Illinois Sets Health Care Benchmark that Includes Vision Care for Children

"Illinois officials chose a relatively lean small-group policy Friday as the benchmark plan for essential health benefits in the state, another milepost in implementing President Barack Obama's health care law," reports the San Francisco Chronicle. The newspaper also notes that "the Illinois governor's council also approved benchmarks for children's vision and dental care, which must be covered under the federal law, but aren't currently covered by most Illinois policies. The council chose a federal plan as a model for children's vision care and the state's own All Kids coverage as the standard for children's dental care." Read more.

Converse Fall 2012

"The Converse Eyewear Fall 2012 collection experiments with a hybrid of spirited color and classic eyewear shape. Express your personality ear-to-ear with the just right color combinations," says an Eye Surf post. Read more.

New Multifocal Lens for Post-LASIK Patients

"Art Optical is pleased to introduce CLASIKcn, a new custom GP multifocal lens designed for the growing number of post-LASIK patients struggling with near-vision demands," reports Eye Surf. "The lens features front surface, center-near technology specifically designed to provide a full range of simultaneous vision for post-LASIK corneas. CLASIKcn is a great option for those finding their surgically induced modified mono effect becoming inefficient as they advance in presbyopia, or for any post-refractive surgery patient encountering presbyopic progression." Read more.

L'Amy's Charity Oriented Promotion

"L’Amy America announces a special charity program on behalf of the company and their customers. Entitled “Give the Gift of Sight, TODAY.” the program allows eye care professionals to participate in donating to those in need. From now through December 31st, for every Nicole Miller, Columbia, Nina Ricci, L’Amy Paris, Vision’s and C by L’Amy frame sold, one frame will be donated to charity on behalf of the company’s participating customers," according to Eye Surf. "Frames will be given to a number of highly respected charities such as Lions Club International, New Eyes for the Needy, Volunteer Optometric Services for Humanity (VOSH) and Eyewear for Kids. Each of these hard working organizations is renowned for its service and dedication to giving the gift of vision around the world." Read more.

Jungle Eyewear Fall 2012

"Jungle Eyewear [has added]  several new models to their Jungle Animals Collection, perfect for back to school," notes Eye Surf. "Viper and Beetle are 2 new boys frames; the Butterfly, Chincilla & Monarch are the girls newest additions." Read more.

Essilor Named Among the World's 30 Most Innovative Companies

Essilor was recently named amongst the World’s 30 Most Innovative Companies for the second year running by US magazine Forbes. Once again recognizing the group’s process of continuous innovation in the production of eyeglass lenses, this year the American magazine ranked Essilor: 28th worldwide, ahead of companies such as Pepsi (58th) and Unilever (61st), 4th in Europe, and 3rd in France. Read more.

ODs Prescribe More Than $1 Billion Worth of Pharmaceuticals

Optometrists prescribed $1,050,259,458 in pharmaceuticals over the 12-month period ending July 31, according to industry tracking data compiled by Allergan, Inc. That marks the first time the nation’s optometrists have ever prescribed a total of $1 billion in pharmaceuticals over a 12-month period, according to Dave Gibson, Allergan’s U.S. director of optometric professional relations and strategic initiatives. Read more.

Plume Paris Fall 2012

"Best Image Optical announces the release of two new additions for fall to the Plume Paris collection," notes Eye Surf. "These styles enhance the collection in both glamour and fashion. The frames’ styles, made of lightweight stainless steel, have rich, subtle accents added to the brow bar and temples that adorn the eyes and make a statement." Read more.

LineArt Fall/Winter 2012

Eye Surf writes: "The Autumn / Winter 2012 LineArt collection is a light and yet contemporary interpretation of ultimate wearing comfort. 'Rondo' is a delicate interplay of smooth contours and forms, creating an amazingly light and true feminine frame for the unique, smart and sophisticated woman. The new chord has a clear note of modern femininity. New full rim acetate front shapes are played off against delicate temple rings. Made of Excellence Titan the Group’s exclusive and patented material the temples provide superior wearing comfort through extreme lightness, highest flexibility and a special memory function." Read more.

Rudy Project Fall 2012

"For both newcomers and veterans to the Rudy Project world of exceptional optical design and performance, the Italian company introduces the Stratofly, a sunglass that merges many of the functional features of the best-loved models with a simple design, available in eight stylish color combination," goes the Eye Surf post. Read more.

