A mobile optometry clinic is now set up outside the FYidoctors location in Weyburn after water damage temporarily halted services at the clinic.
Emily Albu, Mobile Clinic Practice Coach with FYidoctors, said the clinic was heavily impacted by a large rainfall event a couple of weeks ago.
FYidoctors has brought its mobile optometry clinic to Weyburn for at least four weeks while its damaged location undergoes reconstruction (Discover Weyburn.)
“There was obviously a huge dump of rain that happened a couple weeks ago and so the clinic was heavily impacted by that,” Albu said.
The water damage meant all eye-care services at the location had to temporarily stop.
With FYidoctors having access to a mobile optometry clinic, the company decided to bring it to Weyburn so customers could continue receiving eye care.
“We figured we’d bring it out and make sure that everyone in Weyburn is still getting the eye care that they need,” Albu said.
Mobile clinic to remain in Weyburn
Customers can continue booking regular eye exams through the temporary clinic. Albu recommends emailing FYidoctors to arrange an appointment rather than walking in.
“If you’re wanting an eye exam, I would definitely recommend sending them an email to book the appointments,” she said.
Customers can also stop by for services such as light adjustments.
The mobile clinic is normally based in Alberta, where it travels to provide optometry services. For the time being, it will remain parked outside the Weyburn location rather than travelling around the community.
“The mobile clinic is going to be parked at the Weyburn location for the duration of their reconstruction,” Albu said.
FYidoctors anticipates the mobile clinic will remain in Weyburn for at least four weeks while reconstruction takes place.
Albu said the company is happy to be able to provide the temporary service to the community.
EssilorLuxottica introduces Nuance Audio Plus, the next generation of its FDA‑cleared open‑ear hearing glasses designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. The new model builds on the original Nuance Audio Glasses — named a TIME Best Invention — with improved amplification, clearer speech‑in‑noise performance, extended battery life, and hands‑free phone call capability, a first for the category.
Hearing loss affects an estimated 1.6 billion people worldwide, including 1.25 billion living with mild to moderate hearing loss, yet nearly 90% have not adopted a hearing solution. Nuance Audio Plus aims to address this gap by embedding hearing support into eyewear that remains virtually indistinguishable from conventional glasses.
Designed for everyday communication
Nuance Audio Plus is intended for people noticing early listening challenges or seeking a discreet alternative to traditional hearing aids. The glasses use directional microphones and beamforming technology to enhance speech clarity, while open‑ear speakers keep the ears free for comfort. Battery life reaches approximately 10 hours under average conditions.
The new generation also introduces on‑frame controls — including a power switch and volume buttons — and supports hands‑free calling when paired with a compatible iPhone.
Styles and availability
Nuance Audio Plus expands the eyewear offering with three frame styles (Square, Panthos, Upturn) and five colours (Shiny Black, Shiny Burgundy, Deep Blue, Amber, Olive Green). Prescription lenses and Transitions® options are available.
The glasses are available in the United States through authorized optical and hearing‑care professionals, starting at $829 USD, with online availability varying by country.
As an optometrist, I had the privilege of working with First Nations in Saskatchewan, delivering eye care services. During that time, I travelled to Indigenous reserves and remote communities, including Gordon’s Reserve, which is home to one of the last Canadian residential schools.
Those experiences formed my understanding of what vision truly requires. It is not only about diagnosing eye health conditions, determining refractive errors, and prescribing glasses, but equally about access, trust, and empathy.
Access is the Issue
One of the most consistent realities I observed was that willingness to seek eye health care was not the issue; access was. Many parents wanted their children to receive vision care but faced long travel distances, limited transportation, weather, and economic restraints.
In many communities, bringing optometric services directly to patients was the only effective way to ensure children received comprehensive eye examinations. Adjustable scheduling, reminder systems, assistance with insurance navigation, and collaboration with Indigenous health workers can reduce barriers to such care. I found that strong partnerships with schools, community leaders, and health representatives further supported continuity of care and reduced the risk of patients being lost to follow-up.
Among the many children I examined, significant uncorrected vision problems were identified, particularly refractive errors, often accompanied by high astigmatism and myopia. Many of these children had never worn glasses or had access to a comprehensive eye health exam. With appropriate spectacle correction and visual intervention, the positive change in a child’s demeanour was often immediate, with improved vision, greater confidence, and more engaged classroom participation and learning.
