ZEISS, the global leader in optical science, is investing in innovation and making further advancements in the industry’s best service and quality. With our rich history as a pioneer brand, we serve independent Eye Care Professionals with our products proudly manufactured in Canada. ZEISS will continue to set the gold standard for excellence in optical technology.
Driven by a dedication to innovation and inspired by cutting-edge technology, ZEISS consistently leads the way in shaping the future of optics. Our unwavering focus on service and quality ensures that every product bearing the ZEISS name exceeds expectations and inspires confidence among our customers.
“Your success is our ambition. Building long-term partnerships is one of our most important goals. That’s why we continue to work closely with eye care professionals like you. Your patients’ needs, how you serve your patients and manage your business drive the development of our products and business solutions,” explains Bryan Rossi, the President of Zeiss Vision Care Canada. He also added: “As a pioneer brand and independent manufacturer, we aspire to be a champion of innovation and service within the optical industry.”
Structured as a memorandum of understanding, the agreement leverages the respective strengths of the two world-leading eye care and research institutions, aiming to foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge, resources, and technology. Dr. Amit Mathur, strategic global partnerships and digital innovation advisor to LVPEI and a University of Waterloo alumnus, initiated the collaboration.
Key focus areas include:
Joint research initiatives, encompassing collaborative research projects focused on cutting-edge solutions in vision science and eye health.
Therapeutic development, expediting the creation of new interventions to address some of the most challenging eye conditions affecting people worldwide.
Knowledge exchange and capacity building, facilitating cross-institutional sharing through joint seminars, workshops, and exchange programs for researchers and clinicians.
Innovation in eye care, exploring novel approaches to delivery mechanisms while harnessing the latest technology and research to improve patient outcomes.
“Our agreement with CORE represents a significant milestone in the quest to push the boundaries of vision science and eye care. By combining our strengths, we are setting the stage for breakthroughs that could transform the landscape of eye health globally.”
Dr. Prashant Garg, executive chair at LVPE
“LVPEI is renowned for its dedication to excellence in eye care and research. Together, we are committed to unlocking new possibilities in vision science and therapeutic development for the benefit of patients worldwide.”
Professor Lyndon Jones, director of CORE
The memorandum of understanding was signed by LVPEI and CORE in late April, and both organizations are now establishing the joint operating models for the partnership.
Professor Lyndon Jones, Director, CORE and Dr. Prashant Garg, Executive Chair, LVPEI, sign the memorandum of understanding.
In the heart of New Brunswick, a unique collaboration between an optician and a food bank is lighting the path for a brighter, more inclusive future for community health and well-being. This initiative, known as the Groceries and Glasses Program, has become a beacon of hope for those in need, blending essential vision care with vital food support. Here’s a closer look at this transformative program and how it’s changing lives.
Bridging Vision and Necessity
In July 2014, Pierre Landry, a New Brunswick licensed optician, launched Personal Opticians Inc., embarking on a mission to provide mobile, personalized vision care primarily to seniors. Despite the innovative approach, Landry quickly identified a gap in service fulfillment, particularly when optometrist visits resulted in purchases elsewhere.
This realization led to a groundbreaking partnership with the Peter McKee Community Centre (PMCC) in Moncton, where, starting August 10, 2016, prescription eyewear became available for those in need, with no participation fees attached.
Eliminating Barriers to Eye Care
The partnership aimed to address the financial barriers that often prevent individuals from following through with essential eye care services or correction devices. By waiving eyewear fees and covering eye exam participation fees, over 400 New Brunswick Social Development clients have received free eye exams and glasses since April 2017. This initiative received a significant boost on April 1, 2023, when New Brunswick eradicated vision care participation fees, further ensuring that no individual is left behind due to financial constraints.
Expanding the Horizon
Recognizing that not everyone qualifies for social development optical coverage, the program introduced a monthly draw for free eye exams and glasses for uninsured individuals. This expansion reflects a deep understanding of community needs and a commitment to addressing them creatively and compassionately.
A Clinic Built on Generosity
The initiative’s success prompted the establishment of a clinic within the PMCC, supported by donated equipment and the expertise of Dr. Ed Doherty, a retired ophthalmologist. This clinic not only signifies the power of community collaboration but also highlights the importance of volunteerism in enhancing public health services.
Groceries and Glasses Program in Moncton, NBDonated equipment
Joining Hands with Visionaries
The program’s impact is magnified by the support of various organizations and individuals, including the Riverview Lions Club and the ONESIGHT EssilorLuxottica Foundation. Their contributions, ranging from donated frames to prescription lenses, underscore the collective effort required to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
A Call to Action
The Groceries and Glasses Program is more than just an initiative; it’s a testament to the impact of combining resources, expertise, and compassion to address complex community needs. It serves as an inspiring model for opticians and community organizations nationwide, demonstrating the profound difference that can be made when we work together to remove barriers to essential services.
Pierre Landry’s vision, supported by Dr. Doherty’s dedication and the generosity of community partners, embodies the spirit of service and the power of community-led health initiatives. As this program continues to flourish, it invites others to consider how they, too, can contribute to a world where everyone has access to the care they need, regardless of their financial situation.
Left to Right: Christine Taylor, Dr. Ed Doherty, Pierre Landry, RO*
If you’re inspired by the Groceries and Glasses Program and wish to learn more or contribute to its expansion, please contact Mr. Landry at pierre@personalopticians.com for further details or visit www.personalopticians.com.
