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New iPad app for measuring vision loss in Parkinson’s patients

A research team at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona has developed a new iPad application that can screen for visual contrast loss in Parkinson’s patients.

Patients with Parkinson’s disease may experience a number of eye problems either as a symptom of the disease itself or as a side effect of medication. These problems include blurred vision, dry eyes, involuntary closure of the eyelids (blepharospasms) and loss of contrast and colour sensitivity.

Because patients with Parkinson’s disease often have normal high-contrast vision, a reduction in low-contrast visual acuity is often missed by routine eye exams. An iPad version of a variable-contrast acuity chart was shown to the patients at close (40 cm) and far (2 m) distances. Parkinson’s patients had significantly worse vision for the low-contrast images at both distances than control subjects.

The degree of a patient’s low-contrast visual deficiency correlates to the severity of Parkinson’s disease, which suggests that these visual tests could serve as a method for diagnosing Parkinson’s and measuring the effectiveness of treatments.

Further information: http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=150140&CultureCode=en

COS Lab launches exclusive lens design by Shamir

COS Lab introduces a family of exclusive freeform lens designs from Shamir. Surfaced at Shamir’s state of the art Canadian lab, these superb lenses combined with the high level of quality and service offered by COS Lab now makes us your one stop shop.

• Advanced freeform designs
• High quality lab work
• Superb customer service
• Quick turnaround time

Purchase your COS frames and lenses together! No need to ship your frames to another lab.
Using COS Lab also gives you the chance to get in on our special frame/lens promotions!

For more information about the two companies, click on the links below:

lab@canadianoptical.com
http://www.shamirlens.com/

Marcolin Celebrates Ermenegildo Zegna Launch

Marcolin’s first Ermenegildo Zegna eyewear collection launch was recently celebrated at the International Vision Expo East show.

The new pieces perfectly embody the aesthetic principles of the brand, exalting its pursuit of excellence and innovative spirit. The result is a collection synonymous with quality and progress. Craftsman-like production methods enhance the faultless quality of the materials used in this new eyewear collection, which sees the inclusion of titanium, leather and wood.

The colour schemes offered are refined and nuanced, while exquisite detailing and ZEISS lenses complete a truly unique collection, aimed at sophisticated men with an unmistakable style.

Now available at: www.marcolin.com

The Ideal Length for Lashes

Eyelashes are the first line of defense for the eyes, shielding them from windborne particles like dust or pollen. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology used a wind tunnel that determined the best optimal, lash length is one-third the width of the eye.

Shorter eyelashes do not offer enough protection, while longer eyelashes actually channel air currents towards the eye. Lashes that are just right will minimize the number of particles hitting the eye.

Eye lashes the length of one third the eye’s width were found in at least 22 species of mammals including humans, giraffes and hedgehogs.

These findings could help create artificial eyelashes out of filaments to protect sensitive electronics in dusty environments.

Further information: http://rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/12/105/20141294

Transitions Optical Announces Jose Alves General Manager, Americas

Transitions Academy 2014

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. – Transitions Optical, Inc. has named Jose Alves general manager, Americas, effective immediately. Alves will succeed Bertrand Roy, who will focus on his role as CEO of Transitions Optical.

Alves will retain his current responsibilities for Latin America, and will expand his role to include the North American region and Global Channel Management which encompasses laboratories, retailers, buying groups and managed vision care. In his expanded role, Alves will oversee lead the development and execution of strategic plans to ensure the profitable growth of Transitions Optical’s business in both regions while also nurturing and developing the downstream side of business. After living in Sao Paulo, Brazil for almost twenty years, Alves will relocate back to Pinellas Park.

“Jose’s knowledge of our industry, our business and the Americas market – combined with his extensive history with our company – make him an ideal choice to lead our strategies in these markets,” said Paddy McDermott, president, Transitions Optical.

Alves joined Transitions Optical in 1991 as Production Operator, and since then, has held several roles across the organization. He was instrumental in building the company’s business in Latin America, being named the first Account Representative for Latin America in 1993 and quickly advancing in 1995 to Account Manager and then to Regional Manager in 1999. In 2004, he was appointed to his most recent role as General Manager, Latin America.

 

About Transitions Optical, Inc. Transitions Optical is the leading provider of plastic photochromic (adaptive) lenses to optical manufacturers worldwide. Having been the first to successfully manufacture and commercialize plastic adaptive lenses in 1990, and as a result of its relentless investment in research and development and technology, Transitions Optical offers a wide variety of products, setting new standards of advanced performance to provide ever increasing visual comfort and UV protection. Product leadership, consumer focus, and operational excellence have made the Transitions® brand one of the most recognized consumer brands in optics.
Transitions Optical has been awarded the Gallup Great Workplace Award for 2013 for the fifth consecutive year.

For more information about the company and Transitions lenses, visit Transitions.com or TransitionsCanadaPRO.ca.

Contact

Courtney Myers                                       Isabelle Tremblay-Dawson

Havas PR                                                   Transitions Optical

412 456 4707 tel                                        800 533 2081 tel 2100 ext

courtney.myers@havasww.com            ITremblay@Transitions.com

 

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