The Vision Council Foundation announces the launch of the 2025 National Sunglasses Day campaign, leading up to the annual celebration on June 27. With fresh resources, exclusive events, and new opportunities for public engagement, this year’s initiative reinforces the importance of wearing UV-protective eyewear for long-term eye health.
Founded by The Vision Council more than a decade ago, National Sunglasses Day has evolved into the Foundation’s flagship consumer education campaign. The effort highlights how consistent sunglass use can help prevent serious eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration, all while showcasing the style and versatility of modern eyewear.
“As we gear up for National Sunglasses Day, we’re proud to lead the charge in educating consumers about the critical role sunglasses play in eye health,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council and The Vision Council Foundation. “It’s an opportunity to spark conversations, share resources, and shine a light on a simple yet impactful health practice that provides critical protection, enables people to show off their personal style, and perform their best in their favorite sports and activities.”
National Sunglasses Day Media & Influencer Event in New York City
The Vision Council Foundation will host an exclusive, invite-only event in New York City on June 26, bringing together leading members of the media, content creators, and VIP guests to explore the unseen impact of UV light — and celebrate the power of sunglasses as essential protection.
This immersive evening will feature curated brand showcases, interactive try-on experiences, and a live art installation that reveals the invisible effects of UV exposure and highlights the critical role of sunglasses in everyday health and style.
Guests will also hear from leading experts who will illustrate how UV light impacts vision, weather, health, and beauty, and why choosing the right eyewear is more important than ever.
Through these experiences, The Vision Council Foundation aims to elevate public understanding of UV protection and officially kick off summer with a celebration of light, vision, and style.
New Promotional Toolkit Now Available
To encourage participation from organizations and individuals across the country, the Foundation has released a free digital toolkit designed to make National Sunglasses Day celebrations easy and impactful. The toolkit includes:
The Vision Council Foundation invites eyecare professionals, retailers, educators, and the public to help amplify this year’s message. Participation can include:
Downloading the toolkit and sharing materials within your network
Hosting a National Sunglasses Day event or offering retail promotions
Sharing your #SunglassSelfie or #NationalSunglassesDay post on social media and tagging @TheVisionCouncil
Partnering with The Vision Council Foundation to support ongoing education initiatives via special events. Contact Abigail Crosby, Partnership and Business Development Manager, at acrosby@thevisioncouncil.org for more information.
Through National Sunglasses Day, The Vision Council Foundation aims to inspire better UV safety habits and encourage year-round sunglass use to protect vision and promote eye health.
The ability to see impacts everything we do, and according to a recent national survey by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS), the vast majority (97%) of Canadians consider eye health a crucial part of their overall well-being. Yet, only half feel they know what contributes to the health of their eyes. As National Vision Health Month kicks off, COS emphasizes the importance of continued education to raise awareness, promote regular eye exams, and improve access to quality vision care for all Canadians.
Canadians Now Recognize Eye Health as a Top Priority, but Knowledge Gaps Exist
While most Canadians (83%) say they prioritize their vision health, half feel familiar with treatment options for serious eye problems (53%) or eye diseases such as cataracts (52%) for example, a leading cause of blindness. Among those aged 55 and older, 68% say they’re knowledgeable about the symptoms and early signs of the condition, compared to 41% of younger Canadians aged 18 to 34, even though cataracts can occur at any age.
“While Canadians overwhelmingly recognize the importance of eye health, many remain unaware of the eye diseases they may be at risk for and the symptoms to watch for,” said Dr. Mona Dagher, president of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. “These survey findings reinforce the need for better public education so people can take proactive steps, including regular eye exams, to protect their vision.”
Additional insights:
Canadians support innovations in eye care, and 92% agree that access to the latest advancements is essential. Three-quarters (75%) feel they have access to these innovations, but only 52% feel comfortable with AI-assisted diagnostics.
Concerns about screen time’s effects on children’s eye health remain high, with 82% of Canadians expressing worry, on par with 2024.
