Discovery about Eye Shape and Impact of Cataract Operations

"A professor at London's Kingston University has made a discovery about the shape of the eye that could boost the effectiveness of human-made lenses used in cataract operations," reports Science Daily. "Research carried out by Professor Barbara Pierscionek and a team of fellow vision experts suggests that the way proteins are distributed in the lens of the eye may cause its gradient to be stepped rather than smooth as previously thought. The finding could give a new insight into the way the eye grows and lead to major improvements in synthetic lenses used in surgery to treat patients who have developed cataracts. Artificial replacements did not currently match the quality of real ones, Professor Pierscionek said. 'However this research could help give patients better vision if manufacturers use it to develop an improved lens able to change focus,' she explained." Read more.

Vision Council Creates Site for Low Vision

The Vision Council has launched a website covering low vision: www.whatislowvision.org. Its goal: to educate the public on low vision, its symptoms, and the resources available to help. As America's baby boomers enter their senior years, they may notice a gradual loss in some areas of sight. Loss of peripheral or central vision could indicate low vision, a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, pharmaceuticals or surgery. More than 2.9M people in the U.S. suffer from low vision and it is most common in people age 60+.

New Marketing Campaign from Mykita

"Instead of some exotic faraway beach, the 2013 MYKITA campaign was shot at the place where it all began back in 2003: in Berlin. Friend and photographer Mark Borthwick was responsible for the creative implementation of this tenth anniversary campaign," notes Midwest Lens. "An apartment in a typical Berlin tenement building served as the backdrop for the first portrait session. The subjects – comprising family members, friends and professional models including the likes of Werner Schreyer – were photographed against vintage furniture in light-flooded rooms." Read more.

Using Holography to Stimulate Eye Cells

"Researchers led by biomedical engineering Professor Shy Shoham of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology are testing the power of holography to artificially stimulate cells in the eye, with hopes of developing a new strategy for bionic vision restoration," notes Science Daily. "Computer-generated holography, they say, could be used in conjunction with a technique called optogenetics, which uses gene therapy to deliver light-sensitive proteins to damaged retinal nerve cells. In conditions such as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) -- a condition affecting about one in 4000 people in the United States -- these light-sensing cells degenerate and lead to blindness." Read more.

New Sunglasses from Marc Jacobs

Following the Marc Jacobs Winter 12 Collection and the Crystal sunglasses, the glamorous eyewear collection returns in a new easy-to-wear version with the latest models created for Spring/Summer 2013, says a Safilo spokesperson. The new models is said to maintain that sense of sparkle with an understated twist: a single crystal that illuminates the temple tips and denotes a unique and individual style. The round-shaped acetate model features bold volumes that are balanced with translucent shades, in line with the colour palette of Marc Jacobs’ 2013 ready-to-wear and accessories collections: olive, brown, red and ochre, perfectly combined with gray lenses. Read more.

New Lens from Essilor Controls Emission of Blue Light

Essilor has launched what it calls the first  lenses offering selective protection against harmful blue light -one of the risk factors in retinal cell degeneration- and against UV rays.This major innovation was made possible thanks to an ambitious four-year research program conducted in partnership with Paris Vision Institute, according to Essilor. After two years, the joint venture team identified, with a high level of accuracy, that portion of the visible light spectrum that is noxious to retinal cells. Emitted by the sun and also by artificial light sources such as LEDs and computers or smartphones, blue light (between 380-500 nm) plays a beneficial role on health, such as regulating biological clocks. However, a specific band of this light might have a harmful effect on the eyes. In order to identify the part of the spectrum that damages the retina, the researchers developed an in vitro test on retinal cells with narrow screening light exposure to determine the harmfulness of rays depending on their wavelength. This test--a first in ophthalmic optics--allowed for the discovery that wavelengths between 415 and 455 nm (spectral band centered at 435 nm +/- 20nm) are the most harmful for the target retinal cells.After two years of research, the company has developed the Crizal Prevencia lens, which is able to protect the eye from wavelengths that contributes to the degeneration of retinal cells while allowing beneficial blue light to pass through. This is a new category of preventive lenses developed using Light Scan, an exclusive technology which filters light selectively- by letting beneficial blue light pass through. Read more.

Sunglasses from Skateboard Wood

"Streetwear giant, Diamond Supply Co., is set to launch this mini accessories capsule, consisting of an iPhone case and wood sunglasses," says Baller Status. "Both items are made from 100% recycled skateboard wood that turns into this rainbow-style pattern once bonded together into the shape of the iPhone 5 case and accompanying sunglass frames. The case and sunglasses are finished with laser-etched logo branding. The words "BRILLIANTLY CRAFTED" are etched into the inner temple of the eyewear." Read more.

New from Gotti Switzerland

Award-winning eyewear brand Götti Switzerland's spring and summer collections  include buffalo horn mixed with natural wood, and a more expansive acetate and titanium collection. Retail prices range from $310 to  $1,556 with its customized horn frames at $2,470. This month, Gotti debuts five unisex optical styles, including Belize and Balou, each blending raw buffalo horn with elegant walnut and maple wood. The company notes that most stages of production are finished and polished by hand. It takes six weeks to produce one frame, whose fit can be customized.  It's  also launching additional unisex optical acetate styles. The latest models, including Aysha and Amey, have bolder shapes with thin rims. They also consist of a keyhole nose bridge evoking a more vintage-inspired look. Read more.

Ectopic Eyes that See

"For the first time, scientists have shown that transplanted eyes located far outside the head in a vertebrate animal model can confer vision without a direct neural connection to the brain." That's the startling start of a Medical News Today post. Read more.

Dolabany Reintroduces the Arnold

The Dolabany Arnold optical frame is currently one of the most popular designs from the Dolabany Eyewear Collection. This design continues to reign supreme in retro style eyewear, and this year, it is being reintroduced in three classic colors,"  starts the post on Midwest Lens. "Classical purity is the defining aesthetic of the Dolabany Arnold eyeglasses. Every element of style and functionality is considered, in the design of this retro look. This frame epitomizes the 1950′s and 1960′s in look and quality of craftsmanship. In fact, this style is in such high demand people are spending in excess of $1000 for the vintage eyewear style. But, thanks to Dolabany, this vintage look hits every single specification of the original eyewear design of that period at a reasonable price. With celebrity sightings, like the iconic Johnny Depp, wearing the Dolabany Arnold, the designer eyewear has made its mark in the fashion industry." Read more.

