Dior Presents Its Croisette Collection

Dior presents the "Dior Croisette" eyewear collection: the 2012 Summer Statement. Art is the inspiration for the new sunglasses and optical frames, precisely from the artistic style of René Gruau: the famous artist and illustrator who worked with the Maison Dior in the 40’s and 50’s, creating Dior's iconic imagery. His illustrations are duplicated in eyewear thanks to bright and graphic new dedicated acetates: crystal & coloured horizontal stripes in exclusivity. Read more.

Success in Treating Rare Eye Disease

On the fifth annual Rare Disease Day, the National Eye Institute (NEI), a part of the National Institutes of Health, joins patients and organizations around the world to raise awareness of rare diseases. In the United States, a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 Americans. Scientists have identified more than 7,000 rare diseases. Inherited gene defects account for 80 percent of rare diseases, many of which affect vision. NEI scientists have successfully used gene therapy to improve vision in people with Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare genetic disorder that causes blindness through the degeneration of photoreceptor cells—the rods and cones in the layer of tissue in the back of the eye called the retina. Gene therapy helps restore gene function by inserting copies of normal, functioning genes into cells. Read more.

Vision Loss Will Cost the World $3.53 Billion

"Costs related to vision loss are expected to skyrocket in the next 10 years as the global population ages. In particular, ocular morbidity related to the diabetes epidemic will increase, according to a study presented here at the World Ophthalmology Congress 2012," reports Medscape. "Changes in current allocation of vision-related resources will be required to prevent an ophthalmologic healthcare crisis, researchers warn.global costs related to visual impairment were more than $2.95 trillion in 2010, with North America accounting for $692 billion and Western Europe accounting for $576 billion. Dr. Braunstein projects that the overall figure will balloon to nearly $3.53 billion by 2020." Read more.

PBA Offering Two Programs for Employers

"According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 25,230 reported eye injuries in one year alone that required time away from work," says Health News Digest. "Fortunately, 90 percent of all eye injuries can be prevented through the proper eye protection. Additionally, half of all blindness from eye disease is preventable through early detection and treatment by an eye care professional. As part of Workplace Eye Wellness Month, Prevent Blindness America (PBA)...provides employers with two programs to help." Read more.

The Evolution of Progressive Lenses

MedGadgets provides a re-fresher about progressive lenses: "In the past, producing these lenses was no easy feat. The traditional process required a semi-finished lens with a standard front. The prescription would be ground onto the back surface with a generator. Calculating the geometry to impart on the lens involves complicated mathematics." Eventually it offers an excellent description of today's digital, free-form progressive lenses. Read more.

Zyloware Launching New Brand

Zyloware Eyewear will launch a new brand in April, called Etched., It's "the newest addition to Zyloware’s house brands including the wildly successful, 3-piece-mount Invincilites," reports Eye Surf. "Men’s frames feature tattoo-inspired designs including daggers, tribal patterns and fleur de lis. The colors are tonal and subdued and styling is on-trend and wearable. Women’s frames feature fashionable tattoo-inspired art including roses and fleur de lis. Colors are rich and interesting and shapes are very wearable." Read more.

Van Vossel Develops One Wire for theo

You will not see James Van Vossel designing with a CAD system. He retreats to his atelier and experiments with shapes and materials. That's more or less the start of a post by Midwest Lens. "He departs from a basic idea and he tries to give this idea shape in his atelier...The result is never obvious and always surprising. This can also be said of the second collection that he devised for theo." It's called One Wire. Read more.

Transitions and Sears Team Up to Promote Vision Care

Transitions Optical is planning its Sightseeing City Tour this year with stops in Miami, Dallas, Seattle, Chicago, and New Orleans. Leading up to the Miami stop on April 14 – 15 as part of the Great Taste of the Grove Food and Wine Festival. Transitions Optical is asking tourists and Miami locals to vote on the Top 10 Sights to See, which will be revealed prior to the event. While at the Great Taste of the Grove, Transitions Optical will invite attendees to have their photos taken at a kiosk against the scenic background of their choice and distributing information about the selected 10 sights, healthy vision tips, and coupons redeemable at select local Sears Optical locations, which will conduct complimentary vision screenings.Read more.