Stronestreet Dons Turni Corondaos

"Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet hit the red carpet in Tumi Coronado black sunglasses before accepting an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 64th annual awards ceremony this past weekend," according to Eye Surf. "The actor also rocked his favorite shades in a different color, Tumi Coronado in Smoke, at the BAFTA pre-Emmy event. With skilled designs and technically engineered materials, Tumi’s eyewear is a harmonious balance of form and function, making Coronado the perfect pairing for Stonestreet’s sharp tuxedo and shiny new statuette." Read more.

Patent Fight for Rights to AzaSite Continues in November

Oral arguments will begin November 6, 2012 in connection the patents for AzaSite. The University of California, San Francisco’s (UCSF) will appeal the November 2011 favorable judgment of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, in Washington, D.C. The USPTO panel of judges ruled in favor of InSite Vision and confirmed the inventorship of InSite Vision’s patent protecting AzaSite (azithromycin ophthalmic solution) 1%  (U.S. Patent Nos. 6,239,113 and 6,569,443). The university filed the appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals on December 23, 2011. InSite then filed a cross appeal on January 4, 2012. Merck, which markets AzaSite in the U.S. for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, is collaborating with InSite's defense of its patents. Read more.

KS Governor's Decision to Hurt Pediatric Vision Care Coverage

"Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger says pediatric dental and vision care coverage may be most affected by Gov. Sam Brownback's decision not to adopt her agency's recommendations for state health care exchange standards," reports the Topeka Capital Journal. "The coverage standards, or benchmarks, for the exchanges are part of the federal health care reform law spearheaded by President Barack Obama and commonly called 'Obamacare.'" Read more.

Police Sunglasses Fall 2012

"Defiant and bold, with its unmistakable style and its international reputation, Police has been one of the most famous examples of a lifestyle brand since the ‘80s, influencing everything surrounding it with its urban spirit. New York, the metropolis par excellence, is the source of inspiration for its eyewear collections that have rapidly become a unisex, must-have fashion accessory, always focusing on the right details," goes the flowery post on Eye Surf. "It is the Be Younique spirit, with its unmistakably Police style and its metropolitan feel, that characterizes the 2012 sunglass collection, featuring models with a refined design and a strong personality, which pay attention to current fashion trends though also stand out with their personal and unique way of creating their own style. Energetic, defiant, sexy, Police is the brand for powerful and magnetic personalities: fashion lovers, never fashion victims." Read more.

Alpha 19 Fall 2012

"Designed exclusively for women, Alpha 19 is a super lightweight frame which features discreet, clean lines," goes the Eye Surf post. "Stainless steel temples are inserted into rounded, injected, long endtips. Satin fronts paired with gloss temples create a high contrast for a unique trendy look. All models can be fitted with progressive friendly lenses while retaining an ultra-contemporary appearance." Read more.

Argyleculture's Quartet

Earlier today we posted a note about Argyleculture's Duet. Midwest Lens doubles that. "A quartet features four distinct voices, blending together to make music impossible with just one voice. The Argyleculture Quartet collection features frames with bold design elements that complement the success and sophistication of the urban graduate. Miller and Newman create a unique collection of fashionable frames for all styles." Read more.

The "Fat Hormone" Leptin--A Key to Vision Loss?

"Leptin -- commonly dubbed the 'fat hormone' -- does more than tell the brain when to eat. A new study by researchers at The University of Akron and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) shows that leptin may play a role in hearing and vision loss," according to a Science Daily post. "This discovery, made in zebrafish treated to produce low leptin, could ultimately help doctors better understand sensory loss in humans." Read more.

One Idea that Advances Vision Science Could Equal $3000

The National Eye Institute (NEI) is offering $3,000 awards to as many as 20 contestants who submit the most compelling one-page ideas to advance vision science. Read more.

Washignton State Sues Optician

"The federal Medicaid program allowed health care providers to charge a fee of $20 to repair broken eye glasses," reports KING5 News. "Some eye doctors provide that kind of service for free.  Other eye care providers occasionally bill the federal Medicaid program for the $20 repair fee.
But Rev. Harriett Walden turned it into a one-woman industry. The Seattle optician earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in Medicaid eye glass repair fees over the course of three years - the top biller in the state." Read more.

Tell Your Patients How to Win Ferragamo Sunglasses

Extra reports that "Stars had a chance to pick up Salvatore Ferragamo Sunglasses at the Presenters Gift Lounge backstage at The Nokia Theatre, in celebration of the 64th Primetime Emmys -- and now “Extra” is giving a pair of sunglasses to 5 lucky friends! Enter to win! For more information, go to Marchon.com!" Read more.

