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October 28, 2026October 28, 2026

Applications for the 2027 Transitions® Change Agent Program Now Open Through November 15, 2026

Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 Transitions^® Change Agent program. Eyecare professionals interested in applying can visit TransitionsPRO.com/ChangeAgent through November 15, 2026.

The Transitions^® Change Agent program is a peer-to-peer community of influential eyecare professionals from the U.S. and Canada who help build awareness and understanding of Transitions^® lenses among peers, industry professionals and patients. They share their expertise and perspectives on eye health, innovation and technology, and style.

Members have opportunities to connect with fellow industry professionals and contribute through social media, focus groups, speaking engagements, interviews and other thought leadership activities. They may also receive exclusive access to product trials, technology testing and innovation feedback sessions.

“Since 2016, the Transitions Change Agent program has brought together eyecare professionals who are passionate about advancing patient care and sharing their expertise,” said Arlene Barringer, trade marketing director, Transitions Optical. “We’re looking for professionals ready to bring their perspectives to a dynamic peer community and help shape Transitions programming and conversations across the industry. As a Change Agent, you can grow your professional influence and network while helping shape the future of dynamic lenses.”

Applicants can apply online at TransitionsPRO.com/ChangeAgent through November 15. Candidates must complete an application detailing why they want to become a Transitions^® Change Agent, what they hope to accomplish through the program, links to their social media profiles, and responses to a few additional questions.

Selected applicants will be notified in December and invited to participate in the program during the 2027 calendar year. For additional information or questions, please contact cservice@transitions.com.

Source: Transitions Optical

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October 27, 2026October 27, 2026

New Vision Council Research Examines Consumer Eyewear Purchasing Trends in Q3 2026

Consumer inSights Q3 2026, the latest report from The Vision Council, offers new insights into consumer purchasing behavior across major optical categories, including vision correction, managed vision care, eye exams, prescription eyewear, reading glasses, contact lenses and non-prescription sunglasses.

Based on responses from more than 12,000 U.S. adults, the report found that consumer behavior remained relatively stable during the third quarter of 2026, continuing the trend observed in Q2. Consumers increasingly gravitated toward mid-range eyewear purchases, with more buyers spending between $100 and $199, while the share of those spending less than $100 or more than $200 declined.

Consumers Continue to Favor Mid-Range Purchases

The report also highlights differences in spending based on purchase channel. Consumers purchasing eyeglasses in person reported higher average out-of-pocket costs than those purchasing online.

“Consumers are showing steady, deliberate spending on eyewear, with more of them settling into mid-range purchases this quarter,” said Kris Stevens, Vice President of Research at The Vision Council. “The gap between online and in-person spending also tells us that the purchase channel continues to play a meaningful role in how much people invest in their vision.”

Key Q3 2026 Findings

Among the report’s findings:

72% of consumers reported having managed vision care coverage, the highest level recorded over the previous five quarters.
Gen Z and Millennials contributed to a significant increase in eye exams during the quarter, while Gen X reported the lowest exam rates.
53% of online eyewear buyers purchased multiple pairs, compared with 36% of in-person shoppers.
13% of consumers who recently purchased eyewear reported buying smart eyewear, down three percentage points from the previous quarter.
Among consumers who had not recently purchased eyewear, 44% cited lack of need, while 37% reported extending the life of their current eyewear.
More than half (59%) of respondents spent less than $100 out of pocket on contact lenses, the highest proportion recorded during the past five quarters.

Part of the inSights Research Program

The report is part of The Vision Council’s inSights Research Program, which provides quarterly consumer surveys, special reports on eyewear and eye care topics, and annual market forecasts. According to the organization, the program combines rigorous research methodologies and advanced technologies to provide a comprehensive view of the optical industry.

The full report, along with more than three years of trended data, is available through The Vision Council Research Download Center. The report is complimentary for members and available for purchase by non-members.