Grant Enables Kids Health Care Program to Expand

KidCheck, an award-winning school-based health-screening program in Alabama that is the only one of its kind in the country, can continue to expand its five-month-old wireless screening technology with a $25,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation. Through a previous $100,000 grant from the Foundation, KidCheck developed a unique online health screening software program to increase efficiency of the screening process, data collection, and the coordination of follow-up services. KidCheck has screened more than 12,000 K-12 Alabama school children wirelessly. KidCheck began providing free health screenings to students in rural Alabama schools in 2008.  


Chad Nichols, Senior Director of KidCheck for Sight Savers America, which manages the statewide program, said, "The KidCheck program has changed the lives of young people simply by identifying health issues such as vision, dental, blood pressure, hearing and other problems that can impact the child's health and their performance in school." Read more.

Only 18 Percent of American Infants Have Eye Exams

One in 10 infants in the U.S. has an undetected vision problem which can lead to developmental delays, permanent vision problems and in rare cases, life-threatening health risks. Although most parents are aware that vision disorders can be detected in infants, few take action. Only 18 percent of parents who participated in the American Optometric Association's (AOA) 2011 American Eye-Q survey report taking their infant to an eye doctor for a comprehensive assessment before the child's first birthday. An infant's visual development is critical between six and 12 months of age. Read more.

Luxottica Gets Four Stars

Motley Fool reports that "based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, luxury eyewear specialist Luxottica Group (NYSE: LUX  ) has earned a respected four-star ranking." Read more.

Optical Express Opening 24 Locations in UK

"The eye company, Optical Express, is to open 24 new clinics in the UK and create 100 customer care jobs in Scotland," according to the BBC. "The group, which is based in Cumbernauld, already runs 180 stores across Europe, employing about 3,000 people." Read more.

Teenage Girl Raising Awareness about Vision Care

Samiya Ijaz, a 16 year-old student at Pacific Ridge School and a resident of San Diego, is helping put humanity first through her volunteering with the Girl Scouts of America. She began wearing glasses at a young age, and soon realized that  many people do not have eyewear. Samiya, a Silver Award Girl Scout for for three years, created the “Eyewear For All” project for her Girl Scout Gold Award. Her educational program was one of the few that was selected. Her project will raise awareness about the lack of basic eye care in underserved communities, as well as collect eyewear inh collaboration with Lion's Club International and Humanity First's Gift of Sight, which deliver to communities overseas. Read more.

New Eyewear "Try-On" App for iPhone

"Application for virtual try-on of eyewear. The application uses fully automatic real-time 3D head tracking to place virtual eyeglasses on the user's face. User can choose different models of eyewear and adjust transparency and reflectivity of the lenses," reports CNET. "What's new in this version: Improved initialization speed and quality.Added support for iPhone." Read more.

Gene Identifies AMD

Medical News Today reports that "new research published in BioMed Central's open access journal Genome Medicine has identified genes whose expression levels can identify people with AMD, as well as tell apart AMD subtypes." Read more.

Maine Cuts Medicaid, Including Vision Benefits

"An estimated 30,000 people will feel the effect of the budget cuts signed by the Governor [of Maine] on Thursday" according to WCSH. "That's according to Republicans in the State Senate. The budget fills a $121 million hole in this year's budget, and makes significant cuts in two Medicaid programs." It will include cuts in vision care. Read more.

New Eyewear Company Looks to Stop VAD. Look Out Tom's

Several weeks ago, Fenton, Michigan, native Wes Stoody started Aframes Eyewear. Its mission differed from most. Stoody believes "all corporations have the responsibility to make a difference. After learning about vitamin A deficiency, and its cost effective solutions, Aframes Eyewear founder, Wes Stoody, was determined to create a company that would spread the word about the problem, and help fund the solution. Partnering with Helen Keller International, Aframes combines [eyewear] fashion and philanthropy in a way that will prove most effective in the eradication of this global health crisis." Read Aframes website.

