Blog

April 11, 2018April 24, 2018

E-Vision Announces Demo for Liquid Crystal Electronic Contact Lens

E-Vision™ Smart Optics has announced the successful completion of a prototype version of their electronic contact lens platform device to demonstrate the ability to electronically change diopters in real time to prospective licensing partners.

The Electronic Contact Lenses will offer features including onboard power/control, remote setting and activation, dimensions that fit within current contact lens size requirements, and up to four diopters of control, or more, that can be switched in 50 milliseconds.

Sandwiched between three thin layers of polymer are two layers of liquid crystal, 8 microns thick. In the unpowered mode, the liquid crystal molecules are in their relaxed state and provide no optical power. When a small voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules begin to change their optical properties resulting in focus changes in the lens.

All power, electronics, optics and communication components will be inside of the contact lens. The power source will provide energy for a full day’s use and be recharged wirelessly when removed from the user’s eye overnight.

Read the complete press release HERE.

April 11, 2018April 24, 2018

J&J Announces ACUVUE OASYS with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology

Johnson & Johnson Vision announced on April 11 ACUVUE OASYS^® with Transitions^®Light Intelligent Technology™ first of its kind contact lens that provides wearers with vision correction and a dynamic photochromic filter that helps to continuously balance the amount of light entering the eye. These contact lenses quickly and seamlessly adjust from clear to dark in response to changing light conditions; reducing exposure to bright light indoors and outdoors, including filtering blue light and blocking UV rays.

“This innovation was born out of deep research into consumer lifestyle needs and fits our future-forward approach to caring for human sight,” said Dr. Xiao-Yu Song, Global Head of R&D for Johnson & Johnson Vision. “ACUVUE OASYS^® with Transitions^® creates and defines an entirely new category of contact lenses that will address unmet needs for patients. After more than a decade of product development and numerous clinical trials involving more than 1,000 patients, we are excited to bring to market a solution to help contact lenses wearers manage the changing light conditions they face every day in their modern, active lives.”

This strategic partnership between Johnson & Johnson Vision (JJV) and Transitions Optical combines the respective strengths of each company. While ACUVUE^® is the world leader in contact lenses, Transitions Optical is the leading provider of photochromic (smart adaptive) lenses world wide. The two companies are working together to research and deliver best-in-class vision care innovations.

ACUVUE OASYS^® with Transitions^® has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is indicated for the attenuation of bright light. The two-week reusable, spherical contact lens will be marketed by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. and will be commercially available in first half of 2019.

April 10, 2018April 24, 2018

Calvin Klein Eyewear Introduces New, Rebranded Collections for 2018

Calvin Klein, Inc. and Marchon Eyewear, Inc announced the introduction of the newly rebranded lines of men’s and women’s CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC and CALVIN KLEIN sunglasses and ophthalmic eyewear, designed under the creative direction of Raf Simons, the Chief Creative Officer of Calvin Klein.

Eyewear for the brand will now be marketed under the CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC, CALVIN KLEIN and CALVIN KLEIN JEANS brand names in line with the recent global restructuring of Calvin Klein’s apparel and accessories under Simons’ singular vision for the iconic American brand.

The elevated new branding, refreshed design approach, and composition of the eyewear lines is planned to contribute to increasing visibility and expanding distribution at retail, travel retail and optical accounts. Significant investments globally are also being made in updated branded fixtures, optimized merchandising and increased training for sales representatives and accounts.

This launch represents the latest sunwear offering and the first-ever introduction of optical eyewear under the new luxury CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC brand, designed to complement Simons’ new, elevated ready-to-wear and accessories collections, which are reframing and modernizing the CALVIN KLEIN brand. In the new, highly curated line, architectural silhouettes marry retro and modern aesthetics celebrating elements of the brand’s rich history and future vision. The new styles are rendered in high quality titanium and striated acetate which are artfully conceived by combining delicate materials, including leather, brushed metal and unique design details such as a new signature “fly-away” bridge, as well as vividly striped and colour-blocked surfaces. All of the CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC styles, named for the location of the company’s global headquarters at 205 W 39 Street in New York City, are made in Italy and Japan.

All eyewear for the CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC, CALVIN KLEIN and CALVIN KLEIN JEANS lines is produced under license by Marchon Eyewear, Inc.

Click HERE for the full press release.

April 6, 2018April 24, 2018

Free Bus Transportation for Students to Optical Summit

The Opticians Association of Canada, in partnership with Essilor and The Optical Group are providing FREE bus transportation to Opticianry Program students who wish to attend Optical Summit, held in Laval, Quebec from May 25 to 27.

Buses will be travelling from Quebec City, Moncton, New Brunswick, Barrie, Ontario and North York, Ontario.

Did you also know that students can attend Trade Summit and Educational Summit for FREE, which includes lunch?!

STUDENTS, CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.

April 6, 2018April 24, 2018

INVU – Finalist for Consumer Travel Retail Award

An exclusive group of 5,000 frequent international travelers has voted INVU, the young and innovative Swiss brand, a finalist for the Global Travel Retail Award in the Eyewear Category. “What makes this nomination so special is that the international market research firm that conducted this study has, for the first time, decided that the end user will be the ultimate jury,” says Rebecca Harwood Lincoln, Travel Retail Director for the INVU brand. “This strong vote of confidence from actual customers is a great honor for INVU and Swiss Eyewear Group. It proves that our strong focus on product innovation and high quality resonates well with consumers.”