Blog

November 27, 2024November 22, 2024

Urban Style for an Effortless Statement

Voila November-December 2024 COS Dynamic_Dawn_5572

Featuring nylor half-rim shapes on top, Silhouette’s Dynamic Dawn offers an understated look. Immaculate front detailing and ultra-light elegance blend in harmonious balance, available in a selection of subdued colours.

The classic top-rim models—available in round and rectangular—feature a wider, stately temple and stunning nylor contours of diverse colours of polished titanium paired with muted temple colours.

Featured model: Dynamic Dawn 5572

Distributed by COS: canadianoptical.com

About COS:

For over 70 years, COS has prided itself on its commitment to providing customers with unparalleled service and superior products. Founded in 1951 by Fred and Judith Hochstadter, with the specific goal of offering something truly innovative to independent eye care professionals in Canada, and based in Montreal, COS is a family-run business that represents a wide variety of high-quality frames. They are also Silhouette’s exclusive Canadian distributor since the brand was established in 1964.

The heart of COS business lies in the relationship with each client. The goal of the sales representatives and customer service team is to develop long-term, in-depth ties based upon customer-satisfaction and respect. With every interaction, COS dedicates itself to delivering the exact results that customers desire and their needs require. When it comes to offering truly top of the line service, COS is nothing short of groundbreaking.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e- newsletters!

November 26, 2024November 26, 2024

Transitions Optical Now Accepting Submissions for the 2024 Transitions® Innovation Awards

Nominations for the 2024 Transitions^® Innovation Awards Program are now open at Transitions.com/en-canadapro/innovation-awards through December 6, 2024. Through this program, Transitions Optical recognizes and celebrates partners and individual optical industry professionals from Canada and the U.S. who have shown the highest level of commitment to innovating their business over the past year.

The four Transitions^® Innovation Awards categories are open to independent eyecare professionals and practices, optical industry professionals and educators, national and regional retailers, optical laboratories, managed vision care companies, as well as lens manufacturers and buying groups.

The categories include:

Transitions^® Healthy Sight Ambassador (individual-only award)
Retailer of the Year, North America
Eyecare Practice of the Year, North America
Channel Partner of the Year

Nominations for all Transitions^® Innovation Awards will be accepted online (at Transitions.com/en-canadapro/innovation-awards) until December 6, 2024. The application process involves creating a PowerPoint submission and submitting videos to support and personalize the entry. Nominees will be judged based on who best showcases their dedication to being an influential advocate of healthy sight by embodying one or more of Transitions’ brand values of innovation, quality, service, and education. Applications can be submitted directly by the applicant or nominated by a lab, lens manufacturer, industry colleague, or representative from an industry organization.

For additional information, industry professionals should visit Transitions.com/en-canadapro/innovation-awards.

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

November 26, 2024November 21, 2024

AAO Recognized as a Cochrane Eyes and Vision (CEV) Center for Evidence-based Vision Care

The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) was recognized as a Cochrane Eyes and Vision (CEV) Center for Evidence-based Vision Care during Academy 2024 Indianapolis, November 6-9, 2024.

CEV Centers for Evidence-based Vision Care demonstrate their commitment to evidence- based medicine by building a critical mass of highly skilled investigators who publish Cochrane systematic reviews. Their contributions to research and finding out what treatments work best in patient care are a model for clinical sites worldwide. CEV Centers for Evidence-based Medicine are critical for assembling a portfolio of up-to-date systematic reviews that inform eye care by making the reviews publicly available to patients, clinicians, and other decision-makers.

“The Academy is honored to be recognized as a CEV Center for Evidence-based Vision Care. This designation underscores our commitment to advancing eye care through rigorous research and collaboration. Through the CEV@US program, our Fellows are shaping the future of evidence-based eye care, ensuring that clinical decisions are grounded in the best available science for the benefit of patients worldwide.”

Dr. Susan Cotter, Immediate Past President, American Academy of Optometry

This designation was announced on Thursday, November 7, during the symposium, “Eyes on Evidence: Six Reviews from the Academy & Cochrane Collaboration.” Kicked off with an introduction and special remarks by Michael Chiang, MD, Director of the National Eye Institute (NEI), this symposium explored systematic reviews generated through the CEV US Project (CEV@US), sharing the latest evidence-based synthesis of vision research on critical topics in optometry.