38% say extreme weather negatively impacted their eye health in the past year, indicating environmental factors are also an increasing concern.
While 56% of Canadians correctly identify ophthalmologists as medical doctors with specialized surgical training, 17% are unaware of what they do, and 28% misidentify their role.
Advocacy and Policy Action Needed
Despite growing awareness in general, 56% of Canadians feel that eye health does not receive the same level of attention as other health priorities in the healthcare system. This perception highlights the need for greater advocacy and policy action to ensure that eye health is addressed at the national level.
“There’s a clear call to action,” said Dr. Nina Ahuja, chair of the Council on Advocacy for COS. “The passage of Bill C-284, the National Eye Care Strategy Act, is an important step forward. These findings reinforce our commitment to advancing vision health and ensuring access to optimal eye care for all Canadians.”
To learn more about the role of an ophthalmologist, major eye diseases and to get information on overall eye health, visit seethepossibilities.ca.
With ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV, ZEISS extends its lens coating portfolio to the premium-tier segment to offer even greater cleanability, durability and clarity. The coating also features an aesthetically pleasing subtle golden reflex hue for a luxurious look. For eye care professionals, this means new upselling opportunities – and further ways to confidently address consumers’ wishes for individualization.
Performance meets aesthetics: ZEISS launches new golden anti-reflective coating
A coating designed for improved clear and hassle-free vision
ZEISS CleanGuard: Integration of new three-times faster[1] cleaning technology
Excellent durability and scratch resistance
Enhanced lens clarity by day and by night, and decreased lens yellowness
A touch of sophistication: Golden coating elevates individual looks
A coating designed for improved clear and hassle-free vision
In a worldwide study[2], ZEISS Vision Care asked participants: What is your number one priority when wearing eyeglasses? What most respondents put first: maintaining clear vision at all times. Despite this response, almost every lens wearer knows how quickly lenses can smudge or become dirty over the course of a day – and lenses eventually become irreversibly scratched and damaged. Now, with ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV, ZEISS explicitly addresses consumers’ needs with a new coating that better protects lenses from all kinds of external factors that compromise clear vision: water drops, grease, dust and dirt. At ZEISS Vision, we are dedicated to enhancing the daily experiences of lens wearers. Our DuraVision® Gold UV coating is meticulously engineered to minimize reflections in the blue light spectrum, resulting in reduced lens yellowness and exceptional clarity, particularly in low-light conditions,” says Bryan Rossi, President of Carl Zeiss Vision Care Canada.
ZEISS CleanGuard: Integration of new three-times faster cleaning technology
With ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV, ZEISS also introduces a new technology with superior oil and water repellence: ZEISS CleanGuard. Compared to previous coatings from ZEISS, ZEISS CleanGuard makes lenses up to three times faster to clean. So, keeping lenses clean and restoring clear vision quickly becomes easier. The science behind this is a new molecular formula on the lens surface that significantly increases contact angles of water drops and oil-like substances. Additionally, a patented anti-static layer repels dust and dirt. The benefit: smears and smudges on the lenses can be removed much faster and easier – an improvement that 90% of consumers have also noticed and appreciated.[3]
Excellent durability and scratch resistance
ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV lenses also come with upgraded durability as they are designed to stay scratch-free for longer. Multiple densely packed metal oxide layers combined with an extra hard coat ensure high-level scratch resistance, giving ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV a notable score of 16[4] for the Bayer industry standard test for scratch resistance (while a Bayer ratio above 10 is considered to be very high).
