Alberta optometrists recently obtained the right to offer more eye services to respond to simple cases. They will therefore be able to prescribe certain drugs, order lab tests, apply ultrasound tests and treat certain types of glaucoma.

These changes should result in reduced wait times for consulting ophthalmologists. However, optometrists will first have to complete a certification program before they become authorized to provide these services and will subsequently have to undergo regular onsite practice reviews.

The Alberta College of Optometrists, of course, has applauded this measure by stressing the fact that delivering safe eye care remains a priority.

 

Source: Ici Radio-Canada.ca

http://ici.radio-canada.ca/regions/alberta/2014/04/29/006-optometristes-competences-soins.shtml

 

 

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and Doctors of Optometry Canada decided to join forces for Vision Health Month to raise awareness among Canadians about the importance of getting regular eye exams to prevent eye disease.

 

A recent CNIB study shows that more than half of Canadians who had not had an eye exam in the past two years said the reason was they believed they have good vision. The study also shows that only 14% of children under the age of six have had an eye exam. The campaign states that one in seven Canadians will develop a serious eye disease in their lifetime, and early detection can significantly lower the risk of vision loss.

 

The campaign is therefore directed at Canadians from all age groups and the theme is
“Is your family’s vision health at risk?”  

 

The CNIB and Doctors of Optometry Canada have prepared a checklist to find out what each family  member is doing to keep their eyes healthy (http://visionhealthmonth.cnib.ca/checklist/) and remind people how important it is to get regular eye exams from a doctor of optometry.

 

Source: CNIB

 

Essilor unveils its plans for Coastal, as the integration process for this recent acquisition gets underway.

 

Coastal founder Roger Hardy will act as advisor for the next three years, but Roy Hessel will serve as CEO, while remaining president of online initiatives for Essilor.

 

“The Internet complements traditional distribution channels, which remain the only ones able to provide added value in taking measurements and supporting wearers,” said John Carrier, president of Essilor of America, in an interview with VMail. “We are vigilant that the development of online sales in the optical industry does not come at the expense of wearers’ safety.”

 

Consequently, Coastal will continue with simple prescriptions and Essilor, whose name will not be visible on the Coastal website, will not add Varilux to Coastal’s product mix. “This brand requires the professionalism of ECPs,” said Carrier. Coastal will nonetheless be able to offer Transitions products.

 

Furthermore, Essilor will halt the “physical” expansion of Coastal’s stores, which had begun to open brick-and-mortar stores in Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Essilor even plans to divest itself of these stores.

 

The program of giving away free pairs of eyeglasses with a purchase will also be stopped. It would not reflect the value of optical industry services, according to John Carrier.

Source:

http://www.visionmonday.com/latest-news/article/vmail-exclusive-essilors-carrier-discusses-strategy-for-newlyacquired-coastalcom-1/

Today, Audace Lunettes officially launches Sasura, a new high-end sunwear line for women. It is truly a distinctive concept.

 

Elegant and timeless, these sunglasses feature a piece of jewelry on the temples like you might find on a charm bracelet. If a woman wants to change the look of her glasses, all she has to do is change the charm – a small ball that easily screws into the temple hinge – to express her current mood or state of mind. All the charms are ultralightweight so they don’t affect the stability of the glasses. Sasura even has a worldwide patent on this technology that was developed by Audace.  

 

One of the strong points of the glasses is that not only can they hold charms made by Sasura, but those of other companies that make charms for charm bracelets. Considering how popular these bracelets are, this opens a whole new world of choices for consumers and of sales opportunities for eyecare professionals.

 

Sasura sunglasses were designed and are made in Italy, while the charms themselves are hand-crafted in Thailand, a country known for its fine jewelry and sterling silver. The charms are made exclusively for Audace with sheets of silver or gold, layers of precious stones, or Swarovski crystal. There are also other charms with Murano glass, which are made in Italy.

 

To learn more about Sasura, don’t miss our article in the May edition of Opt!k Magazine, which will be delivered in the next few days.

 

 

REGARD ACTION unveiled the winners of its Excellence Awards during the gala evening organized as part of its annual meeting. The REGARD ACTION Excellence Awards recognize the talent of our opticians, optometrists and up-and-coming eyecare professionals. 

 

In the Optician of the Year category, the winner was Robert Grimard, owner of Grimard Optique, a company with 18 offices across Canada.

 

In the Optometrist of the Year category, the winner was Dr. Lyne Naud, an optometrist who has long been active in her community and her profession.

 

And in the Up-and-Coming Professional of the year category, Dr. Patrick Sauvageau, an optometrist and a partner at Optiboutiq since 2012, took home the prize. 

 

Regard Action looks forward to another successful edition of its Excellence Awards next year. Candidacies for the 2015 edition can be submitted as of next September.  

 

Source: Regard Action