Blog - Page 20 of 889

August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

MiYOSMART® iQ Launches in Canada, Marking a New Era in Myopia Control

HOYA Vision Care has announced the Canadian launch of MiYOSMART® iQ, its most advanced spectacle lens for myopia control in children. Building on the D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) Technology behind MiYOSMART, the new lens introduces a Triple Enhanced Design (TED) and is supported by 12‑month clinical results demonstrating the highest myopia‑control efficacy reported to date with D.I.M.S.-based spectacle lenses.

Presented at the ARVO 2026 Annual Meeting, the randomized controlled trial showed that MiYOSMART iQ was able to halt clinically relevant myopia progression for 9 out of 10 children over the first year of wear. In the study of 196 children aged 4–12, those wearing MiYOSMART iQ demonstrated no average myopia progression at 12 months, with axial elongation below or comparable to emmetropic eye growth.

For the first time, D.I.M.S.-based spectacle lenses demonstrated efficacy in children as young as four years old, marking a major milestone in early‑onset myopia management.

“MiYOSMART iQ is truly exceptional,” said Ryan McAdam, Managing Director, HOYA Vision Care Canada. “We are ushering in an era of myopia management that has the potential to change the trajectory of children’s vision health in Canada and around the world.”

HOYA Vision Care CEO John Goltermann Lassen added: “Until today, no trial conducted on a myopia control spectacle lens has shown this level of effectiveness. MiYOSMART iQ represents a generational leap in myopia control.”

Clinical Results Set a New Benchmark

Across ages 4–12, MiYOSMART iQ wearers showed no average progression and significantly reduced axial elongation. Key findings include:

Ages 4–6: 65% efficacy in SER and 44% in AL over 12 months
Ages 7–12: Over 100% efficacy in SER and 94% in AL
High compliance across all age groups, supporting proper myopia control

“These findings demonstrate—for the first time with myopia control spectacle lenses—efficacy in children from four years of age,” said Dr. Natalia Vlasak, HOYA Vision Care’s Global Head of Medical and Scientific Affairs.

Triple Enhanced Design: The Science Behind MiYOSMART iQ

MiYOSMART iQ builds on D.I.M.S. Technology with three major enhancements:

Defocus segments positioned closer to the lens centre, activating the “Smart Zone” on the near‑peripheral retina
Higher defocus power for a stronger myopic defocus signal
An extended treatment zone for broader peripheral coverage, even with larger frames

MiYOSMART technology is supported by over 100 peer‑reviewed publications.

A Strengthened Portfolio for Canadian Eye Care Professionals

More than 15 million MiYOSMART lenses have been purchased worldwide since 2018. In Canada, MiYOSMART iQ joins the original MiYOSMART DIMS lens, creating a two‑tier portfolio:

MiYOSMART DIMS: Proven, accessible option with eight years of clinical data
MiYOSMART iQ: HOYA’s most advanced solution for progressive or early‑onset myopia

Eye care professionals can contact their local HOYA Territory Manager for details.

A Growing Global Concern

Myopia is expected to affect half of the world’s population by 2050, up from one‑third today. Early intervention reduces cumulative progression and lowers the risk of high myopia and associated sight‑threatening diseases later in life.

Source: HOYA Vision Care / CNW

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

August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

SILMO Istanbul 2026: A Strategic Hub for Eurasia’s Optical Industry

From 18 to 21 November 2026, SILMO Istanbul will once again gather leading brands, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and buyers at the Istanbul Expo Center. Now firmly established as a key business meeting point for the region, the exhibition offers companies a unique environment to strengthen their presence, build new partnerships and expand into high‑potential markets across Eurasia.

Supported by Türkiye’s strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, the Balkans, the Caucasus and Central Asia, SILMO Istanbul facilitates connections across the entire optical value chain. Each edition helps professionals identify new opportunities, broaden their networks and gain insight into the industry’s ongoing evolution.

Recognised among Europe’s leading optical exhibitions, SILMO Istanbul combines business development, professional expertise and high‑value content, making it an essential annual event for companies seeking to accelerate their growth across the region.

