As Diabetes Awareness Month begins, new data from the Specsavers Canada Eyecare Report 2025 reveals a concerning trend: 38% of Canadians living with diabetes are not getting annual eye exams.
The findings, based on a national Angus Reid Group survey, highlight a critical gap in understanding the connection between diabetes and vision health. People living with diabetes are 25 times more likely to experience sight loss than the general population, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains the leading cause of new cases of legal blindness among Canadians aged 20–64, according to Diabetes Canada.
“Almost half of people with diabetes (47%) believe they would know if something was wrong with their vision,” said Naomi Barber, Clinical Services Director at Specsavers Canada. “This dangerous misconception means many are waiting for symptoms that may never come—until it’s too late.”
Barber encourages Canadians with diabetes to take three key steps to protect their sight:
Book your annual eye exam. Even if vision seems fine, annual comprehensive exams are the best defence against preventable vision loss.
Ask about OCT technology. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows optometrists to detect early retinal changes invisible through traditional exams. OCT scans are included as part of every standard comprehensive exam at Specsavers.
Know your coverage. Many Canadians with diabetes qualify for provincially covered annual eye exams, and extended health insurance may cover additional costs.
“Affordable, accessible eye care is essential for early detection,” added Barber. “An annual exam can make the difference between healthy vision and irreversible sight loss.”
Source: Specsavers
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The Vision Council, representing manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers across the optical industry, has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce opposing potential new tariffs that could affect key optical products and manufacturing equipment.
The organization’s submissions respond to two ongoing Section 232 national security investigations into:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), medical consumables, and medical equipment (Docket No. BIS-2025-0258), and
Robotics and industrial machinery (Docket No. BIS-2025-0257).
The Council warns that the broad product definitions in these investigations could encompass spectacle lenses, frames, diagnostic instruments, and production machinery, raising costs across the vision care supply chain.
“Affordable access to corrective eyewear is a public health necessity,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “Additional duties on optical devices or equipment will make it harder for Americans to access the care they need.”
The Council’s filings emphasize that optical medical devices, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, and low vision aids, are among the most widely used medical devices in the U.S., with 61% of Americans wearing prescription eyewear. New tariffs, it argued, would increase prices for patients and providers while limiting access to essential care, especially for children, veterans, and vulnerable populations.
The Vision Council also highlighted the ongoing economic strain caused by existing Section 301 tariffs and other trade measures, which have already led to higher costs and reduced margins for many optical businesses. The organization noted that supply chains from countries such as Italy, Germany, Japan, and Mexico are focused on health and vision care, not national security concerns.
Both filings urge the Department of Commerce to establish a transparent exclusion process and to exempt optical products, diagnostic devices, and related manufacturing equipment from any new Section 232 tariff actions.
“Our mission is to ensure policymakers understand that optical products are health tools, not security threats,” added Omar Elkhatib, Senior Manager of Government Relations at The Vision Council. “Tariff relief is essential to maintaining affordable, high-quality vision care for millions of Americans.”
The Vision Council’s Government and Regulatory Affairs team continues to engage with Congress and federal agencies to advocate for tariff relief and protect patient access to vision care.
This year marks a remarkable double milestone for STEPPER EYEWEAR—the 90ᵗʰ birthday of founder Hans Stepper and the 55ᵗʰ anniversary of the brand’s creation. Both achievements will be celebrated at the Hong Kong Optical Fair in November, where STEPPER EYEWEAR’s booth will highlight the enduring legacy of a pioneer who reshaped the way eyewear is designed and fitted.
Hans Stepper
Hans Stepper began his career as a German Master Optician, guided by the belief that eyewear is foremost a medical device, not merely a fashion statement. His conviction that fit comes first transformed frame design, turning eyewear into a precision instrument for both comfort and clarity.
In 1970, Stepper introduced the first SI frames, applying anatomical data and optical science to create eyewear that truly fits. His principles of comfort, stability, and optical precision remain central to STEPPER EYEWEAR’s philosophy today.