Essilor Battles Younger, Indizen, and VSP Over Patent Infringement

On Feb. 22, 2013, Essilor International S.A. and Essilor of America, Inc.,  filed a patent infringement action with the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division, against Indizen Optical Technologies S.L.; Indizen Optical Technologies of America, LLC; Younger Manufactuirng Co. d/b/a/ Younger Optics; Vision Service Plan; VSP Labs, Inc.; and VSP Optical Group, Inc. This suit was filed  about a month after Essilor sent Indizen and Younger Optics letters giving notice of their reported infringement of Essilor International's 271 Patent. On February 13, 2013, Essilor sent the VSP, VSP Labs, and VSP Optical a letter giving notice of their reported infringement of Essilor's patent, which covers its progressive addition lenses. For a copy of the suit, click this link.

"On Feb. 20, Younger Optics, Indizen Optical Technologies, Indizen Optical Technologies of America, Vision Service Plan,  VSP Labs and VSP Optical Group filed suit against Essilor International and Essilor of America in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division," according to a Vision Monday post. "The companies are seeking a declaratory judgment stating that the manufacture and sale of their progressive lenses, including VSP Unity PLxpression lenses, does not infringe three Essilor International patents on digital progressive lenses, either directly or indirectly. In their suit, the companies are also seeking to invalidate all three Essilor patents because they claim the patents fail to comply with U.S. patent laws." Read more.

Safilo Pulls Out the Stops for Mido 2013

Apparently Safilo wants to make waves at Mido 2013 exhibition this March 2-4. The company claims that research is the key to new designs. It points to the Avantek technology it has used on its new Boss and Safilo collections, claiming that the stress and distortion-free lens mounting system eliminates perforations in the lenses and, as a result, risk of visual distortion or deformation for rimless 'glasant' optical frames. Its Polaroid Plus Collection has adopted the UltraSight Plus lenses. Its Hugo collections are using titanium.

Shapes
Its collections feature a wide range of silhouettes, which include large and small cat-eye shapes, and its round-shaped models have an essential, minimalist design. The square-shaped proposals feature large silhouettes that evoke the fashion of the ‘60s or ‘80s and come in opal or shaded nuances.

Colors
The collections will have a wide range of shades and  new color combinations. With their unique interplay of black and white that captures the Optical Art spirit of the ‘60s and their fluorescent shades that recall the ‘80s and pop culture, the new collections are designed for people who are not afraid to show off their daring, personal style. Some models combine also pastel nuances. The wild side collection, however, takes life with animal patterns and spotted prints. Color-blocking, a hot trend for the 2013 season, catches the eye with vibrant color combinations. Last but certainly not least, sunglasses with the ‘80s-inspired mirrored lenses. Read more about specific collections. 

Applications for 2013 Pearle Scholarship Open

In June, the OneSight Research Foundation will award Dr. Stanley Pearle Scholarships for $2000 to 20 full-time optometry students graduating from an accredited optometry program in North America and Puerto Rico in 2014, 2015, or 2016. The foundation will award the scholarships based on scholastic performance and commitment to optometry and community service. Students can apply through April 15, 2013, via a new automated application form at https://aim.applyists.net/OneSight.. Applicants must enter the program key OneSight to submit their application.  Need more information, contact tparasil@onesight.org.

Google Glasses Start Looking Like Glasses

"Earlier today we reported that Google was looking to improve their awesome augmented reality glasses by making them a bit more stylish and fashionable. Because no matter how great they are, people need to want to wear them. Well this evening we’re now seeing a new patent that gives us an idea of what they’re aiming for, as well as what Project Glass could look like on a nice frame," says Android Community. "They certainly aren’t Ray Bans, but can you imagine rocking some awesome Aviator or Wayfarer style glasses combined with Project Glass. Sign me up for a pair right this minute. We’re getting ahead of ourselves though, Google has just started looking into alternative styles and we’re probably far from anything extremely fashionable." Read more.

People in Need of Vision Care

"Orange County needs a pediatric vision program for low-income children, and the service should probably be on wheels, according to the Children & Families Commission of Orange County," reports the Voice of OC. "A pediatric mobile unit would make it easier for parents to overcome barriers and obtain eye exams, diagnoses and glasses for their children. A 'vision van' would join the ranks of other specially equipped vans that deliver dental care, asthma treatments and primary care services to young patients around the county." Read more.

Several thousands of miles away, "people wait[ed] to receive a wristband number for medical treatment at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic in Wise, Va. on July 20. RAM clinics bring free medical, dental and vision care to uninsured and under-insured people around the world." See the NBCNews photo essay.

"Healthy Vision" Podcast Lands on AllAboutVision.com

Vistakon, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., posted its Healthy Vision with Dr. Val Jones podcasts on AllAboutVision.com. The program, supported by Acuvue brand contact lense and hosted Val Jones, M.D., CEO of Better Health, LLC, is said to provide consumers with information and resources to manage their eye health. The series provides information on more than 50 eye conditions and diseases, sections on special-interest topics like computer vision, sports vision, nutrition and eyes, and children’s vision, as well as helpful information on eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgical procedures that address vision problems. Last year, the site has drawn more than 17 million unique visitors and nearly 30 million page views. Its content is developed with the input of an advisory board of optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians.  Articles are written and updated by a team of journalists with decades of experience in the eye care field, and reviewed by the advisory board. The Health on the Net Foundation reported has certified the site for trustworthiness. Read more.

Transitions Helps Festival Goers Feast in Miami

Transitions Optical, Inc., unveiled its “Feast Your Eyes Enhanced Vision Experience” at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Food & Wine in Miami, FL, this past weekend. Festival attendees visited  the event’s only elevated structure on the beach to see what they’ve been missing – in Transitions Optical’s effort to raise awareness about the important role of vision in connecting with all of the “sights” around you and enjoying life’s everyday moments. The event was located along the beach at the Festival’s Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village, and offered several different ways for attendees to see what they’ve been missing through trials of the Transitions lenses family of products. While on the top deck of the Experience, attendees looked through customized viewfinders to get the best view from above of the festival and the beach. Read more.

