Dr. Lyndon Jones has received the University of Waterloo Excellence in Science Research Award in the Senior Career Category, recognizing his outstanding contributions to vision science.
The Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology announced the recognition in a member spotlight, noting Dr. Jones’ work as an internationally recognized leader in ocular and contact lens research.
Dr. Jones’ areas of research include dry eye disease, contact lens materials and topical ocular drug delivery. His work in ocular biomaterials and innovative therapeutic approaches has had a global impact, benefiting more than 150 million contact lens users worldwide.
The announcement also highlighted how his research demonstrates the role of advanced materials and nanotechnology-enabled innovation in translating scientific discovery into real-world healthcare solutions.
Dr. Jones is a member of the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, and his achievements underscore the value of interdisciplinary research in advancing eye health and improving quality of life.
Doja Cat and Ray-Ban Meta have partnered for the Tour Ma Vie World Tour, bringing custom-designed Ray-Ban Meta glasses to the stage as part of the live performance.
The bespoke eyewear designs were co-created with Doja Cat and her creative director, Brett Alan Nelson, reimagining the Ray-Ban Meta Skyler silhouette as both a fashion statement and a performance tool. The custom glasses are designed to reflect the tour’s bold visual identity while enabling hands-free, first-person content capture from the stage.
As an official partner of the Tour Ma Vie World Tour, Ray-Ban Meta is integrated throughout the performance, with Doja Cat wearing one-of-a-kind AI glasses built on the Ray-Ban Meta Skyler frame. The glasses feature an integrated 12MP camera and AI capabilities, allowing Doja Cat and her team to capture live content from her perspective during the show.
Custom Ray-Ban Meta Skyler Designs
The collaboration includes three custom Skyler designs, each reflecting a different creative expression within the Tour Ma Vie universe.
Doja Cat x RBM – Untamed Glamor Doja Cat x RBM – Modular Identity Doja Cat x RBM
Modular Identity
This design features a refined white frame with a black, gold-trimmed clip-on detail that extends the browline and reshapes the Skyler silhouette. The result is a sculptural, transformative look that emphasizes precision and modularity.
Untamed Glamour
This version presents a translucent blush pink frame disrupted by bold zebra-inspired striping across the frame and lenses. The design balances softness with edge, combining fashion-forward glamour with a more instinctive, untamed visual energy.
Graphic Pop
Built on a shiny black frame, Graphic Pop incorporates multicoloured graphic elements with bursts of red, blue, yellow and pink. The look brings together playful pop art energy and sharp modern design for a bold stage presence.
“For Tour Ma Vie, Brett and I really wanted to create something that felt like a natural extension of the show’s energy,” said Doja Cat. “Every look I wear on stage tells a story, and we designed these custom Ray-Ban Meta glasses to be a part of that, each pair directly inspired by the outfits. They’re part of the whole creative vision.”
She added that the glasses also allow her to capture the performance from her perspective, including the crowd, the energy and the moment, creating a more immersive connection with fans.
Doja Cat wore the custom Ray-Ban Meta glasses during her May 29 performance at The O2 in London, one of the European dates on the Tour Ma Vie World Tour.
A new scientific review suggests that transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TCES), and more specifically Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology (DMSt), may reduce signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) and enhance blinking function.1 Published in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, the peer-reviewed article highlights inefficient blinking and eyelid laxity as important yet often overlooked drivers of DED and explores how targeted stimulation may support blink quality, tear film stability, and meibomian gland function.
The review, authored by Kendall E. Donaldson, MD, of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, draws on evidence from clinical studies and mechanistic data across ophthalmology and other medical fields. It concludes that periocular stimulation methods, such as DMSt, may help fill a clinical gap by targeting eyelid mechanics and blinking function, positioning them as promising additions to the therapeutic toolkit for dry eye management.
