Thursday, May 16, 2024
2024 News Archive
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Online Resource to Support AMD Patients
The Thought Leadership and Innovation Foundation is collaborating with the American Macular Degeneration Foundation to create an “Eyes on the Future” online resource.
Thursday, May 16, 2024
NRF Shares Moderated Retail Sales in April
The National Federation (NRF) has announced that retail sales moderated in April, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Prevent Blindness Supports Proposed Legislation for Federally Funded Children’s Eye Health Program
Prevent Blindness has released a statement regarding the introduction of the Early Detection of Vision Impairments in Children (EDVI) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The nonprofit urges the 118th Congress to swiftly pass this proposed legislation and for the public to show their support.
Thursday, May 9, 2024
NRF Reports Slow but Resilient Economy
According to the May issue of the National Retail Federation (NRF)’s Monthly Economic Review, economic growth slowed during the first three months of 2024, but consumers are still spending more than last year.
Thursday, May 9, 2024
AOA to Include Student-Focused Events at Optometry’s Meeting
The American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) have announced a series of student-focused events planned for Optometry’s Meeting, taking place June 19-22 in Nashville, TN, at the Music City Center.
Thursday, May 9, 2024
NRF Reports Retail Sales Increases in April
The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports retail sales growth in April compared to March with a slight year-over-year decline due to the timing of Easter.
Thursday, May 9, 2024
The Accessories Council Hosts 28th Annual ACE Awards
The Accessories Council hosted the 28th edition of its Accessories Council Excellence (ACE) Awards on Tuesday, May 7, at The Pierre, an iconic luxury hotel in NYC’s Upper East Side.
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Opti Reveals Campaign for 2024/2025
The organizers of the Opti eyewear tradeshow have announced the 2024/2025 campaign, “We Are Opti,” designed to represent the tradeshow’s commitment to collaborative design: “Together we create, together we change, together we are Opti.”
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Eyewear Artwalk Denver to Host Three Days of Fashion + Education
Eyewear Artwalk has announced an event in Denver set to take place June 13-15 at the McNichols Building and Civic Center Park. The eyewear and eyecare festival and expo series plans to deliver three days of eyewear, art, music, and fashion, starting in Denver with dates in Miami, New York City, and Los Angeles to follow.
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Prevent Blindness’ Free Virtual Event to Focus on Person-Centered Approach to Eye Care
Prevent Blindness will host the 13th annual Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health Summit July 10-11 as a virtual event, open to all at no cost. The theme for this year, “Being Seen and Heard,” aims to amplify and educate the importance of a person-centered approach to vision health interventions, research, communications, and care.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
NORA Conference Accepting Abstracts + Offering Travel Grants for Students
The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) is accepting abstracts for potential inclusion in its 2024 General Conference taking place Sept. 19-22 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Kissimmee, FL.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
WCO + EssilorLuxottica Establish Global Standard of Care for Presbyopia
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and EssilorLuxottica have released the global standard of care for presbyopia, aligning with Presbyopia Awareness Month in April.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
TVC Joins NEI to Amplify Mental Health Awareness for Healthy Vision Month
To mark Healthy Vision Month in May, The Vision Council (TVC) has joined the National Eye Institute (NEI) in highlighting the connection between vision loss and mental health by amplifying a variety of resources NEI offers.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
CLI Shares Insight into Increasing Interest in Contact Lenses in Potential + Former Wearers
As part of its See Tomorrow initiative, the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has published a report describing everyday actions that eyecare professionals can implement to create interest in contact lenses among potential and former wearers.
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Recipients Announced for the 2024 Jenny Pomeroy + Rising Visionary Awards
Prevent Blindness has announced Mission for Vision (MFV) as the recipient of the 2024 Jenny Pomeroy Award for Excellence in Vision and Public Health. Additionally, Prevent Blindness named Erica Shelton, O.D., M.S., FAAO, clinical instructor and Ph.D. candidate at the Ohio State University College of Optometry, as the recipient of the fifth annual Rising Visionary Award.