Indian Diety Fitted with Diamond Studded Contact Lenses

When thousands of devotees turned up for their regular "darshan" of deity Mahalaxmi earlier this week, they noticed a strange glint in her eyes — glowing but very different from what they were accustomed to. They were surprised to learn that deity Mahalaxmi was "wearing" diamond-studded contact lenses, donated by an eye surgeon, Chandrashekhar Chavan,"reports Gulf News. "Considered to be over 5,000 years old, the 40-kilogram idol of the deity here is made of gemstone and is studded with precious stones.But controversy has erupted among devotees and media which has questioned the limits to which various temples and other religious places can go while accepting devotees' donations." It is said that "the diamond contact lenses actually block the deity's divine energies believed to pass through her eyes on to the devotees." Read more.

XOXO for the Sexy Woman

"For the smart, sexy XOXO woman, there is a time for work and a time for play." That's the start of the Midwest Lens blog about XOXO eyewear. "Hipster, Rock Star and Coquette bring a funky edge to modern feminine eyewear. All three frames are a petite fit for the ultimate feminine look, featuring spring hinges and the latest in jewelry-inspired embellishments." Read more.

Viva International Releases Mark Nason

"Viva International Group introduces the Mark Nason Eyewear Spring/Summer 2012 collection," announces Eye Surf. The collection "features classic rock ‘n’ roll elements and signature embellishments, as seen in the brand’s exclusive couture leather boot designs. Design elements include the Mark Nason “signature” dragon, crosses and detailed roses, which enhance the collection’s edgy style. The new collection consists of 13 ophthalmic styles and 18 sunglass styles for men and women." Read more.

Zyloware Releases Sophia Loren, Stetson, Randy Jackson, Daisey Fuentes for 2012

"Zyloware Eyewear announces the April 2012 release of new styles from the Sophia Loren, Stetson, Randy Jackson Limited Edition, and Daisy Fuentes collections," according to Eye Surf. "Previously-released styles Daisy Fuentes Kira and Daisy Fuentes Lourdes introduce new colors for April 2012." Read more.

Silhouette Unveils New Adidas Sunwear

"Silhouette International Schmied AG is to unveil its new collections for Silhouette and Adidas eyewear at the upcoming 2012 IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas," says Moodie Report. "The combination of mainly rimless eyewear design consists of 16 models, all offering sun protection and designed to make an impact, thanks to their high design standards, comfort because of their lightness, and state-of-the-art processing – up to 80% by hand, the company said." Read more.

Accuvue Promoting CLs During London Marathon

ContactLenses.co.uk reports that "contact lens manufacturer Johnson & Johnson Vision Care has announced a new scheme that will encourage people running this year's London Marathon to wear contact lenses on the way round." Read more.

Romney's Firm Helps CL Producer

How did the Mitt Romney's firm help to "transform" a struggling contact lens company? The story about the candidate for the Republican Presidential nominee on NPR, which involves Michael Jackson (a little bit), offers an insight. It starts:

"Wesley Jessen had a valuable patent for color contacts. Michael Jackson wore Wesley Jessen color contacts in the Thriller video. But the color contact lenses they made were the kind that you kept for a year. When disposable lenses got popular, Wesley Jessen couldn't keep up."

Read more.

Zyloware Distributing NASCAR Optical Collection

"Zyloware Eyewear will handle distribution of Inspecs USA NASCAR Optical collection in the US, Canada and Latin America," according to Midwest Lens. "NASCAR Optical is both stylish and robust, targeted towards men ages 20s – 40s. Made with high-quality materials, the collection is a great value in the eyewear market. Drawing inspiration from race cars, the NASCAR Optical collection is comprised of 8 new styles (in 2 colors each) reflecting the history and integrity of the NASCAR brand." Read more.

Foundation Provides Eye Exams for Children

"Hope Through Housing Foundation, a nonprofit that provides low-income children after school programs, hosted two vision clinics at its program site in Montclair (California)," according to the Daily Bulletin. "At the vision clinics 59 children from low-income families were given a compete eye health and vision screening by Dr. Kristy Remick and optometry students from Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry in Pomona. One third of the children screened were identified as requiring further care and referred to the Eye Care Center at WesternU. These children will receive free comprehensive exams and any needed services such as vision therapy, corrective glasses, and prescription or non-prescription medications." Read more.

