Introducing Ray-Ban® Change, Powered by Transitions®

The innovation continues with the launch of Ray-Ban^® Change, a light-responsive frame, powered by Transitions^®and now a Red Dot Award winner in the Prescription category.

Ray-Ban^® Change offers a revolutionary take on the Original Wayfarer and its contemporary cousin, the Wayfarer^® Oval, available in sun and optical styles with a host of uniquely patterned pigments. Born in 1952, the Original Wayfarer^® has never stood still, piercing through decades of counterculture with its classic square silhouette, while the brand-new Wayfarer^® Oval invented a versatile model to transcend styles, from chic to grunge.

“Ray-Ban continues to break boundaries and set new trends, keeping innovation at the forefront of design. Tapping into the power of Transitions and its technology, birthed a new way to experience eyewear through light-responsive frames known as Ray-Ban Change. We took the leader in lenses, Transitions, and the leader in frames, Ray-Ban, to unify in one dynamic product, giving consumers the opportunity to make their functional eyewear fashionable.”

Federico Buffa, Chief Marketing Officer, EssilorLuxottica

Combining the traditional handcrafting of cellulose acetate with this advanced innovation, Ray-Ban Change is designed to sync with the light. The unique colours and patterns of the frame are created using Transitions photochromic dyes, which rapidly activate when exposed to UV light.

The addition of Transitions^® pigments render each pair with a unique character, meaning every pattern is one-of-a-kind. As the light gets stronger, so does the pigment. The frame activates within seconds in sunlight and fades back within minutes indoors.

Transitions recently launched its next generation of lenses, Transitions^®GEN S™. Ultra-responsive to light, these everyday lenses offer effortless vision. Designed to keep pace in a fast-changing world, the lenses provide ultimate light protection: darkening outdoors in seconds*, blocking 100% UVA & UVB rays and filtering up to 32% of blue-violet light in the clear state and up to 85% when activated**.

Embark on an exciting journey through the spectacular Transitions^® GEN S™ colour palette. The lenses are available in eight exclusive colours, including a brand-new addition: Ruby. All colours have been optimized to be true to tone at all stages offering vibrant tints in any light. While being fully clear indoors, and beautifully coloured outdoors, Transitions^® GEN S™ provides endless possibilities of pairing to complement any look.

Combining Ray-Ban^® Change frames with Transitions^® lenses creates the ultimate eyewear that is truly dynamic. A product enabling consumers to showcase the versatility of their personality, offering a magical appearance that adapts to the nuances of our lives and the diversity of our styles, at every moment.

HOW TO PAIR THEM

Choosing the right lens and frame colour can elevate eyewear, whether that’s matching colours for an on-trend tonal look, opting for a subtle two-tone blend or making a bolder style statement with a high-contrast colour combination.

Tone-on-tone: This is the easiest way to pair Transitions^® GEN S™ by matching the lens colour to the frame colour for a tone-on-tone look.
Colour blending: To create a more subtle two-tone look, choose colours next to each other on the colour wheel so the lens and frame blend together.
Colour contrast: To make a much bolder style statement, opt for contrasting colours by choosing opposite colours for the lens and frames on the colour wheel.

PRODUCT OFFERINGS

ORIGINAL WAYFARER^®

The most iconic frame receives a multi-coloured makeover starting from transparent colours within the frames transitioning to marbled hues under the sun. Available in Ray-Ban Change (frame only); Ray-Ban Change Transitions^® (frame and lenses); and Ray-Ban Optics Change (suited for all optical needs).

WAYFARER^® OVAL

The new, bold rebel takes centre stage and is featured in Ray-Ban Change, (frame only); Ray-Ban Change Transitions^® (frame and lenses); and Ray-Ban Optics Change (suited for all optical needs) in a variety of translucent colours that shift into painterly solid stripes.

