Blog

February 17, 2023February 16, 2023

Rodenstock B.I.G. NORM Lenses Available in Canada

Centennial Optical is introducing Biometric Intelligent Glasses (B.I.G.) by
Rodenstock to Canada. With a data pool of over 500,000 eye scans, an AI
algorithm creates a virtual biometric model of the eye. B.I.G. NORM™ lenses
deliver a higher level of biometric precision, using standard prescription
values and 3D freeform technology.

Distributed by Centennial Optical

Click HERE for the full press release.

February 16, 2023February 16, 2023

Alcon: Settlement of Litigation Related to Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery Devices

Alcon announced that it has entered into a settlement agreement with J&J Surgical Vision, Inc. to resolve their pending legal proceedings relating to femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery devices, including Alcon’s LenSx^® device, which Alcon acquired as part of its purchase of LenSx Lasers, Inc. in 2010.

As part of the resolution of this matter, the parties have exchanged cross-licenses of certain intellectual property and other mutually agreed covenants and releases, and Alcon will make a one-time payment to J&J Surgical Vision, Inc. of USD 199 million for those rights and to resolve various worldwide intellectual property disputes relating to this matter.

Click HERE for the full press release.

February 16, 2023May 19, 2026

Transitions Introduces the 2023 Transitions Certified Live Events

Transitions Optical is hosting Transitions Certified Live events for eye care professionals to earn their Transitions Specialist certification during in-person training events. Transitions Certified Live will begin in the United States and later be hosted in various cities across Canada. The events will offer attendees the opportunity to learn from experts and the Transitions R&D team, interact with technical specialists, and experience Transitions^® lenses firsthand through product demonstrations.

Transitions Certified Live will begin in New York, N.Y. on Saturday, March 18 at Vision Expo East. Additional tour dates across Canada will be announced following the first event in New York.

In addition to growing their expertise in light management and Transitions^® Light Intelligent Lenses^™, attendees will also earn access to materials designed to better prepare them to interact with patients. Materials include:

Attendees that bring two additional team members from their private or independent practice will also become a Transitions Certified Provider with special status on Transitions “Where to Buy” online locator and receive access to exclusive resources to share with patients.

“The Transitions Certification Program has been reimagined as Transitions Certified Live, which provides all of the program’s advantages in person,” said Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing and sales manager, Transitions Optical Canada. “Attendees will get the opportunity to interact with Transitions experts and products while learning more about light management and Transitions lenses at the unique learning events.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

February 15, 2023February 15, 2023

CORE Biosciences Group Uses Radiolabeled Proteins to Study RGP Contact Lens Deposition

Scientists at the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) have applied a novel method to answer a long-held question: how much protein is really deposited on rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses? Historically, RGP protein deposits have been difficult to measure because of test sensitivity limitations.

To overcome that challenge, the CORE Biosciences group undertook a unique approach, incorporating radiolabeled lysozyme into an artificial tear solution then determining on-lens protein sensitively through radioactive counts. While CORE had used the technique for soft contact lens deposition studies in the past, this was a first for RGPs.

Seven common RGP lens materials were soaked in the radioactive artificial tear solution for 16 hours, followed by eight hours of exposure to a 3% one-step hydrogen peroxide (OSP) care solution to investigate cleaning ability.

Investigators determined the deposits were minimal, ranging from 1.2 ± 0.2 μg to 3.2 ± 0.7 μg per lens without use of a cleaning solution. Moreover, the OSP solution significantly reduced the amount of radioactive lysozyme present on the majority of RGPs after 30 alternating incubating and cleaning cycles when compared to using phosphate buffered saline, with measurements of remaining lysozyme on cleaned lenses ranging from 1.3 ± 0.1 μg to 2.5 ± 0.1 μg per lens.

“Renewed interest in RGP lenses around the world, sparked by the rise in their use for myopia management, has subsequently increased the desire for more advanced research. CORE has built a reputation for discovering new ways to precisely assess ophthalmic devices and pharmaceuticals, and this radiolabeling technique has strong potential for other applications,” said Alex Hui, OD, PhD, FAAO, head of Biosciences at CORE.

CORE’s multidisciplinary Biosciences team investigates fundamental research questions relating to the ocular surface and biomaterials, particularly contact lenses. Last year, CORE expanded its specialty contact lens focus to also include design optimization for orthokeratology, scleral lens physiological performance, and the impact of scleral lenses on ocular surface disease and dry eye management.

The work was first presented as a scientific poster, The impact of RGP care solutions on ISO measured lens parameters and the protein deposition on RGP lenses when managed with a hydrogen peroxide care solution, Hui, et al., at the 2023 Global Specialty Lens Symposium. CooperVision provided study funding support.

Click HERE for the press release.

February 14, 2023February 16, 2023

MIDO 2023: The International Eyewear Show Opens A New Chapter

MIDO 2023 marks the beginning of a new era for the eyewear show with numbers that confirm its leadership position as it closed its doors on the 51^st edition.

Attendance peaked at 35,000 industry professionals: 80% of them from Europe and 20% from the rest of the world. That is a 60% increase over 2022 visitor numbers. Also on the rise, Italian visitors made up 53% of the total.

Of the more than 1,000 exhibitors, 72% were international and 28% from Italy. Among the overseas exhibitors, 51% were from Europe, 42% from Asia and 7% from the rest of the world.

The data, both for visitors and participation by industry professionals, once again confirm the unmistakable global reach of the show.

“We have an exciting responsibility that comes with being the gold standard global eyewear event and that is, to bring together supply and demand for professionals who participate in MIDO,” stated MIDO President Giovanni Vitaloni. “This year we attracted many first-time presences among exhibitors and visitors who expressed their positive surprise at walking through the doors of our show. The ‘wonder’, that is part of the show’s DNA, is precisely this – to delight those who participate to such an extent that they cannot help but be here every year,” he concluded.

For visitors, there were myriad innovations and events, with a special focus on opticians – from the “How to?” cycle of OTTICLUB meetings – to the presentation of specialized books in the “Book@MIDO” program. The all-important focus on sustainability, with accolades and dedicated areas. But there were also occasions for glamour, with appearances by VIPs and personalities from the world of entertainment with flash mobs, exhibitions and awards in the popular MIDO squares.

The next appointment with MIDO is set for February 3-5, 2024, at Fiera Milano Rho.