“One of the important takeaways from this review is that dry eye disease is not just a tear film or inflammatory disorder. In some patients, it is also a blink mechanics disorder,” said Dr. Donaldson. “DMSt is especially interesting because it bridges ocular surface management and periocular rehabilitation—offering a nonsurgical way to improve lid tone, reduce laxity, and enhance blink quality in patients whose disease is at least partly mechanical in origin.”
The review suggests DMSt may be particularly well suited for the periocular area because, unlike static electrical stimulation, its moving electrodes allow eyelid muscles and nerves to recover between stimulations, which may reduce fatigue and make treatment more effective. Also highlighted are findings from a clinical study led by James Chelnis, MD, FACS, an ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Manhattan Face & Eye, which examined dynamic muscle stimulation in patients with dry eye and eyelid laxity. It found that, on average, lower lid laxity was reduced by over 50%, with patients reporting improved eyelid appearance and blink quality, in addition to reductions in several signs and symptoms associated with DED.2
“As with any emerging approach, creating clinician awareness, integrating the treatment into workflow, and building confidence in the evidence base will be important next steps,” said Dr. Donaldson. “Many providers do not formally evaluate blink quality or lid laxity during a routine exam, so part of the work ahead is helping eye care professionals recognize which patients are most likely to benefit.”
Dr. Donaldson serves as a consultant for Lumenis Be. Ltd.
Chelnis, James G., and Alexandra Chelnis. “Dynamic Muscle Stimulation of the Periorbital Area for Improvement of Blinking in Dry Eye Patients.” Clinical Ophthalmology, vol. 2025, no. 19, Mar. 26, 2025, pp. 1057–1071. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S513989
Canadian eye care professionals can access the new VX Titanium Collection through their Centennial Optical representative. Designed for practices seeking premium materials at accessible price points, VX Titanium delivers lightweight 100% titanium eyewear with modern styling, durable construction, and strong dispensary value.
The collection launches with 13 men’s and women’s styles offered in two color options each, providing eye care professionals with a versatile titanium assortment designed to support both primary and second pair sales.
Built with 100% titanium construction, VX combines fashionable styling with the benefits patients look for in premium eyewear including lightweight comfort, durability, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic materials.
Benefits of Titanium
· Lightweight comfort for all-day wear
· Strong and durable material construction
· Corrosion-resistant performance
· Hypoallergenic, nickel-free material
· Highly adjustable for customized fit
· Minimal maintenance for long-term wearability
Collection Features
· Easy-to-wear fashionable shapes for men and women
· Sleek flat metal and wire rim profiles
· Modern contrasting color combinations and stylish details
· Comfortable PVC nose pads on all styles
· Wider temple options for men’s styles
· Spring hinges on select models
· High-quality European stainless-steel screws used for hinges and rim locks
· Designed to support premium sales and second pair opportunities
VX Titanium offers Canadian ECPs an opportunity to introduce premium titanium eyewear into their dispensary with fashionable styling, wearable shapes, and value-driven pricing designed to support profitability.
Source: Centennial Optical
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In Part 1, we explored why data portability matters and the legal and technical challenges that can arise when switching EMRs in optometry clinics. Now that the “why” is clear, it’s time to focus on the “how.”
In this article, we look at how to make the data transition smooth and secure, and how to ensure that information is accurately transferred into the appropriate patient fields.
Migrating from one EMR to another is one of the most significant digital transformations a clinic can undertake. When approached thoughtfully, it can modernize workflows, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen patient care. Without proper preparation, however, it can lead to disruption, data loss, and frustration.
This article outlines the key steps clinics should take to ensure a smooth, secure, and compliant EMR migration.
Optometry-Specific Data Considerations
Optometry data presents unique challenges beyond those in general medicine. It combines clinical information, diagnostic imaging, and retail operations. Knowing exactly what data your current EMR holds—and how it is structured—is the foundation of a successful migration.
