses, and neuro-ocular health.
Educational content only; not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
