Rabbit Wears CLs with Light-Emitting Diode

Science Digest reports that "Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST) has demonstrated that a live rabbit could wear contact lenses fitted with inorganic light-emitting diode with no side effects. This new class of hybrid transparent and stretchable electrode paves the way for flexible displays, solar cells, and electronics." Read more.

Electronic Eyewear Said to Assist Those with AMD, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma

"Officials from New Scale Technologies Inc. of Victor, N.Y. announced that its miniature M3-F focus module is a key component in the innovative new eSight eyewear, a new class of wearable, electronic assistive technology launched in 2012 by eSight Corp. of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada," reports Today's Medical Developments. "The eSight eyewear incorporates a high-resolution video camera and a high-contrast display for each eye, and is customized to enhance the remaining vision of individuals with conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and more. New Scale’s M3-F focus module enables precision focus of the camera lens, driven by eSight’s focus algorithms."

New from Alexander McQueen

"Alexander McQueen launches its latest range of sunglasses and optical frames. The 2013 eyewear collection features the house’s iconic signature details such as the three dimensional metal skull and the studs." So  goes a recent post on Midwest Lens. "The collection also includes new styles inspired by the brand’s new Heroine bag. The range has a contemporary, sophisticated style and showcases advanced manufacturing techniques, exclusives materials and unique colourways." Read more.

Safety of Google Glass Questioned

"Google's Glass 'eye wear' could be potentially dangerous, leading professors have warned," reports the UK's Daily Mail. "The revolutionary 'wearable computer' could disrupt crucial cognitive capacity and distract wearers to the point where they miss things which are 'utterly obvious', they say. Daniel J. Simons, is a professor of psychology and advertising at the University of Illinois and Christopher F. Chabris, is a professor of psychology at Union College." Read more.

At the same time, "Apple chief Tim Cook says he sees promise in computers shrunk down and worn like watches or other accessories, but drew the line at internet-linked eyewear such as Google Glass." That's the post on Canberra Times. Read more.

Activist Eyewear Featured on "The Voice"

According to a company press release on Yahoo! Finance, Activist Eyewear has taken Hollywood by storm with Feature This! branded entertainment. The brand's big success came out of the gate with an appearance on The Voice, where contestant, Michelle Chamuel wore its eyeglasses on national television. Michelle's oversized glasses have quickly become part of her personality with coach Usher donning his own pair in a show of support. Michelle has been seen wearing style Livingstone in colorway 03, and style Edmund in colorway 03. Read more.

New from Catherine Deneuve Lunettes

"Three new styles join the Catherine Deneuve Lunettes 2013 collection, which offer classic silhouettes infused with innovative detailing and embellishments," according to a post from Midwest Lens. "Intricate logo treatments and fine stone adornments elevate the modern styling of this sophisticated trio." Read more.

Patient Education Tools about Cataracts Available from PBA

June is Cataract Awareness Month, according to Prevent Blindness America.  For those interested in conducting discussions or seminars on the subject, PBA offers a free online module on cataract including a PowerPoint presentation with a complete guide as part of its Healthy Eyes Educational Series. You can request a series to present to your patients at this site. For free information on cataract including Medicare coverage, ECPs could suggest that patients call PBA at (800) 331-2020 or log on to preventblindness.org/cataract.

California Senate Bill Expands ODs Scope of Practice

"The Senate also passed SB492, which is intended to expand medical services provided by optometrists," according to an Associated Press report read on WHIO Talk Radio. "The bill, which passed 25-5, would allow optometrists to check for high blood pressure, cholesterol and even administer specific immunizations." Read more.

New from Danny Gokey Eyewear

"Echoes of menswear inspiration are refined with delicate proportions, unexpected colors and thoughtful detailing for a distinctly feminine charm that takes Geek Chic to the next level,," writes Midwest Lens about the new line from Danny Gokey Eyewear. "The new women’s models reflect an effortless cool that speaks directly to the classic, genuine and individual style of the Danny Gokey brand, targeted to men and women, ages 18 to 35." Read more.

Valeant to Acquire B+L for $8.7 Billion

As speculated in a Sunday post, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., and Bausch + Lomb Holdings Inc. have entered into a definitive agreement under which Valeant will acquire B+L for $8.7 billion in cash. Under terms of the agreement, Valeant will pay aggregate consideration of $8.7 billion in cash, of which approximately $4.5 billion will go to an investor group led by Warburg Pincus and approximately $4.2 billion will be used to repay B+L's outstanding debt.  Valeant expects to achieve at least $800 million in annual cost savings by end of 2014. B+L expects revenues of approximately $3.3 billion and adjusted EBITDA in 2013 of approximately $720 million. Read more.

Optical Illusion as Art--Where's Liu Bolin?

Frodo hid camouflaged by an elven cape. Waldo still hides from millions of kids. And what about sculptor/painter Liu Bolin?

"For the artist Liu Bolin, making himself 'invisible' has turned his career into one that is highly visible," notes a post on Slate. "Originally trained as a sculptor, Bolin began using photography as a medium for protest when his studio in the village of Suo Jiacun, China, was destroyed late in 2005 as part of a restructuring movement ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games. Bolin’s first image, one of many he said in which 'the environment that has taken hold of me,' had Bolin covered in paint blended with the ruins of his art studio. From there Bolin began 'hiding' in a variety of environments, the results of which form the series 'Hiding in the City.' 'The locations I choose must be strongly referenced to some symbols like politics, environment, culture, etc., that I intend to bring up,' Bolin wrote via email. 'In my works, the backgrounds express the most important information, conflicts are caused when my body vanishes in different backgrounds, a reflection of society from my point of view.'” Read more.

Just One More Reason for Kids' Eye Exams from SpecSavers

B+L Said to Be Selling to Valent

“A flurry of mergers in the health care sector appears poised to continue, as Bausch & Lomb is said to be ready to sell itself to Valeant Pharmaceuticals of Canada for about $9 billion,” according to a New York Times story. “A deal could be announced as soon as Tuesday, people briefed on the matter said, though they said that talks were continuing and could still collapse. Bausch & Lomb, which makes contact lens solutions and other eye-care products, has been exploring a sale or a public stock offering for a number of months. If completed, a sale may signal that the mergers industry is set to revive after months of fits and starts.” Read more.

