Blog - Page 5 of 874

August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

New U.S. Study Finds Soft Contact Lens Patients Significantly More Profitable Than Glasses‑Only Wearers

A new U.S. study commissioned by the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has found that soft contact lens wearers generate substantially higher annual profitability for eye care practices compared to glasses‑only patients. According to the research, the profit advantage ranges from 29% to 86% per year, depending on lens type.

The study analyzed anonymized four‑year data from 20 eye care practices across the United States, including professional fees, chair time, staff compensation and secondary revenue streams. Researchers calculated average annual customer‑level profits of $436 for spherical contact lens wearers, $453 for toric wearers, and $485 for multifocal wearers. In comparison, profits averaged $244 for single‑vision glasses patients and $376 for progressive‑lens wearers.

A First‑of‑Its‑Kind Profitability Analysis in the U.S.

The study was conducted by Professor Philip Morgan (University of Manchester), Professor Lyndon Jones (CORE / University of Waterloo), and Professors Ash Morgan and John Whitehead (Appalachian State University). CLI commissioned the work as part of its multi‑year See Tomorrow initiative.

“It’s clear that contact lens customers can generate greater average annual profit, even with higher service and product costs,” said Professor Philip Morgan. “Recurring purchases, greater examination frequency, and opportunities for ancillary spending may make contact lens wearers particularly attractive from a customer lifetime value perspective.”

Challenging Long‑Standing Assumptions

The findings challenge persistent myths around contact lens profitability. CLI notes that more than half of eye care practices do not attempt to quantify the business impact of their contact lens patients — and those who do often underestimate profitability compared to glasses‑only wearers.

“The new data squarely challenges profitability myths that can creep into conversation despite a lack of evidence,” said Stan Rogaski, CLI’s executive director.

Implications for Practice Growth

CLI hopes the results encourage practices to revisit their prescribing strategies, including offering both contact lenses and glasses to support patient satisfaction and practice growth.

The full findings will be published later this year as part of a comprehensive See Tomorrow report.

Source: Contact Lens Institute

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

Rokid Glasses Launches in Canada Through Partnership with Ming’s Optical

Rokid, a global innovator in AI‑powered smart eyewear and human‑computer interaction, has launched its Rokid Glasses in Toronto, expanding its international footprint and officially entering the North American market. Designed for everyday wear, the glasses support prescription lenses — and in Canada, those lenses may qualify for insurance reimbursement depending on individual coverage.

To ensure access to high‑quality prescription options, Rokid has partnered with Ming’s Optical, a Markham‑based optical supplier, which will provide a full range of lens solutions for Canadian consumers.

“Canada is among the world’s most linguistically diverse countries with over 400 languages spoken from coast to coast,” said Zoro Shao, vice‑president and general manager of Rokid Overseas Operations. “Rokid Glasses are designed to reduce language barriers with real‑time AI translation. With our Toronto launch, we’re bringing the same success we saw globally to Canada, empowering Canadians to better connect and understand one another.”

The Canadian launch follows Rokid’s recent expansion into France and Germany. In Japan, the Rokid Glasses generated nearly US$4 million on the Makuake crowdfunding platform, becoming the most anticipated product in the marketplace’s 13‑year history.

AI Productivity in a Lightweight, Everyday Frame

Rokid Glasses project information privately into the wearer’s field of view using the world’s smallest Micro‑LED engine and a dual‑eye monochrome display. The design keeps users engaged with their surroundings while providing instant access to AI‑powered tools.

The glasses operate on an open multimodal AI ecosystem, allowing users to choose assistants such as Google Gemini or OpenAI ChatGPT. Features include real‑time translation in 89 languages, visual search, image translation and hands‑free photo and video capture through an integrated 12MP camera. Built‑in directional speakers deliver audio cues — including turn‑by‑turn navigation — without isolating the wearer from their environment.

A Growing Developer Community

Rokid also launched its AI Agent Store in Canada, a centralized platform where developers can create and share AI‑powered features for Rokid Glasses. The company introduced Rokid AI UI, a cross‑platform agentic framework designed specifically for AI glasses. Internationally, the platform has already attracted more than 3,000 submissions and over 400 published agent workflows. Rokid is inviting Canadian developers to contribute new ideas and expand the ecosystem.

