Crafted from luxurious acetate, “Iris” honours Ms. Apfel’s bold style with distinctive round frames. A visionary, she saw the world uniquely, embracing maximalism and dramatic specs. Her motto: “More is more, and less is a bore.” These frames, featuring Corrine Hunt’s gold heron motif, blend fashion and Indigenous art.
We believe that art is transformative, and that eyewear can be the canvas to share stories and art from around the world. AYA Eyewear was first launched in 2009 in collaboration with renowned First Nations Artist Corrine Hunt and has continued to flourish and grow every year.
We are committed to the details and realize that beautiful design takes time, precision, and attention, so we don’t cut corners. We stand by our product. We treat our artists as our partners and make sure that their stories and art are always shared in the most heartfelt authentic way.
We take pride in our service and seek opportunities to give back to the communities we serve and the artist’s charities of choice.
AYA Eyewear is truly a brand that stands out from the crowd and is loved by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike.
Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e- newsletters!
Industry, gathered in Paris at SILMO 2024, the 2nd largest trade optical fair in Europe – with 31,300 international visitors from 42 countries – just awarded Transitions® GEN STM with a Silmo d’or in Vision Category.
The jury recognized the superiority of the new ultra dynamic lenses Transitions® GEN STM.
Nicolas Barbier, Global Head of Transitions Optical, declared: “Transitions® Gen S™ is the result of over 30 years of passion & commitment for light responsive lenses. Over the past five years, our research & development teams have been pushing the boundaries of every dimension of a dynamic lens to create a modern solution, leaving static for dynamic, to meet all eyeglass wearers’ expectations. It is a giant leap of technology and I am very proud of our teams and thankful for all the support and insights we have received from our customers for this collective achievement. I would like to thank warmly the Silmo d’Or jury for their recognition”.
THE NEW STANDARD FOR PRESCRIPTION LENSES
Transitions® GEN S™ introduces a new standard in eyewear, offering a dynamic, adaptive experience that aligns with the shifting demands of modern life. By advancing light adaptive technology, these lenses enhance performance, delivering unmatched adaptability, speed, and aesthetics, making them the perfect solution for today’s wearers seeking more than just vision correction.
Responsive – Time is no longer a constraint with Transitions® GEN S™. Engineered for seamless adaptation, these lenses darken in seconds[1] upon exposure to sunlight and fade back with unprecedented speed. This ultra-responsive behavior ensures that wearers can navigate their day with a newfound freedom from adaptation, solidifying Transitions® GEN S™ as the fastest dark lens in the clear-to-dark category[2].
Beautiful – Colors have never been so vibrant. With Transitions® GEN S™, wearers are invited to express their unique style through a selection of 8 vibrant colors, including the striking new addition of Transitions ® GEN S™Ruby. This rich palette provides infinite pairing possibilities for personalization and style while delivering an unmatched performance. Dark and vibrant under sunlight and clearer than ever indoors[3], Transitions® GEN S™ lenses deliver the promise of dynamic vision with style, making them a compelling choice for all.
Seamless – Going beyond vision correction, Transitions® GEN S™ integrates into a wearer’s lifestyle, supporting vision even under challenging lighting conditions. The lenses work in perfect harmony with the eyes, supporting natural adaptive processes and ensuring a smooth, effortless visual experience. This synergy brings about a new vision experience, offering better vision quality, faster[4].
GIANT LEAP OF TECHNOLOGY
Transitions® GEN STM is the result of a five-year research journey in photochromic technology. With over 450 prototypes created and 100 000 lenses tested to develop the final patented formula, Transitions® GEN STM brings a vision to life of a lens that breaks boundaries of performance.
“We need to open everybody’s eyes to the importance of diving deeper and prescribing dynamic lenses – not the static ones from the past.”
Chris Lievens, Director of Research and Professor, Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!
[1]For polycarbonate & CR39 lenses across colors achieving 18% transmission at 23°C
[2]For grey lenses in the clear to dark (category 3) photochromic category. Transitions SALT F lenses fade back faster to 70% transmission while achieving less than 14% transmission when activated at @ 23°C.
[3] For grey polycarbonate lenses compared to the previous generation.
[4] Vision quality improved in challenging light conditions, notably when moving from a bright to a darker environment (source B, Transitions SALT F compared to Transitions Signature GEN 8), in bright to very bright light situations (source A, Transitions SALT F compared to clear lenses) and in low light with peaky stray light (source A, Transitions SALT F compared to clear lenses).
Source A: Subject-masked cross-over randomized controlled investigation performed in 2023 on 30 healthy participants (19.2 ± 1.3 years). Testing light stress (discomfort and disability glare, photostress recovery) with the clear and darkest states of grey Transitions SALT F 1.6 index lenses with a premium anti-reflective coating compared to clear 1.6 index lenses with a premium anti-reflective coating. Principal Investigator Prof Billy R. Hammond.
