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Contact Lens Institute Names 2025 Visionaries

contact lens institute

Eighteen established and emerging eye care community leaders have been named as Contact Lens Institute 2025 Visionaries. The diverse group represents a range of practice settings, research interests, and specializations from across the United States and Canada.

Each Visionary has demonstrated a commitment to raising awareness of advances in soft contact lenses and prescribing benefits to patients and practices. Selected in part for their ability to connect with and inspire their colleagues, all will participate in initiatives that promote best practices, tools, new data, and clinical and practice management insights through the Contact Lens Institute’s The EASY Way and See Tomorrow initiatives.

Eight Visionaries return to the program after previous service, while another 10 have been newly appointed. 2025 honorees include:

  • Roxanne Achong-Coan OD, FAAO, FIAOMC, FSLS, Dip CCLRT, Coan Eye Care and Optical Boutique, Ocoee, Fla.
  • Shelby Brogdon, OD, McFarland Eye Care, Little Rock, Ark.*
  • Andrew Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FCLSA, ASB Opticianry Education Services, Vancouver, Wash.*
  • Jennifer M. Seymour Brusven, LDO, NCLE-AC, ABO-AC, AAS, Yesnick Vision Center, Las Vegas, Nev.*
  • Jason E. Compton, OD, FAAO, Compton Eye Associates, New York, N.Y.*
  • Ryan Corte, OD, Northlake Eye, Charlotte and Asheville, N.C.
  • Melanie Frogozo, OD, FSLS, FAAO, Dipl AAO, Alamo Eye Care, San Antonio, Texas.
  • Susan J. Gromacki, OD, MS, FAAO, FSLS, Dipl AAO, First Sight Vision Care, Fulton, Md.  
  • Lisa Hornick, OD, MBA, FAAO, Stanford Ranch Optometry, Rocklin, Calif.*
  • Jennifer Liao, OD, FAAO, FSLS, New England College of Optometry (NECO) Center for Eye Care, Boston
  • Scott Moscow, OD, Roswell Eye Clinic, Roswell, Ga.*
  • Shalu Pal, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, FIAOMC, Dr. Shalu Pal & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, Canada*
  • Nishan Pressley, OD, Essential Eyecare & Optical, Apopka, Fla.
  • Adam Ramsey, OD, Socialite Vision, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.*
  • Harbir Sian, OD, Highstreet Eyecare Center and Clarity Eyecare, British Columbia, Canada
  • Jennifer Stewart, OD, Look New Canaan, New Canaan, Conn.
  • Shauna Thornhill, OD, Amarillo Vision Specialists, Amarillo, Texas
  • Christopher Wolfe, OD, FAAO, Dipl. ABO, Exclusively Eyecare and Practice Performance Partners, Omaha, Neb.

* Returning Visionary

“Through extensive peer-to-peer sharing, our Visionaries play an important role in advancing the role of soft contact lenses in eye care practices in the U.S. and Canada. This diverse group of optometrists and opticians have demonstrated a mastery of clinical skills to give patients optimal contact lens experiences, as well as a passion to share their knowledge and enthusiasm across the eye care world.”

Stan Rogaski, executive director, CLI

Top row:  Dr. Roxanne Achong-Coan, Dr. Shelby Brogdon, Mr. Andrew Bruce and Ms. Jennifer M. Seymour Brusven
Second row: Dr. Jason E. Compton, Dr. Ryan Corte, Dr. Melanie Frogozo and Dr. Susan J. Gromacki  
Third row: Dr. Lisa Hornick, Dr. Jennifer Liao
Fourth row: Dr. Scott Moscow, Dr. Shalu Pal, Dr. Nishan Pressley and Dr. Adam Ramsey
Fifth row: Dr. Harbir Sian, Dr. Jennifer Stewart, Dr. Shauna Thornhill and Dr. Christopher Wolfe

The Contact Lens Institute advances the latest innovations in safe and effective contact lens and lens care products and services that provide unique benefits to patients while satisfying the evolving needs of eye care professionals. CLI undertakes activities that properly assess, enhance, promote and balance contact lens and lens care industry welfare and growth, including the safe use of products in the marketplace. Its members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision. For more information, visit contactlensinstitute.org.

Click HERE for the press release.