CooperVision Helping Returning Vets

CooperVision, Inc., has partnered with the Armed Forces Optometric Society (AFOS) and created a new website. By logging onto www.coopervision.com/armedforces, members of the military and their families can purchase CooperVision's contact lenses affordably and be assured guaranteed delivery wherever they are located around the world. For every box of CooperVision will donate a dollar to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) for every box of Biofinity, Avaira and Proclear one-day contact lenses purchased through the website. Read more.

FDA Approves Phase III Study of Inlay for Presbyopia

ReVision Optics, Inc. (RVO), has received conditional approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to continue and complete enrollment in its Phase III clinical trial with its Raindrop™ Near Vision Inlay (formerly the PresbyLens). The prospective, multicenter Phase III clinical trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay in improving near vision in subjects with presbyopia under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE). Read more.

TearScience Looking to Make Its System Standard of Care for Dry Eye

TearScience, Inc., reportedly has secured up to $70 million in funding from HealthCare Royalty Partners to fully implement the company’s commercialization efforts and establish the TearScience system as the “Standard of Care” for evaporative dry eye. More than 23 million Americans suffer from dry eye disease. With the majority (86 percent2) suffering from evaporative dry eye, this represents a more than $10 billion market potential in North America. TearScience has launched the LipiView Ocular Surface Interferometer and the LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System. The company says that LipiView measures the absolute thickness of the lipid layer of a dry eye patient’s tear film while LipiFlow treats the root cause of evaporative dry eye disease by unblocking obstructed Meibomian glands during an in-office procedure. The goal of treating evaporative dry eye by unblocking the Meibomian glands is to allow the glands to resume their natural production of lipids required for a healthy tear film and ocular surface. Read more.

New from Max Mara

For Spring/Summer 2013, Max Mara presents an eyewear capsule collection with an elegant, timeless style. The new sunglasses, dedicated to Max Mara’s iconic Hollywood bag, enthral with their classic shape and brand new colours reminiscent of the themes of the brand’s accessory collection, yet reinterpreted with the House’s usual savoir-faire and inherent elegance. A metal detail adorns the temples of the new model making an explicit reference to the buckle on the brand’s Hollywood bag, a must-have accessory for the contemporary and sophisticated Max Mara woman. Read more.

Warby Parker Gets Investments and Possible Partnership with Google Glass

Tech Crunch reports that "New York-based eyewear startup Warby Parker is off to a good start in 2013, having recently been fingered as a possible partner for Google Glass. Now the company is reported to have gained an additional investment from American Express and J. Crew chief executive Millard S. Drexler. The new investors went in alongside General Catalyst, Spark Capital, Tiger Global Management, Thrive Capital, Lerer Ventures and Menlo Ventures, in a round totaling $41.5 million in financing, which officially closed in January." Read more.

Huawei May Challenge Google Glasses

"Huawei has revealed that it is working on its own pair of Google Glass style glasses, with the futuristic technology set to play host to augmented reality technologies,"reports Trusted Reviews. "Fielding questions following the company’s 'discover possible' MWC 2013 press conference, Huawei’s CEO of Consumer Porducts, Richard Yu suggested that the company could launch its own pair of technologically advanced glasses with 'five to ten years.'" Read more.

"Skyfall" Jacks Up Sales of Tom Ford's Sunglasses

"Men want to be him, women want to bed him... and now it seems Daniel Craig has also got style everyone wants a piece of too," says the Daily Mail. "After the actor wore Tom Ford's Marko sunglasses in his third outing as James Bond in Skyfall demand soared. Now, following the releases of the movie on DVD, sales have rocketed by 80 per cent. Luxury online retailer Myoptique.com have seen a vast increase in sales of the stylish frame and is currently selling over 100 pairs per week, with stock being replenished on a daily basis," Read more.

Adlens Looking Like Lennon, John That Is

"Music legend John Lennon is giving new meaning to the term “visionary” thanks to UK-based Adlens," reports the Boston Herald. "The variable-focus eyewear company, which launched its U.S. headquarters at Boston’s Lewis Wharf in September, has its sights set on increasing its brand awareness nationwide with a new glasses line modeled after the former Beatle’s distinctive 'granny' frames." Read more.

Armani Claims to Have Turned Eyewear in Fashion Accessory

"Giorgio Armani turned eyewear into a fashion accessory by having the 'courage to say no to what sells,'" so claims a post on Yahoo!OMG. "The designer launched his signature and Emporio Armani eyewear collections for spring during Milan Fashion Week over the weekend. Giorgio is a pioneer in turning eyewear into a fashion accessory. He recalled the struggle he faced getting the industry to accept his initial feelings about fashionable styles.  'The eyewear industry struggled to accept my intuitions about fashion, round frames, for example," Giorgio recalled to WWD. 'At the beginning, a lot of people didn’t understand them, but you must have the courage to say no to what sells and to imagine what could sell.' To mark the launch of the new lines Giorgio hosted a party in Milan on Saturday night with the new distributor for the lines luxury eyewear company the Luxottica Group." Read more.

Traumatic Brain Injury Increases Chances of Visual Problems

"Visual symptoms and abnormalities occur at high rates in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI)—including Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans with blast-related TBI, reports a study, “Mechanisms of TBI and Visual Consequences in Military and Veteran Populations”, in the February issue of Optometry and Vision Science, official journal of the American Academy of Optometry. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health," according to Midwest Lens. "Vision problems are similar for military and civilian patients with TBI, and are common even after relatively mild brain injury, according to the report by Gregory L. Goodrich, PhD, of the VA Palo Alto (Calif.) Health Care System and colleagues.'Comprehensive eye examinations are recommended following even mild traumatic brain injury,' comments Anthony Adams, OD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Optometry and Vision Science." Read more.

Get Your Google Glasses for Christmas

"Does Google's latest promotional video for Glass have you longing for a pair of the augmented reality glasses? Well, we finally have official word from Google that it is aiming to release a 'fully-polished' version of the wearable headset to consumers by the end of this year. The company has also informed us that Google Glass will cost 'less than $1,500' when it goes on sale," according to a post on The Verge. "Last June, the first pre-orders for the 'Explorer' edition of the headset were made available to developers at Google I/O for $1,500, and they were set for delivery some time in the early part of this year. Earlier this week, Google opened up pre-orders for the Explorer headset to 'creative individuals' for the same price, but that program is selective and requires a brief application. Today is the first time that Google has provided specific information on Glass' release to the public, but there have been hints that it'd be available in 2013. Last May, Sergey Brin said 'I have some hopes to maybe get it out sometime next year.'" Read more in The Verge.

