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Contact Lens Spectrum
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Eyecare Business
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Optometric Management
Thursday, March 26, 2026
The National Retail Federation (NRF) is forecasting retail sales to rise 4.4% in 2026, reaching an estimated $5.6 trillion, based on a new methodology developed with Oxford Economics. The outlook points to continued consumer spending growth despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Alcon have introduced the Dry Eye Management Map, an interactive tool designed to guide optometrists through evidence-based dry eye care. The platform uses clinician inputs to generate tailored management pathways aligned with the latest Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop III guidance.
Friday, March 20, 2026
Vision Expo 2026 wrapped March 14 at the Orange County Convention Center, celebrating its 40th anniversary and the debut of a unified annual format that brought together more than 8,000 attendees from around the world. The 4-day event combined education, product showcases, and innovation highlights—including smart eyewear, AI developments, and emerging design trends—across multiple stages, exhibit areas, and networking opportunities.
Friday, March 20, 2026
Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from Cure Blindness Project, CooperVision, SightGlass Vision, and EssilorLuxottica.
Friday, March 20, 2026
The January 2026 survey of US and Canadian contact lens patients indicated that 89% believe opticians are important in helping to achieve the best vision possible, with 83% saying opticians were extremely or very valuable to their contact lens-specific experience.
Friday, March 20, 2026
Prevent Blindness has designated March 23-29 as the inaugural Keratoconus Week to raise awareness of this corneal condition and promote early detection. The initiative includes free educational resources for eyecare professionals to share with patients, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to help preserve vision.
Friday, March 20, 2026
EssilorLuxottica held its inaugural Switch: Vision Innovation Summit for the Americas March 9-11, bringing together doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders to explore advances in vision care, wearable technology, and health innovation. The event featured workshops, demonstrations, and discussions on AI-powered smart eyewear, oculomics, myopia management, and the intersection of vision and overall health.
Friday, March 20, 2026
Registration is now open for the 2026 Retina Summit, a 1-day continuing education program on retinal disease taking place April 18 in Indianapolis. Organized by the American Academy of Optometry, the summit offers COPE-accredited sessions on retinal diagnosis, imaging, and disease management, along with opportunities to explore new technologies and clinical tools.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
A recent survey of optometrists delivering publicly funded eye care in Wales finds that nearly all clinicians aim to assess patients’ smoking status during examinations, with many providing advice on smoking’s impact on eye health. Published in Clinical Optometry, the study highlights how training and national guidance may be supporting increased engagement in smoking-related discussions, while also identifying time constraints and patient reluctance as ongoing barriers.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from The Vision Council (TVC), Valley Contax, VSP Vision, and Europa Eyewear.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
The Vision Council (TVC) issued an update after the Department of Justice (DOJ), acting on behalf of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), submitted a new proposal on March 6 outlining how refunds for duties assessed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) could be processed.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
The first US edition of the Italian Eyewear Exhibition, “Reflections,” took place in New York City, showcasing the craftsmanship and design of Made-in-Italy eyewear to industry professionals and buyers.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
The Accessories Council (Ac) has announced the honorees for the 2026 Accessories Council Excellence (ACE) Awards, set to take place on May 5 at the Pierre Hotel in New York City. This year’s gala marks the 30th anniversary of the event, which recognizes individuals, brands, and companies making significant contributions to the accessories industry.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Transitions Optical has opened applications for its 2026 Transitions Optical Advancement educational grant program, which supports students pursuing careers in optometry and opticianry in the United States.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Imports at major US container ports are projected to remain below last year’s levels during the first half of 2026 as retailers navigate continued tariff uncertainty, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
National Vision Holdings Inc. announced the winners of its 11th annual scholarship program. Awarding a total of $12,500 in scholarships to 3 optometry students, National Vision aims to support and inspire the next generation of optometrists as they drive the future of eyecare innovation.
Friday, March 6, 2026
Silmo Paris will return to Paris Nord Villepinte late September, featuring a refreshed brand identity and an expanded focus on emerging technologies in the optics and eyewear industry. The 2026 edition will highlight Silmo Next, a dedicated innovation platform showcasing startups, smart eyewear, and discussions on how technology is shaping optical business and professional practices.
Friday, March 6, 2026
The Vision Council has published “Provider inSights Q3–Q4 2025,” a report examining economic conditions and operational trends among US eyecare practices. Survey data points to revenue growth and improved patient retention in late 2025, even as tariffs, inflation, and staffing challenges continue to shape expectations for 2026.
Friday, March 6, 2026
The United Opticians Association (UOA) and McCray Optical Supply have opened submissions for the inaugural UOA & McCray Optical Supply Cleaning Cloth Design Contest, inviting opticians and opticianry students nationwide to participate. The winning design will be produced and unveiled at the UOA National Conference in Chicago this June.
