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January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

Centennial Optical Collaborates with Ió:ken Designs™ on Indigenous Culturally Inspired Frame Collection

Centennial Optical has announced a new collaboration with Ió:ken Designs to develop and distribute a culturally inspired designer eyewear collection created in partnership with Indigenous artists and community leaders in Akwesasne, Canada.

Ió:ken Designs Inc.™ is a newly established eyewear brand featuring original artwork by Mohawk artist Bruce Boots. The collection draws on cultural symbols and visual storytelling rooted in the history, values, and resilience of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people and other Indigenous Nations.

The name Ió:ken, pronounced Yo:kenh or Yo:gah, translates to “It’s Clear” in the Kanien’keha (Mohawk) language. The brand was developed through a collaboration between artist Bruce Boots, optometrist Danielle Dubuc, and project manager Gail Mc Donald, with the shared goal of creating eyewear that honours Indigenous identity through authentic design.

Centennial Optical was selected as the frame development, manufacturing, and distribution partner for the collection. According to Centennial Optical President Allen Nightingale, the collaboration represents more than a conventional product launch. He noted that the collection brings together craftsmanship and storytelling, resulting in frames designed to stand out through both aesthetic appeal and cultural significance.

Dr. Dubuc, who has worked in the Akwesasne community for more than three decades, said the project reflects a long-standing desire to see eyewear that meaningfully represents the people she serves. Mc Donald added that Centennial Optical was chosen for its alignment with the project’s values, including respect for community, history, and cultural integrity.

Each frame in the Ió:ken Designs collection features illustrated temple artwork by Bruce Boots, incorporating symbolic elements such as the Hiawatha Belt, Eagle Feather, Clan imagery, Berries and Beads, Seven Generations, and Celestial Sky Domes. These designs are paired with contemporary frame shapes available in a range of colours and sizes.

The first Ió:ken Designs collection is scheduled to launch across Canada in February 2026.

Source: Centennial Optical

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January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

Menicon Announces Conclusion of ROSE K Manufacturing with Blanchard Contact Lenses, a Division of CooperVision, in Canada

Menicon announced a strategic update to the distribution of ROSE K lenses in Canada.

In response to evolving market conditions, the ROSE K licensing agreement with Blanchard Contact Lenses concluded on December 31, 2025. ROSE K lenses will continue to be available through Menicon’s trusted partner, Art Optical Contact Lens, Inc.. Menicon is confident that Art Optical will uphold the exceptional standards of quality and service required to ensure continued success with ROSE K in Canada.

The company expressed its sincere appreciation to Blanchard Contact Lenses, a CooperVision company, for its many years of partnership and dedication in supporting the delivery of ROSE K lenses. Blanchard’s contributions have enabled countless eyecare professionals to provide life-changing vision solutions to patients with irregular corneas.

Menicon remains deeply committed to the ROSE K brand and its legacy of excellence in specialty lens care. The company will continue to work closely with its partners to ensure that every lens meets the highest standards of quality, precision, and performance—providing eyecare professionals with the confidence they need and patients with the vision they deserve.

Media Contact: https://www.meniconamerica.ca/en/professional/contact

Art Optical contact: info@artoptical.com

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January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

The Vision Council Announces Publication of ANSI Z80.1–2025 Prescription Ophthalmic Lenses Standard

The Vision Council has announced the publication of ANSI ASC Z80.1–2025, Prescription Ophthalmic Lenses – Recommendations, a revised technical standard governing prescription ophthalmic lenses in the United States.

Issued under the oversight of the Accredited Standards Committee Z80 (ASC Z80), the 2025 revision supersedes the previous 2020 standard and reflects five years of collaborative work by industry experts across ophthalmic manufacturing, optometry, and standards development.

The revision was led by ASC Z80 Chair Dick Whitney, Vice Chair Rick Tinson, Secretary Dr. Karl Citek, OD, PhD, representing the American Optometric Association, and Michael Vitale, ABOM, of The Vision Council, which serves as the Secretariat Administrator for ASC Z80.

According to The Vision Council, the updated standard incorporates a number of technical modifications and additions designed to ensure alignment with current industry practices and technological advancements. Key updates include clarified lens verification points, expanded descriptions of localized power errors, revised tolerances for claims related to visible light transmittance attenuation, new tolerances for prescribed prism, and a fully updated Optical and Mechanical Tolerances summary table.

