Structured as a memorandum of understanding, the agreement leverages the respective strengths of the two world-leading eye care and research institutions, aiming to foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge, resources, and technology. Dr. Amit Mathur, strategic global partnerships and digital innovation advisor to LVPEI and a University of Waterloo alumnus, initiated the collaboration.
Key focus areas include:
Joint research initiatives, encompassing collaborative research projects focused on cutting-edge solutions in vision science and eye health.
Therapeutic development, expediting the creation of new interventions to address some of the most challenging eye conditions affecting people worldwide.
Knowledge exchange and capacity building, facilitating cross-institutional sharing through joint seminars, workshops, and exchange programs for researchers and clinicians.
Innovation in eye care, exploring novel approaches to delivery mechanisms while harnessing the latest technology and research to improve patient outcomes.
“Our agreement with CORE represents a significant milestone in the quest to push the boundaries of vision science and eye care. By combining our strengths, we are setting the stage for breakthroughs that could transform the landscape of eye health globally.”
Dr. Prashant Garg, executive chair at LVPEI
“LVPEI is renowned for its dedication to excellence in eye care and research. Together, we are committed to unlocking new possibilities in vision science and therapeutic development for the benefit of patients worldwide.”
Professor Lyndon Jones, director of CORE
The memorandum of understanding was signed by LVPEI and CORE in late April, and both organizations are now establishing the joint operating models for the partnership.
Silhouette’s Titan Minimal Art Sun launches new sunglass models: ADARA, CALEUM (featured model) and GLENN featuring hyper-flexing temples and premium materials. These sunglasses are the perfect mix of traditional and innovative design.
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. To further elevate and ensure the quality of the finished product, whether it is a beautiful pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses, the company installed its own finishing lab for the cutting and mounting of lenses along with providing advice to its client base. The in-house lab is one more way that COS has helped streamline the process for customers even further, creating a single contact point for all questions, concerns and feedback.
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The Vision Council partners with the National Eye Institute this May in celebrating Healthy Vision Month. The 2024 campaign, “Reframe Your Future,” seeks to teach those living with a visual impairment about the importance of utilizing mental health services and vision rehabilitation to enhance their day to day lives.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the United States is facing a loneliness and isolation epidemic. Among visually impaired individuals, vision impairments have also been found to be associated with elevated feelings of anxiety and depression. In a recent study of nearly 3,000 US adults, individuals with worse vision impairment were associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, with some also reporting social isolation.
“Living with a visual impairment, including low vision, not only impacts one’s physical health, but their mental well-being. We’re proud to support the “Reframe Your Future” campaign and bring awareness to this important issue. Through initiatives like Healthy Vision Month and resources offered by The Vision Council Foundation, we strive to empower individuals with low vision and other visual impairments to lead fulfilling lives and access the support they need for improved quality of life.”
Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council
How to Support Someone Living with Visual Impairment
Share information about vision rehabilitation. These services—including training, tools, and technology—can help anyone with a visual impairment thrive in their daily lives.
Encourage people with a visual impairment to reframe their future. Living with vision loss can be isolating—but hearing stories from others who have overcome similar obstacles can help.
Fight the loneliness epidemic. People across the United States are feeling lonely and disconnected. So NEI and the U.S. Surgeon General are partnering to promote the 5-for-5 Connection Challenge to help everyone build and strengthen relationships—and inspire others to add connection to their daily lives. Learn about the challenge here.
Continuing its long-standing advocacy to promote better eye and vision health, The Vision Council recognizes a variety of industry observations throughout the year like Healthy Vision Month. A toolkit of promotional resources will be available for download later this month at thevisioncouncilfoundation.org.
For more information on eyecare and eye health, including low vision, visit The Vision Council Foundation and learn how healthy eyes are a critical part of your overall physical health and wellbeing.
Visioneering Technologies, Inc, producer of the NaturalVue® Multifocal 1 Day Contact Lenses (NVMF), continued its release of the 1-year prospective data of its ongoing multi-center, randomized, double-masked, controlled trial (RCT) at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). PROTECT (PROgressive Myopia Treatment Evaluation for NaturalVue Multifocal Contact Lens Trial) was designed to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of NVMF for myopia progression control in children. PROTECT is a 3-year study involving 145 children with analyses planned after the 1-year and 2-year marks.
