In just under two months, we will see opti, the international trade show for optics & design, return to its traditional pole position at the start of the year. From January 13 to 15, 2023, the ophthalmic family will meet at the Munich Exhibition Centre to find out about new products and trends in the industry and place orders spanning the entire range of ophthalmic goods.
The space set aside for the opti CAFÉ powered by ZVA in Hall C3 will provide plenty of room and opportunity for exchanging ideas and listening to talks by experts. Also, for the first time, trade visitors will have the chance to seek advice on their social media presence in short 20-minute slots.
The social media consultations will be held in German, English and French every day of the trade fair. The experts are Sarah Schleicher, German optician and eyewear blogger with just under 19,000 followers on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sarah_schleicher_/) and Anne-Sophie Lapetite of AnSoStyle (https://www.instagram.com/ansostyle/), who is from Antibes, is also an optician and an international Instagram star with 100,000 followers.
Newcomers and strong brands
Myopia management is the key focus of opti 2023, as it was at the special May event. Sustainability in optics is also a key issue, once again reinforced by the start-ups in the opti BOXES.
The opti FORUM XT webinar series will fill the time until the live event. Next event: November 17, 2022, at 7:30 pm on the subject of “Myopia – what is all the hype about?”
Alcon today announced the Canadian launch of its latest innovation to treat patients with dry eye: the Systane® iLux2® Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Thermal Pulsation System.
The Systane iLux2 treatment system is the only all-in-one, portable MGD device that can help Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) both evaluate their MGD patients and then effectively treat them through customizable control of heat and expression of their meibomian glands. To help educate patients on the benefits of this treatment, the Systane iLux2 now has advanced imaging capabilities used for meibography, enabling ECPs to capture white light and infrared photos of the meibomian glands, as well as high-definition (HD) video and images of the treatment process.
“Around 56% of patients see four or more eye care providers in search of proper diagnosis and relief,” said Dr. Walter Whitley, Optometrist at Virginia Eye Consultants. “With the new Systane iLux2 MGD Thermal Pulsation System, I can efficiently evaluate my MGD patients and educate them on their need for Systane iLux2.”
The new imagining capabilities’ of Systane iLux2 MGD Thermal Pulsation System helps the device expand on its already efficacious treatment capabilities, giving patients 12 months efficacy with a single 8-to-12-minute treatment. In a post-hoc review of a recent study on 236 patients, 87% of patients with severe baseline MGD symptoms reported having only mild-to-moderate symptoms at 12 months post-treatment. Moreover, 78% of patients with moderate baseline symptoms had no-to-mild symptoms at 12 months post-treatment.
“Alcon is committed to continually innovating our dry eye portfolio with industry-leading product offerings, so that ECPs are able to respond to their patient’s needs,” said Chris Gruhn, General Manager of Alcon Canada. “By allowing patients to visualize the disease, and track their results over time, the all-in-one updated SystaneiLux2 MGD Thermal Pulsation System will assist eye care professionals in further building trust with their patients.”
Make a statement in OTP-150, a chunky tortoise frame that is just as eco-friendly as it is fashion-forward. Its trendy rectangular shape and bevelling along the top rim will intrigue the most stylish of wearers. Simultaneously, the frame is made of biodegradable acetate, appealing to the eco-conscious consumer. OTP-150 is available in Periwinkle, Rose Tort and Tortoise.
Dr. Debbie Jones, Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo
A new podcast designed for non-medical listeners explains the reasons behind the global childhood myopia epidemic and what that means for Canadian families. Featuring Dr. Debbie Jones, from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) and internationally known myopia expert, the 22-minute discussion is part of the Don’t Lose Sight interview series from the Canadian Association of Optometrists.
The episode is available on the series website, as well as through major podcast platforms including Spotify and Amazon Music.
Dr. Jones defines myopia and how it can worsen as a child grows. Speaking with podcast host Denise Balch from Connex Health, she describes the associated risks for more severe vision impairment later in life as a potential consequence.