Enhanced lens clarity by day and by night, and decreased lens yellowness
Opting for lenses with golden residual reflectance means opting for excellent lens clarity. Imagine going for an evening stroll or enjoying a drink in a bar with subdued lighting: In such and other low-light conditions, eye sensitivity shifts towards shorter wavelengths into the blue light spectrum – and for the human eye, seeing clearly gets harder. Now, in such circumstances, consumers choosing ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV may perceive noticeably enhanced vision performance. The reason for this is that compared to lenses with blueish or greenish coatings (like ZEISS DuraVision Platinum UV or ZEISS DuraVision Chrome UV), ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV shows less reflectance in the specific light spectrum between 380-500 nanometers.[5] So, by reducing reflections on the lens surface, ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV offers higher transmission and hence clearer vision – especially when it gets dark. Additionally, ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV shows up to six times lower blue light reflections.[6] As a consequence, lenses appear less yellow and much clearer in see-through. The up to 90% lower yellowness compared to blueish ZEISS DuraVision coatings[7] becomes explicitly visible in modern artificial LED lighting when looking at a white wall or bright monitor screens.
A touch of sophistication: Golden coating reflection elevates individual looks
When consumers look for timeless, sophisticated eyewear, they often opt for classic gold. With ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV, ZEISS extends this fascination for gold to lenses. Aesthetically, this new lens coating beautifully complements golden metallic frames, and it also pairs well with brown frames and various skin complexions.[8] And, for all those who think that an outfit is not complete without sunglasses, ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV, with its golden residual reflectance, is also available on a variety of sun lens tints as well as on polarized lenses. With the newly launched ZEISS tints for prescription lenses, Burgundy, Midnight Blue, Dusk Grey and Copper Brown, style-savvy consumers will be able to mix, match and create their own upgraded sunglasses looks.
Benefits at a glance
As the premium-tier addition to the ZEISS coating portfolio, ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV offers exceptionally clear and hassle-free vision together with better cleanability and upgraded scratch resistance.
Integrating ZEISS CleanGuard – a new technology that significantly improves oil and water repellence and thus makes lenses stronger against smudge as well as easier and faster to clean.
Enhanced lens clarity in low-light conditions, and diminished lens yellowness through the lens.
A coating with golden residual reflectance that complements sophisticated and luxurious looks.
Empowering eye care professionals with new sales opportunities – for clear or tinted as well as polarized and photochromic prescription lenses.
In addition to the launch of ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV, ZEISS Canada is excited to introduce four new vibrant tint colours — Dusk Grey, Burgundy, Copper, and Midnight Blue — perfect for the summer season and offering eye care professionals even more stylish options for their patients.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. ZEISS is also launching PhotoFusion® X Burgundy, expanding its photochromic offering with a bold and on-trend hue.
And the most exciting news? ZEISS Adaptive Sun lenses are on the horizon — set to launch in June 2025. Stay tuned for even more groundbreaking solutions designed to combine performance, protection, and personalized style.
ZEISS, DuraVision and CleanGuard are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Carl Zeiss AG or a ZEISS Group company.
[2] Vision Care Brand Fundamentals Tracker, March 2024, vision correction users in 18 countries surveyed, n=19,800
[3] Eyeglass wearer consumer research study 2023 in Germany, n=105
[4] Average Bayer ratio across 1.5, 1.56, 1.59, 1.6, 1.67 ZEISS lenses
[5] Luminous reflectance of lens surface in mesopic light conditions with adaptation coefficients m=0,5 or lower according to CIE ISO ISO/CIE 23539:2023(E). Mesopic surface reflectance was calculated from the theoretical spectral distribution of ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV applied to ZEISS 1.6 UVProtect lenses
[6] Blue light reflectance characterizes the intensity of reflections over the blue light wavelength range between 380 and 500nm as defined in ISO 8980-3:2013(E)
[7]Spectral distribution of the lens transmittance and reflectance are measured on plano lenses with 2mm center thickness at ZEISS Global Testing Centers in accordance with ISO 8980-3
[8] 7 out of 10 respondents agree with ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV “is in excellent harmony with my facial skin tone”, “complements the golden frame exceptionally well” and “complements the brownish frame exceptionally well”, according to eyeglass wearer consumer research study 2024 in Italy, China and USA, n=300
Ray-Ban announces the official launch of the Blacked Out Collection, the first-ever eyewear line customized by A$AP Rocky for Ray-Ban Studios, a creative platform that celebrates the power of music and stories of courageous artists. This classic collection redefines iconic shapes with a fresh, fierce attitude, embodying the bold, disruptive, and unmistakable style that A$AP Rocky is known for.
