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March 2, 2026March 2, 2026

Eye on the Industry Podcast: Episode 9 Features Teri Hart

Eye on the Industry is back with a standout new episode, this time featuring Teri Hart, one of Canada’s most recognizable media personalities and a trusted voice known for bringing both intelligence and heart to every conversation.

Hosted by Christine Zeggil and Isabelle Tremblay, Episode 9 blends leadership, reinvention, and the power of authentic storytelling, while staying grounded in what resonates with optical professionals: confidence, self-expression, and showing up fully in your role.

Eye on the Industry Podcast with Teri Hart

A Conversation Rooted in Leadership and Real Life

Hart reflects on the early moments that shaped her career, from a life-changing high school drama teacher who steered her toward broadcasting, to her decades-long path through radio and television. She speaks candidly about pivotal transitions, including major career pivots, burnout, and the mindset shift that helped her move forward with clarity.

A key theme throughout the episode: leadership as collaboration, not hierarchy. Hart shares how her definition of leadership evolved over time, especially through mentoring and working alongside younger colleagues, and offers practical advice for women stepping into leadership roles today, including tracking wins (their own and their team’s) and resisting the trap of comparison.

Spotlight on “The Heart of It All” Podcast

The episode also highlights Hart’s deeply personal project: The Heart of It All, a podcast created to give caregiving the honest, practical platform it rarely gets.

Inspired by her family’s experience during her father’s illness and passing in 2024, Hart speaks openly about the emotional load of caregiving, the “business of death,” and why so many people end up in crisis mode simply because the conversations and planning didn’t happen earlier. The discussion also touches on the importance of sharing resources, both emotional and practical, to reduce isolation for caregivers.

Eyewear, Identity, and Confidence

Because it wouldn’t be Eye on the Industry without eyewear, Hart also shares how she chooses frames, starting with trust in the professionals, thinking ahead to lifestyle needs, and aiming for styles that feel both bold and timeless. For her, glasses aren’t just functional, they’re part of her identity.

She explains that people often recognize her by her frames first, calling eyewear “art on your face” and a form of self-expression that can subtly influence confidence and presence.

Listen Now

Episode 9 is a warm, thoughtful listen, equal parts leadership insight and real-life conversation, with a reminder that confidence, curiosity, and community matter in every industry.

🎧 Listen to Eye on the Industry – Episode 9 with Teri Hart wherever you get your podcasts.

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March 2, 2026March 2, 2026

The EASY Way Contact Lens Wear-and-Care Guidance Refreshed

Contact Lens Institute^™ (CLI) has updated The EASY Way (Eyes, Awareness, Safety and You), its initiative that helps the eye care community discuss healthy contact lens wear-and-care routines with patients.

The program’s practice-ready infographics, social media graphics, animations, and more now include additional guidance for keeping contact lenses away from water. These patient education materials are available in English, Spanish, French, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese for free download via The EASY Way resource page at ContactLensInstitute.org.

Contact Lens Institute- three steps to healthy confortable contact lens wear

In parallel, CLI has published two YouTube Shorts that explain how The EASY Way can become part of new wearer insertion and removal training. They feature several 2026 CLI Visionaries: Kelsea Brown, OD, MyEyeDr, Atlanta; Elaine Chen, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Dipl. AAO, Southern California College of Optometry, Fullerton, Calif.; Ryan Corte, OD, Reflect Vision Care, Charlotte and Asheville, N.C.; Julian Prosia, OD, Mountain Eyecare, Hamilton, Ont.; Maria Sampalis, OD, Sampalis Eyecare, Cranston, R.I.; and Scott Samples, FCLSA, NCLE-M, CPOT, Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City.

For more information, visit contactlensinstitute.org.

Click HERE for the press release.

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March 1, 2026May 19, 2026

Future Focus 2026: Vision with Purpose at UW – April 2

What does it mean to build a meaningful career in optometry?

On April 2 at 5 PM, Future Focus returns to the University of Waterloo’s Federation Hall for its fourth consecutive year — bringing together students, industry leaders, and recent graduates for an evening centered on connection, career exploration, and purpose. Registration is now open.

This year’s theme, “Vision with Purpose: Building Meaningful Careers in Optometry,” reflects an important shift in how emerging optometrists view their careers. Today’s students are not only thinking about where they will work — but how they will make an impact.

An Evening Designed for Students

Hosted by Student Ambassadors Shreya Jain (OD Candidate 2027) and Elisa Hayley (OD Candidate 2028), Future Focus 2026 is structured to maximize meaningful interaction and practical insight.

