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February 4, 2026January 15, 2026

Giving Back with Purpose: A Conversation with Kelsey Gagnon

Three blue gift boxes with gold ribbons illustrating the article Giving Back with Purpose

By Dr. Roxanne Arnal, CFP®, CLU®

Recently Dr. Roxanne Arnal, CFP®, CLU® spoke with Kelsey Gagnon, Associate Director, Advancement, School of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of Waterloo about the Waterloo Eye Institute capital campaign and the ongoing needs of students. In the following interview, learn more about the numerous benefits of charitable giving and the tax advantages available to donors.

Roxanne: Kelsey, thanks for joining me today. Charitable giving is something close to both our hearts, and I know the Waterloo Eye Institute capital campaign is a big focus right now. Can you tell us a bit about the current needs?

Kelsey: Absolutely, Roxanne! The Waterloo Eye Institute is a transformative project for the profession. We’re not only building infrastructure to support students, research and patient care but we are creating a national centre of excellence. Fundraising is ongoing, and contributions, especially from alumni, can leave a lasting legacy well beyond graduation.

Roxanne: That’s powerful. Let’s talk about how people can give. Most of us are familiar with writing a cheque or donating online. What’s the process like at Waterloo?

Kelsey: It’s very straightforward. You can donate online, even using a QR code for convenience. And if you’re donating through a corporation, it’s even more efficient; those donations can be made with pre-tax dollars, which often allows donors to give more. If you prefer to give by cheque, you can contact me directly to receive our mailing address.

Roxanne: Right, and from a tax perspective, both personal and corporate donations come with a charitable donation receipt, which can be used to reduce your income tax. It’s a simple way to make a meaningful impact while being tax conscious.

Donating Securities: A Smart Strategy

Kelsey: I’ve also had donors ask about giving through securities. Can you explain how that works?

Roxanne: Definitely. Donating publicly traded securities, like stocks or mutual funds, is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. You get two major tax benefits:

A donation receipt for the full market value of the securities.
And you avoid paying capital gains tax on any appreciation.

So, if your investments have grown significantly, donating them directly can really supersize your gift without having to use post taxed income.

Kelsey: That’s great to know! We do accept securities at the University of Waterloo, and donors can reach out to me for a gift of securities form. Once it’s filled out, they just take it to their financial advisor to process the transfer.

Life Insurance: Giving Beyond Your Lifetime

Kelsey: What about life insurance? I’ve heard it can be used for charitable giving too.

Roxanne: Yes, and it’s often overlooked. If you have a policy, you no longer need for its original purpose, it can be repurposed to support a cause you care about. There are three main ways that life insurance can be used in giving:

Name a charity as the beneficiary: the charity receives the death benefit, and your estate gets a donation receipt for the full value.
Transfer ownership of an existing policy: you get a tax receipt for the policy’s fair market value and ongoing receipts for any future premium payments you make.
Buy a new policy for charity: you receive donation receipts for every premium payment, which helps reduce your annual tax bill.

Kelsey: That’s such a thoughtful way to leave a legacy. And for those interested, our website https://uwaterloo.ca/support/give to-waterloo/how-to-give has more details on how to give through life insurance.

Donor-Advised Funds: Flexible & Family-Friendly

Kelsey: Some donors want to give but aren’t ready to decide where the funds should go. What’s your take on Donor-Advised Funds?

Roxanne: Donor-Advised Funds, or DAFs, are perfect for that. You get an immediate tax deduction when you contribute, and the funds can be distributed to charities over time. Plus, if you donate appreciated investments to a DAF, you avoid capital gains tax just like with direct donations.

And here’s the bonus: the money in the DAF grows tax-free, which means your future gifts can be even larger. It’s also a great way to involve your family in philanthropy and simplify your giving with just one account and one receipt.

Final Thoughts

Kelsey: Roxanne, thanks for allowing me the opportunity to discuss the many ways alumni, and others, can donate and how taxation plays a role in enhancing the benefits one gets from charitable giving. It’s clear that giving isn’t just about generosity, it’s also about strategy.

Roxanne: Exactly. Whether it’s cash, securities, life insurance, or a DAF, there are smart ways to give that can also align with your financial goals. A little planning with your advisor can go a long way in maximizing both your impact and your tax benefits.

If anyone wants to learn more about giving to the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry & Vision Science, you can reach out to Kelsey at 519-502-3131 or kelsey.gagnon@uwaterloo.ca. And don’t forget to mention any special dedications or class group contributions!

About the Author:

Dr. Roxanne Arnal, CFP®, CLU®

Roxanne Arnal is a Certified Financial Planner®, Chartered Life Underwriter®, former Optometrist, Professional Corporation President, and practice owner. 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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February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Sergio Cereda’s Design Legacy Highlighted at MIDO as Emerging Eyewear Designers Take the Stage

In early February, MIDO once again served as a global platform for emerging design talent, as the Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award 2026 was presented on the Vision Stage in Milan.