Salvatore Ferragamo Eyewear Fall 2012

"For the Fall/Winter 2012 collection, Salvatore Ferragamo Eyewear introduces sun and ophthalmic frames with timeless designs and iconic accents, synonymous with the legendary brand," says Eye Surf. "Translating adornments seen on the FW12 Ready-to-Wear runway, the Gancino and Vara are skillfully placed temple accents made of polished metal and filled with vivid enamel in autumnal colorations. Jewels and crystals are incorporated discreetly, bringing a new level of detail to female ophthalmics." Read more.

Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2012

"The Diane von Furstenberg brand, known for femininity and luxury, debuts an eyewear collection featuring vintage shapes and key components from her ready to wear collection." That's the first line of an Eye Surf post. It continues, "Inspired by iconic designs, unique hardware such as the chain link, harper buckle and power stone are showcased in this beautiful collection. Through Diane’s sophisticated designs, she empowers women and has helped define a generation." Read more.

Argyleculture Fall 2012

"When the world’s greatest musicians team up for a duet, they blend their voices to make perfect harmonies that surpass the talents of any single musician," says Eye Surf. "The Argyleculture Duet collection features two frames that complement one another with their fashion-forward style and bright color combinations. Ray and Morton offer contemporary twists on classic looks for the urban graduate." Read more.

Thierry Mugler Fall 2012

"Eastern States Eyewear has announced the release of five new styles in Thierry Mugler Eyewear," reports Eye Surf. "Known for its striking, progressive designs the France based Thierry Mugler puts a heavy emphasis on bright, striking colorations in this release with a wide variety of acetates and metal accents.  Exotic contrasts such as Bordeaux-Fuchsia and Wine-Purple-Carmel stand next to such retro combinations as Black-Ivory and Brown-Rust to provide a bigger width and breadth of color variety than any release to date.  Finishes include marble, tortoises, and snakeskin. " Read more.

ClearVision Offers Catalog Like App

ClearVision Optical has launched second app, CVO 2012 iGuide for iPad, according to Midwest Lens. It's reportedly similar to a consumer catalog "that allows for an interactive brand experience while simultaneously providing in depth information on some of the company’s most significant product offerings."  Read more.

Why the Cornea Repels Infections, Study Finds

"Exposed tissue surfaces [such as the cornea], including skin and mucous membranes, are under constant threat of attack by microorganisms in the environment. The layer of cells that line these areas, known as epithelial cells, are the first line of defense against these pathogens, but the underlying molecular mechanisms that allow them to repel microbes are unknown," reports Medical News Today. "In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, report that epithelial cells in the cornea, which is highly resistant to bacterial infection, express small antimicrobial peptides, portions of human cytokeratin 6A, that defend the eye against infection. Using mass spectrometry, Suzanne Fleiszig and colleagues determined that these peptides protect against multiple bacterial pathogens by preventing the bacteria from binding to the epithelial cells. Additionally, they found that mice lacking cytokeratin 6A were more susceptible to eye infections." Read more. Read the study at this site.

Eye Doc Promises Free Lasik to NFL Replacement Refs

"Monday night's dramatic last-minute loss to the Seattle Seahawks has many Green Bay Packers fans wondering if the referees have eye trouble," reports KPLC. "That's why a Wisconsin eye care provider wants to help the NFL referee who made the game-deciding call see more clearly. Dr. Christopher Smith is offering free Lasik surgery to the replacement referees who officiated Monday night's game." Read more.

Continued Growth for CL Market, Says Report

Changing lifestyles have triggered a general trend towards comfort and convenience, which in turn has furthered the market for contact lenses. On an average, every year around 20% new potential consumers enter the CL market, notes a report called “Contact Lenses and Solutions: A Global Strategic Business Report” created by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Children, teenagers, and younger people represent the prime targets of contact lens makers, the segments where significant research and development activity is going on. Specialty lenses are likely to witness expansion in wearer base, as a significant portion of the global population becomes subjected to astigmatism and presbyopia, conditions affecting aging eyes. This translates into huge potential for toric, bifocal, and multi-focal contact lenses. Additionally, ongoing shift from conventional lenses to disposable lenses that offer relatively higher revenues generation per patient also augurs well for overall market growth.

Sales of silicone hydrogel lenses still increase worldwide, but so do the number of studies into making CLs from different silicone hydrogel materials. In fact, companies are patenting their own silicone hydrogel material to gain edge in the global market. The report also states that the United States represents the largest market for contact lenses and solutions across the globe. Trends in the contact lens sector are quite similar across most global markets. However, in terms of wearer base, regional markets exhibit varying rates. The US CL market is more mature than rest of the world, so most global market growth lies in non-US markets. Read more.

