fbpx

Specsavers Named as One of the Best Places to Work in the World

Specsavers logo

Fortune Magazine and Great Place to Work® selected the optical and audiology business from a list of organizations that took part in the Great Place to Work’s employee survey process, with 7.4 million responses received, representing 20 million employees worldwide.

“This is an incredible achievement, and it is a credit to all our colleagues and partners who work hard to make Specsavers such a great place to work. I could not be prouder. Our ranking among so many other brilliant organizations on this list continues to drive our

ambition in making life at Specsavers truly special.”

John Perkins, CEO, Specsavers

To be considered for the list, companies must be identified as outstanding global employers with recognition on at least five Best WorkplacesTM lists from across the world in 2023 or early 2024.

Specsavers_WorldsBestWorkplace_2024

Colleagues said the opportunities offered to develop and grow as well as the culture and level of care for employees were the main reasons for rating the business so highly.

“We’re very proud to be named as one of the world’s best workplaces. This global recognition reflects Specsavers’ commitment to putting its people first, which has been the foundation of our successful growth in Canada. People have, and always will be, at the heart of everything we do at Specsavers.”

Bill Moir, Managing Director, Specsavers Canada

Specsavers was recognized in Canada’s Best Workplaces™ List for 2024, including additional awards for best workplace in retail/hospitality, for women and for giving back. Since arriving in Canada in late 2021, the company continues its rapid growth across the country, providing career and business ownership opportunities in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia.

With over 135 locally owned Specsavers locations in Canada, the company employs more than 1,500 people and has more than 300 independent optometrists in its network.

Full Fortune World’s Best Workplaces™ in 2024 listings.

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

NOW Trend Showcase Sees Exciting Surge in Submissions for Vision Expo East 2025 in Orlando!

Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo East, organized by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, announces that submissions are now open for the highly anticipated NOW Trend Showcase and Awards at Vision Expo East 2025, taking place in Orlando, FL. Known for its forward-thinking curation of eyewear trends, NOW is back with four dynamic new themes that showcase the latest in design, innovation and sustainability.

With a record number of products submitted to date, it’s clear designers, brands and innovators alike are eager to share their work. There is only one month left to join the excitement and showcase designs.

The themes for the 2025 edition are:

  • Sensorial Design: Fresh / Bold / Brilliant Innovations 
  • Innovation: Modern / Tech / New Materials / Wearable 
  • Memories are Made Of: Opti-Heritage / Timeless / Classic 
  • Consciously Designed: Sustainable / Eco-Friendly 

“We’re incredibly excited to unveil these new themes for the NOW Trend Showcase. The response has been overwhelming, and we can’t wait to see the creativity and ingenuity that comes through in the submissions this year. Each theme offers a unique take on the future of eyewear, whether it’s about pushing innovation or honoring timeless design.”

Nico Roseillier, creator and director of the NOW by Vision Expo program and founder of UN-TI-TLED creative agency

On Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 4:30 PM, the NOW Advisory Committee will present the NOW Awards: 3rd Edition on the main stage at Vision Expo East. The event will include a panel discussion with the committee, followed by a celebratory Champagne toast. All award winners will receive a trophy to display in their booths and will be featured in the post-show press release as well as on Vision Expo’s social media channels.

All frame submissions for the showcase are automatically entered to win an award in the following categories:

  • NOW Best Sunglass Awards for independent and branded collection 
  • NOW Best Optical Awards for independent and branded collection
  • NOW Best to Direct to Consumer (readers, blue lens, plano sunglasses etc.)
  • NOW Optical Achievement Award
  • NOW People’s Choice Award
  • NOW Best Emerging Award
  • NOW the Ultimate Accessory presented by the Accessories Council

The NOW Trend Showcase continues to be a premier feature of Vision Expo, providing a stage for the most trend-setting and innovative designs in the eyewear industry. This year’s NOW promises to be a must-see experience, focusing on the creative intersection of modern trends and heritage craftsmanship.

Roseillier adds, “Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event—submit your work today and contribute to the future of eyewear!”

Submissions are free and due by December 15, 2024 for Vision Expo East exhibiting eyewear brands. Shipment of product samples must be received no later than January 10, 2025 to be considered for inclusion in the NOW Trend Showcase.

To submit products for consideration, visit the official Vision Expo East website.

Source: Vision Expo

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

AOQ to Challenge Ministerial Order Compelling It to Participate in Public Health Plan

Association des optométristes du Québec logo

The Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) will take the relevant legal measures to challenge the validity of the government’s ministerial order preventing optometrists in the province from exercising a right to which they are entitled: to opt out of the public health plan.

