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November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

SightGlass Vision Names Natalia Trela-McDonald as Head of Research and Development

SightGlass Vision has appointed Natalia Trela-McDonald as Senior Director of R&D and Technology, bringing a wealth of experience in optical device design and commercialization to its leadership team. In her new role, Trela-McDonald is advancing the company’s work in contrast management and leading the development of next-generation lens designs and materials to further enhance the proven efficacy and performance of its DOT™ myopia control spectacle lenses.

Trela-McDonald spent nearly 14 years at PowerPhotonic, spearheading product development and overseeing the company’s U.K. business in advanced optical components for laser systems in medical devices, defense technologies, and industrial applications. She earned her master’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunication from Wrocław University of Science and Technology and her doctorate in Physics from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.

“Having experienced myopia myself, I understand the importance of early intervention,” said Trela-McDonald. “As both a scientist and a parent of young children, I’m inspired by SightGlass Vision’s mission to give every child access to this technology that can truly change the course of their eye health for the future. My goal is to build on the company’s already strong foundation to make DOT lenses even more effective and accessible, so that as many children as possible can benefit from them.”

DOT spectacle lenses are the first device designed to both correct vision and slow myopia progression by mimicking more natural contrast.1,2,3 To do this, the lenses include thousands of elements that softly scatter light before it hits the retina.4 DOT lenses offer unsurpassed visual acuity in the treatment zone and sharp all-around vision.5 After 12 months of wear, DOT lenses have been shown to slow myopia progression by up to 75% across diverse populations.*6,7

“Natalia’s passion for safeguarding children’s vision and her expert knowledge in optical technologies equip her wonderfully to head R&D at SightGlass Vision,” said Andrew Sedgwick, CEO of SightGlass Vision. “Alongside our team of ocular scientists, her leadership will be instrumental in our mission to bring effective myopia control to children around the world.”

SightGlass Vision’s patent-protected DOT lenses have made their commercial debut in several markets, including China, Israel, Canada, Spain, and the U.K., with over one million children having already worn the lenses.†,‡ Founded in 2016, the company now operates as a joint venture of CooperVision, Inc. and Essilor International.

Rappon et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 12-month results of a randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study (CYPRESS). Br J Ophthalmol. 2023;107(11):1709–1715.
Laughton D, et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 4-year results of a multicentre randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study (CYPRESS): BMJ Open Ophthalmology 2024;9:e001790;
Laughton et al. Control of myopia using contrast modulation spectacle lenses in a Chinese population: 12-month results. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2025;66(8):2815.
Rappon et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 12-month results of a randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study. Br J Ophthalmol 2023;107:1709-1715.1.
Rani et al. Treatment zone visual acuity with myopia control spectacle lenses. ARVO 2024 presentation.
Rappon et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 12-month results of a randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study. Br J Ophthalmol. 2023;107:1709-1715
Laughton et al. Control of myopia using contrast modulation spectacle lenses in a Chinese population: 12-month results. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2025;66(8):2815.

Click HERE for the press release.

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November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

The Vision Council Meets with U.S. Trade Officials to Address Tariff Pressures on Eyewear Manufacturing

Last week, The Vision Council and several U.S. eyewear manufacturers met with senior officials at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to discuss how current tariffs are affecting the competitiveness of American optical businesses and increasing costs for patients.

Representatives from USTR included Marshall Stallings, Director for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, and Sarah Short, Director for Industrial Trade Policy. The Vision Council delegation featured CEO Ashley Mills; Senior Manager of Government Relations Omar Elkhatib; Modern Optical owners Ken and Paula Weissman; and Thema Optical North America CEO Giulia Valmassoi.

Ashley Mills noted that tariffs continue to place pressure across the supply chain, from manufacturers to labs to retailers, suppressing growth and raising costs for consumers. “We are committed to working with federal partners to create policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce costs for patients, and ensure that all Americans have access to high-quality vision care,” she said.

Industry Leaders Outline Tariff Impacts

During the meeting, participating companies detailed how tariffs on raw materials, parts, and finished goods are limiting expansion, hiring, and product development. The added costs, they noted, are particularly challenging for small and family-owned manufacturers competing in a global marketplace.

The Vision Council highlighted the strong potential of U.S. eyewear production to support job creation, export growth, and sustainable manufacturing, especially as more companies integrate AI-driven technologies to enhance production efficiency. The group also advocated for improvements to “Made in USA” labeling policies to better support companies that invest in domestic manufacturing.

Key Issues Discussed

• Rising patient costs: Out-of-pocket eyewear expenses have increased by approximately 10% this year, pushing consumers toward lower-cost offshore online retailers.

• Health impacts of delayed care: With more than 61% of Americans relying on prescription eyewear, rising prices risk delaying essential corrective care linked to diabetes, hypertension, depression, and fall risk.

• Effects on vulnerable groups: Seniors, children, and Medicaid beneficiaries face the greatest challenges as higher costs strain programs serving low-income or medically fragile populations.

• Regulatory inconsistencies: Uneven tariff treatment across Class I medical devices has created uncertainty and added cost burdens for manufacturers.

• Strengthening domestic production: Companies investing in U.S. manufacturing emphasized how tariff relief could accelerate onshoring efforts and improve supply-chain resilience.

The Vision Council also requested guidance on federal tools that could support long-term industry growth and workforce development.

Giulia Valmassoi commented on the constructive dialogue: “I truly appreciated how open and receptive the USTR representatives were during our discussion. I’m grateful to The Vision Council for ensuring that the voices of American manufacturers are heard.”

