Blog - Page 80 of 935

June 23, 2025June 23, 2025

Digital Clarity: What Contact Lens Search Data Reveals About Today’s Patients

CLI article -Digital Insights Contact Lenses

The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has released a new report that sheds light on a topic most practitioners rarely see in the clinic but affects nearly every patient interaction: what people are searching online about contact lenses.

Titled Digital Discovery: Consumer Searches Reveal Contact Lens Realities, the 30-page report analyzes digital search behavior across platforms including Google, TikTok, voice assistants, and generative AI tools.

It is the latest installment in CLI’s See Tomorrow initiative and offers a timely snapshot of consumer curiosity and digital influence in the world of contact lenses.

For professionals and the public alike, the findings are both insightful and, at times, surprising.

CLI Digital Discovery Consumer searches reveal contact lens realities

Search Engines as the Silent Second Opinion

Today’s consumers are turning to Google, Siri, and ChatGPT with contact lens questions they may not feel comfortable asking during an eye exam.

CLI’s analysis found that questions about cost, comfort, health risks, and wear-and-care routines dominate the search landscape.

According to the report, 65% of contact lens-related searches are purchase-driven, with many users entering queries like “cheap contact lenses online,” “best lenses for astigmatism,” or “contact lenses with colour prescription.”

“This shows that the digital experience begins long before the patient walks into your office,” says Stan Rogaski, Executive Director of CLI. “Understanding what’s being asked gives us a chance to better connect with patients, both online and in person.”

Cost and Convenience Drive Digital Dialogue

Among the top 20 auto-complete contact lens searches on Google in the U.S. and Canada, ten were focused on purchase behavior, including brand-specific and discount-related inquiries. Colour contact lenses were also heavily searched, especially in the months aaound Halloween, though the data suggest this is not solely a seasonal trend.

The dominance of these searches reflects a broader consumer pattern—patients are price-anchoring their expectations online. They may compare in-office pricing to online listings, which often promote discounted rates after rebates, creating a mismatch in perceived value if practices aren’t proactively communicating total cost, insurance applications, and the added benefits of buying directly.

CLI’s Visionaries—practicing ECPs who contributed practical insights to the report—recommend strategies like:

Clearly showing rebate-adjusted prices
Promoting in-office and online ordering options
Offering auto-refill or subscription services
Communicating direct shipping and return policies

Practices that embrace transparent pricing and convenience-based messaging, the report notes, can retain more patients and improve contact lens sales.

Voice, AI, and Mobile-First Behavior: The New Front Lines

Mobile devices now account for 63% of U.S. organic search traffic, according to data cited in the CLI report. Additionally, nearly one in five searches are voice-based, and generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are becoming go-to sources for contact lens queries.

This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While AI may cite trusted organizations like the American Optometric Association or Mayo Clinic, it rarely connects users directly to local practices. In fact, CLI’s audit found inconsistencies in the quality and relevance of AI-generated contact lens advice.

To counter this, practices are encouraged to:

Optimize their websites for local SEO, using terms like “eye doctor” (the most-searched phrase linked to contact lenses)
Ensure business profiles are complete and accurate on platforms like Google Maps
Create mobile-friendly experiences with FAQ pages, ordering portals, and embedded contact forms

“Even with the rise of AI, patients still value expert guidance from their eye care professional,” says Rogaski. “Practices that stay digitally visible will have an edge.”

Insertion and Removal: A Surprising Asymmetry

One of the more unexpected findings in the Digital Discovery report is the volume of searches about removing contact lenses—significantly outpacing searches about putting them in.

On both Google and TikTok, contact lens removal was searched 2.5 to 4 times more frequently than insertion. This suggests that patients are struggling with removal even after initial training, or may be skipping clinical support altogether when sourcing lenses online.

This gap reinforces the need for comprehensive insertion and removal (I&R) training, as well as follow-up communication—potentially via text or video—to troubleshoot post-dispensing challenges.

