WestGroupe announces that the warranty period for all Nano Vista collections has been extended from three years to five years. This update highlights WestGroupe’s continued investment in product quality, customer satisfaction, and support for its retail partners across North America.
As the exclusive distributor of Nano Vista in North America, WestGroupe offers a full portfolio including Nano Indestructible, Nano Clip, Nano Glow, Nano Baby, Nano Sport, Nano Custom Fit, and Nano Sol. Known for their durability, flexibility, and child-friendly design, Nano Vista frames are a trusted solution for infants, toddlers, and children.
“The five-year warranty further strengthens Nano Vista’s position as the category leader in children’s eyewear,” said Beverly Suliteanu, VP of Product Development at WestGroupe. “This added assurance gives our retailers a stronger story to share with parents and reinforces WestGroupe’s commitment to long-term value.”
The extended coverage is designed to provide additional peace of mind for parents while giving retailers greater confidence and support when recommending Nano Vista eyewear.
On September 10, 2025, Fighting Blindness Canada hosted a View Point webinar with Dr. Daniel Palanker, professor of ophthalmology at Stanford University and a global leader in the development of retinal prostheses—devices often called the “bionic eye.”
Watch the full recording:
Different Types of Prostheses
Several forms of retinal and visual prostheses are under study. Some are placed under the retina (subretinal), others rest on top of the retina (epiretinal), and some bypass the eye altogether with cortical implants that stimulate the brain directly. Each approach has unique strengths depending on the disease being treated.
Dr. Palanker’s presentation focused on the PRIMA retinal prosthesis, developed by Pixium Vision and currently in clinical trials. PRIMA is designed for people with geographic atrophy, an advanced stage of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
How PRIMA Works
PRIMA consists of a tiny electronic chip placed beneath the retina where photoreceptors have been lost. Patients wear specialized glasses with a camera that captures images and projects them onto the implant using invisible infrared light. The implant then stimulates remaining retinal cells, enabling the brain to perceive patterns, letters, and shapes.
What Patients Experience
In European clinical trials involving more than 40 participants, most patients gained an average of five lines on an eye chart. Some were able to read large print, recognize objects, and resume daily activities such as cooking or playing cards. The restored vision is currently in shades of gray rather than color, but many participants find the improvement meaningful and useful. With practice, patients’ brains adapt, enhancing how they use these new visual signals.
Limits and Future Directions
While results for AMD are promising, the same outcomes may not yet be possible for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) like retinitis pigmentosa or Stargardt disease, which involve more widespread retinal damage. For these conditions, prostheses may only provide light perception or outlines. Research is ongoing to evaluate PRIMA’s potential in these areas.
Next-generation versions of the implant are being developed with smaller pixels to deliver sharper images and enable reading of smaller print. Software innovations, such as electronic zoom and image stabilization, are also in testing.
Looking Ahead
The PRIMA system remains in clinical trials and is not yet approved for standard treatment. Approval processes can take years, but the technology continues to advance.
Dr. Palanker emphasized that, just as cochlear implants have transformed hearing care, retinal prostheses may one day become a routine and life-changing option for vision loss. While challenges remain, this groundbreaking research offers real hope to individuals living with blinding eye diseases.
In recognition of World Cleanup Day (September 20), CooperVision has released “Turning Plastic into Purpose,” the latest installment in its video series featuring its innovative partnership with Plastic Bank. The episode tells the story of how plastic waste—when collected, processed, and reused—can make a positive impact on People + Planet.
“Turning Plastic into Purpose” highlights Asnaini, who turned to plastic collection after losing her job. What began as a short-term means of income evolved into a growing community recycling initiative. Asnaini discovered her entrepreneurial spirit and by building a small team of collectors, she expanded her impact while supporting her family, including funding her daughter’s education to become a pharmacist. Her story reflects how community-led recycling efforts can serve as a catalyst for both personal empowerment and broader environmental progress.
World Cleanup Day is dedicated to uniting millions of people, organizations, and governments to tackle global waste and help create a more sustainable world. CooperVision and Plastic Bank’s partnership is an example of that.
“Asnaini’s journey represents the heart of what our plastic neutrality initiative is all about,” said Aldo Zucaro, Senior Director, Corporate Responsibility, CooperCompanies. “It’s not only helping to reduce ocean-bound plastic—we’re supporting people, families, and futures. This video series brings those stories to life and reaffirms our commitment to making a difference every day.”
Silhouette presents The Visionary, a new milestone in rimless design. Inspired by Bauhaus architecture, it features a sculptural nose bridge, ultra-flat lenses, and precision-engineered titanium temples.
Crafted entirely in Austria, this futuristic design showcases Silhouette’s mastery of lightweight materials, structural elegance, and seamless lens integration for a pure, elevated look.
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.