Students can expect:

A structured networking trade show with leading employers and industry partners
A student-moderated industry panel featuring sponsor representatives and optometry leaders
A keynote address from a recent graduate sharing real-world lessons and inspiration
Great food, prizes, and engagement across all class years

Now firmly established as one of the most anticipated student–industry events at UW, Future Focus consistently attracts more than 120 students annually and receives strong feedback from both attendees and sponsors.

Keynote: Defining Meaning Through Service

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Martina Sawatzky (UW ’19), will speak on Defining Meaning through Service — sharing how students and new graduates can shape careers that are both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

Her message will show how giving back — locally and globally — can become an integral part of a modern optometric career.

Industry Voices and Career Conversations

Future Focus 2026 will also feature a student-moderated industry panel led by Natasha Reyes (OD Candidate 2026) and Maryam Safdar (OD Candidate 2026). Panelists will discuss career pathways, emerging opportunities, professional development, and what organizations look for in new graduates.

The evening is proudly supported by Visionary Sponsors:
Eye Recommend, Specsavers Canada, FYidoctors, and OSI Group.
Horizon sponsors include: Vogue Optical, CSI Dry Eye Innovations, NIKON Canada, and CRO Journal Canada.

Their continued commitment underscores the importance of meaningful industry–student engagement and mentorship.

Register Early
With limited capacity at Federation Hall and strong interest each year, early registration is recommended.

Registration Now Open

Future Focus 2026 promises an evening of insight, connection, and inspiration — designed to help students define not just where they want to practice, but why.

February 27, 2026February 27, 2026

IEE – Italian Eyewear Exhibition Makes New York Debut During Eyewear Design Week

The Italian Eyewear Exhibition (IEE) will launch its first New York edition on March 4, 2026, during Eyewear Design Week, marking another step in the international expansion of Italy’s eyewear sector.

Organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with ANFAO – the Italian Optical Goods Manufacturers’ Association – the event will take place at the IAC Building in Manhattan from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Branded in the U.S. as Reflections, the exhibition will present 16 Italian eyewear companies to buyers, opticians, media and industry professionals.

The venue, designed by architect Frank Gehry, is known for its all-glass façade overlooking the Hudson River. Organizers say the exhibition design will reflect themes of transparency, innovation and material-driven craftsmanship, aligning the presentation of eyewear with architecture and contemporary design.

Participating brands include Aerial Vision International, Aru, Atmosphera, I.o.v.e.s., Italiana Design, L.G.R, La Giardiniera, Lara D, Logoproject Design, Mad in Italy, Manifattura Italiana Occhiali, Marcolin, Nannini Italian Quality, Original Vintage Sunglasses, Stilitaly and Vanni. A hosted buyers program is expected to bring at least 50 retail partners from across the United States, including the greater New York area.

According to organizers, the U.S. remains the leading export market for Italian eyewear. However, recent tariff measures and market conditions have created additional pressures for manufacturers. In this context, IEE New York is positioned as an opportunity to strengthen direct relationships with American buyers and reinforce the premium positioning of Made in Italy eyewear.

The event will conclude with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. Registration is available through the event’s online platforms.

Click HERE for the press release.

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February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

FYidoctors Launches National Dry Eye Treatment Program

FYidoctors has introduced a comprehensive Dry Eye Treatment Program across its network of 270 clinics, aiming to expand access to diagnosis and management for Canadians living with Dry Eye Disease.

The initiative combines advanced diagnostic technology, personalized treatment plans and, in a growing number of clinics, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. IPL is a non-invasive light-based treatment used to reduce eyelid inflammation, liquefy stagnant meibum and improve meibomian gland function in patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

According to the company, an estimated 8.2 million Canadians are affected by dry eye disease, including approximately 3.8 million who remain undiagnosed. FYidoctors says the new program is designed to address gaps in diagnosis and long-term care.

Dr. Tanya Flood, optometrist, noted that dry eye presents differently from patient to patient and requires individualized assessment. The program incorporates diagnostic tools to evaluate tear film stability, ocular surface health and gland function in order to guide tailored management plans.

In addition to in-clinic treatment and ongoing monitoring, the program includes subscription-based access to clinician-recommended dry eye relief products through the company’s online platform, intended to support adherence and long-term symptom control.

FYidoctors states that the program reflects rising demand for dry eye care, driven in part by increased screen use, demographic shifts and environmental factors.

More information about the program and participating clinics is available on the company’s website.

Source: FYidoctors

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