Blog - Page 30 of 902

September 9, 2025September 9, 2025

Alcon Launches Fully Personalized LASIK Treatment with wavelight plus in U.S. and Canada

Alcon has announced the launch of wavelight® plus, the first fully personalized LASIK treatment now available in the U.S. and Canada.

Alcon describes wavelight plus as a next-generation platform offering a new level of precision in laser eye surgery. The system uses ray tracing technology powered by the Sightmap diagnostic device to create a three-dimensional “Digital Eye Twin” of each patient’s eyes, based on more than 100,000 data points. This allows surgeons to plan and deliver highly personalized procedures without the need for nomogram inputs.

According to clinical data from over 200 patients, wavelight plus demonstrated strong outcomes:

100% of myopic eyes achieved 20/20 uncorrected distance visual acuity at three months.
89% achieved 20/16, and 50% reached 20/12.5 at three months.
98% were within one line of preoperative corrected vision.
94% achieved the same or better corrected vision compared to preoperative results.

“Patients expect excellent results after surgery. Wavelight plus enables a premium, personalized treatment with a high probability of achieving outcomes beyond 20/20 vision,” said Dr. Mark Lobanoff, CEO of OVO LASIK + LENS (Minnesota).

Canadian refractive surgeon Dr. Raymond Stein, Medical Director of the Bochner Eye Institute and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto, added: “This next-generation technology allows me to deliver refractive surgery precisely tailored to each patient’s unique optical system.”

Wavelight plus has already been introduced in China, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets. The technology is expected to be commercially available in Canada in late 2025.

Patients interested in refractive surgery are advised to consult with their surgeon to determine eligibility.

Source: Alcon Announces First Fully Personalized LASIK Treatment with wavelight plus in the U.S. and Canada | Alcon

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September 9, 2025September 9, 2025

Finalists Announced for Inaugural NOW Design Competition

NOW by Vision Expo has revealed the five finalists for its first-ever NOW Design Competition, a new initiative celebrating creativity and innovation in eyewear design.

The competition drew more than 100 entries from both design students and established professionals, each presenting concepts that highlight the future of eyewear as both cultural expression and technological innovation.

The Five Finalists

ARCATURA by David Minich
LUMEN VANTAGE by Rosebell Gicheru
ORBIT PROGRESSIVES by Jennifer Wicks
SEE BEYOND by Haoxuan Huang
THE CINEMATIC FRAME by Dohn Ash

On Display at Vision Expo West

Attendees at Vision Expo West 2025 (Las Vegas, September 18–20) will be able to preview the finalist designs in the NOW Pavilion (Booth P22015) and cast votes for their favourites. The entries will be displayed alongside the NOW Award 2025 winners.

Following the show, the NOW creative team will make the final selection, with the Grand Prize winner to be announced on January 15, 2026. The winning design will then be featured in the NOW Trends Showcase at Vision Expo East in Orlando (March 12–14, 2026).

Prize Package

The Grand Prize includes:

Hotel and airfare to attend Vision Expo 2026
A feature in AC Magazine and other trade publications
Creative consultation with UN-TI-TLED Creative Agency
Mentorship opportunities with leading designers and brands

“The NOW Design Competition celebrates bold thinkers who dare to reimagine what eyewear can be. With over 100 applications, the selection process was both inspiring and challenging, reflecting the incredible talent driving our industry forward,” said Nico Roseillier, Director and Creator of NOW and Owner of UN-TI-TLED Creative Agency.

The competition was launched in collaboration with The Vision Council and the Accessories Council under the theme Visionaries of Tomorrow.

For more information on the finalists and Vision Expo West, visit west.visionexpo.com.

Source: Vision Expo

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September 8, 2025September 8, 2025

Alcon Completes Acquisition of LumiThera, Expands into Dry AMD Treatment

Alcon has announced the completion of its acquisition of LumiThera, Inc., a company recognized for its light-based innovations in ophthalmology. The deal brings the Valeda® photobiomodulation (PBM) device into Alcon’s portfolio—the first and only technology shown to provide patients with early and intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) an average one-line improvement in visual acuity after two years of treatment.

Until now, treatment options for dry AMD have been limited, with therapies typically introduced only at advanced stages of the disease. With Valeda PBM, Alcon enters the clinic-based retina space, complementing its long-standing leadership in surgical retina.

