A new study published in ACS Nano suggests that gold nanoparticles could help restore some vision in people with retinal degeneration. In experiments with mice, researchers found that injecting these tiny particles into the eye stimulated the visual system and helped restore some sight.
In conditions like inherited retinal diseases and age-related macular degeneration, vision loss happens when the eye’s light-sensing photoreceptor cells stop working. This experimental treatment is a new kind of retinal prosthesis. The gold nanoparticles essentially take on the role of lost photoreceptors by responding to light. When exposed to laser light, the particles heat up and activate nearby retinal cells, triggering a visual signal sent to the brain.
In a future human application, researchers say laser light could be delivered through a special pair of goggles. One advantage of this potential approach is that it would only require an injection and the use of the goggles—and avoid complex surgery.
More research is needed before the technique can be considered for human clinical trials.
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Fitson is a Canadian eyewear brand that blends style and quality. Its trendy frames are made to suit every face with a variety of shapes, sizes, and bold colours. With an eye on fashion trends, Fitson ensures that everyone finds the perfect fit—because Fitson fits on everybody!
Featured model: 1578 col. 0001 (Grey / Blush fade)
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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Artificial intelligence (AI) is on the verge of reshaping contact lens practices, being incorporated into tools that enhance fitting accuracy, streamline workflows, and personalize treatment. The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated Issue 85 of Contact Lens Update to AI innovations, from smart lenses to data-driven fitting algorithms, that are transforming the management of contact lens wear and ocular surface health. The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.
“AI breakthroughs are altering the way clinicians approach fitting and monitoring contact lenses, particularly for patients with complex corneal profiles or coexisting ocular surface conditions. As the technology continues to evolve, it holds significant promise for elevating the standard of care and delivering more efficient, customized, and outcome-focused solutions for contact lens wearers,” said Daddi Fadel, clinical scientist at CORE.
Kasandra Swiderska, a research scientist at M-Optometry and honorary research associate at the University of Manchester, and Philip Morgan, a professor of optometry and director of Eurolens Research at the University of Manchester, wrote the issue’s opening editorial. They provide an overview of how AI is revolutionizing contact lens care and explore AI’s current and future role in ocular health, including ortho-k, keratoconus, and smart lens technologies. The authors note that responsible adoption requires consideration of ethical, technical, and clinical aspects.
Rute Macedo de Araújo, an optometrist and vision scientist who earned her doctorate from the University of Minho, focuses on specialty contact lenses, corneal irregularities, and visual quality. She penned the feature article about AI use to identify subtle meibomian gland changes in asymptomatic children wearing ortho-k or myopia control soft lenses. The technology detected early morphological alterations that might go unnoticed with traditional assessment methods, underscoring the potential of AI-based meibography for proactive ocular surface monitoring in pediatric contact lens wearers.
Three members of the eye care community teamed to create the issue’s clinical insight: Ben David, general manager at AOS, who has led innovations in hybrid care software for optical retail over the past six years; optometrist and dry eye specialist Sarah Farrant, a global consultant, educator, and former BCLA president who is passionate about advancing eye care access and education; and Karl Hans Jeebaun, CEO of AOS and Sparca, who has pioneered AI-driven ophthalmic software and holds key roles with eye care innovation and policy groups. Their article highlights the evolution, current applications, and future potential of AI in contact lens practice, supported by real-world case studies that demonstrate improved outcomes and patient satisfaction.
The conference highlight is shared by Andrea Fazio Liu, a research optometrist at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry & Vision Science. This study used an AI-based approach to quantify morphological differences between upper and lower eyelid Meibomian glands in dry eye. Findings revealed significant distinctions in gland length, width, contrast, and tortuosity, highlighting the potential for standardized AI analysis in gland assessment.
Contact Lens Update Issue 85 Authors (L to R from top): Kasandra Swiderska, Philip Morgan, Rute Macedo de Araújo, Ben David, Sarah Farrant, Karl Hans Jeebaun, and Andrea Fazio Liu.
Ray-Ban and A$AP Rocky continue to shape the world of eyewear through a new lens and introduce The Next Generation Collection, an exclusive collection of three brand new styles that debuted on the AWGE runway during Men’s Paris Fashion Week show. This latest drop from Ray-Ban Studios and its inaugural launch is a bold leap forward, reimagining what eyewear can be through a futuristic lens.
Step into the future with The Next Generation, a collection of three radically reengineered styles—Ultra Wrap 001, Ultra Wrap 002, and Ultra Wrap 003—each designed to shatter the boundaries of conventional eyewear. Featuring fluid, gravity-defying lines and otherworldly silhouettes, these frames are not driven by trends—they define what comes next.
A Pure Expression of Avant-Garde Fashion
Ultra-wrapped silhouettes: Each style delivers a hyper-futuristic design aesthetic with bold curves and a sculptural fit
Core black and expressive contrasts: The classic standout black anchors the collection, accompanied by daring, high-impact colorways like translucent gold and mirrored lenses
Premium presentation: Each pair comes housed in a rigid plexiglass cube, maxi-case, complete with an embossed A$AP Rocky x Ray-Ban stamp logo—a collector-grade touch that signals rarity and reverence
Unveiled during one of fashion’s most anticipated runways, The Next Generation reinforces A$AP Rocky’s vision for Ray-Ban Studios: where Harlem creativity, futuristic form, and cultural edge converge in wearable art.
This drop is limited and available only while supplies last. The future doesn’t wait.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS
ULTRA WRAP 001 (0RB4943 671/87)
Introducing the Ultra-Wrap 001 — the first release in A$AP Rocky’s Next Generation collection.