Bausch + Lomb Settles Federal Suit against ISTA

Bausch + Lomb and ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has reached agreement with the U.S. government to resolve and conclude civil and criminal allegations against ISTA.  The settlement involves conduct by ISTA that occurred between January 2006 and March 2011, well before Bausch + Lomb’s acquisition. Bausch + Lomb, aware of the government investigation prior to its acquisition, has cooperated with the U.S. federal government. A spokespeson for B+L reported that the government has acknowledged that it has no knowledge that Bausch + Lomb, any current director or officer of Bausch + Lomb, or any current director or officer of ISTA was party to any conduct related to this case. In the settlement, The B+L announcement noted that ISTA has pled guilty to charges of conspiracy to introduce a misbranded drug in interstate commerce with Intent to defraud and mislead and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute.  As part of the settlement, ISTA reportedly has agreed to pay approximately $34M in civil and criminal fines including interest and attorney’s fees, and will be prohibited from participating in federal healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.  However, Bepreve, Bromday, Istalol, Prolensa and Vitrase have been transferred to Bausch + Lomb Incorporated, and therefore are not subject to any exclusion resulting from this settlement and continue to be eligible for reimbursement under those programs, according to the B+L press release.

New from Eastern States

“Eastern States Eyewear has announced the release of seven new styles in Thierry Mugler Eyewear. Known for its striking, progressive design the French based Thierry Mugler puts a heavy emphasis on angular shapes with cutting edge detailing,” reports Midwest Lens. “The new release also sees the addition of leather trimming to its temples. Three of the new styles feature an interlaced leather design that is done in a variety of colors including brown, white, burgundy, lavender, and grey. In addition, the release features an outstanding mix of eye catching colors. Models such as the 9349 and 9350 feature plastic temples colored in entirely different shades from their fronts. The striking 9345 utilizes its metal layering to achieve a fantastic contrasting effect.” Read more.

People with High IQs Have Better Perception

“Optical illusions have long been used in neuroscience to point out perceptions into how the brain functions, and now a visual test can detect impaired abilities to see large motions in high-IQ people, according to a new study,” according to a post on Medical News Today. “The finding, published in Current Biology reveals that people who have high IQ scores process sensory information differently. The brains of people with high IQ were automatically more selective when they perceived objects in motion. More specifically, they are more likely to suppress larger and less important background motion.” Read more.

New from Tura’s Brendel

Tura, Inc., has expanded “its Brendel eyewear collection with the introduction of new women’s ophthalmic styles. The new collection features simplified, sleek shapes, deep lenses and slim temples,” notes a Midwest Lens post. “Brendel reaches the fashion-conscious woman who appreciates European styling with a global appeal. The frames are ultra-feminine, colorful and tailored, with a focus on high quality materials and components.” Read more.

Bourne Ultimatum Star Solves Problem with Tinted Contacts

“Actor Paddy Considine, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in 2010, recently realized he also suffers from Irlen syndrome. Often accompanied by behavioral or learning disorders, Irlen syndrome is caused by the brain’s improper processing of light waves, effecting behavior, attention, concentration and more,” according to Contact Lens Headlines. “The Bourne Ultimatum star was experiencing aggravating mood swings when he was encouraged to see a psychologist. ‘It was a nightmare. My brain was telling me to shut down as a result of it,’ Considine tells The New Review. His doctor recommended tinted contact lenses to help his brain process visual information correctly which helped the actor tremendously.” Read more.

Eye Test Reportedly “Sees” Alzheimer’s Disease

Cognoptix’s Sapphire II eye test identified Alzheimer’s disease patients via a beta amyloid (“Ab”) signature in their eyes in a 10-subject proof-of-concept clinical trial, according to a company spokesperson. By detecting a specific fluorescent signature of ligand-marked beta amyloid in the supranucleus region of the human lens, the eye test achieved a 200% differentiation factor between a group of five healthy volunteers and a group of five patients diagnosed with probable Alzheimer’s. The clinical data are published (“Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis by detecting exogenous fluorescent signal of ligand bound to beta amyloid in the lens of human eye: an exploratory study”) in the May 2013 edition of Frontiers in Neurology. In addition, the data are being presented in a poster session at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Boston in July. Read more.

Scientists Discover How Photoreceptors Distinguish Light

“A revelation of how photoreceptive cells in the eye distinguish between different light sources could pave the way for a novel class of optical devices,” reports Science Digest. “Millions of years of evolution have molded our eyes into highly sensitive optical detectors, surpassing even many human-made devices. Now, Leonid Krivitsky and his co-workers at the A*Star Data Storage Institute and the A*Star Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore, have shown that the photoreceptor cells found in the retina are even sensitive to the statistical properties of light. This ability could be harnessed in 'bioquantum' interfaces, a novel class of optical devices that use biological systems to detect the quantum nature of light” and the visual system. Read more.

A*Star had this to say about the discovery: “Being inspired by the ultimate characteristics of rod photoreceptors, we carefully investigated the impact of photon fluctuations of various classical light sources on their response (coherent and pseudothermal). Our results revealed capabilities of isolated rods in measurement of photon statistics. It is of future interest to investigate rod interfaces with nonclassical light, in particular, with correlated two-photon light and intense multiphoton twin-beam states. The developed approach can be also used in interfacing rods with realistic sources of intensity fluctuations, such as blinking star lights observed through turbulent atmosphere.” Read more.

EyeMed Launches New Plans

EyeMed Vision Care has launched EyePrefer vision plan. It has three levels of coverage. The new plan came about as a result of a study of its members. When offered a choice, members selected an enhanced plan 65 percent of the time. The survey also revealed that 87 percent of members want a tool to help guide decisions about selecting a plan. As a result, EyeMed developed EyeNav, an online tool that guides employees through a series of questions and recommends an EyePrefer plan based on their responses. Read more.

Eye Health Tips for Your 50+ Patients

Huffington Post recently ran with a great article about eye health for people older than 50. It’s easy to understand and to read, so you might want to recommend it to your older patients. It starts: “Eyesight naturally changes as we age. As we grow older, our eyes go from being able to refocus easily to having a harder time seeing detail, explained Dr. Rachel Bishop of the National Eye Institute. ‘People who used to be able to see well at distances and close up in their 20s will need glasses for reading by their mid-40s.’ But while glasses can help, there's another category of eye problems that post 50s may unwittingly be making worse: eye disease.” Read more.