Optometric data categories can include:
Diagnostic Imaging: OCT scans, fundus photographs, and corneal topographies often exist in large, specialized file formats (such as DICOM). Without proper planning, images may be reduced to static PDFs, losing their interactive diagnostic value. Ensure the new EMR can import these files or integrate with compatible image viewers.
Refractive Prescription Data: Accurate migration of eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions is critical. If stored in proprietary or semi-structured fields, values such as sphere, base curve, and diameter must be carefully mapped to ensure accuracy in the new system.
Dispensing and Inventory Records: Practices that use their EMR for optical sales, lens ordering, or frame inventory must decide whether to migrate this data or archive it separately.
Device Integration: Diagnostic devices such as autorefractors, tonometers, and lensometers generate logs and measurements that must remain accessible. Ensure these files can be migrated or securely archived and confirm that the new EMR supports existing device integrations.
Patient Consent and Signatures: Electronic signatures and digital consent forms are legally binding and must remain properly linked to patient records after migration.
Recalls, Reminders, and Visit History: Recall schedules, reminders, and visit histories form the backbone of ongoing patient management. Ensure that patient histories, previous diagnoses (e.g., glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy), and recall intervals transfer completely to preserve continuity of care and support proactive follow-up.
“Create a data inventory spreadsheet listing each data type, where it resides, and whether it needs to be migrated, archived, or left behind.”
Key Considerations Before You Switch
Long before signing a contract with a new EMR vendor, it is important to ask the right questions. Clarity at this stage will define the success of the migration later on.
Export Formats: Ask how data will be exported. Will it be delivered as structured data (e.g., HL7 or FHIR standards) or unstructured PDFs? Structured data allows for better integration and ongoing use.
Costs and Timelines: Data extraction and migration often involve fees. Obtain written estimates outlining costs, timelines, and the level of support included.
Security Measures: Ensure all data will be encrypted during transfer, and that storage and hosting comply with Canadian and provincial requirements.
Validation Testing: Conduct a pilot migration using a small dataset. Compare records between systems to confirm accuracy before proceeding with a full migration.
Access to Legacy Records: Even with a successful migration, some data may remain easier to view in the old system. Maintain read-only access to legacy records for reference.
Did You Know? “Under Canadian privacy law, optometrists remain the custodians of patient data even after switching vendors. This means responsibility for its integrity and accessibility remains with the optometrist—not the EMR provider.”
Preparing for an EMR Migration
A structured plan is one of the strongest indicators of success. Clinics that invest time in preparation, communication, and testing experience far fewer disruptions once the new EMR goes live.
Inventory Your Data: Catalogue all information stored in the current EMR, including demographics, clinical notes, prescriptions, imaging, billing, and administrative data.
Engage Both Vendors: The smoothest migrations occur when outgoing and incoming vendors communicate directly. Define clear deliverables, timelines, responsibilities, and success criteria in the new vendor contract.
Plan for Staff Training: Train staff not only on the new system, but also on accessing legacy data and verifying migrated records.
Schedule Wisely: Choose a transition window that minimizes patient disruption, ideally outside peak exam periods.
Budget Realistically: Account for vendor fees, staff time, temporary productivity dips, and any dual-system access costs.
“Clinicians and administrative users often identify different types of issues.“
Validation and Testing
Once a pilot migration is complete, validate the data thoroughly. Compare patient records across systems to ensure accuracy of key fields such as diagnoses, prescriptions, and imaging files. Pay close attention to dates, authorship, and attachments, as these are often the first areas where discrepancies arise.
Involve staff from different roles in the validation process. Clinicians and administrative users often identify different types of issues. Once the pilot data is confirmed accurate and functional, proceed with the full migration with confidence.
The Bottom Line for Clinics
Migrating to a new EMR is a significant undertaking, but it does not have to be disruptive. By planning strategically, mapping data carefully, ensuring vendor collaboration, testing thoroughly, maintaining compliance, and training staff, clinics can protect years of valuable patient information while positioning themselves for long-term success.
