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Safilo and Carolina Herrera Announce Global Multi-Year Eyewear Licensing Agreement Renewal

Safilo Carolina Herrera logos

Safilo Group and Carolina Herrera, the globally recognized fashion brand, announce the renewal of their global licensing agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of Carolina Herrera branded eyewear collections until 2031.

The renewal of the partnership confirms the success of the collaboration, which, since its beginning in 2022, has seen constant growth in brand recognition.

We are pleased to extend our fruitful collaboration with a global womenswear brand such as Carolina Herrera and to continue strengthening its brand identity through distinctive and modern eyewear collections, developed through the synergy between Carolina Herrera’s Creative Director Wes Gordon and Safilo’s design and craftmanship expertise. Looking ahead, our shared vision focuses on expansion in high-potential key markets, product innovation, and a strategic boost to marketing and communication targeting physical points of sale as well as digital channels” – declared Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group.

“We are proud to continue our successful partnership with Safilo organization and reinforce the business momentum with creativity, craft and innovation. Throughout our collaboration, the talented Safilo team has demonstrated their commitment to best-in-class design and product development to beautifully represent the Carolina Herrera brand in eyewear – contributing a key strategic category in our product portfolio” said Emilie Rubinfeld, Carolina Herrera Ltd. President.

Click HERE for the press release.

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Introducing Oakley Meta Glasses: Amplifying Human Potential

OAKLEY META HSTN GROUP SHOT june 2025

Meta and Oakley are teaming up to deliver a brand-new category of Performance AI glasses. ​ 

Oakley Meta glasses are a new product line that will combine Oakley’s signature design DNA with Meta’s industry-leading technology to give you deeper insights into your physical capabilities and help you share your biggest wins—on and off the field. The line will launch in a new global campaign starring Team Oakley athletes: World Cup winner Kylian Mbappé and three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. ​ 

“For 50 years, we’ve been pushing the boundaries of what is possible, obsessed with solving unsolved problems,” said Caio Amato, Global President of Oakley. “Together with Meta we are setting new bounds of reality – It is not only about pushing forward performance, but also about amplifying human potential as never before. And this is just the first chapter of a new era for sports.” ​ 

“This marks a bold new chapter in our wearables journey. With Oakley’s iconic design legacy and Meta’s breakthroughs in AI and spatial computing, we’re setting a new standard for the industry,” said Rocco Basilico, Chief Wearables Officer at EssilorLuxottica. “It’s part of a broader multi-brand, multi-technology strategy that reflects the scale of our ambition: to build a connected eyewear category that spans lifestyles, communities, and use cases. We’re combining design, utility, and emotion to deepen human connection and unlock new potential through the lens of every brand we touch. And there is far more to come.” ​ 

Introducing Oakley Meta HSTN  

Our first product for athletes and fans alike, Oakley Meta HSTN (pronounced HOW-stuhn) combines bold aesthetics with cutting-edge tech. Capture the action completely hands-free with the built-in camera and share your unique POV. ​ Get pumped up with your favorite playlist, listen to podcasts, and more, thanks to powerful open-ear speakers seamlessly integrated into the frames. And with an IPX4 water resistance rating, you can push yourself to the outer limits of your potential. ​ ​ 

OAKLEY HSTN CLEAR TRANSITION GREY LENSES 2

“Glasses have emerged as the ideal tool for people to listen to music, capture videos, and get the help of a powerful AI assistant”,said Alex Himel, VP of Wearables at Meta. “We’re proud of the success of Ray-Ban Meta glasses and excited to now expand our work with Oakley, the most iconic eyewear brand in sports innovation. Our teams have been working together for years to understand the unique needs of athletes, and we can’t wait to deliver new experiences that integrate into their everyday life, both on and off the field.” 

