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March 5, 2020March 9, 2020

FYidoctors Announce Private Equity Partner Investment

Updated March 6, 2020

FYidoctors, today announced that L Catterton, a large global consumer-focused private equity firm, has made a strategic minority equity investment in FYidoctors.

FYidoctors management and optometrist shareholders will continue to hold a significant equity interest in the business. While the terms of the transaction were not disclosed by the company, the Globe and Mail reports the equity investment is in excess of $100,000,000.

Founded in 2005 and based in Calgary, Alberta, FYidoctors now has a national network of 500 optometrists, 250 locations and 2,700 employees.

The new partnership provides FYidoctors with both significant growth capital and expertise from L Catterton, a firm that has built some of the most renowned brands, globally, including a special relationship with the luxury brand house LVMH.

“It’s an absolute honour to partner with a firm of this calibre and is inspiring for everyone at FYidoctors,” said Dr. Alan Ulsifer, Chairman and CEO of FYidoctors.

According the announcement, L Catterton has significant experience investing in leading consumer healthcare businesses. Current and previous investments include dentalcorp, Ideal Image, ClearChoice, Owndays, OdontoCompany, FEMME, Espaçolaser and PetVet Care Centers.

Click HERE for the full press release.

March 5, 2020March 4, 2020

FYidoctors Named One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies

FYidoctors announces it has received the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation. Now in it’s 27th year, the Canada’s Best Managed program recognizes Canadian-owned and managed companies that demonstrate operational excellence in various categories. The award acknowledges FYidoctors for its sustained growth, commitment to innovation, and progressive business practices.

Launched in 2008 by a group of optometrists who were looking to shape the future of eye care, FYidoctors has experienced significant growth as a company and has evolved as a leader in the optical industry. With over 250 clinics across the country, an ophthalmic laboratory in Delta, BC, and being the sponsor of virtual reality simulation labs at the both University of Waterloo and University of Montreal, FYidoctors has taken concrete steps to ensure that Canadians will have access to the latest technology and highest quality eye care products, services, and training for generations to come. Along with innovation and technology, investments are proudly made in its workforce of 2,700 staff through a robust training process and leadership development opportunities, which ensures consistent patient experience at all clinics.

“From the onset, FYidoctors has remained undeviating in our commitment to delivering modern eye care and enhancing the lives of Canadians. What we’ve been able to build to date wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible people within our organization and we couldn’t be happier to share this award with them,” said Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO and Chairman of FYidoctors.

FYidoctors and other applicants were evaluated by an independent judging panel comprised of representatives from program sponsors in addition to special guest judges. 2020 Best Managed companies share commonalities that include (but are not limited to) a clear and concise strategy, capability to invest in R&D, tools and proprietary equipment and a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility.

The designation comes on the heels of FYidoctors wrapping the year with over 90 new clinics added to its banner.

Watch the video:

Click HERE for the full press release.

March 4, 2020March 3, 2020

Vision Expo East Announces Speakers and Experiences Planned for The Bridge and Innovation Stage

Vision Expo announces the series of events and speakers planned for The Bridge and Innovation Stage at the 2020 event in New York City. In keeping with Vision Expo’s renewed focus on discovery, experience and connection, attendees can expect a robust lineup of industry experts, creative luminaries, and forward-thinking leaders presented in engaging, interactive formats.

Following a successful debut year in 2019, The Bridge returns to Vision Expo East with new events designed to inspire learning and facilitate networking and socializing. The Bridge stage will host the educational EYE2EYE Series for the second year in a row.

Additionally, the Innovation Stage will host events that showcase the state-of-the-art products and services that are revolutionizing the industry. New events for Innovation Stage include the worldwide debut of a documentary about the importance of optometric testing in preventive medicine and a panel on establishing a sports and performance vision training center.

To register for Vision Expo East 2020, visit visionexpoeast.com and be sure to follow along on all of Vision Expo’s social media channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

For the complete schedule and full press release, click HERE.