Mosley Tribes Releases New Sunwear

"As part of the relase of their Summer 2012 collection, eyewear brand Mosley Tribes has launched a campaign to coincide with the relaunch of their website, featuring four Los Angeles natives--including tattoo and fine artist Jun Cha, skater Victor Garibay, fashion stylist Dianne Garcia, and Indio Downey." Read more on Baller Status.

Gene for Lens Development Also Responsible for Mechanosensory Function

"A gene known to control lens development in mice and humans is also crucial for the development of neurons responsible for mechanosensory function, as neurobiologists of the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch have now discovered," according to a Medical News Today post. "They found that in mice in which they had removed the c-Maf gene in the nerve cells, touch sensation is impaired." Read more.

More on the Lanvin Launch

"Is there no stopping Harvey Nichols? The Victoria by Victoria Beckham collection launch kicked off London Fashion Week, they've opened a new Club Monaco boutique (Giorgio Armani model Sasha Pivarova is the face of the brand – trust us, it’s cool), and now they’ve exclusively launched Lanvin’s first ever eyewear collection," according to Look UK. "Developed under the watchful eye of Lanvin’s creative director Alber Elbaz, the range mixes fierce hardware like screws, nails and studs with luxe materials like printed leather, bronze and natural horn. While they might be pricey, these bad boys are worth saving up for. And with celeb fans such as Kate Moss, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez, you’ll be in good company. Harvey Nics, here we come!" Read more.

Warby Parker's Business/Social Plan Praised Yet Again

Read this copy that appears on a Fastcompany  post: "Last year saw 500% growth for the online eyewear brand, Warby Parker. The company is disrupting prices in a business historically rife with mark-ups, all while advancing a social mission of bringing corrective eyewear to people who can't afford it." It sounds almost as if every other optician is playing robber-baron, sitting home on Saturday evenings (because they are working Saturday mornings) counting bags of gold coins. Read more because Warby Parker has created a sound business model.

Grandson Dies from Eye Disease. Grandparents Become Activists

"Pam has been a regular visitor to the state capital since Joey died. She's been the driving force behind the Infant Eye Care Bill (nicknamed "Joey's Bill"), first heard in the 2002 legislative session," according to a small portion of the Palm Beach Post story of Pam, Wally, and their grandchild Joey. "The bill would require that babies born in state hospitals receive eye-dilation drops and ophthalmoscope exams before they go home, as well as at their 6- to 8-week and 6- to 9-month well-baby exams. Each exam would cost pennies and take seconds, Pam says, but the proposed law has met resistance from medical lobbyists." Read more.

Dry Eye Worldwide Health Crisis? Kleyne Says Yes

According to Sharon Kleyne, Founder of Bio-Logic Aqua Research, sustained global changes in temperature, humidity and air pollution, are producing a worldwide health crisis in dry eye disease. The key to maintaining healthy eyes and good vision could come down to education about the structure and care of the eyes all-important tear film. Read more.

$14 Million/Yr Fixes a Major Eye Problem in Australia

"Researchers from the University of Melbourne say $70 million over five years would be enough to bring indigenous eye health into line with other Australians," says Nine MSN. "Currently Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are six times more likely to go blind than the mainstream population, with 94 per cent of the vision loss unnecessary, preventable or treatable." Read more.

UC Irvine Scientists Study How a Protein Destroys Bacteria around the Eye

Midwest Lens reports that "a disease-fighting protein in our teardrops has been tethered to a tiny transistor, enabling UC Irvine scientists to discover exactly how it destroys dangerous bacteria. The research could prove critical to long-term work aimed at diagnosing cancers and other illnesses in their very early stages." Read more.

Cops Nab Thieves of High-End Eyewear

"Public's tips helped police focus on a group of three accused of lifting expensive eyewear from Fairfax stores," according to MSNBC. "Fairfax Police said the group worked together in four robberies, from July 6 until November 10. According to investigators, the three went after expensive frames made by brands like Gucci." Read more.