Oakley Meta HSTN is taking the game to the next level with features that represent the evolution of AI glasses: ​ ​ ​ ​ 

  • More Battery Stamina: Oakley Meta HSTN will also provide 40% longer battery life, lasting up to eight hours of typical use and up to 19 hours on standby. The glasses also come with a charging case that can deliver up to 48 hours of charging on the go. 
  • Higher Resolution Camera: Oakley Meta HSTN, the first product in the collection, will include key tech improvements, including Ultra HD 3K recording, so videos will be clearer and higher resolution than Full HD (1080p).
  • Meta AI meets Performance AI glasses: With Meta AI, your personal AI assistant, built in, athletes can get more out of their Oakley Meta HSTNs right out of the box. ​ For example, you can level up the competition in a whole new way when playing a round of golf. Need to know how the wind is going to affect your drive? Ask, “Hey Meta, how strong is the wind today?” and channel your inner Team Oakley Athlete J.R. Smith. Or, like Boo Johnson, record epic moments and post to Stories, hands-free, by saying “Hey Meta, take a video.” Get answers to a range of questions, whether you’re improving your game or checking the surf conditions. ​ 

Design Details  

Select pairs of Oakley Meta HSTN glasses come with Oakley® PRIZM™ Lens technology, one of the most advanced innovations in lens design. By decoding how the brain and eye process light, Oakley engineered a way to enhance vision and amplify contrast across changing light and weather conditions. This revolutionary technology fine-tunes the light spectrum, amplifying color while filtering out visual noise. Proprietary PRIZM™ dyes manipulate light at a molecular level, enhancing detail and transforming your surroundings into vivid, high-definition clarity. This allows subtle visual cues to come sharply into view, helping wearers see more, react quicker, and perform at their peak. ​ ​ ​ 

Of course, it’s good to have options. That’s why we’ve put together a lineup of six frame and lens color combos, all Rx-ready so you can pick the perfect pair: 

  • Oakley Meta HSTN Warm Grey with PRIZM™ Ruby Lenses ​ ​ 
  • Oakley Meta HSTN Black with PRIZM™ Polar Black Lenses ​ ​ 
  • Oakley Meta HSTN Brown Smoke with PRIZM™ Polar Deep Water Lenses ​ ​ 
  • Oakley Meta HSTN Black with Transitions Amethyst Lenses ​ ​ 
  • Oakley Meta HSTN Clear with Transitions Grey Lenses ​ ​ 
  • Oakley Meta HSTN Black with Clear Lenses 

We’re kicking off with a Limited Edition Oakley Meta HSTN that honors 50 years of Oakley design, while charging into a new era of innovation, featuring gold accents and gold 24K PRIZM™ Polar lenses. 

Product Availability  

The Limited-Edition Oakley Meta HSTN will be available for preorder starting July 11, with the rest of the collection dropping later this summer. Oakley Meta HSTN will be available in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. ​ We’re also working to bring Oakley Meta HSTN to Mexico, India, and UAE later this year.

Get a first glimpse of Oakley Meta HSTN in a global campaign featuring elite athletes from Team Oakley and beyond—from Gabriel Medina checking out the surf before carving lines, to athlete J.R. Smith judging the wind on the golf course, Ishod Wair and Boo Johnson skating different spots and capturing it all, and Bicho Carrera operating on another altitude. The next evolution of AI glasses will also debut at marquee sporting events, starting with Fanatics Fest June 20 – 22, followed by UFC International Fight Week, June 25 – 27, with more to come this year. ​ ​ 

OAKLEY META HSTN LIMITED EDITION
OAKLEY META HSTN LIMITED EDITION

Learn more about Oakley Meta HSTN and sign up to be among the first to know about availability on Oakley.com and Meta.com 

Peak Performance  

Oakley Meta glasses are the latest chapter of a multi-year partnership between Meta and EssilorLuxottica. Meta and Oakley’s work is rooted in years of joint development, ground-up engineering, and an understanding of what drives athletes. We can’t wait to see how they change the game.

Click HERE for the press release.

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Vision Expo to Transition to Single Annual Event Beginning in 2026

Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo, the leading trade event for the optical industry, produced by The Vision Council and RX, announces a strategic evolution that will reshape the future of eyecare and eyewear in the Americas. Beginning March 2026, Vision Expo will unify into a single, annual event, starting in Orlando, FL and rotating through major US cities.