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Prevent Blindness Establishes IRD Genetic Testing Awareness Month in May
For the first time, Prevent Blindness has designated May as Inherited Retinal Disease (IRD) Genetic Testing Awareness Month—an expansion to its previous IRD and Genetic Testing Awareness Week initiative.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
TVC Advocates for Policies to Benefit Eye Health + Optical Industry
The Vision Council (TVC) recently hosted its 2024 Congressional Hill Fly-In, where members from the vision community met with more than 20 offices of policymakers to discuss policies affecting optical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
WCO + CooperVision Launch Myopia Management Navigator for ECPs
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and CooperVision have launched an interactive, educational resource for eyecare providers to advance myopia management as a standard of care. The WCO CooperVision Myopia Management Navigator leads ECPs through the three Ms of myopia management: mitigation, measurement, and management.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
CooperVision + AOA Seek Ambassadors for New Initiative, The Myopia Collective
CooperVision and the American Optometric Association (AOA) have partnered to launch The Myopia Collective to elevate the standard of care for children with myopia, shifting focus from correction to comprehensive treatment.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Golf Classic to Benefit Eye Health Program in U.S. + Ireland
Prevent Blindness, Vision Ireland, and the Together Achieving Dreams (TAD) Foundation are hosting the second annual New York Gold Classic at the Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle, NY, on Monday, May 20.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation Expands Vision Care Access to Rural Women
To mark April’s Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation highlights its work toward expanding vision care access to women.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
World Sight Day 2024 Focuses on Importance of Child Eye Health
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is preparing for World Sight Day 2024, taking place Thursday, Oct. 10. Under IAPB’s “Love Your Eyes” campaign banner, World Sight Day 2024 will focus on the importance of prioritizing child eye health, as 450 million children worldwide have a sight condition that needs treatment, IAPB shares.
Thursday, April 18, 2024
TVC Hosts Approximately 100 Industry Executives at Lab Leadership Forum
The Vision Council (TVC) recently concluded its 2024 Lab Leadership Forum, which took place April 11-12 at the Temecula Creek Inn in Temecula, CA. Designed for TVC’s optical laboratory members, the two-day event gathered nearly 100 optical industry executives for education, presentations, and networking.
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Latest CORE Publication Focuses on New Wave of Dry Eye Treatments
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated the 77th issue of Contact Lens Update to recent introductions and developments of several new treatments for dry eye disease.
Thursday, April 18, 2024
New NCLE Prep Course from Laramy-K OpticianWorks + Industry Expert Carrie Wilson
Laramy-K OpticianWorks has partnered with Carrie Wilson, NCLEM, MA, MBA, to develop a new Contact Lens and National Contact Lens Examiner (NCLE) preparation course.
Thursday, April 18, 2024
CLI Partners with IACLE to Provide Resources to Contact Lens Educators
The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) and the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) are collaborating to connect university-level instructors with research publications and practice tools developed by CLI.
Thursday, April 18, 2024
VSP Shares Progress in 2023 Social Responsibility Impact Report
VSP Vision has released its 2023 Impact Report to provide details regarding the company’s progress toward its corporate social responsibility commitments in three focus areas: accelerating health equity; empowering diversity, equity, and inclusion; and advancing sustainability.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Innovation Challenge to Uncover Solutions for Improving Eye Care
VSP Vision is partnering with Matter to launch the first VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, a global competition to uncover solutions for enhancing the eye care experience for patients.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
TVC Report Reveals 1 in 5 Eyewear Users Neglect to Use a Case
The Vision Council (TVC)’s latest report, Focused inSights Eyewear Accessories, offers insights into behaviors, preferences, and purchasing patterns among U.S. adults regarding eyewear accessories.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Registration Open for Annual NORA Conference
The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA), International has opened registration for its 34th annual conference, taking place Sept. 19-22 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South in Kissimmee, FL.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
WCO, AOA, and AOSA Join Forces to Host Optometry’s Meeting 2025
The World Council of Optometry (WCO), in collaboration with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), will host the fifth annual World Congress of Optometry during the 128th annual AOA Congress and the 57th annual AOSA Conference: Optometry’s Meeting 2025.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Myopia Profile Engagement Doubled, Indicating Demand for Myopia Resources
Myopia Profile has announced significant growth in traffic and engagement on its website, indicating accelerating interest in myopia etiology, prevention, interventions, and clinical practices.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
GMAC Announces its 2024 Board of Directors
The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) has announced its 2024 board of directors. GMAC shares that this reinforces its commitment to raising awareness and greater understanding of childhood myopia as a treatable disease.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
CooperVision Expands Plastic Bank Partnership with Vision Care Program