New from Polaroid

Safilo reports that its new Polaroid Plus sunglasses collection represents the perfect partnership between cutting-edge polarization technology and a “New Basic” design. Polaroid has introduced its UltraSight Plus lenses, which are produced using the Thermofusion Plus technology. Polaroid’s exclusive Thermofusion process – which produces its polarizing filter, is 100% glue-free and designed to inject the polarizer into a polyamide lens. The company also has integrated its new metal ‘P-Label’ graphic mark on what it is calling a new and exclusive block hinge. Technical information about the collection is written inside the left temple. Read more.

Dallas Retailer Uses Video to Market Its Wares

Have you wondered how you can increase your market penetration? You might want to take a page from the Dallas-based retailer Goo Goo Eyes. It recently released the above video about 2013 trends in eyewear, which the company posted on its website and on YouTube. (It also could be used for in-store displays.) The video showcases the retailer’s broad selection of round glasses and sunglasses from designers including Theo and Oliver PeoplesRetro-inspired sunglasses. It also addresses new takes on cat eye sunglasses, mirrored lenses, aviators and round glasses. Read more.

New from Smith Optics

Over 75% of all Smith Optics frames and 100% of its injection- molded frames feature use Evolve frame material. Utilizing Rilsan Clear – made from easily renewable, non-GMO castor plants – the frame’s material creates lightweight, durable, and fully transparent sunglass frames that are over 53% bio-based. The line also comes with Carbonic TLT polarized or non-polarized lenses. The line also features styles with 6, 7, 8, and 9 base lens curvature. Models that include 6 base tend to be more flat relative to the face front. While 9 base styles provide the maximum amount of wrap around the face. The frames have Megol nose pads, whose gripping power is said to increase when exposed to moisture. Read more.

New from Badgley Mischka

Midwest Lens reports that “vintage styles and embellishments make Badgley Mischka designs matchless and in high demand. Cellina and Noelle, the latest additions to the Badgley Mischka optical collection, combine custom designs with romantic details for a high-fashion look inspired by Badgley Mischka’s signature line.” Read more.

No Clue How Google Glasses Will Play Out, Says Wharton

“With the introduction of Google Glass, an effort to create and market computerized eyewear, Google has captured the imagination of technologists, consumers, and even sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, while also raising a number of social and privacy issues,” notes Knowledge@Wharton. “Experts at Wharton say that the Google Glass experiment will be important to watch from a business, marketing and cultural perspective, and they add that no one -- including Google -- has any clue how the search giant's efforts will play out.” Read more.

Google-Glass-Like Sunglasses from Recon

“One major obstacle that's been holding the Recon Instruments heads-up display from really taking off is that it was designed for goggles,” reports GizMag. “That's great for niche sports like skiing, snowboarding and skydiving, but it's useless for more common activities like running and cycling. The company is working to address that inherent shortcoming with the Jet, a pair of heads-up display sunglasses with a much more ambitious set of sporting and non-sporting uses.” Read more.

New form Gucci

The United Kingdom’s edition of the Elle writes: “We still haven’t given up hope that, at any moment now, summer is going to start and when it does we plan to be prepared – and that means updating our sunglasses collection. Topping the ELLE wishlist? The latest eyewear from Gucci, an eight piece capsule range called Diamond Glitter.” Read more.

PGAs Cause Droopy Eyelids

Science Digest reports that “prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) are often the first line of treatment for people with glaucoma. PGAs have long been associated with blurred vision, dryness, changes in eye color and other side effects. Now a new study has found that these drugs also cause upper and lower eyelid drooping and other issues that can interfere with vision.” Read more.

Essilor to Produce Safilo’s Polaroid Brand Lenses

Safilo has hooked up with Essilor for 10 years to design, manufacture and distribute polarized ophthalmic lenses under the Polaroid brand for use with eyewear products in general. Read more.

New Eyewear Company. So Say Like Warby Parker.

Men’s Journal reports that “if you're going to see a man about a dog, it might pay to shop at Fetch first. The new eyewear company sells hip designer shades, prescription glasses, and stylish readers then gives 100 percent of its profits to support animal rescue and adoption. Founder Ann Sacks started Fetch in order to marry her love of all things canine and feline with her passion for design, and the odd combination works – especially for the dogs and cats that are rescued from overcrowded shelters, given veterinary care, and then matched with new owners. Fetch offers a wide spectrum of frames, from small and sleek to sturdy and sporty. Squinters can pretty much craft the exact glasses they need by choosing between a host of frame colors, shapes, sizes, and lens types. Fetch also has a "Try at Home" program that allows potential buyers to road-test six pairs for a week in order to see which pair works best for them. Read more.

New from Safilo

Safilo showcases its new collections of optical frames for the next season and presents its new logo, which is said to recall the brand’s origins almost 80 years ago. Its Elasta line showcases optical frames in a classic but contemporary style embellished with the “Forte” hinge, now available in a new, modern version ensuring maximum comfort and reliability. This evolution of the original Elasta hinge, features an innovative compact mechanism that is designed for contemporary shapes and provides flexibility, resistance and durability.

The new Design frames are for men seeking functionality as well as style. The use of Optyl adds an unparalleled quality of lightness, flexibility and resistance to the collection. It supposedly has a new concept of rimless glasses to the Avantek technology, a stress- and distortion-free lens mounting system. There are no holes in the lenses and therefore no risk of distortion or deformation. The lenses are also easy to clean.

The women’s Glamour collection reportedly conveys a timeless elegance and charm. The glasses are embellished with glamorous, precious detailing ensuring a unique, seductive look at all times.

To make optical frames more appealing to youngsters, the new Seventh Street models feature playful graduated shading effects and trendsetting shapes, for a lively, fashionable look. They come in a variety of shapes and colors. Read more.

The new OXYDO collection reportedly focuses on a minimalist design for young people who want to stand out from the crowd. Oxydo reinvents itself and presents its new logo: a clean and essential tribal-inspired ideogram that plays with symbols to convey the brand’s fresh, spontaneous attitude. 

Carrera is said to return to its origins: racing. The new collections of sunglasses and optical frames reflect the brand’s stylistic heritage, through strong themes of the past which are revisited with a contemporary flair and embellished with new distinctive detailing, for a unique, timeless style. Read more.

