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May 14, 2025May 14, 2025

More Than Half of Quebec Optometry Clinics Decline Emergency Appointments for New Patients

A recent study has revealed that over half of optometry clinics in Quebec do not offer emergency appointments to individuals who are not already established patients at their clinic. The research, led by Dr. Benoît Tousignant of the Université de Montréal in collaboration with optometry students Catherine Binette and Ariane Duchesne, sheds light on access challenges faced by patients without a regular eye care provider.

Published in Clinical and Experimental Optometry, the study used a simulated-patient method to assess real-world access to emergency eye care. Between May and June 2022, the two students called 95 optometry clinics across Quebec from Tuesday to Thursday, presenting themselves as new patients with urgent ocular symptoms: either a red eye (suggestive of conjunctivitis) or the sudden onset of flashes and floaters (potential signs of a retinal tear).

The result: 53.9% of clinics did not offer an appointment.

The researchers chose the simulated-call approach to avoid response bias and better reflect how an average patient might experience the healthcare system when seeking urgent care.

Regional Disparities in Access

The study revealed notable differences based on location. Clinics in rural areas were significantly more likely to offer emergency appointments (68.9%) compared to those in urban (40%) or peri-urban (30%) settings. One possible explanation is that rural optometrists may take on a broader scope of care due to limited access to specialized hospital services nearby.

Slight Preference for Simpler Cases

Clinics were marginally more likely to accept red eye cases (34.8%) than potential retinal emergencies (30.3%). The authors suggest this may be due to the complexity of care required. While conjunctivitis can often be assessed quickly, symptoms like flashes and floaters usually demand pupil dilation, extended examination time, and possible referral.

When Appointments Were Offered, Care Was Prompt and Affordable

For patients who did receive appointments, the average wait time was just 3.7 hours. More urgent scenarios (flashes and floaters) were seen slightly faster (3 hours) than milder ones (4.9 hours). Out-of-pocket costs were fairly consistent across the province, with an average fee of approximately $55.

More About Distribution Than Capacity

The study does not question the competency or capacity of optometrists in Quebec—who collectively manage over 185,000 urgent eye cases annually—but rather points to uneven distribution of that care. Some clinics appear to absorb a large share of emergency visits, while others take on few or none.

Dr. Tousignant emphasizes that future research should aim to better understand what enables certain clinics to integrate urgent visits more effectively. Identifying those operational factors could help inform broader strategies to improve emergency eye care access for all patients.

Reference:
Tousignant B, Binette C, Duchesne A. Accessing emergency eye care by therapeutically qualified optometrists: A simulated-patient study in Quebec, Canada. Clinical and Experimental Optometry. Published April 21, 2025.

Source: Université de Montréal

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May 14, 2025May 14, 2025

President Emmanuel Macron Inaugurates EssilorLuxottica’s Excellence Laboratory in France, a Flagship for Innovation and Sustainability

EssilorLuxottica’s Excellence Rx Laboratory (“Labex”) in the Grand Paris area was inaugurated this morning by President Emmanuel Macron. This state-of- the-art industrial facility, a testament to the Company’s optical expertise, aims to enhance the production of made-to-measure ophthalmic lenses in France. It combines advanced med-tech know-how with a strong commitment to sustainability, solidifying EssilorLuxottica’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation in a sustainable way.

EssilorLuxottica Emanuel Macron inauguration mai 2025

“We are honored to have President Macron inaugurate EssilorLuxottica’s Excellence Laboratory and share in our pride as we open this new facility in a country where we have deep roots,” said Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO, and Paul du Saillant, Deputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica. “It truly embodies our unique know-how and ambitions to develop and transform our industry. It is a symbol of our commitment to innovation and our leadership in vision care and med-tech. With this industrial investment in France, the Group is significantly enhancing its capacity to better serve the growing demand of our customers as well as consumers.”

