fbpx

The Vision Council Releases New Research Highlighting Canadian Consumer Trends

The Vision Council logo

The Vision Council announces the release of its latest research report, Consumer inSights Canada Q3 and Q4 2024, offering an in-depth look into Canadian consumers’ opinions and habits related to vision correction, vision insurance, eye exams, prescription eyewear, reading glasses, and plano sunglasses.

Findings from this report, as part of The Vision Council’s inSights Research Program, reveal several key insights into Canadian vision care behavior. Over half (52%) of Canadians had an exam in the past year, an increase from the first half of 2024, but still lower than U.S. rates, which hover around 62%. Report findings also suggest that Canadian consumers are replacing eyewear less frequently, with the median replacement cycle for glasses at 24 months, double the U.S. average. For out-of-pocket spending, 38% of respondents reported paying $99 or less for their glasses, lenses, or frames.

“Our latest Consumer inSights Canada report explores how Canadian consumers approach optical products and services and sheds light into what matters most for them when it comes to their eye health,” said Alysse Henkel, Vice President of Research and inSights at The Vision Council. “Findings from this latest report highlight some of the differences between U.S. and Canadian consumers and can help members of industry better serve Canadian consumers.

Additional Report Highlights:

  • 76% of respondents use a form of vision correction – including glasses, prescription sunglasses, reading glasses and contact lenses.
  • 48% of prescription glasses users made a purchase in the past year.
  • 28% of respondents report their last eye exam was more than two years ago.
  • 65% of those who use readers purchased a new pair within the past year.
  • More than half (58%) of respondents wear plano sunglasses.

The Vision Council’s Consumer inSights Canada Q3 and Q4 2024 findings are the result of a survey of 3,052 adults in Canada aged 18 or older fielded by Full Circle Research between July and December. Respondents are representative of the Canadian adult population. The survey included questions about vision correction, managed vision care, eye exams, prescription eyewear, reading glasses, and plano sunglasses.

The full report is available in The Vision Council’s Research Download Center as a complimentary download for members of The Vision Council, with a paid option for non-members to download.

More about the inSights Research Program

The Vision Council’s inSights Research Program is built on a foundation of rigorous methodology and cutting-edge technology. The inSights Research Program provides a comprehensive perspective on the state of the optical industry through quarterly consumer survey reports; quarterly in-depth special reports on eyewear and eyecare products and topics; and an end-of-year market estimate and industry forecast.

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Cascade: A Warm and Earthy Mocha Hue for Distinctive Style

Voila Optik Jan-Feb 2025 OGI Article One Cascade

Warm and earthy, Article One’s Cascade embodies Mocha Mousse through the blend of subtle brown hues with creamy undertones reminiscent of a rich latte of light chocolate.

This colourway would suit those seeking a neutral yet distinctive style that complements a variety of skin tones and wardrobe choices.

Distributed by: www.ogieyewear.com  

About OGI Eyewear:

Established in 1997, we’re a design house first, an innovator with a proven record of setting industry standards, of working with top tier manufacturers and suppliers to create new eyewear designs that stay ahead of the trends.

Our releases are frequent, distinct, and tell a consistent story without overlapping existing styles across Brands. Each one of our Brands tells a unique story that identify and serve a captive audience. Think durable, handcrafted frames designed to appeal to a diverse range of lifestyles so your clients can connect with the perfect piece instead of feeling shoehorned into a more generalized look.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e- newsletters!

Safilo and Special Olympics Renew Long-standing Partnership Through to 2027

Safilo Special Olympics March 2025

For over two decades, Safilo Group and Special Olympics have been changing lives, one pair of glasses at a time. Now, that mission continues.

The two organizations celebrated the renewal of their long-standing partnership through to 2027 at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, on 8th March 2025. This commitment underscores a shared dedication to inclusive health and vision care for athletes with intellectual disabilities worldwide that has stood strong for more than 22 years – and counting. During this period, Special Olympics athletes from all over the world have received prescription frames and sunglasses provided by Safilo through the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes® program. Safilo employees have also been volunteers at Opening Eyes events, where athletes receive essential eye examinations, prescription eyewear, and referrals for follow-up care.

