Good vision at the start of the school year (and throughout the year) is important to help children learn, grow, and develop. We are all aware that 80% of knowledge is acquired through the visual system during the first twelve years of life, but also that children are spending more and more time in front of digital screens for learning and entertainment, and fortunately, they also spend time outdoorsevery day, exposed to UV rays during their activities.
A Marketing Kit to Start the Conversation
To help you in your daily life when talking to children and their parents about eye health, what could be more useful than a “Back to School” marketing kit? Transitions Canada offers it with animated or static visuals in collaboration with Ray-Ban (a brand popular with young people and their parents) and a “cartoon” style version.
The Transitions® Color Match App
These elements will help you liven up your social media and engage in discussion about eye protection with them. You can also use the Transitions Color Match app to let children try on “magic” lenses with any frame in your office. It’s a great way to connect with them and help them choose their own colour and style!
How to Get Your Marketing Kit
To receive the Transitions Color Match kit, contact your Transitions lens provider representative.
HOYA Vision Care recently announced two key leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its strategic and commercial operations across North America. These appointments underscore HOYA Vision Care’s commitment to investing in strong leadership to drive innovation, operational excellence, and sustained growth in North America.
Meg Weathers has been appointed Senior Vice President, Global Key Accounts for North America, a pivotal commercial leadership role where she will spearhead growth initiatives and deepen relationships with Global Key Account customers. Her focus will be on expanding HOYA’s footprint, driving volume, and growing market share through strategic partnerships and tailored solutions.
Weathers previously led HOYA’s North American Marketing organization with distinction and brings over 16 years of experience in the optical industry. Her background in business development, global strategy, and commercial marketing, positions her to accelerate HOYA’s performance in a competitive landscape.
Samy Lauriette has been named Vice President of Strategic Marketing for North America. In this senior executive role, Lauriette leads HOYA’s marketing organization across the U.S. and Canada, overseeing Product Management, Professional Affairs, Channel and Digital Marketing, and Brand Communications. Leveraging HOYA’s marketing resources, his priority is to strengthen partnerships with eye care professionals by promoting HOYA’s industry-leading ophthalmic lens products and lab services to ensure the best vision solutions for their patients.
Bringing over 20 years of international experience in the optical and hearing care industries, Lauriette is recognized for his expertise in strategic planning, innovation, and driving commercial excellence. His leadership will be instrumental in equipping eye care professionals with the tools and strategies needed to enhance patient outcomes and elevate vision care standards.
By using Artificial Intelligence and one of the industry’s biggest biometric data sets, Rodenstock brings a new level of precision into lens calculation. Progressive wearers can now experience sharper and clearer vision, than ever before.
Contact your Centennial Optical representative for more information.
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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Diffusion Optics Technology™ (DOT™) spectacle lenses have been worn by one million children to control their myopia—a major milestone that reflects the critical need for myopia control solutions and the strong performance and trust in DOT™ lenses’ unique design.*
DOT™ lenses, developed by SightGlass Vision, first became available in 2021 and have since gained significant momentum. With launches across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, over 500,000 children are estimated to have been fitted with DOT™ lenses in 2025 alone, based on global sales data.
The design of DOT™ lenses is underpinned by contrast management. High artificial contrast levels in the modern visual environment may be linked to accelerated eye growth that results in the progression of myopia.[1] DOT™ lenses mimic more natural contrast environments by incorporating thousands of elements that gently scatter light before it reaches the retina.[2]
Clinical studies have demonstrated that DOT™ lenses can slow average myopia progression by up to 75% after 12 months of wear across diverse populations.[2],[3],‡ The lenses are more than just effective, in fact 93% of children said they love their glasses with DOT™ lenses.[4],[5],‡
“Reaching one million children is a powerful testament to what our clinical studies have already shown—DOT™ lenses work, eye care professionals trust them, and children want to wear them,” said Andrew Sedgwick, CEO of SightGlass Vision. “It’s encouraging to see eye care professionals increasingly embrace this innovation for their young patients, marking another meaningful step towards combatting the global myopia epidemic. We remain committed to bringing DOT™ lenses to children in more parts of the world.”
SightGlass Vision’s patent-protected technology has made its commercial debut in several markets, including China, the Netherlands, Israel, Canada, and Spain, as well as through preliminary market trials in other countries. † Founded in 2016, SightGlass Vision is a joint venture of CooperCompanies and EssilorLuxottica. For more information, visit SightGlassVision.com.
DOT lensesDOT spectacle lenses in schoolDOT spectacle lenses outdoors
[1] Biswas S, El Kareh A, Qureshi M, Lee DMX, Sun CH, Lam JSH, Saw SM, Najjar RP. The influence of the environment and lifestyle on myopia. J Physiol Anthropol 2024;43(1):7.
[2] Rappon et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 12-month results of a randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study. Br J Ophthalmol 2023;107:1709-1715.
[3] Laughton et al. Control of myopia using contrast modulation spectacle lenses in a Chinese population: 12-month results. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2025;66(8):2815.
[4] McParland et al. Children adapt well to Diffusion Optics Technology™ (DOT) spectacle lenses . Presented at NCC 2024.
After 2–3 days of wearing the allocated spectacle lenses, the rate of adaptation was the same for DOT™ lenses and SV lenses (97% overall in each group).
[5] SGV data on file 2021. Control of Myopia Using Peripheral Diffusion Lenses: Efficacy and Safety Study, 24-month results (n=256, 14 North American sites).