Held in the lead-up to Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympics, the award ceremony brought together students, educators, industry leaders, and international media to showcase sports-inspired eyewear concepts developed by design students from Italy, Germany, and the United States. This year’s brief challenged participants to explore the intersection of sport, movement, performance, and design, reflecting both the cultural moment and the evolving role of technical innovation in eyewear.

Founded by Harvey Ross and supported by MIDO, the Viva Ross Family Foundation, and the Cereda Family, the award was created to preserve and extend the design philosophy of the late Sergio Cereda, whose work was widely recognized for bridging creative vision with real-world manufacturing expertise.

Award Recipients and Finalists

The 2026 Grand Prize was awarded to Giada Tosana of LABA | Libera Accademia di Belle Arti di Brescia, followed by Elisa Albertini (second prize) from the same institution, and Mahra Mustafa of Istituto Marangoni Milano (third prize). Two Special Recognition Awards were also presented to Megan Broad Merkel (Savannah College of Art and Design, USA) and Alessio Accardi (IED Torino), selected for creativity and written submissions.

Designs were evaluated by an international jury that included Lorraine Berton, David Friedfeld, Giovanni Vitaloni, and representatives of the Cereda family, among other industry leaders.

The Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Archive

A key element of the ceremony was renewed attention on the Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Archive in Varese, Italy. Housed in Cereda’s former design studio, the archive preserves original sketches, prototypes, and conceptual work, and serves as an educational resource for students, designers, and brands seeking insight into design grounded in manufacturing realities.

Applications for the next Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award cycle are expected to open in April 2026.

Click HERE for the press release.

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February 2, 2026January 30, 2026

Alcon Launches PRECISION7 One-Week Replacement Contact Lenses in Canada

Alcon has announced the Canadian launch of PRECISION7, a new one-week replacement contact lens available in sphere and toric designs. The lenses will be commercially available in Canada beginning in February 2026.

Alcon Precision 7 one week replacement contact lenses

PRECISION7 introduces a new replacement schedule positioned between daily disposable and bi-weekly contact lenses. According to the company, the product is intended to address a common clinical reality: while many eye care professionals (ECPs) consider daily disposable lenses the preferred option, cost remains a barrier for a significant proportion of patients who continue to be fitted in reusable lenses.

Addressing comfort and replacement habits

Data cited by Alcon suggest that more than half of new contact lens wearers are prescribed reusable lenses primarily due to affordability considerations. In this context, a one-week replacement schedule may offer a more intuitive alternative for patients compared to traditional two-week replacement cycles.

PRECISION7 is designed to provide up to 16 hours of comfort per day and consistent visual performance throughout the full week of wear, including at the end of the replacement cycle. The lens incorporates Alcon’s ACTIV-FLO System, developed specifically to support performance over a seven-day period.

The ACTIV-FLO System

The ACTIV-FLO System combines a water-loving moisturizing agent embedded in the lens matrix with a proprietary replenishing agent that is gradually released to help maintain surface hydration for seven days. According to Alcon, this approach is intended to support comfort and lens performance across the full duration of wear.

Vanessa Johari Hansen, Country Business Unit Head, Vision Care, at Alcon Canada, said the launch reflects the company’s focus on patient-centered innovation and the introduction of a new category within contact lenses.

Supporting patient compliance

From a clinical perspective, replacement schedules that align with patients’ routines may support better compliance. A one-week cycle allows patients to select a consistent day of the week to replace their lenses, creating a predictable and easy-to-remember habit.

Dr. Kenton Fredlund, Optometrist at FYidoctors, noted that adherence remains one of the most persistent challenges in contact lens wear and that replacement schedules aligned with how patients think about time may help improve the overall wearing experience.

Expanding the WaterInnovations portfolio

The launch of PRECISION7 represents the newest addition to Alcon’s WaterInnovations portfolio of contact lenses. Both sphere and toric versions of PRECISION7 will be available in Canada beginning February 2, 2026.

Eye care professionals are encouraged to review full product instructions for wear, care, and safety information through Alcon’s professional resources.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.myalcon.com/ca/professional/contact-lenses/weekly/precision7/ https://www.myalcon.com/ca/professional/contact-lenses/weekly/precision7-for-astigmatism/

Click HERE for the full press release.

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January 30, 2026January 15, 2026

Seeing with the Heart: The Power of Giving Back

By Jade Bodzasy

Precision and clinical skill may restore sight, but it is compassion that deepens connection. Beyond the technical skill of prescribing lenses or diagnosing ocular conditions lies an equally powerful human responsibility: practicing emotional intelligence (EQ).