* For polycarbonate & CR39 lenses across colours, achieving 18% transmission at 23°C. ** For polycarbonate and CR39 lenses across colours. Blue-violet light is measured between 400nm and 455nm (ISO TR 20772:2018).

Click HERE for the press release.

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July 10, 2024July 10, 2024

Newly formed United Opticians Association Creates a Voice for US Opticians

The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) & National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) and National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) have announced the formation of the United Opticians Association (UOA), an organization dedicated to serving the Spectacle and Contact Lens Optician professions.

While certified courses from American organizations are not recognized by Canadian Opticianry regulators, courses offered may be used for “smart goals” under the new competency systems in British Columbia and Alberta and self-directed CE in Ontario, according to Opticians Association of Canada Provincial Program Coordinator, Dalie Schellen.

While the ABO and NCLE and the Opticians Association of America are labeled as “American,” the entities have been substantially involved in numerous extensive mission trips and other outreach activities.

ABO & NCLE donated substantial monies, and efforts to the opening of a vision clinic in a remote area of Ghana, and both ABO & NCLE, OAA , and NFOS, have also invested and sponsored numerous international mission trips on behalf of Spectacle and Contact Lens Opticians.

The UOA is the result of years of dedicated efforts by leaders across the world of US Opticianry to create a unified body that supports and advances the profession in numerous ways. This innovative association brings together national organizations such as the Opticians Association of America, the National Federation of Opticianry Schools, and the Government and Industry Relations expertise of the ABO & NCLE.

ABO & NCLE Board and the National Federation of Opticianry Schools are both offering all ABO & NCLE Certificants and current NFOS Students a complimentary one-year membership to the UOA, valued at $199 and valid through July 1, 2025. This gesture of appreciation is designed to help ABO & NCLE Certificants and NFOS Students take full advantage of the extensive benefits the UOA has to offer.

Ronnie Harbert, the current President of UOA, emphasized the importance of this unification: “By bringing together all of these organizations, we can better spearhead the representation and protection of the opticianry profession. The UOA unites the best of each organization, focusing efforts to provide one United Opticians Association protecting all spectacle and contact lens opticians.”

Click HERE for the press release.

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July 10, 2024July 10, 2024

Millions of Americans Experience Dry Eye Symptoms, Yet New National Survey Shows Sufferers Struggle to Find Relief

Bausch + Lomb Corporation shared results from the company’s inaugural State of Dry Eye survey, which explores dry eye understanding and experiences among American adults. Dry eye is increasingly common and can range from occasional symptoms of dryness to a chronic condition called dry eye disease.

The survey revealed the majority of respondents may not know that their symptoms – which can include redness, fluctuating vision, a scratchy, gritty, tired or heavy feeling, or overall eye irritation – may be associated with eye dryness. Additionally, most respondents don’t realize that symptoms of dry eye are increasingly present in younger people, and two in five are unaware that untreated dry eye can lead to other eye problems, such as fluctuating vision.

“The prevalence of dry eye is growing, particularly among a younger demographic in large part due to modern lifestyles and heavy digital device use. The survey results underscore the importance of raising awareness of dry eye, so sufferers are empowered to speak with an eye care professional and seek relief. That’s why we developed KnowYourDryEye.com to help facilitate these conversations.”

Yehia Hashad, MD, executive vice president, Research & Development and chief medical officer, Bausch + Lomb

Key Findings from the 2024 State of Dry Eye Survey:

Dry eye impacts quality of life.

Three in four dry eye sufferers (75%) find it extremely or very bothersome, with three in 10 saying that their symptoms have worsened over time (31%).
Eight in 10 dry eye sufferers (81%) are constantly aware of how their eyes feel.
Close to half of sufferers (46%) report that sometimes their symptoms are so bad they can practically “hear themselves blink”.

And make it difficult to enjoy day-to-day activities.

Most dry eye sufferers (67%) had to give up or cut back on something to relieve symptoms, including screen time (32%), spending time outdoors (25%) and wearing makeup (24%).
Dry eye sufferers report their symptoms have the biggest impact on reading (45%), device use (35%) and driving (31%).

