Blog

August 27, 2020August 26, 2020

Free CE Course on Blue Light for Opticians

OptikConEd is making a comprehensive continuing education course on Blue Light available on the new OptikConEd.com platform at no cost for Canadian Opticians and Optometric Assistants.

This new course, entitled, “The Science of Blue Light | Unlocking the Impact on our Health“, is sponsored by an education grant from BluTech. The course covers the effect of blue light on digital eye strain, vision loss, sleep and migraine.

The Instructor is Valeri Manso, a respected and well known optical educator who often contributes to live and digital optical and optometric education events across North America.

The Blue Light course provides a deep dive on the topic, which has been of some controversy in the lay press of late. Opticians need to be fully aware of the topic in order to answer patient questions with credibility and authority.

As a result of taking this course, the student will be able to:

Separate Fact from fiction when it comes to Blue Light impact
Understand blue light and how it can impact long term vision, daily vision, and overall well being
How to positively impact your patients using the newest lens technology.
Understand how unprecedented and growing usage of digital devices is contributing to blue light exposure in patient’s eyes

The course is approved for a one-hour credit for opticians by NACOR (National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators), COO (College of Opticians of Ontario) and CCOA (Canadian Certified Optometric Assistants. The course is also approved by ABO (American Board of Opticianry) and NCLE (National Contact Lens Examiners).

Users can take the at their own pace and timetable facilitating learning at a relaxed in-home setting.

Upon completion of a course, the learner can take an online quiz to test their knowledge. The quiz is instantly graded and a certificate with the relevant accreditation seal is immediately generated. Click here to view the new OptikConEd.com CE website.

Clients interested in learning more about how CE can be implemented on the new OptikConEd.com website can contact the company at: learn@optikconed.ca.

August 27, 2020August 26, 2020

CooperVision Announces Sarah Michelle Gellar as Spokesperson to Increase Awareness of Myopia Management

CooperVision announced popular US television actress, producer, and entrepreneur Sarah Michelle Gellar as the spokesperson for its Brilliant Futures™ Myopia Management Program. Brilliant Futures™ is built around MiSight® 1 day, the soft contact lens FDA-approved to slow the progression of myopia in children ages 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.

This new, multichannel direct-to-consumer advertising campaign featuring Gellar will highlight the importance of annual comprehensive eye exams in monitoring the progression of myopia in children. The campaign will include national and regional broadcast segments, content across digital and social media, and influencers who will be sharing their personal experiences with myopia.

“My husband and I are both nearsighted – and our myopia has continued to worsen over time,” said Gellar. “We want our kids to have a chance for better vision and lower their risk for future eye health issues. (…) That is why I am thrilled to be partnering with CooperVision on this campaign.”

“CooperVision has always been committed to eye health innovation,” said Jerry Warner, Executive Vice President, Americas and Global Commercial Functions of CooperVision. “The goal of this campaign is to help build awareness of the short- and long-term effects of myopia. More than just vision correction, CooperVision’s myopia management program can help build a brilliant future for our children.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

August 26, 2020May 20, 2026

Introducing Polaroid Stay Safe 2 Kid Face Shield

Polaroid adds the STAY SAFE 2 KID face shield, for ages 6-12, to its STAY SAFE collection. Made in Italy, it offers all the same features as its adult counterpart, including an optical grade, high quality lens and pouch, but is scaled down in size for smaller faces.

Distributed by Safilo: www.safilo.com

August 26, 2020August 26, 2020

AAOF Announces 2020 Bert C. and Lydia M. Corwin Contact Lens Residency Award Recipient

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) announces Kimberly Weisenberger, OD, MS as this year’s recipient of the Bert C. and Lydia M. Corwin Contact Lens Residency award. Dr. Weisenberger is a resident cornea and contact lens advanced practice fellow at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.

The award is intended to promote the practice and development of the field of contact lenses by providing incentive and support to talented optometric residents who demonstrate a passion and commitment to practice, research, and education.

Nicky Lai, OD, MS, FAAO, Associate Professor of Clinical Optometry at The Ohio State University College of Optometry said, “Dr. Weisenberger has the clinical knowledge and skills to manage the variety of patients in our clinics and provides a robust educational experience for our students in her role as a clinical attending and graduate teaching associate.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

August 25, 2020August 25, 2020

CooperVision Promotes Melissa Kiewe to Vice President, North America Marketing

CooperVision announced that Melissa Kiewe has been appointed Vice President, North America Marketing. She is responsible for overseeing all regional marketing strategies and demand creation initiatives, including product launches, programs and promotions.

Kiewe joined CooperVision in 2016 as Senior Director, Customer Marketing, for which she led the development of multifaceted marketing programs, marketing communications initiatives, and national and customer brand product launches.

“In just four years at CooperVision, Melissa has acted as a change agent to the company, spearheading several innovative customer marketing programs to meet the industry’s growing and changing needs,” said Jerry Warner, Executive Vice President and President, Americas and Commercial Functions at CooperVision. “Her proactive approach has been influential in CooperVision’s development and delivery of actionable patient-centered insights, especially in recent months as eye care professionals are faced by unprecedented challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her commitment to discovering new ways to contribute to the industry will continue to help build strategic partnerships and strengthen the company’s existing relationships with the eye care community.”

For more than 20 years, Kiewe has worked in the optical and healthcare industries. Prior to joining CooperVision, she held positions at companies including Bausch & Lomb, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer. She has received several leadership awards following nominations from her peers and managers, most recently having been named one of Vision Monday’s 2020 Most Influential Women in Optical. Outside of optometry, she is a graduate of the LEAD Leadership Program from WOMEN Unlimited and has acted as a mentor and a coach for emerging women in leadership.

She succeeds Simon Seshadri, who was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President, Global Marketing in June.

Click HERE for the full press release.