Blog - Page 13 of 924

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Sergio Cereda’s Design Legacy Highlighted at MIDO as Emerging Eyewear Designers Take the Stage

In early February, MIDO once again served as a global platform for emerging design talent, as the Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award 2026 was presented on the Vision Stage in Milan.

Held in the lead-up to Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympics, the award ceremony brought together students, educators, industry leaders, and international media to showcase sports-inspired eyewear concepts developed by design students from Italy, Germany, and the United States. This year’s brief challenged participants to explore the intersection of sport, movement, performance, and design, reflecting both the cultural moment and the evolving role of technical innovation in eyewear.

Founded by Harvey Ross and supported by MIDO, the Viva Ross Family Foundation, and the Cereda Family, the award was created to preserve and extend the design philosophy of the late Sergio Cereda, whose work was widely recognized for bridging creative vision with real-world manufacturing expertise.

Award Recipients and Finalists

The 2026 Grand Prize was awarded to Giada Tosana of LABA | Libera Accademia di Belle Arti di Brescia, followed by Elisa Albertini (second prize) from the same institution, and Mahra Mustafa of Istituto Marangoni Milano (third prize). Two Special Recognition Awards were also presented to Megan Broad Merkel (Savannah College of Art and Design, USA) and Alessio Accardi (IED Torino), selected for creativity and written submissions.

Designs were evaluated by an international jury that included Lorraine Berton, David Friedfeld, Giovanni Vitaloni, and representatives of the Cereda family, among other industry leaders.

The Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Archive

A key element of the ceremony was renewed attention on the Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Archive in Varese, Italy. Housed in Cereda’s former design studio, the archive preserves original sketches, prototypes, and conceptual work, and serves as an educational resource for students, designers, and brands seeking insight into design grounded in manufacturing realities.

Applications for the next Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award cycle are expected to open in April 2026.

Click HERE for the press release.

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February 2, 2026January 30, 2026

Alcon Launches PRECISION7 One-Week Replacement Contact Lenses in Canada

Alcon has announced the Canadian launch of PRECISION7, a new one-week replacement contact lens available in sphere and toric designs. The lenses will be commercially available in Canada beginning in February 2026.

Alcon Precision 7 one week replacement contact lenses

PRECISION7 introduces a new replacement schedule positioned between daily disposable and bi-weekly contact lenses. According to the company, the product is intended to address a common clinical reality: while many eye care professionals (ECPs) consider daily disposable lenses the preferred option, cost remains a barrier for a significant proportion of patients who continue to be fitted in reusable lenses.

Addressing comfort and replacement habits

Data cited by Alcon suggest that more than half of new contact lens wearers are prescribed reusable lenses primarily due to affordability considerations. In this context, a one-week replacement schedule may offer a more intuitive alternative for patients compared to traditional two-week replacement cycles.

PRECISION7 is designed to provide up to 16 hours of comfort per day and consistent visual performance throughout the full week of wear, including at the end of the replacement cycle. The lens incorporates Alcon’s ACTIV-FLO System, developed specifically to support performance over a seven-day period.

The ACTIV-FLO System

The ACTIV-FLO System combines a water-loving moisturizing agent embedded in the lens matrix with a proprietary replenishing agent that is gradually released to help maintain surface hydration for seven days. According to Alcon, this approach is intended to support comfort and lens performance across the full duration of wear.

Vanessa Johari Hansen, Country Business Unit Head, Vision Care, at Alcon Canada, said the launch reflects the company’s focus on patient-centered innovation and the introduction of a new category within contact lenses.

Supporting patient compliance

From a clinical perspective, replacement schedules that align with patients’ routines may support better compliance. A one-week cycle allows patients to select a consistent day of the week to replace their lenses, creating a predictable and easy-to-remember habit.

Dr. Kenton Fredlund, Optometrist at FYidoctors, noted that adherence remains one of the most persistent challenges in contact lens wear and that replacement schedules aligned with how patients think about time may help improve the overall wearing experience.

Expanding the WaterInnovations portfolio

The launch of PRECISION7 represents the newest addition to Alcon’s WaterInnovations portfolio of contact lenses. Both sphere and toric versions of PRECISION7 will be available in Canada beginning February 2, 2026.

Eye care professionals are encouraged to review full product instructions for wear, care, and safety information through Alcon’s professional resources.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.myalcon.com/ca/professional/contact-lenses/weekly/precision7/ https://www.myalcon.com/ca/professional/contact-lenses/weekly/precision7-for-astigmatism/

Click HERE for the full press release.

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January 30, 2026January 15, 2026

Seeing with the Heart: The Power of Giving Back

By Jade Bodzasy

Precision and clinical skill may restore sight, but it is compassion that deepens connection. Beyond the technical skill of prescribing lenses or diagnosing ocular conditions lies an equally powerful human responsibility: practicing emotional intelligence (EQ).