Safilo Group and Special Olympics celebrated the renewal of their long-standing partnership at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin
David Evangelista, President and Managing Director, SOEE, and Angelo Trocchia (CEO Safilo) during Healthy Athletes – SAFILO Signing Event at Inalpi Arena on 08.03.25 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Inaki Esnaola / SOEE)

At Safilo, we believe that clear vision is a fundamental right, not a privilege. For over 20 years, our partnership with Special Olympics has allowed us to bring not just eyewear, but dignity, confidence, and opportunity to thousands of athletes worldwide” said Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group. “This renewed commitment reaffirms our dedication to inclusion, accessibility, and eye health—ensuring that every athlete has the vision care they need to excel, both in competitions and in daily life. We are proud to continue this journey and to stand alongside Special Olympics in their mission of empowerment. This commitment is part of Safilo’s purpose-led strategy based on three sustainability pillars: planet, product, and people”.

Special Olympics CEO Mary Davis added: “The renewal of our partnership with Safilo is more than just an extension of a collaboration, it is a testament to a shared commitment to health equity for people with intellectual disabilities. Vision care is often an overlooked but essential part of an athlete’s success, and Safilo’s contribution has transformed lives by providing access to screenings, prescription frames, and expert care. As we celebrate this milestone at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, we look forward to expanding our impact and ensuring that every athlete sees a clearer, brighter future ahead.”

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

National Vision Awards $12,500 to Three Optometry Students in 10th Annual Scholarship Program

National Vision Three Optometry Students in 10th Annual Scholarship Program

National Vision, Inc. announced the winners of its 10th annual scholarship program, awarding $12,500 in scholarships to empower the next generation of optometrists as they shape the future of eye care.

Pictured at the top from left to right: Faye Nie; Victoria Cao; Isabella Jenson (Photo: Business Wire)

Each year, the program challenges optometry students to explore a topic shaping the future of eye care through essays or videos. For the 2024-2025 scholarship, students tackled “AI and the Future of Eye Care,” examining the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into the field. Winners were selected for their forward-thinking perspectives on how AI can enhance accessibility, improve patient outcomes, and help optometrists bring innovative, high-quality care to diverse communities.

“AI is reshaping health care, and it’s exciting to see how future optometrists are thinking about its potential,” said Alexander Smith, O.D., Head of Doctor Network at National Vision. “This year’s scholarship winners offered fresh, innovative ideas on how AI can enhance accessibility and improve patient outcomes. As technology advances, the role of optometrists in driving meaningful, patient-centered innovation has never been more important.”

The 2024-2025 scholarship program winners include:

 First Place ($7,500): Faye Nie, Southern California College of Optometry, Class of 2025

 Runner-Up ($2,500): Victoria Cao, University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science, Class of 2026

 Runner-Up ($2,500): Isabella Jenson, Arizona College of Optometry, Class of 2026

The program was open to third- and fourth-year optometry students in good standing at an optometry school in the U.S., Puerto Rico or Canada. A panel of licensed optometrists reviewed each submission, selecting one exceptional winner and two outstanding runners-up. Students were encouraged to explore the role of AI in shaping the future of eye care, supported by credible research and insights from any relevant projects or initiatives they’ve contributed to in advancing accessibility and innovation within the field.

Click HERE for the press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

GOLD Medal for CORE Researchers

Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

Very exciting news from the 4th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions in Hong Kong, where a team of researchers at the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) took home the GOLD! The team that included CORE’s Dr. Chau-Minh Phan and former CORE research scientist Dr. Brandon Ho was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for their “Eye-On-A-Chip” technology. 

The Eye-On-a-Chip technology mimics an eye environment for testing products like contact lens materials, multipurpose solutions, and pharmaceuticals. Utilizing microfluidics to simulate tear flow, it enables real-time imaging and employs a patented automatic image analysis algorithm—saving researchers and pharmaceutical companies both time and money while generating reliable data.

GOLD Medal for CORE Researchers

Find out more HERE.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Featured Posts

Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo and VSP Vision Announce Finalists for the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge

Finalists will participate in a four-week startup bootcamp and present on the Innovation Stage at Vision Expo on March 13

Learn More
JF Rey Real Life

J.F. REY Presents LIFE

J.F. Rey introduces LIFE, a new eyewear concept capturing everyday urban moments through bold, expressive frames designed to reflect individuality.

