Contact Lens Institute & IACLE Collaborate to Bring Practice and Patient Insights to Contact Lens Educators

The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) and the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) announced a collaboration to provide university-level instructors with direct access to CLI-developed research publications and practice tools.

Nearly 950 IACLE members—spanning more than 600 academic institutions and 81 countries—will be able to view and download CLI training and professional development materials from IACLETOP, the organization’s digital resource and teaching platform. These include multilingual assets for The EASY Way, CLI’s program to promote healthy contact lens wear-and-care, and in-depth consumer and practice management reports from CLI’s See Tomorrow initiative.

“Putting Contact Lens Institute materials in the hands of contact lens educators around the globe allows them to be even more closely connected to relevant trends and insights from top clinicians. This will translate into better preparing tens of thousands of students entering the profession, who in turn can deliver better patient care and improved practice performance.”

Bonnie Boshart, chief executive officer of IACLE

Established in 1979, IACLE welcomes contact lens educators from all eye care professions and related disciplines. The non-profit organization is dedicated to raising the standard of contact lens education and promoting the safe use of contact lenses worldwide. It is the leading provider of educational and information resources essential to contact lens educators. For more information, visit iacle.org.

The Contact Lens Institute advances the latest innovations in safe and effective contact lens and lens care products and services that provide unique benefits to patients while satisfying the evolving needs of eye care professionals. CLI undertakes activities that properly assess, enhance, promote, and balance contact lens and lens care industry welfare and growth, including the safe use of products in the marketplace. Its members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision. For more information, visit contactlensinstitute.org.

Click HERE for the press release.

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April 19, 2024April 19, 2024

CORE Publication Helps ECPs Prepare for a New Wave of Dry Eye Disease Medications

In response to accelerating clinical interest about new, innovative treatments for dry eye disease, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated Issue 77 of Contact Lens Update to several recent introductions and promising pipeline developments. The publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“Dry eye disease affects millions of people across the world and can have a significant impact on their lives. Our growing understanding of this complex condition has led to the development of multiple new medications—both approved for sale and undergoing trials—that we believe have important clinical potential.”

“In primary eye care settings, dry eye is encountered daily. These additional treatments, targeting different aspects of the disease, will offer practitioners more options to incorporate into their prescribing arsenal and help patients better manage the condition.”

Alex Hui, Head of Biosciences at CORE

Hui, who is also an adjunct associate professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, shares his expertise in the issue’s editorial. His overview covers recently approved treatments such as a short-term corticosteroid to treat acute periods of worsened dry eye, a preservative-free ophthalmic solution that slows tear evaporation, and investigational products that either target inflammation or stimulate receptors on the ocular surface to increase the production of tears.

The feature article is authored by Etty Bitton, a professor and director of the Externship Program and Dry Eye Clinic, School of Optometry, University of Montreal. She summarizes the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis that investigated the efficacy and safety of a novel nasal spray to manage dry eye. Her article provides an overview of how different doses can impact signs of dry eye and reviews observed ocular and non-ocular adverse events.

Quillan M. Austria, an ophthalmology resident at Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Christopher Starr, an associate professor of ophthalmology and director of ophthalmic education at Weill Cornell Medical Center, co-author the issue’s clinical insight column. The case report details a patient’s experience with dry eye and management with a recently approved ophthalmic solution to treat Demodex blepharitis.

The conference highlight is contributed by Alison Ng, a Lead Clinical Scientist at CORE, University of Waterloo. The abstract summarizes a presentation from the American Academy of Optometry 2023 annual meeting, detailing a phase two clinical trial that investigated the use of a new topical ointment to treat meibomian gland dysfunction. The work details changes in signs and symptoms over a three-month period of use.

Published six times per year, Contact Lens Update provides a global platform for unbiased clinical insights based in current research. Since 2011, each issue has provided dependable and up-to-date ocular health information for more than 60,000 leading eye care professionals.

In addition to a complete archive of back issues, ContactLensUpdate.com offers a resource library that provides no-cost professional tools, patient resources, images and video. It also houses complimentary technical training videos produced by International Association of Contact Lens Educators, plus an industry glossary. Industry professionals can access the latest issue directly from ContactLensUpdate.com or quickly sign up for email receipt of future issues.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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April 19, 2024April 19, 2024

New Research Reveals More than One-Third of Eyewear Users Neglect Proper Care

The Vision Council releases its latest research report, Focused inSights Eyewear Accessories, providing comprehensive insights into American adults’ behaviors, preferences, and purchasing patterns related to eyewear accessories. The report sheds light on the usage and maintenance habits surrounding various eyewear accessories and underscores the importance of proper care and storage of eyewear products to ensure optimal vision.