CLI Visionary Dr. Roxanne Achong-Coan suggests clinicians observe patients removing their lenses during follow-ups to identify technique issues. Educational videos and printed guides on practice websites can also serve as 24/7 resources for anxious new wearers.

Language, Lifestyle, and the Rise of the “Either-Or” Mentality

The CLI report also explored geographic and linguistic factors in contact lens search behavior. While English dominates, searches in French and Chinese are notable in Canada, indicating an opportunity for multilingual patient engagement—on websites and in practice materials.

Another insight: 84% of comparative searches frame contact lenses as an “either-or” option with glasses or LASIK, not as a complementary solution. That suggests many patients still don’t understand the benefits of dual wear, and may not be hearing that message from their provider.

Practices are encouraged to plant the “and” conversation early in the appointment—glasses and contacts, for flexibility and lifestyle needs. This small shift could lead to higher satisfaction and additional prescribing opportunities.

Conclusion: A Call to Modernize Patient Engagement

The Digital Discovery report serves as a timely reminder that contact lens care no longer starts and ends in the exam room. Patients are forming impressions and making decisions based on what they find online—often before stepping foot in your practice.

CLI’s findings advocate for eye care professionals and staff to adopt a more integrated, digitally-aware approach. From optimizing local search visibility to tailoring chairside conversations based on known patient concerns (cost, safety, comfort), the opportunity is clear.

As the report states, “Digital search is a way of life… It’s a certainty that the eye care profession will keep pace with how the category evolves.”

📘 Download the full CLI Digital Discovery report at:
https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/resources/digital-search/

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June 20, 2025June 11, 2025

Insurance Meets Investing

By Dr. Roxanne Arnal, CFP®

Life insurance at its core is meant to provide financial security for loved ones after one’s passing. For multi-owner businesses, it is also a powerful tool to provide liquidity for buy/sell funding.

Did you know these basic uses can be enhanced through an understanding of the investment opportunities that permanent life insurance can provide?

Cash Value Accumulation

Permanent life insurance policies offer a cash value component. The cash value portion of the policy can accumulate over time through additional deposits beyond those required to cover the pure cost of insurance, all within a tax-deferred environment. There are tax limits that must be followed, but understanding your goal from the outset can help ensure that the product you purchase permits the deposits you are looking to contribute.

Tax Advantages

The death benefit of life insurance policies is paid to the beneficiaries tax free. For a business owned policy, the majority of the benefit will fall into the notional Capital Dividend Account permitting the distribution of a tax-free capital dividend to the shareholders.

As the cash value of the permanent policy grows on a tax-deferred basis, policyholders can access this cash value through loans or withdrawals without immediate tax consequences, provided the policy is structured correctly. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals in higher tax brackets looking to minimize their tax liabilities while enhancing their income stream.

Policy Loans

Borrowing cash value from your policy can come with lower interest rates compared to traditional loans and do not require credit approval.

Alternatively, the cash value of a life insurance policy can be pledged as collateral for a traditional loan with some lenders covering up to 90% of the growing cash value of the policy.

The borrowed funds can then be used for various purposes, such as funding a child’s education, purchasing a home, or even supplementing retirement income. It’s important to note that if the loan is not repaid, it will reduce the death benefit paid to beneficiaries.

Withdrawals

Contractual provisions typically offer partial or full withdrawals of the cash value. Unlike loans, such withdrawals would be subject to tax on the gain as they are typically deemed to be a permanent partial or total surrender of the policy. Any surrender would reduce the total death benefit.

Investment Options

Policyholders can allocate the cash value into various investment options, including money market and mutual funds with a Universal Life insurance policy. This provides an opportunity for potentially higher returns compared to the annual fixed dividend rates offered by Participating Whole Life policy insurers. Keep in mind that Participating Whole Life insurance offers various dividend options, including enhanced death benefit, premium offset, or deposit accumulation.