“Since Alcon entered the retina space in 1997, we’ve focused our efforts mainly in surgical, delivering leading products and solutions for the operating room. As we welcome LumiThera and Valeda PBM to Alcon, we move into the retina clinic and the dry AMD space,” said Ian Bell, SVP, Chief Operating Officer of Alcon.

The Valeda PBM device uses non-phototoxic light therapy delivered through three wavelengths. Clinical trial data from the LIGHTSITE I, II and III studies have shown consistent gains in visual acuity, with 97% of patients reporting no discomfort during treatments.

Dr. Allen C. Ho, Director of Retina Research at Wills Eye Hospital and Chairman of the Alcon Research Institute Executive Committee, highlighted the significance of the technology: “Treating dry AMD earlier—before the development of advanced disease—has always made sense, but we did not have technology that could improve vision until the introduction of Valeda PBM.”

Valeda PBM is already available in the U.S., as well as in several European and Latin American countries. Alcon plans to generate revenue from the technology in 2025 in existing approved markets and expand into additional countries beginning in 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

For more details, visit myValeda.com.

Source: Alcon

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September 5, 2025September 5, 2025

VSP Vision to Acquire Marcolin from PAI Partners and Minority Shareholders

VSP Vision has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Marcolin from PAI Partners and other minority shareholders, marking a major strategic move in the global eyewear sector.

The acquisition represents a significant investment by VSP Vision to expand its eyewear portfolio and strengthen its global reach. Marcolin, founded in 1961 in Northern Italy, is recognized worldwide for its expertise in eyewear design, manufacturing, and distribution. Today, the company distributes collections in more than 125 countries, with a portfolio that includes Tom Ford, Zegna, Christian Louboutin, ic! berlin, Max Mara, Guess, and many other luxury and lifestyle brands.

“The addition of Marcolin is another example of our commitment to purposeful growth that will provide greater value for VSP members, clients, doctors, and key customers,” said Michael Guyette, President and CEO of VSP Vision. “With a portfolio of some of the world’s most sought-after brands and advanced in-house manufacturing capabilities, Marcolin will strongly complement our existing offerings through Marchon Eyewear.”

Fabrizio Curci, CEO & General Manager of Marcolin, emphasized the alignment of vision between the two companies: “With a shared passion for bringing the highest quality eyewear to as many people as possible, joining VSP Vision is a perfect fit. We look forward to combining our expertise, focus on craftsmanship, commitment to product innovation and complementary portfolios and geographic presence.”

Under the ownership of PAI Partners, Marcolin expanded its international footprint, enhanced operational efficiency, and strengthened its brand portfolio through acquisitions, licensing agreements, and renewals. “We are delighted to have backed Marcolin’s transformation into a world leader in the wholesale eyewear business,” said Raffaele Vitale, Partner at PAI.

The transaction, advised by CapM Advisors (financial) and Latham & Watkins (legal) on behalf of the shareholders, with Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Chiomenti advising VSP Vision, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Source: VSP Vision Newsroom

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September 5, 2025September 5, 2025

Ray-Ban Launches Ray-Ban.EXE Campaign Inspired by Korean Pop Culture

Ray-Ban has introduced a new global campaign, Ray-Ban.EXE, blending the visual language of Korean webtoons with dystopian storytelling to connect with younger audiences worldwide.

Unveiled on September 4 at the brand’s first-ever pop-up in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, Korea, the campaign reflects Ray-Ban’s growing alignment with Korean pop culture as a key influence for Gen Z identity and creativity. The launch event brought together cultural leaders from Seoul’s thriving creative scene, underlining the city’s role as a hub for global youth trends.

At the center of the campaign is an animated short film that depicts a world controlled by humanoid machines where individuality is erased. The story follows EV11, a robot assigned to destroy non-conforming objects, who discovers a pair of Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses. The discovery sparks a memory and sense of identity, transforming EV11 into a human named Kim. He joins a group of rebels working to awaken others, symbolizing Ray-Ban’s positioning of its eyewear as more than accessories—tools for self-expression and liberation.

With Ray-Ban.EXE, the brand reinforces its reputation for challenging convention and embracing cultural innovation. By drawing on Korean creative influence, Ray-Ban is positioning itself to resonate with a new generation of consumers around the globe.