Blog - Page 3 of 924

March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Landmark Myopia Control Trial Receives Top Recognition

At a Glance

Six-year multicentre clinical trial on dual-focus soft contact lenses
Demonstrated significant slowing of myopia progression and axial elongation
Received the 2025 Garland W. Clay Award
Research collaboration included University of Waterloo and CooperVision

Summary

A long-term randomized clinical trial evaluating dual-focus soft contact lenses for pediatric myopia control has been honoured with the Garland W. Clay Award for the most impactful paper published in Optometry and Vision Science over the past five years. The six-year data confirmed sustained reduction in myopia progression and axial length growth in children wearing dual-focus lenses compared to single-vision controls.

The findings further strengthen the evidence base supporting soft contact lenses as an effective, safe intervention in childhood myopia management.

Practice Considerations

With mounting long-term evidence, optometrists can confidently position dual-focus soft lenses as a primary myopia control strategy. The study reinforces the importance of early intervention and consistent follow-up, particularly as parental demand for evidence-based solutions continues to grow.

March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Future Focus Webinar Addresses Cross-Border Pathways for Canadian Optometry Students

Next Gen OD Future Focus event Cross-border Guidance 2026

As the number of Canadian students pursuing optometry education in the United States continues to rise, questions around immigration, licensing, and career planning have become increasingly complex. The Future Focus: Cross-Border webinar was developed to address these challenges, offering Canadian students practical guidance on transitioning from U.S. education to professional practice in Canada.

The program was structured around three interconnected sessions: legal and immigration considerations, early career pathways, and returning to practise in Canada. This framework reflected the reality of student decision-making, where choices related to immigration timing, board examinations, and pursuit of employment opportunities can have long-term implications. Attendees represented 15 U.S.-based optometry schools, spanning all class cohorts.

The opening session focused on immigration and work authorization, providing accurate, up-to-date information and emphasizing careful planning amid an evolving regulatory environment. The second session adopted a moderated group-discussion format, featuring senior optometry student Nyah Miranda alongside Canadian practitioners Dr. Allison Scott, President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, and recent graduate Dr. Alexandra Baille. Discussions explored early career decisions, practice models, and differences between U.S. and Canadian clinical environments.

The final session, led by Dr. Amanda Olsen of the Optometry Examining Board of Canada, outlined the Canadian regulatory landscape, national competency standards, and licensing timelines.

Sponsor-hosted breakout sessions and live Q&A encouraged engagement and networking. Overall, the webinar underscored the importance of early preparation, credible information, and adaptable planning for Canadian students navigating cross-border optometric careers. The event was made possible by the generous support of Visionary Sponsors, including Eye Recommend, FYI doctors, OSI Group and Specsavers Canada.

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March 10, 2026March 9, 2026

Seneca College Trade Show: Still Going Strong

By Shan Khan, RO

Being back at the Seneca College Trade Show on February 5 was truly special for me. Seeing an event that started years ago in my classroom, with the early support of McCray Optical and Marchon, growing into such a full-scope industry trade show was incredibly rewarding. What began as a small, educational initiative has evolved into a meaningful platform connecting students with every corner of our profession.

A heartfelt thank-you to the faculty, especially Dorina Reiz and Tatiana Mighiu ,whose dedication continues to drive this event forward. This year’s show was elevated even further with the support of The Optical Group as Platinum Sponsor, helping bring the entire experience together.

Seneca College was also proud to be supported by long-standing industry partners, including Gold Sponsors Marchon, McCray Optical, and ZEISS, Silver Sponsor the Ontario Opticians Association, and Bronze Sponsor Optik Magazine. Their continued involvement reflects a shared commitment to education, innovation, and the future of opticianry.

Seneca trade show Feb 2026 Shan Khan David Pietrobon talking

The sense of industry collaboration was undeniable. It was fantastic to see representations from the College of Opticians of Ontario, Opticians Association of Canada and Ontario Opticians Association alongside an impressive lineup of frame, lens, and contact lens suppliers. Each partner came ready to educate, share, and inspire, giving students real insight into the newest products and innovations shaping our industry.