Implants for Presbyops Work, Says Study

“Patient satisfaction at 12 months was very positive with 9 patients reporting to be ‘completely satisfied,’ 3 were ‘very satisfied’ and 1 was ‘somewhat satisfied,’” said John Olkowski about the clinical results of a single-center study, The chief surgeon at EyeSight Hawaii explained at the International Society of Presbyopia Fourth Annual Conference in Milan that the study showed significant improvement in near visual acuity following treatment with Raindrop Near Vision Inlay (formerly the Vue+ and PresbyLens), products created by ReVision Optics, Inc. (RVO).  Significant improvement in this group of patients reportedly was observed within 7 days of treatment. Data showed that at one week following treatment with the Raindrop in the non-dominant eye, 19 of 25 subjects achieved uncorrected 20/25 or better near visual acuity with an average gain in near vision of 4 lines using the Optec 6500 visual acuity tester, according to RVO. Read more.

Elle's Fall 2012 Collection

"Elle  by Charmant introduces four new fashionable styles to its optical A/W 2012 collection. For the modern Elle lady, chic styling combined with essential feel-good comfort goes hand in hand," writes Midwest Lens. "Elle designer eyewear reflects the vital essence of the Elle woman, her lifestyle and her passions through an array of elegant winter optical frames which are trendy, of the highest quality, and charmingly feminine." Read more.

Ditto Dons Mykita Sunglasses

"Mykita has proven to be the perfect fit for Gossip front-woman Beth Ditto," according to WWD. "Ever on the search for the ideal pair of sunglasses to suit her iconoclastic style, Ditto found a way to make her dream shades a reality with the innovative Berlin-based brand. The 'Beth' glasses, based on the singer’s ideas and sketch, are a pointy, oversized cat-eye made from lightweight stainless steel just 0.5 millimeters thick, accentuated with delicate cut-outs, and customized to fit its namesake’s face. The specs feature violet gradient lenses set in frames of vivid purple – Ditto’s favorite tone, and in white. Both versions are limited edition – 100 individually numbered pairs of per color are being produced." Read more.

Eyes Got Germ Busting Power, Study Says

"When it comes to germ-busting power, the eyes have it, according to a discovery by UC Berkeley researchers that could lead to new, inexpensive antimicrobial drugs," reports Science Daily. "Proteins in the eye can help keep pathogens at bay, finds a new UC Berkeley study." Read more.

22 Years Later, Patient Gets Chance to Thank Eye Doc

"We went inside a Honolulu operating room for a reunion, of sorts, between a Nigerian man and an eye doctor he met when he was just a little boy. The man's journey here to Hawaii spans 22 years, 10,000 miles, and a 38 hour plane ride," notes Hawaii News Now. "The left eye of 25 year old Buhari Buhari has been causing him problems recently. He's getting it operated on to correct a sagging eyelid and to keep his artificial eye from falling out." Read more.

New Audits for EHR Incentive Recipients

Health care practitioners who receive Medicare or Medicaid electronic health records (EHR) incentives are subject to a new auditing program designed to ensure they have met the qualifications for the bonuses, according to the AOA Third Party Center. Read more.

4iiii Introduces Training Accessory for Sunglasses

"Canadian company 4iiii were demonstrating their Sportiiiis SP100 sunglasses training accessory at Interbike," reports Bike Radar. "It's a 10g device that attaches to the arm of your sunglasses and gives feedback from your computer or iPhone without you having to take your eyes off the road. The mount is a little unwieldy but 4iii told us they're upgrading it to dispense with zip ties." Read more.

Students Spending 4+ Hours in Front of Video Screens--For School

How many hours a day do children spend on computers or other electronic devices? New data from the AOA’s 2012 American Eye-Q consumer survey indicate 60 percent of parents estimate their children spend up to four hours per day at home or in school looking at a computer or digital device screen, according to an American Optometric Association press release. With smartboards, tablets and other digital tools being incorporated into daily school curricula, the technology has students spending much of their time learning and socializing in front of a screen. Read more.

CMS Updates PECOS

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) said new technical upgrades will make the Internet-based Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) easier for health care practitioners to use, reports the American Optometric Association. Read more.

Gordon-Levitt Looking Cool in Dita Eyewear Video

"Joseph Gordon-Levitt looks really really ridiculously good looking in this behind-the-scenes video for Flaunt magazine presented by Dita Eyewear," gushes the writer for Zimbio. "He's so good looking that we had to pick up our jaws from underneath our desks after watching. [Ed note: On at least five separate occasions while watching this video, Lauren took off her headphones, looked at me, and exclaimed, 'He's so hot!']." Read more.