Friday, March 6, 2026
Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC), The Vision Council (TVC), VisionHQ, ClearVision Optical (CVO), Kasperek Optical, and Zeiss.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
VSP Vision has announced a $1 million investment to expand access to vision care and literacy resources for children and families across the United States. Through nonprofit grants and VSP Eyes of Hope events, the initiative will support literacy programs and provide no-cost eye exams and prescription glasses to students at more than 25 schools nationwide.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Latinos en Optometry, in partnership with Transitions Optical, is highlighting the national reach of "Eying the Future," an educational initiative introducing students—particularly in Hispanic/Latino communities—to eye health and careers in optometry. Launched in 2024, the program provides bilingual classroom materials that foster vision health literacy, family engagement, and awareness of optometry as a career path.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Contact Lens Institute has updated The EASY Way (Eyes, Awareness, Safety and You), its initiative designed to help eyecare professionals educate patients on healthy contact lens wear and care.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The finalists of the 2026 Now Awards have been announced, spanning independent, licensed, emerging, and direct-to-consumer brands from the global eyewear community. Winners will be announced at a ceremony during the optical trade show, and all submissions will be on display throughout the event.
Friday, February 27, 2026
VSP Vision has named John Luder as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship, honoring his commitment to patient care, clinical excellence, and community outreach. Presented in partnership with Heart of America Eye Care Congress, the scholarship provides financial support and a travel grant to help Luder continue his optometry education and professional development.
Friday, February 27, 2026
After the US Supreme Court’s decision curbing presidential tariff authority under IEEPA, The Vision Council (TVC) convened members to unpack what the ruling means for optical imports, compliance obligations, and potential refunds.
Friday, February 27, 2026
New research from VSP Vision Care finds US employees logging nearly 100 hours of screen time each week, with many linking digital eye strain to reduced productivity and missed workdays. VSP’s latest Workplace Vision Health Report examines how both desk and non-desk workers are navigating the growing impact of screen-related visual discomfort.
Friday, February 27, 2026
To mark Workplace Eye Wellness Month, Prevent Blindness is providing eyecare professionals with free resources to help employees protect their vision on the job and while using digital devices. Materials include workplace safety guides, social media graphics, and educational modules designed for both office and industrial environments.
Friday, February 27, 2026
Celebrating 40 years, Vision Expo returns March 11-14 to Orlando, Florida, as a unified annual gathering of the optical industry. With 220+ hours of education, 350 exhibitors, 3 dedicated content stages, and new hands-on demos, the 2026 edition spotlights the ideas and innovations shaping the future of vision care.
Friday, February 20, 2026
A ruling from the US Supreme Court has struck down sweeping global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), invalidating tariffs on imports from several major US trading partners. The decision could carry significant implications for importers, manufacturers, and potential duty refunds, The Vision Council (TVC) shares.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Silmo Academy will convene its accredited International Congress in Bali April 6-8, with a focus on patient-centered care, healthy aging, myopia and light management, practice innovation, and emerging technologies.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from Marcolin, Two Blind Brothers, and WestGroupe.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for faster global action on cataract care as new data published in The Lancet Global Health show nearly half of those facing cataract-related blindness still lack access to surgery. The findings highlight widening gaps in regions such as Africa and among women worldwide, underscoring the urgency of scaling workforce capacity, surgical infrastructure, and equitable access to care.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Latinos en Optometry will spotlight the power of culturally responsive communication in chronic disease management during a panel at Vision Expo 2026, bringing together leaders from education, industry, and organized optometry to explore how culture, trust, and patient dialogue can shape understanding, adherence, and long-term outcomes in eye care.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
As part of its third annual Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Awareness Week, Prevent Blindness is expanding its offering of free, bilingual resources designed to help eyecare professionals guide patients through diagnosis, follow-up, and long-term visual development.
Friday, February 13, 2026
The Optical Women’s Association will host a networking breakfast and panel during NYC Eyewear Design Week exploring how global fashion and business trends are reshaping eyewear, spotlighting voices from across optical and media on sustainability, consumer behavior, and the future of retail.
Friday, February 13, 2026
The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Italian Optical Manufacturers Association (ANFAO) will present “Reflections – Italian Eyewear Exhibit” during NYC Eyewear Design Week. Designed as a gallery-style showcase, the event aims to strengthen ties between Italian manufacturers and the US market while spotlighting craftsmanship and emerging trends.
Friday, February 13, 2026
January retail sales edged up from December and delivered solid year-over-year gains, extending a 4-month streak of monthly growth, according to the latest CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor from the National Retail Federation (NRF).