Together, we can ensure that vision care is within everyone’s reach, one community at a time.
*Left – Christine Taylor is the General Manager at the Peter McKee Community Centre, the largest food bank in New Brunswick and home to a teaching kitchen, thrift store, community boardroom and garden and of course, our eye clinic.
Seated – Dr Ed Doherty, M.D. Ophthalmologist, is retired Minister Govt. of New Brunswick, Minister Service NB, Aboriginal Affairs, Social Economic Inclusion, Poverty.
Right – Pierre Landry, RO is a Licensed Dispensing Optician retired from teaching optical dispensing at the Collège Communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick and owner of Personal Opticians Inc, providing prescription eyewear services at the Peter McKee Community Centre.
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Etnia Barcelona seeks to unravel the mysteries of the deep sea through a journey of creative and surreal exploration. Underwater includes 22 new models, 18 optical and 4 sunglasses. Inspired by the underwater world, the collection combines a palette of translucent tones, evoking reflections of light in the water, with solid colours inspired by underwater flora and fauna.
In the 1950s, Fulgencio Ramo—grandfather of David Pellicer, who is the current owner of the company—created his first eyewear factory. His children helped out there and quickly acquired all of the know-how of the business to take over the reins. This second generation designed, created and distributed the glasses all over Spain, but it was not until the 1990s when David Pellicer joined the company with the dream of creating something new.
AN INDEPENDENT EYEWEAR BRAND
David brought colour to a product that, up until that point, had only been brown or black. If there was one thing he knew, it was that he did not want to dedicate his efforts to just manufacturing glasses; he wanted something more. That something was creating a brand. A brand that embodied the idea of being free, human and respectful towards all ethnicities. He wanted a brand that thought of all people and forms of expression through colour and art. That’s how Etnia Barcelona was born.
Bausch + Lomb announced its ONE by ONE and Biotrue® Eye Care Recycling programs have collected 84,343,540 units, or 510,116 pounds, of used contact lenses, eye care and lens care materials in the U.S., which is greater than the weight of the Statue of Liberty.1
“Eye care professionals, patients and consumers have helped us collect hundreds of millions of these used materials through our recycling programs over the years, making a positive impact in the world. In conjunction with our other sustainable business practices, we continue to do all we can to help reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility throughout our organization.”
Amy Butler, vice president, Global Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability, Bausch + Lomb
In the U.S., an estimated six to ten metric tons of contact lens packaging waste ends up in wastewater each year. Eye health packaging materials collected through the Bausch + Lomb recycling programs are used to create various post-consumer products like picnic tables and benches.
“The Bausch + Lomb recycling programs are an important part of our practice’s efforts to reduce waste and practice sustainability. It’s gratifying to know that the materials we collect in partnership with our patients are repurposed rather than ending up in a landfill or ocean.”
Jennifer Tsai, OD, LINE OF SIGHT, New York
Recycling Programs
The ONE by ONE Recycling program has collected nearly 84 million used contact lenses, blister packs and top foils since the program’s launch in November 2016.
The Biotrue Eye Care Recycling program, which launched in April 2021, has collected nearly 825,000 eye drop single dose units, lens cases, lens solution caps, as well as all Biotrue-branded eye drop bottles2.
In addition to the U.S., Bausch + Lomb has a similar contact lens recycling program in Canada called Every Contact Counts.
Silhouette’s Titan Minimal Art Sun launches new sunglass models: ADARA, CALEUM (featured model) and GLENN featuring hyper-flexing temples and premium materials.
Visioneering Technologies, Inc, producer of the NaturalVue® Multifocal 1 Day Contact Lenses (NVMF), continued its release of the 1-year prospective data of its ongoing multi-center, randomized, double-masked, controlled trial (RCT) at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).
In time for Vision Health Month this May, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) has released a new survey to assess Canadians’ awareness, understanding, and concerns around eye and vision health.
Silhouette’s Titan Minimal Art Sun launches new sunglass models: ADARA, CALEUM (featured model) and GLENN featuring hyper-flexing temples and premium materials.
Visioneering Technologies, Inc, producer of the NaturalVue® Multifocal 1 Day Contact Lenses (NVMF), continued its release of the 1-year prospective data of its ongoing multi-center, randomized, double-masked, controlled trial (RCT) at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).
In time for Vision Health Month this May, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) has released a new survey to assess Canadians’ awareness, understanding, and concerns around eye and vision health.
Silhouette’s Titan Minimal Art Sun launches new sunglass models: ADARA, CALEUM (featured model) and GLENN featuring hyper-flexing temples and premium materials.
Visioneering Technologies, Inc, producer of the NaturalVue® Multifocal 1 Day Contact Lenses (NVMF), continued its release of the 1-year prospective data of its ongoing multi-center, randomized, double-masked, controlled trial (RCT) at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).
In time for Vision Health Month this May, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) has released a new survey to assess Canadians’ awareness, understanding, and concerns around eye and vision health.
Silhouette’s Titan Minimal Art Sun launches new sunglass models: ADARA, CALEUM (featured model) and GLENN featuring hyper-flexing temples and premium materials.
Visioneering Technologies, Inc, producer of the NaturalVue® Multifocal 1 Day Contact Lenses (NVMF), continued its release of the 1-year prospective data of its ongoing multi-center, randomized, double-masked, controlled trial (RCT) at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).
In time for Vision Health Month this May, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) has released a new survey to assess Canadians’ awareness, understanding, and concerns around eye and vision health.