The unified Vision Expo will bring together the entire optical community once a year, beginning with Orlando in 2026, followed by Las Vegas in 2027 and New York in 2028. The 2029 location will be announced at a later date. Vision Expo West in Las Vegas will take place September 17-20, 2025. 

The move comes in response to extensive feedback from exhibitors, attendees, industry partners, and board members, and positions Vision Expo as the definitive hub for product discovery, education, innovation, and connection.

“Vision Expo was created to serve the industry, and this move reflects a strategic investment in its future,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “By uniting the industry in one powerful annual moment, we create space for greater innovation, stronger partnerships, and long-term growth.”

The new Vision Expo format is set to deliver an experience that maximizes value, streamlines participation and reflects the dynamic needs of a changing marketplace while expanding the show’s overall impact.

Key objectives of the new format include:

  • A more robust experience with expanded technology showcases, immersive activations, focused education and enhanced networking
  • Simplified event planning for companies and attendees in a crowded industry events calendar
  • One comprehensive event for the optical community in eyewear, vision care and technology to meet, learn and do business
  • Strategic timing in March, aligned with product launches, continuing education credit cycles and key buying seasons
  • A rotating host city model in top business travel destinations that provide regional access, fresh experiences and global appeal
  • Room to grow into new categories while maintaining the show’s position as the leading optical event in the Americas
  • “Focusing our efforts into one major U.S. event allows us to go bigger, stand out more, and deliver a stronger overall experience,” says Jamie Shyer, co-CEO/COO of Zyloware. “It’s the right move for the industry, giving both exhibitors and attendees more value through greater visibility, focus, and impact.”
  • “As a long-time attendee, the industry event calendar can be overwhelming and choices need to be made based on how to best meet our growing business needs,” said attendee Mollie Tavel Kaback, Vice President of Dr. Tavel, & Founder of Alternate View. “A bigger, better, single Vision Expo event means we can show up, accomplish everything we need to do in one place, and leave energized for the future.” 
  • “By concentrating resources to produce one yearly show, Vision Expo strengthens its position as the can’t-miss optical event in North America,” said April Stackhouse, Event Vice President, RX. “Participation is easier than ever, and the show will be better than ever – we are investing in immersive experiences, curated programming and exclusive opportunities for product launch and new business that can’t be found anywhere else.”

Future Show Dates and Locations :

  • Vision Expo 2026: March 12–14, Orlando, Florida – Orange County Convention Center
  • Vision Expo 2027: March 11–13, Las Vegas, Nevada – The Venetian Expo
  • Vision Expo 2028: March 30–April 1, New York, New York – The Javits Center

Vision Expo will continue to offer top-tier accredited education, networking and product discovery, now more valuable and impactful than ever before.

For updates and more information regarding the future Vision Expo, visit www.visionexpo.com

Click HERE for the press release.

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Bausch + Lomb Features More Than 30 Scientific Presentations at Optometry’s Meeting® and the 5th World Congress of Optometry

Bausch + Lomb

Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced 11 live presentations and 22 poster presentations at Optometry’s Meeting the annual American Optometric Association (AOA) Congress, and the 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO) taking place in Minneapolis, MN June 25-28, 2025. The company also sponsored several educational events.

Of the live presentations, two were recognized as a Top Five Poster and a Top Presentation at this year’s meeting by the AOA and WCO respectively: an analysis of Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® monthly lenses and an  overview of early clinical experience and market adoption of MIEBO® (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution), which is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

Additional live presentations and posters will feature data across key products in the company’s broad eye care portfolio. These include XIIDRA® (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%, which is indicated to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, LUMIFY® Preservative Free redness reliever eye drops, Zenlens®, a custom scleral contact lens technology designed to fit a wide variety of corneal shapes and sizes, Blink® Nourish and Blink Boost lubricating eye drops for dry eyes and Blink™ NutriTears® clinically proven nutritional supplement for dry eyes*.

See below for the complete list of Bausch + Lomb scientific presentations and events.