Ultimately, a well-executed migration is not just about transferring data. It is about preserving clinical integrity, improving efficiency, and enabling your team to deliver high-quality patient care within a more advanced and effective system.
About the Author:
Maryam Moharib, BOptom, BHSc, CSPO, CAPM
Maryam Moharib, BOptom, BHSc, CSPO, CAPM, is an optometrist and certified product owner with expertise in EMR implementation and clinic workflow optimization. She brings years of clinical and project management experience bridging technology and patient care.
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The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released an updated version of the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, adding TFOS DEWS III recommendations, dry eye etiological drivers, the OSDI-6 questionnaire and refined management options.
The Vision Council Foundation and the United Opticians Association are partnering for National Sunglasses Day to promote UV safety awareness and highlight the role of opticians and eyecare providers in sunwear education.
EyeRide 2026 returns June 20, bringing cyclists together from Vaughan to Alliston and Collingwood to raise funds for programs supporting people who are blind or partially sighted.
Modern Optical International has launched Modern Vision for All, a charitable initiative that contributes $1 from every qualifying frame purchase to support access to vision care through EyeCare4Kids and GoodVision.
Riyadh will host a major global optometry and optical gathering from April 2 to 4, 2027, bringing together OptiVision, the 6th World Congress of Optometry, SSO 2027 and SILMO Riyadh.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released an updated version of the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, adding TFOS DEWS III recommendations, dry eye etiological drivers, the OSDI-6 questionnaire and refined management options.
The Vision Council Foundation and the United Opticians Association are partnering for National Sunglasses Day to promote UV safety awareness and highlight the role of opticians and eyecare providers in sunwear education.
EyeRide 2026 returns June 20, bringing cyclists together from Vaughan to Alliston and Collingwood to raise funds for programs supporting people who are blind or partially sighted.
Modern Optical International has launched Modern Vision for All, a charitable initiative that contributes $1 from every qualifying frame purchase to support access to vision care through EyeCare4Kids and GoodVision.
Riyadh will host a major global optometry and optical gathering from April 2 to 4, 2027, bringing together OptiVision, the 6th World Congress of Optometry, SSO 2027 and SILMO Riyadh.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released an updated version of the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, adding TFOS DEWS III recommendations, dry eye etiological drivers, the OSDI-6 questionnaire and refined management options.
The Vision Council Foundation and the United Opticians Association are partnering for National Sunglasses Day to promote UV safety awareness and highlight the role of opticians and eyecare providers in sunwear education.
EyeRide 2026 returns June 20, bringing cyclists together from Vaughan to Alliston and Collingwood to raise funds for programs supporting people who are blind or partially sighted.
Modern Optical International has launched Modern Vision for All, a charitable initiative that contributes $1 from every qualifying frame purchase to support access to vision care through EyeCare4Kids and GoodVision.
Riyadh will host a major global optometry and optical gathering from April 2 to 4, 2027, bringing together OptiVision, the 6th World Congress of Optometry, SSO 2027 and SILMO Riyadh.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released an updated version of the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, adding TFOS DEWS III recommendations, dry eye etiological drivers, the OSDI-6 questionnaire and refined management options.
The Vision Council Foundation and the United Opticians Association are partnering for National Sunglasses Day to promote UV safety awareness and highlight the role of opticians and eyecare providers in sunwear education.
EyeRide 2026 returns June 20, bringing cyclists together from Vaughan to Alliston and Collingwood to raise funds for programs supporting people who are blind or partially sighted.
Modern Optical International has launched Modern Vision for All, a charitable initiative that contributes $1 from every qualifying frame purchase to support access to vision care through EyeCare4Kids and GoodVision.
Riyadh will host a major global optometry and optical gathering from April 2 to 4, 2027, bringing together OptiVision, the 6th World Congress of Optometry, SSO 2027 and SILMO Riyadh.