It is widely believed that 80% of learning occurs through vision, a key element of education. When a child cannot see clearly, tasks such as reading, writing, and board work become unnecessarily difficult. A child who has not been seen differently becomes frustrated and feels they are not smart enough, which may result in “labelling” and limited personal expectations.
Our Role as Eye Care Practitioners
As eye care practitioners, it is critical that we help eliminate visual barriers that may impede a child’s development. Proper visual intervention, addressed early, is one of the most effective supports for a child’s sustained academic success and potential. In many provinces, the Eye See I Learn program helps educate parents and teachers about early eye health exams. In some provinces, such as Alberta, barriers to accessing spectacles are eliminated by giving a free pair of glasses through the Eye See, I Learn program for kindergarten students.
Today, barriers to accessing effective eye health care persist. Geographic isolation, transportation challenges, cost of eyewear, and inconsistent follow-up care all remain major obstacles for many Indigenous patients. Further, the tragic legacy left by residential schools has influenced a wavering, uncertain trust among Indigenous patients with respect to medical systems. As a result, culturally safe care and understanding are essential in every patient encounter.
Cultural safety requires humility, respect, and consistency, which are necessary to build trust in every situation and visit. To develop trust, eye care practitioners must hear the patient’s concern without prejudice, while clearly explaining diagnoses and treatment options. When necessary and appropriate, families may need to be involved, so always ask the patient for permission.
Industry Collaboration Helps Close the Gap
On a very favourable note, there is encouraging progress within the Canadian optical industry. Today, Canadian eyewear companies such as AYA Optical, an Indigenous Canadian spectacle frame manufacturer in British Columbia, are remodeling the industry by combining selectively designed frames with authentic Indigenous artwork, incorporating clinical eyewear needs, cultural narration, and Canadian design innovation in a meaningful way.
Closing the gap in Indigenous vision care will require commitment from all stakeholders in the healthcare system. Every examination, every conversation, and every act of cultural respect contribute to significant change. The most important lesson I have learned from years of optometric practice since 1978 is that eye care is about people first.
When patients feel respected, understood, and supported, better clinical outcomes occur. It is important for eye care practitioners to remember that better vision unseals doors—but trust is what allows people to access them.
About the Author :
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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The Longchamp LO800S sun frame offers a contemporary teardrop shape in lightweight, durable bio-injected G820 material. Inspired by the Roseau line, it pairs bright transparent colourways with solid lenses for a fresh, sophisticated look, while the bamboo-style metal detail on the top bridge adds a distinctive Longchamp signature.
Working with leading brands to constantly push the envelope through distinct designs, innovative materials and clever constructions, Marchon Eyewear’s goal is to consistently design distinctive eyewear that offers accessible quality, style and value.
Marchon is proud of its diversified portfolio of brands, covering key demand segments in the premium end of the market.
Marchon Eyewear distributes its products through a global network of subsidiaries and distributors, serving over 80,000 accounts in more than 100 countries.
Whether helping people access quality care, supporting eye care providers in managing their practice, or partnering with local organizations to aid our communities, VSP Vision™ is there with a comprehensive portfolio of brands that keep health at the center of everything we do. As the first not-for-profit eye health company, care and compassion have led our growth for nearly 70 years. Today, our focus remains on helping those we serve bring their best vision to life.
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Ray-Ban Meta is expanding its smart eyewear offering with its first audio‑only AI glasses, Ray-Ban Meta Audio, and a new generation of its camera‑equipped models, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3). The announcement marks the brand’s most extensive lineup to date, integrating AI, audio and hands‑free capture into several of Ray-Ban’s most recognizable silhouettes.
The expanded collection introduces audio functionality in Clubmaster and Burbank, while Wayfarer, Aviator and Zena form the Gen 3 lineup. Across the portfolio, wearers can choose from clear or sun lenses—including Transitions®, Polarized and Blue Light Filter—and a full range of prescription options.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio: the first audio‑only AI glasses
Ray-Ban Meta Audio brings open‑ear listening and Meta AI assistance to a lightweight frame designed for all‑day wear. At 43 grams, the glasses allow users to listen to music or podcasts, take calls and access Meta AI without handling a device.
