Blog - Page 35 of 868

March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

New Research Highlights Opticians’ Key Role in Contact Lens Care

Contact lens Institute CLI and United Opticians Association logos 2026

New research from the Contact Lens Institute™ (CLI) and the United Opticians Association (UOA) suggests that opticians play a significant role in supporting successful contact lens wear, while many in the profession say they would welcome greater involvement and additional education opportunities.

The findings are presented in the latest report from CLI’s See Tomorrow series initiative, which examines the perspectives of both patients and opticians regarding contact lens care and education. Insights from the research will also be discussed during expert panel sessions at OptiCon ’26 @ Vision Expo 2026.

Strong Patient Confidence in Opticians

The survey, conducted in January 2026 among U.S. and Canadian contact lens wearers, found high levels of trust in opticians. According to the report, 89% of respondents believe opticians play an important role in helping them achieve the best possible vision, while 83% say opticians are extremely or very valuable to their contact lens experience.

Interactions with opticians also appear to influence patient confidence in lens care. The research indicates that 84% of contact lens users say discussions with opticians improved their understanding of proper wear and care. In addition, 85% report they would likely seek help from an optician if they encountered a contact lens issue.

Patients also indicated strong expectations regarding opticians’ roles in contact lens education. More than 80% expect opticians to answer questions, provide insertion and removal training, and recommend resources that improve the overall experience.

Gaps Between Expectations and Practice

Despite these expectations, the research suggests that some aspects of care may not always align with patient expectations. For example, 70% of patients expect opticians to follow up after a new contact lens prescription through phone, email, or text, yet only 34% of opticians report providing such follow-up.

Overall, patient trust in opticians’ ability to deliver contact lens education and support was rated above 80%, a level comparable to consumer confidence in ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Education Opportunities Identified

The research also explored opticians’ perspectives on their own training and professional roles. While nearly half of opticians (48%) say their knowledge of contact lenses is comparable to their expertise in spectacle frames and lenses, 38% report having somewhat less knowledge in this area.

More than half of respondents (56%) say they would like to become more involved in the contact lens wearing experience for patients, while 28% remain uncertain.

Interest in additional training appears strong: 67% of opticians say they would take advantage of further contact lens education if it were available. Preferences for learning formats were nearly evenly split, with 52% favoring online education and 48% preferring in-person options.

“Success with contact lens wear is a team effort, and opticians play a vital role,” said Stan Rogaski, executive director of the Contact Lens Institute. “Our new research highlights opportunities for practices to better leverage opticians’ knowledge and the trust that patients place in them.”

Gwen Cooper, executive director of the United Opticians Association, added that opticians are eager to expand their expertise. “Opticians are visibly proud of their roles in supporting contact lens wearers and are keen to learn and do more,” she said.

About the Research

The consumer research was conducted online by Prodege on behalf of the Contact Lens Institute from January 19–27, 2026, among 500 U.S. and Canadian contact lens wearers aged 18 to 61. A separate professional survey, conducted by CLI and the United Opticians Association between January 19 and February 9, 2026, included responses from 248 U.S. opticians.

A consolidated report of the findings is available through the See Tomorrow resource page on the Contact Lens Institute website.

Click HERE for the press release.

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March 12, 2026February 23, 2026

Money Fit: Financial Wellness for ECPs

Financial wellness for eye care professionals

By Dr. Roxanne Arnal, CFP®, CLU®

When we think about fitness, we picture strength, flexibility, and resilience. Financial fitness is no different. It’s about building a strong foundation, staying adaptable, and preparing for life’s unexpected challenges

For eye care professionals, who often juggle student debt, practice expenses, and personal financial goals, being Money Fit is essential for peace of mind and long-term success.

How to be Money Fit

Money Fit means having clarity and confidence in your financial life. It’s not about being wealthy, it’s about being in control. Just like physical health requires regular checkups, financial health needs ongoing attention. A Money Fit professional understands their cash flow, manages debt wisely, and plans for the future.