Visually Impaired “Can” Use Echolocation

Scieince Digest reports that “new research from the University of Southampton has shown that blind and visually impaired people have the potential to use echolocation, similar to that used by bats and dolphins, to determine the location of an object. The study, which is published in the journal Hearing Research, examined how hearing, and particularly the hearing of echoes, could help blind people with spatial awareness and navigation. The study also examined the possible effects of hearing impairment and how to optimise echolocation ability in order to help improve the independence and quality of life of people with visual impairments.” Read more.

NEI Remembers Stephen J. Ryan

Stephen J. Ryan, M.D., highly regarded for his leadership and tireless advocacy on behalf of the NEI, passed away April 29, 2013. An internationally recognized expert in retinal diseases and ocular trauma, Ryan was the president of the Doheny Eye Institute, an independent nonprofit institution affiliated with the University of Southern California (USC), from 1974 to 2012. As the first full-time chairman of the USC Department of Ophthalmology, Ryan in 1974 forged the affiliation between Doheny and USC. Today, Doheny is recognized as a premier institution for ophthalmic research, training, and clinical care. Ryan also served as dean of USC's school of medicine, now called the Keck School of Medicine, from 1991 to 2004. Read more.

New from XOXO

“For a style that is feminine, alluring, confident and modern, look no further than the latest additions to the XOXO eyewear collection. With four new looks featuring exclusive patterns and trendy embellishments, XOXO eyewear offers bold and edgy fashion for all styles,” writes the blog from Midwest Lens. “Standout, Frenzy, Phenom and Uptown combine sexy feminine eyeshapes with intense colors and prints for the latest in fashionable eyewear.” Read more.

More Eye Exams, Fewer "Dead Cats" According to a Specsavers Ad

Adweek reports "the best performance by a cat in a TV commercial this week goes to the fluffy mess in this new British spot for eyewear...[retail chain] Specsavers. Not that the veterinarian here would know—he's not clear on what a cat is anymore. Specsavers, of course, has a long and proud history of offbeat commercials. The best mistaken-animal-identity spot, though, remains the brilliant raccoon commercial from Sears Optical. " Read more.

Supreme Court Declines to Hear Aspex Suit against Altair

“The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear the appeal of Aspex Eyewear’s lawsuit against Altair Eyewear, according to a VSP Global press release,” reports Healio’s Primary Care Optometry News. “The two parties disputed patent number 5,737,054, which is a design for a magnetic clip-on to hold a clip-on auxiliary frame to a primary frame, such as a sunglass clip-on frame to a prescription frame, according to the release. By dismissing this litigation, the high court upheld the 2012 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit as to who held the patent, thereby reaffirming the District Court of Massachusetts’ dismissal of the patent infringement lawsuit.” Read more.

New from Wiley X

“Eyewear innovator Wiley X, Inc. has added a new model to its growing Black Ops Collection — the new polarized WX Twisted. A member of the company’s Street Series family, this stylish and functional sunglass combines a stealthy look with the state-of-the-art protection that has made Wiley X a leading provider of protective eyewear to U.S. military, law enforcement, Secret Service and other tactical wearers. The addition of Wiley X’s polarized lenses ensures sharp, distraction-free vision in a variety of high-glare situations, whether patrolling near water, out on the highway or in the ‘urban jungle,’” notes Midwest Lens. “Like all Black Ops Collection glasses, the WX Twisted features an understated, wraparound Matte Black frame that provides excellent coverage and fit for medium to large size faces. This virtually indestructible frame is outfitted with versatile, shatterproof Polarized Smoke Grey lenses utilizing Wiley X’s advanced Filter 8 polarizing technology — for clear vision under a wide range of light conditions.” Read more.

New Crizal and Xperio Consumer Ads

Essilor of America launched two multimedia ad campaigns targeting consumers. They will highlight Crizal No-Glare and Xperio UV lenses. The Crizal 2013 campaign, which should reach more than 214 million consumers, will focus on the benefits of no-glare lenses and the importance of UV protection by showcasing the Eye-Sun Protection Factor (E-SPF). (The system evaluates eye protection against UV rays. E-SPF values vary from two to a maximum of 25 for clear lenses and 50+ for sunwear.) The Xperio UV commercials will feature scenes on the road, ski slopes, and in the tropical sun, situations where the Essilor lenses eleminate reflective glare while offering E-SPF 50+.

Essilor says it’ll send merchandisers to more than 4,000 practices across the United States to help incorporate Xperio UV point-of-purchase and educational materials. Merchandising materials will be available later this year. Find out more about these commercials at crizalusa.com, xperioUVusa.com, facebook.com/CrizalUSA, and facebook.com/XperioUV.

Software Developers Explore Uses for Google Glass

"Google Glass was a common sight as software savants shared visions of games, weather reports, news and more delivered to the Internet-linked eyewear. Many of the 6,000 developers attending an annual Google I/O event in San Francisco on Wednesday sported Glass as part of an 'explorer' program to tinker with creative applications for the eyewear, which cost $1,500 a unit." So starts the Agence-France Presse story on Yahoo!Sports New Zealand. "Uses ranged from practical tasks such as shopping or delivering local weather reports to sharing real time video streams of riding cable cars or playing augmented reality games in which the world is the board." Read more.

Meanwhile, "Facebook and Twitter launched applications Thursday for Google glasses as developers rushed to learn more about tailoring software for the Internet-linked eyewear yet to hit the market," according to a Yahoo! OMG! post. Read more.

New from Dragon

"Revamping a classic style to create its newest frame, Dragon has released the Mansfield. A new offering for Spring 2013 that fuses modern simplicity with a timeless silhouette," says Midwest Lens. "Crafted for bold individuals with stylish taste, the Mansfield’s unique and virtually frameless design goes from beach to street with flawless transitions. Largely inspired by major Hollywood sex symbol Jayne Mansfield, this sunglass is an instant favorite for Dragon surf athletes including Mick Fanning, Evan Geiselman and Beau Foster." Read more.

Notching One’s Way to the Eye’s Structure

“A small ensemble of musicians can produce an infinite number of melodies, harmonies and rhythms. So too, do a handful of workhorse signaling pathways that interact to construct multiple structures that comprise the vertebrate body. In fact, crosstalk between two of those pathways - those governed by proteins known as Notch and BMP (for Bone Morphogenetic Protein) receptors - occurs over and over in processes as diverse as forming a tooth, sculpting a heart valve and building a brain,” starts a Medical News Today post. “A new study by Stowers Institute for Medical Research Investigator Ting Xie, Ph.D., reveals yet another duet played by Notch and BMP signals, this time with Notch calling the tune. That work, published in this week's online issue of PNAS, uses mouse genetics to demonstrate how one Notch family protein, Notch2, shapes an eye structure known as the ciliary body (CB), most likely by ensuring that BMP signals remain loud and clear.”

