Missed games associated with eye injuries sustained by hockey players cost franchises in the National Hockey League (NHL) more than $32 million from 2002 to 2013, according to a study presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

 

The researchers identified 149 eye injuries in that time frame. The majority of them were caused by being hit by the puck (37%) or struck by a high stick (28%). Only 18% were caused by fights.

 

Players who do not wear a visor are 4.23 times more likely to sustain eye injury. By measuring penalty minutes, hits and fights, the study was also able to show that the most aggressive players are most averse to wearing a visor.

 

“Although it may seem like common sense to wear visors, until now there was little evidence that they could decrease injuries or could save the league money,” said lead researcher Jonathan Micieli, of the University of Toronto. “Quantifying these factors can make a big difference in the NHL’s policy discussions.”

 

Since June 2013, players new to the game must wear a visor. Those who had played over 26 games in the NHL at the time the rule was introduced can, however, decide whether or not they will wear one. About 73% of players wore visors during the 2012-2013 season.

Source:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131116171108.htm

 

A California woman intends to contest her citation, which she received because she was wearing her Google Glass while driving, in court.

 

In San Diego, after pulling Cecilia Abadie over for speeding, a police officer noticed she was wearing the famous web-connected eyeglasses. Without a moment’s hesitation, the officer added a citation that is usually given to drivers who may be distracted by a video or TV screen. This decision raised the ire of Cecilia Abadie, who is determined to take it to court.

 

“The law is not clear, the laws are very outdated,” said the driver in an interview with the Associated Press (AP), adding that navigating with the device is actually less distracting than with a GPS device or phone.

 

David Strayer, director of the University of Utah’s Center for the Prevention of Distracted Driving, says that although users can continue looking straight ahead while wearing Google Glass, glancing at the tiny screen in the lens can certainly distract them from the road, making the device a hazard.

 

Google declined to make a direct comment on the news, but warns drivers on its site. “Read up and follow the law. Above all, even when you’re following the law, don’t hurt yourself or others by failing to pay attention to the road.”

Source:

http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/u-s-woman-fighting-citation-for-wearing-google-glass-while-driving-1.1523098

 

 

 

Gartner Inc. claims that as early as 2017, web-connected eyewear, such as Google Glass and Gear Glass by Samsung, could bring in billions of dollars a year for businesses that use them.

 

According to Angela McIntyre, research director at Gartner, these savings would stem from an increase in efficiency and production for technicians, engineers and employees in the field, in maintenance, health and production services. With this type of device, young employees could learn to perform a task by following instructions displayed on the Glass or workers could resolve problems quicker at remote sites.

 

Furthermore, the American company, Rochester Optical, recently announced that it will be manufacturing ophthalmic lenses for the Google Glass as of January 2014. This will make the Glass more accessible to the general population. Since there is currently no agreement binding Rochester Optical and Google, the lenses will need to be ordered separately.

 

Google also sees a possible competitor emerging from an unexpected sector. Japanese car maker Nissan has indicated its intention to launch its own web-connected glasses. Nissan will show its prototype at the 43^rd Tokyo Motor Show. The 3E glasses will be able to display navigation data, capture the health status of the driver and his/her car, and even send photos and videos.

 

What remains to be seen is whether the authorities will approve wearing these glasses while driving; they already have to deal with the epidemic of drivers who text behind the wheel…

Sources:

http://www.acuite.fr/articles.asp?REF=9126 

http://www.directioninformatique.com/des-lentilles-ophtalmiques-seront-offertes-pour-les-lunettes-de-google/22888

http://auto.lapresse.ca/technologies/201311/13/01-4710373-nissan-presentera-des-lunettes-connectees-au-salon-de-tokyo.php

 

 

New Look Eyewear Inc. just announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets and business of Vogue Optical Inc., located in Prince Edward Island.

 

Vogue Optical comprises 65 stores, including 21 in Nova Scotia, 21 in New Brunswick, 15 in Newfoundland and Labrador, 5 in P.E.I. and 3 in other provinces, as well as a lens processing facility.

 

The purchase price of the assets and business of Vogue Optical will be $74 million, and the acquisition is expected to close by December 2, 2013, subject to the usual closing conditions.

 

Vogue Optical will operate as a stand-alone business based in Charlottetown, and both groups will continue to grow in their respective markets.

 

With this acquisition, New Look will have a network of over 140 locations, making it the third largest retail optical company in Canada

 

Transitions Optical, Inc. has named the finalists for its annual Transitions Awards program, which recognizes leading independent eyecare professionals and optical retailers in Canada for their year-long commitment to promoting eye health and Transitions^® lenses.

 

The three finalists for the fifth annual Transitions Eyecare Professional of the Year award are Sandy Koppé, O.D., from The Eye Care Group, with three locations in Alberta (west region); Wael Yassein from The Eye Shoppe, in Ontario (central region); and Pierre Vallée, O.D., from the Clinique D’Optométrie Pierre Vallée, in Quebec (east region).

 

Finalists for the second annual Transitions Retailer of the Year award include Costco Optical, which has over 60 locations across Canada; Loblaw Optical, which has more than 130 locations in eight provinces; and Lunetterie New Look Eyewear, which has over 70 stores in Quebec and Ontario.

 

The finalists will be honoured, and the winners announced, during Transitions Academy, to be held January 26-29 in Orlando.  

 

Source:

 

Transitions Optical inc.