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Latest CORE Publication Focuses on AI & Myopia Management

Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to rapidly transform myopia management, offering new capabilities for predicting progression, personalizing treatment, and improving clinical decision-making. The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated Issue 90 of Contact Lens Update to the topic, focusing on the challenges, opportunities and paths forward. The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

Contact Lens Update Issue 90 AI and Myopia Management

“AI is not a substitute for clinicians, but it can augment their clinical reasoning. For myopia management, systems can already help synthesize complex scientific evidence, project progression, and support personalized treatment decisions. This issue provides practitioners with a practical understanding of how AI can be integrated into daily care to improve outcomes for young myopic patients,” said Daddi Fadel, adjunct assistant professor at the University of Waterloo and a consultant for CORE.

Jeffrey J. Walline, a distinguished professor and associate dean at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, writes the issue’s opening editorial. He argues that while AI predicts average myopia progression in groups reasonably well, it remains poor at forecasting individual progression. He concludes that truly transformative AI for personalized myopia care does not yet exist, though it will likely emerge within our professional lifetime.

Nicola Logan, professor of Optometry and associate dean for Research & Enterprise at Aston University, UK, provides the feature article that analyzes AI in myopia research, finding that use is growing rapidly yet remains focused on screening and prediction rather than treatment decisions. She concludes that meaningful clinical transformation will require more international data sharing, multi-ethnic studies, and integrated decision-support systems.

In the clinical insight, CORE provides practitioners with practical summaries of the seven International Myopia Institute (IMI) reports, accompanied by clinically relevant infographics. These resources translate the latest evidence into actionable guidance for myopia management, supporting clinicians in risk assessment, treatment selection, and patient communication.

The conference highlight from clinician and professional educator Epifanio Ruiz Campos of OPTOacademy examines how artificial intelligence can support clinical decision-making in myopia management. OPTOMYOPIA, an AI-powered augmented intelligence platform, integrates peer-reviewed literature and patient-specific data to synthesize complex evidence, supporting risk stratification and personalized treatment while demonstrating that AI should augment rather than replace clinicians.

Contact Lens Update Issue 90 Authors (clockwise from top left): Daddi Fadel, Nicola Logan, Epifanio Ruiz Campos, and Jeffrey Walline
Contact Lens Update Issue 90 Authors (clockwise from top left): Daddi Fadel, Nicola Logan, Epifanio Ruiz Campos, and Jeffrey Walline

In addition to a complete archive of back issues, ContactLensUpdate.com offers a resource library that provides no-cost professional tools, patient resources, images and video. It also houses complimentary technical training videos produced by International Association of Contact Lens Educators, plus an industry glossary. Industry professionals can access the latest issue directly from ContactLensUpdate.com or quickly sign up for email receipt of future issues.

Click HERE for the press release.

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Specsavers Joins PC Optimum™ Program

Specsavers_Canada-Specsavers_Joins_PC_Optimum-_Program

Specsavers Canada is marking five years of growth with a significant new milestone: a national partnership with PC Optimum, one of Canada’s largest and most widely used loyalty programs, with more than 18 million members nationwide.

PC Optimum members can now earn 10 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases at every Specsavers location nationwide. Whether shopping for prescription eyewear, contact lenses, sunglasses or accessories, members accumulate points simply by scanning their PC Optimum App or PC Optimum card at the time of purchase.

Specsavers_Canada-Specsavers_Joins_PC_Optimum-_Program-patient and ECP

At a time when Canadians are feeling increased pressure on their wallets, the partnership makes it easier for Canadians to see value in routine eyecare spending. The collaboration with PC Optimum™ signals the brand’s commitment to Canadians, building on Specsavers relationship with Loblaw Companies Limited, which saw 111 Specsavers locations open within Loblaw stores across Canada in 2025.

“As one of Canada’s strongest loyalty reward programs, PC Optimum was a compelling strategic choice,” said Jane Hoban, Managing Director, Specsavers Canada. “Over the past five years we have built strong momentum and as we continue to grow, our focus remains on making quality eyewear and eyecare more accessible and more rewarding for every community we serve across this country.”

