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July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

Think Sunscreen Is Enough? Your Eyes Can Get Sunburned Too, Canadian Ophthalmologists Warn

Most Canadians know to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors, but many don’t realize another part of the body is just as vulnerable to the sun: their eyes.

As Canadians spend more time outside this summer, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is reminding the public that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage the eyes, with effects that build over time. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, while sunlight reflected from water, sand and pavement can further increase exposure.

Repeated UV exposure has been linked to a number of eye conditions, including cataracts, photokeratitis (a painful sunburn of the eye), and certain cancers affecting the eyelids and eye. Cataracts alone affect more than 2.5 million Canadians and remain the leading cause of vision loss.

“People often think of sunburn as something that only affects the skin, but the eyes can be damaged by UV rays too,” said Dr. Phil Hooper, leading Canadian ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon.”You may not notice the effects right away, but years of UV exposure can increase your risk of serious eye conditions. Protecting your eyes should be part of your everyday sun safety routine.”

5 Ways to Protect Your Eyes This Summer

Wear UV400 sunglasses (100% UVA/UVB protection).
Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
Protect your eyes even on cloudy days.
Schedule regular eye exams.
See an ophthalmologist if you notice changes in your vision.

This UV Safety Awareness Month, COS encourages Canadians to make eye protection part of their everyday sun safety routine.

Source: Canadian Ophthalmological Society

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July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

Applications Open for 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award

Applications are now open for the 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award, an international competition recognizing emerging talent in eyewear design.

The award will be presented during MIDO | Milano Eyewear Show, taking place February 6–8, 2027, in Milan, Italy. Founded by Harvey Ross and presented in partnership with the Ross Viva Family Foundation, MIDO and the Cereda family, the competition honours the legacy of eyewear designer Sergio Cereda.

The 2027 theme, “The DNA of Design: Eyewear Reimagined,” invites participants to consider eyewear through identity, storytelling and purpose. Entrants may reinterpret the design philosophy of an existing brand, movement or aesthetic, or develop an original concept.

For the 2027 edition, applicants must submit a complete collection rather than a single frame. Each entry must include either three original optical frame designs or three original sunglass designs, along with a one- to two-minute video presentation explaining the inspiration, creative process and design concept.

Submissions will be evaluated on creativity, originality, cohesion across the collection, interpretation of brand DNA or originality of concept, innovation, craftsmanship, material awareness, market relevance and storytelling.

A total of $20,000 USD in awards will be presented: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, $3,000 for third place and $2,000 for the Harvey’s Choice Award.

Sergio Cereda Design Award Winner 1° premio 2026

Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2026. Winners will be announced and recognized during MIDO 2027 in Milan.

The official competition criteria and application are available at:
https://optyx.com/sergio-cereda-award-application/

Click HERE for the press release.

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July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

Safilo Completes Acquisition of SPY+ and Serengeti

Safilo Group announces the closing of the acquisition of SPY+ and Serengeti from Bollé Brands, following the signing of a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement on May 11, 2026, and the fulfilment of all customary closing conditions.

The transaction, which covers selected SPY+ and Serengeti assets in Europe and 100% of the shares of two dedicated legal entities operating in the United States and Canada, represents a further step in Safilo’s strategy focused on the selective acquisition of brands capable of strengthening the Group’s positioning in attractive and high-growth segments, enhancing its portfolio of home brands, which includes Smith, Carrera, Polaroid and Blenders.

Angelo Trocchia, Chief Executive Officer of Safilo Group, commented:

“The closing of this acquisition marks another important step in the execution of our strategy. SPY+ and Serengeti are highly complementary to our existing portfolio and fully aligned with our strategic focus on sport and high-quality eyewear.

SPY+ is an authentic and well‑established US brand which strengthens our presence in the sport and outdoor channel alongside Smith and Blenders, supporting a more effective multi-brand positioning across different price points. Serengeti, with its long-standing heritage and best-in-class mineral lens technology, represents a key opportunity for Safilo in the premium and high-end segment, enhancing our ability to serve the upper end of the market and expanding our presence in high-quality, performance-driven eyewear.

