In another world in a land far, far away, we had the incredible opportunity to photograph the iconic 99-year-old style and design icon, Iris Apfel.

It was January 2020, when Covid-19 was a distant problem across the oceans, business was humming along, and we were boarding airplanes without a care in the world. Or a face mask in sight. The world is now a different place.

Working with the visionary Miami-based photographer Nick Garcia, we were delighted to do the shoot in Iris’ Palm Beach home, which is brimming with her antique, art, and fashion finds from nearly a century of collecting around the globe. Eyewear designer Selima Salaun flew in for the day from New York with the gorgeous new collection—featuring some one-of-a-kind vintage Mazzucchelli acetates in spectacular colors.

We had planned to run Iris’ photos and interview many months ago, but the time was clearly not right. As the world shifted on its axis and, in our vision care world, eyecare professionals struggled through closures and reopening rigors, our focus turned specifically to providing critical information and survival strategies for ECPs across the country.

The crisis is not over, and ECPs continue to redefine their practices, safety protocols, and new procedures, but it’s clear that we all need a bright spot in the cacophony and the fog.

With nearly 100 years of living under her belt—and an outlook of positivity and mask-wearing fortitude during the crisis—it’s apparent that the incredibly on-point, vivaciously self-styled, and trademark-eyewear-punctuated Iris Apfel can share a bit of wisdom and perspective. Turn to page 52 for our insightful Designer Vision interview with Iris.

Also in the issue, we deliver EB’s BIG Telemedicine Guide on page 54, which is jam-packed with key stats, innovative strategies, and a rundown of top platforms for this burgeoning practice tool. And, starting on page 44, our Fall, Forward fashion feature delivers three consumer-focused distinct trends.

We hope you gain key strategies—and a sense of positivity—from this special issue of Eyecare Business, and wishing you all a successful season in practice.

Warmest Regards,

Erinn Morgan,
Editor-in-Chief + Editorial Director