CooperVision and Plastic Bank have renewed their net plastic neutrality partnership through 2026 and expanded it to include a vision care program. The program will provide vision screenings and vouchers for complimentary eye exams and glasses to eligible Plastic Bank collection members in Indonesia—people who are essential to the net plastic neutral partnership, CooperVision shares.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
EssilorLuxottica Acquires Japanese Optical Retailer Washin
Luxottica Japan has completed its acquisition of Washin Optical Co. Ltd., a Japanese optical retailer with approximately 70 stores, marking another step toward EssilorLuxottica’s goal to foster appreciation for eyewear and eyecare solutions among Japanese consumers.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
CooperVision Expands Plastic Bank Partnership with Vision Care Program
CooperVision and Plastic Bank have renewed their net plastic neutrality partnership through 2026 and expanded it to include a vision care program. The program will provide vision screenings and vouchers for complimentary eye exams and glasses to eligible Plastic Bank collection members in Indonesia—people who are essential to the net plastic neutral partnership, CooperVision shares.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Human Trial Begins on First-Ever Treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa
The National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health has granted the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute (WEI) two awards totaling $20 million. WEI will use these awards to fund a six-year clinical trial investigating a potential treatment for retinitis pigmentosa—a condition that currently has no treatments.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Philanthropic Program Established to Advance Health Equity
Powers & Company has established a philanthropic program, Lion’s Share, and named two nonprofit organizations as its initial beneficiaries, Sight for Life and Eye Corps.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
BostonSight Expands its In-Person FitAcademy Educational Series
BostonSight has announced the expansion of its annual FitAcademy educational series, two-day events that train eyecare providers in designing, fitting, and managing scleral lenses in interactive classrooms and experiential settings.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
New Research Reveals Significant Impact of Reading Glasses on Worker Income
New research has shown that reading glasses improve livelihoods and quality of life while also reducing poverty. A randomized controlled trial carried out across rural Bangladesh, the THRIVE (Tradespeople and Handworkers Rural Initiative for a Vision-enhanced Economy) study found that a pair of reading glasses increased the earnings of people in low-income communities by 33%.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
WCO Introduces Ambassadors for Global Myopia Management Initiatives
The World Council of Optometry (WCO), in partnership with CooperVision, is appointing a team of ambassadors for their education, outreach, and practice-building initiatives.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Medical Experts Stress Importance of Eye Safety for the Solar Eclipse
The total solar eclipse will induce awe across the U.S. on April 8, for the first time since 2017 and for the last time until 2044. The path of totality spans from parts of Texas up through Maine. Depending on the viewer’s geographic location, the moon will cover all or some of the sun’s surface for about four minutes.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Tips for Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Lighthouse Guild has released eye health tips for women to mark Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month in April.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
AOA Honors Outstanding Optometrists with its Annual Excellence Awards
The American Optometric Association (AOA) has announced the recipients of the AOA Excellence Awards and the Paraoptometric Awards.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
CooperVision to Host 3-Day Educational Summit for Optometry Students
CooperVision has announced additions to its academic programs for optometry students and residents in the U.S. and Canada, including integrating contact lens initiatives, rebranding its student-focused philanthropic program, and developing a new in-person educational summit for members of the CooperVision Student Leadership Societies.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
April Is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Prevent Blindness has declared April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month. The nonprofit offers free resources—including fact sheets, shareable social media graphics, and educational videos—on eye health issues that predominately affect women.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
“Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies,” TVC’s Guide for Solar Eclipse Protection + Fun
The Vision Council (TVC) has released a statement regarding eye protection ahead of the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. TVC shares that it represents the U.S. throughout the creation and maintenance of the international optical industry technical standards by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), including ISO 12312-2, which describes the standards that all filters for direct observation of the sun should meet.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
NRF’s Retail Sales Forecast Predicts Growth Throughout 2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has announced its forecast for 2024 during its fourth annual State of Retail & the Consumer virtual discussion. The organization shared that it expects retail sales to increase by 2.5% and 3.5%, of $5.23 trillion and $5.28 trillion, in 2024.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
WCO + EssilorLuxottica Partner on Presbyopia Standard of Care Program
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has partnered with EssilorLuxottica to raise awareness and understanding of presbyopia and the aging eye with the goal of establishing standards of care for managing the condition.