Knicks Player Gets Custom Protective Eyewear from Nike

"Soon after Amare Stoudemire signed with the Knicks in 2010, he said, 'I'm a pioneer right now to really take a step forward and help rebuild a program and get us back on top.'" That's the start of a post about the player's protective eyewear in ESPN. "What many people didn't know is that Stoudemire, the pioneer, wanted to rebuild something else when he arrived in New York: his on-court eyewear. In the latter part of 2010, STAT, a Nike athlete, approached the Nike Vision team, a newer division within the company's headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., to see if they could tailor make a pair for him. Stoudemire, who suffered a partially detached retina in his right eye in a game on Feb. 18, 2009, had been previously wearing more generic Oakley shades for protection, and he wanted something better suited for his game." Read more.

Need a 2012 Christmas Gift? There Could Be AR Eyewear from Google

Presuming that the Mayan were wrong and the world does not end on 12-21-12, which is likely, then Google might make us glad to be around for 2013. Slate reports: "The New York Times’ Nick Bilton reports that Google is preparing to take its long-rumored augmented-reality glasses to market by the end of the year. The product—known as “heads-up display glasses”—would allow users to get extra information about their surroundings, like, say, reviews of a restaurant. “The people familiar with the Google glasses said they would be Android-based, and will include a small screen that will sit a few inches from someone’s eye. They will also have a 3G or 4G data connection and a number of sensors including motion and GPS,” Bilton reports. The screen will appear on only one eye. The plan is to price the glasses about the cost of a smartphone, roughly $250 to $600, and like a smartphone, they will be intended for occasional use, not all-day wear." Read more.

How They Made the "Terminator" CLs Work

Popular Science  has a great description of how those University of Washington "Terminator" contact lenses work:

"So far, our display has only one pixel. But someday you could use the lenses to consolidate all the displays you interact with on a daily basis—your clock, computer, television and phone—into one personal display in your eye. In the distant future, your contact lenses could augment your reality. If you were in a bare hallway, the computer in your contact could put paintings on the wall.

"The light-emitting part of the contact lens is opaque, but these little dark spots shouldn’t obscure vision. The control circuitry and the radio harvest energy from a transmitter at the edge of the lens and communicate with the world. They don’t block the view either. We don’t have permission to test the lenses on humans yet, but animals have worn it, and the lens was safe and functional."Read more.

Boxer Can Fight with CLs

"Derek Brunson revealed on Tuesday that he has been pulled from his planned March 3 fight in Ohio with Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, saying that the Ohio Athletic Commission wouldn't let him fight with contact lenses, as he has for his entire MMA career. But the Ohio commission says that's simply false." That's the start of the post on MMA Fighting. Read more.

Villa Offers Rye and Lye Collection

"The new eyewear collection gets inspiration from the parks and the theaters of Manhattan," according to Eye Surf. "For both New Yorkers and tourists these are places where you can escape the daily grind; for our designer it is a place of inspiration. Like in a movie where the characters take turns, Rye & Lye, constitutes the storyboard." Read more.

Ogi Eyewear Goes Direct in CN

"Ogi Eyewear is now going to a direct distribution model in Canada," reports Eye Surf. "The former company, Ogi Canada, will no longer be distributing frames in Canada. Ogi Eyewear North America will handle all orders and shipments directly." Read more.

Carrera Launches Another 'No Regets' Campaign

Carrera launches this seasons’ campaign images, dedicated to young people who enjoy good, clean entertainment, and know how to live life to its fullest. Conceived and developed by the D’Adda, Lorenzini, Vigorelli, BBDO agency, the new campaign maintains its direct and forthright "After All, No Regrets" headline, showcasing new amusing and thrilling situations, where Carrera glasses are the sole protagonists. Read more.

Optician Remembers Whitney Houston

"Suresight Eyecare Office Manager Tim Blanchard remembers the first time he met Whitney Houston," says North Fulton. "He had been working as general manager at the now-defunct Pearl Vision on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek in 2002. He had been there for three to four months when Houston, who lived in the County Club of the South at the time, came into the store." Read more.