MTV UK reports that "Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has confessed that he "can't wait" to own a pair." Read more on MTV UK.

Proof Sunglasses Rejects "Shark Tank" Investors

"Now we know: The brothers who founded an Eagle company to make eco-friendly eyewear didn’t receive they money they wanted from the sharks on ABC’s Shark Tank, according to the Idaho Statesman. "But it wasn’t because the sharks — the wealthy investors who star on the reality show — disliked Proof Eyewear's wood-frame glasses. It’s because Brooks, Tanner and Taylor Dame rejected separate offers made by two of the sharks as inadequate. Sharks Robert Herjavec and Kevin O’Leary each offered the $150,000 the brothers requested, but in return for 25 percent ownership of the company — not the 10 percent the brothers offered. The Dames said the sharks’ offers valued Proof at $600,000, less than it is worth." Read more.

Tiny Eye Movements May Be Explained

"Have you ever wondered whether it's possible to look at two places at once? Because our eyes have a specialized central region with high visual acuity and good color vision, we must always focus on one spot at a time in order to see our environment. As a result, our eyes constantly jump back and forth as we look around," according to Science Daily. "But what if -- when you are looking at an object -- your brain also allowed you to "look" somewhere else at the same time, out of the corner of your eye, as it were? Now, a scientist has found a possible explanation for how this might happen." Read more.

After Denial, Pistorius Reportedly Loses Endorsement Deals with Oakley and Nike

The Guardian reports that "Oscar Pistorius was estimated to receive endorsements worth more than $2 million a year. Two days ago, his agent assured the media that these sponsorships were safe. Now it's being reported that Oakley has cancelled its contract with Pistorius and Nike has "no further plans" to use him in advertisements." Read more.

U.S. Spreme Court Rejects Contentions from Luxottica and Walgreens

"The U.S. Supreme Court left intact California rules that bar eyeglass companies from offering on- site vision exams, rejecting contentions that the system favors local eye doctors over consumers and multistate optical businesses," reports Bloomberg News. "The justices today turned away an appeal by companies including LensCrafters Inc., whose parent Luxottica Group SpA is the world’s biggest maker of eyeglasses. LensCrafters argued that the rules unconstitutionally discriminate against interstate commerce. The appeal had support from Walgreen Co., which said a lower court ruling upholding the California rules would let states bar drugstores from offering health-care services in competition with doctors. States might also restrict Internet commerce to protect local businesses, Walgreen said." Read more.

New C-Vue CL from Unilens

Unilens Vision Inc. has launched a new silicone hydrogel disposable. It is called C-Vue HydraVUE Multifocal contact lens for monthly replacement, notes a company announcement. The new product aincorporates Unilens' multifocal design technology in a silicone hydrogel material. The lenses, available in high and low ADD power ranges (from +6.00 to -10.00), will come with what the company describes as an attractive and user-friendly display cabinet and trial program with a 120-Day Performance Guarantee on the lenses. Read more. 

New from Theo Eyewear

“Designer James Van Vossel of theo eyewear noticed that the nosepiece is often quite visible in frames. James prefers a pure form, without ‘extra weight.’ He wanted to design a pair of glasses with integrated nose pads, so without adding anything to the frame,” says Midwest Lens. “James went to work in his atelier and by trial and error he found a way. Out of one thin metal plate he cut a shape in which he already provided a nosepiece. He then bent the nosepiece backwards. By doing so, there is no frame between the lens and the nose. Literary, you get a design that misses a ‘corner.' While he was experimenting he made a round model, James 6, and a more angular shaped frame, James 5. Each model is available in 8 colors.” Read more.

New Development May Help with Treatment of AMD

Science Daily reports that "scientists have made important advances in understanding why our immune system can attack our own tissues resulting in eye and kidney diseases. It is hoped the research will pave the way for the development of new treatments for the eye condition age-related macular degeneration (AMD)." Read more.

Final Rules for the Affordable Care Act

"The Obama administration issued a final rule on Wednesday defining 'essential health benefits' that must be offered by most health insurance plans next year, and it said that 32 million people would gain access to coverage of mental health care as a result," according to a New York Times post. "Under the rule, health plans must provide benefits that have not always been provided by commercial insurers. For example, insurers must cover dental care and vision services for children, as well as 'habilitative services' to help people with disabilities keep or improve their skills." Read more.

Google Looks for Explorers to Don Its AR Eyewear--for a Price

"Google has invited 'explorers' with creative vision and $US1500 ($A1456) to spare to be part of a select group of people who get to experiment with glasses synched to the internet," writes the Courier Mail. "A video intended to capture what it feels like to use Google Glass was posted online on Wednesday at google.com/glass/start/ along with information about what the eyewear does and how to be among those putting them to the test. 'We're looking for bold, creative individuals who want to join us and be a part of shaping the future of Glass," said a message at the website. 'We're still in the early stages, and while we can't promise everything will be perfect, we can promise it will be exciting.'" Read more.

And here's the Huffington Post's version of the story: "Google has released its second teaser video for Google Glass, the company's futuristic augmented reality specs that may be slated for release later this year. While the first video tracked a New Yorker's mundane errands through the city, the new clip is a dizzying, high-octane view of Glass's functionality -- as seen by skydivers, equestrians, catwalking fashion-mavens and ballerinas. In tandem with the video's release, Google announced it's seeking to expand its initial Glass test group beyond tech-world early adopters to include 'bold, creative individuals' (a phrase that could have been lifted directly from a list of SoHo House's membership criteria...)." Read more.

New from L'Amy America

"L’Amy America is launching two new ophthalmic styles for Spring 2013 in the Nicole Miller brand," reports Midwest Lens. "Both models, the NM Barrow and NM Baxter, continue to reflect the Nicole Miller brand’s codes with a strong identity, in keeping with the Nicole Miller style. The bike theme, so prevalent in Nicole Miller’s ready-to-wear collection and accessories, is exemplified in the Nicole Miller Barrow frame. The bike plate and lock is beautifully interpreted in an open work double U accented with 3 crystals and four rivets on the plate for a tough-feminine flair. The textured acetate temples invoke Nicole Miller’s renown for patterns, and is modern in design. The Nicole Miller Barrow comes in three color: matte black/black, matte chocolate brown/bown, and matte eggplant/purple." Read more.