The survey highlights a variety of eyewear accessories, including eyeglasses cases, eyeglass chains/lanyards, microfiber cloths, eyeglasses replacement/sizing nose pads, lens cleaning wipes, lens cleaning solution, contact lens cases, contact lens solution, and lubricant eye drops. Key findings from the report reveal intriguing insights into the eyewear accessories market in the United States.

Report highlights:

36% of adults admit to using their shirt or another clothing item to clean their glasses, a practice not recommended by eyecare providers.
While 73% of prescription eyeglass wearers use a glasses case, one in five eyewear users neglect to use a case when their glasses are not being worn, with non-prescription glasses users being the most likely culprits. Of those who shopped for accessories at an optical store, a significant proportion reported purchasing lens cleaning solution (71%), cases (69%), or cloths (68%) immediately following their eye exam, indicating a correlation between eyecare provider recommendations and accessory purchases.

Most consumers spent $25 or less on their last eyewear accessory purchase, with most purchasing from big box stores.
Compared to eyeglass accessories, the research highlights higher usage of contact lens-related accessories such as cases, cleaning solution, and lubricant eye drops, emphasizing the specialized care and storage requirements associated with contact lenses.

“Findings from our latest research report suggest that there is ample opportunity for eyecare providers and the industry at-large to emphasize the significance of proper eyewear care and maintenance to consumers. By educating individuals on the importance of using appropriate cleaning methods and storing their eyewear properly, we can help them preserve the quality and durability of their eyewear, ultimately ensuring they see their best.”

Alysse Henkel, Vice President, Research and inSights at The Vision Council

A summary, along with the full research report, is available in The Vision Council’s Research Download Center as a complimentary download for members of The Vision Council, with a paid option for non-members.

The Vision Council’s inSights Research Report serves as a valuable resource for industry stakeholders, providing actionable insights to inform strategic decision-making and enhance the overall consumer experience.

This survey is based on data collected between March 6-8, 2024, among a sample of 2,203 American adults.

About the inSights Research Program 

The Vision Council’s inSights Research Program launched in May 2022 and is built on a foundation of rigorous methodology and cutting-edge technology. The inSights Research Program provides a comprehensive perspective on the state of the optical industry through quarterly consumer survey reports; quarterly in-depth special reports on eyewear and eyecare products and topics; quarterly market estimates; and an annual industry forecast.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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April 19, 2024April 19, 2024

CooperVision Celebrates Earth Day 2024

Thousands of CooperVision employees worldwide are dedicated to improving the way people see each day—and that includes making a positive impact on our planet.

Earth Day 2024 is on 22 April, and CooperVision has many activities planned in celebration, including:

Employees of CooperVision’s LEED^® gold certified manufacturing facility in Alajuela, Costa Rica will campaign to re-collect recycled waste brought in from home. Employees will also have the opportunity to take home compost made from the site’s organic waste for use in their gardens.

CooperVision’s LEED^® gold certified manufacturing facility in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico is celebrating Earth Day all month long through a series of educational sessions and events for employees. The facility will also host an Earth Day Fair with exhibitions featuring energy-efficient equipment, electric cars, educational conferences, sustainable art and houseware, raffles, and more.

Employees of CooperVision’s LEED^® silver certified global packaging and distribution facility in West Henrietta, N.Y. will volunteer their time to pick up waste at a local park and will recycle materials collected as appropriate. On Earth Day, employees at the site will receive reusable produce bags for their grocery shopping.
CooperVision’s LEED^® silver certified manufacturing facility in Scottsville, N.Y. will participate in an Arbor Day event at a local park where, for the third consecutive year, the Scottsville manufacturing team will donate trees to be planted in the community.

For more information about CooperVision’s commitment to sustainability—on Earth Day and every day—visit coopervision.com/about-us/coopervision-sustainability, or I can set you up to speak with Denise Lougheed, Marketing Manager, CooperVision Canada.

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April 19, 2024April 19, 2024

Ray-Ban and Lenny Kravitz Celebrate the Past, Break Boundaries in the Present Creating a Disruptive Future

Ray-Ban teams up with renowned musician and style icon Lenny Kravitz for the latest Ray-Ban Reverse collection. Launched in 2023, Ray-Ban created a cutting-edge inverted lens design shifting from a traditional convex lens to a concave lens.

Now, this disruptive design adds new colorways and joins forces with the Rock & Roll legend in a celebration of defying convention. The Ray-Ban x Lenny Kravitz capsule collection merges the brand’s most iconic shapes with Kravitz’s legendary persona in two special SKUs, + one limited-edition.

Regarded as one of the preeminent rock musicians of our time, Lenny Kravitz has transcended genre, style, race, and class over the course of a three decade-plus musical career. Revelling in the soul, rock, and funk influences of the sixties and seventies, the writer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist has won four GRAMMY® Awards. On the heels of his 12th studio album, Blue Electric Light out on May 24th, Lenny highlights the partnership wearing his capsule collection in his newest single video, “Human.”