ORBIS Flies into the Philippines

Orbis's Flying Eye Hospital recently touched down in the Philippines to deliver teaching and training to local eye care providers and sight-saving surgeries to those suffering from avoidable blindness and visual impairment. Read more.

Will Beets Replace Carrots for Eye Health?

Additionally, an Italian study revealed that beets are one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, forms of beta carotene that are highly beneficial for eye health. Read more.

CLs Keep Boxer Out of the Ring

"Just 10 days before its next event, Strikeforce is scrambling to find a new opponent for former middleweight champion Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza," reports MMA Fighting. "Derek Brunson, who was slated to fight Jacare on March 3 in Columbus, Ohio, has dropped out of the card because he did not pass his pre-fight medicals, Strikeforce has announced. So what was the medical issue? According to Brunson, it's that the Ohio athletic commission won't let him fight wearing contact lenses." Read more.

Blindness from AMD on Decline

"Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in the Western World. A report from the University of Copenhagen and Glostrup Hospital in Denmark shows the number of new cases of blindness and severe visual loss in Denmark has been halved during the last ten years." That's the post from Midwest Lens. "The study published in American Journal of Ophthalmology examined the records of 11,848 new cases of legal blindness. The rate of blindness from AMD fell from 522 cases per million inhabitants aged 50 years or older in 2000, to 257 cases per million in 2010, a reduction by over 50 per cent." Read more.

New Eye Candy for Spring

"Best Image Optical Inc. continues to expand their eyewear collection with brighter colors. The 2012 Spring/Summer Collection dubbed ‘Eye Candy’ brings bright color tones to the mix from the red, yellow, green, and blue color family," according to Eye Surf. "Additionally, most colors are enhanced with painted designs with a contrasting color (i.e. Lattice, Pauline, and Rebecca). For this ‘eye candy’ collection, there is use of clear acetate combined with bright colors in order to enhance curiosity in the design (i.e. Udele and Yanna). Moreover, the Dolabany Collection has added two square shaped frames for men plus different retro styles for the men, women, and unisex market. Visit the Dolabany brand site at www.dolabanyeyewear.com to better view colors and designs." Read more.

New Sunwear from Costa

"Costa’s new sunglass styles Caye, Las Olas and Peninsula are here to warm up the style front," reports Eye Surf. "Flexible yet sturdy stainless steel hinges and no-slip Hydrolite nose pads [that come with Caye] provide all-day forget-they’re-on comfort. Caye is available in tortoise, black and white frame colors. ...The new style [of Las Olas] features an oval shape nylon frame with Hydrolite nose pads and no-rust stainless steel hinges. It’s available in tortoise, black and the new coral/white combination frame colors. Peninsula rounds out the stylish new set. These full-framed rectangular-shaped sunglasses offer wire core temples and stainless spring hinges, and are available in tortoise, black and black/coral." Read more.

Riff Collection Inspired by Jazz Greats

"Inspired by famous saxophone and trumpet riffs in a great jazz songs the Riff Collection offers a modern take on retro standards, with a high bridge to create a more modern and European look and spring hinges for a comfortable fit" So goes the post on Eye Surf. "Hubbard and Coltrane combine modern and retro design elements in perfect harmony." Read more.

Aging Eyes Do More than Yellow

"For decades, scientists have looked for explanations as to why certain conditions occur with age, among them memory loss, slower reaction time, insomnia and even depression. They have scrupulously investigated such suspects as high cholesterol, obesity, heart disease and an inactive lifestyle," according to a New York Times post. "Now a fascinating body of research supports a largely unrecognized culprit: the aging of the eye. The gradual yellowing of the lens and the narrowing of the pupil that occur with age disturb the body’s circadian rhythm, contributing to a range of health problems, these studies suggest. As the eyes age, less and less sunlight gets through the lens to reach key cells in the retina that regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, its internal clock." Read more.

New Texting App for the Vision Challenged

"Imagine if smartphone and tablet users could text a note under the table during a meeting without anyone being the wiser. Mobile gadget users might also be enabled to text while walking, watching TV or socializing without taking their eyes off what they're doing," according to Medical News Today. "Georgia Tech researchers have built a prototype app for touch-screen mobile devices that is vying to be a complete solution for texting without the need to look at a mobile gadget's screen." Read more.