ASC Z80 is the only body accredited by ANSI to develop national standards in the field of ophthalmic optics. Its scope includes prescription and non-prescription eyewear, contact lenses, ophthalmic instruments, and medical devices such as intraocular lenses and laser systems.

A copy of ANSI Z80.1–2025 is available for purchase through the ANSI webstore.

Source: The Vison Council

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January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

mydryeye Announces Streamlined Membership Structure: One Tier with Unlimited Benefits

mydryeye is unveiling a major update to its membership program to better serve our community and simplify access to resources. To enhance the experience for mydryeye members, we are combining all tiers into one comprehensive membership. This change strengthens the dry eye community by ensuring equal access to education, resources, and networking opportunities.

“Our goal is to make membership simple, valuable, and accessible,” says Teresa Sebastian, Chief Operating Officer at Eye Care Edge and Eye Recommend. “By consolidating tiers, we’re ensuring that every member receives the best possible experience and benefits, while continuing to foster growth and innovation in the dry eye community.”

mydryeye’s new membership structure provides access to an all-inclusive suite of benefits designed to support optometric practices and professional growth:

Early bird Dry Eye Summit tickets
$50 Dry Eye Summit ticket discount
Unlimited Clinic Locator profiles, complete with images and in-office treatments
Full use of the Learning Management System (LMS)
Live webinars and recordings
Access to past Dry Eye Summit footage
Exclusive articles and members-only resources
Be the first to learn about new developments in the industry and the Canadian marketplace

This new membership model ensures every member enjoys the full range of tools and resources without the complexity of multiple tiers. Membership is valid for two years, aligning with our biennial Dry Eye Summit schedule.

For existing mydryeye members, no action is required. All current members will automatically have these new benefits unlocked for the remainder of their membership term.

For more information or to renew your membership, visit www.mydryeye.ca.

Source: mydryeye

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January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Newton Expands Access to Neurolens and Sequel Technologies Through Partnership with ABB Labs

Newton (formerly Neurolens) has announced a strategic laboratory partnership with ABB Labs, one of the largest independent optical laboratory networks in the United States. The collaboration significantly expands access to Newton’s innovative lens portfolio, including Neurolens® and Sequel™, for thousands of independent optometry practices across North America.

By leveraging ABB Labs’ extensive U.S.-based footprint and long-standing relationships with independent practices, the partnership strengthens Newton’s existing laboratory network and accelerates nationwide product availability. The agreement also brings ABB Labs’ operational scale, quality standards, and service support to Newton’s growing practitioner base.

Through this expanded network, independent eye care practices gain seamless access to Newton’s proprietary technologies. Neurolens features patented Contoured Prism™ technology designed to provide relief from symptoms associated with eye misalignment, including headaches, neck pain, and motion sickness. Sequel, Newton’s everyday lens, incorporates Convergence Boost™ technology to enhance visual comfort and clarity for both digital and off-screen viewing. The announcement comes as Sequel lenses have recently become available through VSP Vision coverage, broadening patient access to the technology.

“This partnership represents a transformative moment in our ability to serve independent optometry,” said Davis Corley, CEO of Newton. He noted that ABB Labs’ scale and reputation will help strengthen product availability, quality, and service as Newton continues to expand its customer base.

According to a recent independent study conducted by Emergent Research, ABB Labs reported a 92 percent customer satisfaction rating, with more than 98 percent of lab orders meeting quality expectations. The study also found that nine out of ten customers planned to continue working with ABB Labs over the following 12 months.

“We’re excited to expand our ABB Labs portfolio to include Newton products,” said James Gilchrist, President of ABB Optical Group. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation, quality, and service that helps independent eye care practices differentiate and grow.”

Click HERE for the press release.

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Centennial Optical Collaborates with Ió:ken Designs™ on Indigenous Culturally Inspired Frame Collection

Menicon Announces Conclusion of ROSE K Manufacturing with Blanchard Contact Lenses, a Division of CooperVision, in Canada

The Vision Council Announces Publication of ANSI Z80.1–2025 Prescription Ophthalmic Lenses Standard

Newton Expands Access to Neurolens and Sequel Technologies Through Partnership with ABB Labs

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