We expect to unlock both top-line and cost synergies by leveraging our supply chain, global distribution network and D2C capabilities, driving growth and improving operating efficiency over time.”

Together, SPY+ and Serengeti generated sales of approximately USD 39 million in 2025. The consideration for the transaction is USD 24.6 million and has been financed through the Group’s available financial resources.

Source: Safilo

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July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

Optometry Practice Strategy Series Builds Momentum for Fall Program

Following the first event in the Optometry Practice Strategy Series (Mastering Social Media presentation by Dr. Alexa Hecht), attention now turns to the upcoming fall webinars, beginning in September.

Developed for Canadian optometrists, the series focuses on practical business issues that influence practice ownership, operations, growth and long-term planning. Each scheduled course will be COPE accredited, and interest in the program has been strong, with more than 100 registrants already confirmed for each of the upcoming sessions.

Fall Series with Subject Experts Continues in September

The fall program will continue with expert-led courses addressing key areas of practice management and professional decision-making. Topics include financial, operational, technology and strategic considerations relevant to today’s optometric practice environment.

The series is supported by a group of sponsors with deep connections to business, professional services and the eye care sector. Sponsors include CIBC Commercial Banking, one of Canada’s leading national banking brands, MNP, a national accounting, tax and business advisory firm, ROI Corporation, TeckSoft, and Théa Pharma Canada.

Together, the series and its supporting partners aim to provide optometrists with accessible, practical education that extends beyond clinical care and into the business realities of managing and growing a practice.

Earn COPE accredited CE

Registration is now open for the fall sessions. Visit the Optometry Practice Strategy Series mini-site to view upcoming COPE-accredited webinars and register:
https://vuepoint.ac-page.com/ODPracticeStrategySeries

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July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

Bausch + Lomb Survey Links Dry Eye Symptom Management with Quality-of-Life Improvements

Bausch + Lomb Corporation has released new findings from its third annual State of Dry Eye survey, suggesting that dry eye symptoms may affect more than physical comfort, with some respondents reporting impacts on emotional wellbeing, stress, productivity and self-confidence.

The online survey was conducted by The Harris Poll in May 2026 among 1,000 U.S. adults identified as dry eye sufferers who were using either a prescription treatment or an over-the-counter product.

According to Bausch + Lomb, one in five respondents said their dry eye symptoms affected their self-confidence, while a similar proportion reported an impact on emotional wellbeing. About one in three said their symptoms affected their stress or anxiety levels, while nearly three in ten reported effects on productivity and mood.

Among respondents who said their stress or anxiety levels were affected by dry eye symptoms, 73% reported improvement following treatment. The company also reported that respondents using prescription eye drops were more likely than those using over-the-counter products to report near-total or substantial improvement in several areas of daily life, including self-confidence, productivity, emotional wellbeing and mood. Bausch + Lomb noted that the over-the-counter-only base for some comparisons was fewer than 100 respondents.

The findings are based on self-reported survey data and should be interpreted as an association between symptom management and reported quality-of-life improvements, rather than proof of a direct causal relationship.

The survey also identified gaps in awareness about conditions that may be associated with dry eye symptoms. Bausch + Lomb reported that 90% of respondents did not know dry eye symptoms may be associated with menopause. Nearly eight in ten did not know that dry eye symptoms could be associated with autoimmune conditions in general. Awareness of specific associations was lower, with fewer than 10% of respondents aware that dry eye symptoms could be associated with lupus, type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Andrew Stewart, president, Global Pharmaceuticals and International Consumer, Bausch + Lomb, said the findings reinforce the complexity of dry eye and the importance of speaking with an eye care professional about symptoms.

Bausch + Lomb directs patients seeking additional information about dry eye to KnowYourDryEye.com.

Source: Bausch + Lomb

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