Bryce Harper Ready to Play Ball with New CLs

"Hagerstown Suns center fielder and Washington Nationals top draft pick Bryce Harper, warms up before a minor league baseball game in Hagerstown, Md., Wednesday, May 25, 2011," reports WTOP. " Since getting new contact lenses, the Nationals teenager is even more of a sight to behold, tearing up Single A ball in his inevitable march to the big leagues." Read more.

Lanvin--First Sunwear, Now Eyewear

"After the recent debut of its 2012 Sunglasses Collection, Lanvin is pleased to present its first eyewear optical collection in partnership with the De Rigo Group, under the creative guidance of the imaginative Alber Elbaz," reports Midwest Lens. "Perfectly in line with the Lanvin style, the new exclusive glasses for men and women successfully interpret the tradition of this French Maison, which is given a modern twist with a mixture of both retro and contemporary details." Read more.

OD Suspended for Unwanted Advances

"An optometrist  who [reportedly] had sex with a patient on the floor of his clinic during business hours has been suspended by health authorities," according to a post on The Hepburn Advocate. "David John Ford, a partner at the Eyecare Plus clinic in Grafton on the north coast, has been prevented from practising for two months by the Optometry Tribunal of NSW, which found his conduct 'unethical and improper.' A complaint was brought against Mr Ford by a female patient after he ended a year-long affair to reconcile with his wife. The woman withdrew her complaint but the Health Care Complaints Commission believed her accusations to be serious enough to warrant an investigation." Read more.

Essior Buys Two Lens Manufacturers

"Essilor International SA (EI), the French maker of eyeglass lenses, will buy 70 percent of Yeda Tora Optik Sanayi & Ticaret AS and Ipek Optik Urunleri Sanayi & Ticaret AS, Turkey’s antitrust agency said on its website," according to Bloomberg. "Yeda and Ipek, which make eyeglass lenses, are sister companies, the filing on the Ankara-based agency’s website said." Read more.

Brick and Mortar 1, Virtual 0

"Two of the world’s discount eyewear upstarts have faced off in the Federal Court over advertising claims, with British-owned retail chain Specsavers winning relief from what it claimed was misleading advertising run by Canadian online player Coastal Contacts," notes the Australian edition of Smart Company. "Federal Court Justice Peter Jacobsen last week granted Specsavers temporary relief from the advertising campaign run by Coastal Contacts, which trades in Australian and Canada as Clearly Contacts." Read more.

Video Games Improve Sight

"At the meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Vancouver, McMaster University psychologist Daphne Maurer reported on how vision develops in individuals born with cataracts in both eyes," reports Medical News Today. "Although such persons have their vision "corrected" by surgery and contact lenses, Maurer's study shows that they experience specific visual processing deficiencies into adulthood. But the studies reveal good news as well. Some of these effects can be reversed if the individual follows a short program of video gaming." Read more.

Register Now for OpticalCEUs Spring Seminar, April 29th, at the Foxwoods Resort and Casinos

You asked, we listened. Since 1999, we’ve provided opticians with quality continuing education courses and fun at a great value. This year F.E. Enterprises has a full-day, 7-credit program at the MGM Grand, Foxwoods Resort and Casino on Sunday, April 29. In response to attendee requests, we’ve added a more comfortable learning environment to accompany our complimentary hot lunch buffet in the luxurious MGM Grand conference space.

Accredited lecturers OpticalCEUs Founder Linda Conlin, Jean Davidson and Deborah Kotob of Vision-Ease will present ABO and NCLE accredited courses. You can apply the credit from all courses toward your state license and your ABO/NCLE certification. So register now online at our secure registration site: RegistersNowSpring2012.

For 14 years Linda, an NAO Fellow Ambassador and member of CLSA's University Review Committee, has provided continuing education for opticians at the state and national level. She is ABO and NCLE certified, licensed in CT, MA and RI, has a BS from Fairfield University and was a columnist for EyeWitness magazine. She also manages the blog Optical News from OpticalCEUs.