ADS Sports' Ski Goggles Go Digital

ADS Sports Eyewear will be using a new digital prescription lens design this ski season to improve vision for skiers who wear prescription. Digital technology recalculates the correction at every point on the lens to create a much larger area of perfect vision without the “fishbowl effect” traditionally associated with putting prescription lenses in a curved frame. That's the word from a post of a press release on Yahoo! Finance. Read more.

Curing Glaucoma with Math

"Mathematical modeling being tested by researchers at the School of Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and the IU School of Medicine has the potential to impact the knowledge and treatment of several diseases that continue to challenge scientists across the world, reports Science Daily. "The National Science Foundation recently recognized the work led by Drs. Giovanna Guidoboni, associate professor of mathematics in the School of Science, and Alon Harris, professor of ophthalmology and director of clinical research at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, for its new approach to understanding what actually causes debilitating diseases like glaucoma. Their research could translate to more efficient treatments for diseases like diabetes and hypertension as well." Read more.

Lighthouse Expands Low Vision Project in St. Louis

"The Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis, a not-for-profit manufacturing and packaging organization with a dedicated social service mission, is expanding its Comprehensive Low Vision Project (CLVP) to serve children ages two to eight years old who are visually impaired in the St. Louis metro area." That's the lede from the St. Louis Today. Read more.

Essilor Closes Limerick Operation

"Contact lens manufacturer Essilor has confirmed it is pulling out of Limerick - with the loss of up to 15 jobs," according to the Limerick Leader. "The French company has been based in the Raheen industrial estate for almost 40 years. It was used for manufacturing contact lenses in the past, but recently, it has been operating as the firm’s main customer service centre." Read more.

Oliver Peoples Campaign Featuring Ray Liotta and Bar Paly

"In celebration of Oliver Peoples 25th anniversary, Ray Liotta and Bar Paly will be the faces of their Resort/Spring 2013 campaign," notes Midwest Lens. "To maintain their reputation for producing spirited short films and beautiful still photographs, they have enlisted Patrick Hoelck to help bring to life the special edition anniversary collection. In homage to Oliver Peoples Hollywood heritage, the campaign was shot on Stage 9 of the famed Sony Studios lot in Culver City, California." Read more.

"New" Video Game Helps Blind

"Researchers have developed a new 'video' game for blind people that can help them learn about a new space using only audio cues, as reported in the open access journal PLOS ONE," notes Medical News Today. "The system, developed by a team led by Lotfi Merabet of Harvard Medical School and Jaime Sánchez of the University of Chile, is called the Audiobased Environment Simulator and uses only audio-based cues to allow blind users to learn about the layout of a previously unfamiliar building." Read more.

New Prosthetic Restores Vision to Blind Mice

Researchers have developed a new prosthetic technique that can restore vision to blind mice. The approach could potentially be further developed to improve sight in blind people, according to the National Eye Institute. More than 20 million people worldwide have vision loss or blindness because of retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. These diseases gradually damage photoreceptors, the light-detecting cells in the retina. Ganglion cells, which deliver signals to the brain for processing, are usually spared. One promising approach to restoring lost vision is through prosthetic devices. Current prosthetics create a detour around damaged photoreceptors and directly stimulate ganglion cells, allowing patients to see spots of light and edges. This improves the ability to see light and shapes, but vision is still limited. Read more.

Vera Bradley Fall 2012 Sunglasses and New Girlfriends Collection

"As seasons change, cooler weather and shorter days mean new fashionable looks for fall," reports Midwest Lens. "The Shades of Fall Vera Bradley sunglass collection features five styles in the latest Vera Bradley colors. Adrian, Cassie, Lillian, Tara and Anna bring bright colors and bold looks for the new season, sure to fit any fall wardrobe." Read more.

"The Vera Bradley girl wears her team colors loud and proud, and the latest Vera Bradley Girlfriends frames help her express her individuality with bold colors and trendy shapes," goes the Eye Surf post. "The Vera Bradley Girlfriends Prep Rally collection features two looks for the girl who wants fun and flirty fashion in her eyewear. Paula and Mallory proudly display the latest Vera Bradley colors and design elements perfect for a young teen." Read more.

WP Tries a TV Marketing Campaign

"A nontraditional e-commerce company is testing a traditional advertising medium, television, but with a twist," according to the New York Times. "The company is Warby Parker, which sells prescription eyeglasses online at cut-rate prices, at warbyparker.com. Until now, Warby Parker’s marketing efforts for its $95 eyewear (prescription lenses included) have been focused online and on promotions and events like pop-up shops, kiosks in Standard hotels and film screenings. Beginning on Thursday, the company is entering the realm of television advertising, which is usually the province of much larger companies. But the budget is small, $250,000, and the time frame is short, four weeks." Read more.

