The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Alcon have partnered to form a global, evidence-based dry eye disease education initiative designed to raise optometrists’ understanding of dry eye etiology and prevalence, diagnosis, and practical management. Dry eye disease is a chronic, painful condition that impacts 1.4 billion people worldwide, with reports of increased occurrence aligning with notable factors such as increasing use of technology, environmental triggers, and an aging population.

WCO President Peter Hendicott MAppSc, PhD said, “We are excited to partner with Alcon in supporting the education of optometrists globally about practical measures to better address dry eye, a condition that without proper diagnosis and treatment can lead to ocular surface disease. July is Dry Eye Awareness Month—the ideal launching point for this year-long program. By raising the conversation around dry eye, the eye care community can collectively improve outcomes from a condition that can significantly affect people’s vision and lives.”

The WCO and Alcon dry eye disease initiative will feature the collected insights of several world-renowned opinion leaders, and a simplification of the latest research covering different aspects of dry eye disease. Each will include related, easy-to-implement educational materials.

“The impact of dry eye on quality of life is comparable to other disabling conditions, and even mild to moderate dry eye can reduce quality of life,” said Carla Mack, OD, MBA, FAAO, FBCLA, Global Head, Professional Affairs for Alcon. “We’ve joined forces with the World Council of Optometry to bring the leading experts in the field and the latest science to the forefront. We’re excited to help more optometrists access the latest data and world-class faculty so that more patients who suffer from dry eye disease find treatment and relief.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

IRIS the Visual Group announces the partnership of Dr. Branwen Phillips, Optometrist in their location in Qualicum Beach, BC.

The Qualicum Beach IRIS location #626 has been a longstanding success on Vancouver Island for over 22 years, with the previous IRIS partner, the late Dr. Gerald Trees.

Dr. Branwen Phillips was born and raised on Vancouver Island. A passion for biological science took her eventually into Optometry and she graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2007.  In an event hosted by IRIS while she was at school, she once wrote that her career goal was to become a partner at an IRIS location. Fifteen years later that dream has come true.

The new IRIS partnership consists of co-ownership of shares in a BC registered corporation that holds the assets of the Qualicum Beach location only and operates as IRIS Optometrists Opticians. Dr. Phillips will receive dividends based on the profit of her location only and participate in the appreciation in value of her shares as it grows. 

Dr. Phillips looks forward to the next phase of her career as an IRIS partner with her well established team who prides itself on professionalism, fun and starting the day by cracking only the funniest ‘dad jokes’.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Safilo Group announces that it has joined The Fashion Pact, a global coalition of companies in the fashion and textile industry (ready-to-wear, sport, lifestyle and luxury) including their suppliers and distributors, all committed to a common core of key environmental goals in three areas: stopping global warming, restoring biodiversity and protecting the oceans.

Becoming a signatory of The Fashion Pact is part of Safilo’s purpose-led strategy based on three sustainability pillars: planet, product, and people, and it represents a further step confirming the Group’s commitment to develop projects and initiatives that address the global challenges of tomorrow in the areas of Climate, Oceans and Biodiversity, as per The Fashion Pact mission and priorities.

“At Safilo we believe that the only meaningful business is the sustainable one” – stated Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group – “We are proud to enter The Fashion Pact and to collaborate with many outstanding companies to make a positive impact on society’.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Etnia Barcelona once again collaborates with the artist Ignasi Monreal, for Volume 2 of its limited-edition capsule. OJO Vol. 2, just like Jade itself, is Yu. The glasses play with the fantasy notion of having an extra pair of eyes. One single version of the sunglasses in three distinct colours: lavender, water green and Havana.

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