One of the most meaningful ways Emotional Intelligence (EQ) comes to life in eye care is through charitable action. Whether it’s offering free screenings at community events, donating glasses to underserved populations, or contributing time and expertise to global outreach missions, being charitable is more than an act of goodwill, it’s a direct reflection of emotionally intelligent leadership.

The Connection Between EQ and Charitable Practice

At its core, EQ is about recognizing and managing our own emotions, understanding the emotions of others, and building positive, meaningful connections. Charitable practice naturally strengthens each of these dimensions:

Self-Awareness: By stepping into charitable roles, professionals often reflect on their own privileges and resources. This awareness deepens gratitude, helping them reconnect with the purpose behind their work.
Self-Management: Charity frequently requires patience, adaptability, and humility. Eye care professionals may work in less-than-ideal conditions, manage limited resources, or adjust communication styles with diverse populations. These experiences enhance resilience and composure.
Social Awareness: Charitable action shines a spotlight on the needs, struggles, and aspirations of individuals who may otherwise be invisible in daily practice. This cultivates empathy and sensitivity, key skills for every eye care leader.
Relationship Management: Acts of giving strengthen trust with patients, colleagues, and the broader community. When professionals are seen as caring beyond profit, they create bonds that last well beyond a single appointment.

Charitable Work Builds Trust and Loyalty

Demonstrating generosity, whether through pro bono services or community sponsorship, communicates integrity and compassion. Patients who witness charitable commitment often develop a stronger sense of loyalty, choosing to remain with practices that align with their values.

Reducing Burnout and Increasing Meaning

Eye care can be demanding. Long hours, administrative pressures, and clinical challenges often take a toll on professionals’ mental well-being. Charitable initiatives act as a counterbalance by reconnecting practitioners with the human side of their work. For professionals, this renewed sense of purpose directly contributes to resilience and job satisfaction.

Strengthening Team Dynamics

Employees bond over the collective purpose of helping others, often breaking down workplace hierarchies in the process. This unity carries back into daily operations, improving communication and morale.

“EQ in action here means cultivating a workplace culture rooted in empathy, shared values, and service.”

When teams grow in EQ, it shows up in everyday interactions: smoother collaboration, clearer communication, stronger leadership, and a more positive workplace climate.

Expanding Professional Influence

Charitable acts position eye care professionals as leaders not only in medicine but also in community well-being. It demonstrates to future generations of practitioners that technical skill and emotional intelligence are inseparable in shaping what true leadership looks like.

About the Author:

Jade Bodzasy

Curious about Emotional Intelligence and how it
can support your team?
Hi, I’m Jade Bodzasy, an Emotional Intelligence
Facilitator based in Kingston, ON.
I love collaborating with business owners who care
about creating workplaces where people can:

Enjoy their work again: with less stress, tension,
and miscommunication.
Evolve into emotionally intelligent leaders: who
inspire, engage, and bring out the best in others.
Earn more together: by keeping great people,
building stronger client relationships, and fostering
a culture where everyone thrives.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to
connect and learn more about your team:
www.emotionalintelligenceconsultinginc.com

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January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

U.S. Optical Industry Reaches $69.5 Billion Despite Declines in Product Volume and Eye Exams

The U.S. optical industry continued to grow in value in 2025, even as consumers purchased fewer optical products and underwent fewer eye exams, according to Market inSights 2025 with 2026 Forecast, released by The Vision Council.

The industry is now estimated at $69.5 billion, reflecting a shift toward higher spending per purchase amid ongoing economic uncertainty. While unit volumes declined across most major optical categories, higher prices and a stronger focus on perceived value helped sustain overall revenue growth.

The report highlights more deliberate consumer behavior, with shoppers prioritizing fewer, higher-value purchases rather than disengaging from vision care altogether. Eye exams followed a similar pattern: despite a decline in the number of exams conducted, the overall market value increased, with the average exam cost rising by approximately $10 compared to 2024.

Among product categories, ophthalmic lenses remained the highest-value prescription segment, while plano sunglasses led non-prescription sales and were the only category to record a year-over-year increase in unit volume, up 2% in 2025.

In-person purchases continued to dominate the market, accounting for more than 80% of frame and lens sales, while contact lenses recorded the highest share of online purchases.

“People bought fewer products and had fewer exams, but they spent more per purchase,” said Alysse Henkel, Vice President of Research and inSights at The Vision Council. “This signals a clear shift toward value-driven decision-making in the optical market.”

The report also includes a 2026 forecast, noting areas of cautious optimism. Continued consumer spending, along with potential changes to tax refunds, could help offset the lower-volume trends observed in 2025.

Source: The Vision Council

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