One of the most meaningful ways Emotional Intelligence (EQ) comes to life in eye care is through charitable action. Whether it’s offering free screenings at community events, donating glasses to underserved populations, or contributing time and expertise to global outreach missions, being charitable is more than an act of goodwill, it’s a direct reflection of emotionally intelligent leadership.

The Connection Between EQ and Charitable Practice

At its core, EQ is about recognizing and managing our own emotions, understanding the emotions of others, and building positive, meaningful connections. Charitable practice naturally strengthens each of these dimensions:

Self-Awareness: By stepping into charitable roles, professionals often reflect on their own privileges and resources. This awareness deepens gratitude, helping them reconnect with the purpose behind their work.
Self-Management: Charity frequently requires patience, adaptability, and humility. Eye care professionals may work in less-than-ideal conditions, manage limited resources, or adjust communication styles with diverse populations. These experiences enhance resilience and composure.
Social Awareness: Charitable action shines a spotlight on the needs, struggles, and aspirations of individuals who may otherwise be invisible in daily practice. This cultivates empathy and sensitivity, key skills for every eye care leader.
Relationship Management: Acts of giving strengthen trust with patients, colleagues, and the broader community. When professionals are seen as caring beyond profit, they create bonds that last well beyond a single appointment.

Charitable Work Builds Trust and Loyalty

Demonstrating generosity, whether through pro bono services or community sponsorship, communicates integrity and compassion. Patients who witness charitable commitment often develop a stronger sense of loyalty, choosing to remain with practices that align with their values.

Reducing Burnout and Increasing Meaning

Eye care can be demanding. Long hours, administrative pressures, and clinical challenges often take a toll on professionals’ mental well-being. Charitable initiatives act as a counterbalance by reconnecting practitioners with the human side of their work. For professionals, this renewed sense of purpose directly contributes to resilience and job satisfaction.

Strengthening Team Dynamics

Employees bond over the collective purpose of helping others, often breaking down workplace hierarchies in the process. This unity carries back into daily operations, improving communication and morale.

“EQ in action here means cultivating a workplace culture rooted in empathy, shared values, and service.”

When teams grow in EQ, it shows up in everyday interactions: smoother collaboration, clearer communication, stronger leadership, and a more positive workplace climate.

Expanding Professional Influence

Charitable acts position eye care professionals as leaders not only in medicine but also in community well-being. It demonstrates to future generations of practitioners that technical skill and emotional intelligence are inseparable in shaping what true leadership looks like.

About the Author:

Jade Bodzasy

Curious about Emotional Intelligence and how it
can support your team?
Hi, I’m Jade Bodzasy, an Emotional Intelligence
Facilitator based in Kingston, ON.
I love collaborating with business owners who care
about creating workplaces where people can:

Enjoy their work again: with less stress, tension,
and miscommunication.
Evolve into emotionally intelligent leaders: who
inspire, engage, and bring out the best in others.
Earn more together: by keeping great people,
building stronger client relationships, and fostering
a culture where everyone thrives.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to
connect and learn more about your team:
www.emotionalintelligenceconsultinginc.com

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January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

U.S. Optical Industry Reaches $69.5 Billion Despite Declines in Product Volume and Eye Exams

The U.S. optical industry continued to grow in value in 2025, even as consumers purchased fewer optical products and underwent fewer eye exams, according to Market inSights 2025 with 2026 Forecast, released by The Vision Council.

The industry is now estimated at $69.5 billion, reflecting a shift toward higher spending per purchase amid ongoing economic uncertainty. While unit volumes declined across most major optical categories, higher prices and a stronger focus on perceived value helped sustain overall revenue growth.

The report highlights more deliberate consumer behavior, with shoppers prioritizing fewer, higher-value purchases rather than disengaging from vision care altogether. Eye exams followed a similar pattern: despite a decline in the number of exams conducted, the overall market value increased, with the average exam cost rising by approximately $10 compared to 2024.

Among product categories, ophthalmic lenses remained the highest-value prescription segment, while plano sunglasses led non-prescription sales and were the only category to record a year-over-year increase in unit volume, up 2% in 2025.

In-person purchases continued to dominate the market, accounting for more than 80% of frame and lens sales, while contact lenses recorded the highest share of online purchases.

“People bought fewer products and had fewer exams, but they spent more per purchase,” said Alysse Henkel, Vice President of Research and inSights at The Vision Council. “This signals a clear shift toward value-driven decision-making in the optical market.”

The report also includes a 2026 forecast, noting areas of cautious optimism. Continued consumer spending, along with potential changes to tax refunds, could help offset the lower-volume trends observed in 2025.