Implant Gives RP Patients Functional Sight

"Promising results have shown that blind patients have regained their sight with a sub-retinal microchip, according to the first part of the second clinical trial for the device taking place in Germany," notes Medical News Today. "The patients involved in the study, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, were blinded by retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and used the implant in and outside of their homes....The participants documented having the ability to read letters uninhibited, decipher different objects such as telephones, recognize faces, and read signs on doors." Read more.

See a related story about restoring vision for RP patients.

Parkinson's Mutation Linked to Visual Problems

"The most common genetic cause of Parkinson's is not only responsible for the condition's distinctive movement problems but may also affect vision, according to new research by scientists at the University of York," reports Medical News Today. "Parkinson's, the second most common form of neurodegenerative disease, principally affects people aged over 60. Its most common symptom is tremor and slowness of movement (bradykinesia) but some people with Parkinson's also experience changes in vision.  Now for the first time, researchers in the University's Department of Biology have established a link between a mutation which triggers Parkinson's and problems with vision in an animal model." Read more.

Link between Eye Movement and Schizophrenia

"A study of eye movements in schizophrenia patients provides new evidence of impaired reading fluency in individuals with the mental illness," according to Science Daily. "The findings, by researchers at McGill University in Montreal, could open avenues to earlier detection and intervention for people with the illness. While schizophrenia patients are known to have abnormalities in language and in eye movements, until recently reading ability was believed to be unaffected. That is because most previous studies examined reading in schizophrenia using single-word reading tests, the McGill researchers conclude. Such tests aren't sensitive to problems in reading fluency, which is affected by the context in which words appear and by eye movements that shift attention from one word to the next." Read more.

Karen Walker's Spring 2013 Collection

"New Zealand designer Karen Walker always comes up with the coolest campaigns for her wildly popular eyewear range, and this season is no different. For her latest collection, she’s teamed up with Ari Seth Cohen of the equally fantastic Advanced Style blog, who cast four of his favourite ladies to front the Spring 2013 campaign," according to The Fashion Spot. "Joyce, Linda, Lynn and Illona, aged between 65 and 92, were shot in their own New York City apartments wearing KW shades paired with a bunch of “model’s own” statement accessories. The collection itself is an attention-seeking mix of oversized geometric shapes and contemporary materials. Giant circles, modernised cat eyes and angular squares are rendered in lucite, tortoiseshell, candy-hued pastels and even glitter. Impeccable styling matches each pair to its model’s dazzling sense of personal style." Read more.

OpticalCEU's Spring CE Conference Coming April 7th to the Grand Pequot Ballroom at Foxwoods

Reserve Your Seat for OpticalCEU's Continuing Education Seminar, Sunday, April 7 in the Grand Pequot Ballroom of the Foxwoods Resort and Casino.

Need to renew your state license and ABO/NCLE certification? Get the best value in continuing education with a full-day, 7-credit program with F.E. Enterprises.

From clear-cut lens design techniques to discussions about new contact lens technologies, F.E. Enterprises will offer six courses on Sunday, April 7th, at the Grand Pequot Ballroom, Foxwoods Resort and Casino (click here for directions by car). 

These courses will help you:

• Discover best practices for addressing dry eye syndrome
• Provide top-notch patient care with eyewear design strategies
• Earn accreditation with the industry’s top lecturers and enjoy some casino fun!

As always, all conference attendees will enjoy a complimentary hot lunch buffet prepared by the resort's culinary staff!

Improve your skills. Enjoy a great meal with friends. What a great Sunday! So register online now! You can select one of the following options:

• Full Day (3 ABO and 4 NCLE) $135 ($150 at the door, space permitting), 9am-5pm;
• Morning Only (1 NCLE and 2 ABO) $90 ($105 at the door, space permitting) ,9am-Noon;
• Afternoon Only (3 NCLE and 1 ABO) $100 ($115 at the door, space permitting) ,1pm-5pm.

Or customize your program by selecting only those courses ($65/credit) you want to attend:

• Lensology—A Review of Lens Basics Speaker: Deborah Kotob (2 ABO) 9am-11am
• Augmented Reality Contact Lenses Speaker: Linda Conlin (1 NCLE) 11am-Noon NEW!
• Troubleshooting Prism Speaker: Joe Forte (1 ABO) 1 pm-2 pm
• Dry Eye and Contact Lenses Speaker: Linda Conlin (1 NCLE) 2 pm-3 pm
• Getting Started—How to Start Fitting Contact Lenses Speaker: Joe Forte (1 NCLE) 3pm-4pm
• Grading Contact Lens Complications Speaker: Linda Conlin (1 NCLE) 4 pm-5pm NEW!

To ensure that you can enjoy this unique experience, you must reserve by March 29. So click this link, register now online, and make sure that you have a seat for OpticalCEU's Spring 2013 Continuing Education Conference for opticians. For more than a decade, opticians have raved about it (click this link or watch this slideshow).

PBA Offers Tips During Eye Wellness Month (March)

As part of March’s Workplace Eye Wellness Month, Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety group, provides employers with free information on ways to keep the eyes healthy on-the-job. According to the American Optometric Association, some people may go beyond general computer eye strain and develop “Computer Vision Syndrome,” a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer use. Symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, and even neck and shoulder pain. Eyestrain can be lessened or even prevented by making changes to the computer workspace and by visiting an eye doctor. Here are a few suggestions on how to make the workspace more comfortable:

•     Place your screen 20 to 26 inches away from your eyes and a little bit below eye level.
•     Use a document holder placed next to your computer screen. It should be close enough so you don’t have to swing your head back and forth or constantly change your eye focus.
•     Change your lighting to lower glare and harsh reflections. Glare filters over your computer screen can also help.
•     Use an adjustable chair.
•     Choose screens that can tilt and swivel. An adjustable keyboard can also be helpful.

In addition, Prevent Blindness America offers the Healthy Eyes Educational Series which is ideal for lunch-and-learn presentations in an office setting. Those interested may download free modules to conduct formal presentations or informal one-on-one sessions. Each module includes a Presentation Guide and corresponding PowerPoint presentation on a variety of eye health topics such as adult eye disorders, eye anatomy, healthy living, low vision and various safety topics. Fact sheets can be downloaded at any time from the Prevent Blindness America website for use as handouts to accompany the presentation.