Thursday, March 21, 2024
AOA Welcomes Peer Review of Glaucoma-Focused Clinical Practice Guideline
The American Optometric Association (AOA) has introduced the first edition of its evidence-based clinical practice guideline, “Care of the Patient with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma,” available online for a 30-day review period.
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Vision Expo Concludes its Run in NYC, Now Award Recipients Announced
Vision Expo East 2024 wrapped up nearly 40 years at the Javits Center in New York City with three days of education, networking, presentations, and design, gathering more than 450 exhibitors and thousands of professionals from all corners of the industry.
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Marcolin Opens New Showroom in NYC
Marcolin hosted an exclusive opening ceremony to celebrate the official opening of its new showroom in New York City, located on the 19th floor of 270 Madison Ave., featuring Italian chef Alessandro Borghese.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Gene Therapy to Treat AMD to be Tested in Space
A new gene therapy from Oculogenex Inc., a biotech company, seeks to develop an effective treatment to improve vision or slow disease progression for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). An investigation to test the therapy in space can potentially provide new opportunities for treating vision loss.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
VSP Accepting Applications for its Expanded Student Loan Repayment Program
VSP Vision has expanded its student loan repayment program with an additional $4 million investment to help optometry students, recent graduates, and practicing optometrists burdened with student loan debt.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
CooperVision Announces 2024 Best Practices Honorees + Student Award Recipients
CooperVision has announced its 2024 Best Practices honorees and student award recipients. Now in its ninth year, the initiative recognizes innovative U.S. eyecare practices that have shown commitment to advancing the profession and providing exceptional care.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
OAA, NFOS, and ABO & NCLE to Unify into One Organization
To create an association representing more than 80,000 opticians and contact lens professionals throughout North America, the Opticians Association of America (OAA) and the National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) have completed a merger, with funding continuing to be provided by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO & NCLE).
Thursday, March 14, 2024
CLI Report Highlights Untapped Contact Lens Demand
New research from the Contact Lens Institute (CLI)’s See Tomorrow initiative highlights “simple adjustments” eyecare professionals can implement that may attract a significantly higher number of contact lens wearers.
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
TVC Reveals Insights into Consumer Eyewear Style Preferences
The Vision Council (TVC) has published Focused inSights 2024 Frame Trends offer insights into U.S. consumers’ experiences, values, and preferences when purchasing new eyewear.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
AOA Shares Eye Safety Guidance Ahead of Solar Eclipse
The American Optometric Association (AOA) is sharing eye safety information ahead of the total solar eclipse taking place on April 8.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Marcolin Earns Gender Equality Certification
Marcolin has earned the gender equality certification by the certification bodies accredited with Accredia.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
TVC Expands Membership Opportunities to Reflect Evolving Industry
The Vision Council (TVC) has announced the expansion of its membership structure to include health care, technology, and contact lens companies.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Eyefinity to Host Four Education Conferences in 2024
Eyefinity has announced dates for its 2024 Education Conferences. The VSP Vision company hosts these in-person events to educate attendees on how to better leverage their Eyefinity software, improve workflow efficiencies, and connect with their peers.
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Second Annual Silmo Singapore Set for April
Following a successful launch last year that gathered 250 brands from 15 countries and 2,175 attendees, Silmo Singapore returns for its second edition from April 24-26 at the Suntec Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Bollé’s Serengeti Eyewear Brand Returns to North America
Serengeti Eyewear has announced its return to North America, relocating all operations from Lyon, France, in an effort to “reignite the American soul” of the Bollé brand.