Availability in Canada

Rokid Glasses and Rokid Ai Glasses Style will be available starting September 1 at CA$999 and CA$549 respectively. To celebrate the Canadian launch, both models will be discounted through August 31 — CA$899 for Rokid Glasses and CA$499 for Rokid Ai Glasses Style. The first 200 purchases will also receive a free Rokid Capsule battery or a set of custom prescription lenses valued at CA$159.

Products are available through Rokid’s official online store.

Source: Rokid

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

The Vision Council Guides the Optical Industry Through New Section 301 Tariffs Affecting 60 Trading Partners

The Vision Council is helping optical industry members navigate a significant shift in U.S. trade policy following the expiration of Section 122 tariffs on July 24. With those duties lifted, the U.S. administration has introduced new tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, targeting 60 economies over alleged forced‑labor violations — including many of the industry’s largest sourcing markets.

According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the new duties vary by country and will affect imports of frames, sunglasses, lens components and other optical products. Rick Van Arnam, Regulatory Affairs Counsel for The Vision Council, notes that the new tariff structure adds “another layer of complexity” for companies already adapting to evolving trade rules. The organization is working to help members understand applicable rates and potential exemptions.

New Duty Rates Affecting Key Optical Supply Chains

The new Section 301 duties range from 10% to 12.5%, depending on the country of origin. China, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia — all major eyewear‑sourcing markets — now face a 12.5% duty in addition to existing tariffs. India and Indonesia face a 10% duty, while the European Union, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland receive capped treatment that limits the combined rate.

Countries not listed in USTR’s determinations are not subject to the new duties.

The Vision Council encourages members to use its Tariff Dashboard to model cost impacts based on their product mix.

Exemptions and Transition Rules

A narrow in‑transit exception applies to goods loaded before the July 24 deadline and arriving by July 28. Products qualifying under USMCA rules remain exempt, and certain Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes are excluded — though none of the traditional eyewear‑related codes qualify.

Additional exemptions exist for the UK, EU and Switzerland, but none are expected to affect eyewear.

Stacking Tariffs on Chinese-Origin Goods

The new 12.5% duty on Chinese imports does not replace existing Section 301 tariffs already applied to most Chinese‑origin merchandise. As a result, The Vision Council advises members to prepare for the two duties to stack — 7.5% or 25% depending on the product category, plus the new 12.5%.

Other Tariff Actions Impacting the Industry

A separate 25% Section 301 duty on certain Brazilian goods took effect July 22 and will apply to optical products and related manufacturing equipment. A proposed 50% penalty on certain Canadian goods has not yet taken effect, and no optical products are currently included.

USTR is also investigating excess production capacity in more than a dozen countries, which may lead to a second round of Section 301 tariffs. The Vision Council will provide updates as details emerge.

“Between these latest 301 tariffs, the stacking China tariffs, the Brazil and Canada actions, and the excess‑capacity investigation, there’s a lot in motion at once,” said Omar Elkhatib, Director of Government Relations at The Vision Council. The organization is prioritizing developments most likely to affect optical imports and will continue to share updates as USTR releases new information.

Resources for the Industry

The Vision Council offers several tools to help members respond to ongoing tariff changes, including:

updates on tariff developments
a Tariff Dashboard for modeling financial impacts
country‑specific duty explanations and archived webinars

The organization will continue monitoring trade actions to provide timely guidance and advocacy support.

Source: The Vision Council

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026

SILMO Paris Unveils the 10 Talents Reimagining the Future of Vision in the 2026 Optical Design Contest

Silmo Paris nouvelle image de marque 2026

SILMO Paris continues to champion emerging designers, making the support of new talent one of its core commitments. More than an international gathering for the optical industry, the exhibition fosters creativity, encourages experimentation and highlights the designers shaping tomorrow’s optical landscape.

The Optical Design Contest offers design students from around the world a unique opportunity to rethink eyewear through the lens of innovation, design and evolving user needs. It has become a true international launchpad for the next generation of creators.

A Forward‑Looking Theme and a Prestigious Jury President

The 2026 edition explores the theme “The Future of Optics: What Vision?” The jury is chaired by Olivier Lapidus, an internationally renowned designer whose career spans fashion, design and technological innovation. His multidisciplinary perspective brings a distinctive viewpoint to the competing projects.

Ten Projects Selected for Their Bold Vision and Creativity

Ten projects have been shortlisted from international submissions. Reflecting the diversity of global design cultures and the creativity of a new generation, these concepts offer bold interpretations that help shape the conversation around the future of optics.