Live Presentations

  • “Coverage of Ametropia with a Planned Replacement Soft Contact Lens Portfolio.” Luensmann D.
  • “Early Patient-Reported Satisfaction in Patients Initiated on Perfluorohexyloctane for Dry Eye Disease.” Quint J.
  • “Early Symptom Relief and Satisfaction with Perfluorohexyloctane Ophthalmic Solution in Dry Eye Disease: a Prospective, Open-Label, Multicenter Study.” Lang J.
  • “Impact on Intraocular Pressure After Switching to Latanoprostene Bunod Among Patients with Glaucoma in Real-World Clinical Practice.” Cothran N.

Live In Person Poster Presentations

  • “Addressing Ocular Redness and Other Cosmetic Concern: Insights from a Survey of U.S. Optometrists.” Cerenzia W.
  • “Early Symptom Relief with Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution, 5.0% in Patients with Dry Eye Disease: A Post-Hoc Analysis of Two Randomized Clinical Trials.” Koetting C.
  • “Effect of the Dry Eye Drop Perfluorohexyloctane and Comparator Semifluorinated Alkanes on the Evaporation.” Borchman D.
  • “Early Adoption and Utilization of Perfluorohexyloctane Ophthalmic Solution for Dry Eye Disease.” Brimer C.
  • “Early Patient-Reported Satisfaction in Patients Initiated on Perfluorohexyloctane for Dry Eye Disease.” Quint J.
  • “Intervening in the Dry Eye Inflammatory Cycle with a Daily Oral Nutritional Supplement.” Gioia N.
  • “Real-World Evaluation of Practitioner Satisfaction with a Novel Daily Disposable Silicone Hydrogel Toric Contact Lens: Study Summary and Early Experience.” Womack J.

Digital Presentations

  • “A Multi-Country Assessment of a Custom Scleral Lens System: Eyecare Practitioner Clinical Experience and Satisfaction.” Messer B.
  • “A Multi-Country Assessment of a Custom Scleral Lens System: Real-World Clinical Outcomes.” Gildea C.
  • “Analysis of Real-World Prescribing Patterns of Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution 0.025%.” Quint J.
  • “A Real-World Multi-Country Assessment of a Custom Scleral Lens System: MicroVault Technology Sub-analysis.” Gidosh N.
  • “A Real-World Multi-Country Assessment of a Custom Scleral Lens System: Multifocal Lens Sub-analysis.” Hoffman K.
  • “Comparative Analysis of the Antioxidant Effects of a Novel Over-the-Counter Dry Eye Drop on Human Corneal Epithelial Cells.” McGee S.
  • “Comparative Analysis of the Osmoprotective Effects of Over-the-Counter Dry Eye Formulations on Human Corneal Epithelial Cells.” Koetting C.
  • “Conjunctival Hyperemia: a Multi-Country Assessment of Health Care Professionals’ Perspectives on the Treatment Landscape.” Wesley G.
  • “Evaluation of a Novel Preservative-Free Formulation of Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution for the Treatment of Conjunctival Hyperemia.” McGee S.
  • Fitting Success Rates with a Unique Daily Disposable Multifocal Contact Lens: a Multicenter Clinical Study.” Holland Z.
  • Patient and Eyecare Professional Satisfaction with Kalifilcon a Spherical Daily Disposable Contact Lenses for Existing Planned Replacement Soft Contact Lens Wearers.” Lang J.
  • “Real-World Assessment of a Multi-Purpose Contact Lens Solution Among Excessive Contact Lens Wearers.” Schaeffer M.
  • Real-World Assessment of a Novel Multi-Purpose Contact Lens Solution Among Hydrogen Peroxide Lens Care Users with Lens Dryness.” Nguyen C.
  • “Real-World Clinical Experience with a Custom Scleral Lens System, Utilizing Two Distinct Sagittal Depth Values to Address Limbal Asymmetry.” Kuzniar J.
  • “Real-World Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction with a Novel Daily Disposable Silicone Hydrogel Toric Contact Lens: Study Summary and Early Experience.” Wesley G.
  • “Real-World Experience with Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution in Patients with Dry Eye Disease: a Provider Survey.” Barnett M.
  • Real-World Patient and Eyecare Professional Satisfaction with a Multifocal Toric Silicone Hydrogel Monthly Contact Lens: Existing Contact Lens Wearers.” Bhagat K.
  • “Real-World Patient Satisfaction with a Multifocal Toric Silicone Hydrogel Monthly Contact Lens: Prior Spectacle Wearers.” Bhagat K.
  • “Scleral Lens Fitting in a Patient with Keratoconus and a History of Cataract, Corneal Transplant, and Bleb-Forming Glaucoma Surgery.” Harsch A.
  • “Scleral Lens Fitting in a Patient with Keratoconus with Prior Corneal Crosslinking: Utilization of Bi-Elevation and MicroVault Technology.” Messer B.
  • “The Design and Fit of a Scleral Lens in a Patient with a Post-Graft Cornea Using Optical Coherence Tomography and Scleral Profilometry.” Kuzniar J.
  • “Utilization of Customizable Toric Peripheral Curves to Optimize Scleral Lens Fit and Vision Outcomes in Patients with Irregular Astigmatism and Corneal Complexities.” Hoffman K.