Lawsuit Claims OD Examined Same Patient 61 Times in Four Years

"A Somerset optometrist and the practice where he works submitted hundreds of fraudulent claims for payments from Medicaid and Medicare, U.S. Attorney Kerry B. Harvey's office has alleged in a lawsuit," according to Kentucky.com. "Many of the examinations Dr. Philip Robinson claimed to have performed were unnecessary, the lawsuit claims. Robinson works at Associates in Eye Care P.S.C., and provided eye-health services to nursing home residents. On 271 occasions between January 2007 and January 2012, Robinson said he examined 50 or more patients in a day, the lawsuit said. On 11 of those days, Robinson claimed he saw more than 100 patients, according to the complaint, which was filed Monday." Read more.

McKnight's Long-Term Care News &  Assisted Living reported that "the defendant...filed more Medicare and Medicaid claims than any other optometrist in the nation during a six-month period in 2008, according to the complaint. He sought reimbursement for treating as many as 100 nursing home residents in a single day, and he provided eye exams that were 'unnecessary and unreasonable' given the residents' health status, the suit states." Read more.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/05/14/2640154/somerset-optometrist-claimed-to.html#storylink=cpy

Safilo Supports Ethiopian Project

Safilo Group is supporting Help For Life, the Italian non-profit organization dedicated to solidarity projects in Africa. The eyewear company will donate 4000 optical frames to the three-year-old Ethiopia Project. The project supports the poorest people in the Gurage and Waliso regions by improving their quality of life, ensuring that children are educated and that families are able to live in a healthy environment and access medical care. The Ethiopia Project fights poverty by creating motivation, hope and self-empowerment. Read more.

Google-Glass-Like Sunglasses Comes from Canada

"A pair of high-tech shades targeted at athletes was unveiled by a B.C. [British Columbia] company Wednesday at Google's annual developer conference," reports CBC News. "An early version of the Recon Jet, developed by Vancouver, B.C.-based Recon Instruments, made its debut at the Google I/O conference in San Francisco. The device, described by the company as a "heads-up display," is expected to become available later in 2013, is a pair of polarized sunglasses with a built-in computerized high-resolution display, sensors and devices that include GPS and an HD camera, and the ability to connect wirelessly to the internet and other devices." Read more.

What’s Behind Warby Parker’s Success? And What Came before It Jumped from the Virtual to Real World

“Before co-founding Warby Parker, [Neil] Blumenthal directed VisionSpring, a group that trains women in developing countries to sell affordable glasses in their communities…Research conducted by the University of Michigan demonstrated that users of VisionSpring eyeglasses experienced a 35% increase in productivity and a 20% increase in monthly income, Blumenthal points out. ‘In international development terms, that is a miracle.’" That’s part of the insight into Warby Parker by the University of Pennsylvania’s business analysis site Knowledge@Wharton.

At VisionSpring, Blumenthal found a “disconnect” between cost of manufacturing and the purchase price in the U.S. Then the article provides “background”: “One company -- Luxottica -- dominates the eyewear industry. As of 2012, Milan-based Luxottica's retail network consisted of more than 7,000 stores, including LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Sunglass Hut stores.” The article notes that it owns the optical shops in Target and Sears, has chains in Europe and Asia; owns the brands Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Oliver Peoples; and designs/manufactures eyewear for the likes of Versace, Prada, Burberry, DKNY.

“It's an industry ripe for disruption, but because of Luxottica's heft, ‘it takes incredible creativity and brilliance’ to go up ‘against an opponent that has that much power,’ says Barbara Kahn, director of the Jay H. Baker Retailing Center at Wharton [the business school associated with UPenn].” Just as a recap: Warby Parker has established a successful online eyewear retail. It recently opened a shop in the SOHO section of Manhattan and plans to open another store in Boston opening this month on Newbury Street. Read more to understand how WP could change the eyewear retail market forever.

NEI and Cigna Created a Podcast for Healthy Vision Month. Tell Your Patients about It

Need to reinforce the importance of eye care with patients and non-patients? You might want to post the podcast from Cigna and the National Eye Institute. The podcast helps individuals understand how fundamental healthy vision is to their overall health. Dr. Rachael Bishop, NEI's chief of consult services, and Dr. Denis Humphreys, acting optometry director for Cigna, discuss the ability to detect and treat disease in early stages, the ability to monitor disease and how a dilated eye exam should be part of an individual’s yearly plan to good health.Read more.

US District Attorney Sues OD for Medicare/Medicaid Fraud

"The U.S. Attorney's Office has filed a lawsuit against a Somerset [Kentucky] eye doctor and his practice, claiming he defrauded Medicare and Medicaid," reports WKYT. "The lawsuit claims...[Optometrist] Philip Robinson and 'Associates in Eye Care P.S.C.' sought and received payment from the two programs for unnecessary eye exams and services he didn't provide. The lawsuit says Robinson visited nursing homes and claimed he treated more than 100 patients in a single day. However, the lawsuit claims that isn't possible." See the report.

Cilia Research May Affect Vision Disease Treatment

"Experiments at Johns Hopkins have unearthed clues about which protein signaling molecules are allowed into hollow, hair-like 'antennae,' called cilia, that alert cells to critical changes in their environments," according to Medical News Today. "Researchers found that the size limit for entry is much greater than previously thought, allowing most of a cell's proteins into cilia. The researchers believe that the specific collection of proteins in each cilium, customized to the needs of each cell type, is determined by whether and how cilia keep proteins inside once they enter - not which ones they allow in initially." These findings could have an impact on how vision disease, as well as others, are treated. Read more.

Eight States Certify NAO's OCPP as an Alternative to Education

Eight states--namely Alaska, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas--now allow apprenticing opticians to enroll in the National Academy of Opticianry's Ophthalmic Career Progression Program (OCPP) rather than attend school full-time, notes the National Academy of Opticianry. "These states...view the OCPP as one method for Apprenticing Opticians to achieve their states' rigid education and training requirements via the OCPP's  'home study' apprenticing program," according to a recent NAO email.