Over the decades, Stepper’s innovations have defined modern eyewear design:
“Fit First” Concept: A patient-focused approach ensuring frames align precisely with facial anatomy.
World Fit: Inclusive designs developed from global facial measurement studies, with European, Asian, African, and Paediatric fits.
TX5 Technology: A lightweight, hypoallergenic material engineered for superior comfort and durability.
Professional Partnership: A long-standing respect for the expertise of eyecare professionals in delivering optimal visual outcomes.
From its origins in a small German workshop, STEPPER EYEWEAR has grown into a global brand distributed in over 60 countries. Its innovation now extends to STEPPER VISIONCARE lenses, integrating frames and lenses into a unified vision solution.
“Hans Stepper’s contribution to modern eyewear is immeasurable. His work redefined what it means for a frame to fit—not just in style, but in science. We honour his 90ᵗʰ year and 55 years of STEPPER EYEWEAR by continuing his mission: to deliver The Perfect Fit to faces across the world.” — Saskia Stepper, Director, STEPPER EYEWEAR
Two icons of eyewear design, Alain Mikli and Ray-Ban, have reunited for a bold new collaboration, launching a limited-edition Fall/Winter capsule collection unveiled in Paris. The exclusive line is available only in Alain Mikli and Ray-Ban boutiques.
Originally introduced in the late 1990s, the partnership returns with a sharper, more daring vision that blends Mikli’s avant-garde artistry with Ray-Ban’s timeless pop-culture appeal. The collection reinterprets the original silhouette that first defined their collaboration, while adding new shapes and details that challenge convention.
Each frame is a study in contrasts: chaos and control, rebellion and refinement, design and disruption. Distinctive profiles and a vivid Mikli-inspired colour palette reflect the creative tension that drives both brands.
Marking another first, this release features a red Ray-Ban logo, a symbolic seal of the partnership’s fearless spirit.
When a child walks into your optometry clinic, they’re not just bringing their eyes, they’re bringing their emotions, too.
Whether it’s nervousness about the eye exam, confusion about blurry vision, or even fear of getting glasses, kids are often navigating more than they can express. That’s why the three ‘A’s of Self-Awareness—Assess, Acknowledge, Adjust— are so powerful in pediatric eye care.
By using these steps intentionally, we help young patients better understand their emotions and feel supported through a positive, trust-building experience.
1. Assess – Helping the Child Notice What They’re Feeling
Kids might not walk in saying, “I’m anxious about this exam,” but their bodies and behavior will often speak for them, fidgeting, clinging to a parent, or becoming uncharacteristically quiet.
As professionals, we can guide a child to assess their emotional state by asking simple, supportive questions:
“How are you feeling about today’s visit?”
“Have you been to an eye doctor before?”
“Anything you’re curious or unsure about?”
This invites them to check in with themselves, even if they don’t have all the words. Visual aids like emotion faces or a feelings chart can make this even easier, especially for younger children.
Example: A child says, “I feel a little weird about the machine that puffs air.” You’ve just opened a door to self-awareness—and trust.
2. Acknowledge – Validating Their Emotions Without Dismissing Them
Once a child expresses how they feel, the next step is helping them acknowledge it as valid.
This doesn’t mean fixing it or brushing past it with “You’ll be fine” it means naming it, accepting it, and letting them know it’s okay.
Try responses like:
“A lot of kids feel unsure about that part; it can be a bit surprising.”
“It makes sense you feel nervous, new things can feel a little strange at first.”
When we acknowledge a child’s emotions, they feel understood instead of rushed. This helps them settle, feel safer, and become more receptive to what’s next.
Example: A child who’s hesitant to try on glasses says, “I don’t want to look weird.” You respond, “That makes total sense. Sometimes changes take a bit to get used to, but you might be surprised how cool you look.”
3. Adjust – Guiding a New Response with Confidence and Support
Now comes the moment to help the child adjust, not by forcing them to “get over it,” but by gently guiding them toward a new emotional response or mindset.