A technological flagship dedicated to enhancing vision care and eyewear

The Labex boasts the capacity to deliver up to 20,000 corrective lenses per day. With a team of 300 skilled professionals at full capacity, it is set to increase the production of prescription lenses in France by 40%, with a significant expansion of the range of products with Origine France Garantie certification. This facility will serve as a key pillar of ophthalmic manufacturing within the country, better addressing the needs of the French consumer and the growing demand for vision care. In line with its commitment, EssilorLuxottica is coordinating the PREMYOM research consortium on myopia control solutions, part of the “France 2030” plan.

With 16 000 m² housing 104 manufacturing machines, of which the majority operate with in-house state- of-the art technologies, and processes enhanced by automation and AI, this facility also allows visitors to experience the Group’s innovations, technologies and iconic brands. Strategically located near the Group’s Innovation & Technology Center in Créteil, the Labex fosters seamless collaboration and rapid deployment of future innovations and new categories. It houses production lines for high-tech lenses under iconic brands such as Varilux, Transitions, and Stellest, as well as an edging-mounting activity ensuring the timely delivery of complete-pair equipment: frames fitted with corrective lenses.

A commitment to Sustainable Development

The EssilorLuxottica Excellence Laboratory is the first French industrial site striving for LEED Gold certification, a global benchmark. This certification signifies that the building adheres to the strictest standards for energy efficiency, water management, and biodiversity preservation, while ensuring optimal working conditions. This aligns seamlessly with the Group’s sustainability program “Eyes on the Planet”.

The facility is entirely powered by renewable energy, producing zero CO2 emissions. It includes 3,700 m² of photovoltaic panels, supplying 15% of its energy needs. Thanks to various implemented initiatives, including fluid filtration systems, energy consumption per lens is reduced by 64% and water consumption by 55%*. Chip compaction contributes to a 46% reduction in waste*, while more than 95% of the waste is re-used. The work environment is optimized for employee well-being through improved air quality, acoustic comfort and natural lighting.

*Target compared to the 2023 corresponding scope

Click HERE for the press release.

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May 13, 2025May 12, 2025

UdeM Optometry Professor Named Knight of the Ordre de Montréal

On May 17, during the City of Montréal’s official anniversary celebrations, three professors from the Université de Montréal will be inducted into the Ordre de Montréal—one of the city’s highest civic honours. Among them is optometry professor Dr. Benoît Tousignant, recognized for his outstanding public health work in eye care.

Dr. Tousignant, a faculty member of both the School of Optometry and the School of Public Health, has made a significant impact through his efforts to serve marginalized populations, including Indigenous peoples, incarcerated individuals, and those experiencing homelessness. He leads Regard collectif, a mobile optometry clinic that delivers eye care services to people living on the streets of Montréal.

In addition to providing urgently needed vision care, the initiative also serves as a training platform for future optometrists and a base for public health research.

His work exemplifies a deep commitment to equitable access to vision care and reflects a broader view of health that continues to shape both clinical practice and optometric education.

Dr. Tousignant is one of three Université de Montréal professors to receive the distinction this year. Joining him are Dr. Daniel Bichet, a renowned nephrologist and researcher, and Dr. Laurent Mottron, a global expert in autism research. All three will be named Knights of the Ordre de Montréal for their contributions to the city and their respective fields.

Source: Université de Montréal

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May 13, 2025May 12, 2025

Change of President and CEO at Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

The President and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Dr. Markus Weber, has informed the Supervisory Board that he will leave the company of his own accord. The Supervisory Board acknowledges and deeply regrets Dr. Weber’s decision. Dr. Weber and the Supervisory Board reached a mutual agreement on the best of terms that his mandate as President and CEO will end on May 31, 2025.

The Supervisory Board has appointed Maximilian Foerst as the new President and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG effective June1, 2025. As Head of ZEISS Greater China since 2009, he has been responsible for all business activities in what is now the ZEISS Group’s strongest market globally in terms of revenue, generating around two billion euros annually. In addition to the sales and services companies of all four ZEISS segments, he currently oversees seven production sites, three innovation centers, regional support functions and over 7,000 employees at more than 30 locations. Prior to this, he headed the ZEISS Group’s sales and service companies in Korea and France. The ZEISS Medical Technology segment plays a major role in all these markets. At Medical Technology, Maximilian Foerst previously served as Director of Sales and Marketing as well as Head of Product Management for Lasers at the Ophthalmology strategic business unit.

