The hexagonal acetate frame OWP 2233 presents a design that truly makes a statement. Its striking beveled facets give the frame a dynamic and modern look. The Art Deco temples, with their stylish details, add an elegant retro twist. Presented here in a deep cherry red, this exclusive OWP Signature Acetate ensures ultimate wearing comfort and quality.
Lanctôt Ltée is excited to be celebrating its 65th Anniversary with over 5000 customers and partners! Since 1953 Lanctôt Ltée has been a Canadian based, family-run business that specializes in the distribution and production of premium sporting goods, apparel and eyewear. Our distribution and design expertise combined with our passion for sports is the foundation of our success.
Lanctôt offers 3 distinct categories: Sports Equipment, Apparel and Optical. Lanctôt’s brands fall into 7 divisions: Ski, Bike, Golf, Outerwear, Team Sports, Fashion and Eyewear.
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Myopia is one of the most serious vision issues today. According to the International Myopia Institute, “Evidence is mounting that myopia is growing around the world, with a recent study estimating that on average, 30% of the world is currently myopic and by 2050, almost 50% will be myopic, that’s a staggering 5 billion people.”
Myopia rates are rising quickly worldwide, especially among children, and it’s becoming a serious public health issue. If not managed, myopia can lead to serious eye problems like retinal detachment and maculopathy, affecting quality of life. Thankfully, new strategies for myopia control lenses offer ways to slow it down, helping protect children’s vision for the future.
My Perspective on Myopia Control: Using Spectacle Lenses
As a father of two young children, an optician, and an educator, I embarked on this journey to deepen my understanding of myopia control and share insights with others. This includes exploring the lens options available for glasses, understanding the theory behind myopia control lenses, and the associated benefits and challenges. Most importantly, I aim to emphasize our role as opticians and optometrists in supporting children and parents in managing myopia.
A few decades ago, the concept of ‘myopia control’ wasn’t something we heard about, but today it’s a critical part of safeguarding children’s eye health. Myopia control involves techniques and specialized spectacle lenses that help slow the progression of nearsightedness. As I learned more, I realized its potential to protect young children from severe vision issues in the future. It’s like preventative medicine for vision—a proactive way to preserve long-term eye health.
This year, I had the privilege of presenting on Myopia Control lenses in three provinces as part of the Opticians Association of Canada’s continuing education events. Many attendees approached me during these sessions asking:
“Do these lenses work?”
“How do they differ from standard single-vision lenses?”
Is this just a marketing strategy by lens manufacturers?”
These are understandable and important inquiries about the effectiveness and purpose of these lenses in managing childhood myopia.
Whenever I hear such questions, I feel hopeful and excited because they show genuine curiosity and interest in learning about these lenses. It’s always a valuable opportunity for me to share their benefits, explain how they work, and provide insights to help others better understand their potential.
The overall feedback from the audience was incredibly positive, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to broaden their understanding of how these lenses can effectively slow the progression of nearsightedness. It’s always rewarding to help others see the potential impact of these advancements in eye care.
I’ve written this article to raise awareness about myopia and the role opticians and optometrists play in addressing this growing concern. Innovative spectacle lenses for myopia control – provide a safe, effective, and easy-to-wear solution, empowering families to take proactive steps in managing myopia progression. Together, we can help children achieve better vision today while protecting their eye health for tomorrow.
Understanding the Theories Behind Myopia Control Lenses
Below are two widely used theories that are commonly adopted by lens manufacturers.
Peripheral Defocus Theory This is one of the most widely supported theories. Traditional single-vision lenses correct central vision but leave the peripheral vision blurry, which can stimulate the eye to grow longer, worsening myopia. Myopia control lenses create a focused image on the central retina while moving the peripheral focus forward. This “peripheral defocus” discourages excessive eye growth, potentially slowing myopia progression.
Contrast Theory Studies suggest that reducing contrast in the peripheral field may help reduce myopia progression. Certain myopia control lenses work by slightly reducing contrast on the edges, minimizing the visual stimulus that may contribute to the elongation of the eye. This contrast modification helps the eye avoid overstimulation, which could trigger myopic elongation and growth.
What’s new in Myopia Control Lenses? – Exciting Innovations as of 2024
As of 2024, advancements in myopia control lenses emphasize enhanced efficacy, customization, and integration with broader myopia management strategies.
Here are some key innovations:
Manufacturer
Lens Name
Lens Theory
Technology
Lens Design
Hoya
MiYOSMART
Peripheral Defocus
DIMS
Honeycomb design (each 1.03mm). Each lenslet has a relative positive power of +3.50D.