Myopia rates in Canadian children have steadily increased in recent years – progressing faster than in previous generations1; however, according to a recent Specsavers Canada survey, conducted by Angus Reid Group, 82% of Canadians are unaware of this increase2.
“We’re seeing a significant rise in the number of children being diagnosed with nearsightedness, more than ever before,” says Naomi Barber, Clinical Services Director at Specsavers Canada. “While lifestyle changes such as spending more time outdoors and limiting screen use can help slow the progression of myopia, there is more that can be done to slow the progression, and optometrists are at the frontline of this intervention. Specsavers is committed to raising awareness among parents about the importance of early detection. Making annual eye exams part of the back-to-school routine is a key step in helping to manage and control myopia in children.”
The Canadian Association of Optometry recommends that school-aged children receive a comprehensive eye exam every year until the age of 19. Yet, the recent national Specsavers survey revealed 45% of school-aged children in Canada are not receiving annual eye exams as recommended2. This gap in routine eyecare is concerning, especially as rates of childhood myopia continue to rise.
As part of its mission to change lives through better sight, Specsavers is encouraging parents to include a comprehensive eye exam as part of their back-to-school routine. For children diagnosed with myopia, there are specific types of glasses and contact lenses that can help slow the progression of the condition. Specsavers offers several of these solutions, with savings available during the back-to-school season. Visiting an Optometrist from a young age is important. Early intervention can help reduce children’s risk of developing long-term sight-threatening conditions.
Specsavers locations offer comprehensive eye exams by independent optometrists, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), a 3D advanced eye health scan that examines the back of the eye. The scan helps to assess eye health in detail and detect other causes that may be contributing to visual impairment. Children are covered for annual eye exams if they are under a provincial health care plan in most provinces.
“So much of parenthood is about preparing our little ones for a bright future,” adds Barber, “Whether they have their sights set on being explorers, athletes, artists, scientists or musicians, we want to make sure they’re ready to do so with confidence and clear vision.”
Parents interested in learning more about myopia management or scheduling an eye exam for their child can visit specsavers.ca/myopia.
References:
1
Holden, B. A., Fricke, T. R., Wilson, D. A., Jong, M., Naidoo, K. S., Sankaridurg, P., Wong, T. Y., Naduvilath, T. J., & Resnikoff, S. (2016). Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology, 123(5), 1036-1042. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.01.006
2
These are the findings of an online survey conducted from February 14– 19, 2025, among a randomized sample of 2,022 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum. The sample was balanced and weighted to be representative of adults nationwide according to region, gender, age, and education, based on the Canadian census. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
Vision Expo 2026 celebrated its 40th anniversary in Orlando with more than 8,000 attendees, over 220 hours of education, and a show floor packed with innovation and industry activity.
Myopia management has become an essential part of modern pediatric eye care. For many practices, the challenge is no longer why it matters, but how to integrate it into everyday clinical workflows.
CUSTOMEYES, the luxury eyewear customization platform by MIO Group, will open its first global Atelier at Eyes On Sheppard in Toronto on April 10, 2026.
EssilorLuxottica and Dolce&Gabbana have announced a long-term extension of their licensing agreement through 2050 for prescription frames and sunglasses worldwide.
SightGlass Vision has made two leadership appointments to strengthen its medical and professional affairs teams supporting DOT myopia control spectacle lenses.
Vision Expo 2026 celebrated its 40th anniversary in Orlando with more than 8,000 attendees, over 220 hours of education, and a show floor packed with innovation and industry activity.
Myopia management has become an essential part of modern pediatric eye care. For many practices, the challenge is no longer why it matters, but how to integrate it into everyday clinical workflows.
CUSTOMEYES, the luxury eyewear customization platform by MIO Group, will open its first global Atelier at Eyes On Sheppard in Toronto on April 10, 2026.
EssilorLuxottica and Dolce&Gabbana have announced a long-term extension of their licensing agreement through 2050 for prescription frames and sunglasses worldwide.
SightGlass Vision has made two leadership appointments to strengthen its medical and professional affairs teams supporting DOT myopia control spectacle lenses.
Vision Expo 2026 celebrated its 40th anniversary in Orlando with more than 8,000 attendees, over 220 hours of education, and a show floor packed with innovation and industry activity.
Myopia management has become an essential part of modern pediatric eye care. For many practices, the challenge is no longer why it matters, but how to integrate it into everyday clinical workflows.
CUSTOMEYES, the luxury eyewear customization platform by MIO Group, will open its first global Atelier at Eyes On Sheppard in Toronto on April 10, 2026.
EssilorLuxottica and Dolce&Gabbana have announced a long-term extension of their licensing agreement through 2050 for prescription frames and sunglasses worldwide.
SightGlass Vision has made two leadership appointments to strengthen its medical and professional affairs teams supporting DOT myopia control spectacle lenses.
Vision Expo 2026 celebrated its 40th anniversary in Orlando with more than 8,000 attendees, over 220 hours of education, and a show floor packed with innovation and industry activity.
Myopia management has become an essential part of modern pediatric eye care. For many practices, the challenge is no longer why it matters, but how to integrate it into everyday clinical workflows.
CUSTOMEYES, the luxury eyewear customization platform by MIO Group, will open its first global Atelier at Eyes On Sheppard in Toronto on April 10, 2026.
EssilorLuxottica and Dolce&Gabbana have announced a long-term extension of their licensing agreement through 2050 for prescription frames and sunglasses worldwide.
SightGlass Vision has made two leadership appointments to strengthen its medical and professional affairs teams supporting DOT myopia control spectacle lenses.
