Empower Your Practice with Free CE Courses

Three 1-hour COPE accredited courses starting April 9.

In today’s evolving optometric landscape, staying ahead means leveraging data, mastering patient care strategies, and leading change with confidence. Eye Care Business Canada in collaboration with Clinical & Refractive Optometry is proud to present EMPOWER Your Practice, a free online COPE-accredited CE series designed to provide practical, real-world insights from leading experts in optometry.

This three-part series will equip optometrists, and practice owners and managers with the knowledge and strategies needed to elevate their practices, optimize patient outcomes, and navigate change successfully.

👉 Click HERE to view full details and register now!

🔎 Course Lineup

The Digital Journey:
Using Data to Drive Practice Growth & Patient Care

April 9, 2025 8:30 PM EDT

Presented by Dr. Wes McCann
Data is more than just numbers—it’s the key to unlocking better patient care and business success. Dr. Wes McCann will explore how practice analytics can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the patient experience. Learn how to use data-driven insights to make smarter business decisions and take your practice to the next level.

Myopia Management in Clinical Practice

April 23, 2025 8:30 PM EDT

Presented by Debbie Jones, BSc (Hons) FCOptom FBCLA FAAO
This course is designed for eye care practitioners at all experience levels in myopia control. Managing patients who are at risk of myopia or already showing evidence of myopia requires an evidence-based approach. This course explores the key risk factors and early interventions to delay myopia onset. For patients who are already myopic, selecting the most appropriate treatment can be challenging due to multiple influencing factors. This course presents the current evidence on the available treatment options offering strategies to monitor expectations and progress, and information on how to adjust treatment plans.

Leading Change: The Human Side of Practice Transformation

May 14, 2025 8:30 PM EDT

Presented by Dr. Trevor Miranda & Dr. Anita Voisin
Implementing new technology or workflow changes can be challenging—but strong leadership makes all the difference. Using a real-world case study on Practice Management System (PMS) implementation, Drs. Trevor Miranda and Anita Voisin will cover leadership strategies, staff engagement, and overcoming resistance to ensure a smooth transition.

Why Attend?

✔️ Learn from top industry experts with real-world experience.
✔️ Get actionable insights to improve patient care and business efficiency.
✔️ Develop leadership skills to drive positive change in your practice.
✔️ Earn COPE CE credits—for free!

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert knowledge and elevate your practice.

👉 Click HERE to view full details and register now!

This course series is made possible by an unrestricted education grant for Ocuco Canada.
Presented by Eye Care Business Canada and Clinical & Refractive Optometry Journal

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March 12, 2025March 12, 2025

The Canadian Association of Optometrists Announces Its 39th Congress in Halifax, NS

The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) will host its 39th Congress in picturesque Halifax, NS, on July 2-5, 2025.

The biennial Congress has a long-standing tradition of bringing together optometrists, optometry students, optometric assistants, expert speakers, and industry representatives from across the country and beyond.

In partnership with the Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists and Vision Therapy Canada, CAO will offer a continuous education program featuring internationally renowned speakers sharing insights and innovation in optometry and business practices.

Attendees will have a chance to learn about the latest techniques and procedures, studies that are advancing the practice of optometry, and spend dedicated time with exhibitors to learn about and gain experiences with a vast array of products and services during Optofair tradeshow or breakfast business meetings.

CAO calls for abstracts on clinical case reports and case series, clinical educational and scientific research for a Scientific Poster show on Friday, July 4. Previously published or presented works may be submitted, but priority will be given to unpublished work. Applications are now open till April 15, 2025. Authors selected to present a poster will be eligible for 10 Points (per original poster) accredited towards their application for Fellowship in the Canadian College of Specialties in Optometry (CCSO), an opportunity for publication in the Canadian Journal of Optometry (CJO), and ultimately a chance to compete and win a FREE TICKET for the 2027 CAO Congress in Saskatoon (conditions apply).

A stream dedicated to Optometric Assistants (OA) will provide opportunities to network, learn from industry professionals, and acquire new tips and tricks for their daily practice within a one-day program on July, 4.

OA can also register for a two-day hands-on training workshop on July 5-6, 2025.

All sessions will be provided in English with simultaneous interpretation available thanks to AI-assisted live services. Early bird registration rates are available until May 31, 2025.

The event will also include multiple networking opportunities and social events in unique settings to celebrate the optometric community, enjoy artistic performances, and experience traditional Nova Scotia music.

For more information about CAO Congress and to register, please click here.

Click HERE for the press release.

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March 12, 2025

The Vision Council Releases New Research Highlighting Canadian Consumer Trends

The Vision Council announces the release of its latest research report, Consumer inSights Canada Q3 and Q4 2024, offering an in-depth look into Canadian consumers’ opinions and habits related to vision correction, vision insurance, eye exams, prescription eyewear, reading glasses, and plano sunglasses.

Findings from this report, as part of The Vision Council’s inSights Research Program, reveal several key insights into Canadian vision care behavior. Over half (52%) of Canadians had an exam in the past year, an increase from the first half of 2024, but still lower than U.S. rates, which hover around 62%. Report findings also suggest that Canadian consumers are replacing eyewear less frequently, with the median replacement cycle for glasses at 24 months, double the U.S. average. For out-of-pocket spending, 38% of respondents reported paying $99 or less for their glasses, lenses, or frames.

“Our latest Consumer inSights Canada report explores how Canadian consumers approach optical products and services and sheds light into what matters most for them when it comes to their eye health,” said Alysse Henkel, Vice President of Research and inSights at The Vision Council. “Findings from this latest report highlight some of the differences between U.S. and Canadian consumers and can help members of industry better serve Canadian consumers.