Source: The Vision Council

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October 27, 2026October 27, 2026

Optometry Giving Sight Announces New Board Leadership Appointments in Canada and the United States

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) has announced two additions to its board leadership team with the appointment of Dr. Luigi Bilotto as Chair, Canada, and Dr. Alan Glazier as a new member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Bilotto assumes the role following the completion of Dr. Susan Cooper’s term. Based in Montréal, he brings more than three decades of experience in international eye health leadership. He currently serves as International Eye Health Advisor at l’École d’optométrie de l’Université de Montréal and previously served as Clinic Director while maintaining a clinical faculty appointment since 2006.

For nearly 11 years, Dr. Bilotto was Director of Global Education and Human Resource Development at the Brien Holden Vision Institute, where he helped develop optometry programs in underserved regions around the world. His international work has also included academic and advisory roles with institutions and organizations in South Africa, the United States and Australia, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), the World Council of Optometry (WCO), the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and ATscale/UNOPS.

New Leadership Perspectives

Dr. Alan Glazier joins the board with more than 30 years of experience in optometry and related fields. He is the founder of FluoreSCENE Group, which includes ODs on Facebook, a professional community connecting more than 45,000 eye care professionals worldwide. He also leads Presolutions Pharma, a company focused on intellectual property and licensing solutions related to reversible vision loss and blindness.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Glazier to our board and to see Dr. Bilotto step into this expanded leadership role,” said Donna J. Mikulecky, Executive Director of Optometry Giving Sight. “Both bring exceptional expertise and a genuine commitment to the work of expanding access to primary eye care around the world.”

The organization also expressed its gratitude to Dr. Susan Cooper for her years of leadership and service as Chair and board member. She will remain involved with the organization as Past President.

Advancing Access to Eye Care Worldwide

“Optometry Giving Sight has always understood something fundamental: that training the right people in the right places is how you actually change outcomes,” said Dr. Bilotto. “I’ve spent my career working at that intersection, in classrooms, in clinics, and in communities that have been overlooked for too long.”

Dr. Glazier emphasized the importance of building sustainable eye care systems, noting that OGS’s efforts to develop primary eye care infrastructure align closely with his own professional focus on connecting eye care professionals and expanding access to care globally.

For more information, visit givingsight.org.

Source: Optometry Giving Sight

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October 27, 2026October 27, 2026

J.F. REY Unveils SAKURA, a Creation from J.F. REY LAB Exploring Design Beyond Eyewear

J.F. REY has introduced SAKURA, a limited-edition sunglasses concept born from J.F. REY LAB, a new space for experimentation dedicated to exploring new dimensions in eyewear design. Inspired by the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossom, SAKURA combines contemporary aesthetics, technical innovation and a multisensory approach that extends beyond the frame itself.

Created as a place of creative freedom, J.F. REY LAB brings together craftsmanship, innovation and advanced technologies to develop immersive experiences around eyewear design.

A Design Inspired by the Cherry Blossom

An exclusive creation from J.F. REY LAB, SAKURA reinterprets the poetry of the cherry blossom, or sakura in Japanese, a symbol of fleeting beauty.

The frame combines a fine metal structure with 3D-printed acetate rings, blending innovative materials and technologies with J.F. REY’s expertise to create a refined sculptural form. Its organic silhouette unfolds around the face like a corolla, featuring an openwork structure shaped by fluid curves inspired by the lightness of petals.

Category 3 brown gradient polarized lenses with an inner anti-reflective coating provide visual comfort and high UV protection.

Limited to 350 numbered pieces, SAKURA reflects the spirit of J.F. REY LAB by exploring new ways of expressing design through eyewear and transforming the frame into an experience that is as much seen as it is felt and lived.

When Design Meets Fragrance

For this project, J.F. REY collaborated with ROBERTET, the renowned family-owned fragrance house from Grasse recognized worldwide for its expertise in natural raw materials and bespoke fragrance creation.

Together, the two companies developed a Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette, conceived as the olfactory expression of the frame. Inspired by the world of SAKURA, the airy, powdery and luminous floral fragrance accompanies each frame in its case, creating a dialogue between design and scent.