Thursday, March 7, 2024
AOA Announces AI-Focused Keynote Speaker
The American Optometric Association (AOA) has announced the keynote speaker of Optometry’s Meeting, set to take place June 19-22 in Nashville, TN.
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Loft Eyewear Show to host 24th Event in NYC
Loft Eyewear Shows is hosting its next event March 14-17 at the Hudson Mercantile in New York City.
Thursday, March 7, 2024
NRF Keeps Eye on Inflation + Interest Rates
The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts that inflation and the Federal Reserve’s efforts to control it will continue affecting the economy in a major way. According to NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz, inflation has dropped from its peak but is slowing less than expected.
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
TVC Predicts Market Value Stability for Optical Industry in New Report
The Vision Council (TVC) has published the 2024 Market inSights Forecast, a report projecting the state of the optical industry.
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Research Highlights Underutilization of Contact Lens Prescriptions for Pediatric Myopia Management
At the recently held 2024 Global Specialty Lens Symposium, CooperVision highlighted the lack of timely management, and contact lens prescribing, for refractive error and/or ocular disease among children.
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Prevent Blindness Declares March as Workplace Eye Wellness Month
To encourage employers and employees to make eye safety and protection a priority on the job, Prevent Blindness has declared March as Workplace Eye Wellness Month.
Thursday, February 29, 2024
New “EASY Does It” Episodes Feature 2024 CLI Visionaries
Now in its fourth year, The EASY Way (Eyes, Awareness, Safety, and You) initiative from the Contact Lens Institute assists eyecare professionals in promoting healthy, comfortable contact lens wear and care behaviors, featuring simplified tips, infographics, and digital resources for use in practices.
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Staff Hiring Remains a Weak Point for Eyecare Practices
The Vision Council recently released its Provider inSights Q4 2023 report, highlighting eyecare practice information from surveyed eyecare professionals in the U.S. Respondents included opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, practice managers, practice owners, and other ECPs.
Thursday, February 29, 2024
ClearVision Optical + the Optical Women’s Association Announce ClearVision-Adira Grants
ClearVision Optical, in collaboration with the Optical Women's Association (OWA), has announced the launch of the ClearVision-Adira Grants program. Designed to help optical women achieve their personal and professional development goals, the initiative coincides with the values of ClearVision’s recently launched Adira brand.
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Eyefinity Launches Integration with Fait Distribution
VSP Vision’s Eyefinity, a cloud-based practice management and electronic health records software company, announced its integration with Fait Distribution (formerly known as Wisconsin Vision Associates), an optometrist-owned, family-operated contact lens distributor.
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Envision University Releases Agenda for Envision Conference East 2024
Envision University has released the agenda for the upcoming Envision Conference East 2024, scheduled for April 11-13, at the Salus University campus in Elkins Park, PA.
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Vision Expo East to Feature 300 Hours of Education
The VisionEd optometry and opticianry program returns to Vision Expo East 2024, taking place at the Javits Center in New York City March 14-17. The education program kicks off Thursday, March 14, before the exhibit hall opening the following day, and runs through Sunday, March 17.
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Study Shows AI Matches, Outperforms Human Specialists in Retina + Glaucoma Management
According to research from the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, a large language model artificial intelligence (AI) system can match and, in some cases, outperform human ophthalmologists in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with glaucoma and retina disease.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Sharon Stone Continues as Face of LensCrafters Campaign
LensCrafters has announced the return of award-winning actress Sharon Stone to its “Your Eyes Frist” campaign for the third year in a row.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Prevent Blindness Launches Retinopathy of Prematurity Awareness Program
Prevent Blindness has announced the launch of the Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Education and Support Program as part of the inaugural ROP Awareness Week, taking place Feb. 26 to March 3.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Transitions Innovation Award Winners Announced
Transitions Optical has announced the winners of its annual Transitions Innovation Awards program, honoring individuals and organizations that have demonstrated commitment to Transitions’ values of quality, education, service, and innovation in their businesses.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
OGS Seeks Prospective Grantees for Sustainable, Optometry-Based Projects
Beginning Friday, March 1, Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) will accept pre-applications for its grant program that supports sustainable, optometry-based projects for ending preventable blindness and vision impairment throughout the world.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
New Research Reveals Significant Opportunity to Address Digital Eye Strain
A new report from CooperVision unpacks the effect of widespread digital device use to help eyecare professionals better understand patients’ experiences with digital eye strain.