Resources for Members Navigating Tariffs

The Vision Council offers several supports for companies affected by tariffs, including:

• Regulatory and tariff guidance
• Federal policy and advocacy assistance
• Member alerts and issue briefings
• Research and economic-impact data
• Direct support for assessing tariff exposure

The organization continues to advocate for policies that strengthen access to vision care and the competitiveness of the domestic optical industry. More information is available at thevisioncouncil.org.

Source : The Vision Council

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November 19, 2025November 14, 2025

Rhea: Feminine Strength, Crafted by Woodys

Optik Voilàs November-December 2025- Mood Eyewear Woodys Rhea

With its bold cat-eye shape, the Rhea model combines femininity and character in a frame crafted from Italian acetate. It features delicate milling on the front, refined lamination along the temples, and Woodys’ signature temple tip adorned with a wooden inlay. Five-axis OBE-Hinges engraved with the “W” ensure strength, flexibility, and optimal comfort.

Distributed by Mood Eyewear: www.moodeyewear.com

About Mood Eyewear:

Mood Eyewear Inc is proud to lead in the latest European optical trends, integrating European fashion influences to enhance the visual experience. We consider it both a duty and an honor to support our business partners by providing personalized and efficient service. Our exclusive collections are carefully curated to blend creativity, innovation, art, design, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology.

Established in 2006, Mood Eyewear was founded with the aim of importing and offering prestigious optical and sunglass collections to the Canadian market. Our group ensures the distribution of renowned European brands, selected for their quality and distinctive aesthetics.

We are the exclusive distributors in Canada for brands such as Blackfin, Woodys, Le Parc, Visionario, X-Ide, MIC, I-Man, Komono, and NOS.

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November 19, 2025November 14, 2025

Myopia Control: Ortho-K vs. Low-Dose Atropine

Optik Research Updates image presented by CRO

Based on: JAMA Ophthalmology, 2025 – Randomized Clinical Trial

At a Glance

Population: Children & adolescents with progressing myopia
Interventions: Orthokeratology lenses, atropine 0.04%, atropine 0.01%
Duration: 2 years
Key outcomes: Axial length change, refractive progression, safety

Summary
A two-year randomized trial compared orthokeratology and two doses of atropine in slowing myopia progression. Researchers tracked axial elongation and refractive error in several hundred children across Asia.

Results showed both ortho-k and low-dose atropine provided clinically meaningful slowing of myopia, with higher-dose atropine (0.04%) showing stronger effect than 0.01%. Orthokeratology performed comparably in efficacy but carried the known practical considerations of fitting, adherence, and infection risk.

Practice Considerations

Both ortho-k and low-dose atropine remain effective options for pediatric myopia control.
Atropine 0.04% may provide greater impact, but even 0.01% delivers measurable slowing for hesitant families.
Matching treatment to family readiness, patient age, and lifestyle is essential.
Combination therapy could be promising but requires further evidence.

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November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

WCO Releases Key Takeaways from 2025 Educators’ Forum, Supported by EssilorLuxottica

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has released the official Key Takeaways document from its 2025 Educators’ Forum in partnership with the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). The Forum, held June 27 during WCO’s 5th World Congress of Optometry, was supported by EssilorLuxottica, a 2025 World Congress Sponsor.

“Education is at the heart of advancing our profession and ensuring that quality vision and eye care are accessible to all,” shared Olga Prenat, Head of Medical and Professional Affairs at EssilorLuxottica. “The Educators’ Forum highlights the power of global collaboration to strengthen curriculum, support educators, and prepare future eye care professionals, optometrists, to meet evolving standards and patient needs. We are honoured to support the World Council of Optometry in driving this important mission.”

The Educators’ Forum Key Takeaways document spotlights global perspectives in optometric education and provides strategic direction for educators, institutions, and policymakers working to strengthen optometry’s role in global health.

Highlights include:

Advancing a Global Standard: The new WCO Competency Framework for Optometry introduces five competency domains to establish a global benchmark for outcomes from optometry education, aligning with the World Health Organization (WHO) Eye Care Competency Framework.
Addressing Barriers to Progress: Strategies to overcome challenges such as professional opposition, limited training opportunities, and the lack of legislative recognition of optometry.
Leveraging Technology: The use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) and telehealth can expand access to optometry education and care, especially in underserved regions, but must be ethically integrated and professionally supervised to mitigate risks.
Preparing Future Graduates: Emphasis on curricula that balance innovation with essential clinical skills and human-centered competencies such as empathy, trust-building, and clinical judgment that technology cannot replace.
Strategic Outlook: Strong global standards, collaboration, and future-focused, outcome-driven curricula will reinforce optometry’s role in health systems and advance both WCO’s and WHO’s vision of accessible, equitable eye care for all.

EssilorLuxottica’s sponsorship was highlighted at the event by Dr. Nicolas Gilberg, who introduced the company’s Leonardo Online Learning Management System—a platform available in more than 150 markets that provides accredited, evidence-based professional training. In addition, the company is partnering with WCO on the Global Standard of Care for Presbyopia and the Aging Eye and supports scholarships through collaborations with ASCO and other organizations.

“The 2025 Educators’ Forum demonstrated the power of collaboration in shaping optometry’s future. Through the commitment and support of sponsors such as EssilorLuxottica, WCO can continue to advance education, elevate standards, and support optometrists in meeting global eye care needs,” shared WCO Past President Prof. Peter Hendicott. “This Key Takeaways document reflects this shared commitment to preparing future optometrists to meet global health challenges.”

The Key Takeaways document is now available to the global optometry community on the WCO Resources page, presenting a pathway for optometrists to strengthen curricula, overcome systemic barriers, and ensure that optometry remains central to equitable, accessible eye care delivery. Download the document here.

Click HERE for the press release.

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SightGlass Vision Names Natalia Trela-McDonald as Head of Research and Development