This could look like:
Giving them agency “Would you like to try this frame or this one first?”
Reframing the situation “These lenses will help everything feel easier at school.”
Practicing a calming strategy together before a test, like deep breath before the air puff.
Example: A child who’s still unsure about getting glasses is offered a mirror and frame options that match their favorite colour. You say, “Let’s find a pair that feels just right for you. Something that shows off who you are.”
They feel seen. They feel empowered. That’s emotional intelligence in action.
Why It Matters in Eye Care
When we apply Assess, Acknowledge, and Adjust with our young patients, we’re not just making the appointment smoother, we’re building:
Confidence in unfamiliar situations
Positive associations with health care
A sense of agency in their choices
Emotional trust in us as professionals
And that trust doesn’t just make today easier. It impacts how they approach their health, their self-esteem, and even their learning for years to come.
Let’s use the ‘A’s of self-awareness to make every visit one where they feel not only cared for—but understood.
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J.F. REY is highlighting SLEDGE, a collection that combines titanium, acetate, carbon fibre and a patented screwless hinge system in an architectural approach to eyewear design.
HOYA Vision Care Canada has announced the availability of Sensity 3, Sensity Colours and Sensity Shine, expanding its light-adaptive lens portfolio for eye care professionals across Canada.
The American Academy of Optometry has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders in optometry, vision science, education, research, clinical care and service.
J.F. REY has introduced IMAGINE, its 2026 kids eyewear collection designed for children aged 4 to 12, with frames emphasizing colour, transparency, comfort and durability.
Toulch Rimless has signed a Canadian distribution agreement with Audace Lunettes, which will represent the Montreal-based brand and its Phi collection across Canada.
J.F. REY is highlighting SLEDGE, a collection that combines titanium, acetate, carbon fibre and a patented screwless hinge system in an architectural approach to eyewear design.
HOYA Vision Care Canada has announced the availability of Sensity 3, Sensity Colours and Sensity Shine, expanding its light-adaptive lens portfolio for eye care professionals across Canada.
The American Academy of Optometry has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders in optometry, vision science, education, research, clinical care and service.
J.F. REY has introduced IMAGINE, its 2026 kids eyewear collection designed for children aged 4 to 12, with frames emphasizing colour, transparency, comfort and durability.
Toulch Rimless has signed a Canadian distribution agreement with Audace Lunettes, which will represent the Montreal-based brand and its Phi collection across Canada.
J.F. REY is highlighting SLEDGE, a collection that combines titanium, acetate, carbon fibre and a patented screwless hinge system in an architectural approach to eyewear design.
HOYA Vision Care Canada has announced the availability of Sensity 3, Sensity Colours and Sensity Shine, expanding its light-adaptive lens portfolio for eye care professionals across Canada.
The American Academy of Optometry has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders in optometry, vision science, education, research, clinical care and service.
J.F. REY has introduced IMAGINE, its 2026 kids eyewear collection designed for children aged 4 to 12, with frames emphasizing colour, transparency, comfort and durability.
Toulch Rimless has signed a Canadian distribution agreement with Audace Lunettes, which will represent the Montreal-based brand and its Phi collection across Canada.
J.F. REY is highlighting SLEDGE, a collection that combines titanium, acetate, carbon fibre and a patented screwless hinge system in an architectural approach to eyewear design.
HOYA Vision Care Canada has announced the availability of Sensity 3, Sensity Colours and Sensity Shine, expanding its light-adaptive lens portfolio for eye care professionals across Canada.
The American Academy of Optometry has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders in optometry, vision science, education, research, clinical care and service.
J.F. REY has introduced IMAGINE, its 2026 kids eyewear collection designed for children aged 4 to 12, with frames emphasizing colour, transparency, comfort and durability.
Toulch Rimless has signed a Canadian distribution agreement with Audace Lunettes, which will represent the Montreal-based brand and its Phi collection across Canada.
