Alcon has announced plans to acquire STAAR Surgical Company in a transaction valued at approximately $1.5 billion. STAAR is best known for its Implantable Collamer® Lens (ICL) portfolio, including the EVO ICL™ family, designed for vision correction in patients with moderate to high myopia, with or without astigmatism.
Under the definitive merger agreement, Alcon will purchase all outstanding shares of STAAR common stock for $28 per share in cash—a 59% premium over STAAR’s 90-day volume-weighted average price and a 51% premium over its August 4 closing price.
The EVO ICL products are implantable lenses placed between the iris and the natural crystalline lens, offering a reversible, minimally invasive alternative to corneal refractive procedures such as LASIK. Alcon says the acquisition will strengthen its surgical vision correction offerings for patients unsuitable for other refractive surgeries.
In announcing the deal, Alcon CEO David Endicott said that the transaction would expand the company’s ability to address myopia across a full range of treatment options, from contact lenses to surgical interventions. STAAR CEO Stephen Farrell noted that market fluctuations, particularly in China, have posed ongoing challenges for the company and that joining Alcon offers greater resources to accelerate adoption of EVO ICL technology.
The agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of both companies and is expected to close within six to 12 months, pending regulatory approvals and STAAR shareholder approval. The transaction is not subject to financing conditions and is expected to be accretive to Alcon’s earnings in its second year post-closing.
For the 13th consecutive year, CooperVision’s Juana Díaz manufacturing facility has been recognized by the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association (PRMA) for its achievements in sustainability and occupational health and safety. The honors reflect CooperVision’s long-term commitment to advancing safe, sustainable operations for the benefit of People + Planet.
CooperVision’s 2025 PRMA distinctions include:
PRMA President’s Award, for maintaining a workplace injury and illness rate well below the national average for comparable industrial operations;
Platinum Recycling Award, for diverting more than 90% of non-hazardous waste from landfills;1 and
Leadership in Environmental Performance
Eco Label Certification, for achieving LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council*2 and Zero Waste Facility Program Certification through SCS Global Services.†3
Eco Label LEED® Gold Certification,*2 in recognition of compliance, operations, conservation, and environmental protection, as well as partnerships with Environmental Excellence Programs such as EPA Energy Star, LEED, Zero Waste to Landfill, Zero Liquid Discharge, and other awards evaluated and granted by an independent agency.
“Year after year, these awards are a celebration of our team’s longstanding dedication to maintaining high standards and consistently raising the bar,” said Rolando Torres, Chief Operations Officer, CooperVision. “The PRMA’s continuous focus on progress keeps us moving forward and making a positive impact on our workplace, our community, and the planet.”
CooperVision received an award in 2024 for its Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) project in Juana Díaz, which is significantly more efficient than conventional on-site diesel, natural gas, or propane-powered generators. The natural gas-fueled CHP captures and reuses excess heat and avoids distribution losses.
The company’s repeated PRMA recognition represents only a portion of its broader environmental initiatives focused on saving water and conserving energy; reducing, reusing, and recycling resources; and empowering people within the company and communities in which it operates.
Globally, CooperVision continues to work to minimize its environmental impact and operate more sustainably as part of CooperCompanies’ efforts to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. To learn more about CooperVision’s global sustainability strategy and progress, please visit www.coopervision.com/sustainability.
* LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
† Zero Waste Program Certification is obtained through SCS Global Services, an international leader in third-party certification, validation, and verification for environmental sustainability.
References
1 CVI Data on file 2023.
2 CVI data on file, 2024. US Green Building Council. Building Research Establishment.
EssilorLuxottica announces the acquisition of Automation & Robotics (A&R), a renowned player in the design and manufacture of automated systems for optical lens quality control, serving both mass production facilities and prescription laboratories.
Headquartered in Belgium and operating since 1983, A&R has built a strong reputation in advanced optical metrology thanks to proprietary technologies, supporting lens manufacturers in the digital transformation of their production processes. With a proven track record of innovation – ranging from high-precision machine applications to sophisticated software solutions – A&R brings deep expertise across the value-chain. This encompasses R&D, software development, manufacturing, distribution and deployment, along with related services.