Retirement Supplement

The cash value accumulated in a permanent life insurance policy can be accessed during retirement to provide an additional income stream or safety net should your needs change.

Estate Planning

Life insurance plays a crucial role in estate planning as the death benefit can be used to pay estate taxes or make charitable donation to ensure that heirs receive the full value of the estate. Additionally, life insurance can provide liquidity to an estate, allowing for the smooth transfer of assets without the need to sell off real property or other investments.

Conclusion

While life insurance is designed to provide financial protection for loved ones, it can also serve as a versatile investment vehicle. By leveraging the cash value component, taking advantage of tax benefits, and utilizing policy loans and withdrawals, individuals can enhance their financial planning and achieve various financial goals. It’s essential to work with a qualified professional to ensure your life insurance policy is set up to meet both your current and potential future requirements.

Roxanne Arnal is a Certified Financial Planner®, former Optometrist, Professional Corporation President, and practice owner. She is dedicated to empowering individuals and their wealth by helping them make smart financial decisions that bring more joy to their lives.

This article is for information purposes only and is not a replacement for personalized financial planning. Errors and Omissions exempt.

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June 20, 2025June 20, 2025

HOYA Vision Care Pledges Support to the WEI to Support Clinical Education and Vision Care

HOYA is making a significant contribution to help build the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI) as Canada’s premier centre for optometric patient care, research and clinical education.

The gift aligns with HOYA’s commitment to evidence-based solutions and the WEI’s mission to help people see through comprehensive, evidence-based eye care. The support will enable the WEI to enhance facilities for the pediatric service while integrating the latest techniques and technologies to manage myopia (nearsightedness) in children.

“HOYA’s support empowers us to enhance our clinical services and clinical education to future optometrists,” said Dr. Andre Stanberry, clinic director at the Waterloo Eye Institute. “This partnership allows our teams to provide the highest level of care while mitigating the impact of myopia on children’s vision and eye health.”

In addition to clinical advancements, the pledge will support educational initiatives, providing optometry students with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art myopia management tools. This practical training is essential for preparing future optometrists to address the growing prevalence of myopia, which is projected to affect nearly 50 percent of the global population by 2050.

“Our collaboration with the Waterloo Eye Institute reflects HOYA’s dedication to advancing pediatric eye care through innovation and education,” said Steven Haifawi, president of HOYA Vision Care Canada. “By combining our technological expertise with the WEI’s clinical excellence, we aim to make a meaningful impact on children’s vision health.”

UWaterloo HOYA visit-Steven Haifawi — Steven Haifawi (third from left), president of HOYA Vision Care, visits the Waterloo Eye Institute with director Dr. Stanley Woo (left), incoming director Dr. Ben Thompson (third from right), associate director of advancement Kelsey Gagnon (right) and students (in blue scrubs).

In the last several years, techniques to slow the progression of myopia have advanced tremendously. Now, the standard of care in Canada includes these techniques, which use special glasses, contact lenses or eye drops to prevent children’s myopia from progressing to the point where they would be at risk of sight-threatening eye diseases in the future.

Beyond myopia management, HOYA continues to advance the standard of vision care with a comprehensive portfolio of innovative ophthalmic solutions, including iD MyStyle 3, HOYA’s fully personalized progressive lens optimized with advanced 3D Binocular Vision technology; Super HiVision Meiryo EX4, the company’s most durable and transparent anti-reflective coating for long-lasting clarity and protection; and MySV, a digitally optimized single vision lens delivering sharper vision and wider fields of view.

These and other innovative solutions exemplify HOYA’s dedication to delivering precision optics, advanced lens technologies and personalized vision solutions.

With these innovations, HOYA empowers eyecare providers to deliver tailored visual experiences—helping elevate patient satisfaction, strengthen loyalty and advance the overall standard of care.

The Waterloo Eye Institute is part of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. The building, currently under construction, is a $53 million, 68,000-square-foot renovation and expansion that will modernize patient care facilities and add space for cutting-edge research. As an entity, the WEI will bring together new and existing research groups with clinicians, students and patients, enabling research to move more effectively from the lab to the clinic.