Dr. Ashley Tuan, Chief Medical Officer for VTI, presented new data from the PROTECT trial that focused on details of axial length and wearing time. Dr. Tuan also summarized data released earlier in the year on refractive error change and reduction. The poster entitled, “A Randomized Controlled Trial for Myopia Progression Control Using Catenary Power Profile Contact Lenses: 12-month Effectiveness and Safety,” was prepared by Dr. Tuan and Dr. Sally Dillehay.
The new data that outlines the distribution of change in axial length (mm) in patients showed that 58% of patients wearing NaturalVue had axial growth similar to age-matched emmetropic children. This data point, especially when paired with the previously release distribution of change in refractive error (D) data showing that 2/3 of patients or 64% experienced no meaningful progression of myopia (defined as -0.25 D or less of progression) further suggests NaturalVue Multifocal may effectively manage myopia among children under diverse clinical settings and populations.
Compliance is believed to be essential for myopia control success and is influenced by the quality of vision and comfort.1 Given that children on average wore NaturalVue for 11-12 hours per day is indicative that the lens provides excellent vision and comfort and a positive quality of life experience. We believe that these factors did contribute to the positive results seen thus far in the PROTECT study.
In addition to the new learnings listed above, the 1-year data set has revealed the following results thus far:
45% of patients had no progression (change <= 0 Diopters (“D”)) and ~2/3 of patients or 64% experienced no meaningful progression of myopia (defined as -0.25D or less of progression per year).
71% or (0.41D) reduction in refractive error progression, versus the control group.
Children wearing NaturalVue Multifocal Contact lenses showed an average refractive error change of 0.18 D.
0.17mm or 61% average reduction in axial elongation, versus the control group.
The average axial length change in children wearing NaturalVue Multifocal Contact lenses was 0.11 mm.
One-year data from studies of similar design to PROTECT have been predictive of the final 3-year results.2 The PROTECT study data will continue to be reviewed and analyzed with additional details to be shared as available. The final results of the study and any regulatory uses thereof will be based on the analysis of the complete 3-year data set.
“For the majority of patients, the study showed that NaturalVue held axial length growth to that of age-matched emmetropic children. Additionally, the wearing time results are important as these are directly related to the results seen across the study. These new data continue to validate our confidence in the effectiveness of NaturalVue Multifocal Contact Lenses. NaturalVue Multifocal 1 Day will continue to mine the study and share results with the industry and eye care practitioners around the world.”
Dr. Ashley Tuan, VTI Chief Medical Officer
“As we continue to glean new learnings from this extensive data set, it is evident that NaturalVue represents a powerful tool for eye care practitioners to use to manage myopia. These results should provide confidence to both eye care practitioners and parents that NaturalVue will provide excellent vision for patients while also helping to slow the progression of patients’ myopia.”
Dr. Juan Carlos Aragón, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of VTI
VTI expects to release longer-term 2- and 3-year data when available.
To download a Fact Sheet summarizing the findings to date, click here.
* Note: This reflects the 1-year data set. The PROTECT study is ongoing and data will be reviewed, analyzed, and shared as available. Data presented here are limited by the range of age, race, geographical locations and study duration.
Data is based on a modified PP (Per Protocol) analysis including children between ages 8 and <13 with refractive error between -0.75 and -4.00 D versus age-matched controls wearing spherical lenses. SD = standard deviation
This information may describe uses for this product, i.e., Myopia Progression Control, which have not been approved by the FDA for use in the United States. It is intended for educational purposes only. NaturalVue® Multifocal is part of an ongoing randomized clinical trial (RCT) studying its effectiveness for myopia progression control.
Myopia control: Seeing beyond efficacy. Optom Vis Sci. 2024 Mar 1;101(3):134-142. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002119. PMID: 38546754.
Efficacy in myopia control. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research 83 (2021) 100923 VTI-RCT-PR4
GIGI STUDIOS presents HILARY (6889/0), a design crafted from high-quality Italian acetate. It is extremely lightweight due to the inner bevels and the thinner acetate used. The gradient colour of the acetate has turned this model into one of the most acclaimed in the GIGI STUDIOS Spring-Summer collection. A genuine declaration of style that does not compromise on comfort.
