fbpx

Posted on

Transitions Announces Dates for Transitions® Academy 2025

Mark your calendars for Transitions® Academy 2025, taking place from February 2-5, 2025, at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.

Transitions Academy

Transitions® Academy 2025 will bring together industry professionals for two days of immersive learning, networking and innovation. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of workshops, seminars, and hands-on sessions led by experts in the field and inspiring guest speakers.

The event is an extraordinary opportunity for attendees to expand their knowledge with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the optical industry.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other eyecare professionals from around the world and share their experience and success stories about Transitions®.

Save the date for Transitions Academy 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!

Posted on

 DaTE 2025: The Next Edition in Riccione

DaTE Italy event

Having announced the dates, finally the location of the next DaTE event is revealed. Set to take place in Riccione, September 13th to 15th, 2025, with, as noted earlier, a new format, updated to meet the latest needs of this challenging sector.

“We chose Riccione for several reasons: first, because it is a city perfectly aligned with the concept of our exhibition. Given its historic ties to design, its passion for innovation and its sophisticated and, at the same time, provocative lifestyle, Riccione has long been a magnet for creatives, trendsetters and experimenters, just like our exhibitors and buyers.”

Davide Degl’Incerti Tocci, President, DaTE, and Cristina Frasca and Dante Caretti, founding partners, DaTE

Riccione can easily be reached by train and car and the Rimini International Airport is just a few kilometers away, making it accessible for international participants. The mild mid-September climate, along with an extraordinary, comprehensive array of available accommodations, create the perfect conditions to facilitate business meetings and networking opportunities.

“There’s still a bit of suspense surrounding the exact location in Riccione,” the President teased. Meanwhile, we are planning the forthcoming editions and can already reveal that DaTE events will be held in Naples, Rome, Milano and Bologna. To discover the future dates and all the latest news, I invite you to follow us on our official website and social channels!”

Admission to DaTE is free of charge, open only to eyewear industry professionals, opticians, buyers and journalists.

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!

Posted on

Negotiations Fail: Optometrists Withdraw from the Public System, Effective November 22

Association des optométristes du Québec logo

The Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) announces that 85% of its members have decided to withdraw from the Régie de l’Assurance-maladie du Québec (RAMQ) following the failure of negotiations between the AOQ and the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) to renew their five-year fee agreement. This agreement sets the rates and conditions for optometrists’ participation in the public health plan, which covers the population under 18, those 65 and over, and social assistance recipients.

“Optometry services will continue to be available, but people currently covered by the public plan will no longer be covered as of November 22 and will have to pay for the services, which we regret. Our operating costs have risen three times faster than the government’s fees for services, so our fee per RAMQ patient visit is now only $3.50.”

Dr. Guillaume Fortin, President, AOQ  

The previous agreement expired in 2020 and talks to renew it have stalled. 55% of optometrists’ patients are affected, a proportion that is growing.

“Our demands are based on the results of an independent study carried out jointly with the government, which approved the methodology. 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,” Dr. Fortin concluded.

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

As of November 22, 85% of Québec optometrists will cease to participate in the public plan.

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!

Posted on

Blackfin Renews Its Decade-long Partnership with Mood Eyewear for Exclusive Distribution in Canada

Blackfin Mood logos

Blackfin, the Italian high-end Titanium eyewear company, announces the renewal of its partnership with Mood Eyewear, the exclusive distributor for the Canadian market. This collaboration, which began in the second half of 2014, marks its 10-year milestone, representing a significant step in the brand’s international growth strategy.

Blackfin FW24 campaign

“We are truly happy and satisfied to continue working with Mood Eyewear,” says Nicola Del Din, CEO of Blackfin. “The collaboration with André Bélanger and his entire team goes far beyond a simple business agreement. A deep synergy has been developed between us, extending on a personal level as well, making Mood not only a highly qualified distributor but also a trusted partner who shares our same vision of excellence in product, customer care and execution.”

Since its entry into the market, Blackfin has experienced steady growth thanks to this collaboration, making Canada today one of the brand’s key markets, ranking among the top 5 globally.

“Mood Eyewear Inc is very proud of the renewal of the exclusive distribution agreement for the prestigious Blackfin brand in Canada”, says André Bélanger, President of Mood Eyewear. “From the beginning of our business relationship, we were warmly welcomed into the global Blackfin family and committed to the ambitious project of introducing this exceptional titanium eyewear collection to Canada. The expertise and professionalism of the entire Blackfin team are greatly appreciated by all of us at Mood Eyewear”.

The success is also due to the perfect alignment of values and business development between the two companies. Mood has always supported Blackfin in investing in targeted campaigns to strengthen the brand positioning, ensuring a qualitative and consistent distribution, presenting always all the new collections as well as providing efficient and timely service to our common customers.

This important relationship underscores a shared vision for growth, with the goal of further strengthening Blackfin’s presence in Canada.

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!

Posted on

Bausch + Lomb Receives Health Canada Approval for Soothe® Antibiotic Drops

Soothe Dry Eye Therapy - from B+L

Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced Health Canada has approved Soothe Antibiotic Drops, an over-the-counter drop to treat external infections of the eye and ear, such as bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) and swimmer’s ear1.

“There is growing demand for over-the-counter products that effectively address common eye and ear infections. Soothe Antibiotic Drops will provide Canadian consumers with a new convenient and effective option.”

John Ferris, executive vice president, Consumer, Bausch + Lomb

Soothe Antibiotic Drops are approved for use by adults and children* six years of age and older. Building on the company’s Soothe brand of dry eye and allergy products, the drops will be packaged in a convenient 10 mL easy-squeeze bottle and located in the eye care aisle at most major Canadian retailers starting in June 2025.

“Soothe Antibiotic Drops offer consumers and clinicians a single treatment option that is conveniently available over the counter without a prescription. Once available, it will be a valuable addition to a pharmacist’s toolkit.”

Dharmesh Vaghela, Bsc., pharmacist, Mississauga, Ontario

References:

1 Always read and follow the label to know if this product is right for you.
*A doctor should be consulted prior to use of the drops in children.


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