“Bringing J.F. REY and ROBERTET together was not an obvious choice. But that is exactly what attracted us: stepping outside our usual way of working and connecting two worlds that, at first, seemed very different. SAKURA is our first collaboration of this kind, and its exclusive fragrance signature makes it a truly new project for J.F. REY and, more broadly, for the eyewear world.”

According to the company, the collaboration opens new creative possibilities by adding an olfactory dimension to the visual experience.

A Complete Sensory Experience

Presented in a 15 ml bottle featuring SAKURA’s signature design codes, the fragrance is included with each frame. A Japanese-inspired coffret extends the SAKURA experience into the retail environment, designed to create a memorable and immersive discovery experience.

Packaging Sakura JF Rey X Robertet collab

With SAKURA, J.F. REY and ROBERTET introduce a unique encounter between eyewear design and fragrance creation, offering a new way to experience and engage with design.

Source: J.F. REY

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October 26, 2026October 26, 2026

Canadian Eye Care Organizations Warn of Cosmetic Contact Lens Risks Ahead of Halloween

As Halloween approaches, the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) are reminding Canadians that cosmetic contact lenses are medical devices, not costume accessories, and can pose serious risks to eye health if not properly fitted, handled and cared for.

Also known as decorative, coloured or costume lenses, cosmetic contact lenses alter the appearance of the eyes without correcting vision. Like prescription contact lenses, they sit directly on the eye and require professional guidance regarding fit, wear and care. Improperly fitted or handled lenses can lead to corneal scratches, allergic reactions, infections and, in severe cases, vision-threatening complications.

Serious Risks Beyond Cosmetic Appearance

According to Dr. Allison Scott, optometrist and President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, individuals who do not normally wear glasses or contact lenses often underestimate the risks associated with cosmetic lenses. The organizations emphasize that obtaining a prescription, professional fitting and instructions for safe use remain essential.

Dr. Phil Hooper, Past President of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, notes that cosmetic contact lenses can cause serious complications, including corneal ulcers and infections that may result in permanent vision loss. Symptoms such as redness, pain, blurred vision and light sensitivity should never be ignored.

Professional Fitting Remains Essential

The organizations remind consumers that cosmetic contact lenses are regulated as Class II medical devices in Canada and must be licensed by Health Canada to be legally sold. However, product licensing does not replace the need for professional fitting and education from an eye care professional.

“Halloween is a time for creativity and fun, but eye health should never be part of the risk,” said Claudia Rojas, President of the Opticians Association of Canada, who emphasized the important role of licensed opticians in helping Canadians wear contact lenses safely.

Protecting Your Eyes This Halloween

The organizations recommend that anyone considering cosmetic contact lenses:

Obtain a prescription and professional fitting from a regulated eye care professional.
Purchase lenses through an authorized dispenser and ensure they are licensed by Health Canada.
Follow all cleaning, disinfection and replacement instructions.
Never share lenses with another person.
Never sleep while wearing cosmetic contact lenses.

Consumers experiencing redness, blurred vision, discharge or light sensitivity are advised to remove the lenses immediately and seek prompt assessment from an eye care professional.

Source: Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and Opticians Association of Canada (OAC)

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Applications for the 2027 Transitions® Change Agent Program Now Open Through November 15, 2026

New Vision Council Research Examines Consumer Eyewear Purchasing Trends in Q3 2026

Consumers Continue to Favor Mid-Range Purchases

Key Q3 2026 Findings

Part of the inSights Research Program

Optometry Giving Sight Announces New Board Leadership Appointments in Canada and the United States

New Leadership Perspectives

Advancing Access to Eye Care Worldwide

J.F. REY Unveils SAKURA, a Creation from J.F. REY LAB Exploring Design Beyond Eyewear

A Design Inspired by the Cherry Blossom

When Design Meets Fragrance

A Complete Sensory Experience

Canadian Eye Care Organizations Warn of Cosmetic Contact Lens Risks Ahead of Halloween

Serious Risks Beyond Cosmetic Appearance

Professional Fitting Remains Essential

Protecting Your Eyes This Halloween

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