fbpx

Contact Lens Institute Names 2024 Visionaries

contact lens institute

Nineteen established and emerging eye care community leaders have been named as Contact Lens Institute 2024 Visionaries. The diverse group represents a range of practice settings, research interests, and specializations. The program, established in 2021, has expanded its reach this year to include the United States and Canada.

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

Ten Visionaries return to the program after serving last year, while another nine have been newly appointed. 2024 honorees include:

  • Shalu Pal, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, FIAOMC, Dr. Shalu Pal & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Monica Bhula, OD, Texas Vision, Cedar Park, Texas
  • Shelby Brogdon, OD, McFarland Eye Care, Little Rock, Ark.*
  • Andrew Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLE-AC, ASB Opticianry Education Services, Vancouver, Wash.*
  • Jennifer Seymour Brusven, LDO, NCLE-AC, ABO-AC, AAS, Yesnick Vision Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
  • Ariel Cerenzie, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Charlotte Contact Lens Institute†, Charlotte, N.C.*
  • Angelica Cifuentes, OD, Bye Dry Eyes, Blinking Owl Eyecare, Marino Eye Care, Miami, FL.*
  • Jade Coats, OD, McDonald Eye Associates, Fayetteville, Ark.*
  • Jason E. Compton, OD, FAAO, Compton Eye Associates, New York, N.Y.
  • Janelle Davison, OD, Brilliant Eyes Vision Center, Smyrna, Ga., and Visionary Dry Eye Institute, Marietta, Ga.
  • Sabrina Gaan, OD, Eyes on Plainville, Plainville, Mass.*
  • Lisa Hornick, OD, MBA, FAAO, Stanford Ranch Optometry, Rocklin, Calif.*
  • Diana Mejia, Bellaire Family Eye Care, Bellaire, Texas*
  • Scott Moscow, OD, Roswell Eye Clinic, Roswell, Ga.
  • Ashley O’Dwyer, OD, Bay Mills Health Center, Brimley, Mich., and The Eye Guys, Wasilla, Alaska
  • Adam Ramsey, OD, Socialite Vision, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. 
  • Noha Seif, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Contact Lens Institute of Seattle†, Seattle, Wash.
  • Dana Shannon, OD, FAAO, Clarendon Vision Development Center, Westmont, Ill.*
  • Jennifer Tsai, OD, LINE OF SIGHT, New York, N.Y.*

* Returning Visionary

“Our Visionaries offer peer-to-peer practical experiences that are instrumental to advancing the role of soft contact lenses in eye care practices. Building on our wide-ranging and diverse group of eye care practitioners and staff, we’ve expanded the program into Canada in 2024, welcoming our neighbors to the north to provide additional insights and perspectives.”

Stan Rogaski, CLI’s executive director

The 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.

CLI 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.

† The Charlotte Contact Lens Institute and the Contact Lens Institute of Seattle are not affiliated with the Contact Lens Institute™.

 Click HERE for the full press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Alcon Canada Launches TOTAL30 Multifocal Contact Lenses for Reusable Lens Patients with Presbyopia

  • The first and only monthly Water Gradient multifocal contact lens that feels like nothing – even at day 301
  • Provides excellent visual acuity at all distances, near through far, with Alcon’s proven Precision Profile design that fits in two easy steps, delivering 96% fit success2-4
  • New TOTAL30 Multifocal contact lenses will help address the vision and comfort needs of the global multifocal market, which is growing faster than the overall contact lens category5

Alcon today announced the launch of TOTAL30® Multifocal in Canada, the first and only monthly Water Gradient multifocal contact lens that feels like nothing – even at day 30.1

Presbyopia is the gradual decline of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects, causing them to appear blurry and out of focus.6 Nearly everyone experiences presbyopia; it is a natural part of aging with most people developing symptoms by their early to mid-40s.6

Many lens wearers stop wearing contact lenses after age 40 due to lens dryness, discomfort and visual acuity issues and often begin wearing bifocals or reading glasses.7 Patients are also on their digital devices more than ever, leading to digital device dryness.8 The new TOTAL30 Multifocal lens helps outsmart digital device dryness by utilizing a proprietary Water Gradient Technology to deliver nearly 100% water at the surface of the lens.9-10

With the introduction of TOTAL30 Multifocal, Alcon continues to launch innovations in fast-growing markets. Data indicate that the multifocal contact lens market is valued over $1 billion globally and growing double digit annually—more rapidly than the contact lens category as a whole.5 With the prevalence of presbyopia reaching 80% by age 45-55,and an increasingly aging population, the category is expected to be poised for continued growth.11 Alcon’s TOTAL30 Multifocal lenses are uniquely positioned within this market, offering Alcon’s premium Water Gradient innovation at an accessible price point of monthly replacement lenses.

