The American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) and Meta Reality Labs Research (RLR) announce the application is now open for a new grant opportunity focused on stimulating new investigations in the field of myopia and the role visual experience plays in its onset and progression.
The 2025 Myopia Research Grant will provide three awards of $500,000 USD each. The goal of the award is to accelerate the understanding of myopia development or progression by utilizing the VEET device to collect observational visual environment data. AAOF and RLR are seeking proposals for open-science, longitudinal studies of the quantified visual experience and its relationship to subsequent myopia outcomes.
“The American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) is honored to partner with Meta Reality Labs Research to bring this impactful grant opportunity to myopia researchers around the globe. This new award underscores RLR’s outstanding investment in the vision science field and AAOF’s commitment to driving industry-academic partnerships in the pursuit of exceptional patient care.”
Dr. Valerie Sharpe, Board President, American Academy of Optometry Foundation
Two of the three awards are open exclusively to Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry, with the third award open to any applicant who meets the following criteria:
PI(s) must have an institutional affiliation, where the proposed work will be conducted, and the institutional affiliation should not include a for-profit corporation. Institution must be willing to accept that the grant is direct costs only.
The research project must address a relevant research question(s) and have the potential to positively impact the field of myopia etiology and prevention.
Studies must:
Use the VEET to gather visual experience data to be correlated with myopia outcomes
Be longitudinal in nature, ideally three years to align with International Myopia Institute recommendations (Wolffsohn, James S., et al. “IMI–Clinical myopia control trials and instrumentation report.” Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 60.3 (2019): M132-M160).
Include at least axial length and cycloplegic refractive error in outcome measures (Morgan, Ian G., et al. “Cycloplegic refraction is the gold standard for epidemiological studies.” Acta Ophthalmologica 93.6 (2015): 581-585.)
Be thoroughly reviewed and approved by a certified institutional review board (IRB), human subjects committee, or comparable qualified body before funding is disbursed.
The Letter of Intent (LOI) submission portal will be open from January 30, 2025, through February 28, 2025, 11:59 pm EST. Applicants selected to submit full proposals will be notified by April 15, 2025, and will have until July 11, 2025, 11:59 pm EST to submit all application components.
For additional information about this grant opportunity, application requirements, and more, please visit our website.
opti 2025 in Munich once again sent out a strong signal for international ophthalmic optics over the past three days of the trade show. Under the motto #weareopti, the trade show proved how well it functions as a platform for innovation, dialogue, future-oriented technologies and trends and how great the enthusiasm for opti is throughout the industry.
“Best opti ever”, “absolutely important”, “great sales”, “a complete success” and “GHM has kept its promise” – this or similarly enthusiastic was the feedback from exhibiting companies at opti 2025; on the visitor side, the number of 21,105 trade visitors with a decision-maker rate of more than 70% spoke for a very successful event.
The positive atmosphere that characterised opti 2025 on all three days of the trade show was the result of intensive cooperation between the opti team, exhibitors and industry representatives, which was driven forward with new ideas throughout last year. The exhibitors’ satisfaction speaks for itself: at over 97%, almost all exhibitors rated the visitor quality as good to very good in terms of interest in the products on their stand. At almost 89%, exhibitors also rated the initiation of business relationships at opti as very good to good – no wonder that more than 90 per cent of exhibitors announced that they are planning to be back at opti 2026.
With 330 exhibitors from 23 countries, including 190 registrations from Germany, opti showcased the entire value chain of the optical industry: the spectrum ranged from frame manufacturers to suppliers of contact lenses and spectacle lenses, leading brands and innovative, independent designers through to consulting firms, IT consultancies, equipment and lens manufacturers as well as shopfitting companies and hearing acoustics.
“opti remains on course for success! After opti 2024, we went one better and it paid off. Combining our information HUBs in the opti HUB ARENA and the joint platform for contact lens manufacturers, TOMORROW VISION, met with a very good response from visitors and exhibitors alike. And confirmed to us that both the concept and opti as an annual kick-off are a success. The latter is based on the close cooperation with our stakeholders and the strong community – it is the sense of community that makes opti what it is!”
Cathleen Kabashi, Head of opti
“I am simply overwhelmed! The atmosphere was impressive, and the enthusiasm of the industry was clearly noticeable. The visitors enjoyed the trade show to the full. I was particularly pleased that contact lenses were shown from a different perspective and really shone in the spotlight with TOMORROW VISION and many expert presentations. It is creative ideas like these that will definitely make opti a permanent fixture for the markets in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and beyond, and further establish it as an important source of inspiration for product range strategies and annual planning,” sums up Dieter Dohr, CEO and President of GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH, the organiser of opti.