New from Elle

“The Elle look says as much about the woman as it does about fashion. The Elle woman’s style is a reflection of her personality: confident, optimistic and adventurous with a wicked sense of humor and a keen aesthetic sensibility,” according to Midwest Lens. “Elle eyewear captures the true Elle essence. New optical styles seamlessly fuse the Elle personality with riveting Spring/Summer 2013 inspirations, resulting in an attractive collection of contemporary, feminine frames. Forms are influenced by the ongoing love affair with vintage 1950s looks, with curvaceous acetate and metal silhouettes and subtly ornate frame corners. Colors are loosely arranged with trendy marble and ombre looks on temples and frame fronts. Metals are imbued with lively tones of red, burgundy or Havana, and complemented by solid shades of precious silver or gold.” Read more.

New from IVI

“Eyewear brand, IVI, released the brand's Spring 2013 product line this week, which new includes new colorways, as well as a sub-pack called the DPM Series,” reports Baller Status. “Over two years in development, IVI touts the pack as the first hand-poured block acetate in an exclusive camouflage pattern on the inside of the frames. Created in partnership with Mazzucchelli 1849, the series features camo versions of five of their silhouettes, including the Sepulveda, the Custer, the Jagger, the Jiving, and the Dusky. ...Additionally, IVI rolled out a five-part video series called The Process, which offers an in-depth look into its hand-made sunglass manufacturing process, following the design and manufacturing supply chain around the world to document each step from concept to final delivery of a finished product. Read more.

B+L Launches CL Sweepstakes

Hoping to initiate conversations among eye care professionals and patients about achieving clear vision in low light settings, such as movie theaters,with PureVision2 or SofLens daily disposable contact lenses, Bausch + Lomb launched its Ultimate Movie Experience Sweepstakes. The promo began on Feb. 4, 10 days before it was released to the press, and will run through April 28, 2013. It offers educational materials and samples of lenses to introduce patients to the CLs. In-office materials will include posters, tear pads, counter cards, and a trivia game. Patients have a chance to win one of 10,000 free movie rentals or a weekly drawing for a 46” Samsung HDTV. To find out more, go to http://www.ultimatemoviesweepstakes.com.

FDA Approves Argus II for RP

After more than 20 years of research and development, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the Argus II retinal prosthesis system for the treatment of alte stage retinitis pigmentosa. That's the word from Second Sight Medical Products, Inc., which spent more than two decades researching the product. The FDA's actions follow receipt of the European approval in 2011 and a unanimous recommendation by the FDA’s Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel in September 2012. The company says that the product provides electrical stimulation of the retina to induce visual perception individuals blinded by retinitis pigmentosa. Although the resulting vision is not the same as when these patients had normal vision, investigators involved in the clinical trial of the Argus II are eager about the approval. Read more.

Here's a more detailed article in the New York Times: "The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the first treatment to give limited vision to people who are blind, involving a technology called the artificial retina. The device allows people with a certain type of blindness to detect crosswalks on the street, the presence of people or cars, and sometimes even large numbers or letters. The approval of the system marks a milestone in a new frontier in vision research, a field in which scientists are making strides with gene therapy, optogenetics, stem cells and other strategies. ...The artificial retina is a sheet of electrodes implanted in the eye. The patient is also given glasses with an attached camera and a portable video processor. This system, called Argus II, allows visual signals to bypass the damaged portion of the retina and be transmitted to the brain.” Read more.

Fixing Amblyopia --in Kittens

"Restoring vision might sometimes be as simple as turning out the lights. That's according to a study reported on February 14 in Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, in which researchers examined kittens with a visual impairment known as amblyopia before and after they spent 10 days in complete darkness,” reports Science Daily. “Researchers Kevin Duffy and Donald Mitchell of Dalhousie University in Canada believe that exposure to darkness causes some parts of the visual system to revert to an early stage in development, when there is greater flexibility.” Read more.

Warby Parker Gets Real with Its Newest LA Marketing Idea

“We knew it wouldn't be long before Warby Parker returned to LA. Following the success of last summer's concept pop-up at The Standard Hotel, the too-cool eyewear brand is back in town to host glasses, games and books in a tricked-out school bus,” writes L.A. Racked. “Called the Warby Parker Class Trip, the mobile shop's first LA stop is at 1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, where they'll remain from February 15th through March 3rd (closed 19, 20, 21, 25, 26), 11am to 7pm daily. After hooking up beach bums with a fun place to shop their $95 eyewear and read vintage books on comfy leather sofas, on March 5th Warby is moving to 8201 West 3rd Street in West Hollywood to offer more of the same through the 24th.” Read more.

New from Charmant's Esprit

“Esprit by Charmant leads the way for the new spring season with chic fashion that stylishly interprets the latest trends with timeless looks. Inspired by its Californian coastal heritage, Esprit expresses sunny élan and youthful panache through smart styles that feel and look great,” according to Midwest Lens. “Color shades run the gamut from cool lilac to intense purple. Lip-smacking raspberry reds are complemented by regal navy or dramatic black. Rich chocolate browns are energized by glints of gold. Inventive tonal interplays are a stand-out feature of many of the new styles. Frames are available as smart, color-blocked compositions and as vividly hued creations. Elegantly rounded metal styles or muted, classic tones of black, brown and Havana provide seductive, low key appeal.” Read more.

Luxottica Renews Licensing Agreement with Prada

Prada SA has renewed its licensing agreement with the Luxottica Group. Luxottica therefore will continue to design, produce and distribute of prescription frames and sunglasses under the Prada and Miu Miu brands until December 31, 2018.

Rats Touch IR

“Researchers have given rats the ability to 'touch' infrared light, normally invisible to them, by fitting them with an infrared detector wired to microscopic electrodes implanted in the part of the mammalian brain that processes tactile information. The achievement represents the first time a brain-machine interface has augmented a sense in adult animals,” notes Medical News Today. MNT added the experiment showed that a cortical region specializing in another sense could process a novel sensory input “ without 'hijacking' the function of this brain area...This discovery suggests...that a person whose visual cortex was damaged could regain sight through a neuroprosthesis implanted in another cortical region, he said.” Read more.