Source B: Subject-masked cross-over randomized controlled investigation performed in 2023 on 10 healthy pre-trained participants (29.5 ± 4.0 years). Testing contrast sensitivity during fade-back with grey Transitions SALT F 1.6 index lenses with a premium anti reflective coating compared to grey Transitions Signature GEN 8 1.6 index lenses with a premium anti reflective coating. Principal Investigator Prof Pablo Artal. Accepted abstract at ARVO 2024. Duarte-Toledo R, Mompeán J et al., A new photochromic lens improves contrast sensitivity during fade back.
“Participating in the summer student program at FYidoctors was an amazing hands-on and inspiring experience. I appreciated the flexibility to choose whether I wanted to work at the reception or the dispensary, allowing me to tailor the program to my interests and refine any skills that I wanted to improve. Guest speakers, including experienced doctors with special interests, provided us with insightful presentations each week that broadened and deepened my understanding of the field. This program truly offered a customizable and enriching experience that has left me more excited for my future career.”
~ Sandra Nguyen, 2nd year Optometry student at University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science
FYihealth group has had a very successful summer student year in 2024, welcoming a total of 80 students to its FYidoctors, Visique, BonLook and solis optics practices across Canada through its Summer Student Program. Students in various years of their optometry studies attended a customized program tailored to their areas of interest, including mentorship from practicing optometrists, hands-on experience performing patient pre-tests and exams, and a look into the clinics’ business operations.
“This year, we’ve welcomed our largest cohort of student optometrists ever in our organization’s history,” shares Harneet Gill, Senior Director of Talent Acquisitions for FYihealth group, “Over these last few weeks of summer, I have heard so many amazing stories from our clinics about this group of optometry students and I do hope we get the chance to welcome them back as fully licenced and practicing doctors after graduation!”
Jeremiah Hyslop
“In optometry school, many different individuals and companies speak to students with offers, programs, and messages. However, none were more hyped up within the student body than the FYidoctors Summer Student Program, thanks to the great experiences of past students to partake. Now nearing the end of my own experience in this program, I can absolutely see why my colleagues were so enthusiastic. I have worked many jobs, but none have come close to being so educational, relevant for my future career, and focused on providing a great experience at the workplace. My only regret is not jumping on this opportunity a year earlier!”
~Jeremiah Hyslop, 2nd year Optometry student at University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science.
The Summer Student Programs offered by FYihealth group are highly competitive and sought-after positions for young optometrists-in-training, hailing from Universities across the US and Canada.
“The Summer Student Program has been instrumental in fostering connection and collaboration with future leaders in optometry. The mutual benefit that this program offers can only be described as incredible,” says Dr. Ryan Hogan, FYidoctors Optometrist and Advisory Committee Campus Ambassador. “Opportunity comes from both angles as students are able to learn from established doctors while current optometrists can source new talent to join their practices. All of our summer students have joined the FYidoctors family after graduation and this program helps ensure continued success in the field of optometry.”
Brett Corner
“The FYidoctors Summer Student Program gave me the opportunity to enhance my clinical skills, particularly with patient communication and the use of diagnostic tools like the OCT and Humphrey Visual Field. It was valuable to shadow ODs during complex eye exams as well as having the opportunity to practice the skills I had learned in school like retinoscopy and refraction. The discussions I had with the seasoned professionals at a rural clinic not only boosted my confidence in my skills but also deepened my understanding of the importance of trust in the patient-doctor relationship. The advice and mentoring I received this summer led to an invaluable learning experience.”
~ Brett Corner, 1st year student at New England College of Optometry (NECO)
Founded in 2008 by a small group of optometrists, FYihealth group’s structure and operations is based on the essential belief that doctors need to be at the center of all eye care health and vision solutions, and that patients deserve access to the best technology, doctor care, and experience. Today, FYihealth group is Canada’s leading diversified healthcare organization with over 650 optometrists serving over 370 locations coast to coast.
Named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for five consecutive years, Canada’s Top Growing Companies for two years in a row, and recently certified a Great Place to Work® for the second year, team members credit the company’s success to its dedication to its people and their communities. The organization looks forward to continuing its growth, not only through its student programs, but by welcoming experienced doctors to the team as well.
FYihealth group is a strong supporter of the growth of future optometrists as exemplified by its $5 million donation in 2023 to help build the Waterloo Eye Institute, officially breaking ground to begin construction earlier this year in June. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without optometry,” explains Dr. Alan Ulsifer, Chair & CEO of FYihealth group, “Being able to give back to the place that I owe my profession to is not only a privilege but almost like a professional obligation. As optometrists, we should not be competing against one another, but working together to bring the best eye care possible to the public and finding the best solutions for their eye health needs.”
