Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) is pleased to hear Ontario has approved public coverage of Luxturna® (generic name: voretigene neparvovec-rzyl). This gene therapy treatment slows and may even restore some vision loss due to inherited retinal diseases retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis, caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene.

“This is a significant milestone for the vision loss community because having access to a treatment that can help slow or stop progressive vision loss is life-transforming,” said Dr. Larissa Moniz, Director of Research and Mission Programs, Fighting Blindness Canada. “Canadians who have already received Luxturna® have reported colours appearing more vivid and brighter, and improvements in night vision that give them independence.”

“While we are very pleased to hear Ontario is moving forward with public coverage, we continue to call on other provincial and territorial governments to immediately sign the agreement to cover the cost of this treatment to save sight,” Moniz added.

Ontario becomes the fourth province in Canada to approve public funding of Luxturna®, following Quebec, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. More than 40 Canadians can benefit from the one-time injection treatment.

Click HERE for the full press release.

A new, one-minute video series from The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) is helping the eye care community better communicate healthy, comfortable wear and care behaviors with contact lens patients. The “EASY Does It” series is now available as a YouTube playlist at bit.ly/EASYDoesIt.

Each video spotlights an optometrist, optician, or technician—all 2023 Contact Lens Institute Visionaries—who describes one way they use CLI’s The EASY Way program, such as training staff, educating new and current wearers, or reminding themselves to have a quick but effective wear and care conversation with every contact lens patient. Now entering its third year, the initiative has been adopted by eye care practices across the United States and beyond.

The EASY Way (Eyes, Awareness, Safety and You) includes simplified tips, attention-grabbing infographics, and companion digital resources for use in practices, presented in a memorable and straightforward way. All components are available for free download at EASYWayProgram.org.

At the center of the program are three easy steps:

1.   Think Clean. Wash and dry your hands every time before touching your lenses or eyes. If you wear reusable lenses, always clean and disinfect them with each removal, and clean your lens case as directed. Keep your lenses and case away from any type of water, which can contain harmful microorganisms.

2.   Remember Fresher is Better. Wear your contacts for only as long as your eye care professional says, replacing them with fresh lenses on schedule. Only wear daily disposable lenses once, and always rely on new solution for reusable lens disinfection and storage. Replace your lens case at least every three months.

3.   Trust Your Eye Doctor. Listen to your eye care professional, who has specialized training. If you have any questions, contact their office—they care about your health and great vision.

Click HERE for the full press release. 

Supported by a strong advertising campaign, which offers a journey through time, Morel emphasizes its heritage and its know-how. The 1880 collection, which refers to the year in which Morel was founded, offers the Prosper concept, which revisits their origin.

Indeed, a nod to their first frames is made by the saddle bridge which underlines the unique character of this model, while meeting today’s standards.
Looking forward since 1880!

Distributed by Morel Canada: morel-france.com

The Board of Directors of EssilorLuxottica met on February 22, 2023 to approve the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.

• Group’s sales at Euro 24.5 billion in FY 2022, up 13.9% vs 2021 in comparable
terms
• Adjusted operating margin at 16.8% in FY 2022, up 70bps vs pro forma FY 2021
• Group’s comparable-store sales up 7.7% in FY 2022, ex-GrandVision outperformed at +9.3%
• Investment in capex and M&A to strengthen the business model
• Free cash flow at Euro 2.26 billion in FY 2022
• Dividend proposed at Euro 3.23 per share, up 29% vs FY 2021
• Comparable revenue up 9.4% in Q4 2022, +3.9% at constant exchange rates
• Appointment of Jean-Luc Biamonti as lead director

Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO, and Paul du Saillant, Deputy CEO at EssilorLuxottica commented:

“From record sales of 24.5 billion to groundbreaking product innovations, EssilorLuxottica delivered on the promise of a strong, unified company in 2022. (…) Our thoughts today go to our employees and partners in Turkey, and all those impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

In 2022, we strengthened our open, collaborative business model, while completing important acquisitions such as Walman in North America and Shamir in Israel and continuing to invest in quality eyecare and eyewear for the benefit of the entire market. (…)

In the face of ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties, we remained focused on our strategic levers: the vertical integration of our business, the embedding of big data in any corporate decision, our global footprint, and the deployment of our sustainability program Eyes on the Planet. In 2022, we also confirmed our long-term commitment to our mission by launching the largest vision care foundation in the world. All these key factors, combined with our nearly 200,000 talented employees, will enable us to achieve continued growth in the years ahead.”

See full press release HERE.

At UNIfied, we design glasses to frame people’s true colours and help them display their individuality, encourage self-expression and, ultimately, celebrate their uniqueness. We believe in the power of the individual and in strength in numbers. It is by sharing ideas, experiences and creativity that we will be able to abolish borders and build a UNIted world. Montreal, a unique and colourful city, is the inspiration behind the Unified brand. Incorporating its nuances and vibes was paramount to the design of each model.
UNIfied…to see farther.

Featured model: DUMAS

Distributed by Lanctôt: www.rlanctot.com