“The integration of A&R into EssilorLuxottica’s portfolio of industrial solutions marks another milestone in our ongoing journey to set new standards of excellence in our industry. Sharing a commitment to innovation, precision and service, we will be able to better support the evolving needs of ophthalmic manufacturing, including those of new categories like wearables. This move is a key step towards advancing the future of vision care through quality and performance, by strengthening our technological platform”, commented Francesco Milleri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Paul du Saillant, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at EssilorLuxottica.
The bolt-on transaction further advances EssilorLuxottica’s vertical integration, aimed at achieving the highest quality standards throughout the value chain while optimizing service, for the benefit of all industry players.
Routine eye examinations for children can feel like a breeze for some practitioners and a source of anxiety for others. A streamlined experience, from booking to check-out, makes all the difference.
It can be challenging to assess vision problems in children, and even more so when they have an established learning disability, developmental delays, or behavioural difficulties. Yet these children are more likely to need glasses or have treatable eye issues that are often overlooked.1 For instance, a child might struggle with spelling because they see double or blurry letters, and not just because of learning difficulties.
As an optometrist who exclusively worked with children with learning disabilities and developmental delays over the course of my residency, here are three practical strategies to help pediatric exams run efficiently while keeping the experience positive for everyone involved.
Get to Know the Child (and Parent!) Before They Arrive
Online intake forms save time and offer early insight into the child’s needs. Include questions about their comfort level, fears (e.g., fear of the exam room), attention span, and whether they’d prefer testing in the waiting area.
If the child has a very short attention span or may not prefer to have their parent in the room during the eye exam, these needs should be communicated before the exam date so that accommodations can be made in advance and the overall visit experience is positive. If there are developmental delays that might make standardized testing difficult, it can help to have pictures and alternate testing methods printed out beforehand so the patient is familiarized. For instance, pictures of various Allen symbols can be sent home ahead of time, and the child’s favourite videos can be pulled up on a phone or tablet in preparation.
2. Minimize Pre-Test Time and Maximize Chair Time
For an optometrist who may not have a lot of pediatric equipment, a common inclination might be to have the child go through as much pre-testing as possible, such as auto-refraction, non-contact tonometry, and fundus imaging. While information from the pre-testing is incredibly useful, pre-testing like auto-refraction or non-contact tonometry can overwhelm children, especially during their first visit.
More often than not, auto-refractor results are unreliable due to extremely flexible accommodative systems and can throw the exam off track trying to determine if the –8.50 auto-refractor values are real. Completing a child eye exam is in some ways like competing with a ticking time bomb – remember that children can tire quickly within the first 15 to 20 minutes of the eye exam, and it’s better for that precious time to be spent in your chair rather than fighting for fixation in the auto-refractor.
Instead, start with simple, non-intimidating tests like pursuits, saccades, and near point of convergence. These don’t require verbal responses and help ease the child into the exam. Follow with interactive tests like colour vision and stereopsis, which are fun and engaging.
Once rapport is established, transition into key assessments: visual acuity, refraction, and ocular health. Fundus imaging and auto-refraction can always be deferred so long as there are no immediate concerns, and depending on the child’s energy and cooperation. Flexible sequencing helps build trust and can improve cooperation during glasses fitting with the optician and for future visits.
3. Make Use of Alternative Testing Devices and New Technology
Pediatric eye exams can feel intimidating when tools such as Teller acuity cards, Lea paddles and various indirect ophthalmoscopes aren’t readily available in the clinic. However, it’s important to remember that many alternatives exist and that ultimately, the main focus is to observe the child’s behaviour. Many small toys, videos, and picture books can function as fixation targets.
There are also various phone applications that ECPs can use which contain fixation targets, near fixation optotypes, and even extended testing such as screen distance measurements. Mobile apps like My Call Bag and Smart Optometry offer near and distance visual acuity tests and other kid-friendly tools.
