Blog

April 19, 2016April 24, 2018

FYidoctors Opens New 47,000 Square Foot Ophthalmic Laboratory and Distribution Centre

Calgary, AB – FYidoctors recently opened a brand new state-of-the-art ophthalmic laboratory facility in Delta, BC. The new lab is one of the most technologically advanced laboratories in all of North America. Servicing all FYidoctors clinics as well as external offices and partners, the lab is producing and/or distributing an impressive line-up of products including 100% internal freeform lenses, stock lenses, coatings, brand label contact lenses as well as exclusive, branded and private label frames.

“We are committed to providing the highest quality products and services in an exclusive optometry-branded environment,” says Dr. Alan Ulsifer, President & CEO of FYidoctors. “Although we tested multiple other models, we landed on the need to produce our products in Canada. The new facility was an absolute must for us in meeting the demands of our ongoing growth and in our commitment to lead the industry in delivery times. I am pleased to say we are progressing well beyond our expectations.”

Ulsifer adds, “Like most optical groups and manufacturers, we tested the concept of sourcing all of our lenses offshore. Although there was an economic benefit, in the end, nothing can deliver the type of service, speed, and quality of service that can be delivered in our own facility. It’s our staff that work tirelessly to serve our patients that are going to provide everything our patients need in a way like no other source and this is something we believe will be a differentiator for us.”

April 18, 2016April 24, 2018

Transitions Survey Reveals How Canadians Prioritize Light Protection

NEW YORK – Exposure to UV rays and harmful blue light are both on the minds of Canadians, but most people are more knowledgeable about UV, according to a new “Light and Eyewear” survey[1] from Transitions Optical, Inc.

When asked which types of light are harmful to the eyes long term, most Canadians identify sunlight (73 percent agree) as well as light from digital screens like computers or smartphones (56 percent believe this). An even greater percentage is interested in eyewear that provides protection from these light sources. When asked about their prescription eyeglasses, 84 percent of Canadians say that UV protection is important in their lenses, and nearly 70 percent feel the same way about blue light protection. Despite wanting this protection, there is a lack of awareness around whether their prescription eyeglass lenses block what Canadians want it to block. One in five Canadians is not sure if his or her eyeglasses have UV protection and half are uncertain about blue light protection.

The Transitions Optical survey revealed that only 8 percent of Canadians can correctly identify three common sources of harmful blue light (digital devices and screens, fluorescent lights and the sun). More specifically, less than one in five know the sun emits harmful blue light, when it’s actually the largest singular source, emitting over 100 times the intensity of electronic devices and screens. Scattered blue light can also cause haze and glare, interfering with vision and causing eye fatigue.

Click HERE to read the full press release.

[1] Online survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Transitions Optical, Inc., among 1,002 Canadian adults, ages 18-69, between February 29th and March 10th, 2016.

April 14, 2016April 24, 2018

Salvatore Ferragamo; for the True Eyewear Fashionista

Salvatore Ferragamo’s latest spring/summer release encapsulates contemporary style for the sophisticated eyewear connoisseur. S824F is the feature frame for the 2016 spring/summer collection. A stunning stylish sunglass for the modern-day man, with contrasting prints on the temple. This stunner is available in four gorgeous acetates and has a discreet logo located in the temple.

Salvatore Ferragamo is distributed by Marchon eyewear: www.marchon.com

April 14, 2016October 11, 2019

Latest Canadian Optical Consumer Survey Data Now Available

The most recent set of consumer data from VisionWatch Canada is firming up the confidence in the numbers released in the summer of 2015. The Q4 data shows that the key measures from the initial study are confirmed, including 65% use of any vision correction device, 26% of the adult population having an eye examination in the last 6 months and a 2.5 year eyewear repurchase cycle.

The reported Contact lens penetration rate jumped from 9% to 14%, which likely reflects a baseline adjustment rather than real growth in the CL market per se. The US is reported at 16%.

Also, the per cent of population with Private Vision Insurance Coverage is reported at 18% (versus 50% in the US). This figure appears to be substantially understated. The questionnaire wording used terminology unfamiliar to Canadian consumers which may have led to the understatement. Industry executives we spoke with, put the estimate closer to 40% of adult consumers with at least some level of private insurance coverage for eyewear.

Contact Lens internet channel sales as a per cent of total purchases were reported at 20%, remains a full order of magnitude higher than that of frames/glasses, which is included in “other” and accounts for 3% of total sales.

One significant point of departure from the US market is the high per cent of AR penetration in Canada versus US. Per cent of glasses with AR is 62, twice that of the US market at 30%. It appears as though Canadian Eye Care Professionals are doing a great job of promoting the benefits of AR coatings and consumers are getting the message. Industry insiders, however, suggest that the penetration in foreign markets, particularly Europe, is above 80%. There is still upside potential in Canada.

All data are national. Regional results are not currently available.

The full Vision Watch Canada report can be viewed by clicking here.

April 13, 2016April 24, 2018

Test Yourself Against Global eSports Champions and Discover Eyezen Lenses

St.Laurent, QC – Essilor launched the Eyezen Challenge in association with Fnatic, one of the world’s top ranked eSports teams. This immersive digital experience will allow everyone to challenge one of the world stars of eSports, using just their eyes…

This challenge has been created to educate a generation of young Internet users, who can spend up to 7 hours a day on screens, about the importance of preserving their vision.

The experience features the Fnatic, one of the leading international teams in eSports, and incorporates some aspects of the League of Legends game. A gaze tracking technology allows the player to neutralize targets and harmful blue-violet lights that appear on the screen. During the Eyezen Challenge, the player will face global eSports star Martin Rekkles Larsson, equipped with Eyezen™ lenses, in a unique face-to-face encounter. Players who achieve the best scores will participate in a draw with the chance to see a live game of the Fnatic team.

Enjoy the experience on Eyezen-challenge.com

To read full press release, click HERE.