“As a lifelong fan of Ray-Ban, their timeless style has always resonated with me. The Ray-Ban Reverse collaboration is a dream come true, allowing me to merge my love for music and fashion with such an iconic brand. It’s about breaking boundaries, embracing individuality, and seeing the world from a new perspective through those innovative lenses.”

Lenny Kravitz

The collection was crafted with consideration for our planet by utilizing a palette of alternative materials such as: bio-nylon lenses1 with a 41% bio-based carbon content, bio-acetate frames with a 67% bio-based carbon content and 100% recycled polyester cleansing cloth and packaging. Finished with a high-performance anti-glare treatment, the lens is primed to reduce up to 70% of the reflections at wavelengths at which the eye is most sensitive.

All Ray-Ban Reverse Collections including the Ray-Ban X Lenny Kravitz capsule collection can be purchased at all Ray-Ban Stores and Ray-Ban.com and are available throughout all owned and operated EssilorLuxottica wholesale channels. Special exclusives can be found at Sunglass Hut and Grand Vision banners.

Discover The Lenny Kravitz Collection

Originally designed for U.S. pilots in 1937, the immortal aviator shape now stands as one of the most iconic sunglass models in the world with its classic straight top bar.

Favoured for its fusion of quality, performance, comfort, and eternal style. Enter in the Ray-Ban Reverse x Lenny Kravitz Collection, created with the inimitable artist, featuring a Black Aviator Reverse, Chrome Aviator Reverse and a limited- edition in Gold Plated Aviator.

Each piece hosts a Lenny Kravitz signature etched on the left lens, with special packaging and a premium case both signed by Lenny Kravitz.

2024 Colour Adds: Washed Lenses

Embodying the vintage look and feel, the Ray-Ban Reverse collection adds several colorful washed lenses. This effect is achieved by lightly sanding the surface of the lens to fade the tint.

The lenses slightly reveal your eyes while keeping the same technical features that made Reverse a solid product: UV light protection, back-side anti-reflection, bio-based lens material.

Colour additions include: a Burgundy Washed Lens in a Gold Aviator Frame and a Blue Washed Lens in a Black Acetate Wayfarer Frame. A special Aviator made with rose- gold lenses and a silver frame will be available exclusively at Sunglass Hut.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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Blog

Contact Lens Institute & IACLE Collaborate to Bring Practice and Patient Insights to Contact Lens Educators

CORE Publication Helps ECPs Prepare for a New Wave of Dry Eye Disease Medications

New Research Reveals More than One-Third of Eyewear Users Neglect Proper Care

Report highlights:

About the inSights Research Program

CooperVision Celebrates Earth Day 2024

Ray-Ban and Lenny Kravitz Celebrate the Past, Break Boundaries in the Present Creating a Disruptive Future

Discover The Lenny Kravitz Collection

2024 Colour Adds: Washed Lenses

Featured Posts

Contact Lens Institute & IACLE Collaborate to Bring Practice and Patient Insights to Contact Lens Educators

CORE Publication Helps ECPs Prepare for a New Wave of Dry Eye Disease Medications

New Research Reveals More than One-Third of Eyewear Users Neglect Proper Care

CooperVision Celebrates Earth Day 2024

Ray-Ban and Lenny Kravitz Celebrate the Past, Break Boundaries in the Present Creating a Disruptive Future

Contact Lens Institute & IACLE Collaborate to Bring Practice and Patient Insights to Contact Lens Educators

CORE Publication Helps ECPs Prepare for a New Wave of Dry Eye Disease Medications

New Research Reveals More than One-Third of Eyewear Users Neglect Proper Care

CooperVision Celebrates Earth Day 2024

Ray-Ban and Lenny Kravitz Celebrate the Past, Break Boundaries in the Present Creating a Disruptive Future

Contact Lens Institute & IACLE Collaborate to Bring Practice and Patient Insights to Contact Lens Educators

CORE Publication Helps ECPs Prepare for a New Wave of Dry Eye Disease Medications

New Research Reveals More than One-Third of Eyewear Users Neglect Proper Care

CooperVision Celebrates Earth Day 2024

Ray-Ban and Lenny Kravitz Celebrate the Past, Break Boundaries in the Present Creating a Disruptive Future

Contact Lens Institute & IACLE Collaborate to Bring Practice and Patient Insights to Contact Lens Educators

CORE Publication Helps ECPs Prepare for a New Wave of Dry Eye Disease Medications

New Research Reveals More than One-Third of Eyewear Users Neglect Proper Care

CooperVision Celebrates Earth Day 2024

Ray-Ban and Lenny Kravitz Celebrate the Past, Break Boundaries in the Present Creating a Disruptive Future