Optometry Giving Sight’s Grant Process Begins March 1

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) will begin accepting pre-applications for its grant program that funds sustainable, optometry-based projects to end preventable blindness and vision impairment throughout the world. Pre-applications will be accepted from March 1, 2025, until Midnight MST March 20, 2025. Organizations that pass the pre-application process will be invited to submit a full grant proposal in early April. Final grant awards will be announced in August.

OGS funds organizations that focus on the following:

Programs involving optometry where there is a clear outline of optometry’s involvement in and benefits to the program
Establishment or support of optometry schools, eye clinics, vision centers and optical labs
Programs that deliver eye exams and low- or no-cost glasses to underserved or marginalized populations and include a strong optometry education and training component
Integrated, long-term optometry-related programs with a view towards sustainability
Service delivery tied to optometry education and/or the development of optometry

Organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), Canadian registered charities and international charities are eligible for funding. There are no geographic restrictions on the locations of the projects. However, priority is given to programs that are in parts of the world where optometry is not a well-developed profession.

Organizations must be nonpartisan to be considered. They will not be eligible for funding if their parent company is a large corporation. Programs that include only vision screenings, basic eye exams, and eyeglass distribution will also not be considered.

As Optometry’s International Charity of Choice, OGS raises funds from optometrists, optometry practices, and optometry-related businesses and corporations to award grants for sustainable, impactful projects that expand the profession and improve access to vision care in underserved areas of the world.

Prospective grantees may learn more here.

Click HERE for the press release.

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February 24, 2025February 24, 2025

MyoPro™ Spectacle Lenses by East Optical Now Available in Canada

Eyecare providers now have a new tool for the treatment of juvenile-onset myopia with the launch of MyoPro™ spectacle lenses in Canada by Toronto-based Plastic Plus Ltd., Canada’s largest independent optical lab.

MyoPro™ is an innovative spectacle lens design technology called H.O.R.I. (Hexagon Optimized Reticular Integration) that features 540 seamlessly integrated hexagonal lenslets embedded into the front surface of the lens combined with a smaller central zone.

Randomized Clinical Trial Results

MyoPro™ lenses were subjected to a rigorous double-blind, randomized clinical trial at Wenzhou Medical University in China that demonstrated excellent efficacy in myopia control and visual performance.

The adjusted one-year results showed that children wearing MyoPro™ lenses, on average, experienced a 0.38D (57%) reduction in myopia progression and a -0.18mm (50%) reduction in axial elongation compared to the single-vision control.

“We are thrilled about the launch of East Optical MyoPro™ spectacle lenses in Canada. In randomized clinical trials, MyoPro™ lenses have demonstrated excellent efficacy, wearability, and performance in myopia management.”

Olive Su, General Manager, East Optical

“We are pleased to offer this state-of-the-art lens technology in Canada. Myopia is one of the leading vision health concerns among children in Canada, and we are committed to helping eyecare providers find effective solutions and treatment options,” added Plastic Plus president Jason Faibish. “It is also a pleasure to collaborate with the team at East Optical to bring this innovative myopia control option to Canada.”

East Optical is a family-owned business established in 1982 and based in Jiaxing, Zhenjiang.

Today, East Optical is one of China’s leading manufacturers and exporters of a full range of premium lenses. For more information about East Optical click on www.myopro.ca

Click HERE for the press release.

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February 24, 2025February 24, 2025

Marcolin: Mark Parisi Appointed New VP of Optical Sales & Key Accounts

Marcolin announces the appointment of Mark Parisi as the new VP of Optical Sales & Key Accounts for the US starting February 20, 2025. Mark will be directly reporting to the CEO of North America, Marco D’Acunzo.

With over 20 years of experience, Mark has established himself as a leader in multiple industries including medical devices, dental and optical. Mark most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer for ABB Optical Group where he was responsible for over $1.5B in company revenue and 3 business units.

In his new role at Marcolin, Mark will be tasked in new business development and strengthening relationships with the US client network while launching new licensed brands in 2025 including Christian Louboutin, Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister.

Click HERE for the press release.

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February 21, 2025February 21, 2025

Embrace the Sunday Somewhere State of Mind

WestGroupe Someday Somewehere image and logos

Sunday hits the ‘pause’ button, the ‘space’ bar, the ESC key. Forget what Tuesday wants, what Wednesday di, what Thursday told Friday about you. And what’s important on Monday doesn’t matter on a Sunday.

So long as it’s still Sunday. My Sunday, Somewhere.

WestGroupe Someday somewhere image 2 femmes

Every detail tells a story.

Specialty gold hinges with a palm tree detail, because it’s the little things that make it all come together.

WestGroupe Someday somewhere hinge palm detail

Distributed by WestGroupe.

For more information, contact your WestGroupe sales representative or email sales@westgroupe.com.

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February 21, 2025February 20, 2025

Multi-Hyphenate Artist A$AP Rocky Appointed as First-Ever Creative Director for Ray-Ban

Ray-Ban announces the appointment of fashion innovator and entrepreneur, A$AP Rocky, as its first-ever Creative Director.

Known for his trendsetting influence in both the music and fashion industries, Rocky will bring his distinctive vision to Ray-Ban Studios, guiding creative projects and shaping the future of the brand’s image & design.

He kicks off the appointment with the Blacked Out Collection, a redesign of the Mega Icons with a brand new lens type, expected for release in April of 2025.

A Visionary Partnership

A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, has taken the world by storm since his emergence in 2011. He’s amassed billions of musical streams and multiple award nominations. Now, on the heels of his fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb, Rocky takes the helm as the first ever Creative Director for Ray-Ban Studios, the creative platform that launched in 2016 which celebrates the power of music and stories of courageous artists. The partnership marks a major step in Ray-Ban’s evolution, blending its rich heritage with contemporary culture infused with Rocky’s signature style.

“I’ve always admired Ray-Ban’s ability to stay true to its roots while constantly evolving. I’m excited to be part of the strong heritage and develop the next chapter for an iconic brand like Ray-Ban.”

A$AP Rocky

“Ray-Ban transcends the eyewear industry; it’s not just a brand, it’s a lifestyle. For nearly 80 years the brand has been on the faces of the most iconic musicians, artists, actors and heroes – shaping and re-shaping the status quo, leading cultural revolutions of all the times. Today, we are welcoming A$AP Rocky into our family; he’s a visionary artist and creator. His ability to push the boundaries of the diverse worlds he explores, aligns with the Ray-Ban DNA. We are reinforcing the brand’s values of innovation, pioneering spirit, and courage. Let the future begin!” says Ray-Ban President, Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio.

Bringing Bold Ideas to Life

Rocky will launch disruptive frames that blend classic elements with bold and modern influences. The Blacked Out Collection includes traditional iconic styles turned Mega featuring

gold plated details and brand news ultra-black lenses. His involvement will extend beyond designing eyewear by directing campaigns, redesigning Ray-Ban stores while incorporating music, fashion, and the arts.

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!

Optometry Giving Sight’s Grant Process Begins March 1

OGS funds organizations that focus on the following:

MyoPro™ Spectacle Lenses by East Optical Now Available in Canada

Randomized Clinical Trial Results

Marcolin: Mark Parisi Appointed New VP of Optical Sales & Key Accounts

Embrace the Sunday Somewhere State of Mind

Every detail tells a story.

Multi-Hyphenate Artist A$AP Rocky Appointed as First-Ever Creative Director for Ray-Ban

A Visionary Partnership

Bringing Bold Ideas to Life

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