With 40 years of optical experience, Jean now presents continuing education courses. She is certified by the ABO and NCLE. A Fellow of the National Academy of Opticianry, she has trained opticians across the country and authored several articles on vision and eyewear.

Deborah, a sales consultant for Vision-Ease, writes, edits and presents ABO seminars related to best practices. A Massachusetts-licensed optician, she has owned an optical business and was a sales representative for MODO and Luxottica. Deborah is certified by the ABO and NCLE.

Every year attendees enjoy the Foxwoods experience for continuing education and access to casino fun. We provide the best value for quality seminars in a first-class venue. Full-day, half-day and per course rates are available. Join us for lunch when you take any course. Seminars usually sell out, so reserve by April 20.

Foxwoods is located at 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, Connecticut 06338 on Route 2 between I-395 and I-95. Click here for directions. Valet parking is free. For accommodations, call Foxwoods at 1-800 PLAY BIG. Overnight reservations are not associated with the seminar.

See you at the MGM Grand!

MDs and ODs in Florida Get Compromise Rx Bill

"Patients who arrive at a doctor’s office could be given one more form to fill out — a waiver for their right to a jury trial if they ever accused the doctor of botching their care — under compromise legislation passed out of a key Senate committee on Thursday," reports the Miami Herald. "The provision is one of a series of changes packed together into a wide-ranging bill passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill also ends the long-running war between ophthalmologists and optometrists over whether non-medical doctors can dispense prescriptions. By merging the proposals together, the compromise, crafted by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, is intended to win enough votes for long-sought medical malpractice reforms in the traditionally reluctant Senate. It also gives the politically-influential optometrists the prescription powers they have wanted for a decade." Read more.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/16/2645746/compromise-between-eye-doctors.html#storylink=cpy

Underestimating Vision Loss in Elderly

"Experts are warning that the NHS [the British version of the US National Institute of Health] may be significantly underestimating the number of people who develop sight loss caused by age-related macular degeneration, known as AMD for short," claims a post on WebMD Boots. "A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology suggests that 40,000 people a year develop one form of the condition, known as wet AMD. This is much higher than the figure of 26,000 new cases a year used by the NHS treatments watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), say the authors. The study also predicts that the number of cases of AMD will rise by a third by the end of the current decade. " Read more.

A Third of All Brits Drive with Poor Eyesight

"One in three motorists in Northern Ireland is unable to see properly while driving, shocking new research has revealed," notes the Belfast Telegraph. "The news has sparked a nationwide campaign calling for compulsory eye tests for all UK drivers.The research, which surveyed 2,000 drivers across the UK, was commissioned by vision specialist Ultralase with the support of road safety charity Brake." Read more. One wonders how many Americans drive with poor vision?

Judi Dench, James Bond Star, Fights Macular Degeneration

"Dame Judi Dench has revealed she is battling to save her eyesight," reports the Daily Mirror. "The James Bond Star, 77, has been diagnosed with macular degeneration which can lead to blindness. In a deeply moving interview, Dame Judi said her sight is already so bad she cannot see faces in front of her and friends have to read scripts to her so she can learn her lines. But she said she is determined not to let the condition beat her and hopes recent treatment has stopped the progressive decline." Read more.

Eye Vitamins No Help with Glaucoma but for MacD Maybe

"A number of different dietary supplements are marketed for eye health. However, there is little evidence that any of these products — often marketed as eye vitamins — can prevent glaucoma or reverse vision loss due to glaucoma," goes a post from the Mayo Clinic. "However, taking a high-dose formulation of antioxidant vitamins and zinc may reduce the progression of dry macular degeneration." Read more.

Optician Tries to Set Up Hit on Wife

Son crying at trail

"When Mike Yuchnitz approached an employee at his discount eyewear store who had been illegally supplying him with the sedative Ambien and said he wanted to have his wife killed, he said their son was in on it, too, the employee told jurors Friday," reports the San Antonion Express-News. "Fidel Pantoja opted to recruit San Antonio police instead of a hit man, and later wore a secret recording device to help detectives build a murder-for-hire case against his boss, according to testimony in Yuchnitz's high-profile divorce trial." Read more.