Essilor
Stellest
Peripheral Defocus
HALT
1,021 invisible lenslets acting as a shield against myopia progression
Zeiss
MyoCare
Peripheral Defocus
C.A.R. E
Myocare: Features a mean surface addition power of +4.6D. Myocare S: Offers a mean surface addition power of +3.8D.
Cooper Vision
SightGlass
Contrast
DOT
Thousands of micro-dots, scatter light to reduce contrast on the retina.
Vision RX
MyoSafe
Asymmetrical Peripheral Defocus
HDM
Asymmetrical addition progression with +2.00D nasally and +2.50D temporally
Rodenstock
MyCon
Asymmetrical Peripheral Defocus
HPC
Asymmetrical addition progression with +2.00D nasally and +2.50D temporally
Benefits and Challenges of Myopia Control Lens
Benefits
Slows Myopia Progression: These lenses help reduce the rate of eyeball elongation, which is the primary cause of myopia progression.
Improves Quality of Life: By slowing the progression of myopia, these lenses can minimize the need for stronger prescriptions over time, enhancing overall visual comfort and convenience.
Easy-to-Wear Option: Myopia control lenses provide a convenient and comfortable alternative to other methods such as atropine eye drops, contact lenses, or orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses. They offer a less intrusive and more user-friendly solution for managing myopia.
Challenges
Lens Adaptation: New users may experience initial discomfort, adaptation difficulties, or blurry vision due to the specialized lens design.
Lens Cost: Myopia control lenses are generally more expensive than regular single-vision corrective lenses, making them less accessible for some families.
Wear Time & Compliance: Requires proper care and consistent usage to achieve desired results. Non-compliance can reduce their effectiveness.
The Role of Optician and Optometrist
Opticians and Optometrists should collaborate as a team to support families in managing myopia, safeguarding children’s vision, and minimizing the risk of serious complications later in life. Each of us has a vital role in the shared mission to slow myopia progression. Here are three key points I’d like to share on how we can make a meaningful impact:
Continuing Education
Staying informed and continuously updating our knowledge is crucial for delivering the highest quality care to our patients.
As opticians and optometrists, our goal is to educate ourselves about myopia control lenses and gain an understanding of the available lens options, and this will help us confidently recommend the most suitable lenses to children and patients.
Advocacy and Awareness
Raising awareness about myopia control is crucial for promoting proactive eye care and encouraging early intervention.
Opticians and Optometrists play a vital role in raising awareness about myopia control lenses and their effectiveness in slowing the progression of myopia. By staying updated on advancements in myopia control technologies, we can educate families about the importance of proactive eye care.
Advocacy efforts should emphasize the potential long-term impact of unmanaged myopia on eye health and the critical need to take action to curb its progression, safeguarding vision for the future.
Lens Recommendation and Continuous Support
Achieving effective myopia control relies on collaboration and consistent, ongoing care.
Optometrists: Monitor the effectiveness of the lenses over time, adjusting prescriptions or recommending alternative treatments if needed.
Opticians: Ensure the prescribed lenses are fabricated and fitted correctly. Precise measurement and alignment with the child’s eyes are crucial to maximize the efficacy of the lenses.
Managing myopia effectively requires regular eye check-ups to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments—an essential part of preserving long-term vision. By proactively addressing myopia, we are taking control of the issue rather than simply waiting for vision to worsen and for stronger glasses to become inevitable.
As a parent, the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re actively protecting your child’s vision and investing in their long-term eye health is invaluable. By acting now, we not only safeguard their present but also contribute to a brighter, clearer future for them.
Karl Chua, a licensed optician with over 16 years in the optical industry, is the Distribution and Training Manager at EssilorLuxottica’s Richmond, BC center. An instructor and speaker, he’s passionate about empowering others through education, fostering growth, and advancing the optical field for future generations.
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Marcolin and Max Mara announce the renewal of the license agreement for the design, production and international distribution of Max Mara sunglasses and optical frames.
The new agreement extends the license for an additional 7 years, until December 31, 2032.
After the extension signed in January 2024 for the MAX&Co. Eyewear line, this agreement confirms and further strengthens the partnership with Max Mara Group that has been established over the past years.
Max Mara’s collections of sunglasses and optical frames are a byword for style and quality. The frames are the result of the brand’s continuous pursuit of perfection and balance between materials, shapes and colors, standing out for their elegant geometric lines and harmonious combination of textures and sophisticated hues.
The new Max Mara Eyewear collection is available at Max Mara boutiques, on www.maxmara.com, and in eyewear stores and authorized retailers.
