Blog - Page 90 of 903

January 14, 2025January 14, 2025

Vision Expo East to Debut New Elevated Experiences and Events in Orlando

Vision Expo East is set to transform and inspire the optical industry with a reimagined show floor and enhanced programming at its inaugural Orlando edition. Taking place February 19-22, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center, the event will bring together more than 300 of the industry’s most influential eyecare and eyewear brands showcasing cutting-edge products and services in a brand-new show floor layout, along with the event’s extensive and accredited continuing education will deliver over 270 hours of educational programming beginning February 19, covering essential clinical, technical and business topics for all industry levels.

At the heart of the enhanced experience, the Main Stage will pulse with daily programming including thought leadership sessions, expert panels and an exciting keynote interview. The stage will also feature the Flaunt the Frame fashion shows presented by the Accessories Council, showcasing select frames from the expanded NOW Trends Showcase.

The exclusive new Platinum Club will welcome VIP practices, media and influencers, while the OptiCon Hub, presented by the United Opticians Association (UOA), to offer a dedicated space for opticians to connect and learn. The new Resource Center located near the Main Stage will bring together The Vision Council with industry associations and charitable partners, creating a central hub for community engagement.

Additional show highlights include:

Indie Lab Speakeasy, a unique meeting space collective for leading independent laboratories, sponsored by Artisan Lab Network
NOW Trend Showcase, centrally located in the show entrance featuring expanded categories and a fresh design
Zeiss German Beer Garden, offering an eclectic environment and themed drinks
Conferee Café, a new French inspired lounge with daily refreshments and barista
OTC Showcase, featuring the industry’s most sought-after over-the-counter products

Enhanced dining and networking spaces with the V Bar for daily happy hours, curated lounges, café and daily snack breaks for continuing education courses

The comprehensive event programing extends beyond show hours with exciting parties and networking opportunities off the show floor:

Opening Night Party on Thursday, February 20, beginning at 9 p.m. taking over multiple bars within The Pointe area and entertainment from two DJs, live country music and outdoor concert by the Bad Habits.
Optical Women’s Association Champagne Breakfast: Celebrating Women in Leadership celebrating our 2025 OWA award recipients.
17th annual Vision Monday Summit at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, dive deep into how collaboration drives us forward. Shuttle service available following the OWA breakfast.
Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Dinner, celebrate Dr. Purcell and join us for a night to remember while supporting Prevent Blindness and its sight-saving programs on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Tropical Cocktail Reception on Friday, February 21 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., poolside at the Rosen Centre offering live entertainment in a tropical oasis setting.

View the full schedule of events

“We have exciting new ways for the optical industry to connect and celebrate at Vision Expo East 2025 in Orlando. The enhanced show floor and expanded programming reflect our commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for all attendees.”

Mitch Barkley, Vice President of Trade Shows, The Vision Council

Vision Expo East attendees can register and explore exhibitors, events, course lists and more by visiting east.visionexpo.com .

Click HERE for the press release.

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January 14, 2025January 14, 2025

Transitions Optical Announces 2024 Transitions® Innovation Awards Finalists

Transitions Optical has unveiled the finalists for its annual Transitions^® Innovation Awards program, which recognizes individuals and organizations from North America who have shown unparalleled commitment to implementing innovative programs and technologies over the past year.

“We are proud to recognize the exceptional achievements of this year’s finalists. They have set new standards of excellence in our industry while demonstrating commitment to our core values of quality, education, service, and innovation, and we look forward to celebrating their incredible work at Transitions^® Academy in February.”

Drew Smith, senior director, North America channels, Transitions Optical

The award categories are Transitions^® Healthy Sight Ambassador, Eyecare Practice of the Year, Retailer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year.

Transitions^® Healthy Sight Ambassador

The Transitions^® Healthy Sight Ambassador award celebrates an individual who best showcases their dedication to being an influential advocate of Transitions’ brand values and actively promotes healthy sight to their patients and within their local communities. The 2024 finalists include:

Brandy Yeack, CPOA, practice manager – Valley Eye Care (Corvallis, Oreg.)
Ric Peralta, ABOC, consultant, senior optician/lab manager – Focal Point Optometry (Fullerton, Calif.)

Eyecare Practice of the Year, North America

The Eyecare Practice of the Year, North America title recognizes an independent eyecare practice or retailer with less than 20 locations in the U.S. or Canada who have demonstrated excellence in supporting Transitions’ values and a commitment to enhancing the vision of their customers and communities. The 2024 finalists include:

Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, P.A. (Auburndale, Clermont, Haines City, Lakeland – Harden, Lakeland – Highlands, Lake Wales, Sebring, and Winter Haven, Fla.)
Eye Station Optical (Richmond, British Columbia)
Vision Plus Optometrists Corporation (Steveston, British Columbia)

Retailer of the Year, North America

The Retailer of the Year, North America title is awarded to one North American retailer with 20 or more locations that actively supports Transitions’ values and demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the vision of their customers and communities. The 2024 finalists include:

Henry Ford OptimEyes
Sam’s Club
Theodore & Pringle Optical

Channel Partner of the Year, North America

Channel Partner of the Year, North America is awarded to an optical laboratory, Managed Vision Care company, lens manufacturer or buying group that actively promotes healthy sight to their customers and within their local communities; and has demonstrated excellence in supporting Transitions’ values. The 2024 finalists include:

Opto-Réseau
Vision Source

The winners of the 2024 Transitions^® Innovation Awards will be announced during Transitions^® Academy 2025, occurring February 2-5, in Orlando, Flo.

