Testing visual acuity in young children has long been a challenge, as traditional eye charts rely on letter recognition. For children too young to read, subtle vision problems often go undetected until later years — reducing opportunities for early intervention.
Dr. Susan Leat, a professor at the University of Waterloo, is aiming to change that. With funding from Fighting Blindness Canada, Dr. Leat and her team have developed the Waterloo Differential Acuity Test (WatDAT), designed specifically for children under the age of three. The test is currently in Beta trials.
Instead of reading letters, children play a simple “odd-one-out” game: they are asked to point to the picture that looks different from the others. This approach has proven both intuitive and effective for very young patients.
In recent studies, 96% of children between 18 months and 4 years old were able to complete the test, and results closely matched the gold-standard tests used in adults. WatDAT may be capable of detecting up to 96% of vision deficits at an earlier age than ever before.
Both digital and printed versions of WatDAT have been created, and independent optometrists across Canada are now evaluating the tool in real-world clinics. If successful, the test could soon be widely available to eye care professionals.
Dr. Leat notes that early detection of vision problems is critical: untreated vision loss in early childhood can affect motor skills, learning, and long-term opportunities. She emphasizes that the project would not have been possible without the support of Fighting Blindness Canada.
WatDAT represents a potential breakthrough in pediatric eye care — giving optometrists the ability to identify and address vision concerns in children long before they can say, “I can’t see.”
The Vision Council has released new research examining eyecare provider sentiments on practice operations, industry trends, and the U.S. economy during the first half of 2025. The report, Provider inSights Q1 and Q2 2025, explores providers’ expectations and the effects of key economic factors, including tariffs, inflation, staffing, and the adoption of new technologies such as telehealth and smart eyewear.
Findings show that economic pressures remain top-of-mind for eyecare providers. More than half of respondents (56 percent) said the U.S. economy performed worse in the first half of 2025 compared to the second half of 2024. Tariffs and inflation are major concerns: 62 percent of providers report tariffs have already affected their practices, and two-thirds (66 percent) expect continued or worsening impacts through the end of the year. Meanwhile, 69 percent said inflation has influenced their business in 2025.
“This survey provides valuable insight into how eyecare practices are navigating tariffs, inflation, and other economic challenges,” said Alysse Henkel, Vice President of Research and inSights at The Vision Council. “Many providers are responding by maintaining the status quo—delaying investments, not expanding services, and holding off on introducing new products such as smart eyewear.”
Key Findings:
Tariffs and Pricing: Nine in ten providers report tariffs have most strongly impacted wholesale eyewear prices. Eight out of 10 also noted tariffs are affecting wholesale practice supplies.
Inflation: 69 percent of providers said inflation influenced their practice in the first half of 2025, and 30 percent expect continued impacts for the rest of the year.
Staffing and Hiring: Hiring challenges persist for 72 percent of practices, with little improvement expected in 2025. Staff retention has improved by eight percentage points compared to 2024 but is projected to remain steady for the remainder of the year.
Telehealth: 76 percent of providers do not currently offer telehealth services.
Smart Eyewear: Four out of ten providers offer smart eyewear to their patients.
The study was conducted online from June 30 to July 7, 2025, using The Vision Council’s eyecare provider research panel.
The full report is available now: members of The Vision Council receive free access, while non-members may purchase it for $250.
For more information about the Provider inSights report or The Vision Council’s research program, visit thevisioncouncil.org.
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Nominations are now being accepted for the third annual Contact Lens Institute™ (CLI) Culture Awards through October 1. The program honors eye care professionals who foster a positive contact lens culture, demonstrating behaviors that elevate patient experiences and support business success, as reflected in CLI’s recent See Tomorrowresearch reports.
Individuals within the U.S. and Canadian eye care community who prescribe or support soft contact lenses are eligible for consideration. Self-nominations are allowed and encouraged. Previous winners will continue to be celebrated and do not need to reapply. Complete nomination information is available at contactlensinstitute.org/awards.
“Over the past two years, our Culture Award honorees have shown how everyday actions—whether through patient care, staff engagement, or innovative practice approaches—create thriving contact lens cultures,” said Stan Rogaski, executive director of Contact Lens Institute. “As we enter the third year of this program, we look forward to celebrating more eye care professionals whose leadership and dedication help patients embrace the many benefits that contact lenses bring to their vision, lifestyle, and overall confidence.”
Nominators simply need to provide a concise response (750 words or less in total) that addresses at least two of the following questions:
How has the nominee enhanced patient outcomes using soft contact lenses?
What initiatives, processes, or projects has the nominee put into place in their practice that enhances a positive culture for recommending soft contact lenses and patient wear?
How does the nominee engage practice staff to take an active advocacy role for healthy, healthy, safe use, and happy soft contact lens wear?
Can you describe a particular nominee-patient interaction that exemplifies how soft contact lenses have changed or improved a patient’s life, and which may inspire colleagues?
To improve the chances of being recognized, nominators may reference positive contact lens behaviors identified in recent See Tomorrow reports, which are available for on-screen reading and/or download from https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/resources/see-tomorrow/.
Nominations must include the name/location/practice name/contact information of the candidate(s), as well as the name/affiliation/contact information for the nominator. Groups are eligible as long as all individuals are named, with a clearly designated leader. Entries must be emailed no later than October 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET to cli@contactlensinstitute.org. The submission can be written within the body of the email or attached as a Word or PDF document. Questions may be sent to the same address.
Selection will be at the sole discretion of the CLI Board of Directors. Honorees will be announced by Contact Lens Institute in November 2025, with ongoing recognition into the following year.