Participants in the 28-year-old program must have a high-school diploma or equivalent and must work in an optical position with a licensed and practising optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. The student also must interact daily with his/ her sponsor, who assesses the student's progress through the program.  The cost of the OCPP is $800.  A payment plan is available.

The NAO notes that more than 1450 students in the U.S. and overseas participate in the program while working for such operations as LensCrafters, WalMart, Davis Vision, Empire Vision, National Vision, Pearle Vision, and Sterling. 

Since the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) has approved the OCPP as a method for preparing for the ABO certification exam, opticians and eye doctors from the other 42 states use the program as a baseline for their training programs. For more information, call NAO (800-229-4828) or click the OCPP button on the association's home page. 

New from Seraphin

"Characteristically demonstrating a noteworthy tribute to retro boldness, Seraphin introduces three all new styles inspired by time honored looks from the mid 19th century," according to Midwest Lens. "Dashing round lenses are paired with a quaint saddle bridge in the Niles, and brow bar emphasis comes to life in the revamped 1950’s-inspired profile, the Griggs. Touches of glossy acetate combine with intricate titanium elements to bring dimension to the table, as the Lawton demonstrates an unexpected twist to create an understated, yet classic look. Handcrafted appeal comes to the forefront this season as these classic shapes and intricately etched titanium accents boast dapper style with a prestigious intelligence." Read more.

Most Beautiful Eye Contest Begins in Late June

The 2013 Most Beautiful Eyes Contest, run by Prevent Blindness America, will run from June 24 through July 31. Parents of children from zero to 17 can enter their child by submitting a photo on facebook.com/preentblindess. The entries have a chance to win a $10,000 educational scholarship from Marchon Eyewear. The contest is sponsored by Marchon Eyewear, Real Kids Shades (RKS), Eagle Eyes Optics, and Walters Golf. During August, the public can vote online for their choice. Each state will have one winner (void where prohibited), who will advance to the second round of voting. All state winners will receive a free pair of RKS sunglasses and a copy of the children’s book “Jacob’s Eye Patch” by Beth Kobliner Shaw and Jacob Shaw. The panel of judges will include ORA-TV’s Larry King, Fox NFL Sunday Host Curt Menefee, and actress Barbara Eden. New to the panel is financial journalist and bestselling author Beth Kobliner Shaw, whose forthcoming book Jacob’s Eye Patch speaks to what it is like to be a child with a vision problem

New from ClearVision

“Eyewear industry leader ClearVision Optical refreshes its 2013 Sun Collection with new, on trend sunwear styles for men and women,” says Midwest Lens. “Inspired by some of today’s top fashion and color trends, the newest additions complement the design direction of the entire 2013 ClearVision suns collection. Featuring fashion forward, in demand styles for every consumer, the new releases add even more flavor – from sporty classics to glamorous fashion statements – to the must see collection.” Read more.

Essilor Reportedly Buys EyeBuyDirect

“In a move that broadens its presence in the internet e-commerce realm, particularly in the international arena, Essilor has acquired a majority stake in EyeBuyDirect.com, VMail has learned.” That’s the post that appeared today on Vision Monday. “EyeBuyDirect…is a leader in the online space with operations in China, Hong Kong and the U.S., and the company delivers eyeglasses to customers around the world.” Read more.

How We Compensate for Age-Related Color Loss

“Cone receptors in the human eye lose their color sensitivity with age, but our subjective experience of color remains largely unchanged over the years,” reports  Medical News Today. “This ability to compensate for age-related changes in color perception rests in higher levels of the visual system, according to research published in the open access journal PLOS ONE by Sophie Wuerger from the University of Liverpool, UK.” Read more.ssi

Google Talks with Warby Parker about Prescription Google Glasses

“Google is reportedly talking with eyewear upstart Warby Parker about designing less geeky frames that would include the Glass apparatus. While the optical frame maker could certainly add some fashion to Glass, perhaps making it less cyborg-like, it could also provide an efficient way to sell and distribute Google's wearable computer,” reports computer-industry observer CNET. “For Glass buyers requiring prescription lenses, Google has a fulfillment problem that Warby Parker can help solve. Unlike other wearable devices, such as a watches or bands that come in a few colors, acquiring glasses with corrective lenses is far more high touch. You need to choose a frame style, deal with prescription lenses (currently on single vision, no progressive lenses) and get properly fitted. It's not a service that Google is suited to perform.” Read more.

CooperVision Creates Two Award Programs for CL Research

CooperVision has initiated its Science and Technology (S&T) Awards Program for researchers looking into ocular surface health and anterior segment symptomology through advancement of such items as materials, devices, and compounds. It comprises two awards: The Seedling Award and the Translational Research Award. The one-year, one-time-only Seedling Award, which could provide scientists with as much as $100,000, would enable recipients to gather data in collaboration with CooperVision scientists. The results could be used toward a two-year, renewable Translational Research Award for a substantive translational research project, which would require collaboration among scientists, engineers, and clinicians. It would provide as much as $400,000 with a maximum of $250,000 for any one year.

The program is intended to bring recipients and CooperVision scientists together. Early-career and established faculty in areas other than contact lens and research are strongly encouraged to apply for either award. For information of the application process and materials, go to http://coopervision.com/our-company/science-and-technology-awards.

New from MaxMara

“The new MaxMara sunglasses and optical frames for Spring/Summer 2013, reflect a perfect balance of timeless style and fashionable details enriched with a glamorous touch,” goes the Midwest Lens post. "The new sunglasses are inspired by the most famous locations in the US, such as New York and Miami: the House’s new models have a magnetic, fascinating personality, and are embellished with elegant details recalling the brand’s 2013 must-have accessories.” Read more.

How Does Sandoval or Venus Williams see 90+ Balls? Science Now Knows!

Science Digest asks: “How does San Francisco Giants slugger Pablo Sandoval swat a 95 mph fastball, or tennis icon Venus Williams see the oncoming ball, let alone return her sister Serena's 120 mph serves? For the first time, vision scientists have pinpointed how the brain tracks fast-moving objects.” Read more.

UK Employers Overlooking Eye Care Responsibilities?

“Employers [in the United Kingdom] could be failing to comply with eyecare obligations for employees with the growth of smart phone and tablet use in the workplace, Edenred has warned,” reports Workplace Savings and Benefits. “As VDUs are increasingly replaced with mobile devices in organisations, or as a substitute for paper-based processes or the operation of machinery, Edenred said employers with policies which had not been updated in the last five years were likely to overlook their obligation to provide free eye tests for these new users.” Read more.