Despite this, most Americans don’t know much about dry eye, what to do about it or that their symptoms may be associated with dry eye.

Most (70%) don’t know much about preventing or treating dry eye.
While respondents reported regularly experiencing symptoms that may be related to dry eye, such as tired eyes [38%], sensitivity to light [27%], and redness [19%]), fewer (15%) reported regularly experiencing eye dryness, suggesting people may not recognize their symptoms could be associated with dry eye.
Around two in five Americans (43%) don’t routinely (i.e., at least once a year) see an eye doctor, even though it’s the primary way to get evaluated.
Most respondents (66%) don’t know that symptoms of dry eyes are increasingly present in younger people, which is likely the result of today’s modern lifestyles, including increased screen time.
Over half of sufferers (52%) think dry eyes are difficult to address and something people must learn to live with.

If left untreated, dry eye may get worse and progress to dry eye disease, potentially impacting eye health and vision.

More than two in five (44%) of respondents don’t know that untreated dry eye can lead to other eye problems and even vision loss.

“Most people think of dry eye as a minor nuisance, but the truth is it can drastically affect one’s daily life. Early symptoms are often misunderstood, downplayed, ignored or self-treated. People need to know their symptoms warrant a visit to the eye doctor, so they can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. For people with dry eye, the good news is treatment and symptom management options are available. People are finding relief.”

Rebecca Petris, co-founder and president, Dry Eye Foundation

There are a broad range of options for those with dry eye, from over-the-counter eye drops and nutritional supplements to prescription medications. Those experiencing symptoms should see an eye doctor to discuss what may be best for them. Learn more at KnowYourDryEye.com.

Click HERE for the press release.

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July 9, 2024November 13, 2025

New Treatment Target for AMD Identified

For people living with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the first line of treatment is anti-VEGF injections. Anti-VEGF injections have been a transformative treatment that can slow the growth of these extra blood vessels and stabilize and in some cases restore vision.

Unfortunately, this treatment does not work for everyone and a new study from the Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia may point to why.

Reported in Science Translational Medicine, researchers found that with increased blood vessel growth, the eye also grows more fibroblast cells. Fibroblasts are cells that make up the connective tissues in our body. These cells release collagen and other proteins that help maintain our body structures. In AMD, more fibroblasts mean more collagen which accumulates and leads to scarring, or fibrosis. This damage prevents the anti-VEGF medication from doing its job and blood vessels continue to grow.

The team also found that blocking or removing a specific receptor found in blood vessels (Adora2a) prevented excess growth of fibroblast cells. Researchers will now investigate if they can develop an antibody or drug to block both the growth of blood vessels and fibrosis.

About Fighting Blindness Canada

Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) is the largest charitable funder of vision research in Canada.

Over our 49-year history, FBC has contributed critical funding for the development of sight-saving treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases. By raising and stewarding funds, FBC is helping drive forward research that supports our goal of understanding why vision loss occurs, how it can be slowed and how sight can be restored.

We are an invaluable resource for individuals and families impacted by blindness, providing accurate eye health information through our website and educational events, as well as engaging with government and other stakeholders to advance better vision health policies.

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July 5, 2024July 5, 2024

Etnia Barcelona Presents Moi Aussi, an Artistic Project that Merges Art with the World of Optics

Etnia Barcelona presents Moi Aussi by Etnia Barcelona, a creative project driven by Andrea Zampol D’Ortia, optician and art lover, with the aim of becoming a global platform where artists from all over the world can express themselves and make their artistic careers known.

Etnia Barcelona Moi Aussi Abbazia Misericordia — Etnia Barcelona – Moi Aussi – Abbazia Misericordia

Since its beginnings more than 20 years ago, Etnia Barcelona has integrated art into its DNA, considering it as a way of understanding the world. This philosophy is reflected in all its campaigns and collaborations with artists. With Moi Aussi, the Barcelona eyewear brand combines art and optics by working closely with artists and highlighting its leitmotif “BEANARTIST”, which translates as “Rebel Through Art”.