Highlights as Far as the Eye Could See
The biggest innovation and thus the highlight of the trade show was clearly TOMORROW VISION, the joint contact lens platform of the nine renowned manufacturers Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, Hecht, Hetych, Menicon, MPG&E, SwissLens and Wöhlk. Under the slogan “Contact lenses are the future of ophthalmic optics”, visitors experienced a comprehensive programme with a maximum focus on the advantages of lenses and their great sales potential in the 170 m² joint area.
Another opti highlight was the opti HUB ARENA, in which four info HUBs were concentrated for the first time, in addition to the established opti SUSTAINABILITY HUB and the opti MYOPIA HUB, as well as the opti FUTURE VISION HUB with current trends in ophthalmic optics, including in the frames segment of the trade show. Among other things, the presentations and discussions on the Eyewear Trends 2026 by New York trend expert and founder Selin Olmsted were very popular. The trend tours she led were already fully booked at the beginning of January. No wonder: the earlier the trends are known in the industry and can be used for ordering, the better the chances of being fit for the future.
Right next door: the opti NEXT GENERATION HUB, with which opti, in close cooperation with representatives of the VDCO Young for the young talent in the industry. Speed dating formats such as NextGen Meet-up were on offer here, where youngsters from the optical industry could exchange experiences with each other, for example on further and advanced training opportunities or the Meet & Match format – young talent meets companies.
Awards and opti PARTY
The opti FRAME STAR – The Audience Award was presented for the first time, in which opti visitors voted for their favourite frame among 50 frames using a QR code. We congratulate the lucky winner Munic Eyewear from Munich. The 5th opti BOX AWARD was won by the Berlin start-up Manti Manti for its children’s eyewear design, as announced by the international jury headed by Daniel Feldman from The Optical Journal. Congratulations! The opti PARTY on Friday had already established itself as a must-attend event this year. Here, all trade show participants celebrated the first successful day with cool beats and drinks.
Make a note now: the next opti will take place in Munich from 16 January to 18 January 2026.
Why is peripheral defocus an effective treatment for managing childhood myopia?
If we think back to basic optics, we remember that light from a close object is diverging as it enters the eye, as opposed to light from a distant object which enters the eye in parallel rays. Although the central wave of light can still focus on the macula (depending on whether there is already an ametropia present), light in the periphery focuses behind the retina.
When vision is corrected with normal single vision minus lenses, the peripheral light rays focus even further behind the retina. This triggers the brain to increase the length of the eyeball through growth so that light will return to focus in the periphery, which in turn increases the amount of myopia. This continual cycle generates the issue we face today.
Animal research has established that both defocus and contrast visual signals influence ocular growth and refractive development. Other theories of myopia development, progression and control include the peripheral defocus and simultaneous defocus theories. What these theories have in common is that optical defocus is identified as a driver to eye growth: hyperopic defocus accelerates while myopic defocus slows eye growth. Defocus drives the eye to grow, or to stop growing, to find the point of focus.
HALT vs DIMS vs DOTS vs CARE: What does it all mean?
What do all these acronyms stand for, and why are they important? Think of DIMS and HALT technology as a single vision lens for myopia correction, with an overlaying ‘treatment zone’ for myopia control.
The largest lens suppliers use different technology to try and achieve the same goal of managing childhood myopia. I am not going to define one as being better than the other, that is for you to decide as eye care professionals, but you must know the difference.
HALT stands for Highly Aspheric Lenslet Targets. The basis of this technology in the Essilor® Stellest™ lens is a high volume of very small lenslets arranged in concentric rings that create a volume of defocus, the lenselets focusing light in front of the mid-peripheral retina.
Representation of lenslet positioning in Stellest™
As always Multi AR is recommended on the lenses to improve clarity of vision.
DIMS stands for Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments; the idea being that a group of lenslets arranged in a very specific pattern will result in both mid-peripheral defocus, and a reduction in contrast. DIMS technology is used by Hoya in their MiyoSmart lenses (currently available in Canada, but not FDA approved). The multiple segments are arranged in very specific patterns to ensure clarity of central vision along with the benefits of peripheral defocus. And as outdoor wear is so important, to promote eye protection, MiyoSmart will soon be released in a photochromic version called Chameleon®.