CEV@US, founded by the National Eye Institute, is Cochrane’s division dedicated to eye and vision care. Its mission is to advance evidence-based eye care through rigorous

systematic reviews addressing critical clinical questions in eye health and visual function. With a portfolio of up-to-date reviews from a network of expert contributors, CEV@US ensures that the most relevant evidence is available to improve and inform vision care.

38 Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry were divided into six writing groups and tasked with developing a specific systematic review under the guidance of Academy and CEV@US mentors, leading to the publication of two review manuscripts and four more pending peer review and expected to be published by the end of 2024. The Cochrane review topics and “Eyes on Evidence” symposium presenters were:

Ocular motor disorders in children and adults with mild traumatic brain injury (Angela Chen, OD, MS, FAAO, Dipl AAO)
Lubricating drops for contact lens discomfort in adults (Barbara Caffery, OD, PhD, FAAO, Dipl AAO)
Multifaceted behavioral interventions to improve treatment adherence of glaucoma (Zanna Kruoch, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO)
Self-management interventions for quality of life in adults with visual impairment (Alexis Malkin, OD, FAAO)
Interventions for improving adherence to amblyopia treatment in children (Debora Lee Chen, OD, MPH, FAAO)
Safety of contact lenses in correcting refractive error in the pediatric population (Heidi Wagner, OD, MPH, FAAO, Dipl AAO)

A new cohort of 64 Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry began their training during Academy 2024 Indianapolis, continuing the AAO/CEV@US collaboration to shape the future of evidence-based eye care.

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

November 26, 2024November 26, 2024

Registration Opens for Vision Expo East in Orlando, Florida 2025

Registration is now open for Vision Expo East 2025, the leading trade-only conference and exhibition for eyecare and eyewear professionals. Co-owned by RX and The Vision Council, this highly anticipated event will take place from February 19–22, 2025, at its new location: the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida.

Vision Expo East 2025 will debut in Florida with a fresh brand identity that emphasizes innovation, fashion and community, hallmarks that have distinguished Vision Expo from other optical events since its inception. Built for the industry, by the industry, the comprehensive event balances educational programming and exhibitions, offering attendees access to over 270 hours of accredited continuing education, and 300+ exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge eyewear, frames, technology, lenses, practice management solutions and more.

“We have a renewed vision for Vision Expo. As we continue to invest in the show’s growth, we are listening to the needs of each attendee category to increase overall satisfaction with the event offering and to leave our community with memories to guarantee the next Expo will not be missed. Vision Expo East will feature an exciting mix of show floor and new evening events offsite designed to relationship build and, of course, have fun! “

Mitch Barkley, Vice President of Trade Shows, The Vision Council.

New Show Features

The event relocation from New York City to Orlando will encourage community building through a better-connected, centralized experience, and distinct enhancements across programming, exhibit spaces and events. The inaugural show at the state-of-the-art OCCC will bring about a more organized, quality experience for both exhibitors and attendees.

Designed to highlight the unique areas of the optical industry, the new show floor is organized into distinct sections: Eyewear, Eyecare, Independent Design, and Tech and Innovation

Fostering community and discovery across eyewear and eyecare, new show floor activations and expanded areas include:

Main Stage, featuring daily speaker sessions, panel discussions and fashion shows
Platinum Club, for VIPS including million-dollar practices, media and influencers
OptiCon Hub, presented by the United Opticians Association
Resource Center, featuring The Vision Council in collaboration with associations and charitable partners
OTC Showcase, featuring the industry’s most desired over-the-counter products
Indie Lab Speakeasy, a meeting place with a twist sponsored by leading independent laboratories
NOW Trend Showcase, with a new design and expanded showcase of categories and awards
Flaunt the Frame Fashion Show, a daily showcase of select frames from the NOW Trends Showcase
Dining and Drinks, new V Bar hours, curated lounges, cafes, food trucks, and more

