MYOPIA MOVEMENT

CooperVision recently released findings from a newly commissioned Harris Survey of U.S. parents and eyecare professionals about myopia, hosting a corresponding myopia-focused panel with the mission to #ProtectKidsVision.

Here, we share some key insights COT! caught from the panel:

• One in 4 children in the U.S. is myopic, but according to the survey results, only 33% of parents know what that term means, or how it can affect their child’s future eyesight.
• Two-thirds of ECPs (66%) have seen an increase in the prevalence of pediatric myopia in their practice over the last five to 10 years. This aligns with data from the American Optometric Association showing myopia has become increasingly prevalent in the U.S., with an increase of 25% in the past 40 years.
• Parents say they are more knowledgeable about other childhood conditions including the flu (93%), ear infections (86%), and lice (80%) compared with their knowledge of myopia (65%). —K.A.R.

EYE ON DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

You already know to keep tabs on digital transformations for your own business, but which technologies are trending for 2020? Forbes shares five digital transformation trends rocking the retail space in the new year.

1. Augmented Reality: AR helps consumers feel confident in their purchases. Virtual eyewear try-on, anyone?
2. Now, Now, Now: In the age of Amazon, shoppers want their products fast. In fact, 88% of consumers are willing to pay for same-day (or faster) shipping, according to research from PwC.
3. Easy + Personal: Smart retailers will utilize social media, AI, and more to make sure that each customer’s shopping experience is streamlined and personalized.
4. Social Shopping: Social shopping is already in high gear on Instagram and Pinterest, but the phenomenon will further integrate itself into the retail space (both online and in-store) in the new year.
5. A Mix of Reality + Virtual: “I’m not just talking about virtual changing rooms,” shares Daniel Newman for Forbes. “I’m talking about users being able to place themselves in their favorite brands’ advertisements, being able to model their favorite brands’ clothing, and an increasing coordination of virtual experiences that will intertwine on the spatial web.” —K.A.R.

SPEC-TACULAR STUDENTS

Italian eyewear manufacturer Thema Optical is partnering with Miami Dade College and its Vision Care Technology and Opticianry program, inviting students to Thema’s Miami factory to give them a behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing of customizable eyewear, plus how frames are made with the company’s patented 3D Acetate Technology.

“The future of the optical industry is bright, and it is because of programs like this,” says Giulia Valmassoi, CEO of Thema Optical’s North American branch. —Kerri Ann Raimo