Friday, February 16, 2024
NRF Reports Slowed Retail Sales in January
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), U.S. Census Bureau data shows consumers were still engaged despite slowed retail sales in January.
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Extraordinary Italian Eyewear to be Featured at Vision Expo East
The organizers and co-owners of Vision Expo, The Vision Council and RX, are welcoming the Italian Trade Commission back to Vision Expo East, set to take place March 14-17 at the Javits Center in New York City.
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Bringing the Art of Eyewear Design into a University Setting
Eyewear designer June He is working to bring the optical into the Drexel University curriculum. An assistant professor of product design at the university in Philadelphia and founding director of Empathic CoDesign Lab, He is leading the second iteration of an annual eyewear design course at Drexel—the first, a collaboration with Knows Eyewear, and this year, He has partnered with ClearVision Optical.
By VERONICA DAUB
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Effective Myopia Management Technology Recognized by FDA
SightGlass Vision, a joint venture of CooperCompanies and EssilorLuxottica to address the myopia epidemic, has received a Breakthrough Device designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lenses engineered to slow myopia progression in children.
Thursday, February 15, 2024
SUNY College of Optometry Scholarship Recipients Announced
The SUNY College of Optometry, in partnership with the college’s foundation, the Optometric Center of New York, recently held its annual scholarship presentation program to honor three students with scholarships established by the Friedfeld family of ClearVision Optical: the Fred Friedfeld Memorial Scholarship and the newly created Optical Community Scholarship.
Thursday, February 15, 2024
IAPB Accepting Nominations for Inaugural Young Systems Leader Awards
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has launched the IAPB Young Systems Leader Awards to “amplify the voices and empower early-career professionals driving transformative change in eye health.”
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
AOA Shares Update Regarding Inquiries into Alleged Vision Plan Abuses
The American Optometric Association (AOA) has released a statement regarding a congressional inquiry into reports from optometrists, dentists, and patient advocates detailing alleged abusive tactics used by specialty vision and dental insurance plans.
Friday, February 9, 2024
The Atelier to Host 75 Independent Designers + Showcase Emerging Talent
Vision Expo East has announced that exhibition space in The Atelier has been sold out. The Vision Expo East neighborhood will host 75 independent designers from all over the world, in addition to live entertainment, made-to-order barista service, giveaways, and more.
Friday, February 9, 2024
Mido 2024 Wraps Up Three Days of Optical Excellence
Mido, an international optical trade show, concluded its 52nd event, Feb. 3-5 in Milan, hosting more than 40,000 attendees (up 11% from last year) from 160 countries, and more than 1,200 exhibitors throughout seven pavilions.
Friday, February 9, 2024
Prevent Blindness Prepares Public for Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse
Prevent Blindness is working to prepare the public to safely experience the total solar eclipse taking place Monday, April 8, with its Eclipse + Your Eyes program, which offers eclipse glasses for purchase in addition to free educational resources.
Thursday, February 8, 2024
ANFAO Establishes Sustainability Certification for Eyewear Production
The Italian Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers (ANFAO) has established the Certified Sustainable Eyewear (CSE) program to set a sustainability standard for eyewear production.
Thursday, February 1, 2024
Registration Now Open for the 2024 PECAA Annual Meeting
The Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) has opened registration for the 2024 PECAA Annual Meeting taking place April 29 to May 1 at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas.
Thursday, February 1, 2024
NRF Expects a Record-Breaking Valentine’s Day
The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts a record-breaking Valentine’s Day, as total spending on significant others is expected to reach $14.2 billion.