To learn more about the Waterloo Eye Institute or contribute to the project, visit our campaign website.

Source: University of Waterloo

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June 20, 2025June 23, 2025

Riverside Certified to Produce Transitions® Style Mirrors in Canada

Transitions® Optical announces that Riverside Opticalab has received official certification to produce Transitions® Style Mirrors, becoming the only laboratory in Canada authorized to do so.

This certification confirms that Riverside has met Transitions’ strict standards for quality, tint, and colour accuracy of the mirrors. Style Mirrors are exclusively available with Transitions® XTRActive® New Generation lenses.

Transitions XTRACTIVE New generation- woman image june 2025

“With Riverside’s certification, we’re proud to expand local access to the Transitions® Style Mirrors collection in Canada,” said Arnaud Rajchenbach, Marketing & Sales Manager at Transitions Canada. “Style Mirrors offer a strong opportunity for Eye Care Professionals to grow their second-pair sales. Plus, Transitions® XTRActive™ Style Mirrors activate behind the windshield, making them a great option for road trips and year-round wear.”

Click HERE for the press release.

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June 19, 2025June 18, 2025

ClearVision Optical Announces New Strategic Account Leader

ClearVision Optical announces the hiring of Jessica DiCecca as its Strategic Accounts Manager, a role focused on deepening relationships with multi-location practices and key accounts. This strategic expansion reinforces ClearVision’s commitment to independent eyecare professionals (ECPs) by identifying ways to offer value, tailored solutions, and genuine partnerships to best meet their business goals.

As Strategic Accounts Manager, Jessica offers focused, unique solutions with her customer’s profitability in mind. As a business-minded professional, she understands the challenges these practices face, particularly from her experience successfully building a territory.

“Jessica has been positioned with a clear mission: to help multi-location practices maximize their partnership through the programs, products, and promotions ClearVision has designed for this important segment of the eyecare marketplace,” said Peter Friedfeld, Executive Vice President and co-owner at ClearVision Optical. “These businesses often have complex, evolving needs, and service plays a critical role in supporting their success. Having a dedicated expert who is skilled, attuned, and accountable can make a material difference.”

In her role, Jessica brings a broad perspective, observing patterns across regions to understand how needs vary and where targeted solutions can drive meaningful results—whether in managed vision care, growth, capture rate, or other key areas. This insight allows her to serve as both a resource and a guide, offering credible recommendations on merchandising strategies, program utilization, private label opportunities, and value-driven profitability. Her ability to translate what she sees in the field into actionable strategies makes her a trusted partner to the practices she supports.

Jessica’s responsibilities go beyond sales support. As she works in the field, engaging directly with buyers, she brings field intelligence to the organization, helping to provide customers with best practices with local impact. She also plays a key role in developing promotions, enhancing support around managed vision care, and mentoring her peers at ClearVision.

A lifelong member of the optical industry, Jessica comes from a multigenerational optical family that includes her father, uncle, and sister. She has also led training and store management at Coach, supported the launch of her husband’s tech consulting business, and holds a real estate license. Her return to ClearVision, after a brief time at another industry organization, reflects her strong cultural alignment with the company’s values: family, independence and a drive to serve customers with integrity.

“Jessica brings an energetic approach to building meaningful relationships and creating successful, value-driven solutions,” said Jennifer Trakhtenberg, Chief People Officer and co-COO. “Her tremendous work ethic, integrity, and alignment with our ClearVision values inspire those around her to learn, strive, and achieve. We’re excited to see the impact she’ll make in this role.”

As ClearVision continues to grow its presence and support in the field, the Strategic Accounts Manager role represents an investment in long-term partnership and scalable success. Jessica’s work will help shape this model for the future, ensuring even more practices across the country can benefit from ClearVision’s commitment to customer-first service.

Click HERE for the press release.

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