East Optical announces the appointment of Isabelle Tremblay as Country Manager, Canada, effective April 11, 2025.
With over 24 years of experience in marketing and sales within the optical industry, Isabelle has built a remarkable career driving customer engagement, brand development, and global market positioning strategies. She is widely recognized for her expertise in strategic planning, digital marketing, and integrated campaigns, as well as her ability to foster strong industry relationships that lead to exceptional business growth.
In addition to her extensive industry experience, Isabelle is the author of Love, Lead, Succeed: The Supernatural Approach to Business and Life, showcasing her passion for leadership and professional growth.
As Country Manager, Canada, Isabelle will lead business strategy, marketing, and sales operations, driving growth and expanding East Optical’s presence in the Canadian market.
“We are excited that Isabelle is joining the East Optical team. Her extensive sales and marketing experience, coupled with her strong relationship-building skills, will be a significant asset as we grow our presence in Canada.”
– Olive Su, General Manager, East Optical
“I’m eager to build awareness for East Optical in Canada and introduce our full portfolio of premium lenses. I’m particularly excited about making MyoPro™ lenses available to Canadian children. In randomized clinical trials, MyoPro™ lenses have demonstrated excellent efficacy, wearability, and performance in myopia management.”
– Isabelle Tremblay, Country Manager, East Optical
Our recent survey on the buying habits of Canadian ECPs’ attitudes toward making purchases on the basis of country of origin struck a chord with the Canadian eye care community.
In fact, it generated more engagement, feedback, and commentary than any other topic we’ve covered in recent years.
Clearly, the question of what it means to buy Canadian—and whether it should influence how ECPs source frames, lenses, (including Contact Lenses) and finished jobs—resonates deeply.
Many readers acknowledged the complexity of the value chain, recognizing that while few optical products are fully made in Canada, there are still meaningful ways to support Canadian industry through design, assembly, distribution, and local ownership.
Below, we’re pleased to share a selection of Letters to the Editor and comments that expand on these themes. These letters offer thoughtful perspectives on why buying Canadian matters, and what it might realistically look like in today’s globally interconnected optical marketplace.
We invite you to continue the conversation.
Dear Editor: Re: The Narrative of “Country of Origin”
A product’s Country of Origin is more than just a factual designation—it carries meaning, reputation, and historical weight.
A label that says “Made in Canada” suggests not just our physical location but also the implied qualities of craftsmanship, regulations, labor ethics, and cultural identity. The label is a signifier.
The Living Narrative of Identity
The concept of “Country of Origin” for products fabricated in Canada can be likened to a living narrative because both “Country of Origin” and living narrative involve an evolving identity shaped by context, perception, and interpretation.
Country of Origin is a legal and economic designation.
A “country of origin” label is a manufactured simplification—an imposed categorization that works for most nations because their existence is not questioned nor are their narratives challenged.
However, when the country Canada’s legitimacy is scrutinized by its powerful trading neighbour partner, and its right to exist commented by this nations new policy makers, then it should not be a matter of surprise but of preparation. History has already taught the necessity of vigilance.
The meaning of “Made in Canada“ now changed slightly based on economic conditions, global trade policies, and consumer self-perception of Canadian identity.
“Country of Origin” for products fabricated in our country Canada represents a living narrative of identity, history, and proof of existence.
It also informs the international market that Canadians exist and are making products for others to purchase.
If we view “Made in Canada” as a narrative, we recognize it as part of a larger, ongoing story—just like personal or cultural identity. The label, then, is a definitive statement of What it means to be made, What it means to originate, and What it means to belong.
Mel Rapp
Dear Editor: Re: Value in Buying from a Canadian Distributor
I recently read with interest the article suggesting that ECPs should prioritize buying Canadian-made eyewear. While there may be a few eyewear brands manufactured locally the vast majority are sourced in Europe and Asia.
However a very easy and effective way to support local jobs in our industry is to focus on purchasing your frames and lenses from Canadian distributors.
When eye care professionals stock brands from Canadian distributors, they are directly supporting jobs in Canada. This goes beyond just the Sales Representatives and employees at the Canadian office.
It also encompasses the various local businesses that provide services to these offices, such as electricity suppliers, box manufacturers, and IT consultants just to name a few.
By choosing to work with Canadian distributors, we are injecting life into the local economy and sustaining numerous Canadian jobs. This approach may not have the same emotional appeal as buying “Made in Canada” products, but it is a pragmatic and impactful way to make a positive difference.
I hope this perspective will inspire your readers to think critically about how they can truly support Canadian businesses in the eyewear industry.
Amir Hochstadter Vice-President, Canadian Optical Supply
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.
