Rodenstock’s B.I.G. NORM™ -Biometric Intelligent Glasses, Powered by AI

Optik TECH Centennial Juillet-aout 2025 BIG Norm

By using Artificial Intelligence and one of the industry’s biggest biometric data sets, Rodenstock brings a new level of precision into lens calculation. Progressive wearers can now experience sharper and clearer vision, than ever before.

Contact your Centennial Optical representative for more information.

Distributed by Centennial Optical: www.centennialoptical.com

About Centennial Optical

Centennial Optical is an independent, Canadian-owned company distributing ophthalmic frames and lenses, sunglasses, lab supplies, cases and accessories, nationally and internationally. Founded in 1967, Centennial sells optical goods and services to Eye Care Professionals (Optometrists, Opticians and Ophthalmologists), optical laboratories and optical retailers. Centennial is fully licensed by Health Canada to sell Class I and Class II medical devices. With corporate headquarters and central distribution located in Toronto, Centennial also has local customer service in Montreal and Vancouver.

Eyewear (Frames)

Centennial Optical began as a distributor of ophthalmic frames, selling its own exclusive brands. Today, in addition to being the Canadian distributor for several international designer brands of eyewear, such as Ann Taylor, BCBG MAXAZRIA, Ben Sherman, Champion, Christian Lacroix, FILA, Hackett, Jones New York, London Fog, Nicole Miller, Paradigm, Psycho Bunny, TLG and Vera Wang, Centennial works closely in developing and bringing to market Canadian fashion icons Alfred Sung, Roots and Beaver Canoe.

Lenses and Lab Supplies

Centennial is the Canadian wholesale distributor for Rodenstock and Kodak Lenses, plus other ophthalmic lenses from Signet Armorlite, Vision Ease, NuPolar and other lenses by Younger Optics, and lens products from a number of other manufacturers. Centennial’s house lens brands, CHOICE and Centoptic, offer customers an exceptional combination of performance and value in a wide selection of materials and treatments. Centennial is also pleased to offer a full range of lab supplies from 3M, BPI, DAC Vision and other suppliers.

Sunwear

Centennial is proud to distribute Serengeti, Bollé, and REVO Sunwear, both plano and Rx, to Canadian ECPs. As the maker of the world’s finest driving sunglass, Serengeti utilizes only the latest technologies and premium materials. Bollé constantly refines their trademark combination of fit, fashion and comfort, for high quality performance and protection. REVO sunglasses blend sleek design, tailored fit and legendary lens protection.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e- newsletters!

August 22, 2025August 22, 2025

DOT™ Lenses Worn by One Million Children

Diffusion Optics Technology™ (DOT^™) spectacle lenses have been worn by one million children to control their myopia—a major milestone that reflects the critical need for myopia control solutions and the strong performance and trust in DOT^™ lenses’ unique design.^*

DOT™ lenses, developed by SightGlass Vision, first became available in 2021 and have since gained significant momentum. With launches across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, over 500,000 children are estimated to have been fitted with DOT™ lenses in 2025 alone, based on global sales data.

The design of DOT™ lenses is underpinned by contrast management. High artificial contrast levels in the modern visual environment may be linked to accelerated eye growth that results in the progression of myopia.^[1] DOT™ lenses mimic more natural contrast environments by incorporating thousands of elements that gently scatter light before it reaches the retina.^[2]

Clinical studies have demonstrated that DOT™ lenses can slow average myopia progression by up to 75% after 12 months of wear across diverse populations.^[2]^,^[3]^,‡ The lenses are more than just effective, in fact 93% of children said they love their glasses with DOT™ lenses.^[4]^,^[5]^,‡

“Reaching one million children is a powerful testament to what our clinical studies have already shown—DOT™ lenses work, eye care professionals trust them, and children want to wear them,” said Andrew Sedgwick, CEO of SightGlass Vision. “It’s encouraging to see eye care professionals increasingly embrace this innovation for their young patients, marking another meaningful step towards combatting the global myopia epidemic. We remain committed to bringing DOT™ lenses to children in more parts of the world.”

SightGlass Vision’s patent-protected technology has made its commercial debut in several markets, including China, the Netherlands, Israel, Canada, and Spain, as well as through preliminary market trials in other countries.^† Founded in 2016, SightGlass Vision is a joint venture of CooperCompanies and EssilorLuxottica. For more information, visit SightGlassVision.com.