“People expect their loyalty programs to show up across more of the moments that matter to them,” said Lauren Steinberg, Chief Digital Officer, Loblaw Companies Limited. “With Specsavers joining PC Optimum, members can now earn points on eligible eyewear and accessories purchases, making it even easier to be rewarded for everyday spending.”

Members can earn points alongside existing Specsavers offers and promotions, with additional bonus opportunities available through the PC Optimum App. Eligible purchases include glasses, lenses, contact lenses and accessories at all Specsavers locations across the country.  To learn more visit Specsavers.ca

Source : Specsavers Joins PC Optimum™ Program

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Specsavers Canada Becomes an Official Partner of the Toronto Blue Jays™

Specsavers Blue Jays logos 2026

Specsavers Canada announced a landmark national partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays™, naming Specsavers as an official partner of Canada’s baseball team. This multi-year agreement reflects Specsavers’ commitment to making high-quality eyewear and eyecare accessible to more Canadians. 

The Blue Jays have built a franchise worthy of the whole country – not just one city. Specsavers has spent five years doing the same for eyecare, growing from its first B.C. locations to more than 270 stores across nine provinces and one territory, with the goal of making quality eyecare and eyewear accessible for Canadians.

“The Toronto Blue Jays are more than a baseball team, they are a unifying force for Canadians from Victoria to St. John’s,” said Derek Fukui, Head of Marketing, Specsavers Canada. “We’ve spent five years showing up for communities across this country, and this partnership gives us a chance to do that on the biggest stage Canadian sports has to offer. I can’t wait to see what we build together.”

The Toronto Blue Jays boast the largest fan base in Canadian professional sports, with more than 15 million fans nationwide. Home games draw nearly one million average viewers on Rogers Sportsnet, making the Blue Jays the top broadcast sports property in Canada through the summer months. Coming off a historic World Series run that captured the attention of fans in every province and territory, the Blue Jays head into the 2026 season as one of the most talked-about franchises in the country.

“The Toronto Blue Jays are proud to welcome Specsavers as an official partner,” said Mark Ditmars, Vice President of Partnerships for the Toronto Blue Jays. “As Canada’s team, we are focused on working with brands that deliver real value to fans across the country, and Specsavers’ commitment to make high-quality eyewear and eyecare accessible makes them a natural fit. Together, we look forward to helping more Canadians show up at their best, both on and off the field.”

The partnership includes Specsavers as the Blue Jays presenting sponsor of the Strike Zone Challenge, based on the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System – a new feature making its Major League Baseball debut this season. The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system allows players to challenge a home-plate umpire’s ball or strike calls: by tapping their cap or helmet, a batter, pitcher or catcher can trigger an instant review, with results displayed on the Rogers Centre videoboard and integrated into Sportsnet’s broadcast. The system adds a compelling new layer of strategy to the sport – and is a natural fit for a brand whose goal is to help more Canadians see the game clearly.

Source: Specsavers

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AI and EMR Integrated into an Optometric Practice: The Future of Eye Care

AI and EMR integration in optometry

By Dr. Diana M. Monea, OD, FAAO, MHRM

Optometry has evolved from paper files to digital records, from phone calls to virtual communication, and in the future, perhaps even to robots (bots) assisting humans. Every day, innovation takes on a new dimension as artificial intelligence (AI) is integrated into electronic medical record (EMR) systems. The future of communication and diagnostics in eye care remains uncertain: will AI replace parts of what we do, or simply help us work more efficiently, more accurately, and at lower cost while improving the patient experience?

1: AI Reduces Office Time, Improves Documentation, and Enhances the Patient Experience

AI can capture the doctor–patient conversation and generate clinical notes automatically. Unlike basic dictation tools, more advanced systems can organize information into the appropriate sections such as chief complaint, history, exam findings, assessment, and plan.