Scientists Hope to Stem Diabetic Retinopathy with Stem Cells

“Scientists at Queen's University Belfast are hoping to develop a novel approach that could save the sight of millions of diabetes sufferers using adult stem cells,” notes Science Daily. “Currently millions of diabetics worldwide are at risk of sight loss due to a condition called Diabetic Retinopathy. This is when high blood sugar causes the blood vessels in the eye to become blocked or to leak. Failed blood flow harms the retina and leads to vision impairment and if left untreated can lead to blindness.” Read more.

Hillary Clinton Wears Glasses after Concussion

“Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is wearing glasses rather than her contact lenses because of 'lingering issues stemming from her concussion,' according to a spokesman, Philippe Reines,” according to Bloomberg News. “The New York Daily News reported yesterday that Clinton’s glasses have an adhesive Fresnel prism...Reines didn’t comment on the nature of the 'lingering issues' that will require Clinton to wear the glasses 'for a period of time.' Clinton, 65, has been wearing glasses since returning to work on Jan. 7 after a series of ailments kept her away for a month.” Read more.

New Ad Campaign for Best Image (Dolabany, Mario Galbatti, Plume Paris)

“Best Image Optical, is introducing new images for distinct eyewear collections. An extraordinary campaign that will feature Dolabany, Mario Galbatti, and Plume Paris,” says Midwest Lens. “When fashion and substance are compared, one usually triumphs. However when they collaborate, the result is stunning. This is precisely the theme of the ad campaign. Eyecare professionals will have the opportunity to view, appreciate, and feel these styles online. In addition, these images will come alive to our customers at their ECP location as well. Customers will be greeted, to this new side of eyewear fashion in their local optical store, with intricate displays and carefully crafted counter presentations.” Read more.

AMD Genes Don't Predict Response to Lucentis or Avastin

“New findings from a landmark clinical trial show that although certain gene variants may predict whether a person is likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a potentially blinding eye disease that afflicts more than nine million Americans, these genes do not predict how patients will respond to Lucentis and Avastin, the two medications most widely used to treat the 'wet' form of AMD,” says Science Daily. “This new data from the Comparison of AMD Treatment Trials (CATT), published online in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, found no significant association between four gene variants and outcomes that measured the patients' responses to treatment.” Read more.

Protein for Healthy Retina Found

“Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with researchers at the Salk Institute in California, have found for the first time that a specific protein is essential not only for maintaining a healthy retina in the eye, but also may have implications for understanding and possibly treating other conditions in the immune, reproductive, vascular and nervous systems, as well as in various cancers.” That's the lede of a Midwest Lenspost. Read more.

At the same time, “research led by Minghao Jin, PhD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience at the LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans Neuroscience Center of Excellence, has found a protein that protects retinal photoreceptor cells from degeneration caused by light damage,” reports Science Daily. “This protein may provide a new therapeutic target for both an inherited retinal degenerative disease and age-related macular degeneration.” Read more.

Proof Eyewear Jumps into the 'Shark Tank'

Three brothers and founders of Proof Eyewear, Eagle, ID, will share their experience on the national reality television show Shark Tank, Feb. 22, at 7:00 pm (Mountain Standard Time). Hoping to land an investment angel, they will present their business and pitch their future concepts to five celebrity investors on the show. The company turns out eyewear and sunglasses made from wood sources. A portion of each sale goes to support causes such as eye clinics in India and non-profits that are helping reforestation efforts in Haiti. Proof’s newest product, the Skate Edition, features glasses created from five-ply maple skateboard decks. The brothers started the company in Eagle two was started in an Eagle garage three year ago. Its roots began when the founders’ Grandpa Bud opened a sawmill almost 60 years ago in Fruitland, which developed into Woodgrain Millwork. Visit its website: http://www.iwantproof.com/.

NEI Launches New Low Vision Program

Last week—at the start of Low Vision Awarness Month (February)—the National Eye Institute released a 20-page large-print booklet and a series of videos to help people adapt to life with low vision. The booklet, Living with Low Vision: What You Should Know, urges people with low vision to seek help from a low vision specialist and provides tips to maximize remaining eyesight. The videos feature patient stories about living with low vision. A video for health care professionals emphasizes the importance of explaining the rehab services available to individuals with vision loss, which a 2012 report estimates at 2.9 million American. The NEI says that will increase 72 percent by 2030. Statistics on low vision are taken from the report, 2012 Fifth Edition of Vision Problems in the U.S., available on the NEI website at http://www.nei.nih.gov/eyedata. The new NEI booklet and videos along with other resources for people with low vision can be viewed and downloaded at http://www.nei.nih.gov/lowvision.

Safilo to Launch Bobbi Brown Collection Next Year

Safilo Group and Bobbi Brown, the iconic cosmetics company owned by Estée Lauder and founded by the world renowned makeup artist Bobbi Brown, have set up a licensing agreement for the design, manufacture and distribution of optical frames and sunglass collections, according to a Safilo announcement. “As a makeup artist, I have looked at women’s faces for over 20 years and believe that my beauty expertise will translate naturally into eyewear, identifying the best silhouettes and colors for a woman’s face shape, skin tone, and lifestyle,” said Bobbi Brown. “This is a new, innovative approach to interpreting eyewear.” The agreement will run until December 31, 2018, with the first collection of optical frames and sunglasses launching in Spring 2014.

Host of Myopia Genes Discovered

“A British-led team of scientists identified 24 genes containing information that could lead to a drug to stop many children becoming short-sighted,” reports the Mail. “Almost three years ago, the first gene that causes short-sightedness was identified by King’s College London researcher Chris Hammond. Now, leading an international team of scientists and trawling through genetic data from 45,000 people from around the world, including the UK, he has found many more. ...Working out what the genes do and what goes wrong in short-sightedness could lead to eye drops or other drugs to treat the condition.” Read more.

“These findings, published February 10 in the journal Nature Genetics, reveal genetic causes of the trait, which could lead to finding better treatments or ways of preventing the condition in the future.” That's the Science Daily version of the story. Read more.