“Since every professional has the legal right not to participate in the public plan, we greatly deplore the government’s attitude. Negotiations have been at a standstill for nearly five years. We are dismayed by this authoritarian approach, as we have been waiting for a reasonable offer for years now. We will be immediately initiating the relevant legal measures to contest the validity of the order.”

Dr. Guillaume Fortin, President, Association des optométristes du Québec

The AOQ reminds the public that nearly 90% of its members have decided to exercise their right to withdraw from the Régie de l’Assurance-maladie du Québec (RAMQ) to protest the stalemate in negotiations to renew the five-year agreement on fees between the AOQ and the Ministry of Health and Social Services. The withdrawal was to take effect on November 21.

The agreement, which expired in 2020, sets the fees and the conditions for optometrists’ participation in the public plan, which covers the population under 18, those 65 and over, and social assistance recipients.

“Our operating costs have risen three times faster than the government’s fees for services, such that our compensation per RAMQ patient visit is now only $3.50,” Dr. Fortin added. The affected groups make up 55% of optometrists’ patients, and that proportion is growing.

“We are asking for reasonable and fair treatment, so that we can continue to play our role throughout Québec and help to relieve congestion in the system, not least by treating some 180,000 eye emergencies every year,” he concluded.

Reimbursement to optometrists by the RAMQ represents 0.16% of Québec’s health budget, or $11 per Quebecer per year.

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Ambassadors Share Insights on WCO CooperVision® Myopia Management Navigator in New Roundtable Discussion

World Council of Optometry and CooperVision logos

A new video of a roundtable discussion highlighting the WCO CooperVision® Myopia Management Navigator is now available. In the video, three of the four World Council of Optometry (WCO) myopia management ambassadors—Nicola Logan, Jagrut Lallu, and Síofra Harrington—came together for the first time to talk about the new educational resource and offer their insights on advancing myopia care globally. The conversation took place during the International Myopia Conference (IMC) in Sanya, China.

Watch the video from the roundtable discussion at myopia.worldcouncilofoptometry.info/multimedia-resources/#myopia-navigator.

WCO partnered with CooperVision, a global leader in myopia management, to launch the Navigator (myopianavigator.info) in April 2024 as part of its efforts to further the adoption of myopia management as the standard of care. The Navigator is a free, interactive guide to evidence-based content, advice, and practical actions across the three Ms of managing myopia: mitigation, measurement, and management.

“With myopia reaching pandemic levels, the need to treat it proactively and slow its progression in children has never been greater. Since launching earlier this year, the WCO CooperVision® Myopia Management Navigator has already demonstrated its value in guiding eye care professionals in those important conversations with young patients and their families while helping advance myopia management as the standard of care. We are incredibly grateful to our ambassadors for their continued partnership in raising awareness of the Navigator on a global scale.”

Dr. Sandra Block, President, World Council of Optometry

The ambassadors’ roundtable discussion was moderated by Elizabeth Lumb, Director of Global Professional Affairs, Myopia at CooperVision.

“Our global ambassadors are leaders in the field of myopia management and are perfectly placed to introduce the Navigator to a wider audience and champion this cause,” said Lumb. “Hearing Nicola, Jagrut, and Síofra share the feedback they’ve already received about the Navigator—and how it’s being used by both experienced eye care professionals and those new to myopia management—highlights just how valuable they are in helping CooperVision and the WCO’s shared ambition in driving the adoption of myopia management with the support of this important resource.”

The WCO appointed a team of ambassadors, comprised of Nicola Logan, Global Ambassador, professor of optometry and physiological optics at Aston University in Birmingham, United Kingdom; Jagrut LalluAsia–Pacific Ambassador, owner of Rose Optometry in Hamilton, New Zealand; Síofra Harrington, European Ambassador, lecturer and researcher at Technological University Dublin; and Ashley Wallace Tucker, Americas Ambassador, optometrist and owner of Bellaire Family Eye Care in Houston, Texas, to spread the word about the Navigator based on their myopia management educational roles, outreach, and practice-building initiatives. All four Navigator ambassadors are actively involved in day-to-day myopia management. For their full biographies, visit the WCO website.

“Translating research into clinical practice is essential for integrating myopia management worldwide, and using the Navigator supports these efforts. The clinicians I’ve shared the Navigator with find it to be a great resource. It’s beneficial not only for those just starting out with myopia management by providing a comprehensive overview, but also for those who have some knowledge about myopia but want access to up-to-date evidence.”