Read more
Hoya Vision Care Canada logo

HOYA Vision Care Launches LensPreview Virtual Try-on for Specialty Lenses

HOYA Vision Care introduces LensPreview, a new virtual try-on tool for photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, now available in the U.S. and Canada.

Read more
Canadian Ophthalmological Society

Canadian Ophthalmological Society Highlights Advances in AMD Care During Awareness Month

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society marks AMD Awareness Month by highlighting advances in care, new technologies, and the impact of vision loss.

Read more
Pearle Vision logo 2026

Pearle Vision Marks 65 Years with Continued Network Growth and Investment in Clinical Technology

Pearle Vision celebrates 65 years with new North American locations, updated clinic designs, and continued investment in advanced eye care technology.

Read more
Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo and VSP Vision Announce Finalists for the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge

Finalists will participate in a four-week startup bootcamp and present on the Innovation Stage at Vision Expo on March 13

Learn More
JF Rey Real Life

J.F. REY Presents LIFE

J.F. Rey introduces LIFE, a new eyewear concept capturing everyday urban moments through bold, expressive frames designed to reflect individuality.

Read More
Hoya Vision Care Canada logo

HOYA Vision Care Launches LensPreview Virtual Try-on for Specialty Lenses

HOYA Vision Care introduces LensPreview, a new virtual try-on tool for photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, now available in the U.S. and Canada.

Read More
Canadian Ophthalmological Society

Canadian Ophthalmological Society Highlights Advances in AMD Care During Awareness Month

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society marks AMD Awareness Month by highlighting advances in care, new technologies, and the impact of vision loss.

Read More
Pearle Vision logo 2026

Pearle Vision Marks 65 Years with Continued Network Growth and Investment in Clinical Technology

Pearle Vision celebrates 65 years with new North American locations, updated clinic designs, and continued investment in advanced eye care technology.

Read More
Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo and VSP Vision Announce Finalists for the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge

Finalists will participate in a four-week startup bootcamp and present on the Innovation Stage at Vision Expo on March 13

Learn More
JF Rey Real Life

J.F. REY Presents LIFE

J.F. Rey introduces LIFE, a new eyewear concept capturing everyday urban moments through bold, expressive frames designed to reflect individuality.

Read more
Hoya Vision Care Canada logo

HOYA Vision Care Launches LensPreview Virtual Try-on for Specialty Lenses

HOYA Vision Care introduces LensPreview, a new virtual try-on tool for photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, now available in the U.S. and Canada.

Read more
Canadian Ophthalmological Society

Canadian Ophthalmological Society Highlights Advances in AMD Care During Awareness Month

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society marks AMD Awareness Month by highlighting advances in care, new technologies, and the impact of vision loss.

Read more
Pearle Vision logo 2026

Pearle Vision Marks 65 Years with Continued Network Growth and Investment in Clinical Technology

Pearle Vision celebrates 65 years with new North American locations, updated clinic designs, and continued investment in advanced eye care technology.

Read more
Vision Expo new logo

Vision Expo and VSP Vision Announce Finalists for the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge

Finalists will participate in a four-week startup bootcamp and present on the Innovation Stage at Vision Expo on March 13

Learn More
JF Rey Real Life

J.F. REY Presents LIFE

J.F. Rey introduces LIFE, a new eyewear concept capturing everyday urban moments through bold, expressive frames designed to reflect individuality.

Read more
Hoya Vision Care Canada logo

HOYA Vision Care Launches LensPreview Virtual Try-on for Specialty Lenses

HOYA Vision Care introduces LensPreview, a new virtual try-on tool for photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, now available in the U.S. and Canada.

Read more
Canadian Ophthalmological Society

Canadian Ophthalmological Society Highlights Advances in AMD Care During Awareness Month

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society marks AMD Awareness Month by highlighting advances in care, new technologies, and the impact of vision loss.

Read more
Pearle Vision logo 2026

Pearle Vision Marks 65 Years with Continued Network Growth and Investment in Clinical Technology

Pearle Vision celebrates 65 years with new North American locations, updated clinic designs, and continued investment in advanced eye care technology.

Read more