NEI Rewards the Audacious

The National Eye Institute (NEI) has selected 10 submissions from some 500 entries for its Audacious Goals challenge. The NEI Challenge is part of a government-wide effort to bring the best ideas to bear on the nation's most pressing challenges. During the judging process, more than 80 experts in the vision community helped narrow the field to 81 final candidates. A federal panel consisting of 13 clinicians and scientists then selected the following winning ideas:

• Regenerative Therapy for Retinal Disease (Dennis Clegg, Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara): To treat degenerative retinal disease with an off-the-shelf tissue graft that could be implanted in the back of the eye to replace cells lost to disease.
• Restoration of Vision by Opto-electronic Stimulation (Robert Duvoisin, Ph.D., Oregon Health and Science University, Portland): To restore vision by making nerve cells in the eye sensitive to light so that images captured by a camera can be converted to nerve signals that are sent to the brain.
• Precise Gene Editing In Vivo (Yingbin Fu, Ph.D., University of Utah, Salt Lake City): To permanently correct any disease-associated mutations in a patient through the use of molecules that are specially designed to target mutated DNA sequences and that can be delivered safely and efficiently into the eye.
• Using Molecular Scissors Genome Editing to Cure Ocular Genetic Disease (Steven Pittler, Ph.D., University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL): To permanently correct gene defects in patients at the site of the mutation using molecules that act like scissors to precisely replace genome errors with the correct DNA sequence.
• An Audacious Goal: Reprogramming the Retina (Rajesh Rao, M.D., Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and The Retina Institute, St. Louis): To directly reprogram easy-to-isolate skin or blood cells to retinal cells using gene therapy and other techniques to enable repair strategies for degenerative retinal diseases.
• Functional and Structural Neuroregeneration (Tonia Rex, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, Nashville): To restore functional vision in patients who experience loss of axons-the threadlike extensions of a nerve cell that conduct electrical impulses-from the optic nerve as a result of traumatic optic neuropathy or glaucoma by complete axon regeneration.
• Fountains of Youth for the Eye (Julia Richards, Ph.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor): To turn back the aging process in the eye so that ocular diseases like age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma start 10, 20, or 30 years later than they now do.
• Endogenous Retinal Repair: Releasing our Inner Salamander (Jeffrey Stern, M.D., Ph.D., Capital Region Retina, PLLC, Albany, NY): To repair the retina by activating stem cells residing within the eye, awakening reparative processes that occur naturally in amphibians and other animals but which lay dormant in human patients.
• Reversing Retinal Blindness Using Small Molecules (Russell Van Gelder, M.D., Ph.D., University of Washington, Seattle): To restore vision to patients with retinal diseases through the use of a photoswitch, a small molecule that is chemically modified to become active or inactive after exposure to certain wavelengths of light.
• Vision BioBank - A Network of Ocular Phenotyping Centers Using Genomic and Epidemiologic Data to Promote Personalized Ophthalmology (Janey Wiggs, M.D., Ph.D., Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston) : To create a network of biobanks that collect corresponding phenotype (physical characteristics) and genotype (genetic) data of people with certain eye diseases; the biobanks could be used for a wide range of studies, including the development of sensitive and specific gene tests that could accurately determine a person's risk for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other common complex blinding diseases as well as their likely response to certain therapies.

Each winner will receive a $3,000 prize plus travel expenses to attend the NEI Audacious Goals Development Meeting, Feb. 24-26, 2013, at the Bolger Conference Center in Potomac, MD. There, some 200 vision researchers, patient advocates, ophthalmologists, and optometrists from the U.S. and abroad will discuss some of the ideas. Then NEI staff and members of the National Advisory Eye Council will publish the most compelling audacious goals for the institute and the broader vision research community. For more information, visit www.nei.nih.gov/challenge.

Surfer Gabriel Medina Signs with Oakley

“Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina has signed up to endorse Oakley Eyewear,” notes Sports Pro Media. “The 19-year-old from Sao Paulo, who finished tenth on the 2012 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship Tour, joins an Oakley roster that includes several top surfers, including Julian Wilson, Bruce Irons, Jordy Smith and Kolohe Andino. Oakley plans to release Medina's signature series of sunglasses by the end of this year.” Read more.

Alcon/CIBA Nothing to Do with Woman Who Lost Her Eye

“Contact lens firm Alcon has stressed that reports of a patient losing an eye had nothing to do with the CIBA Vision contact lenses she had worn.,” reports Optician Online. “It was reacting to a report in The Sun newspaper, headlined 'Mum claims contact lens fungus ate away her eye', saying the infection she had developed was not connected to the Focus Dailies one-day CLs she had purchased online. 'Alcon was concerned to hear of this and conducted an investigation based on the evidence provided, but did not find any connection between the contact lens and the consumer's unfortunate experience,' a company statement said. Alcon also clarified it does not own the Lenstore.co.uk store used to purchase the lenses in question, after the newspaper reported it did. The 42-year-old female patient said she wore the Focus Dailies for one day but they felt uncomfortable. When symptoms worsened her doctor prescribed eye drops, only for a fungal infection caused by Fusarium to become so severe that surgeons were forced to remove her eye.” Read more.

New from Dolabany and Best Image

“To break the rules, one must first master them!” This is the mantra of the Dolabany Eyewear brand, which is carried by Best Image Optical. In regards to its Dolabany Arnold eyeglass frames, the company's representative claims Dolabany Eyewear has been able to remake a classic design, while saving every piece of the vintage eyewear legacy along the way, and that classical purity is the defining aesthetic of the Dolabany Arnold eyeglasses. This frame epitomizes the 1950's and 1960's in look and quality of craftsmanship. With celebrity sightings, like the iconic Johnny Depp, wearing the Dolabany Arnold, the designer eyewear has made its mark in the fashion industry. Read more.

Ogi Introduces Evo-Tec

Midwest Lens reports that Ogi Eyewear has launched Evo–Tec: “Men’s ophthalmic frames are the most overlooked category in the market place. Constructed of an exceptionally lightweight new material, these Evo-Tec designs merge the richness and depth of a fine acetate, with the lightweight aspects of titanium. This innovative material offers the customer a truly unique and futuristic eyewear experience. Our proprietary coloring process on this material evokes a sense of unique distinction with an unprecedented aesthetic. The fit and comfort is like nothing you’ve ever experienced with the fine craftsmanship you’ve come to expect from Ogi. The Evo–Tec collection debuts in 5 styles each available in 4 different color combinations.” Read more.