Thursday, June 26
Managing Patients with Both Glaucoma and Dry Eye Disease

  • 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. CT; Minneapolis Convention Center; Room 101 DE
  • Speakers: Nora Lee Cothran, OD, FAAO; Nate Lighthizer, OD, FAAO

Case Presentations: A Family of Eye Care Products with Innovations for Every Stage of Life

  • 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CT; Minneapolis Convention Center; Room 101 DE
  • Speaker: Selina McGee, OD, FAAO; Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO; John Womack, OD

Friday, June 27
Rethinking Dry Eye Disease: A Contemporary Approach to a Complex Condition

  • 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. CT; Minneapolis Convention Center; Room 101 DE
  • Speakers: Jade Coats, OD, FAAO; Derek Cunningham, OD, FAAO

Saturday, June 28
AREDS: A Summary of Recent Clinical Updates

  • 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. CT; Minneapolis Convention Center; Room 101 DE
  • Speaker: Jeff Gerson, OD, FAAO

The Puzzle of Dry Eye: Targeted Approaches to a Multifactorial Condition

  • 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CT; Minneapolis Convention Center; Room 101 DE
  • Speakers: Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, DipABO; Selina McGee, OD, FAAO

Celebration of Optometry Event
For the second consecutive year, Bausch + Lomb is the title sponsor of AOA’s Celebration of Optometry event, taking place at Orchestra Hall and Peavey Plaza (1111 Nicollet Mall) at 7 p.m. CT on Friday, June 27. Attendees heared from Drs. Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, DipABO, and Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, on the company’s latest innovations, including Bausch + Lomb INFUSE® daily disposable contact lenses and the company’s new preservative-free products, Blink Boost lubricating eye drops, Blink Nourish lubricating eye drops and LUMIFY Preservative Free redness reliever eye drops.

###

Important Safety Information for MIEBO

INDICATION
MIEBO (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution) is used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  • MIEBO should not be administered while wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses should be removed before use and for at least 30 minutes after administration of MIEBO
  • Instruct patients to instill one drop of MIEBO into each eye four times daily
  • The safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 18 have not been established
  • The most common ocular adverse reaction was blurred vision (1% to 3% of patients reported blurred vision and conjunctival redness)

Click here for full Prescribing Information for MIEBO.

Important Safety Information for XIIDRA

Indication
Xiidra® (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% is indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED).

Important Safety Information

  • Xiidra is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to lifitegrast or to any of the other ingredients.
  • In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions reported in 5-25% of patients were instillation site irritation, dysgeusia and reduced visual acuity. Other adverse reactions reported in 1% to 5% of the patients were blurred vision, conjunctival hyperemia, eye irritation, headache, increased lacrimation, eye discharge, eye discomfort, eye pruritus and sinusitis.
  • To avoid the potential for eye injury or contamination of the solution, patients should not touch the tip of the single-use container to their eye or to any surface.
  • Contact lenses should be removed prior to the administration of Xiidra and may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration.
  • Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 17 years have not been established.