Nicola Logan, PhD, MEd, MCOptom, SFHEA, FBCLA, Global Ambassador

To access the WCO CooperVision® Myopia Management Navigator, visit myopianavigator.info. Explore the World Council of Optometry’s myopia management online resource featuring the standard of care pledge signup page, resolution, practical tools, and information for optometrists at https://myopia.worldcouncilofoptometry.info/. For questions about myopia management, email the WCO ambassadors at MMNambassador@worldoptometry.org.

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Transitions and the OAC Now Accepting Applications for the 2024 Students of Vision Scholarship Program

Transitions Optical Opticians Association of Canada

As part of a partnership to support the next generation of eyecare professionals, Transitions Optical and the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) are now accepting submissions for the 2024 Students of Vision Scholarship Program. Opticianry, optometry and optometric assistant students from across Canada are eligible to apply for the chance to win one of three prizes: a $2,000, $1,500 or $1,000 scholarship.

To be eligible, you must either be currently enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year or registered for the upcoming 2025 school year. All winners will also receive a pair of Transitions® evaluation lenses, and the first-place winner will receive an invitation to Transitions® Academy, taking placing on February 2-5, 2025 in Orlando, FL.

Transitions Optical and OAC 2024 Students of Vision Scholarship Program

To enter the scholarship program, students must develop a project in the form of an essay, video or presentation about how they will educate younger patients about protecting their eyes from UVA, UVB and blue-violet light. A webpage with more information can be found at Transitions.com/en-canadapro/students-of-vision. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges against the following criteria: creativity, strategic thinking and ethics.

“Raising awareness about the importance of protecting young eyes from UV and blue-violet light is essential for promoting long-term eye health,” said Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing and sales manager, Transitions Optical in Canada. “We’re proud to support future eyecare professionals who are dedicated to educating younger generations and making a lasting impact on vision care.”

All submissions should be sent to StudentsofVision@Transitions.com by December 10, 2024. The winners will be announced in January 2025.

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Featured Posts

Canadian Association of Optometrists logo

CAO Appoints Joelle Walker as New CEO, Effective January 2026

The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.

Learn More
World Council of Optometry

ECPs Share How they Use the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel in New Video

The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.

Read more
Optik Voilàs November-December 2025- COS Silhouette SPX_Illusion_2978_5530

SPX Illusion 2025: Lightness Meets Bold Style

Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica Expands Ophthalmology Footprint with Acquisition of Signifeye

EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

CORE Summarizes TFOS DEWS III Reports to Boost Dry Eye Knowledge

CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.

Read more
Canadian Association of Optometrists logo

CAO Appoints Joelle Walker as New CEO, Effective January 2026

The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.

Learn More
World Council of Optometry

ECPs Share How they Use the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel in New Video

The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.

Read More
Optik Voilàs November-December 2025- COS Silhouette SPX_Illusion_2978_5530

SPX Illusion 2025: Lightness Meets Bold Style

Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.

Read More
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica Expands Ophthalmology Footprint with Acquisition of Signifeye

EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.

Read More
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

CORE Summarizes TFOS DEWS III Reports to Boost Dry Eye Knowledge

CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.

Read More
Canadian Association of Optometrists logo

CAO Appoints Joelle Walker as New CEO, Effective January 2026

The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.

Learn More
World Council of Optometry

ECPs Share How they Use the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel in New Video

The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.

Read more
Optik Voilàs November-December 2025- COS Silhouette SPX_Illusion_2978_5530

SPX Illusion 2025: Lightness Meets Bold Style

Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica Expands Ophthalmology Footprint with Acquisition of Signifeye

EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

CORE Summarizes TFOS DEWS III Reports to Boost Dry Eye Knowledge

CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.

Read more
Canadian Association of Optometrists logo

CAO Appoints Joelle Walker as New CEO, Effective January 2026

The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.

Learn More
World Council of Optometry

ECPs Share How they Use the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel in New Video

The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.

Read more
Optik Voilàs November-December 2025- COS Silhouette SPX_Illusion_2978_5530

SPX Illusion 2025: Lightness Meets Bold Style

Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.

Read more
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica Expands Ophthalmology Footprint with Acquisition of Signifeye

EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.

Read more
Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

CORE Summarizes TFOS DEWS III Reports to Boost Dry Eye Knowledge

CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.

Read more