In line with this philosophy and as a tribute to art and artists, the brand goes a step further with the acquisition of the Church Dell’Abbazia Della Misericordia in Venice, a historic space completely rebuilt in the thirteenth century, which will be renovated and fitted out to become the Moi Aussi Creative Laboratory, the place of work and stay of 24 international artists who will be part of the project each year. This laboratory will also be open to other established artists or artistic collectives who wish to exhibit their work in Venice.

MOI AUSSI, A PROJECT THAT TRANSCENDS BOUNDARIES

Moi Aussi is much more than a brand, it is an artistic project conceived as a creative movement that embraces artists from all over the world transcending any cultural border and ensuring that the true purpose of art triumphs over any diversity of culture, religion or ethnicity. Cultural diversity represents the strength of the Moi Aussi artistic community, the meaning of which reflects both the artists’ desire to be part of this community and the beginning of their journey, offering them artistic support and global visibility.

This project, aimed at an art world that is elevated, but also fresh, bold and young, is based on three fundamental pillars: art, emotion and contrast. Moi Aussi represents the artist’s manifesto, which in turn represents these three pillars and the declaration of intentions of this artistic movement.

The Moi Aussi logo is based on the verticality of the architectural elements of the Abbazia della Misericordia: pillars, columns and stained-glass windows. Thus, the purest geometric shapes match the poetry behind the project. This approach symbolizes the unique and distinctive personality of each artist, representing “MOI” as the soul of the artist and “AUSSI” as the sense of belonging to the artistic community, creating a balance between formality and creative expression.

THE CREATIVE LAB BY MOI AUSSI, A SPACE FOR ARTISTIC EXPLORATION

An art commission, formed by specialists from different disciplines of the art world, will be in charge of selecting the artists who will participate annually in this experience.

Each month, THE CREATIVE LAB will host two of these artists, who will live together and create five pieces of art from a pair of glasses frames. These will serve as a canvas for each one of them to create their own work of art with freedom and imagination.

Of these five pieces, one will remain in the Moi Aussi Gallery, another will be exhibited in the Etnia Barcelona museum, two works will be exhibited in art museums around the world and the last piece will be offered for sale through an auction.

All proceeds will be used for reinvestment and sustainability of the Moi Aussi project.

Click HERE for the press release.

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Introducing Ray-Ban® Change, Powered by Transitions®

HOW TO PAIR THEM

PRODUCT OFFERINGS

ORIGINAL WAYFARER^®

WAYFARER^® OVAL

Newly formed United Opticians Association Creates a Voice for US Opticians

Millions of Americans Experience Dry Eye Symptoms, Yet New National Survey Shows Sufferers Struggle to Find Relief

Key Findings from the 2024 State of Dry Eye Survey:

Etnia Barcelona Presents Moi Aussi, an Artistic Project that Merges Art with the World of Optics

MOI AUSSI, A PROJECT THAT TRANSCENDS BOUNDARIES

THE CREATIVE LAB BY MOI AUSSI, A SPACE FOR ARTISTIC EXPLORATION

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EssilorLuxottica Expands Ophthalmology Footprint with Acquisition of Signifeye

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HOW TO PAIR THEM

PRODUCT OFFERINGS

ORIGINAL WAYFARER®

WAYFARER® OVAL

Key Findings from the 2024 State of Dry Eye Survey:

About Fighting Blindness Canada

MOI AUSSI, A PROJECT THAT TRANSCENDS BOUNDARIES

THE CREATIVE LAB BY MOI AUSSI, A SPACE FOR ARTISTIC EXPLORATION

Featured Posts

ORIGINAL WAYFARER^®

WAYFARER^® OVAL