March 4, 2020February 28, 2020

Visual Cortexes Can Process Natural and Artificial Information

Professor and Researcher Daniel Palanker at Stanford University developed an artificial retina out of tiny electrodes smaller in width than a human hair. Researchers carried out a study in which a prosthetic retina was implanted into rodents to see if the brain can process both natural and artificial information to restore vision. The results were fascinating.

In the study, published in the journal Current Biology, researchers from Israel’s Bar-Ilan University and Stanford University found evidence for the first time indicating that the brain can integrate natural and artificial signals to process information needed for vision. This study will be important in treatment to those with macular degeneration, which is the number one cause of blindness in the North America.

“We wanted to see how the brain is able to combine the two kinds of information, because it can provide us insight which is important for improving the restoration of sight in blind patients,” said Prof. Yossi Mandel, head of Bar-Ilan University’s Ophthalmic Science and Engineering Lab and the study’s lead author. This research can lead to ways to restore vision in patients with vision loss due to Age related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of blindness in North America.

”The visual cortex in our brain processes the information from the retina, and we wanted to find out if the brain was able to process and analyze and integrate the information coming from both the prosthetic retina and natural retina,” he said. “This will enable the implanted person to see, even if part of the information was coming from an artificial chip.”

During the study, the researchers implanted rodents with the retinas like those created for humans and studied the activity of the brain. “What we found is that the basic processing (abilities) of the visual cortex are preserved, and it is able to combine the artificial and natural signals, just as it does when both signals come naturally, when people have natural eyesight,” said Prof Daniel Palanker of Stanford University.

This is exciting research for future advancements in vision restoration for those suffering from blindness. The study will help in the development of products that can help people with blindness caused by retina damage. In addition, “this information may be useful for “potentially other applications because, in a way it is a sort of human-machine interaction,” with the machine part being the prosthetic retina.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/embargo-till-6brain-can-mix-natural-and-artificial-vision-to-help-treat-blindness-study/

March 3, 2020March 2, 2020

CooperVision and Procornea Highlight Investments in Ocular & Clinical Science at NCC 2020

When the Dutch Contact Lens Congress (NCC) opens its doors, attendees will immerse themselves in discussing how contact lens advances factor into the rapidly evolving world of eye health. CooperVision and Procornea, part of CooperVision Specialty EyeCare, announced plans to have a significant presence at the conference. Both will showcase new investments in research, funding, practice tools, products and partnerships designed to help eye care professionals navigate change and shape better clinical outcomes.

NCC has grown since its founding in 2006 to become Europe’s largest contact lens congress. Running from March 15-16 in Veldhoven, The Netherlands, it is expected to draw 1,900 participants from more than 20 countries.

Providing Research Insights and New Funding Sources

More than a dozen CooperVision-affiliated papers and posters were accepted by event organizers. All reflect the company’s global leadership in multiple facets of ocular and clinical science, including innovative methods to address the global myopia epidemic.

At the start of NCC, CooperVision will release more details about the return of its Science and Technology Awards, which brings together independent researchers and CooperVision experts to explore new dimensions in eye care. The 2020 program will solicit research proposals concerning presbyopia and myopia.

Developing Advanced Products for Optimal Outcomes

Within the NCC exhibition hall, attendees will be able to experience inventive products that are helping ECPs meet the growing needs of their practices and patients.

Procornea’s stand will concentrate on the rising prevalence and severity of myopia, and the company’s range of contact lenses designed for myopia management. This includes the groundbreaking CooperVision MiSight^® 1 day contact lens.

Partnering to Increase Public Awareness

The Eye Fund (Oogfonds) and Procornea are now collaborating to encourage parents to have their children’s eyes and vision checked regularly. The campaign kicked off in January with a special emphasis on myopia. It has already garnered considerable broadcast media attention and will extend through 2020.

“NCC has become a preeminent contact lens conference, bringing thousands of clinical, academic and research professionals to Veldhoven while simultaneously attracting attention from tens of thousands of their peers worldwide. CooperVision and Procornea are looking forward to revealing more regarding our research, insights, products and programs come mid-March,” said McParland.

Click HERE for the full press release.