Charmant Expands Puma and Esprit

"Enhance your performance with this streamlined Puma Eyewear style. Ultra light, the frames light weight nickel silver metal and rubber-tipped temples provide high-comfort grip and are trendily colored to match the Puma temple logo," reports Eye Surf. Read more.

In another post, Eye Surf writes that "Esprit by Charmant includes additional style to its new Fashionable Ladies Styles optical collection A/W 2012

ET 17385. 

Esprit’s innate intuition for trends is accompanied by the classical elegance of a slimmer milled semi-rimmed metal model in bold colors accented by a delicate hue trim alongside. Some colors (535 & 538) feature snake pattern on temples. Colors are ranging from brown to olive to burgundy and black, the classical colors of fall. Read more.

Adidas Releases Sunglasses for Golfers

"Adidas Eyewear...has created the ideal eyewear for golfers that will also complement their look on the course," says Mido 365. "TourPro combines vision perfection with a decidedly stylish look. Professional golfer Dustin Johnson has already chosen this new model – and the results were certainly not long in coming! TourPro eyewear has been available since September 2012." Read more.

OKIA Personalized Eyewear

"Mixing patterns and colors was the starting point of an idea that has given this collection from OKIA an original and contemporary twist," says Mido 365. "Shapes inspired by different images are mixed together on acetate to create an unusual and dynamic decoration based on the personal tastes of the client. Thanks to the sensational possibilities offered by HDA Technology, it will be very simple to satisfy personal desires by combining natural, geometric or irregular patterns on the frame: feathers, squares and any other shapes can be displayed on the acetate with extremely high definition thanks to accentuated color-blocking." Read more.

Hoya Presents Its New Progressive

"Berlin provided the charming backdrop of the symposium at which Hoya presented the world preview of the new addition to the Hoyalux iD family. The evolution of the proven Hoyalux iD LifeStyle integrates the most recent calculation, design and image perception technologies to increasingly meet the needs of today's farsighted patients," according to Mido 365. Read more.

California Health Benefit Exchange Reconsiders Position on Vision Stand Alone Plans

California Health Line reports that "on Tuesday, the California Health Benefit Exchange board indicated that it plans to reconsider a decision to prevent stand-alone vision plans from being offered to individual customers in the exchange, the Sacramento Bee reports. According to the Bee, the board's willingness to reconsider comes in response to Vision Service Plan of Rancho Cordova announcing that it might relocate its headquarters to another state if it does not have access to individual customers in the exchange (Kasler, Sacramento Bee, 9/19)." Read more.

Crazy Sunglasses of Kelly Osbourne

"When Kelly Osbourne wore outrageous yellow Quay aviators at the Chris Benz show during New York Fashion Week (top right), we thought maybe she had undergone Lasik surgery and was looking for a fun way to cover her eyes. But then the Fashion Police hostess rocked a retro white pair (top right) the following day, leading us to believe she just has a thing for wacky shades," notes People magazine. "Osbourne also sported some rather quirky sunnies across the pond at London Fashion Week, where she showed off a futuristic cat-eye shape at the House of Holland show on Saturday (bottom left). But the pair she wore on Monday — black geometric sunglasses with eyebrows sprouting from them (bottom right) — were definitely the wildest of the bunch." Read more.

Gant Eyewear Fall/Winter 2012

"Viva International Group introduces the new Gant Eyewear Fall/Winter 2012 collection, which features classic styles with a modern edge," reports Midwest Lens. "The new ophthalmic collection consists of a men’s style, as well as a fashionable women’s style, deeply rooted in the heritage of Gant. A new Gant Rugger style is also included in this season’s offerings, along with a men’s and women’s pairing from the Gant by Michael Bastian collection." Read more.

Eye-Tracking Tablet to Be Unveiled in Tokyo

Tobii Technology announced that NTT Docomo Inc. will unveil ibeam, a concept tablet with embedded eye tracking. The ibeam tablet prototype will make its debut at NTT Docomo's CEATEC booth (4B66) in Tokyo, Oct. 2-6. Developed with Fujitsu, the ibeam prototype uses the eye tracker, Tobii IS20 (formerly Tobii IS-2).

One Gene Mutation, Vision and Hearing Loss, Diabetes, Death

"The rare disorder Wolfram syndrome is caused by mutations in a single gene, but its effects on the body are far reaching," says Medical News Today. "The disease leads to diabetes, hearing and vision loss, nerve cell damage that causes motor difficulties, and early death. " Read more.