Click HERE for the press release.

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January 10, 2025January 10, 2025

The Optical Women’s Association Announces Global Connection Event at MIDO in Milan

The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) announces an OWA Global Event at MIDO in Milan, as expansion plans continue to reach out to women in the optical industry internationally.

Women are invited to “Breaking Optical Barriers: Women Who Conquered the Climb to Success”, a powerhouse panel of accomplished executive leaders facilitated by OWA Vice President, Megan Molony.

Graciously sponsored by MIDO, this event will kick off with an introduction from Lorraine Berton, President of ANFAO and MIDO, followed by a panel including Malika Azrine-Bouferquene (EssilorLuxottica), Barbara Salimbeni (Marchon Eyewear), and Sara Osculati (Thelios), who will share insights into their journeys to the top. The discussion will focus on the challenges they faced – overcoming gender bias, managing work-life balance, and navigating corporate structures. This session promises to inspire and empower future optical leaders.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Saturday, Feb 8, 2025, at 4:00 PM
Where: MIDO – Fiera Milano, Rho, The Vision Stage (entrance of Pavilion 1)
What: OWA panel presentation (The Vision Stage plenary room), networking, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (The Vision Stage Lounge)

Cost: This event is graciously sponsored by MIDO. Space is limited so advance registration is recommended.
RSVP here by January 30

Click HERE for the press release.

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January 10, 2025January 10, 2025

WestGroupe to Support Berkley’s New Satellite Campus in Emeryville with Donation

WestGroupe has donated $30,000 toward a new satellite campus in Emeryville, CA that is currently being built by UC Berkeley’s Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science.

The new satellite campus in Emeryville will include a new outpatient clinic that will nearly double the school’s clinical capacity, expand opportunities for world-class education and research, and advance an exciting new model for integrated optometric care. Funding for the project was seeded by a transformational $50m gift from the Herbert Wertheim Family Foundation.

“The optometry and vision science community at Berkeley are proud of our association with WestGroupe and grateful for their generous support. Through such partnerships, we can plan for a future of innovation, clinical excellence and research leadership.”

John Flanagan, dean and professor, Herbert Wertheim School of Berkeley Optometry & Vision Science

The partnership demonstrates Berkeley and WestGroupe’s shared commitment to providing students with exemplary clinical training and to the pursuit of new advances in eye care and research.

“This is an investment in the future. We are proud to support UC Berkeley’s Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, where students gain invaluable experience across diverse ﬁelds such as primary care, low vision, pediatrics, and myopia control. At WestGroupe, we are committed to advancing innovation and accessibility in eye care. Our contribution to the new satellite campus in Emeryville reﬂects our dedication to shaping a brighter future for patients across the USA.”

Michael Suliteanu, President, WestGroupe

Both WestGroupe and Berkeley see the partnership as the beginning of a long, mutually beneﬁcial relationship.

Click HERE for the press release.

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January 10, 2025January 10, 2025

The Slaight Family Foundation’s $1-million Gift Set to Transform Awareness and Inclusion

CNIB is proud to be among the 11 organizations benefiting from the historic $30-million donation recently announced by The Slaight Family Foundation. This transformational gift includes a $1-million investment in CNIB to support our groundbreaking accessibility and awareness initiatives.

“The impact of disability exclusion is significant, not just on people with disabilities and their families, but on our culture and economy as well,” says Gary Slaight, President and CEO of The Slaight Family Foundation. “Connecting and expanding programs and innovations from organizations dedicated to disability care and awareness will create an umbrella of support across Canada, while dismantling stigma and creating a more inclusive society for us all.”

The funding will significantly enhance CNIB’s awareness and inclusion programs, aimed at dismantling barriers to accessibility and increasing public understanding about the rights and capabilities of Canadians who are blind, Deafblind, or who have low vision.

By raising awareness about these issues not only among members of the public, but policy makers and organizational leaders, CNIB is working to create built-in accessibility across all areas of our society, increase social inclusion, and empower individuals impacted by blindness to advocate for change in their communities.

The funding will also support CNIB’s awareness campaigns related to transportation, health, and education, fostering sector-specific training in collaboration with the Rick Hansen Foundation to improve accessibility in key industries.

“Thanks to this transformational gift from The Slaight Family Foundation, we’re able to expand our reach and create real, meaningful change for people who are blind, Deafblind, or who have low vision,” says Angela Bonfanti, President and CEO of CNIB. “This investment will empower individuals, break down barriers, and help build a more accessible and inclusive Canada for everyone.”

This unprecedented collaboration represents a major step forward in creating equitable opportunities for all. CNIB sends its sincerest thanks to The Slaight Family Foundation for this transformational gift.

Click HERE for the press release.

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Vision Expo East to Debut New Elevated Experiences and Events in Orlando

Additional show highlights include:

Transitions Optical Announces 2024 Transitions® Innovation Awards Finalists

Transitions^® Healthy Sight Ambassador

Eyecare Practice of the Year, North America

Retailer of the Year, North America

Channel Partner of the Year, North America

The Optical Women’s Association Announces Global Connection Event at MIDO in Milan

EVENT DETAILS:

WestGroupe to Support Berkley’s New Satellite Campus in Emeryville with Donation

The Slaight Family Foundation’s $1-million Gift Set to Transform Awareness and Inclusion

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Additional show highlights include:

Transitions® Healthy Sight Ambassador

Eyecare Practice of the Year, North America

Retailer of the Year, North America

Channel Partner of the Year, North America

EVENT DETAILS:

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