DOT spectacle lenses in school — DOT lenses

^[1] Biswas S, El Kareh A, Qureshi M, Lee DMX, Sun CH, Lam JSH, Saw SM, Najjar RP. The influence of the environment and lifestyle on myopia. J Physiol Anthropol 2024;43(1):7.

^[2] Rappon et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 12-month results of a randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study. Br J Ophthalmol 2023;107:1709-1715.

^[3] Laughton et al. Control of myopia using contrast modulation spectacle lenses in a Chinese population: 12-month results. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2025;66(8):2815.

^[4] McParland et al. Children adapt well to Diffusion Optics Technology™ (DOT) spectacle lenses . Presented at NCC 2024.

After 2–3 days of wearing the allocated spectacle lenses, the rate of adaptation was the same for DOT™ lenses and SV lenses (97% overall in each group).

^[5] SGV data on file 2021. Control of Myopia Using Peripheral Diffusion Lenses: Efficacy and Safety Study, 24-month results (n=256, 14 North American sites).

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

August 21, 2025August 22, 2025

Specsavers Canada Highlights 45% of Children are not Receiving Regular Eye Exams as Myopia Rate Increases

Myopia rates in Canadian children have steadily increased in recent years – progressing faster than in previous generations¹; however, according to a recent Specsavers Canada survey, conducted by Angus Reid Group, 82% of Canadians are unaware of this increase².

“We’re seeing a significant rise in the number of children being diagnosed with nearsightedness, more than ever before,” says Naomi Barber, Clinical Services Director at Specsavers Canada. “While lifestyle changes such as spending more time outdoors and limiting screen use can help slow the progression of myopia, there is more that can be done to slow the progression, and optometrists are at the frontline of this intervention. Specsavers is committed to raising awareness among parents about the importance of early detection. Making annual eye exams part of the back-to-school routine is a key step in helping to manage and control myopia in children.”

The Canadian Association of Optometry recommends that school-aged children receive a comprehensive eye exam every year until the age of 19. Yet, the recent national Specsavers survey revealed 45% of school-aged children in Canada are not receiving annual eye exams as recommended². This gap in routine eyecare is concerning, especially as rates of childhood myopia continue to rise.

As part of its mission to change lives through better sight, Specsavers is encouraging parents to include a comprehensive eye exam as part of their back-to-school routine. For children diagnosed with myopia, there are specific types of glasses and contact lenses that can help slow the progression of the condition. Specsavers offers several of these solutions, with savings available during the back-to-school season. Visiting an Optometrist from a young age is important. Early intervention can help reduce children’s risk of developing long-term sight-threatening conditions.

Specsavers locations offer comprehensive eye exams by independent optometrists, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), a 3D advanced eye health scan that examines the back of the eye. The scan helps to assess eye health in detail and detect other causes that may be contributing to visual impairment. Children are covered for annual eye exams if they are under a provincial health care plan in most provinces.

“So much of parenthood is about preparing our little ones for a bright future,” adds Barber, “Whether they have their sights set on being explorers, athletes, artists, scientists or musicians, we want to make sure they’re ready to do so with confidence and clear vision.”

Parents interested in learning more about myopia management or scheduling an eye exam for their child can visit specsavers.ca/myopia.

References:

Holden, B. A., Fricke, T. R., Wilson, D. A., Jong, M., Naidoo, K. S., Sankaridurg, P., Wong, T. Y., Naduvilath, T. J., & Resnikoff, S. (2016). Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology, 123(5), 1036-1042. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.01.006

These are the findings of an online survey conducted from February 14– 19, 2025, among a randomized sample of 2,022 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum. The sample was balanced and weighted to be representative of adults nationwide according to region, gender, age, and education, based on the Canadian census. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

Source: Specsavers

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

August 21, 2025August 22, 2025

FYihealth group Launch Glasses Recycling Program in Partnership with Lions Club International

FYihealth group announces the rollout of a new glasses recycling initiative in partnership with Lions Club International, a globally respected leader in vision care outreach. Now available at all FYidoctors, Visique, BonLook, and solis optics clinics and stores across Canada, branded collection boxes make it easy for patients and visitors to donate their gently used eyewear and help give the gift of sight to those in need.

This initiative supports the Lions Club Eyeglasses Recycling Program, which has already redistributed over 6 million pairs of glasses to individuals in more than 100 countries.

Approximately 40% of all donated eyewear is reusable, with the remainder responsibly recycled—ensuring sustainability alongside social impact.

