Blog

October 8, 2020October 7, 2020

Vision Expo Launches Virtual Vision Series

Vision Expo recently launched the Virtual Vision Series, a new webinar series designed for eyecare providers that features industry thought leaders and experts presenting on a range of topics pertinent to the evolving vision care landscape, from the latest clinical innovations to relevant business strategies. Inspired by the Vision Series typically offered at Vision Expo East and West, the Virtual Vision Series offers eyecare providers opportunities to engage with industry leaders in a relaxed and collaborative learning environment.

“While the traditional ways the industry usually comes together to discover new trends and innovations have been disrupted, Vision Expo is committed to creating opportunities for the vision community to continue connecting and learning in meaningful ways,” said Fran Pennella, Vice President, Vision Expo at Reed Exhibitions. “We are excited to offer the same interactive learning environment through our Virtual Vision Series that the community has come to expect at our in-person events. As the vision care industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, creating opportunities for learning and community engagement is of the utmost importance.”

Upcoming Virtual Vision Series webinar:

The Myopia Opportunity and Obligation: Thursday, November 5 at 12 p.m. EST
This webinar will focus on the magnitude of the myopia problem and will explore how eye care providers can work together to benefit patients with progressive myopia. Registration will open for the webinar in the coming weeks.

For timely updates on upcoming Virtual Vision Series webinar topics, visit the Virtual Vision Series page.

For more information on Vision Expo, click here and follow Vision Expo’s social media channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.  

October 7, 2020October 7, 2020

Survey Explores Consumers’ Motivations to Choose Contact Lenses

A survey of more than 5,000 contact lens wearers sheds light on the deeper, emotional benefits people gain from wearing contact lenses.

The survey was conducted in five countries, including USA, Germany, Spain, UK, and Japan. There were no Canadian respondents in the study.

CooperVision, the study sponsor, has incorporated results into a downloadable practice guide, Beyond Vision Correction: The Real Impact of Contact Lens Wear on Patients. It is available at coopervision.com/impact-contact-lens.

“We initiated this project to help eye care professionals (ECP) recognize and articulate sometimes overlooked emotional benefits of contact lenses, yet which play essential roles in patient choice and ongoing satisfaction,” said Dr. Gary Orsborn, Vice President, Global Professional, Medical & Clinical Affairs for CooperVision.

When compared to wearing their spectacles, 78 percent believe “they see better in contact lenses,” including presbyopes aged 55 and over. Another 79 percent stated that “contact lenses make me feel more like myself” compared to spectacles wear.

“There’s significant opportunity for prescribing both spectacles and contact lenses to patients. Dual correction happens in an estimated 27 percent of cases, which is remarkably low considering advancements in materials, lens design, and wearer preferences. Our hope is that ECPs will embrace these insights and recognize the power they hold to improve patients’ quality of life and confidence, through the simple act of fitting contact lenses,” said Dr. Orsborn.

The guide also offers straight forward advice for incorporating the survey insights into practice, including making contact lens recommendations part of the daily routine and providing a short-term contact lens experience to rapidly highlight the emotional benefits.

To view the report visit coopervision.com/impact-contact-lens.

October 7, 2020October 2, 2020

Nikon Optical Canada Launches New Frame Collection

Thick Rim, a new frame concept, is joining the current Nikon Eyewear Collection this October.

Thick Rim design is a new technical eyewear that plays with the thickness of a pure titanium rim while keeping the frame lightweight.

The thickness of the rim, adorned with an architectural double groove detail, along with acetate temples combined in both polished and matte finishes contributes to the unique and distinctive frame design.

This design is available in both Optical and Sunwear versions. The optical frames have been designed to be best paired with Nikon Transitions® ophthalmic lenses while the Sunwear is paired with Nikon’s high performance Polashade lenses.

The Thick Rim Frames Collection will be available as of October 12, 2020.

View video of the new Thick Rim frames below:

Click HERE for the full press release.

October 6, 2020October 6, 2020

AAOF Announces 2020-2021 Allergan Foundation Research Grant Recipients

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF), in partnership with the Allergan Foundation announce two grant recipients this year in the areas of the anterior segment and glaucoma.

The recipient of the Allergan Foundation Grant in the area of the anterior segment is Suzanne MJ Fleiszig, OD, PhD, FAAO. Dr. Fleiszig is a Professor of Optometry and Vision Science, Microbiology, and Infectious Disease & Immunity at the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry.

As the principal investigator, Dr. Fleiszig has been awarded a $60,000 grant for her project, “Relationship between COVID-19 and the Eye.” Her collaborative team of co-investigators include Eva Harris, PhD; University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health and Abby Kroken, PhD; University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry.

The recipient of the Allergan Foundation Grant in the area of glaucoma is Stacey S. Choi, PhD, FAAO. Dr. Choi is an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University (OSU), College of Optometry and Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Havener Eye Institute.

As the principal investigator, Dr. Choi has been awarded a $60,000 grant for her project, “Characterization of inner retinal changes in glaucoma suspects in comparison to glaucoma patients and age-matched controls through adaptive optics retinal imaging.”

Her collaborative team of co-investigators include Nathan Doble, PhD (College of Optometry and Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Havener Eye Institute, OSU.) , Mark Slabaugh, MD, and Shelly Jain, MD (both from Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Havener Eye Institute, OSU).

These grants are awarded to talented optometrists and/or vision scientists, who are Academy Fellows, and are currently undertaking cutting edge research in the areas of glaucoma and/or the anterior segment. This is the seventh year the Allergan Foundation has sponsored this grant through the AAOF.

Click HERE for the full press release.

October 6, 2020October 6, 2020

Celebrities, Athletes and Authors Read Bedtime Stories on World Sight Day

On World Sight Day, October 8^th, numerous celebrities, athletes and authors will read Bedtime Stories to children globally to launch the free digital children’s book Through the Looking Glasses: Stories About Seeing Clearly.

Global vision organizations OneSight, Clearly and IAPB teamed up to introduce the book to shine a light on the 230 million+ kids worldwide that need glasses, but don’t have access to get them. The book features 30 children’s stories and illustrations about seeing clearly by authors and artists from 17 countries.

Billie Jean King, Jo Frost, Michelle Yeoh, Princess Alia Al Hussein, Clark Gregg, Ethan Herisse, Selena Lee and others will read stories from the book on World Sight Day starting at bedtime in numerous countries, including: Australia; Hong Kong; India; Rwanda & South Africa; Canada; United States and Jamaica.

U.S. and Canada Bedtime Stories Details

When: Oct. 8 at 7 pm in each of these time zones: ET, CT, MT, PT

Where: www.onesight.org/worldsightday

“Giving children the clear sight they need to thrive has a huge impact on their future – and ours,” said K-T Overbey, President and Executive Director at OneSight. “We’re proud to partner with Clearly and IAPB to launch Through the Looking Glasses and Bedtime Stories, and hope it allows us to reach millions of parents and kids to raise awareness of the importance of vision needs for kids.”

Click to participate in Bedtime Stories and download the free book.