Click here for full Prescribing Information for Xiidra.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Important Safety Information for Zenlens

WARNINGS:
Patients should be advised of the following warnings pertaining to contact lens wear:

  • Problems with contact lenses and lens care products could result in serious injury to the eye. It is essential that patients follow their eyecare practitioner’s directions and all labeling instructions for proper use of lenses and lens care products, including the lens case. Eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop rapidly and lead to loss of vision.
  • Daily wear lenses are not indicated for overnight wear, and patients should be instructed not to wear lenses while sleeping.
  • Clinical studies have shown that the risk of serious adverse reactions is increased when daily wear lenses are worn overnight.
  • Studies have shown that contact lens wearers who are smokers have a higher incidence of adverse reactions than nonsmokers.
  • If a patient experiences eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, or redness of the eye, the patient should be instructed to immediately remove lenses and promptly contact his or her eyecare practitioner.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Do not use when any of the following conditions exist:

  • Acute or subacute inflammation or infection of the anterior chamber of the eye
  • Any eye disease, injury or abnormality, other than keratoconus, PMD, that affects the cornea, conjunctiva or eyelids
  • Severe insufficiency of lacrimal secretion (dry eye)
  • Corneal hypoesthesia (reduced sensitivity), if not aphakic
  • Any systemic disease that may affect the eye or be exaggerated by wearing contact lenses
  • Allergic reactions of ocular surfaces or adnexa that may be induced or exaggerated by wearing contact lenses or using contact lens solutions
  • Allergy to any ingredient in a solution which is to be used to care for contact lenses
  • Any active corneal infection (bacterial, fungal or viral)
  • Red or irritated eyes

ADVERSE EFFECTS:
The following problems may occur with the use of contact lenses:

  • Eyes stinging, burning, itching, irritation or other eye pain
  • Comfort is less than when the lens was first placed on the eye
  • Feeling of something in the eye such as a foreign body, scratched area
  • Excessive watering (tearing) of the eye
  • Unusual eye secretions Redness of the eyes
  • Reduced sharpness of vision (poor visual acuity)
  • Blurred vision, rainbows, or halos around objects
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Dry eyes

Source: Bausch + Lomb  

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Digital Clarity: What Contact Lens Search Data Reveals About Today’s Patients

CLI article -Digital Insights Contact Lenses

The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has released a new report that sheds light on a topic most practitioners rarely see in the clinic but affects nearly every patient interaction: what people are searching online about contact lenses.

Titled Digital Discovery: Consumer Searches Reveal Contact Lens Realities, the 30-page report analyzes digital search behavior across platforms including Google, TikTok, voice assistants, and generative AI tools.

It is the latest installment in CLI’s See Tomorrow initiative and offers a timely snapshot of consumer curiosity and digital influence in the world of contact lenses.

For professionals and the public alike, the findings are both insightful and, at times, surprising.

CLI Digital Discovery Consumer searches reveal contact lens realities

Search Engines as the Silent Second Opinion

Today’s consumers are turning to Google, Siri, and ChatGPT with contact lens questions they may not feel comfortable asking during an eye exam.

CLI’s analysis found that questions about cost, comfort, health risks, and wear-and-care routines dominate the search landscape.

According to the report, 65% of contact lens-related searches are purchase-driven, with many users entering queries like “cheap contact lenses online,” “best lenses for astigmatism,” or “contact lenses with colour prescription.”

“This shows that the digital experience begins long before the patient walks into your office,” says Stan Rogaski, Executive Director of CLI. “Understanding what’s being asked gives us a chance to better connect with patients, both online and in person.”


Cost and Convenience Drive Digital Dialogue

Among the top 20 auto-complete contact lens searches on Google in the U.S. and Canada, ten were focused on purchase behavior, including brand-specific and discount-related inquiries. Colour contact lenses were also heavily searched, especially in the months aaound Halloween, though the data suggest this is not solely a seasonal trend.

The dominance of these searches reflects a broader consumer pattern—patients are price-anchoring their expectations online. They may compare in-office pricing to online listings, which often promote discounted rates after rebates, creating a mismatch in perceived value if practices aren’t proactively communicating total cost, insurance applications, and the added benefits of buying directly.