Innovation, Expertise and Industry Recognition

Exploring tomorrow’s innovations

Innovation will once again take centre stage through SILMO Next / Trend Forum. Trend selections, the Futurology area and immersive AI experiences will highlight the technologies, materials and design approaches shaping the future of eyewear. Visitors will gain practical insight into emerging opportunities and the creative directions driving the industry forward.

Sharing expertise, inspiring progress

Throughout the exhibition, SILMO Istanbul Akademik will bring together internationally recognised academics, practitioners and industry experts to explore major transformations affecting the profession. Topics will include artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainability, evolving consumer expectations and new business models — offering a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and professional development.

Celebrating the excellence of Türkiye’s optical industry

Returning for its fourth edition, SILMO Award Istanbul will honour the products, brands and companies that contribute to the dynamism of Türkiye’s optical industry through innovation, design and quality. The awards have become a benchmark for showcasing creativity, encouraging innovation and reinforcing the visibility of the Turkish optical market.

Save the Date

18–21 November 2026 Istanbul Expo Center | Halls 5, 6 & 7 More information: www.silmoistanbul.com

Source: SILMO Istanbul

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

August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

New U.S. Study Finds Soft Contact Lens Patients Significantly More Profitable Than Glasses‑Only Wearers

A new U.S. study commissioned by the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has found that soft contact lens wearers generate substantially higher annual profitability for eye care practices compared to glasses‑only patients. According to the research, the profit advantage ranges from 29% to 86% per year, depending on lens type.

The study analyzed anonymized four‑year data from 20 eye care practices across the United States, including professional fees, chair time, staff compensation and secondary revenue streams. Researchers calculated average annual customer‑level profits of $436 for spherical contact lens wearers, $453 for toric wearers, and $485 for multifocal wearers. In comparison, profits averaged $244 for single‑vision glasses patients and $376 for progressive‑lens wearers.

A First‑of‑Its‑Kind Profitability Analysis in the U.S.

The study was conducted by Professor Philip Morgan (University of Manchester), Professor Lyndon Jones (CORE / University of Waterloo), and Professors Ash Morgan and John Whitehead (Appalachian State University). CLI commissioned the work as part of its multi‑year See Tomorrow initiative.

“It’s clear that contact lens customers can generate greater average annual profit, even with higher service and product costs,” said Professor Philip Morgan. “Recurring purchases, greater examination frequency, and opportunities for ancillary spending may make contact lens wearers particularly attractive from a customer lifetime value perspective.”

Challenging Long‑Standing Assumptions

The findings challenge persistent myths around contact lens profitability. CLI notes that more than half of eye care practices do not attempt to quantify the business impact of their contact lens patients — and those who do often underestimate profitability compared to glasses‑only wearers.

“The new data squarely challenges profitability myths that can creep into conversation despite a lack of evidence,” said Stan Rogaski, CLI’s executive director.

Implications for Practice Growth

CLI hopes the results encourage practices to revisit their prescribing strategies, including offering both contact lenses and glasses to support patient satisfaction and practice growth.

The full findings will be published later this year as part of a comprehensive See Tomorrow report.

Source: Contact Lens Institute

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

August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

Rokid Glasses Launches in Canada Through Partnership with Ming’s Optical

Rokid, a global innovator in AI‑powered smart eyewear and human‑computer interaction, has launched its Rokid Glasses in Toronto, expanding its international footprint and officially entering the North American market. Designed for everyday wear, the glasses support prescription lenses — and in Canada, those lenses may qualify for insurance reimbursement depending on individual coverage.

To ensure access to high‑quality prescription options, Rokid has partnered with Ming’s Optical, a Markham‑based optical supplier, which will provide a full range of lens solutions for Canadian consumers.

“Canada is among the world’s most linguistically diverse countries with over 400 languages spoken from coast to coast,” said Zoro Shao, vice‑president and general manager of Rokid Overseas Operations. “Rokid Glasses are designed to reduce language barriers with real‑time AI translation. With our Toronto launch, we’re bringing the same success we saw globally to Canada, empowering Canadians to better connect and understand one another.”

The Canadian launch follows Rokid’s recent expansion into France and Germany. In Japan, the Rokid Glasses generated nearly US$4 million on the Makuake crowdfunding platform, becoming the most anticipated product in the marketplace’s 13‑year history.

