With feminine good looks and freeride spirit, Resist from Julbo is up to any challenge and refuses to compromise. Effortlessly switching from town to mountains, it offers an outstanding level of performance: pantos shape and keyhole bridge for style, grip material, a curved front and temples to take on the worst situations, as well as photochromic Reactiv lenses for the best vision. 100% protection of your look.
Distributed by Lanctôt: www.rlanctot.com
A gene therapy treatment for the disease known as “biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy,” a rare condition with onset in childhood or adolescence that leads to complete vision loss, was approved by the FDA in December of 2017. This disease affects approximately 200 Canadians. The treatment, developed by the Pennsylvania-based company Spark Therapeutics Inc., is known as Luxturna (voretigene neparvovecrzyl) and could be used to treat 6000 people worldwide.
“Today’s approval marks another first in the field of gene therapy—both in how the therapy works and in expanding the use of gene therapy beyond the treatment of cancer to the treatment of vision loss—and this milestone reinforces the potential of this breakthrough approach in treating a widerange of challenging diseases. The culmination of decades of research has resulted in three gene therapy approvals this year for patients with serious and rare diseases. I believe gene therapy will become a mainstay in treating, and maybe curing, many of our most devastating and intractable illnesses,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D.
Luxturna functions by delivering a working copy of the RPE65 gene to the retina, which then can produce the normal protein,
allowing the retina to function properly. The treatment is currently extremely expensive, costing $425,000 USD per eye.
The treatment is not yet approved by Health Canada.
Canadian Eye Care Business Review (CECBR), announces 2018 sponsors for the Canadian resource for independent eye care professionals. Each sponsor is committed to fostering the sustainability and health of independent eye care practices by financially supporting the initiative and through their content contributions to the site.
2018 Sponsors include:
CECBR was launched in 2017 in response to the need for a uniquely Canadian context for eye care business information. “The 2018 sponsors are confirming their commitment to the importance of independent eye care as a vital segment of the eye care services and eyewear market. They have expertise to share with ECPs, and are fully aligned with the site’s mission: to learn, engage and succeed,” said David Pietrobon, President of VuePoint IDS, CECBR’s publisher.
The site can be viewed at www.eyecarebusiness.ca
About Canadian Eye Care Business Review (CECBR)
CECBR is the only online digital resource focused on all aspects of independent eye care business practice in the Canadian market; from professional development and evolution for a new practice start-up, to the everyday challenges of operating a successful practice, through to exit strategies and retirement.
Drs. Tina and Jeff Goodhew, independent optometric practitioners from Oakville, Ontario, are Co-Editors in Chief.
Content is a combination of subject matter expertise and peer-to-peer sharing of experience and practical tips. Topical interactive webinars, articles and resources are available online at www.eyecarebusiness.ca and are also distributed through the weekly OptikXTRA electronic newsletter to over 3,000 Canadian Eye Care Practitioners.
For sponsorship information, please contact sales@vuepoint.ca
Westgroupe has announced the launch of the ZEISS 2018 Eyewear Collection in Canada.
Designed with the precision, high quality materials and proprietary technology, the eyewear collection launches with 14 styles; 7 men’s, 4 women’s & 3 unisex styles ranging from full rim to rimless and varied shapes. Constructed from high-quality materials, Titanium and TX5, the collection features Titanium nose pads in keeping with the luxury appeal of the brand. For those who prefer a softer touch, standard soft nose pads are also included with every frame. All styles feature the signature titanium temple tips.
Standouts from the women’s collection are models ZS-10007 (photo) and ZS-10011. Both styles feature TX5 fronts and titanium temples for a lightweight, easy-to-wear frame that retains its shape even in extreme heat.
For the men, this collection showcases classic eye shapes. ZS-20001 (photo) is a rectangular, matte finish TX5 frame that boasts a titanium inlay on the temples and end pieces.
Visit www.westgroupe.com for more information about the collection.
SAFILO announces an exclusive distribution partnership for Paraguay with CEPAL, a leading local Eyewear Company with a longstanding successful track record of quality eyewear distribution and service since 1981.
With this partnership, SAFILO further expands its footprint in Latin America in support of its growth plans in the region as part of its accelerated Emerging Markets expansion.
SAFILO’s renowned high-quality products representing a brand portfolio of over 30 leading eyewear brands are now offered in Paraguay in quality opticians, who are served by CEPAL on behalf of SAFILO with the highest levels of service.
Read full press release HERE.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
Learn More
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Read more
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
Read more
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
Read more
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
Read more
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
Learn More The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Read More Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
Read More EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
Read More CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
Read More
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
Learn More The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Read more Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
Read more EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
Read more CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
Read more The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
Learn More The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Read more Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
Read more EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
Read more CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
Read more