Off the show floor, attendees and exhibitors can mix and mingle with the optical industry each evening at the following events:

Opening Night Party, multi-venue featuring a variety of talent including DJs, country music, and a live rock band
Friday Pool Party, live entertainment and surprises for a tropical oasis
Daily Happy Hours, poolside networking events

New Education Offerings

Vision Expo East 2025 offers an unmatched lineup of new educational sessions led by industry leaders, with the program kicking off on February 19, one day before the exhibit hall opens and continuing until February 22. The accredited curriculum includes OptiCon @ Vision Expo, presented by the United Opticians Association (UOA), providing opticians with a chance to earn valuable credits while learning about the latest advancements in eye care.

Optical professionals can hear firsthand from leading experts across optometry, opticianry and business as they share clinical experiences with real-world examples and accreditation opportunities. With a broad range of subjects, Vision Expo’s sessions offer education for all levels of the business.

We’re All New Here! Plan Travel and Claim Savings

The official hotel block is now open, in partnership with Vision Expo’s official provider Connections Housing. Limited rooms are left at directly adjacent hotels, but complimentary shuttles will be provided to other hotel locations. Block reservation deadline is January 19, 2025.

Attendees can enjoy travel deals and enhance their Florida experience with savings on fun! Vision Expo registered attendees traveling within the Miami – Orlando area can receive a 50 percent discount on Brightline SMART Business Class travel, with prices varying by destination.

The industry will also benefit from Vision Expo’s partners at Visit Orlando for planning concierge services, sample itineraries, restaurant discounts, conference theme park rates, and more. Visit the travel site for more information on all the exciting features that make Orlando the #1 meetings destination in the country.

Register Today

Beth Casson, Group Vice President at RX, notes, “Vision Expo East 2025 is a culmination of everything that is new, redefining the Expo of the future. The transformation of the event logo, streamlined show design, enhanced programming, and a variety of new features for a vibrant experience, further reflects a commitment to innovation and fashion, while also fostering a stronger community among optical professionals.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn and experience all the best that Vision Expo East 2025 has to offer. Register today to be part of the pillar gathering of the eyecare and eyewear community!

Attendee Registration Here

Exhibitor Registration Here

Media Registration Here

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

November 26, 2024November 28, 2024

An Important Message from the OOA

As we move closer to 2025, the Ontario Opticians Association and the Opticians Association of Canada will discontinue the blended membership program.

In light of changes being made to how Ontario Members could access services in 2025, your executive board has determined that it would not be in the best interest of Ontario to continue the partnership with the OAC in its current form.

The Ontario Opticians Association has been working on behalf of Ontario Opticians for 78 years as advocates, ambassadors and continuing education providers.

As both Associations are dedicated to furthering the profession through advocacy on behalf of Opticians, the OOA will continue to do so on the provincial level and the OAC will focus on the federal level.

As we move forward as your Provincial association we confirm our commitment to our members to always work in the best interest of all Opticians living and working in Ontario.

To maintain the integrity of the OOA, we will be adding new initiatives to bridge the gap between the services that were provided by the OAC to OOA members. We will continue to offer In person conferences and trade shows throughout Ontario, with discounts for early bird tickets, and the OOAcademy for asynchronous CE. We will continue to offer Venngo MemberPerks as a member benefit for your everyday purchases.

Beginning in 2025 we will be adding more webinars for members of the OOA in a series we call OOAccess. The most important change for our members is that The Ontario Opticians Association will be issuing Professional Liability Insurance directly from our Ontario office. We will continue our partnership exclusively with Brokerlink as our PLI provider to ensure that our members have what they need to maintain their license in Ontario.

The OOA feels that because you are receiving membership to your Provincial Association only in 2025 that our prices should reflect this change. Beginning this year, our price will be $100 + HST per year. This price includes all of the benefits listed above and includes $1,000,000 PLI.

For those who have already joined the OOA for 2025, we are in the process of issuing partial refunds to reflect the new price.

The Ontario Opticians Association thanks you for continued support and we look forward to continuing to serve the Opticians in Ontario.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Wicks RO
Executive Director
The Ontario Opticians Association

Source : Ontario Opticians Association

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!