Local Eye Site Acquires Ophthalmic Online Job Search

“Local Eye Site (LES) has acquired EyeBuzz, a leader in online job search and recruitment for ophthalmic technicians, nurses, and assistants. Founder of EyeBuzz, Jane Shuman, a specialist in consulting and training for ophthalmic clinics, voiced her support for the move to build a single source for online job search and recruitment in eyecare,” starts the post on Optometry Times. Read more.

MD Goes Online with Vision Screening for Driver’s License

“The state has launched a program to streamline the eye exam process for people over 40 who are renewing their driver's licenses,” according to the Baltimore Sun. “Ophthalmologists and optometrists who sign up for the free program can submit a patient's vision screening results online to the Motor Vehicle Administration. Eligible drivers can then renew their driver's licenses through the agency's website or self-service kiosk. Drivers who use an MVA office can use the vision certification to eliminate the vision screening step in the renewal process.” Read more.

CLs Help Actor with Irlen Syndrome

“For two years the The Bourne Ultimatum actor and Tyrannosaur director [Paddy Casidine] believed he was suffering with the Asperger's syndrome, until professionals realised he was actually suffering from a rare condition that made it difficult for him to cope with light,” says the Telegraph. “Considine said that his brain was telling him to shut down and he hid under the table when people knocked on his door. But since his diagnosis tinted contact lenses have made him ‘alive’ again, he told the Radio Times.” Read more

.

Up Close and Personal with Google Glasses. And How and When to Use Them.

“I had two transformative yet very minor optical experiences last week, both kicking off in the space of 2 hours: I got contact lenses, and I began experimenting with Google Glass,” according to CNET writer Scott Stein. “The two are interlinked, because I couldn't use Google's bleeding-edge wearable tech with my comfy Ray-Ban eyeglasses. If I was going to use Glass, I'd need contacts.” Read about his experience with Google Glass.

Meanwhile the New York Times reports “Google’s wearable computer, the most anticipated piece of electronic wizardry since the iPad and iPhone, will not go on sale for many months. But the resistance is already under way. The glasseslike device…has been pre-emptively banned by a Seattle bar. Large parts of Las Vegas will not welcome wearers. West Virginia legislators tried to make it illegal to use the gadget, known as Google Glass, while driving….As personal technology becomes increasingly nimble and invisible, Glass is prompting questions of whether it will distract drivers, upend relationships and strip people of what little privacy they still have in public.” Read more.

Best Shade Styles, Says People Magazine

People magazine’s Style News writes “you’ll pry our basic black Wayfarers from our cold, dead hands, but that doesn’t mean we can’t admire some of the coolest shades celebs are wearing these days. We rounded up five of our favorite styles that we’ve been seeing on stars on the street.” Read and see more.

Omega-3’s Do Not Help with AMD

“Adding omega-3 fatty acids did not improve a combination of nutritional supplements commonly recommended for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of vision loss among older Americans, according to a new study,” reports Science Daily. “The plant-derived antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin also had no overall effect on AMD when added to the combination; however, they were safer than the related antioxidant beta-carotene.” The study appeared in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Assn. Read more. You can also see more at the National Eye Institute.

Program Reportedly Improves Online Presence for ECPs

More than 28,000 eyecare professionals reportedly can attract more patients and gain an improved return on online marketing investments through a partnership between ReachLocal and  Eyefinity. The program is available to Eyefinity clients. The program is said to help reach potential patients, build brand awareness, and drive social media conversations. Read more.

Another New from Tommy Hilfiger

The Tommy Hilfiger Group has launched its men’s and women’s Surf Shack eyewear collection. The new eyewear styles are part of the Summer 2013 Surf Shack collection, a limited-edition capsule collection of apparel and accessories designed to celebrate the après-surf lifestyle. Amongst the eyewear collection’s statement pieces are a selection of bright, bold and versatile sunglasses that capture a relaxed surfing vibe and Tommy Hilfiger’s signature classic, American, cool aesthetic. Read more.

New from Juicy Couture

Midwest Lens  writes “the Juicy Couture Spring/Summer 2013 collection of sunglasses and optical frames draws inspiration from the brand’s accessory collection, celebrating its appealing, ultra-fashionable and playful design.” Read more.

Google Glass Gets Thumbs Down

PC World reports “some Google Glass users are less than thrilled with the computerized eyeglasses that supposedly will replace the smartphone one day. It will be too bad if the early criticism ends up killing Glass, which has had high expectations since Google co-founder Sergey Brin showed the gizmo off last summer during the Google i/o developer’s conference. He arguably pulled off the best demo ever with skydivers jumping out of a Zeppelin sporting the headset that streamed video of their descent onto the roof of Moscone Center in San Francisco. The search and advertising giant issued a call for "explorers" willing to pay $1,500 to try out Glass. People who won the contest included actors, entertainers and more than 50 Twitter users with more than 100,000 followers.” Read what the naysayers are grumbling about.

Use Haptic Devices Early on Children with Visual Prosthetics

“Writing in the International Journal of Autonomous and Adaptive Communications Systems, a team at Monash University explain that haptic devices technologies that simulate the feel of an object should be used as early as possible in children fitted with visual prosthetics and…for older congenitally blind and late-blind people,” reports Medical News Today. “The haptic device can provide supplementary or redundant information that allows cross-referencing with the visual input from the prosthetic. This…will help train the brain more effectively to understand the electrical input it is receiving from the prosthetic.” Read more.

Genetic Mutation behind Myopia

“Do you wear glasses or contact lenses? Then you may have a genetic mutation. Researchers have discovered mutations in a gene that's associated with a severe form of nearsightedness. The finding could give rise to better understanding the condition and developing future treatments,” according to a post on Science World Report. “Yet a more severe form of this nearsightedness, called high-grade myopia, is what can really trouble patients. It affects up to two percent of Americans, and is especially common in Asian populations. It's caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors, such as large amounts of reading.” Read more.

Comfort of CLs No Different Than No Lenses, Says Study

“A recently published study found that 1-Day Acuvue TruEye Brand contact lenses (narafilcon A) were comparable to wearing no lenses at all and had no clinically significant effect on the ocular surface of the eye as compared to noncontact lens wearers, according to a Vistakon press release,” notes Healio’s Optometry. “The study, published in Contact Lens & Anterior Eye, was randomized, investigator-masked and included 74 subjects, according to the release.” Read more.