CLI’s Visionaries—practicing ECPs who contributed practical insights to the report—recommend strategies like:

  • Clearly showing rebate-adjusted prices
  • Promoting in-office and online ordering options
  • Offering auto-refill or subscription services
  • Communicating direct shipping and return policies

Practices that embrace transparent pricing and convenience-based messaging, the report notes, can retain more patients and improve contact lens sales.

Voice, AI, and Mobile-First Behavior: The New Front Lines

Mobile devices now account for 63% of U.S. organic search traffic, according to data cited in the CLI report. Additionally, nearly one in five searches are voice-based, and generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are becoming go-to sources for contact lens queries.

This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While AI may cite trusted organizations like the American Optometric Association or Mayo Clinic, it rarely connects users directly to local practices. In fact, CLI’s audit found inconsistencies in the quality and relevance of AI-generated contact lens advice.

To counter this, practices are encouraged to:

  • Optimize their websites for local SEO, using terms like “eye doctor” (the most-searched phrase linked to contact lenses)
  • Ensure business profiles are complete and accurate on platforms like Google Maps
  • Create mobile-friendly experiences with FAQ pages, ordering portals, and embedded contact forms

“Even with the rise of AI, patients still value expert guidance from their eye care professional,” says Rogaski. “Practices that stay digitally visible will have an edge.”

Insertion and Removal: A Surprising Asymmetry

One of the more unexpected findings in the Digital Discovery report is the volume of searches about removing contact lenses—significantly outpacing searches about putting them in.

On both Google and TikTok, contact lens removal was searched 2.5 to 4 times more frequently than insertion. This suggests that patients are struggling with removal even after initial training, or may be skipping clinical support altogether when sourcing lenses online.

This gap reinforces the need for comprehensive insertion and removal (I&R) training, as well as follow-up communication—potentially via text or video—to troubleshoot post-dispensing challenges.

CLI Visionary Dr. Roxanne Achong-Coan suggests clinicians observe patients removing their lenses during follow-ups to identify technique issues. Educational videos and printed guides on practice websites can also serve as 24/7 resources for anxious new wearers.

Language, Lifestyle, and the Rise of the “Either-Or” Mentality

The CLI report also explored geographic and linguistic factors in contact lens search behavior. While English dominates, searches in French and Chinese are notable in Canada, indicating an opportunity for multilingual patient engagement—on websites and in practice materials.

Another insight: 84% of comparative searches frame contact lenses as an “either-or” option with glasses or LASIK, not as a complementary solution. That suggests many patients still don’t understand the benefits of dual wear, and may not be hearing that message from their provider.

Practices are encouraged to plant the “and” conversation early in the appointment—glasses and contacts, for flexibility and lifestyle needs. This small shift could lead to higher satisfaction and additional prescribing opportunities.

Conclusion: A Call to Modernize Patient Engagement

The Digital Discovery report serves as a timely reminder that contact lens care no longer starts and ends in the exam room. Patients are forming impressions and making decisions based on what they find online—often before stepping foot in your practice.

CLI’s findings advocate for eye care professionals and staff to adopt a more integrated, digitally-aware approach. From optimizing local search visibility to tailoring chairside conversations based on known patient concerns (cost, safety, comfort), the opportunity is clear.

As the report states, “Digital search is a way of life… It’s a certainty that the eye care profession will keep pace with how the category evolves.”

📘 Download the full CLI Digital Discovery report at:
https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/resources/digital-search/

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EssilorLuxottica has introduced Essilor® Stellest® 2.0 lenses in Canada, offering stronger efficacy and enhanced design features for childhood myopia management.

Read more
Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo 2026 Launches “Call for NEW” to Spotlight Industry Innovation

Vision Expo 2026 launches its Call for NEW initiative, spotlighting product debuts, technologies and innovations ahead of the unified annual event in Orlando.

Learn More
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica Joins Forces with Fondazione Chips-IT to Accelerate the Future of Smart Eyewear

EssilorLuxottica joins forces with Fondazione Chips-IT to accelerate smart-eyewear innovation through next-generation chip design, open-hardware collaboration and advanced wearable technologies.