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EssilorLuxottica and Meta Platforms, Inc. showcased the next chapter of their partnership at Meta Connect, unveiling a new lineup of AI-powered eyewear that blends advanced technology with style and everyday functionality.
The companies, whose collaboration has already produced the best-selling Ray-Ban Meta and more recently Oakley Meta HSTN, are expanding their portfolio with three new products: Oakley Meta Vanguard, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), and the forward-looking Meta Ray-Ban Display.
Oakley Meta Vanguard: Athletic Intelligence
Building on the debut of Oakley Meta HSTN, the new Oakley Meta Vanguard introduces what the companies call the era of Athletic Intelligence. Engineered for runners, cyclists, and endurance athletes, the frames combine:
Oakley PRIZM™ lenses with swappable options for different lighting conditions
A 12MP ultra-wide camera (122° field of view)
High-decibel open-ear speakers with advanced wind noise reduction
IP67 water and dust resistance for outdoor training in sun, snow, or rain
Integration with Garmin and Strava for real-time performance insights
The glasses offer up to 9 hours of mixed-use battery life, plus an additional 36 hours with the charging case. Pre-orders are open now at $499 USD on Oakley.com and Meta.com.
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2): More Power, More Style
The second generation of Ray-Ban Meta features extended battery life (up to 8 hours), a 12MP ultra-wide camera capable of recording 3K ultra-HD video, and an expanded range of frame styles and colors. Prescription lenses, including Transitions® Gen S, are available.
A highlight of Meta Connect was Conversation Focus, a forthcoming AI-driven feature that amplifies the voice of the person you’re speaking with while reducing background noise. Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) is available now starting at $379 USD on Ray-Ban.com and Meta.com.
Meta Ray-Ban Display: A New Horizon
The most futuristic addition to the lineup is Meta Ray-Ban Display, the first pair of Ray-Ban glasses with a full-color integrated display discreetly built into the right lens. Wearers can view incoming messages, photo previews, video calls, and visual AI prompts such as step-by-step navigation.
The frames come fitted with Transitions® lenses and can be ordered with prescription options. Each pair is paired with the Meta Neural Band, an EMG wristband allowing wearers to control the glasses with subtle hand and finger gestures. Launching September 30 in select U.S. stores at $799 USD, the glasses will expand to Canada, France, Italy, and the UK in early 2026.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
“This latest innovation reveals the next horizon,” said Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO at EssilorLuxottica. “Meta Ray-Ban Display showcases the best of our two companies and redefines what it means to be ‘hands-free.’”
Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Meta, added: “Glasses are the ideal form factor to eventually deliver superintelligence. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved with EssilorLuxottica, and this is just the beginning.”
ZEISS introduces Light 2 progressive and digital lenses—easy to adapt, mid-price, and designed for modern visual demands. New upselling options for ECPs.
The World Council of Optometry announces its 2025 election results and new leadership appointments, shaping the next phase of global optometric advocacy.
The WEI Conference returns November 7–9, 2025 at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites with over 20 hours of COPE-accredited CE, the Woodruff and Bobier Distinguished Lectures, a strong speaker lineup, and a trade show featuring 30+ exhibitors — including VuePoint IDS at Booth #311.
ZEISS introduces Light 2 progressive and digital lenses—easy to adapt, mid-price, and designed for modern visual demands. New upselling options for ECPs.
The World Council of Optometry announces its 2025 election results and new leadership appointments, shaping the next phase of global optometric advocacy.
The WEI Conference returns November 7–9, 2025 at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites with over 20 hours of COPE-accredited CE, the Woodruff and Bobier Distinguished Lectures, a strong speaker lineup, and a trade show featuring 30+ exhibitors — including VuePoint IDS at Booth #311.
ZEISS introduces Light 2 progressive and digital lenses—easy to adapt, mid-price, and designed for modern visual demands. New upselling options for ECPs.
The World Council of Optometry announces its 2025 election results and new leadership appointments, shaping the next phase of global optometric advocacy.
The WEI Conference returns November 7–9, 2025 at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites with over 20 hours of COPE-accredited CE, the Woodruff and Bobier Distinguished Lectures, a strong speaker lineup, and a trade show featuring 30+ exhibitors — including VuePoint IDS at Booth #311.
ZEISS introduces Light 2 progressive and digital lenses—easy to adapt, mid-price, and designed for modern visual demands. New upselling options for ECPs.
The World Council of Optometry announces its 2025 election results and new leadership appointments, shaping the next phase of global optometric advocacy.
The WEI Conference returns November 7–9, 2025 at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites with over 20 hours of COPE-accredited CE, the Woodruff and Bobier Distinguished Lectures, a strong speaker lineup, and a trade show featuring 30+ exhibitors — including VuePoint IDS at Booth #311.
