Hoya Vision Care Updates One Vision Sustainability Program and Moves Up Renewable Electricity Target

Hoya Vision Care has released a new Sustainability in Action report updating its One Vision program, the company’s long-term sustainability roadmap launched in 2023. Hoya said the updated plan includes an accelerated target to use 100% renewable electricity across all operations by 2030, moving up its earlier 2040 goal and aligning with the Climate Group’s RE100 initiative.

According to the company, the report outlines progress across the program’s three pillars—environment, community and workplace. Hoya reported a 25% reduction in global carbon emissions versus fiscal 2021, a 36% reduction in supply-chain carbon dioxide emissions since fiscal 2022, 11% less energy used per lens since fiscal 2021, 11.5% less water used since fiscal 2021, and 30% of total energy sourced from renewable electricity in fiscal 2024.

Hoya also highlighted community-based vision care initiatives. The company said its partnership with the REACH Project in India has delivered essential eye care services to more than 85,000 households, while its broader global work includes support for the WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative and World Sight Day activities through its long-standing partnership with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.

Looking ahead, Hoya said its updated commitments also include further supply-chain carbon reductions by 2030, lower water use per lens, more recycling initiatives and expanded efforts to improve access to children’s vision care through partnerships with global organizations and local eye care professionals.

Source: Hoya Vision Care

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April 6, 2026April 6, 2026

New Hampshire Governor Vetoes Bill that Would Have Expanded Optometrists’ Laser Scope

Press release communiqué de presse image

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte has vetoed House Bill 349, legislation that would have authorized certified optometrists in the state to perform certain ophthalmic laser procedures. The bill had passed the legislature before being vetoed on March 27, with the veto recorded March 30.

According to the enrolled version of the bill, HB 349 would have allowed optometrists certified by the state board to perform three procedures: laser capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty and laser peripheral iridotomy. The measure also set certification conditions tied to education, training, supervised live experience and patient informed consent.

The bill specified that applicants would need to complete a board-approved laser course and demonstrate clinical proficiency under direct supervision. It also required evidence of at least five proctored laser capsulotomy procedures, five laser trabeculoplasty procedures and four laser peripheral iridotomy procedures.

In her veto statement, Ayotte said patients should “receive care delivered by medical professionals trained to perform the full range of procedures that may be required for serious surgeries.” She also said laser eye surgeries are “not minor procedures” and warned that complications can lead to permanent vision loss.

The measure also drew opposition from organized medicine. In an advocacy update published April 3, the American Medical Association said it supported the veto and argued that eye surgery should remain with physicians who have extensive clinical and surgical training.

Had HB 349 become law, New Hampshire would have joined a growing number of states that allow optometrists to perform some laser procedures. Industry coverage of the veto noted that the bill was being closely watched as part of the broader scope-of-practice debate in U.S. optometry.

Sources:
New Hampshire HB 349 bill text and status
Governor Kelly Ayotte statement
AMA advocacy update

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April 6, 2026April 6, 2026

Future Focus 2026: A Night of Insight, Connection, and Purpose at University of Waterloo

Future Focus 2026 returned to the University of Waterloo on April 2 co-hosted by UW optometry students Elisa Haley and Shreya Jain.

With 118 students in attendance, this fourth annual gathering brought together UW optometry students and industry leaders for an evening centered on connection, career exploration, and purpose.

The event theme, “Vision with Purpose: Building Meaningful Careers in Optometry,” was reflected throughout the program — from the student-moderated industry panel to the keynote presentation by Dr. Martina Sawatzky (UW ’19).

Dr. Sawatzky’s talk, Defining Meaning through Service, offered a powerful perspective on how students and new graduates can build careers that extend beyond clinical practice to include community and global impact.

Student moderators Natasha Reyes and Maryam Safdar, both graduating this year, directed questions to the assembled panel representing the Visionary Sponsors gaining insight into career pathways and tips as students enter the profession. Click here to view the full panel discussion.

Students also had the opportunity to engage directly with sponsors during the networking session, mentorship opportunities, and professional growth.

NextGen OD April 2 2026 Future Focus panel

And of course, the evening wouldn’t be complete without the prize draw — featuring over $2,000 in giveaways, which were met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

NextGen OD April 2 2026 Future Focus prize draw

The event was made possible thanks to the support of Visionary Sponsors:
Eye Recommend, FYi doctors, OSI Group and Specsavers Canada, along with Horizon Sponsors Vogue Optical, MNP, CSI Dry Eye Innovations, Nikon Lenswear Canada, Bausch + Lomb Canada and CRO Clinical & Refractive Optometry.

Future Focus continues to grow as one of the most anticipated events for UW optometry students — offering a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and start shaping what a meaningful career in optometry can look like.

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April 2, 2026April 2, 2026

Applications Now Open: CNIB Scholarship Program

CNIB scholarships are here to support your personal and professional aspirations. Whether you’re just starting out in a cool apprenticeship, diving into skilled trades, or levelling up with continuing education, there are multiple scholarships, bursaries, and other educational awards available to people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. It doesn’t matter where you are on your journey – from youth to adults – a scholarship or bursary is waiting just for you.

If you are pursuing a diploma or degree, skilled trades certificate, apprenticeship, continuing education program, or post-graduate degree,we encourage you to apply for a CNIB scholarship!

Flexible scholarship funding

Most of our scholarships, bursaries and awards are given to eligible students with little to no strings attached. The money is yours to use as you see fit! Recipients can apply their scholarship money to everything from education expenses to room and board or purchasing new technology.

It’s not just about grades

Our scholarships and bursaries are awarded based on a wide range of factors, including financial need, where you live, community involvement, demonstrated resilience to overcome barriers, your ambitions, achievements, and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about applying for a CNIB scholarship or need some help understanding how to complete the application? We have answers on our scholarship FAQ page! Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive from our scholarship applicants.

CNIB Scholarship Information Session

Join us on April 21 for a virtual information session where we’ll outline available scholarships, eligibility criteria, review the application process and deadlines, and answer any burning questions that you may have.

Apply Today!

Learn more about the application process and requirements at cnib.ca/scholarships and submit your scholarship application by June 26, 2026

Source: CNIB

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April 1, 2026March 13, 2026

Ledger: Art You Can Wear

Optik mars-avril 2026 Voila AYA Optical Ledger in charcoal

Ledger is a bold eyewear statement crafted from rich, custom acetate inspired by buffalo horn materials, with spring hinges for exceptional comfort. The first collaboration between Jim Yellowhawk and AYA Optical, it features Buffalo Nation artwork.

Look closely and you’ll see subtle background numbers drawn from historic Plains Indian ledger paper.

Distributed by Claudia Alan: www.claudiaalan.com

About AYA Optical:

Celebrate Indigenous Art with Us!

We believe that art is transformative, and that eyewear can be the canvas to share stories and art from around the world. AYA Eyewear was first launched in 2009 in collaboration with renowned First Nations Artist Corrine Hunt and has continued to flourish and grow every year.

We are committed to the details and realize that beautiful design takes time, precision, and attention, so we don’t cut corners. We stand by our product. We treat our artists as our partners and make sure that their stories and art are always shared in the most heartfelt authentic way.

We take pride in our service and seek opportunities to give back to the communities we serve and the artist’s charities of choice.

AYA Eyewear is truly a brand that stands out from the crowd and is loved by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike.

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