Friday, February 13, 2026
Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from EssilorLuxottica, Orbis International, the World Council of Optometry (WCO), Acuvue, Newton, ABB Labs, and Cure Blindness Project (CBP).
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Amid a nationwide shortage of eyecare support staff, the American College of Eye Technicians is working to build a new pipeline of trained professionals through its fully virtual, 8-week technician training program—a mix of live instruction with independent coursework to prepare students for in-practice success.
Monday, February 9, 2026
The Mido Awards 2026 ceremony took place Saturday, January 31, at the Fashion Square of the international eyewear trade show, highlighting projects that combine vision, quality, and impact across retail, product, and corporate practices.
Monday, February 9, 2026
The 2026 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award was presented at Mido 2026, highlighting emerging talent in eyewear design with a focus on sports-inspired concepts. The award ceremony took place on the Vision Stage in Milan and brought together international press, educators, students, and industry leaders.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Valentine’s Day spending is set to hit a new high of $29.1 billion, with Americans splurging on everything from jewelry and flowers to gifts for pets. Shoppers are showing love across the board, celebrating partners, family, friends, and even coworkers in record numbers.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Mido 2026 concluded in Milan with stable attendance and exhibitor participation, drawing roughly 42,000 visitors and 1,200 exhibitors from around the world. The show highlighted industry trends and cultural programming—including the Vision Stage sessions and design awards—while emphasizing global engagement across business, education, and innovation.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Eyecon has unveiled its 2026 brand partners ahead of its second edition, set for March 6-8 at The Glasshouse in New York City. The luxury-focused show will feature a mix of established and independent brands—including nearly one-third making their US debut—alongside panel discussions, interviews, and continuing education through Eyecon[versations] Live.
Friday, February 6, 2026
As Vision Expo marks its 40th anniversary, the show is opening its archives to the industry—inviting longtime attendees and exhibitors to help tell the story of 4 decades of connection, innovation, and impact. A commemorative retrospective will bring together photos, memories, and moments from Vision Expo’s past, both online and on the show floor.
Friday, February 6, 2026
The Loft Eyewear Shows return to New York March 5-7, marking the event’s 26th year with expanded programming, dual venues, and more than 150 independent eyewear collections. As a key anchor of Eyewear Design Week, the boutique show continues to blend curated brand discovery with continuing education and citywide industry events.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Vision Expo and VSP Vision have named 4 startups to the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, spotlighting emerging technologies aimed at advancing the eyecare experience. The finalists will participate in a virtual bootcamp before pitching live on the Innovation Stage at Vision Expo in Orlando this March.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Opti 2026 wrapped in Munich with gains in both exhibitor participation and trade visitor attendance, underscoring the show’s role as an international hub for product launches, education, and industry exchange. The event highlighted cross-category innovation, design trends, and next-generation programming alongside expanded global participation.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
A new doctor-led alliance, View Optometry, has launched to support private practice optometrists and push back against growing managed care and corporate consolidation. Powered by ABB Business Solutions, the organization offers two membership models designed to strengthen profitability while preserving clinical independence.
Sunday, February 1, 2026
The Contact Lens Institute has named its 2026 Visionaries, recognizing 17 eyecare professionals from across the US and Canada who are helping shape the future of soft contact lens care. Representing a wide range of practice settings and expertise, the group will contribute insights and education focused on advancing clinical practice, innovation, and peer-to-peer engagement in the year ahead.
Friday, January 30, 2026
Congress’s finalized funding for fiscal year 2026 includes cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vision and Eye Health program, reducing its budget by nearly one-third, according to Prevent Blindness. The organization warns the reduction could limit community-based efforts to prevent vision loss, even as demand for eye health services continues to rise.
Friday, January 30, 2026
Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from Europa Eyewear, L’Amy America, Mondottica Group, World Council of Optometry (WCO), Alcon, Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA), and VSP Vision.
Friday, January 30, 2026
Registration is now open for Optometry’s Meeting and AOA+, taking place June 17–20 in Phoenix. The annual event will bring together eyecare professionals and students for continuing education, professional development, and networking, with more than 300 hours of programming planned across clinical, technological, and practice management topics.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
February marks Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Month, and Prevent Blindness is spotlighting the growing impact of AMD with free educational resources eyecare professionals can share with their patients.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
The US optical industry continued to grow in value in 2025, reaching an estimated $69.5 billion, even as fewer products were sold and fewer eye exams were performed, according to new data from The Vision Council. The latest Market inSights report reveals how higher prices, shifting consumer behavior, and resilient in-person sales are reshaping the market—and what those trends could mean for the year ahead.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
EssilorLuxottica releases results from 2 clinical studies evaluating the performance of its Nuance Audio Glasses, an open-ear hearing solution integrated into smart eyewear for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Industry leaders brought the real cost of tariffs on prescription eyewear to Capitol Hill, highlighting how rising expenses could affect both independent practices and patients. Their discussions explored ways to keep vision care accessible while supporting optical businesses in the United States.