Adler Designs Eyewear for TOMS

“TOMS, the Los Angeles-based shoes and eyewear brand, has teamed up with Jonathan Adler, the New-York based furniture and textiles designer, on a collection of sunglasses,” reports Fashion & Style. “This is the first time TOMS has collaborated with a designer on eyewearr, according to Women’s Wear Daily.” Read more.

New from Gucci

“The Spring/Summer 2013 Gucci eyewear collection for men is an expression of vintage flair with sophisticated modern notes. Innovative and precious materials give elegance and distinctiveness to the new sunglasses and optical frames,” according to Midwest Lens. Read more.

Should Customers Need a Valid Script to Order Online CLs? UK Debates

“Buting prescription contact lenses online is the subject of continued debate due to the legislation that surrounds the purchase of contact lenses in the UK. At the moment, the UK is the only country in Europe that insists that consumers have a valid prescription in order to buy contact lenses and they can only buy the amount of lenses that fall within the dates of that prescription,” according to AllMediaScotland. “So, should consumers be allowed to buy contact lenses online without a prescription? Unsurprisingly, there are many differing opinions on the subject. During a recent You & Yours interview on BBC Radio 4, Dr Catharine Chisholm, from the British Contact Lenses Association, stressed that she believed that it was not safe to buy contact lenses without a prescription. She said: ‘You must always buy based on a valid prescription that’s within date because the eye changes, and it may be that some newer lenses are more suitable for your eyes and your eye care practitioner needs to see the lens on your eye to know that it’s working and needs to follow it up over time.’” Read more.

Outdoors Good for Children’s Eyes

“Two new studies add to the growing evidence that spending time outdoors may help prevent or minimize nearsightedness in children,” according to a Medical News Today post. “A study conducted in Taiwan, which is the first to use an educational policy as a public vision health intervention, finds that when children are required to spend recess time outdoors, their risk of nearsightedness is reduced.” Read more.

Sleeping Dogs Lie in Louisiana When It Comes to ODs Using Laser

Louisiana “State Rep. Frank Hoffmann says he has pulled his bill that would have allowed optometrists to expand their practices,” reports Ouachita Citizen. “’I'm just going to let it lie,’ said Hoffmann, R-West Monroe. ‘It's just not the right time to do it.’ Under Hoffmann's legislation, House Bill 527, optometrists could have conducted more surgical procedures, including laser eye surgery. The bill also would have granted optometrists the authority to prescribe certain narcotics. Ophthalmologists, including former Congressman Dr. John Cooksey, fiercely opposed the bill. Cooksey is an ophthalmologist.” Read more.

New from Jimmy Choo and Carrera

“Carrera, a leading brand of Safilo Group and the iconic luxury fashion brand Jimmy Choo are proud to announce an agreement for the design, production and distribution of an exclusive capsule collection of Carrera by Jimmy Choo sunglasses,” according to a Midwest Lens post. “The collection will blend the eyewear expertise and bold attitude of Carrera with the epitome of style and glamour which is Jimmy Choo in a range of unique models combining high performance in a fashion forward aesthetic.” Read more.

Online Retailers Duke It Out over Virtual Try-On Program

Online eyewear retailer, Ditto.com, announced today that it will defend itself against a patent infringement lawsuit filed by a competitor who is using a recently purchased patent to seek an injunction on Ditto’s 3D virtual try-on technology for eyewear. The lawsuit (Case No. 2:13-cv-00145) was filed in the District of Utah by 1-800-Contacts, whose division Glasses.com, directly competes with Ditto. 1-800-Contacts is a division of managed care giant, WellPoint. Jonathan Coon, cofounder and CEO of 1-800-Contacts, tried Ditto's virtual fitting technology soon after the launch of DITTO’s website in April 2012, according to Ditto’s press release. Soon thereafter, in May 2012, 1-800-Contacts moved to acquire rights to a patent, which it’s now using to sue Ditto (Case No. 2:13-cv-00145). Read more.

NEI’s Healthy Vision Month—Education Materials Available

In May, Healthy Vision Month, the National Eye Institute (NEI) calls on Americans to make their vision a priority. Here are some stats about your patients. Some 38 million Americans over age 40 have glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, or cataracts. That number could rise to 56 million by the year 2030. The NEI is encouraging individuals to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Read more.

NEI has set up a Healthy Vision Month website. It offers educational materials that you could use for your patients or the surrounding community. Click here. For example, its Healthy Eye Toolkit includes the following:  e-cards, toolkits, websites, handouts and fact sheets, posters, stickers and magnets, and calendars and coloring pages.

Garrett Leight’s Tribute to Arthur Miller

“Few men in history worked the intellectual-meets-sex appeal vibe than renown playwright, husband to Marilyn Monroe, and all-around style icon (see GQ's March issue) Arthur Miller.” So starts the GQ post. “So it makes sense that Miller was the inspiration behind Garrett Leight's The Harding ,a lineup of frames that pulls influences from some of history's greatest style icons.” Read more.

Shades to Dance By or Is it With?

“A group of TCU students created Drop Shades, sound reactive sunglasses that dance to the beat of music,” reports TCU360, a student news site from the Schieffer School of Journalism, Texas Christian University. “’The sunglasses use a combination of sound reactive technology and electroluminescent wire that cascade up and down depending on the beat,’ junior political science major Harrison Herndon said. The sunglasses light up depending on the duration and decibel of the sound that determines how many sound bars are activated, Herndon said.” Read more. Will the shades help with UV light? Probably not. Will its flashing lights drive some people crazy? Yes. Will it sell on college campuses? Probably.

Round-Up of 2013 Sunglasses with a UK Point of View

“This year's designer shades are dizzyingly diverse. From the scores of new-season pairs being showcased in London last week, standouts included some ocean-blue acetate wayfarer-alikes (with rubberised temple tips designed to stop them falling from faces) by Ralph Lauren,” reports the Telegraph. “Paul Smith has some lovely restrained librarian-chic aviators with notches at the bridge that work particularly well in dark green. The jeweller Tiffany's collection features its trademark heart-shaped lockets embedded next to the hinge, while Stella McCartney's flat-topped, oversized paparazzi-shields are tortoiseshell only in effect - in line with her ethical policy, they are made of recycled plastic.” Read more.