Source: The Vision Council

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January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

Contact Lens Institute Names 2026 Visionaries

Contact Lens Institute™ has named 17 established and emerging eye care community leaders as 2026 Visionaries, recognizing a diverse group of professionals from the United States and Canada. Representing a broad mix of practice settings, specialties, and research interests, the Visionaries program was established in 2021 to elevate peer-to-peer engagement for soft contact lens innovation and best practices.

Each Visionary has demonstrated a commitment to raising awareness of advances in soft contact lenses and prescribing benefits. Selected in part for their ability to connect with professional peers, they will contribute to initiatives that promote success through practical tools, data, and clinical and practice management insights, including Contact Lens Institute’s The EASY Way and See Tomorrow initiatives.

SevenVisionaries return to the program after serving in prior years, while 10 are newly appointed. 2026 members include:

Roxanne Achong-Coan OD, FAAO, FIAOMC, FSLS, Diplomate, AAO Section on Cornea, Contact Lens and Refractive Technologies, Coan Eye Care and Optical Boutique, Ocoee, Fla.*
Kelsea Brown, OD, MyEyeDr, Atlanta, Ga.
Elaine Chen, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Diplomate, AAO Section on Cornea, Contact Lens and Refractive Technologies, Southern California College of Optometry, Marshall B. Ketchum University, Fullerton, Calif.
Jennifer Chinn, OD, Dr. Chinn’s Vision Care, San Diego, Calif.
Ryan Corte, OD, Northlake Eye, Charlotte and Asheville, N.C.*
Susan J. Gromacki, OD, MS, FAAO, FSLS, Diplomate, AAO Section on Cornea, Contact Lens and Refractive Technologies, First Sight Vision Care, Fulton, Md.*
Michael Gzik, ABO, NCLE, New York Optometric, Syracuse, NY
Jennifer Liao, OD, FAAO, FSLS, New England College of Optometry (NECO) Center for Eye Care, Boston*
Heidi Miller, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Principal Optometrist, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, Calif.
Sheila Morrison, OD, MS, FAAO, FSLS, FCCSO, Mission Eye Care, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Julian Prosia, OD, Mountain Eyecare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Renée E. Reeder, OD, FAAO, FBCLA, FSLS, FIACLE, FNAP, Diplomate, AAO Section on Cornea, Contact Lens and Refractive Technologies, Kentucky College of Optometry, University of Pikeville, Pikeville, Ky.
Maria Sampalis, OD, Sampalis Eyecare, Cranston, R.I.
Scott Samples, FCLSA, NCLE-M, CPOT, Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Harbir Sian, OD, Highstreet Eyecare Center and Clarity Eyecare, British Columbia, Canada*
Jennifer Stewart, OD, Look New Canaan, New Canaan, Conn.*
Shauna Thornhill, OD, Amarillo Vision Specialists, Amarillo, Texas*

*Returning Visionary

Contact Lens Institute 2026 Visionaries — *Pictured from left to right:*
*Top row:* Roxanne Achong-Coan, Kelsea Brown, Elaine Chen, Jennifer Chinn
*Second row:* Ryan Corte, Susan J. Gromacki, Michael Gzik, Jennifer Liao
*Third row:* Heidi Miller
*Fourth row:* Sheila Morrison, Julian Prosia, Renée Reeder, Maria Sampalis
*Fifth row:* Scott Samples, Harbir Sian, Jennifer Stewart, Shauna Thornhill

“Visionaries are chosen not only for their contact lens clinical expertise, but for their passion for sharing what works—with patients, colleagues, staff, and partners,” said Stan Rogaski, Contact Lens Institute executive director. “We congratulate our newest appointees and welcome back our returning group. Multiple 2026 initiatives are underway in which they’re already taking part, with much more to come.”

Contact Lens Institute advances the latest innovations in safe and effective contact lens and lens care products and services that provide unique benefits to patients while satisfying the evolving needs of eye care professionals. The organization undertakes activities that properly assess, enhance, promote and balance contact lens and lens care industry welfare and growth, including the safe use of products in the marketplace. Its members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision. For more information, visit contactlensinstitute.org.

Source : Contact Lens Institute

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Sergio Cereda’s Design Legacy Highlighted at MIDO as Emerging Eyewear Designers Take the Stage

Award Recipients and Finalists

The Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Archive

Alcon Launches PRECISION7 One-Week Replacement Contact Lenses in Canada

Supporting patient compliance

Expanding the WaterInnovations portfolio

Seeing with the Heart: The Power of Giving Back

The Connection Between EQ and Charitable Practice

Charitable Work Builds Trust and Loyalty

Reducing Burnout and Increasing Meaning

Strengthening Team Dynamics

Expanding Professional Influence

About the Author:

Jade Bodzasy

U.S. Optical Industry Reaches $69.5 Billion Despite Declines in Product Volume and Eye Exams

Contact Lens Institute Names 2026 Visionaries

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