GIGI Studios is a brand founded in Barcelona by a family that has always been surrounded by glasses. This family spirit has led to partnerships with independent eyewear sellers and distributors in more than 45 countries. At GIGI Studios, we transmit knowledge and experience while passionately embracing the future.
Without distinction, GIGI Studios wants to support people in their self-expression by making them feel more creative and self-confident. GIGI Studios’ designs are the result of constant improvement, a process of exploration through materials, shapes, and colours seeking designs that enhance the uniqueness of the individual.
Explore fall eyewear trends and smart lens innovations. Learn how to curate frame inventory, precision fit small silhouettes, and pair tech-driven lenses.
opti 2027 expands its See. Hear. Next. vision with SMART TECH, a new area dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables and connected applications. Director Cathleen Kabashi explains how “Next.” turns future technologies into real business opportunities for optics and hearing care.
New data from The Vision Council shows that rising prices are sustaining optical market revenue in early 2026, even as exam volume, patient visits and provider confidence decline. Market inSights and Provider inSights reports reveal a sector holding steady on value while underlying softness continues to build.
Life Italia adds a playful new dimension to children’s eyewear with the NI-157, combining bright gradient colours with durable TR-90 Grilamid, hypoallergenic rubber and flexible hinge technology.
Nikon launches Z Series Single Vision, a new portfolio of single vision lenses engineered with Asymmetric Z Contrast Technology to enhance binocular contrast and clarity.
Explore fall eyewear trends and smart lens innovations. Learn how to curate frame inventory, precision fit small silhouettes, and pair tech-driven lenses.
opti 2027 expands its See. Hear. Next. vision with SMART TECH, a new area dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables and connected applications. Director Cathleen Kabashi explains how “Next.” turns future technologies into real business opportunities for optics and hearing care.
New data from The Vision Council shows that rising prices are sustaining optical market revenue in early 2026, even as exam volume, patient visits and provider confidence decline. Market inSights and Provider inSights reports reveal a sector holding steady on value while underlying softness continues to build.
Life Italia adds a playful new dimension to children’s eyewear with the NI-157, combining bright gradient colours with durable TR-90 Grilamid, hypoallergenic rubber and flexible hinge technology.
Nikon launches Z Series Single Vision, a new portfolio of single vision lenses engineered with Asymmetric Z Contrast Technology to enhance binocular contrast and clarity.
Explore fall eyewear trends and smart lens innovations. Learn how to curate frame inventory, precision fit small silhouettes, and pair tech-driven lenses.
opti 2027 expands its See. Hear. Next. vision with SMART TECH, a new area dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables and connected applications. Director Cathleen Kabashi explains how “Next.” turns future technologies into real business opportunities for optics and hearing care.
New data from The Vision Council shows that rising prices are sustaining optical market revenue in early 2026, even as exam volume, patient visits and provider confidence decline. Market inSights and Provider inSights reports reveal a sector holding steady on value while underlying softness continues to build.
Life Italia adds a playful new dimension to children’s eyewear with the NI-157, combining bright gradient colours with durable TR-90 Grilamid, hypoallergenic rubber and flexible hinge technology.
Nikon launches Z Series Single Vision, a new portfolio of single vision lenses engineered with Asymmetric Z Contrast Technology to enhance binocular contrast and clarity.
Explore fall eyewear trends and smart lens innovations. Learn how to curate frame inventory, precision fit small silhouettes, and pair tech-driven lenses.
opti 2027 expands its See. Hear. Next. vision with SMART TECH, a new area dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables and connected applications. Director Cathleen Kabashi explains how “Next.” turns future technologies into real business opportunities for optics and hearing care.
New data from The Vision Council shows that rising prices are sustaining optical market revenue in early 2026, even as exam volume, patient visits and provider confidence decline. Market inSights and Provider inSights reports reveal a sector holding steady on value while underlying softness continues to build.
Life Italia adds a playful new dimension to children’s eyewear with the NI-157, combining bright gradient colours with durable TR-90 Grilamid, hypoallergenic rubber and flexible hinge technology.
Nikon launches Z Series Single Vision, a new portfolio of single vision lenses engineered with Asymmetric Z Contrast Technology to enhance binocular contrast and clarity.
