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January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

The Vision Council Announces Publication of ANSI Z80.1–2025 Prescription Ophthalmic Lenses Standard

The Vision Council has announced the publication of ANSI ASC Z80.1–2025, Prescription Ophthalmic Lenses – Recommendations, a revised technical standard governing prescription ophthalmic lenses in the United States.

Issued under the oversight of the Accredited Standards Committee Z80 (ASC Z80), the 2025 revision supersedes the previous 2020 standard and reflects five years of collaborative work by industry experts across ophthalmic manufacturing, optometry, and standards development.

The revision was led by ASC Z80 Chair Dick Whitney, Vice Chair Rick Tinson, Secretary Dr. Karl Citek, OD, PhD, representing the American Optometric Association, and Michael Vitale, ABOM, of The Vision Council, which serves as the Secretariat Administrator for ASC Z80.

According to The Vision Council, the updated standard incorporates a number of technical modifications and additions designed to ensure alignment with current industry practices and technological advancements. Key updates include clarified lens verification points, expanded descriptions of localized power errors, revised tolerances for claims related to visible light transmittance attenuation, new tolerances for prescribed prism, and a fully updated Optical and Mechanical Tolerances summary table.

ASC Z80 is the only body accredited by ANSI to develop national standards in the field of ophthalmic optics. Its scope includes prescription and non-prescription eyewear, contact lenses, ophthalmic instruments, and medical devices such as intraocular lenses and laser systems.

A copy of ANSI Z80.1–2025 is available for purchase through the ANSI webstore.

Source: The Vison Council

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January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

mydryeye Announces Streamlined Membership Structure: One Tier with Unlimited Benefits

mydryeye is unveiling a major update to its membership program to better serve our community and simplify access to resources. To enhance the experience for mydryeye members, we are combining all tiers into one comprehensive membership. This change strengthens the dry eye community by ensuring equal access to education, resources, and networking opportunities.

“Our goal is to make membership simple, valuable, and accessible,” says Teresa Sebastian, Chief Operating Officer at Eye Care Edge and Eye Recommend. “By consolidating tiers, we’re ensuring that every member receives the best possible experience and benefits, while continuing to foster growth and innovation in the dry eye community.”

mydryeye’s new membership structure provides access to an all-inclusive suite of benefits designed to support optometric practices and professional growth:

Early bird Dry Eye Summit tickets
$50 Dry Eye Summit ticket discount
Unlimited Clinic Locator profiles, complete with images and in-office treatments
Full use of the Learning Management System (LMS)
Live webinars and recordings
Access to past Dry Eye Summit footage
Exclusive articles and members-only resources
Be the first to learn about new developments in the industry and the Canadian marketplace

This new membership model ensures every member enjoys the full range of tools and resources without the complexity of multiple tiers. Membership is valid for two years, aligning with our biennial Dry Eye Summit schedule.

For existing mydryeye members, no action is required. All current members will automatically have these new benefits unlocked for the remainder of their membership term.

For more information or to renew your membership, visit www.mydryeye.ca.

Source: mydryeye

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January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Newton Expands Access to Neurolens and Sequel Technologies Through Partnership with ABB Labs

Newton (formerly Neurolens) has announced a strategic laboratory partnership with ABB Labs, one of the largest independent optical laboratory networks in the United States. The collaboration significantly expands access to Newton’s innovative lens portfolio, including Neurolens® and Sequel™, for thousands of independent optometry practices across North America.

By leveraging ABB Labs’ extensive U.S.-based footprint and long-standing relationships with independent practices, the partnership strengthens Newton’s existing laboratory network and accelerates nationwide product availability. The agreement also brings ABB Labs’ operational scale, quality standards, and service support to Newton’s growing practitioner base.

Through this expanded network, independent eye care practices gain seamless access to Newton’s proprietary technologies. Neurolens features patented Contoured Prism™ technology designed to provide relief from symptoms associated with eye misalignment, including headaches, neck pain, and motion sickness. Sequel, Newton’s everyday lens, incorporates Convergence Boost™ technology to enhance visual comfort and clarity for both digital and off-screen viewing. The announcement comes as Sequel lenses have recently become available through VSP Vision coverage, broadening patient access to the technology.

“This partnership represents a transformative moment in our ability to serve independent optometry,” said Davis Corley, CEO of Newton. He noted that ABB Labs’ scale and reputation will help strengthen product availability, quality, and service as Newton continues to expand its customer base.

According to a recent independent study conducted by Emergent Research, ABB Labs reported a 92 percent customer satisfaction rating, with more than 98 percent of lab orders meeting quality expectations. The study also found that nine out of ten customers planned to continue working with ABB Labs over the following 12 months.

“We’re excited to expand our ABB Labs portfolio to include Newton products,” said James Gilchrist, President of ABB Optical Group. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation, quality, and service that helps independent eye care practices differentiate and grow.”

Click HERE for the press release.

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January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

VSP Vision Appoints Nicola Zotta to Lead Global Eyewear Operations

Nicola Zotta President of Eyewear and Managing Director of Marchon and Marcolin

VSP Vision has named Nicola Zotta President of Eyewear and Managing Director of both Marchon Eyewear and Marcolin, following VSP Vision’s recent acquisition of Marcolin. In his expanded role, Zotta will oversee the integration of the two global eyewear groups, uniting their design, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities.