Partnering Up to Fight Poor Eye Care and Poverty in South Africa

Orbis, the Brien Holden Vision Institute and African Vision Research Institute (AVRI) have joined forces around the issue of eye health and poverty in South Africa. The consortium aims to improve the understanding of the impact of visual loss on poverty and to develop relationships with key organisations working in poverty reduction to mainstream eye health.. Read more

Largest Part of Glaucoma Costs Comes from a Small Group of Patients

"A small subset of patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) account for a large proportion of all glaucoma-related charges in the United States, according to new data published by researchers at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center and Washington University, St. Louis," says Medical Express. "These findings have importance for future evaluations of the cost-effectiveness of screening and treatment for glaucoma." Read more.

VSP Threatens to Leave Golden State over Its Online Insurance Exchange

"California's rollout of the federal health care overhaul, still in its infancy, has prompted one of Sacramento's most important companies to threaten to leave the state," reports the Sacramento Bee. "Vision Service Plan of Rancho Cordova is protesting a decision last month by the agency that is building California's online insurance market, a key piece of President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. The decision by the California Health Benefit Exchange would keep VSP from competing for a big chunk of consumers." Read more.

Orvis Big Sequoia Collection

"The vast landscapes and natural beauty of the Sequoia National Forest in California inspire classic, comfortable styles for the man who enjoys spending time outdoors," says Eye Surf. "The Orvis Big Sequoia collection features two outdoor-inspired styles that combine traditional styling and superior quality. With a larger fit, Pocono and Beaverfoot offer proven eyeshapes and the latest in design technology." Read more.

Wiley X's New Climate Controlled Safety Eyewear

"Workers in need of stylish, comfortable eye protection have a bold new choice — the new Climate Control WX Gravity from eyewear innovator Wiley X, Inc.," according to Eye Surf. "Xʼs Rx-ready, Climate Control sunglasses combine an attractive, wraparound style frame with Wiley Xʼs patented, removable soft foam Facial Cavity™ Seal. This unique design was developed to block out wind, dust and debris, providing protection unmatched by other eyewear. This exclusive feature creates a comfortable, climate controlled 'protection zone' for the wearerʼs eyes. And because itʼs removable, itʼs like getting two pairs of glasses in one. With Wiley Xʼs shatterproof lenses and frames, the WX Gravity protects the wearerʼs eyes against a wide range of occupational dangers." Read more.

Maybach's Fall 2012 Gold Sunglasses

"But Maybach Eyewear is still around, and they are presenting their newest collection, the Limited Gold Editions. Starting in 2010, Maybach Eyewear has created the most sophisticated designs and enhanced them with the most precious material combinations, producing a real optical masterpiece," according to Dime. "Now you can grab yourself a pair of these new gold editions, which are handcrafted from solid 18K gold. They’ll be made on order and feature engraved serial numbers with a strict maximum of 50 pieces only per variation for sunglasses and 100 pieces only per variation for optical frames being produced." Read more.

OpticalCEU's Blog Tops 100,000 Page Views

A few days ago, OpticalCEU's blog, Optical News from OpticalCEUs, topped 100,000 page views. It marks a 10-fold increase from the number of page views it reached about a year ago and a five-fold increase from what the blog achieved in January.

"We are happy that this news aggregator, which we developed for opticians, has attracted so much interest," said Linda Conlin, founder and president of OpticalCEUs. "We have been surprised by the number of individuals from Europe, Asia, and Australia who have found our encapsulation of optical news as important."

Each year, OpticalCEUs runs two continuing education conferences for opticians. Eye care professionals already are registering for the next conference on October 28, at the Foxwood's Grand Pequot Tower, in Connecticut.

To get more information on the conference, go to OpticalCEUs website (www.opticalceu.com).  The site provides a complete list of the three ABO and four NCLE courses being offered, as well as information about the speakers. The site also provides graphs showing how opticians have rated OpticalCEUs seminars.

To register for the conference, eye care professionals can do so online at www.opticalceu.com/RegisterNowFall2012.html. Individuals can register also by  calling 203-366-5991.

Pictures Taken by a Blind Photographer

"Ms. [Sonia] Soberats, who had a history of glaucoma, lost her eyesight. First the right eye went dark, then about six months later, the left," reports the New York Times. "It is this mix of pain and perseverance that Ms. Soberats weaves throughout her photographs. Her subjects are often friends or family, and she frequently captures or recreates life-altering events: pregnancies, marriages, death. Her work is often joyous, but it can be haunting, even schizophrenic. She plays with light and texture and draws on her Latin roots, taking the viewer on a journey to places as magical as the the fictional town of Macondo or as surreal as a Salvador Dalí painting." Read and see more.