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“Clear Sky” Breaks New Ground in Sustainable Eyewear

Voila Optik Jan-Feb 2025 COS Silhouette Clear_Sky_2982_6560

Silhouette is introducing the first-ever eyewear using a new, “bio‑circular” material made with organic waste from industries like agriculture, forestry and aquaculture. The result is a high-performance frame of exquisite comfort, durability and elegance.

It may be the greatest invention since the history of optical frames. The Clear Sky collection is the latest Silhouette innovation combining premium style with high-tech sustainability.

Featured model: Clear Sky 2982 6560

Distributed by COS: canadianoptical.com

About COS:

For over 70 years, COS has prided itself on its commitment to providing customers with unparalleled service and superior products. Founded in 1951 by Fred and Judith Hochstadter, with the specific goal of offering something truly innovative to independent eye care professionals in Canada, and based in Montreal, COS is a family-run business that represents a wide variety of high-quality frames. They are also Silhouette’s exclusive Canadian distributor since the brand was established in 1964.

The heart of COS business lies in the relationship with each client. The goal of the sales representatives and customer service team is to develop long-term, in-depth ties based upon customer-satisfaction and respect. With every interaction, COS dedicates itself to delivering the exact results that customers desire and their needs require. When it comes to offering truly top of the line service, COS is nothing short of groundbreaking.

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Transitions and the OAC Announce the 2024 Students of Vision Scholarship Winners 

Transitions Optical Opticians Association of Canada

Transitions Optical and the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) announce the winners of the 2024 Students of Vision Scholarship program: Forouzan Zare, Natasha Reyes and Konan M’Boya Grâce Divine.

All three winners will receive a complementary pair of Transitions® lenses, and the first-place winner will also receive an invitation to Transitions® Academy 2025 in Orlando, FL.

  • Forouzan Zare, a student optician at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), will be awarded a grand prize scholarship of $2,000.
  • Natasha Reyes, a student optometrist at the University of Waterloo, will be awarded a scholarship of $1,500.
  • Konan M’Boya Grâce Divine, an optics and eyewear student at the Cégep François Garneau, will be awarded a scholarship of $1,000.

This year’s scholarship emphasizes the need for greater awareness that prolonged UV exposure from the sun can cause serious eye diseases, potentially leading to vision loss.

Entrants were tasked with developing a project demonstrating how one would educate younger patients about the importance of protecting their eyes from UVA, UVB and blue-violet light. Submissions were reviewed by a panel of judges based on the following criteria: creativity, strategic thinking and ethics.

Be a Vision Hero winner 2024 Transitions OAC contest
Grand prize winner Forouzan says, “For me this project means more than the scholarship, it’s the foundation of something I want to dedicate my career to. My dream is to create a real, professionally produced book that inspires kids to care for their eyes while having fun.”
 
  • Forouzan created a children’s book titled “Be a Vision Hero, Protect Your Eyes in Style” to inspire young readers to adopt healthy vision habits in an engaging and accessible way.
  • Natasha produced a short video offering valuable statistics and insights on how optometrists can better educate patients about eye health. 
  • Konan’s presentation demonstrated an interaction between her and a young consumer where she gave a thorough explanation of how the eye works and the types of protection needed.

“At Transitions, we’re committed to empowering the next generation of optical professionals to advocate for proper eye protection. Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners, your dedication to protecting youth vision is truly commendable!”

Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing and sales manager, Transitions Optical Canada

 “We were inspired by the creativity, passion and attention to detail demonstrated in this year’s applicants. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Transitions Optical to support future eye care professionals in promoting early vision protection ensuring lifelong eye health.”

Robert Dalton, Executive Director, OAC

Click HERE for the press release.

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CooperVision Names Steven Robins as President, Americas

CooperVision
CooperVision Steven Robins president Americas

CooperVision has appointed Steven Robins as President, Americas, effective immediately. He is a three-decade healthcare veteran, with several previous high-profile corporate leadership and consulting roles in the vision care industry.

Robins was most recently Managing Partner and Principal for New England Consulting Group, where he worked with a range of Fortune 500 organizations across the medical device, pharmaceutical, and OTC/vitamin sectors. Among these were strategic engagements with CooperVision, including the U.S. introduction of its MiSight® 1 day contact lens for myopia control.