Emily Chan
“I had an amazing experience participating in the FYidoctors Summer Student Program after my first year of optometry school. It was a fantastic opportunity to work in a clinic, observe the patient pathway, and apply what I learned in school into what I was learning in clinic. Because there are many FYidoctors locations across Canada, I am fortunate to be able to work and provide care to patients within my community. I was also able to connect with optometrists in my clinic. During the program, I was able to work and shadow the doctors, opticians, pre-screen, and front desk staff. I was also able to meet and learn from other doctors and peers in the program through weekly lunch hour socials and presentations. It is a truly rewarding and enriching 3-month experience interacting with patients and learning more about optometry!”
~ Emily Chan, 2nd year Optometry student at Pacific University, College of Optometry.
FYihealth group wishes all its summer students the best in their next year of studies!
Showcasing its commitment to sustainability, CooperVision announced that its landmark net plastic neutral contact lens initiative has now resulted in the prevention of the equivalent of more than 360 million plastic bottles from entering the oceans.*1 In addition, the company’s innovative partnership with Plastic Bank has been captured through a new mini-documentary series, with the first episode now available. The news comes on World Cleanup Day, which is dedicated to uniting millions of people, organizations, and governments to tackle global waste and help create a more sustainable world.
CooperVision pioneered the plastic neutral model2 for the contact lens industry in 2021 and has continued to expand the global initiative’s scope, adding two new European countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, earlier this month. Collaborating with Plastic Bank, CooperVision funds the collection and recycling of ocean-bound plastic equivalent to the weight of plastic used in participating products sold and distributed across what is now 29 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.‡ 3
“As the first manufacturer to provide a full range of plastic neutral soft contact lenses,†2 we are transforming and improving the well-being of People + Planet3. Thanks to our Plastic Bank partnership, the eye care professionals who prescribe CooperVision plastic neutral contact lenses—and the people who wear them—together, we embody the spirit and impact of World Cleanup Day year-round.”
In addition to the environmental benefits, CooperVision’s net plastic neutrality initiative elevates the lives of Plastic Bank collector members in hundreds of coastal communities1—the subject of the new docuseries. In exchange for the ocean-bound plastic waste they collect, adults receive credits to purchase goods and services, including health, work and life insurance, digital connectivity, grocery vouchers, school supplies, and more.4 A vision care program provides vision screenings and vouchers for complimentary eye examinations and glasses for eligible Plastic Bank collection members.3
The first of five mini-documentaries, which features a day in the life of Ni Luh Made Kariasih—one of Plastic Bank’s collector members in Bali, Indonesia—can be viewed at CooperVision & Sustainability. Additional episodes highlighting different aspects of the plastic neutrality initiative with Plastic Bank will premiere over the coming months.
* CooperVision, through its collaboration with Plastic Bank, to have collected and converted approximately 7.2M kg of plastic destined for waterways as of May 2024. Using Plastic Bank’s metric of 1kg of plastic equaling 50 standard 202mm bottles, that will be the equivalent of approximately 360M plastic bottles not reaching our oceans.
‡ Plastic used in participating CooperVision soft contact lens products is determined by the weight of plastic in the blister, the lens, and the secondary package, including laminates, adhesives, and auxiliary inputs (e.g. ink). The determination does not include plastic used during the manufacturing process for both these products and their packaging.
References
1 CVI data on file as of May 2024.
2 CVI data on file, 2021, 2020-2020 Plastic Bank Contract Agreement.
Launching in 2024, Rising Dawn merges colour science and titanium. With 60s newsroom shapes and Mediterranean-inspired hues, it caters to the nomadic creative. The translucent colours and intricate Austrian craftsmanship make it a standout, unmistakably Silhouette.
For over 70 years, COS has prided itself on its commitment to providing customers with unparalleled service and superior products. Founded in 1951 by Fred and Judith Hochstadter, with the specific goal of offering something truly innovative to independent eye care professionals in Canada, and based in Montreal, COS is a family-run business that represents a wide variety of high-quality frames. They are also Silhouette’s exclusive Canadian distributor since the brand was established in 1964.
The heart of COS business lies in the relationship with each client. The goal of the sales representatives and customer service team is to develop long-term, in-depth ties based upon customer-satisfaction and respect. With every interaction, COS dedicates itself to delivering the exact results that customers desire and their needs require. When it comes to offering truly top of the line service, COS is nothing short of groundbreaking. To further elevate and ensure the quality of the finished product, whether it is a beautiful pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses, the company installed its own finishing lab for the cutting and mounting of lenses along with providing advice to its client base. The in-house lab is one more way that COS has helped streamline the process for customers even further, creating a single contact point for all questions, concerns and feedback.
Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e- newsletters!
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.
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.
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.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
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.