Additional Report Highlights:

76% of respondents use a form of vision correction – including glasses, prescription sunglasses, reading glasses and contact lenses.
48% of prescription glasses users made a purchase in the past year.
28% of respondents report their last eye exam was more than two years ago.
65% of those who use readers purchased a new pair within the past year.
More than half (58%) of respondents wear plano sunglasses.

The Vision Council’s Consumer inSights Canada Q3 and Q4 2024 findings are the result of a survey of 3,052 adults in Canada aged 18 or older fielded by Full Circle Research between July and December. Respondents are representative of the Canadian adult population. The survey included questions about vision correction, managed vision care, eye exams, prescription eyewear, reading glasses, and plano sunglasses.

The full report is available in The Vision Council’s Research Download Center as a complimentary download for members of The Vision Council, with a paid option for non-members to download.

More about the inSights Research Program

The Vision Council’s inSights Research Program is built on a foundation of rigorous methodology and cutting-edge technology. The inSights Research Program provides a comprehensive perspective on the state of the optical industry through quarterly consumer survey reports; quarterly in-depth special reports on eyewear and eyecare products and topics; and an end-of-year market estimate and industry forecast.

Click HERE for the press release.

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March 12, 2025February 24, 2025

Cascade: A Warm and Earthy Mocha Hue for Distinctive Style

Voila Optik Jan-Feb 2025 OGI Article One Cascade

Warm and earthy, Article One’s Cascade embodies Mocha Mousse through the blend of subtle brown hues with creamy undertones reminiscent of a rich latte of light chocolate.

This colourway would suit those seeking a neutral yet distinctive style that complements a variety of skin tones and wardrobe choices.

Distributed by: www.ogieyewear.com

About OGI Eyewear:

Established in 1997, we’re a design house first, an innovator with a proven record of setting industry standards, of working with top tier manufacturers and suppliers to create new eyewear designs that stay ahead of the trends.

Our releases are frequent, distinct, and tell a consistent story without overlapping existing styles across Brands. Each one of our Brands tells a unique story that identify and serve a captive audience. Think durable, handcrafted frames designed to appeal to a diverse range of lifestyles so your clients can connect with the perfect piece instead of feeling shoehorned into a more generalized look.

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March 12, 2025March 13, 2025

Safilo and Special Olympics Renew Long-standing Partnership Through to 2027

For over two decades, Safilo Group and Special Olympics have been changing lives, one pair of glasses at a time. Now, that mission continues.

The two organizations celebrated the renewal of their long-standing partnership through to 2027 at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, on 8^th March 2025. This commitment underscores a shared dedication to inclusive health and vision care for athletes with intellectual disabilities worldwide that has stood strong for more than 22 years – and counting. During this period, Special Olympics athletes from all over the world have received prescription frames and sunglasses provided by Safilo through the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes® program. Safilo employees have also been volunteers at Opening Eyes events, where athletes receive essential eye examinations, prescription eyewear, and referrals for follow-up care.

Safilo Group and Special Olympics celebrated the renewal of their long-standing partnership at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin — David Evangelista, President and Managing Director, SOEE, and Angelo Trocchia (CEO Safilo) during Healthy Athletes – SAFILO Signing Event at Inalpi Arena on 08.03.25 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Inaki Esnaola / SOEE)

“At Safilo, we believe that clear vision is a fundamental right, not a privilege. For over 20 years, our partnership with Special Olympics has allowed us to bring not just eyewear, but dignity, confidence, and opportunity to thousands of athletes worldwide” said Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group. “This renewed commitment reaffirms our dedication to inclusion, accessibility, and eye health—ensuring that every athlete has the vision care they need to excel, both in competitions and in daily life. We are proud to continue this journey and to stand alongside Special Olympics in their mission of empowerment. This commitment is part of Safilo’s purpose-led strategy based on three sustainability pillars: planet, product, and people”.

Special Olympics CEO Mary Davis added: “The renewal of our partnership with Safilo is more than just an extension of a collaboration, it is a testament to a shared commitment to health equity for people with intellectual disabilities. Vision care is often an overlooked but essential part of an athlete’s success, and Safilo’s contribution has transformed lives by providing access to screenings, prescription frames, and expert care. As we celebrate this milestone at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, we look forward to expanding our impact and ensuring that every athlete sees a clearer, brighter future ahead.”

Click HERE for the press release.

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Empower Your Practice with Free CE Courses

Three 1-hour COPE accredited courses starting April 9.

🔎 Course Lineup

The Digital Journey:
Using Data to Drive Practice Growth & Patient Care

Myopia Management in Clinical Practice

Leading Change: The Human Side of Practice Transformation

Why Attend?

The Canadian Association of Optometrists Announces Its 39th Congress in Halifax, NS

The Vision Council Releases New Research Highlighting Canadian Consumer Trends

Additional Report Highlights:

More about the inSights Research Program

Cascade: A Warm and Earthy Mocha Hue for Distinctive Style

About OGI Eyewear:

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Three 1-hour COPE accredited courses starting April 9.

🔎 Course Lineup

The Digital Journey: Using Data to Drive Practice Growth & Patient Care

Myopia Management in Clinical Practice

Leading Change: The Human Side of Practice Transformation

Why Attend?

Additional Report Highlights:

More about the inSights Research Program

About OGI Eyewear:

Featured Posts

The Digital Journey:
Using Data to Drive Practice Growth & Patient Care