AI can also support tasks such as:

  • Billing and coding support
  • Documenting diagnostic impressions and recommended next steps

Used well, these tools can improve the patient–doctor experience. The clinician can stay more present with the patient, while reducing clerical workload and documentation interruptions. This can also help reduce clinician burnout by making charting more seamless and efficient at the point of care, reducing the need for after-hours documentation.

2: Integrating AI and EMR

When AI outputs can be structured and integrated into an optometry EMR, the system can help identify patterns and automate repetitive, but necessary, tasks. Depending on the platform and workflow, AI-enabled EMR integration may support:

  • Prescriptions and documentation support
  • Referrals and communication templates
  • Treatment plan tracking and management
  • Patient education materials based on clinical findings
  • Interpretation support and clinical prompts
  • Revenue cycle support
  • Analytics and reporting

With thoughtful integration, the EMR can begin to function less like a passive record and more like an active clinical assistant.

3: AI Imaging as Clinical Support

OCT, fundus photography, corneal topography, and visual field data can be analyzed using AI models trained on large datasets. Applications may include:

  •  Diabetic retinopathy screening
  •  Glaucoma risk and progression monitoring
  •  AMD risk stratification and progression tracking
  •  Corneal irregularity detection
  •  Automated comparison of serial scans
AI and EMR integration in optometry

AI-powered support tools may also combine imaging with clinical measurements such as intraocular pressure, pachymetry, and refraction. These tools are not a replacement for clinical judgment, but they can add a layer of insight and help flag subtle changes that are easy to miss in busy practice.

4: AI’s Impact on Practice Management

Administrative inefficiencies are a major source of stress and cost in many practices. AI-enabled systems can assist with:

  •  Insurance claim submission, verification, and follow-up
  •  Coding support, rejection handling, and resubmissions
  •  Appointment scheduling, reminders, and recall workflows

By reducing errors and repetitive front-desk work, AI can free staff to focus on higher-value patient service and practice operations; helping reduce administrative burden and improve consistency.

5: Patient Communication

AI can improve patient understanding and satisfaction by:

  • Providing personalized summaries of findings
  • Explaining recommendations and outcomes in plain language
  • Generating visuals or simplified graphics that help patients understand their results
  • Supporting appointment booking and capturing patient concerns ahead of visits
  • Providing relevant pre-visit or post-visit information for recommended procedures

Practice bonus: when patients are better informed, they are often more confident and more compliant, leading to smoother visits, fewer misunderstandings, and a stronger overall experience for patients, staff, and clinicians.

6: Standardization Through AI and EMR Connectivity

A major advantage of AI is its potential to integrate with EMR systems more seamlessly than older workflows. Historically, many EMRs operated in silos, requiring manual entry and increasing the risk of transcription errors.

With tighter device-to-EMR integration, key data, such as refractions, visual acuities, intraocular pressure measurements, and imaging results, can populate charts automatically. This reduces redundancy, improves accuracy, and supports standardization across the clinical team.

7: The Advantage of an AI-Enhanced Practice

When documentation, scheduling, coding, and routine analysis are partially automated, optometrists gain time to do what matters most: be human. That means having more capacity to educate, reassure, and build trust without sacrificing the operational demands of modern practice.

The future of optometry will be shaped by clinicians who use AI strategically to enhance care, reduce burnout, and elevate the patient experience. Practices that adopt AI, and integrate it effectively into their EMR, will be better positioned to improve efficiency, strengthen resilience, and pursue clinical excellence in the face of tomorrow’s practice challenges.

About the Author:

Dr. Diana Mae Monea, OD-FAAO-MHRM

Dr. Diana M. Monea, OD, FAAO, MHRM

Dr. Diana M. Monea is an award-winning optometrist, author, and keynote speaker with more than four decades of leadership in clinical practice, business ownership, and professional education. Founder and former CEO of Eye Health Centres, she now focuses on consulting, mentorship, patient care, and public speaking.

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