The audio‑only models debut in Clubmaster and Burbank, two frames drawn from Ray-Ban’s archive. Both silhouettes retain their original design language while integrating discreet audio and AI features.
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3): refined design and next‑generation features
The third generation of Ray-Ban Meta introduces a slimmer profile, improved comfort and updated technology. The glasses feature a 3K Ultra HD camera for hands‑free capture, a six‑array microphone for clearer audio, an assignable action button for quick access to Meta AI, and up to 9 hours of battery life.
With Meta AI, wearers can ask questions about what they see, translate conversations, receive local recommendations, check messages, set reminders and capture moments from their point of view.
For the first time, the Aviator joins the Ray-Ban Meta lineup, bringing one of the brand’s most iconic frames into the AI category. A limited‑edition Aviator in Milky Warm Beige with Transitions® Gen S Brown lenses will also be released.
Optics and market expansion
Ray-Ban Meta is also expanding its optical offering with new seasonal colorways in Blayzer Optics (Gen 2) and Scriber Optics (Gen 2), designed for prescription wearers. The portfolio supports a wide range of prescription options, including Transitions® lenses.
The collection continues its global rollout, with launches planned in Hong Kong, South Africa, Portugal, Poland, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and New Zealand. Ray-Ban Meta displays will expand to Canada and the UK beginning September 24, followed by Italy, France and Germany on October 13.
Availability
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) Available September 23 through Ray-Ban stores, Ray-Ban.com, select EssilorLuxottica retail banners, EssilorLuxottica’s wholesale network and Meta.com.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio Available October 13 through Ray-Ban stores, Ray-Ban.com, select EssilorLuxottica ecommerce and retail banners, EssilorLuxottica’s wholesale network and Meta.com.
Academy 2026 Anaheim showcased major research, innovation and leadership in optometry, featuring landmark studies, new Fellows and advances shaping the future of eye care.
ZEISS gathered eye care professionals in Vancouver for the Myopia Innovation Summit, introducing MyoActive and showcasing evidence based strategies for myopia management.
Learn how early optometry practice succession planning can improve practice value, reduce owner dependence, protect tax eligibility, and create a smoother transition.
CIBC Commercial Banking is stepping into Canadian optometry through a new collaboration with Eye Care Business Canada, debuting with a webinar on buying an optometric practice.
Academy 2026 Anaheim showcased major research, innovation and leadership in optometry, featuring landmark studies, new Fellows and advances shaping the future of eye care.
ZEISS gathered eye care professionals in Vancouver for the Myopia Innovation Summit, introducing MyoActive and showcasing evidence based strategies for myopia management.
Learn how early optometry practice succession planning can improve practice value, reduce owner dependence, protect tax eligibility, and create a smoother transition.
CIBC Commercial Banking is stepping into Canadian optometry through a new collaboration with Eye Care Business Canada, debuting with a webinar on buying an optometric practice.
Academy 2026 Anaheim showcased major research, innovation and leadership in optometry, featuring landmark studies, new Fellows and advances shaping the future of eye care.
ZEISS gathered eye care professionals in Vancouver for the Myopia Innovation Summit, introducing MyoActive and showcasing evidence based strategies for myopia management.
Learn how early optometry practice succession planning can improve practice value, reduce owner dependence, protect tax eligibility, and create a smoother transition.
CIBC Commercial Banking is stepping into Canadian optometry through a new collaboration with Eye Care Business Canada, debuting with a webinar on buying an optometric practice.
Academy 2026 Anaheim showcased major research, innovation and leadership in optometry, featuring landmark studies, new Fellows and advances shaping the future of eye care.
ZEISS gathered eye care professionals in Vancouver for the Myopia Innovation Summit, introducing MyoActive and showcasing evidence based strategies for myopia management.
Learn how early optometry practice succession planning can improve practice value, reduce owner dependence, protect tax eligibility, and create a smoother transition.
CIBC Commercial Banking is stepping into Canadian optometry through a new collaboration with Eye Care Business Canada, debuting with a webinar on buying an optometric practice.