Dr. Jones notes that recent work showed a 30% prevalence among 11- to 13-year-olds in the Waterloo-Kitchener region. Remarkably, one-third of those children’s caregivers were unaware of the problem until the research project uncovered the condition.
Far from being insurmountable, preventing or delaying the onset of myopia is possible, says Dr. Jones. She recommends that group benefits administrators and wellness coordinators help their employees consider outdoor time and screen time plans for their children. She also describes a range of therapies that are available to slow myopia progression, including specialized contact lenses and eyeglasses, as well as eye drops.
Dr. Jones concentrates her clinical work in pediatric optometry and research in myopia control.
The School of Optometry and Vision Science is celebrating a commitment of $1 million from IRIS, Canada’s most established network of optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists.
IRIS made their pledge to enhance diagnostic imaging and improve technology for future optometrists as part of the School’s Seeing Beyond 2020 campaign. This fundraising campaign will create the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI) – a national resource that will enrich student experiences, deliver care to remote communities and support patient health across the Waterloo region.
“I’m grateful for this commitment to the School of Optometry and Vision Science from IRIS,” says Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. “Providing advanced imaging technology will not only enhance our students’ education, but also improve patient care across our region.”
L-r: Dr. Stan Woo (Director, School of Optometry and Vision Science), Dr. Barbara Pelletier (Optometric Coordinator, IRIS), Dr. Daryan Angle (Vice President, Business Development, IRIS) and Dr. Carol Cressman, at the announcement of the IRIS pledge to School of Optometry and Vision Science Seeing Beyond 2020 campaign.
“We are always looking at how technology can play a role in eye care and enhance the level of service we provide for patients,” says Dr. Daryan Angle, vice president of business development and optometrist at IRIS. “Contributing specifically to the imaging lab will help bring quality care to future generations and prepare optometrists for the highest level of practice.”
This investment will equip the WEI with diagnostic imaging resources, providing opportunities for students to learn about ground-breaking technology and allowing patients to better understand their own eyes. Additional resources will include a lab with a library of images that will give students detailed knowledge of eye diseases.
“Digital imaging is an essential part of daily clinical practice now. This contribution from IRIS will allow us to ensure that we are at the forefront of innovative ophthalmic technology, enabling us to optimize and improve health outcomes for our patients,” says Dr. Nadine Furtado, professor and head of Ocular Disease and Imaging Services in the School of Optometry. “It will also give our students the opportunity to have experiential training with the latest technology and prepare the next generation of optometrists for the future of eye care.”
With improved access to care and expertise, patients in Waterloo region will have a greater ability to protect their vision and their overall health.
“On behalf of the School’s patients, clinicians and students, I’d like to thank IRIS for their extraordinary partnership,” says Dr. Stanley Woo, director of the School of Optometry & Vision Science. “With this support, the Waterloo Eye Institute will enhance clinical education and improve outcomes of patients in our local and global communities. This is a remarkable investment, and a testament to IRIS’s commitment to innovation in eye care.”
In Episode 7 of Eye on the Industry, Kevin Wilhelm discusses mindset, marketing, coaching, and the acquisition of Cleinman Performance Partners—revealing a new growth model for independent optometry practices.
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.
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.
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.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
In Episode 7 of Eye on the Industry, Kevin Wilhelm discusses mindset, marketing, coaching, and the acquisition of Cleinman Performance Partners—revealing a new growth model for independent optometry practices.
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.
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.
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.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
In Episode 7 of Eye on the Industry, Kevin Wilhelm discusses mindset, marketing, coaching, and the acquisition of Cleinman Performance Partners—revealing a new growth model for independent optometry practices.
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.
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.
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.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
In Episode 7 of Eye on the Industry, Kevin Wilhelm discusses mindset, marketing, coaching, and the acquisition of Cleinman Performance Partners—revealing a new growth model for independent optometry practices.
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.
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.
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.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