Read More
JF Rey Collection Femme Dec 2025

J.F. Rey Unveils New Women’s Collection Showcasing Exceptional Craftsmanship and Mastery of Colour

J.F. Rey launches its new Women’s Collection with 11 shapes and 55 colours, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, bold design and masterful colour innovation.

Read More
Opti Munich 2026 logo

opti 2026 Unveils TOMORROW VISION and opti SPHEARE: New Platforms for Contact Lens Innovation and Hearing Care

opti 2026 is spotlighting two major growth drivers: TOMORROW VISION, a high-energy innovation platform for contact lenses, and opti SPHEARE, a new experiential centre for hearing care.

Read More
Essilor Stellest 2.0 lenses

EssilorLuxottica Introduces Essilor® Stellest® 2.0 Lenses to Canada, Advancing Childhood Myopia Management

EssilorLuxottica has introduced Essilor® Stellest® 2.0 lenses in Canada, offering stronger efficacy and enhanced design features for childhood myopia management.

Read More
Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo 2026 Launches “Call for NEW” to Spotlight Industry Innovation

Vision Expo 2026 launches its Call for NEW initiative, spotlighting product debuts, technologies and innovations ahead of the unified annual event in Orlando.

Learn More
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica Joins Forces with Fondazione Chips-IT to Accelerate the Future of Smart Eyewear

EssilorLuxottica joins forces with Fondazione Chips-IT to accelerate smart-eyewear innovation through next-generation chip design, open-hardware collaboration and advanced wearable technologies.

Read more
JF Rey Collection Femme Dec 2025

J.F. Rey Unveils New Women’s Collection Showcasing Exceptional Craftsmanship and Mastery of Colour

J.F. Rey launches its new Women’s Collection with 11 shapes and 55 colours, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, bold design and masterful colour innovation.

Read more
Opti Munich 2026 logo

opti 2026 Unveils TOMORROW VISION and opti SPHEARE: New Platforms for Contact Lens Innovation and Hearing Care

opti 2026 is spotlighting two major growth drivers: TOMORROW VISION, a high-energy innovation platform for contact lenses, and opti SPHEARE, a new experiential centre for hearing care.

Read more
Essilor Stellest 2.0 lenses

EssilorLuxottica Introduces Essilor® Stellest® 2.0 Lenses to Canada, Advancing Childhood Myopia Management

EssilorLuxottica has introduced Essilor® Stellest® 2.0 lenses in Canada, offering stronger efficacy and enhanced design features for childhood myopia management.

Read more
Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo 2026 Launches “Call for NEW” to Spotlight Industry Innovation

Vision Expo 2026 launches its Call for NEW initiative, spotlighting product debuts, technologies and innovations ahead of the unified annual event in Orlando.

Learn More
EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica Joins Forces with Fondazione Chips-IT to Accelerate the Future of Smart Eyewear

EssilorLuxottica joins forces with Fondazione Chips-IT to accelerate smart-eyewear innovation through next-generation chip design, open-hardware collaboration and advanced wearable technologies.

Read more
JF Rey Collection Femme Dec 2025

J.F. Rey Unveils New Women’s Collection Showcasing Exceptional Craftsmanship and Mastery of Colour

J.F. Rey launches its new Women’s Collection with 11 shapes and 55 colours, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, bold design and masterful colour innovation.

Read more
Opti Munich 2026 logo

opti 2026 Unveils TOMORROW VISION and opti SPHEARE: New Platforms for Contact Lens Innovation and Hearing Care

opti 2026 is spotlighting two major growth drivers: TOMORROW VISION, a high-energy innovation platform for contact lenses, and opti SPHEARE, a new experiential centre for hearing care.

Read more
Essilor Stellest 2.0 lenses

EssilorLuxottica Introduces Essilor® Stellest® 2.0 Lenses to Canada, Advancing Childhood Myopia Management

EssilorLuxottica has introduced Essilor® Stellest® 2.0 lenses in Canada, offering stronger efficacy and enhanced design features for childhood myopia management.

Read more