Blog

January 15, 2020January 15, 2020

UPMC First in the U.S. to Implant Wireless Retinal Device for Advanced AMD

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center announced they have implanted the first patient in the United States with a new wireless retinal device as part of a clinical trial aimed at restoring partial sight to patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The system, called PRIMA, is designed to restore sight in patients blinded by retinal degeneration. It consists of a 2×2 millimetre, 30-micron thick miniaturized wireless photovoltaic chip, placed under the damaged retina and works in tandem with augmented reality glasses that have a built-in miniaturized camera and infrared projector.

The chip acts like a tiny artificial retina, made up of 378 tiny electrodes that convert infrared light from the glasses to electrical signals that are carried by the optic nerve to the brain. After receiving the implant, patients undergo an intensive rehabilitation program that trains their brains to understand and interpret the signals from the implant in combination with their remaining natural vision. Compared to earlier-generation implants, PRIMA is wireless and has significantly more electrodes, which allows for the transmission of more visual information.

“We are proud to be the first center in the United States to test this next generation retinal implant that could help treat an incurable disease like AMD,” said José-Alain Sahel, M.D., director of the UPMC Eye Center.

The UPMC feasibility trial is running in parallel with the first-in-human trial in France, which involves five patients with advanced AMD, who now have been followed for more than a year. The 12-month results from the French study demonstrated the ability of most patients to identify sequences of letters and there were no device-related serious adverse effects.

January 15, 2020May 20, 2026

A Style Worth Sharing with Your Spouse

For unisex model Olivier 3D, neubau eyewear is redefining the legendary aviator
shape. Three-dimension elements surround the stainless-steel frame, adding a
modern flair to the classic shape. Olivier 3D is the perfect mix of avant-garde and
classic styles and will compliment both male and female facial features. Seen
here in dark teal/glorious gold, Olivier 3D is the perfect accessory to complement
any exciting look.

Distributed by COS: canadianoptical.com

January 10, 2020January 10, 2020

New Look Vision Announces the Appointment of Senior Vice-President, Business Development

New Look Vision Group announced the appointment of Jason Schonfeld, MBA, CFA, as Senior Vice-President, Business Development.

Mr. Schonfeld joined New Look Vision in November 2015 as Director, Corporate Development. Since October 2017, he has held the position of Chief Financial Officer of Iris, The Visual Group, New Look Vision’s optometric division. Prior to joining New Look Vision, he worked for several years at a major multinational accounting firm in its financial advisory services department. Mr. Schonfeld holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University, a Master of Business Administration degree from HEC Montréal and is a CFA charter holder.

Antoine Amiel, CEO of New Look Vision stated that: “Jason’s track record and experience, from external growth to integration of acquired business units, most recently at Iris, are instrumental to support New Look Vision’s current strategic and operating priorities.”

Source: New Look Vision

January 10, 2020January 9, 2020

Marchon Introduces Pure to their Proprietary Brands Portfolio

Marchon Eyewear announces a new proprietary brand to their portfolio, Pure. Offering uniquely youthful eyewear in classic colorations paired with a minimalist aesthetic, Pure is the ultimate approach to lightweight, modern, mood boosting eyewear.

Available now, the Pure collection features a mix of modern titanium and plastic styles thoughtfully constructed to incorporate on-trend details and best-selling design attributes. Pure is made of lightweight materials and sleek finishes, with an elevated quality in mind. This new series of women’s and men’s styles are targeted to ages 18 – 45, but are certain to be appreciated by a wide-range of consumers.

“Pure is unlike anything we’ve seen in eyewear yet, a modern and contemporary brand for those women and men that told us that they are often bored by the selection of lightweight frames that are offered to them.” said Thomas Burkhardt, Senior Vice President of Global Brands, Marketing & Design at Marchon Eyewear, Inc. “We are thrilled to add Pure to our portfolio of proprietary lifestyle brands, it will elevate the eyewear experience for our customers.”

The newest release under the Pure brand will be available beginning this month, comprised of 4 women’s and 3 men’s titanium optical styles that play with colour and personality.

Beginning this month, the Pure optical collection will be sold through select optical retailers worldwide.

Click HERE for the full press release.

January 10, 2020January 9, 2020

WestGroupe to Launch Life Italia Kids Eyewear Collection

WestGroupe announces a distribution agreement with World Optik SRL for the North American distribution of Life Italia Kids. The initial launch of Life Italia Kids in Canada and the USA is set for early 2020.

Created to meet the needs of parents and their children, the Life Italia Kids eyewear collection offers unsurpassed durability, a comfortable fit and adorable styles for kids aged 3 to 16 years old.

“WestGroupe is thrilled to begin 2020 with a new addition to our product portfolio. This 100% made in Italy kids’ collection will be a fantastic complement to our Superflex^® Kids collection as it will satisfy those parents looking for durable, “active” eyewear. Life Italia Kids has been highly successful globally, and we are excited to bring this quality brand to North America,” Says Beverly Suliteanu, VP of Product Development.

Source: Westgroupe