Blog

September 8, 2017April 24, 2018

Luxexcel Partners with IFB Solutions Optical Lab

Luxexcel, the Belgium-based 3D ophthalmic lens printing company, announced on September 6^th it had formed a partnership with the independent North Carolina-based optical lab IFB Solutions Inc. IFB Solutions specializes in lenses for low vision patients.

Their focus will be on medical specialty lenses at first, saying that their 3D printing technique will enable “the development of unique ophthalmic products,” according to Luxexcel CCO Guido Groet.

We recognize that 3D printing is the future of the optical industry, and we want to be early innovators and adopters of this emerging technology,” says Dan Kelly, COO for IFB Solutions.

Read the complete press release HERE.

September 8, 2017April 24, 2018

Vision Expo: Supporting Those Affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma

As the vision industry prepares to gather in Las Vegas, International Vision Expo extends their thoughts to those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

Vision Expo has received an incredible amount of interest and concern from their supporters, attendees and exhibitors, looking for ways in which they can help those affected by these events. The vision industry is and always has been a close, supportive community. To this end, Vision Expo supports Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR), a program of Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation.

For the many members of the industry who have reached out in search of ways to show their support, Vision Expo encourages you join behind this important effort. This Fund provides immediate assistance in the wake of natural disasters.

Details on how to support OFDR will be made available throughout the Vision Expo West show floor lounges, food courts and registration areas, or you can visit www.VisionExpoVegas.com/Relief to learn more about these disaster relief efforts, donate or request support from OFDR.

September 8, 2017April 24, 2018

Transitions Introduces Transitions® Go™ Smart Adaptive Lenses

PLEASE NOTE: The October 2017 launch of the Transitions® Go™ product in Canada is now on hold.

LAS VEGAS, NV – Transitions Optical, Inc. announced that its newest product – Transitions^® Go™ smart adaptive lenses – will be available in October 2017 only in Canada. Transitions Go lenses automatically darken outdoors up to an 80% tint and feature a proprietary new technology that rapidly fades back to clear indoors – up to three times faster than Transitions^® Signature^® Grey lenses. Transitions Go lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB radiation and help protect against harmful blue light, blocking over 79% of harmful blue light outdoors from the sun and at least 18% indoors from electronic devices.

The Ideal Solution for Active Millennials

Transitions Go lenses are designed for 18-42 year-old single vision lens wearers who live active, on-the-go lifestyles and are constantly connected to their devices. Transitions Go lenses adjust to just the right level of tint to help reduce eyestrain, eye fatigue and light sensitivity experienced by 88% of millennials. In wearer testing, 92% of subjects were satisfied with their overall indoor vision, and 87% were satisfied with their overall outdoor vision. Also, more than four out of five single vision clear lens wearers ages 18-42 agree Transitions Go lenses are better than their clear lenses.

Product Availability and Education Materials

Transitions Go lenses will initially be available in Canada in 1.50 and polycarbonate, in grey and brown, in Rx single vision. Soon after launch, more materials and colours such as graphite green will be added. Transitions Go lenses will be available as both semi-finished and finished lenses, equipped with anti-reflective technology. Beginning on the October 3 availability date, industry professionals can visit Transitions.com/Go to learn more about the product and download an eye care professional brochure, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), logos, videos and images.

Click HERE for full press release.

September 7, 2017April 24, 2018

Spectacle Eyeworks RETRO Collection

Prince

Spectacle Eyeworks Inc, the Canadian design house, keeps the geek chic revival revving with new additions to their RETRO line, a collection of cool, confident designs with current old-school style. Bold, yet wearable shapes that will flatter an array of face shapes and sizes. They are true to the 50s-60s, with thicker rims and vintage feel. Available in six colours including tortoise, black marble, and clear.

All frames include a signature case, point-of-purchase display, and two-year warranty. For more information please call toll-free 888-722-3322 or check out their website at www.spec-eyeworks.com.

Find Spectacle Eyeworks at upcoming shows:
LOFT (Las Vegas, USA) – Booth p14
SILMO (Paris, France) – Hall 5 / Stand L101

September 7, 2017April 24, 2018

NASA Documents Space-Flight Associated Ocular Syndrome

NASA’s Space Medicine Operations Division has given a name to the ocular responses which arise after long space journeys: space-flight associated neuro-ocular syndrome, or SANS.

The causes of SANS remain unknown, but NASA’s doctors have found that astronauts experienced unilateral and bilateral optic disc edema, globe flattening, choroidal and retinal folds, hyperopic refractive error shifts, and nerve fiber layer infarcts among other symptoms.

NASA’s study of SANS is ongoing, with further manned missions into space including both in-flight and post-flight intracranial magnetic resonance and imaging ocular optical coherence tomography.

In one study of long-duration space flights on the International Space Station (ISS), 12% of crewmembers reported decreased distant visual acuity, while 48% report decreased near visual acuity. Some of these refractive changed endured for years after the space flight.

Understanding the cause and developing countermeasures for SANS will be necessary for making longer duration manned trips, such as to the asteroid belt or Mars, NASA says.

Read the Special Communication at JAMA Ophthalmology HERE.