Five Pillars of Financial Fitness

1: Cash Flow Control

For both your personal and business finances, be sure you know where your money goes. Are you spending unnecessarily? Have you grown your inventory because of “great” new looks? Do you realize how much you are spending on your coffee outings a year? Create a spending plan that reflects your priorities.

2: Debt Management

Student loans and practice financing are common in eye care. Being Money Fit means using debt strategically to maximize opportunities for other investments like long term savings or equipment additions.

3: Risk Protection

Your ability to earn an income is your greatest asset. Review your base household expenses and understand the costs to keep your business going. Disability and critical illness insurance protect your income-generating ability if health issues arise. You want to have time to recover and still have your business afloat when you are ready to return. Revisit your protection plan regularly to ensure it’s just as healthy as you are.

4: Emergency Preparedness

Life happens. Despite the best risk protection, unfortunate events and sudden expenses can appear. An easily accessible emergency fund covering three to six months of base expenses provides security when the unexpected occurs.

5: Future Planning

Retirement may feel far away, but starting early matters. Use tools like RRSPs, TFSAs, and corporate accounts to build wealth over time. Prepare your practice for a successful transition well in advance of your desired exit day. Understand the implications of taxation both today and in the future. Creating flexibility through multiple sources of future revenue is key to retirement success.

Why does Being Money Fit Matter?

Financial stress can impact your well-being and even your patient care. According to the 2025 Financial Stress Index conducted for FP Canada, money remains the top source of stress for Canadians at 42%, followed by personal health at 21%. Yet, for those working with a financial professional, this drops to 34%.

Being Money Fit reduces anxiety, improves decision-making,
and allows you to focus on what you do best, helping others see clearly.

Start Now!

• Begin with a financial health checkup. Review your income, expenses, debt, and savings.
• Set clear, achievable goals (we call this Clarity). You need to know where you are going in order to create an effective means to get there.
• Set it and forget it. Automate savings and debt payments to stay consistent.
• Work with a financial advisor who understands the unique needs of eye care professionals.

Final Thought:

Like with physical fitness, money fitness isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Small, consistent steps lead to long-term stability and freedom. Just as you encourage patients to care for their vision, take time to care for your financial health. Your future self will thank you.

About the Author:

Dr. Roxanne Arnal, CFP®, CLU®

Did you know… That the 3 Cs of C3 are Clarity, Confidence, and Control? That’s no coincidence. As a former Optometrist and practice owner, Roxanne has truly embraced what it means to be Financial Fit today and in the future. As a Certified Financial Planner®, Chartered Life Underwriter®, and Certified Health Insurance Specialist®, she is dedicated to empowering individuals and their wealth by helping them make smart financial decisions that bring more joy to their lives. This article is for information purposes only and is not a replacement for personalized financial planning. Errors and Omissions exempt.

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March 11, 2026January 22, 2026

Modern Elegance in a Sleek Teardrop Silhouette

Optik VOILA January-February 2026 Marchon LO2187_714

This lightweight metal teardrop frame offers a fresh take on Longchamp’s Roseau
concept, accented by bamboo-inspired detailing on the top bridge. With adjustable
nose pads, spring hinges, and a refined contemporary profile, LO2187 delivers timeless
sophistication and all-day comfort in a versatile global L fit.

Distributed by Marchon: www.marchon.com

About Marchon:

Working with leading brands to constantly push the envelope through distinct designs, innovative materials and clever constructions, Marchon Eyewear’s goal is to consistently design distinctive eyewear that offers accessible quality, style and value.

Marchon is proud of its diversified portfolio of brands, covering key demand segments in the premium end of the market.

Marchon Eyewear distributes its products through a global network of subsidiaries and distributors, serving over 80,000 accounts in more than 100 countries.

Whether helping people access quality care, supporting eye care providers in managing their practice, or partnering with local organizations to aid our communities, VSP Vision™ is there with a comprehensive portfolio of brands that keep health at the center of everything we do. As the first not-for-profit eye health company, care and compassion have led our growth for nearly 70 years. Today, our focus remains on helping those we serve bring their best vision to life.

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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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