Announcing the appointment, Michael Guyette, President and CEO of VSP Vision, highlighted Zotta’s international leadership background and industry experience, noting his ability to drive growth while aligning with VSP Vision’s long-term commitment to its customers and partners.

Zotta succeeds Fabrizio Curci, who stepped down after serving as CEO and General Manager of Marcolin since 2020. Curci will remain involved in an advisory capacity over the coming months to support a smooth leadership transition. During his tenure, Marcolin expanded its brand portfolio, strengthened operational efficiency, and sharpened its commercial focus.

Reporting directly to Guyette, Zotta returns to VSP Vision after serving as CEO of Artsana Group since 2022. He previously led Marchon as President from 2016 to 2022 and first joined the company in 2009 as Vice President and Managing Director for EMEA and APAC. Earlier in his career, Zotta held senior leadership roles with Safilo, bringing more than two decades of eyewear industry experience to his new mandate.

Commenting on his appointment, Zotta said the combined strengths of Marchon and Marcolin create a powerful global portfolio spanning luxury, lifestyle, and performance eyewear, positioning the organization for continued innovation and growth.

As part of the leadership transition, Thomas Burkhardt, who has served as President of Marchon since 2022, will step down from his role and continue as an advisor to Zotta, with a focus on supporting the integration of the two brand portfolios.

Source: VSP Vision

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January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Vision Expo 2026 Introduces a Redesigned Education Experience in Orlando

Vision Expo is marking its 40th anniversary with a significantly redesigned education experience aimed at improving access, flexibility, and real-world learning for vision care professionals. Produced by RX and The Vision Council, Vision Expo 2026 will bring together optometry, opticianry, allied health, and business education within a unified conference format.

The first fully unified annual Vision Expo will take place March 11–14, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida. All conference sessions, workshops, and show floor education will be housed on the same floor and within the same hall, allowing attendees to move seamlessly between education programming and the exhibition floor.

More than 220 hours of accredited continuing education will be offered, beginning March 11, with the exhibit hall opening March 12. Educational content will span clinical care, disease management, practice management, lens innovation, optical technology, digital health, and retail solutions.

Education Enhancements for 2026

Vision Expo 2026 introduces several updates designed to simplify participation and enhance learning outcomes across the eyecare team.

A streamlined registration model allows attendees to select either an Unlimited or Single Day education package, with courses available on a first-come, first-served basis. High-demand sessions encourage early arrival, while workshops remain capacity-limited. Optometry Workshops require a separate purchase, and Education badge scanning will be required for course entry.

The conference will also debut 10 exclusive hands-on courses not offered at any other optical event. These instructor-led sessions feature very limited capacity and focus on practical skills that can be applied immediately in clinical or retail practice.

Continuing education reporting has also been simplified. ABO–NCLE attendees may provide their certification number during registration, allowing credits to be reported automatically following the event. COPE–ARBO participants will enter their OE Tracker number at registration and scan a QR code at the conclusion of each approved course, enabling credits to sync directly to their OE Tracker account. Official CE attendance verification letters will be emailed several weeks after the conference.

“With Vision Expo 2026, we are redefining how education is delivered at an industry event,” said April Stackhouse, Event Vice President of Vision Expo. “This year’s programming was developed to deliver relevant optometry, opticianry, and business education across a broad range of subjects and help every member of the eyecare team succeed.”

Program Highlights

Highlighted optometric sessions include:

Top 5 Practice Problems & How to Avoid Them
Thursday, March 12, 9:45–10:45 a.m.
Jessilin Quint, OD, FAAO; Dave Kading, OD
Dry Eyes & Myopia Management – When Kids Win and Lose
Thursday, March 12, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Sheila Morrison, OD; Shalu Pal, OD
Putting the OD in AI
Friday, March 13, 2:45–4:45 p.m.
Moderated by Scot Morris, OD, with Selina McGee, OD, and Brianna Rhue, OD

OptiCon course highlights include:

Creating and Presenting Effective Continuing Education for Opticians
Thursday, March 12, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Encore Friday, March 13, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Pete Hanlin, ABOM
Explore the Floor: Technology Edition
Thursday, March 12, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Encore Friday, March 13, 9:45–10:45 a.m.
Cira Collins, MPH, ABOM, NCLEC, LDO
The Ins and Outs of Advanced Scleral Fitting
Friday, March 13, 3:45–4:45 p.m.
Encore Saturday, March 14, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Nicole Edwards, NCLE-AC

Expanded programming will also include the Myopia Control Program, Low Vision education, the New Technology Showcase, Hands-On Workshops, Vision Series sessions held over breakfast and lunch, and new one-hour Summits addressing priority issues in eye care.

More information on education packages and course offerings for Vision Expo 2026 is available at visionexpo.com.

Source: Vision Expo

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The Vision Council Announces Publication of ANSI Z80.1–2025 Prescription Ophthalmic Lenses Standard

Newton Expands Access to Neurolens and Sequel Technologies Through Partnership with ABB Labs

VSP Vision Appoints Nicola Zotta to Lead Global Eyewear Operations

Vision Expo 2026 Introduces a Redesigned Education Experience in Orlando

Education Enhancements for 2026

Program Highlights

Highlighted optometric sessions include:

OptiCon course highlights include:

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