Blog

August 10, 2015April 24, 2018

Google Award Funds Mobile Technology to Help Blind People See

A research team at the Centre for Autonomous Systems at the University of Lincoln, UK, is developing a smart vision system to help blind people use their mobile devices navigating unfamiliar environments.

With funding provided by a Google Faculty Research Award, project lead Dr. Nicola Bellotto plans to take advantage of the more advanced colour and depth sensing technology in new smartphone designs for an object recognition and 3D mapping system that can send the information to users either through sound, vibration, or spoken descriptions of the objects.

Dr. Bellotto says there are advantages to using smartphones over currently available visual aids. “If people were able to use technology embedded in devices such as smartphones, it would not require them to wear extra equipment which could make them feel self-conscious.”

The team is collaborating with machine learning experts at Google to develop a system which can adapt to the experiences of the individual user.

Further information: http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/news/2015/06/1110.asp

August 7, 2015May 20, 2026

New Öga Features Scandinavian Functional Design

Design and serviceability are the two major foundations of the Öga collection. Copentole features the patented Copenhagen hinge with its leaf spring, combining a 21° flex function and an anti-rocking device. A structured texture gives life to the metal front and injection-molded temple. These glasses come in four stainless steel front shapes with three colours for each model.

Distributed by Lanctôt: www.rlanctot.com

August 7, 2015May 19, 2026

Revo Partners with Bono to Fight Vision Impairment and Unnecessary Blindness

Eyewear brand Revo and U2 lead singer Bono announced a partnership to help prevent vision impairment and blindness in more than 5 million people by 2020. The initiative, dubbed “Buy Vision, Give Sight,” will drive $10 million to the fight to improve access to eye screening, prescription glasses and eye health care in under-resourced communities around the world.

As the exclusive distributor in Canada for Revo Sunglasses, Centennial Optical has partnered with the “Buy Vision, Give Sight” initiative to help fight vision impairment and unnecessary blindness around the world.

For the complete press release, click HERE.

August 6, 2015May 19, 2026

Federal Regulation of Non-Rx Cosmetic CLs Announced

Federal Minister of Health, Rita Ambrose, announced that non-rx cosmetic contact lenses will require the same medical-device standards for licensing, manufacturing, labeling and instructions as currently required for prescription contact lenses, a class II medical device, with effect July 16, 2016.

Bill C 313, to amend the Food and Drugs Act was sponsored by Patricia Davidson (MP Sarnia Lambton) in 2011 and received royal assent in December 2012. More than 30 months later, the regulations to bring the law into force are announced.

Health Canada had issued a warning on the dangers of cosmetic contact lenses as early as October 2000.

The announcement noted the enthusiast support of vision health professionals.

More Information:

Government of Canada News Release

Canadian Ophthalmological Society statement on Non Corrective Contact Lenses

Canadian Association of Optometrists Position Statement on Cosmetic Contact Lenses

August 5, 2015May 20, 2026