He has also served as Chief Marketing Officer and President of North American Vision Care for Bausch + Lomb, General Manager of Johnson & Johnson’s Consumer Healthcare business in Canada, and Group Marketing Director for Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

“Steven has been working with CooperVision for a number of years on strategic, priority projects including our MiSight® 1 day contact lenses. I am impressed with his strategic thinking as well as his passion for the industry and our customers. He is a charismatic, engaging leader who undoubtedly will drive positive impacts throughout our Americas business.”

Debbie Olive, Chief Commercial Officer, CooperVision

“Since my first foray into ocular health almost 20 years ago, I have known that there’s something special about this industry, shown by the way its professionals and products come together to make the world better for millions of people every day. There are big opportunities in vision care, and CooperVision is a clear leader in several. It’s a privilege to join the company that has its sights set on becoming an even greater part of people’s lives through remarkable innovations and partnerships,” said Robins.

Robins holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bates College and has participated in the Pfizer Global Leadership Program with Harvard University. He plans to relocate to Rochester, N.Y., a community that he called home for several years.

Click HERE for the press release.

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References:

† Indications for Use: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters (spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, among others, statements regarding the potential impact of new management and CooperVision’s opportunities in the Americas region. Forward-looking statements necessarily depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Among the factors that could cause actual results and future actions to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements are risks relating to challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new products; risks relating to research and development, regulatory requirements, clinical studies, sales, marketing, and distribution plans and capabilities; potential product performance and quality issues; intellectual property risks; competition; and other factors described in CooperCompanies’ Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the “Business”, “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections in Cooper’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, as such Risk Factors may be updated in annual and quarterly filings. CooperCompanies cautions investors that forward-looking statements reflect the company’s analysis only on their stated date. CooperCompanies disclaims any intent to update them except as required by law.

Bausch + Lomb Bolsters Pipeline with Acquisition of Whitecap Biosciences

Bausch + Lomb

Bausch + Lomb Corporation announced an affiliate has acquired Whitecap Biosciences, LLC, which is currently developing two innovative therapies for potential use in glaucoma and geographic atrophy (GA). The acquisition strengthens Bausch + Lomb’s expanding clinical-stage pipeline.

“We’re focused on finding treatments that address unmet needs or significantly improve upon the current standard of care. Glaucoma and geographic atrophy are two areas where we believe that dramatic improvement is possible. Whitecap Biosciences’ investigational medicines show real promise when it comes to slowing vision loss and perhaps even improving vision for patients with glaucoma, which would be a long-overdue breakthrough.”

Yehia Hashad, MD, chief medical officer and executive vice president, Research & Development, Bausch + Lomb

Whitecap Biosciences was founded in 2015 to develop novel therapies for ophthalmic diseases with a focus on glaucoma, GA and other serious eye diseases. The company successfully completed Phase 2 clinical trials for WB007, a highly potent alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, in glaucoma. Additional clinical trials are planned for both glaucoma and GA.

Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease that occurs when excessive eye pressure or other causes lead to damage of the optic nerve. As one of the leading causes of preventable blindness, glaucoma affects about four million people in the United States, but if caught early, it is possible to help slow and potentially prevent vision loss.1-3 GA, also known as advanced dry age-related macular degeneration, affects approximately one million people in the U.S.4

“Glaucoma and geographic atrophy can cause severe vision loss, with many patients experiencing progressive deterioration,” said Scott Whitcup, MD, a founder and former chief executive officer, Whitecap Biosciences. “By joining a global leader like Bausch + Lomb, we hope Whitecap’s assets will be developed into effective treatments that improve visual outcomes for patients.”

References

  1. National Eye Institute. Glaucoma and Eye Pressure. Retrieved from https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma/glaucoma-and-eye-pressure. Reviewed on Nov. 12, 2024.
  2. John Hopkins. Glaucoma. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma. Reviewed on Nov. 12, 2024.
  3. Ehrlich JR, Burke-Conte Z, Wittenborn JS, et al. Prevalence of Glaucoma Among US Adults in 2022. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2024;142(11):1046–1053. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.3884
  4. Saundankar V, Borns M, Broderick K, et al. Annual prevalence of geographic atrophy and wet age-related macular degeneration among Medicare Advantage enrollees in a US health plan. J. of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy 31(1). doi.org/10.18553/jmcp.2025.31.1.88

© 2025 Bausch + Lomb.

Click HERE for the press release.

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