“As a leading eye care provider, we understand the life-changing power of clear vision,” says Dr. Alan Ulsifer, Chair and CEO of FYihealth group, “This partnership lets us use our national reach to collect glasses where people already trust us with their eye health, and send them where they’re needed most.”

The process is simple: visit any participating store or clinic and drop your old glasses in the clearly marked donation box. Every pair collected is sanitized, repaired, and matched to someone with a similar prescription, rather than being discarded or sent overseas without a plan.

“We don’t just collect—we support the full journey,” adds adds Gordon Prusky, Past District Governor of Lions Club International, “Our commitment is to transparency, accessibility, and real-world impact.”

This local effort has global implications. By choosing to donate through FYihealth group, patients are not only reducing landfill waste but actively contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future in vision care.

To find a location near you, visit:

https://fyidoctors.com/pages/find-a-location
https://visique.com/en/pages/store-locator
https://www.solisoptics.ca/location
https://www.bonlook.ca/blogs/stores

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

August 20, 2025August 19, 2025

Vision Expo West 2025 Returns to Las Vegas with Future-Focused Programming

Vision Expo West heads back to Las Vegas this September with a refreshed layout, new activations, and a clear emphasis on innovation across the eyewear and eyecare sectors. The exhibit hall, open from September 18–20, will be divided into four focused zones: Eyewear, Eyecare, Independent Design, and Tech & Innovation, featuring 300+ brands.

New additions this year include the LaunchPad for startup showcases, the NOW Design Showcase highlighting fashion-forward frames, and interactive networking spaces like the VSP Beer Garden and Conferee Café. Vision Expo West 2025 also introduces a preview of the 2026 event in Orlando with daily giveaways.

Vision Expo West Aug 2025 image for press release

The Main Stage will feature headline events including:

OptiCon General Session: “The Future of Opticianry” with David Friedfeld
VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Finals
America’s Finest Optical Retailer Award Presentation
Flaunt the Frame Eyewear Fashion Show

Over 270 hours of education will be offered, including free CE content, a new Refractive Program, and fast-paced Summits based on industry research.

Vision Expo West Aug 2025 image 2 for press release Flaunt the Frame

Evening events such as Vision Expo After Dark, the Opening Night Party, and the Influential Women in Optical Luncheon round out the schedule.

More info and registration: west.visionexpo.com

Source: Vision Expo

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Rodenstock’s B.I.G. NORM™ -Biometric Intelligent Glasses, Powered by AI

About Centennial Optical

DOT™ Lenses Worn by One Million Children

Specsavers Canada Highlights 45% of Children are not Receiving Regular Eye Exams as Myopia Rate Increases

FYihealth group Launch Glasses Recycling Program in Partnership with Lions Club International

Vision Expo West 2025 Returns to Las Vegas with Future-Focused Programming

Featured Posts

ZEISS Light 2 Facilitates Entry into Progressive and Digital Lenses

EssilorLuxottica Creates Scientific Advisory Committee to Cccelerate Next Era of Innovation

MIDO 2026 Exhibitor List Now Live as “The Lens of Time” Exhibition Debuts

WCO Announces 2025 Election Results and New Global Leadership

WEI 2025: Education, Innovation, and Connection

ZEISS Light 2 Facilitates Entry into Progressive and Digital Lenses

EssilorLuxottica Creates Scientific Advisory Committee to Cccelerate Next Era of Innovation

MIDO 2026 Exhibitor List Now Live as “The Lens of Time” Exhibition Debuts

WCO Announces 2025 Election Results and New Global Leadership

WEI 2025: Education, Innovation, and Connection

ZEISS Light 2 Facilitates Entry into Progressive and Digital Lenses

EssilorLuxottica Creates Scientific Advisory Committee to Cccelerate Next Era of Innovation

MIDO 2026 Exhibitor List Now Live as “The Lens of Time” Exhibition Debuts

WCO Announces 2025 Election Results and New Global Leadership

WEI 2025: Education, Innovation, and Connection

ZEISS Light 2 Facilitates Entry into Progressive and Digital Lenses

EssilorLuxottica Creates Scientific Advisory Committee to Cccelerate Next Era of Innovation

MIDO 2026 Exhibitor List Now Live as “The Lens of Time” Exhibition Debuts

WCO Announces 2025 Election Results and New Global Leadership

WEI 2025: Education, Innovation, and Connection