The students were the true stars of the day. Their fashion show was confident and creative, and the student volunteers were exceptional throughout.

Seneca trade show Feb 2026 fashion show models

Special thanks to Joyce Raggio and Jay Segovia for their behind-the-scenes support. Overall, it was an uplifting reminder of what’s possible when education and industry grow together.

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March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

Vision Council Report: Eyecare Providers See Revenue Gains Despite Economic Pressures

A new research report from The Vision Council indicates that eyecare providers experienced improved revenue performance in the second half of 2025, despite ongoing pressures from tariffs, inflation and staffing shortages.

The findings come from the organization’s latest report, Provider inSights Q3–Q4 2025, based on a survey of more than 300 U.S. eyecare professionals. According to the report, many practices reported stronger revenues and improved patient retention compared with the first half of the year.

At the same time, economic concerns remain widespread across the sector. More than half of respondents said the U.S. economy performed worse in the latter half of 2025 than in the first six months of the year, and nearly half expect conditions to decline further in 2026.

Tariffs were identified as a major challenge for many practices, most commonly through higher wholesale prices for eyewear and supplies. Inflation also continued to affect operations, with more than 70% of practices reporting some level of impact during the period.

“The data reveals a sector that is adapting, not just enduring,” said Alysse Henkel, Vice President of Research and inSights at The Vision Council. “Providers navigated real economic challenges in 2025, including tariff-driven cost increases, persistent inflation, and staffing pressures, yet still reported stronger revenue and improved patient retention for the second half of the year.”

The report also examines additional industry trends, including practice investment plans, telehealth adoption, hearing aid sales and the purchasing influence of opticians.

The Provider inSights Q3–Q4 2025 report is available through The Vision Council’s research portal.

Source: The Vision Council

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March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

Vision Expo Announces Finalists for 2026 NOW Awards

Vision Expo has revealed the finalists for the 2026 NOW Awards, marking the first year the competition was open to the entire global eyewear community. Designers and brands were able to submit entries regardless of whether they were exhibiting at Vision Expo, with participation offered free of charge.

According to organizers, submissions were evaluated based on artistry, innovative design, functionality and overall contribution to advancing the eyewear industry.

The winners will be announced March 12 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the NOW Stage during Vision Expo 2026, taking place March 11–14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. All submitted designs, including finalists, will also be displayed in a dedicated NOW showcase at the show entrance.

“The idea behind NOW has always been to create a space where creativity leads and talent is celebrated,” said Nico Roseillier, creator and director of NOW by Vision Expo. “By opening the NOW Awards to the entire industry, we’re giving every designer, no matter where they are, the chance to showcase their work in a meaningful way.”

Finalists span several categories including Best Optical Style (Independent and Licensed), Best Sun Style (Independent and Licensed), Best Emerging Brand, Best Direct-to-Consumer Brand, and The Ultimate Accessory.

Participating brands include Silhouette Atelier, MOREL, Bruno Chaussignand, NINA MÛR, Vera Wang by Kenmark, Calvin Klein by Marchon, Prada by EssilorLuxottica, Paloceras, KARÜN, Thierry Larsy, Moncler by EssilorLuxottica, All Saints by WestGroupe, Sunday Somewhere by WestGroupe, PRESS Eyewear, Pair Eyewear, and others.

Entries were reviewed by a panel of industry leaders spanning design, retail, fashion and eyecare, including Gary Black, Christian Roth, Eric Domege, Selima Salaun, Victor Sanz, Bob Schulze, Dr. Jennifer Tsai, and Jeneene Allen.

Vision Expo organizers say the expanded awards program reflects the event’s role as a global platform highlighting innovation and creativity in eyewear design.

Source: Vision Expo

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Landmark Myopia Control Trial Receives Top Recognition

At a Glance

Summary

Practice Considerations

Future Focus Webinar Addresses Cross-Border Pathways for Canadian Optometry Students

Seneca College Trade Show: Still Going Strong

Vision Council Report: Eyecare Providers See Revenue Gains Despite Economic Pressures

Vision Expo Announces Finalists for 2026 NOW Awards

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