Representation of lenslet spacing in MiyoSmart
CARE® lenses from ZEISS are based on annular rings rather than lenselets to achieve a peripheral defocus effect.
What Is the Contrast Theory and how does it relate to managing childhood Myopia?
Contrast theory hypothesizes that myopia arises from the amount of retinal stimulation that occurs. High contrast images cause high retinal stimulation; low contrast images cause low retinal stimulation. It is thought that overstimulation of the retina from high contrast is associated with overstimulation of eye growth, thus instigating myopia progression.
The SightGlass DOT lens is designed to slightly reduce and modulate (i.e. ‘even out’) retinal contrast by scattering light, in order to lower the signal for eye elongation and myopia progression. The treatment zone of DOT lenses incorporates microdots that softly disperse any light that passes through it, thereby modulating contrast. These microscopic diffusers are about one tenth of a millimetre wide.
The microdots are not designed to produce peripheral defocus: the main goal is to slightly lower retinal contrast irrespective of viewing distance. These microdots encompass most of the lens, except for a small portion (around 5mm diameter) in front of the pupil that provides uninterrupted, clear vision. This does not mean that the wearer is only given a small portion of lens to look through: in fact, the wearer is still able to look through any portion of the lens. When looking through the treatment zone, the images have a softer appearance without losing detail.
Kubota Glass™
Finally, a novel approach to managing childhood myopia: Kubota Glass™ has been created by Kubota Vision Inc. an ophthalmological and medical company based in Japan. The theory is also based on contrast reduction theory, using micro-LEDs arranged in a concentric pattern aimed at the mid-periphery of the retina. The LEDs shine a light on the retina to reduce perceived contrast. Although somewhat ungainly looking, Kubota states that unlike other solutions, this wearable device only needs to be worn two to four hours per day. (Note: Currently only available in Japan.)
The Practical Professor: Optical Solutions for the Real World
I am a second generation optician and have made all aspects of opticianry and optics my life. I have over 10 years of teaching experience as a former professor in the Dispensing Opticians’ program at Seneca College and at Georgian College. I was also responsible for modernization of the optical curriculum.
I am a trainer and trainee (One never stops learning!), and I am available to share my knowledge and experience with today’s eye care professionals. As the owner of Special Eyes Optical Services, I am dedicated to supporting the optical industry. You can reach out to me at Tom@SpecialeyesOpticalServices.com.
Are you part of a Canadian Optometric practice? Your insights are invaluable! We’re inviting you to participate in a brief survey designed to gather your opinions and experiences with practice management software.
As the backbone of many successful practices, practice management systems play a vital role in streamlining operations, improving patient care, and enhancing overall efficiency. But not all systems are created equal, and we want to learn what works, what doesn’t, and where there’s room for improvement.
This survey includes various usage and attitude questions about practice management software and will take about 5 minutes to complete. Whether you’re a fan of your current system or find yourself wishing for better features, this is your chance to share your perspective and help shape the future of optometric practice tools.
Why Participate? In addition to making your voice heard, the first 100 qualified respondents will receive a $15 e-gift card as a thank-you for your time and valuable input. (Limitations apply.)
Your responses will be used to better understand the needs of optometric practices across Canada, helping us uncover trends, challenges, and opportunities in practice management software.
How to Get Involved Participating is simple! Click the link below to access the survey and complete it on your own time. Remember, it takes less than 5 minutes to make an impact and claim your reward if you’re among the first 100 qualifying respondents.
Your Feedback Drives Innovation By sharing your experiences, you’re contributing to a broader conversation about the tools and technologies that support optometric practices. Your insights will not only help inform others in the industry but also guide future developments in practice management solutions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of your field and earn a small token of appreciation in return.
Thank you for your participation and dedication to improving Canadian Optometry!
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.*
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.
HOYA Vision Care introduces LensPreview, a new virtual try-on tool for photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, now available in the U.S. and Canada.
HOYA Vision Care introduces LensPreview, a new virtual try-on tool for photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, now available in the U.S. and Canada.
HOYA Vision Care introduces LensPreview, a new virtual try-on tool for photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, now available in the U.S. and Canada.
HOYA Vision Care introduces LensPreview, a new virtual try-on tool for photochromic, polarized, and mirror lenses, now available in the U.S. and Canada.