Previous Culture Award Winners include:
2024 Honorees
Jennifer Liao, OD, FAAO, FSLS, New England College of Optometry (NECO) Center for Eye Care, Boston
Chandler Mann, OD, Stone Oak Vision Source, San Antonio
University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss. – Roya Attar, OD, MBA, DHA
Winchester Optical, Winchester, Mass. – Joseph Deering, OD
West Point Optical Group / Family First Vision Care, Roswell, Ga. & Jacksonville, Fla. – John Womack, OD
*Note: The Contact Lens Institute of Seattle is not affiliated with CLI
Contact Lens Institute advances the latest innovations in safe and effective contact lens and lens care products and services that provide unique benefits to patients while satisfying the evolving needs of eye care professionals. CLI undertakes activities that properly assess, enhance, promote and balance contact lens and lens care industry welfare and growth, including the safe use of products in the marketplace. Its members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision. For more information, visit contactlensinstitute.org.
Good vision at the start of the school year (and throughout the year) is important to help children learn, grow, and develop. We are all aware that 80% of knowledge is acquired through the visual system during the first twelve years of life, but also that children are spending more and more time in front of digital screens for learning and entertainment, and fortunately, they also spend time outdoorsevery day, exposed to UV rays during their activities.
A Marketing Kit to Start the Conversation
To help you in your daily life when talking to children and their parents about eye health, what could be more useful than a “Back to School” marketing kit? Transitions Canada offers it with animated or static visuals in collaboration with Ray-Ban (a brand popular with young people and their parents) and a “cartoon” style version.
The Transitions® Color Match App
These elements will help you liven up your social media and engage in discussion about eye protection with them. You can also use the Transitions Color Match app to let children try on “magic” lenses with any frame in your office. It’s a great way to connect with them and help them choose their own colour and style!
How to Get Your Marketing Kit
To receive the Transitions Color Match kit, contact your Transitions lens provider representative.
HOYA Vision Care recently announced two key leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its strategic and commercial operations across North America. These appointments underscore HOYA Vision Care’s commitment to investing in strong leadership to drive innovation, operational excellence, and sustained growth in North America.
Meg Weathers has been appointed Senior Vice President, Global Key Accounts for North America, a pivotal commercial leadership role where she will spearhead growth initiatives and deepen relationships with Global Key Account customers. Her focus will be on expanding HOYA’s footprint, driving volume, and growing market share through strategic partnerships and tailored solutions.
Weathers previously led HOYA’s North American Marketing organization with distinction and brings over 16 years of experience in the optical industry. Her background in business development, global strategy, and commercial marketing, positions her to accelerate HOYA’s performance in a competitive landscape.
Samy Lauriette has been named Vice President of Strategic Marketing for North America. In this senior executive role, Lauriette leads HOYA’s marketing organization across the U.S. and Canada, overseeing Product Management, Professional Affairs, Channel and Digital Marketing, and Brand Communications. Leveraging HOYA’s marketing resources, his priority is to strengthen partnerships with eye care professionals by promoting HOYA’s industry-leading ophthalmic lens products and lab services to ensure the best vision solutions for their patients.
Bringing over 20 years of international experience in the optical and hearing care industries, Lauriette is recognized for his expertise in strategic planning, innovation, and driving commercial excellence. His leadership will be instrumental in equipping eye care professionals with the tools and strategies needed to enhance patient outcomes and elevate vision care standards.
ZEISS introduces Light 2 progressive and digital lenses—easy to adapt, mid-price, and designed for modern visual demands. New upselling options for ECPs.
The World Council of Optometry announces its 2025 election results and new leadership appointments, shaping the next phase of global optometric advocacy.
The WEI Conference returns November 7–9, 2025 at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites with over 20 hours of COPE-accredited CE, the Woodruff and Bobier Distinguished Lectures, a strong speaker lineup, and a trade show featuring 30+ exhibitors — including VuePoint IDS at Booth #311.
ZEISS introduces Light 2 progressive and digital lenses—easy to adapt, mid-price, and designed for modern visual demands. New upselling options for ECPs.
The World Council of Optometry announces its 2025 election results and new leadership appointments, shaping the next phase of global optometric advocacy.
The WEI Conference returns November 7–9, 2025 at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites with over 20 hours of COPE-accredited CE, the Woodruff and Bobier Distinguished Lectures, a strong speaker lineup, and a trade show featuring 30+ exhibitors — including VuePoint IDS at Booth #311.
ZEISS introduces Light 2 progressive and digital lenses—easy to adapt, mid-price, and designed for modern visual demands. New upselling options for ECPs.
The World Council of Optometry announces its 2025 election results and new leadership appointments, shaping the next phase of global optometric advocacy.
The WEI Conference returns November 7–9, 2025 at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites with over 20 hours of COPE-accredited CE, the Woodruff and Bobier Distinguished Lectures, a strong speaker lineup, and a trade show featuring 30+ exhibitors — including VuePoint IDS at Booth #311.
ZEISS introduces Light 2 progressive and digital lenses—easy to adapt, mid-price, and designed for modern visual demands. New upselling options for ECPs.
The World Council of Optometry announces its 2025 election results and new leadership appointments, shaping the next phase of global optometric advocacy.
The WEI Conference returns November 7–9, 2025 at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites with over 20 hours of COPE-accredited CE, the Woodruff and Bobier Distinguished Lectures, a strong speaker lineup, and a trade show featuring 30+ exhibitors — including VuePoint IDS at Booth #311.