“Under Markus Weber’s leadership, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG has laid a very important strategic foundation and, as a technology leader in ophthalmology and microsurgery, is very well positioned for the future. With the acquisition of the company Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (D.O.R.C.), he successfully made a key addition to the company’s service portfolio,” says Andreas Pecher, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG. “The Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG would like to thank Markus Weber for his exceptional dedication and extremely successful time as President and CEO. We very much regret his decision and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

“I would like to thank the Supervisory Board, all the customers, partners and all the employees for the excellent cooperation and for putting their trust in me,” says Dr. Weber. “After 22 years at ZEISS and being in my early 50s, now is the right time to once again take on an entirely new challenge. I wish my successor, Maximilian Foerst, all the best and continued success.”

Andreas Pecher is pleased to be able to appoint a highly competent successor from within the ZEISS Group. “With experience in international business and outstanding qualifications, Maximilian Foerst has successfully built up and expanded the ZEISS Group’s business in what for us is currently the strongest market globally in terms of revenue,” says Andreas Pecher. “In light of his experience at the ZEISS Medical Technology segment and its close alignment with customers in challenging international markets, he will successfully develop this important part of the ZEISS Group.”

Speaking about his appointment as President and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Maximilian Foerst said: “I am very much looking forward to this new position at Carl Zeiss Meditec AG. In challenging times, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG is very well positioned and aligned. The long-term potential of innovative medical technology is based on megatrends such as demographic change, the increasing importance of health and digitalization. Now, we have to leverage this with a keen eye to the diverse requirements of our global markets.”

Thus, starting 1 June 2025, the Management Board of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG will consist of Maximilian Foerst (President and CEO) and Justus Wehmer (Chief Financial Officer).

Click HERE for the press release.

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May 9, 2025July 15, 2025

Children in Maskwacîs Receive Eye Exams and Glasses Through Collaboration with OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, LensCrafters & Operation Eyesight Universal

Lenscrafters OneSight Operation Eyesight universal logos 2025

To help students with undiagnosed vision issues, LensCrafters optometrists and team members recently came together to provide eye exams and glasses to children in Maskwacîs. The clinic was organized by LensCrafters, and the North America affiliate of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, the leading global vision care foundation, with support from Operation Eyesight Universal, a Calgary-based international development organization.

The vision clinic was held April 28 – May 2 at the Nipisihkopahk Elementary School in partnership with the Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission. The clinic helped address unresolved vision problems for 500–600 students who may otherwise lack access to eye exams and glasses. Leveraging the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation’s proven clinic model and manufacturing capabilities, most participants in need of glasses received their newly prescribed, quality eyewear on-site.

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“This initiative supports student learning by connecting vision care with overall health and education,” said Heather Littlechild, Coordinator of Inclusive Education. “After identifying many students needing glasses, we developed a program rooted in Cree values to promote student well-being and confidence in the classroom. Our partnership with Operation Eyesight, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, and LensCrafters provided the care students needed, bringing eye exams and glasses directly to students.”

LensCrafters is deeply committed to giving back to the communities it serves and has a long history of enabling its optometrists and team members to be part of this life-changing work. Over the last decade, LensCrafters has proudly helped raise over $25 million for the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation through customer donations.

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“At LensCrafters, we see it as a privilege and a responsibility to engage our doctors and team members in elevating the cause of vision and the impactful work of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation,” said Alfonso Cerullo, President of LensCrafters and For Eyes. “Through the Foundation, we’re able to extend vision care to those who need it most in the communities we serve and better ensure everyone can see more and be more.”

“LensCrafters continues to be a deeply dedicated partner that truly champions the work we do at the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation,” said Becky Palm, Executive Director, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation North America. “LensCrafters employees have been tremendous, hands-on supporters of the Foundation for more than 30 years. Thanks to the continued passion of LensCrafters’ leadership, doctors and team members, we’re able to fund and staff critical programs that empower the patients we serve through vision care access.”

To learn more about the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and how to get involved, please visit www.onesight.essilorluxottica.com