Thursday, February 1, 2024
World Council of Optometry Reveals Theme for World Optometry Week 2024
The World Council of Optometry has announced the theme for this year’s World Optometry Week celebration, taking place March 17-23 and concluding with World Optometry Day on Thursday, March 23.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Contact Lens Institute Introduces 2024 Visionaries
The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has named the CLI 2024 Visionaries: 19 eyecare community leaders from a range of practice settings, research interests, and specializations who have demonstrated a commitment to raising awareness of recent advances in soft contact lenses and prescribing benefits.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
AOA Report Reveals Health + Economic Impacts of Excessive Screen Time
The American Optometric Association(AOA) has published a report to understand the implications of unmanaged screen time in the U.S. and the essential preventative role of routine eye care.
Monday, January 29, 2024
Prevent Blindness Declares February as AMD + Low Vision Awareness Month
Prevent Blindness has declared February as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Awareness Month, offering a variety of free resources to raise public awareness and assist eyecare professionals in educating their patients.
Thursday, January 25, 2024
NRF Retail Sales Forecasts for 2023 Confirmed by Census Bureau Data
The National Retail Federation has announced its holiday season forecast has been confirmed by data from the U.S. Census Bureau, which shows 3.8% growth over 2022, totaling a record $964.4 billion.
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Eyecare Business Introduces New Digital Platform
Eyecare Business, as part of BroadcastMed’s vision portfolio, has welcomed a new digital platform designed to elevate the user experience for eyecare professionals.
Thursday, January 25, 2024
EB Talks with Thought-Provoking Presenters at TVC’s Executive Summit
The Vision Council (TVC)’s Executive Summit wrapped up three days of networking, leadership development, and industry-shaping discussions in Naples, FL, from Jan. 22-24.
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Registration for Optometry’s Meeting Now Open
The American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) have opened registration for Optometry’s Meeting, set to take place June 19-22 with the theme “Harmonizing Our Vision” in Nashville, TN, at the Music City Center.
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
edCFDA Concludes 2023 Pride Eyewear Initiative, Announces Expansion for 2024
The Eyewear Designers of the CFDA (edCFDA) has announced its donation of $53,600 to the TransLatin@ Coalition, marking the conclusion of its 2023 Pride Eyewear Initiative.
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Tickets Available for the Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award Gala
Prevent Blindness has announced that tickets are still available for the 2024 Person of Vision Award Gala set to take place during Vision Expo East on Thursday, March 14, at 583 Park Ave. in New York City.
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
TVC Report Reveals Insights into Optical Market + Consumer Behavior
The Vision Council (TVC) has published its Market inSights 2023 report, revealing slight growth compared to 2022 as findings show consumers are purchasing optical products and services more frequently. Additionally, TVC has released its Consumer inSights Q4 2023 report to reveal U.S. consumers’ opinions and habits regarding vision correction, managed vision care, eye exams, prescription eyewear, reading glasses, and plano sunglasses.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Multiday Latin America-Focused Myopia Management Webinar Series
The World Council of Optometry is partnering with CooperVision to host an inaugural Latin America-based virtual event, “Myopia Management: From Theory to Practice,” taking place Feb. 20, 22, 27, and 29.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
AOA Town Hall Reveals Strained Relationship Between Optometrists + Vision Plans, Details Advocacy Efforts
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recently held a virtual town hall where more than 700 attendees discussed perceived abuses by the vision plan industry, received briefings on multiple advocacy initiatives, and participated in a survey regarding industry-wide concerns to shape advocacy planning in the year ahead.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
2023 Transitions Innovation Award Finalists Announced
Transitions Optical has announced the finalists for the 2023 Transitions Innovation Awards program, honoring individuals and organizations that have demonstrated commitment to Transitions’ values of quality, education, service, and innovation in their businesses.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
NRF Warns Last Year’s Consumer Spending Growth Unsustainable in 2024
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), spending growth is likely to slow this year after consumers spent more than expected amid high inflation and interest rates throughout 2023.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Silent Auction to Benefit Future Opticianry Students
The Vision Council (TVC) Foundation is hosting a silent auction to benefit TVC Foundation’s Opening Your Eyes Scholarship Fund, from now through the end of TVC’s Executive Summit on Wednesday, Jan. 24.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Proposed Contact Lens Legislation in Utah Raises AOA Concern
Proposed legislation in Utah could cause patients to lose the ability to purchase contact lenses directly from their prescribing eye doctor, the American Optometric Association (AOA) shares.
