CooperVision is now accepting submissions for its 2022 Science and Technology Awards program. The longstanding program fosters partnerships between recipients and CooperVision scientists to explore new dimensions in vision care, with the goal of translating innovative ideas into practical solutions.

“The needs of today’s eye care professionals and contact lens wearers are ever-changing. As one of the world’s leading manufacturers, we are consistently working to develop products to meet and exceed evolving customer expectations,” said Francis Erard, CooperVision’s Vice President of Research & Development. “Through the Science and Technology Awards program, we have cultivated multiple ideas and approaches that have led to significant product innovations. We’re excited for new partnerships that will once again raise the bar.”

Since 2014, the CooperVision program has made grants totaling more than $2 million to investigate matters such as ocular surface health, contact lens discomfort, contact lens functionality, and retinal response to optical defocus.

In 2022, submissions will be considered for the following subjects:

• Novel methodologies to enhance global ophthalmic clinical insights, with an emphasis on remote data collection strategies for intercontinental and local assessment of clinical contact lens performance and related ocular physiology.

• New technologies for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of myopia, including novel ways of collecting information about the visual environment.

Proposals may span proof-of-concept through translational stages and are eligible for two types of awards. The CooperVision Seedling Award is intended for investigation of early-stage concepts for a one-year period, with a maximum grant of $100,000. The CooperVision Translational Research Award is a two-year grant for substantive projects with funding up to $400,000.

CooperVision Science and Technology Awards are open to any researcher with principal investigator (PI) status holding an OD, MD, PhD or equivalent degree.

Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent before July 15, 2022. Additional information and the online application are available at www.coopervision.com/about-us/science-and-technology-awards.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Safilo USA recently paired up with San Francisco-based eyewear technology company Topology to create a visually appealing interactive platform and virtual product showcase to entice potential customers and generate sales leads.

This virtual selling tool, which debuted in the U.S. and Canada starting December 2021, has allowed users to browse through a virtual brand portfolio and view optical frames and sunglasses on the faces of real people while providing the opportunity to rotate the models’ faces 180 degrees to view how each frame fits from all angles.

The platform quickly resulted in thousands of unique visitors to the landing page and the virtual try-on demo, creating significant awareness and positive impact in growing the potential customer base.  Safilo customers and other retailers can contact a Safilo sales rep to receive a dedicated link to view the password-protected virtual platform. 

This is the second time that Safilo USA has collaborated with leading eyewear technology innovator Topology to introduce state-of-the art-technology to its customers in North America.  Show attendees at Vision Expo West, held in Las Vegas in September 2021, were able to virtually and safely try on Safilo’s various collections by scanning their faces into Topology’s proprietary Touchless Optical Platform (TOP) app and experience the company’s precision scanning, measurement, and photorealism technology.

“Safilo is committed to introducing our customers to new and beautifully designed collections supported by the newest eyewear technologies available. This latest collaboration with Topology – who traditionally offers their platform to optical retailers and e-tailers who need a Virtual Try-On and precise optical measurements for online and in-store customers – has been proven to be a very innovative and successful sales tool to virtually to engage our customers,” said Steve Wright, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Safilo North America.

Click HERE for the full press release.