With its inflated wraparound silhouette and bold colorways, this futuristic frame pushes the boundaries of design and redefines what it means to stand out.
ULTRA WRAP 002 (0RB4942 671/87)
Boldly engineered with a wide lens and mask-like silhouette, the Ultra-Wrap 002 is A$AP Rocky’s most avant-garde vision yet.
Thick temples and a future-forward design merge future forward aesthetics with the raw edge of hip-hop heritage.
ULTRA WRAP 003 (0RB4941 601/87)
The Ultra-Wrap 003 by A$AP Rocky features bold wraparound lenses and thick, curved temples. As part of the Next Generation collection, this visionary design redefines what eyewear can be — clean lines, commanding presence. Born from street style, built for the future.
At its most recent Council meeting hosted in Halifax, N.S., during the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) 39th biennial Congress, Dr. Allison Scott was officially appointed President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists for a two-year term.
A graduate of the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry (2006), Dr. Scott has been a dedicated practitioner in the Halifax region for nearly two decades. Her work spans comprehensive family eye care – often treating multiple generations within the same family – as well as a growing specialty in contact lens services. Throughout most of her career, she has held numerous leadership roles with the Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists and joined the CAO Council in 2011. Beyond her clinical and leadership contributions, Dr. Scott is also an official with Skate Canada and actively volunteers as a figure skating judge at local events.
“It’s an honour to represent optometrists from across the country,” said Dr. Scott. “As our profession evolves – through innovations in AI, telemedicine – CAO is committed to supporting optometrists through these changes. While reflecting on our new strategic plan in 2026, we will build on our momentum and shape the future of optometry in Canada.”
Dr. Scott assumes the presidency at a pivotal time for eye care in Canada. With the recent passage of Bill C- 284, establishing a National Strategy for Eye Care – an initiative that aligns with CAO’s long-standing advocacy to prioritize vision health as a core component of Canada’s healthcare system – CAO remains committed to ensuring policy makers recognize the critical role optometrists play in delivering accessible, proactive eye care to all Canadians.
“As we move forward, there are challenges ahead – improving access in rural and remote communities, addressing ophthalmic drug shortages, closing research gaps, and raising public awareness about the importance of regular eye exams for early detection to improving eye care outcomes for Canadians”, she added.
With Dr. Scott moving into the role of CAO President, Dr. Mark Kepes joined the CAO Council as the new representative from Nova Scotia. Dr. Surjinder Sahota became CAO Vice-President, Dr. Troy Brady became Secretary-Treasurer, and Dr. Martin Spiro moved into the role of CAO Past President.
Discover how children's eyewear and myopia management have transformed into a major growth engine for optometry practices in 2026. Expert insights from Dr. Trevor Miranda.
J.F. REY is highlighting SLEDGE, a collection that combines titanium, acetate, carbon fibre and a patented screwless hinge system in an architectural approach to eyewear design.
HOYA Vision Care Canada has announced the availability of Sensity 3, Sensity Colours and Sensity Shine, expanding its light-adaptive lens portfolio for eye care professionals across Canada.
The American Academy of Optometry has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders in optometry, vision science, education, research, clinical care and service.
J.F. REY has introduced IMAGINE, its 2026 kids eyewear collection designed for children aged 4 to 12, with frames emphasizing colour, transparency, comfort and durability.
Discover how children's eyewear and myopia management have transformed into a major growth engine for optometry practices in 2026. Expert insights from Dr. Trevor Miranda.
J.F. REY is highlighting SLEDGE, a collection that combines titanium, acetate, carbon fibre and a patented screwless hinge system in an architectural approach to eyewear design.
HOYA Vision Care Canada has announced the availability of Sensity 3, Sensity Colours and Sensity Shine, expanding its light-adaptive lens portfolio for eye care professionals across Canada.
The American Academy of Optometry has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders in optometry, vision science, education, research, clinical care and service.
J.F. REY has introduced IMAGINE, its 2026 kids eyewear collection designed for children aged 4 to 12, with frames emphasizing colour, transparency, comfort and durability.
Discover how children's eyewear and myopia management have transformed into a major growth engine for optometry practices in 2026. Expert insights from Dr. Trevor Miranda.
J.F. REY is highlighting SLEDGE, a collection that combines titanium, acetate, carbon fibre and a patented screwless hinge system in an architectural approach to eyewear design.
HOYA Vision Care Canada has announced the availability of Sensity 3, Sensity Colours and Sensity Shine, expanding its light-adaptive lens portfolio for eye care professionals across Canada.
The American Academy of Optometry has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders in optometry, vision science, education, research, clinical care and service.
J.F. REY has introduced IMAGINE, its 2026 kids eyewear collection designed for children aged 4 to 12, with frames emphasizing colour, transparency, comfort and durability.
Discover how children's eyewear and myopia management have transformed into a major growth engine for optometry practices in 2026. Expert insights from Dr. Trevor Miranda.
J.F. REY is highlighting SLEDGE, a collection that combines titanium, acetate, carbon fibre and a patented screwless hinge system in an architectural approach to eyewear design.
HOYA Vision Care Canada has announced the availability of Sensity 3, Sensity Colours and Sensity Shine, expanding its light-adaptive lens portfolio for eye care professionals across Canada.
The American Academy of Optometry has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders in optometry, vision science, education, research, clinical care and service.
J.F. REY has introduced IMAGINE, its 2026 kids eyewear collection designed for children aged 4 to 12, with frames emphasizing colour, transparency, comfort and durability.