AI Productivity in a Lightweight, Everyday Frame

Rokid Glasses project information privately into the wearer’s field of view using the world’s smallest Micro‑LED engine and a dual‑eye monochrome display. The design keeps users engaged with their surroundings while providing instant access to AI‑powered tools.

The glasses operate on an open multimodal AI ecosystem, allowing users to choose assistants such as Google Gemini or OpenAI ChatGPT. Features include real‑time translation in 89 languages, visual search, image translation and hands‑free photo and video capture through an integrated 12MP camera. Built‑in directional speakers deliver audio cues — including turn‑by‑turn navigation — without isolating the wearer from their environment.

A Growing Developer Community

Rokid also launched its AI Agent Store in Canada, a centralized platform where developers can create and share AI‑powered features for Rokid Glasses. The company introduced Rokid AI UI, a cross‑platform agentic framework designed specifically for AI glasses. Internationally, the platform has already attracted more than 3,000 submissions and over 400 published agent workflows. Rokid is inviting Canadian developers to contribute new ideas and expand the ecosystem.

Availability in Canada

Rokid Glasses and Rokid Ai Glasses Style will be available starting September 1 at CA$999 and CA$549 respectively. To celebrate the Canadian launch, both models will be discounted through August 31 — CA$899 for Rokid Glasses and CA$499 for Rokid Ai Glasses Style. The first 200 purchases will also receive a free Rokid Capsule battery or a set of custom prescription lenses valued at CA$159.

Products are available through Rokid’s official online store.

Source: Rokid

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

August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

The Vision Council Guides the Optical Industry Through New Section 301 Tariffs Affecting 60 Trading Partners

The Vision Council is helping optical industry members navigate a significant shift in U.S. trade policy following the expiration of Section 122 tariffs on July 24. With those duties lifted, the U.S. administration has introduced new tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, targeting 60 economies over alleged forced‑labor violations — including many of the industry’s largest sourcing markets.

According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the new duties vary by country and will affect imports of frames, sunglasses, lens components and other optical products. Rick Van Arnam, Regulatory Affairs Counsel for The Vision Council, notes that the new tariff structure adds “another layer of complexity” for companies already adapting to evolving trade rules. The organization is working to help members understand applicable rates and potential exemptions.

New Duty Rates Affecting Key Optical Supply Chains

The new Section 301 duties range from 10% to 12.5%, depending on the country of origin. China, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia — all major eyewear‑sourcing markets — now face a 12.5% duty in addition to existing tariffs. India and Indonesia face a 10% duty, while the European Union, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland receive capped treatment that limits the combined rate.

Countries not listed in USTR’s determinations are not subject to the new duties.

The Vision Council encourages members to use its Tariff Dashboard to model cost impacts based on their product mix.

Exemptions and Transition Rules

A narrow in‑transit exception applies to goods loaded before the July 24 deadline and arriving by July 28. Products qualifying under USMCA rules remain exempt, and certain Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes are excluded — though none of the traditional eyewear‑related codes qualify.

Additional exemptions exist for the UK, EU and Switzerland, but none are expected to affect eyewear.

Stacking Tariffs on Chinese-Origin Goods

The new 12.5% duty on Chinese imports does not replace existing Section 301 tariffs already applied to most Chinese‑origin merchandise. As a result, The Vision Council advises members to prepare for the two duties to stack — 7.5% or 25% depending on the product category, plus the new 12.5%.

Other Tariff Actions Impacting the Industry

A separate 25% Section 301 duty on certain Brazilian goods took effect July 22 and will apply to optical products and related manufacturing equipment. A proposed 50% penalty on certain Canadian goods has not yet taken effect, and no optical products are currently included.

USTR is also investigating excess production capacity in more than a dozen countries, which may lead to a second round of Section 301 tariffs. The Vision Council will provide updates as details emerge.

“Between these latest 301 tariffs, the stacking China tariffs, the Brazil and Canada actions, and the excess‑capacity investigation, there’s a lot in motion at once,” said Omar Elkhatib, Director of Government Relations at The Vision Council. The organization is prioritizing developments most likely to affect optical imports and will continue to share updates as USTR releases new information.