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
New Program Seeks to Restore Vision to the Blind Through Human Eye Transplants
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the Transplantation of Human Eye Allografts (THEA) program, an effort by the HHS’s Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to transplant whole human eyes to restore vision for the blind and visually impaired.
Friday, January 12, 2024
Gentex Acquires eSight
Gentex Corporation has acquired eSight ahead of CES (Consumer Electronics Show), where it announced it will prominently feature eSight’s innovative technology.
Friday, January 12, 2024
Innovative Vision Tech Makes Appearance at CES
CES (Consumer Electronics Show) concluded in Las Vegas, a four-day event from Jan. 9-12 hosting more than 4,000 exhibitors and 130,000 attendees
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Eschenbach Sends Two Visually Impaired Students to Space Camp
Eschenbach Optik of America Inc. has sponsored two visually impaired students to attend the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCVIS). This is the second year in a row that the company has participated in this initiative, paying for both scholarship winners’ tuition in full.
Thursday, January 11, 2024
VSP Vision Offers Individual Vision Plans to AARP Members
VSP Vision has announced it will offer AARP members exclusive individual vision and eyewear insurance plans.
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Envision University Seeks Program Submissions for Upcoming Conference
Envision University has begun accepting program submissions for clinical education, panel/symposia, hands-on workshops, and research presentations for the Envision Conference, designed to provide the latest advancements in vision rehabilitation techniques, research, and technologies.
Thursday, January 11, 2024
December Retail Sales Cap Off a Strong Holiday Season, says NRF
The National Retail Federation (NRF) announced continued growth in retail sales throughout December, concluding a strong two-month holiday season, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor that launched in November. The results align with NRF’s forecast that holiday retail sales from Nov. 1-Dec. 31 would increase between 3% and 4% compared to 2022.
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Prevent Blindness Accepts Nomination for 2024 Jenny Pomeroy + Rising Vision Awards
Prevent Blindness is accepting nominations for both the 2024 Jenny Pomeroy Award for Excellence in Vision and Public Health and the fifth annual Rising Visionary Award.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Longtime OGS Donor Shares Perspectives After Seeing OGS-Supported Work in Vietnam
Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) has shared perspectives from Robert Weiss, former president and CEO of CooperCompanies, after he visited Hanoi, Vietnam, to see OGS-supported work in action.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Myopia Profile Reveals Global Impact of Myopia Management Resource
Myopia Profile has revealed the community impact of its My Kids Vision, a free resource that offers parents and caregivers evidence-based information on myopia and its management, with more than 50 articles explaining myopia, treatment options, and children’s vision. Available in seven languages with more in development, the “easy-to-digest” platform “measurably heightened awareness and education, particularly following substantial platform upgrades in 2022,” the organization shares.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Submissions Being Accepted for the Now by Vision Expo Showcase
The Vision Council and Rx are accepting submissions for the next edition of Now by Vision Expo, taking place at Vision Expo East from Thursday to Sunday, March 14-17, at the Javits Center in New York City.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
CLI Announces Inaugural CLI Culture Award Recipients
The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has announced the recipients of the inaugural CLI Culture Awards, recognizing eyecare practices with positive contact lens cultures as described in CLI’s recent report, “The Culture Calculation: Data-Backed Behaviors for Contact Lens Success.”
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Prevent Blindness Participates in January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Prevent Blindness has announced it is once again participating in January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month. To help raise awareness of one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S., the nonprofit offers a variety of free educational resources for patients, care partners, and eyecare professionals on its dedicated webpage, including downloadable fact sheets, shareable social media graphics in English and Spanish, and educational videos.
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Bausch + Lomb and GRF Highlight Patient Stories for National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Bausch + Lomb is partnering with the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) to launch the Faces of Glaucoma, a campaign that highlights diverse stories from patients to raise awareness of one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Optical Women’s Association Announces 2024 Award Recipients
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has announced the 2024 OWA award recipients—four women who will be honored at the OWA’s annual champagne breakfast on Thursday, March 14, during Vision Expo East.