Friday, January 23, 2026
U.S. import volumes are poised for a modest January rebound after months of decline, though shipments are expected to stay below last year’s pace until at least spring, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report. Trade policy uncertainty, shifting tariff strategies, and a seasonal shipping lull continue to shape the outlook for retailers and supply chains as 2026 begins.
Friday, January 23, 2026
The Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award has revealed its top 10 contenders for 2026, chosen from a record 101 student submissions spanning the globe. Timed with Mido 2026 and the Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics, the finalist designs reimagine performance-driven, Olympic-inspired eyewear for winter sports and modern wear.
Friday, January 23, 2026
The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) and the United Opticians Association (UOA) are collaborating to deliver consumer and professional insights to OptiCon ’26 @ Vision Expo, with an exclusive panel focused on opticianry’s impact on contact lens success. Backed by newly commissioned research, the sessions will explore how the evolving role of opticians can influence patient outcomes, education, and market growth.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
CooperVision brought together leading US and Canadian eyecare professionals in Las Vegas to examine where myopia management is headed—through the lens of clinical evidence, FDA-approved therapies, and real-world outcomes.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Sustained advocacy by the American Optometric Association (AOA) has helped restore more than $12.1 million in reimbursement payments to member practices since 2023, underscoring the growing financial impact of claim denials, downcoding, and administrative burdens.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Art Optical Contact Lens and Contamac have recognized a new group of optometry students and residents whose specialty lens work addresses complex patient needs, awarding travel grants to attend the recently concluded Global Specialty Lens Symposium.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
VSP Vision has introduced the Dr. Stephanie Kirschbaum Living in Purpose Program, honoring the late optometrist’s legacy by supporting network doctors who want to expand access to care in their communities. The initiative pairs mobile VSP Eyes of Hope clinics with nonprofit partnerships and grant funding to help turn purpose-driven service into local impact.
Friday, January 16, 2026
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announced the theme for World Optometry Week 2026, highlighting collaboration in global eye care to expand access, quality, and sustainability of vision services worldwide.
Friday, January 16, 2026
Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from Orbis International, VSP Vision, Zeiss, and Hoya.
Friday, January 16, 2026
The Vision Council (TVC) has released its Consumer inSights Q4 2025 report, outlining US adult vision care behaviors, benefit use, and spending trends across eye exams, prescription eyewear, reading glasses, and plano sunglasses.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Retail sales increased sharply in December, bringing overall 2025 holiday season results in line with the National Retail Federation (NRF)’s forecast for record consumer spending, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor powered by Affinity Solutions.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) announced its 2026 award honorees, recognizing individuals for leadership, service, and professional contributions within the optical industry.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Conexiant is proud to announce the 40th anniversary of Eyecare Business, the optical industry’s leading source for business strategy, retail trends, and practice-building insights for optometrists, opticians, and optical retailers.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) announced that registration is open for its 2026 Annual Meeting, scheduled for May 17-19 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego.
Friday, January 9, 2026
The Vision Council (TVC) has announced the release of ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2025, a revised edition of the American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from Design Eyewear Group and Zyloware.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
The Vision Council (TVC) has announced the panel topics that will anchor the upcoming Executive Summit agenda, which will include networking opportunities and discussions focused on issues shaping the optical industry.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
ClearVision Optical has launched its annual Big Brand Survey, an industry research initiative aimed at identifying the top-selling eyewear brands across the United States at both national and regional levels.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has released its January 2026 episode of “OWA Talks,” featuring Megan Molony, OWA president for the 2025–2027 term. The episode focuses on Molony’s professional background and her perspective on the organization’s direction in the coming year.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Vision Expo 2026 will mark the event’s 40th year with an expanded educational conference and a unified annual format. The event, produced by RX and The Vision Council, is scheduled for March 11–14 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida.
Friday, January 2, 2026
The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) has opened its call for course proposals for the educational program at Academy 2026 Anaheim, inviting optometrists and educators to submit lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions for consideration.
Friday, January 2, 2026
Online eyewear retailer Eyebuydirect has expanded its direct-to-consumer offerings with a new feature that allows customers to apply benefits from select vision insurance providers at checkout—a move that could further shift prescription eyewear purchases away from independent eyecare practices.
Friday, January 2, 2026
Eyecare Business revisits 2025's biggest stories from the eyecare and optical industry.
