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First Patients Treated in XLRP Gene Therapy Trial

Fighting Blindness Canada research

Beacon Therapeutics, has announced that they have treated the first patients in their Phase 2/3 VISTA trial for a gene therapy for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). The treatment, AGTC-501, is a gene replacement therapy and was originally developed by the company AGTC and then acquired by Beacon in 2023.

This trial is a global, randomized trial and will involve approximately 75 participants to test the efficacy and safety of the gene replacement therapy. Results from the trial will be shared in the coming years.

About Fighting Blindness Canada

Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) is the largest charitable funder of vision research in Canada.

Over our 49-year history, FBC has contributed critical funding for the development of sight-saving treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases. By raising and stewarding funds, FBC is helping drive forward research that supports our goal of understanding why vision loss occurs, how it can be slowed and how sight can be restored.

We are an invaluable resource for individuals and families impacted by blindness, providing accurate eye health information through our website and educational events, as well as engaging with government and other stakeholders to advance better vision health policies.

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CooperCompanies Recognized as a Best Workplace for Innovators

CooperCompanies

CooperCompanies announced that the company has been recognized as a Best Workplace for Innovators by Fast Company—a leading business media brand with an editorial focus on innovation—for creating a culture of employee development and belonging that inspires innovation and the development of new products and advocacy initiatives that aim to improve standard-of-care. This prestigious award recognizes organizations from around the world and across a variety of industries that demonstrate a commitment to encouraging and developing innovation at all levels.

“Our work matters to us; you can see it in our culture and everything we do. We’re making significant investments in ourselves and in our people, driving innovation across Cooper that is ultimately improving patient outcomes. I’m incredibly proud of this accoladeour work improving lives around the world is something to celebrate!”

Al White, President and CEO, CooperCompanies

In addition to being recognized as a Best Workplace for Innovators, CooperCompanies was also included on the 2024 Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces in North America list and achieved a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index earlier this year.

 Click HERE for the press release.

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Nikon Optical Unveils “Vision You Can Feel” Campaign in Canada

Nikon Optical Canada logo

With over 100 years of heritage, Nikon Optical Canada is devoted to using its knowledge and understanding of sight to bring a unique life experience to each wearer of its eyeglass lenses. Its meticulous and detailed effort in its product development goes beyond providing the best personalised vision to eyeglass wearers.

The premium lenswear brand truly believes that it is not only crucial to see everything in sight clearly but also to have the right vision, so that every single moment of life is elevated. With this in mind, Nikon Optical Canada announces its launch of the 2024 brand campaign, Vision You Can Feel.

Vision You can Feel

Nikon VISION YOU CAN FEEL

The launch of this campaign starts with a new brand video that celebrates the feeling of seeing the world in a new light. Inspired by the brand’s philosophy towards not just creating eyeglass lenses but also focusing on enhancing the way people experience the world, Nikon Optical invites consumers to discover ‘Vision You Can Feel.’

To stand out as a premium lens creator, honour Nikon’s rich heritage and craftsmanship and connect with consumers on an emotional level, the campaign shows Nikon Optical not only as a technical brand but also as an aspirational brand.

This latest video introduced a diverse cast of characters, each experiencing the powerful emotion of a moment. It shows that every gaze can turn into an adventure and every vision an individual experience can become a journey filled with emotions and unforgettable memories. The video features poignant and visually striking scenes that transport audiences into the eyes, hearts and minds of individuals who wear Nikon lenses, to see life with newfound richness and clarity.

The video’s direction is anchored in elevated, but relatable, day-to- day situations with subtle, modern cues of Japanese heritage. It is more than just a showcase of cutting-edge lens technology; it’s an invitation to see life with unmatched clarity and vibrancy.

Nikon Optical not only develops the thinnest, clearest and most innovative lenses but also to enable one to see, experience, feel and remember life’s greatest moments.

Thinking of the Nikon brand, we know that it is intrinsically linked to the notion of memories and what makes memories unforgettable is the emotions that were felt at a particular point in time. Vision You Can Feel, translates the strength of Nikon Optical and its difference in the optical industry – beyond producing high-quality eyeglass lenses, it is its ability to create proximity, trust and connection with the consumers, in particular, the younger generation.

Campaign Launches on Social Media

Vision You Can Feel campaign is launching across Canada on September 16, 2024 until October 24, 2024. The campaign will be featured in the digital space, mainly Instagram and Facebook, persuading consumers to learn more about the brand and to drive consumers to our partner locations.

For more information about Nikon Optical and its Vision You Can Feel campaign, visit the Nikon Lenswear website or contact your Nikon Business Development Partner.

Click HERE for the press release.

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Marchon and Savannah College of Art and Design Announce Fashion Eyewear Design Course Partnership

Marchon SCAD School of Fashion logos

Marchon Eyewear announces a new academic partnership with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the global leader in art, design, and innovation in higher education, as the university launches its first-ever Fashion Eyewear Design course. SCAD’s new dedicated Fashion Eyewear Design course within the university’s prestigious Accessory Design program will allow students to explore the fusion of fashion and style with technical skills to design innovative eyewear.

Through the new SCAD Fashion Eyewear Design course and partnership with industry leader Marchon, the students will receive instruction in the art of eyewear design, focusing on technical and concept development, construction, technology, merchandising, industry innovations, standards, and more. The design and product development team at Marchon is eager to connect with students to provide hands-on learning experiences with expert mentorship and engagement in the classroom. Throughout the academic year, talented SCAD students will gain expertise in the latest tools and define their own unique design language.

“We are very proud to announce our partnership with SCAD, the premier design university. By collaborating with SCAD, we are solidifying our commitment to educate and nurture the next generation of eyewear designers, while pushing the envelope for innovation and creativity.”

Thomas Burkhardt, President, Marchon Eyewear

“Eyewear has evolved from a simple necessity to a bold statement of personal style. At SCAD, we are thrilled to be the first U.S. design university to offer a dedicated course in Eyewear Design, one of the industry’s most exciting fields where fashion meets innovation. We are thrilled to be partnering with Marchon, the leading U.S. eyewear maker as we launch this new course, and that our talented students will have the exclusive opportunity to engage with Marchon design leaders as they create market-ready designs that are not only stylish but also meet the highest standards of comfort, fit, functionality, and technical innovation.”

Long-Nam TÔ, Chair of Accessory Design, SCAD

Click HERE for the press release.

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Woodys : A Unique Version of “La Dolce Vita”

Mood Woodys Carla

Woodys presents La Dolce Vita, a new campaign inspired by this famous lifestyle for its Fall-winter collection, adding 44 new models to its main collection. Each frame reflects the brand’s distinctive values through vibrant colours, innovative designs, exquisite laminates and unique details, fusing quality and design in every frame.

Featured model: Carla

Distributed by Mood Eyewear: www.moodeyewear.com

About Mood Eyewear:

Mood Eyewear Inc is proud to lead in the latest European optical trends, integrating European fashion influences to enhance the visual experience. We consider it both a duty and an honor to support our business partners by providing personalized and efficient service. Our exclusive collections are carefully curated to blend creativity, innovation, art, design, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology.

Established in 2006, Mood Eyewear was founded with the aim of importing and offering prestigious optical and sunglass collections to the Canadian market. Our group ensures the distribution of renowned European brands, selected for their quality and distinctive aesthetics. 

We are the exclusive distributors in Canada for brands such as Blackfin, Woodys, Le Parc, Visionario, X-Ide, MIC, I-Man, Komono, and Kunoquist.

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