Features like Apple’s “Screen Distance” setting also allow for parents to help monitor visual habits even when they can’t actively observe their children. This can be of particular use as children with autism tend to develop higher rates of refractive error while also experiencing greater difficulties with glasses wear due to sensory issues.2,3
Remember: Keep Pediatric Eye Exams Short, Sweet, and Flexible
Above all, pediatric exams should be adaptable. Building a positive, low-stress experience promotes long-term cooperation and allows early identification of visual issues. A flexible approach not only improves outcomes—it strengthens trust with families and sets the foundation for lifelong eye health.
Disclaimer: The author has no financial relationships or ties with the aforementioned companies or applications described in the article.
References
1. Donaldson L, O’Brien D, Karas M. A review of the evidence that people with learning disabilities experience eye health inequalities: What policies can better ensure an equal right to sight? Br J Learn Disabil. 2024;52(2):302-311. doi:10.1111/bld.12573
2. Reynolds M, Culican SM. Visual Autism. Children (Basel). 2023;10(4):606. Published 2023 Mar 23. doi:10.3390/children10040606
3. Zain A, Akram U, Khalid T, Nadir M, Akhtar M. Refractive Errors Linked to Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Pediatric Population and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis. Rev J Autism Dev. Disorder. 2024. Published 5 Jul 2024. doi:10.1007/s40489-024- 00468-9.
Jenny Lee is a current resident in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy at the University of Waterloo. She obtained her optometry degree in 2023 from the Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Jenny is an avid hiker, painter, and enjoys paddleboarding making Instagram reels in her spare time.
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Two Blind Brother, Bradford and Bryan Manning, were diagnosed with a degenerative retinal condition, at a young age. They now use their platform to raise awareness and funds to help cure blindness. The collection combines sleek, everyday wearable styles that are fashion-forward yet comfortable. For more information, contact your Centennial Optical representative.
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.
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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.
Alcon announces the Canadian launch of PRECISION7, a one-week replacement contact lens designed to deliver comfort, hydration, and an intuitive replacement schedule.
Explore how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and charity transform eye care. Learn to build patient trust, reduce burnout, and strengthen your team dynamics.
The U.S. optical industry reached $69.5 billion in 2025 despite declines in product volume and eye exams, according to Market inSights from The Vision Council.
The Contact Lens Institute has named 17 optometrists and opticians from the U.S. and Canada as its 2026 Visionaries, recognizing leaders in contact lens education and best practices.
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.
Alcon announces the Canadian launch of PRECISION7, a one-week replacement contact lens designed to deliver comfort, hydration, and an intuitive replacement schedule.
Explore how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and charity transform eye care. Learn to build patient trust, reduce burnout, and strengthen your team dynamics.
The U.S. optical industry reached $69.5 billion in 2025 despite declines in product volume and eye exams, according to Market inSights from The Vision Council.
The Contact Lens Institute has named 17 optometrists and opticians from the U.S. and Canada as its 2026 Visionaries, recognizing leaders in contact lens education and best practices.
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.
Alcon announces the Canadian launch of PRECISION7, a one-week replacement contact lens designed to deliver comfort, hydration, and an intuitive replacement schedule.
Explore how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and charity transform eye care. Learn to build patient trust, reduce burnout, and strengthen your team dynamics.
The U.S. optical industry reached $69.5 billion in 2025 despite declines in product volume and eye exams, according to Market inSights from The Vision Council.
The Contact Lens Institute has named 17 optometrists and opticians from the U.S. and Canada as its 2026 Visionaries, recognizing leaders in contact lens education and best practices.
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.
Alcon announces the Canadian launch of PRECISION7, a one-week replacement contact lens designed to deliver comfort, hydration, and an intuitive replacement schedule.
Explore how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and charity transform eye care. Learn to build patient trust, reduce burnout, and strengthen your team dynamics.
The U.S. optical industry reached $69.5 billion in 2025 despite declines in product volume and eye exams, according to Market inSights from The Vision Council.
The Contact Lens Institute has named 17 optometrists and opticians from the U.S. and Canada as its 2026 Visionaries, recognizing leaders in contact lens education and best practices.