“Building on the innovation of DAILIES TOTAL1® Multifocal, the #1 selling Daily Multifocal design in Canada*, TOTAL30 Multifocal will now offer TOTAL comfort and seamless vision at all distances to presbyopic patients who prefer reusable lenses,”  said Vanessa Johari Hansen, Country Business Unit Head, Vision Care.1 “With an easy-to-fit design and proven fit success rate, TOTAL30 Multifocal is a win-win for both patients and Eye Care Professionals.”2-4,12

The lens utilizes PRECISION PROFILE® multifocal optical design allowing lens wearers to experience clear, uninterrupted vision at all distances, near through far.12 This is the same optical design found in DAILIES TOTAL1 Multifocal. Data shows that TOTAL30 Multifocal contact lenses are as easy to fit as DAILIES TOTAL1 Multifocal contact lenses.4** In addition, 96% of patients were successfully fit in Alcon Multifocal contact lenses with two simple steps.2-4†  

TOTAL30Multifocal is the third contact lens and latest addition to the TOTAL30 product family. TOTAL30 portfolio also includes TOTAL30 Sphere lenses and TOTAL30 for Astigmatism.

Visit www.myalcon.ca to discover how TOTAL30 Multifocal contact lenses can serve eye care practices and patients with presbyopia.

*Based on daily disposable multifocal contact lens dollar share

**At the initial fitting visit

With 2 lenses or less per eye, at initial fitting visit

References: 

  1. In a clinical study wherein patients used AOSEPT® solution for nightly cleaning, disinfecting, and storing; Alcon data on file, 2021.
  2. Merchea M, Evans D, Kannarr S, Miller J, Kaplan M, Nixon L. Assessing a modified fitting approach for improved multifocal contact lens fitting success. Paper presented at Optometry’s Meeting, the 121st Congress of the American Optometric Association; June 20-24, 2018; Denver, CO.
  3. Bauman E, Lemp J, Kern J. Material effect on multifocal contact lens fitting of lenses of the same optical design with the same fitting guide. Poster presented at: British Contact Lens Association Clinical Conference & Exhibition; June 9-11, 2017; Liverpool, UK.
  4. Alcon data on file, 2022.
  5. Internal estimate based on 3rd party data. Capital Markets Day. Slide 57.
  6. Presbyopia. Mayo Clinic. November 20, 2021. Accessed September 5, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/presbyopia/symptoms-causes/syc-20363328.
  7. Markoulli M, Kolanu S. Contact lens wear and dry eyes: Challenges and solutions. Clinical Optometry. 2017; Volume 9:41-48. doi:10.2147/opto.s111130.
  8. Al-Mohtaseb Z. The Relationship Between Dry Eye Disease and Digital Screen Use.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8439964. Accessed September 18, 2023.
  9. In vitro analysis of lens oxygen permeability, water content, and surface imaging; Alcon data on file, 2021
  10. In vitro analysis of lehfilcon A contact lenses outermost surface softness and correlation with water content; Alcon data on file, 2021.
  11. The Prevalence and Demographic Associations of Presenting Near-Vision Impairment Among Adults Living in the United States; American Journal of Ophthalmology VOLUME 174, P134-144, FEBRUARY 2017.
  12. Baker K, Merchea M. Impact of pupil diameter on multifocal contact lens vision. Poster presented at American Academy of Optometry Annual Conference, November 9, 2018. San Antonio, Texas.


Source: Alcon

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

« Born on Earth. Worn in Space » Titan Minimal Art Highlight Shapes

In 1999, Silhouette created Titan Minimal Art, a revolutionary design. With no screws, this rimless eyewear focused on the essentials without sacrificing comfort. They made history as the only space glasses.

With 12 million wearers Titan Minimal Art created a global sensation. This year, Silhouette introduces the “Colour Groove Technique” with four Highlight Shapes.

Featured model: 5599

Distributed by COS: canadianoptical.com

About COS:

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!

WCO Announces Theme for 2024 World Optometry Week Celebration March 17-23

World Council of Optometry

World Optometry Day, March 23, shines an annual spotlight on the profession of optometry and the contribution of optometrists worldwide to increasing access to eye health care as a human right. This year, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) will celebrate World Optometry Week 2024 from March 17 – 23, and specifically World Optometry Day, Saturday, March 23, with the theme “Advancing Optometry’s Commitment to Global Eye Care.”

World Optometry Week is March 17 to 23, 2024

With this theme, WCO seeks to highlight the ongoing work done by optometrists across the globe to improve equitable access to eye care as well as the profession’s role in promoting the adoption of Integrated People-centered Eye Care (IPEC) in countries’ health systems, as recommended by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2019 World Report on Vision. 

“As we approach World Optometry Week 2024, I am encouraged to see how optometry as a profession is embracing the need to address the large burden of preventable vision impairment. We continue to educate our patients as well as stakeholders who understand the importance of access to quality eyecare. Optometry has taken a leadership role in addressing the many challenges.”

WCO President, Dr. Sandra Block

The WCO invites optometrists worldwide to use the World Optometry Week Social Media Resources, available in seven different languages, to assist in your World Optometry Week and World Optometry Day advocacy. Partners at the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) have developed the Advocacy to Action Toolkit to learn more about advancing the IPEC model as the future of equitable eye care.

Let WCO know how your organization is celebrating World Optometry Day and World Optometry Week 2024 at communications@worldoptometry.org

Click HERE for the full press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Classic Meets Contemporary

The ultimate fashion statement, E-9265 is a monobloc titanium aviator frame designed for the man who loves to stand out for all the right reasons. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this bold frame marries the cool elegance of a deep blue with the sleek intensity of gunmetal accents at the hinge. Merging style and sophistication, it’s the ideal choice for the modern trendsetter.

Distributed by: www.westgroupe.com

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