Valentino's Fall 2012 Collection

"For Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli style is synthesis. Lean and to the point, Valentino's delicacy has become incisive, illuminated with contrasts. While shaking the atelier's archetypes inside out and placing them a new context, Chiuri and Piccioli have created new beauty," notes Mido 365. "For the Venice Film Festival, Valentino has launched an exclusive eyewear model, a contemporary interpretation of preciousness and allure. An oversized vintage-inspired wraparound shape conjures up the star-studded glamour of Cinecittà; the rhinestone decorations suggest the jolie madame esprit that is part of Valentino's DNA; injections of bright color create totally unexpected chromatic and visual balance. The result is a new classic. Glamour takes on a playful note." Read more.

Lozza's Disney Children Collection

"For 2012 Lozza has been inspired once again by the fantasy world of Disney for a vision collection created for children," reports Mido 365. "The exclusive protagonists are Minnie and Mickey Mouse, one of the best-loved couples in the history of cartoons. Ultra-light, non-allergic, flexible and shatterproof, Lozza's new Disney eyewear is made from bio-compatible* material in natural colors that fully respect the environment and the health of new generations." Read more.

Mad Men's Christina Hendricks Judging Eyewear Contest

"In very important news for those who considered Peggy Olson's brief Australian vacation to be important, e.g. us, twice Emmy nominated Mad Men co-star Christina Hendricks will be visiting the country [Australia] in October to help judge the Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition," according to the Pedestrian. "The 'proud spec wearer' will appear at an invite only launch event in Sydney next month where one bespectacled loser Aussie will make up for a lifetime of 'four eyes' insults by winning a trip to Los Angeles where Hendricks will personally mentor them at a photoshoot." Read more.

Almost $10 Million in Counterfeit CLs Seized

"Police seized more than 1.8 million sham contact lenses, valued at more than 61 million yuan ($9.65 million), during a raid of a counterfeit contact lens manufacturer, Songjiang police announced Monday," reports the Global Times. "The district food and drug administration launched an investigation into the manufacturer, which was based in Chedun, Songjiang, in June after police were tipped off to its exploits, according to a press release from Songjiang police. The investigation found that the company was operating without proper licenses and was manufacturing substandard products. " Read more.

Carrera's New Marketing Campaign

Carrera and the media company Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam will create a new globnal strategy for the sunglass line. The partnership initially will focus on a teaser advertising campaign that focuses on the 56 years of tradition behind the line as well as its racing spirit. The partnership will design the campaign for print, video, audio, and online media. It will include a point of sales campaign. Early next year, Carrera will kick off a new online, offline, and in-store brand "communication" program. Read more. 

New Indian Eye-Care Program to Serve 131 Million

"As part of its first anniversary celebrations on Sunday, India Vision Institute (IVI) launched 'Aksauhini', a strategic eye-care plan for around 131 million people of India," writes the Times of India. "Accordingly, the programme will assist in gathering the required human resource to address the issues of visually impaired individuals who largely reside in rural India. It will also help in setting out a road map to fill the gaps in vision care in the country."  Read more.

Oakley Wins "Best Prescription Sports Eyewear"

ADS Sports Eyewear launched a campaign to allow its customers to select the “Best Prescription Sports Eyewear” brand. Input was received from a variety of sources including Facebook, online customer reviews and direct customer contact. The criteria used to determine the “Best Prescription Sports Sunglasses” included versatility, comfort, value, and optical quality. The winner in each category was Prescription Oakley Sunglasses. Read more.

Young Beckham Caught Wearing Mom-Styled Eyewear

"Brooklyn Beckham is following in the fashionable footsteps of his parents Victoria and David," according to The Sun. "The 13-year-old was recently spotted at a football match in LA with his dad David and brothers Romeo and Cruz wearing a pair of specs from his mum's Victoria Beckham Eyewear collection. Brooklyn's wide-rimmed glasses had black frames that perfectly-matched his T-shirt — a fitted, short-sleeved top with an BROOKLYN BECKHAM is following in the fashionable footsteps of his parents Victoria and David." Read more.

VisionWeb Pays Royalties to AOA Affiliates

Midwest Lens reports that "VisionWeb announced it will pay $60,882 in royalties to participating AOA state affiliates. The royalties are for eye care product orders placed by their members on VisionWeb over the last 12 months. This is the ninth year VisionWeb has paid royalties to the AOA for orders placed by its members to the VisionWeb supplier network of more than 400 suppliers in the United States. Since initiating the program in 2004, VisionWeb has paid a total of $319,667 in AOA royalties to participating state affiliates. Further detail on VisionWeb’s AOA Royalty Program are available at www.visionweb.com." Read more.