The Blacked Out Collection is a collision of classic and contemporary, crafted for those who create, elevate, and never imitate. A$AP Rocky fuses Ray-Ban’s rich heritage with a modern edge, delivering designs that are both timeless and trendsetting. Each piece in the collection is a testament to his vision, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative aesthetics.
Unleash your inner star with the Blacked Out Collection by A$AP Rocky, merging Ray-Ban’s most iconic styles with Rocky’s fierce aesthetics and trendy vibe. Three models: Mega Wayfarer, Mega Clubmaster &
Mega Balorama; one killer combo: brand new ultra black lenses, gold-plated details, and a personalized “tattoo” style AWGE logo on the temple tips.
The Blacked Out Collection features a range of styles that push the boundaries of fashion, offering a unique blend of sophistication and streetwear appeal. From sleek, minimalist frames to bold, statement pieces, each design is meticulously crafted to reflect A$AP Rocky’s distinctive aesthetic.
Ray-Ban invites you to experience the Blacked Out Collection and discover eyewear that transcends the ordinary.
Available now at Ray-Ban.com, Ray-Ban stores and select EssilorLuxottica retail stores including Sunglass Hut and through the company’s wholesale distribution network.
As the demand for eye care increases across Canada, the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science is expanding its capacity to train future professionals. One major step in this direction is the ongoing development of the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI), a project supported in part by philanthropic contributions.
Slated to open in late 2026, the WEI is designed to be a national centre for advanced optometric education, research, and patient care. While construction is underway, students continue their clinical training at existing sites — including an interim clinic in Waterloo and a location at the Kitchener Health Sciences Campus — both of which receive referrals from across Canada and abroad.
Final-year optometry students Nina Yan and Cassidy Roberts are among those gaining real-world experience in these clinics. They take part in supervised clinical rotations, diagnosing and managing patient cases that range from routine to highly complex.
Yan recalls a particularly impactful case involving a patient who had suffered a concussion and had not been able to tolerate light exposure for five years. With the help of a supervising optometrist, they applied prism lenses and a blue tint to the patient’s eyewear. “He started crying with relief,” Yan said. “That experience put into perspective just how important optometry can be.”
Donor-Funded Technology Enhances Clinical Training
Waterloo’s clinics benefit from advanced diagnostic and imaging equipment — much of it funded by donor contributions. One key piece is the corneal topographer, a device that maps the eye’s surface and supports custom lens fittings for patients with conditions like corneal scarring.
“Without that machine, we wouldn’t be able to fit certain specialty lenses,” said Yan. “These tools allow us to provide care that might not be accessible in many settings.”
Simulated Learning Builds Clinical Confidence
Students at Waterloo also have access to the FYidoctors Simulation Lab — a virtual reality training environment where they can practice clinical skills before working with patients. Roberts says the lab plays a critical role in helping students recognize ocular conditions in a safe, structured setting.
“The software shows exactly what we’re seeing and explains it,” Roberts said. “That makes the transition to real-life patient care much smoother.”
The lab remains useful even in the final year of training. “I used it before my board exam,” Yan noted. “It was a great way to double-check my techniques.”
Students are also trained on technologies that anticipate future changes to scope of practice. For example, they are introduced to instruments like the YAG laser, which optometrists in Ontario cannot currently use but may in the future.
Looking Ahead to the Waterloo Eye Institute
While Yan and Roberts will graduate before the WEI officially opens, they see the project as a major leap forward for optometric education in Canada. “Right now, we have modern equipment and ideas, but an outdated space,” Roberts said. “The new institute will bring everything up to the level of today’s innovation.”
Both students emphasized the importance of donor support in making these resources available. “We wouldn’t be able to learn the way we are without their help,” Roberts said. “They’re funding not only the school — but the future of optometry in Canada.”
This article is adapted from an original story published by the University of Waterloo. Read the full version at: uwaterloo.ca/news
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The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