The nominees:

ALOGAKI – Universidad de Valladolid (Spain) A premium system for deaf and visually impaired users, inspired by the praying mantis. A stabilising wing allows the frame to transform into a standalone hearing implant powered by a micro‑battery.
ARCH TERRAIN – Savannah College of Art and Design (USA) Adaptive sports eyewear for climbing, hiking and cycling, featuring real‑time adjustments via a BOA‑inspired dial, elastic hinge and precision rail.
DREAMSCAPE – Savannah College of Art and Design (USA) An experimental collection recreating dream‑like sensory experiences to address the modern attention‑span crisis.
EMOSLOW – CY Cergy Paris Université (France) Smart eyewear for children aged 8–12 with concentration, anxiety or emotional regulation challenges. Heart‑rate monitoring triggers electrochromic lenses that change colour as stress rises, supported by a companion app.
GROUND – Rubika ISD (France) “Transition eyewear” equipped with an EEG sensor that generates animated cymatic patterns within electrochromic lenses to support cognitive transitions and guided meditation.
HALO – L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique (France) Dual‑lens eyewear for Gen Z in open‑plan workspaces, using SPD technology to electronically darken peripheral vision at the touch of a button for improved focus.
LEARNING TO SEE – Aalto University (Finland) AI‑powered eyewear combining eye tracking, computer vision and AR to help users “see like an expert” before learning theoretical concepts.
LUPO – CY Cergy Paris Université (France) Children’s eyewear made from recycled polycarbonate with UV‑reactive pigments that change colour to encourage sun‑protection awareness.
PROME – L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique (France) Everyday jewellery‑inspired eyewear crafted from recycled stainless steel, featuring interchangeable temples and magnetic accessories.
SPORA – Universidad de Valladolid (Spain) Eyewear grown from mycelium cultivated on agricultural waste, moulded and stabilised through gentle heat treatment. Fully biodegradable and naturally unique.

See the Finalists at SILMO Paris 2026

The ten nominated projects will be showcased at SILMO Paris from 25 to 28 September 2026, where the winner will be announced. The winning project will receive a €10,000 prize shared between the student and their educational institution.

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026

Optometry Giving Sight Welcomes Javier Prada‑López to Its Board of Directors

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) has announced the appointment of Dr. Javier Prada‑López, OD, to its board of directors. A prominent figure in Latin American optometry, Dr. Prada‑López is widely recognized for his expertise in specialty contact lenses, myopia management and his instrumental role in advancing the optical industry across the region. He brings more than 47 years of experience in clinical practice, education, manufacturing and executive leadership.

Dr. Prada‑López is the founder of CEOM (Centro de especialidades Oculares y manejo de Miopía) in Costa Rica and currently serves as president of the Latin American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control, a position he has held since 2024. He is also a Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC) and a board member of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (IAOMC).

A Career Defined by Innovation and Industry Development

A graduate of the University of Costa Rica with a degree in optometry and optics, Dr. Prada‑López completed advanced training in contact lenses in 1983, followed by professional development programs in Fort Lauderdale and London. His clinical expertise spans more than four decades, with a strong focus on refractive disorders and myopia management over the past 14 years.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Prada‑López has played a pivotal role in shaping the optical industry in Central America. For nearly five decades, he led Grupo Visión, a network of 140 optical clinics in Costa Rica and 16 in Nicaragua. He also contributed to the creation of Costa Rica’s first Essilor‑aligned optical laboratory in 1984. Since that same year, he has served as president of DIOPSA, a distributor of optical, ophthalmic and pharmaceutical products, and since 2012, he has directed VisionLab, a digital laboratory specializing in contact lenses.

A Lifelong Commitment to Education and Vision Access

Dr. Prada‑López has also made significant contributions to optometric education. He served as director of the University of Costa Rica’s postgraduate ophthalmology program from 1996 to 2016, helping advance the profession throughout Latin America.

“We are thrilled to welcome Javier to the OGS board of directors,” said Juan Carlos Aragón, co‑chair of the Optometry Giving Sight board. “His deep experience across every facet of the optical industry, combined with his leadership in myopia management and his strong roots in Latin America, make him an exceptional addition to our organization.”

“Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand how access to basic eye care can change the course of a life,” said Dr. Prada‑López. “Optometry Giving Sight is doing essential work to ensure that access is a right, not a privilege. I look forward to supporting this mission in every way I can.”

Source : Optometry Giving Sight

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!