“On July 29, the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA and Doheny Eye Institute announced that they had finalized a long-term affiliation to create the nation’s preeminent centers for ophthalmic patient care, vision research, and education,” according to the Examiner. “The affiliation appears to be a win-win relationship between the two entities and will promote specialized eye care for Angelenos. UCLA noted that the proposed affiliation would preserve each organization’s identity and mission, seek to combine clinical operations that would expand patient access in Los Angeles, and align strengths that have factored into world recognition for each in advancing ophthalmology through research, outreach, education and patient care.” Read more.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
New from A&A Optical
EPGL Medical Develops Power Source for AR Contacts
Engineers at EPGL Medical reportedly have invented the world's first self-powered, self-contained, power source for contact lenses. Researchers are designing applications for use in contact lenses, such as displaying data in real-time about medical data such as their blood sugar level, oxygen level, heart rate, and EKG. Powered contact lenses are also being looked into as delivery devices for drugs and other therapeutic applications. Read more.
3D-Printer Eyewear Company Turns to Crowdfunding
San Francisco-based startup Protos Eyewear has created an elegant, simple way of purchasing the perfect pair of eyeglasses made to order. In a crowdfunding campaign launched Monday, they released a brand new line of prescription and sunglass frames along with their styling and custom fit service. In a very competitive industry, they attribute their success to a rare synergy between technology, fashion and design. Read more.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Essilor Takes Control of Transitions
“PPG Industries Inc (PPG.N) has agreed to sell its $1.73 billion controlling stake in Transitions Optical, the inventor of modern variable-tint plastic lenses, to business partner Essilor International (ESSI.PA), PPG said on Monday,” according to a Reuters post. “Essilor…already holds 49 percent interest in Transitions Optical….The deal will help Essilor boost expansion in the variable-tint lens market, which is growing twice as fast as the optical industry as a whole, mainly in Asia, Latin America and Europe.” Read more.
Ophthalmologist and Tech Help Afghan Children
“’Providing children vision gives them a better chance at life in Afghanistan,’ said U.S. Air Force Maj. Marcus Neuffer, an ophthalmologist assigned to the Craig Joint Theater Hospital on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.” That’s the word from DODLive. “If Afghan children cannot see to perform normal daily tasks, there is a possibility they will be left behind in their village to fend for themselves. Neuffer’s primary job here is to take care of patients with traumatic eye injuries. When he is not busy in the operation room, Neuffer and his technician, Airman 1st Class Chellbie Gonzales, spend their spare time providing humanitarian support to local citizens.” Read more.
B+L Moves to New Jersey, Losing 15% of Work Force
“Valeant says it will eliminate as much as 15 per cent of its work force and move Bausch + Lomb's headquarters to New Jersey as part of its $8.7 billion acquisition,” reports Canadian Yahoo! News. “In a letter to workers, Valeant says that after the deal closes, it will eliminate between 10 per cent and 15 per cent of positions companywide. That works out to between 1,850 and 2,775 people. The Canadian drugmaker says it will remain based in Quebec, but it will move Bausch + Lomb's Rochester, N.Y. headquarters to New Jersey.” Read more.
Celebs Help with Launch of Chopard Jeweled Eyewear
“Stars such as Terri Vaughn, Bobby Valentino and Porsha Stewart were just some of the celebs who stepped out in Atlanta on Thursday for the launch of the Chopard jeweled luxury eyewear collection,” according to The Grio. “They were there to support former reality television star, Lisa Wu, who hosted the evening as brand ambassador for the trendy and fashionable sunglasses….The collection, which was unveiled in Atlanta for the first time last night, features a wide selection of high-end sunglasses that cost between $300 and $800.” Read more.
CL Continuously Monitors Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
“Smart contact lenses are no longer science fiction. In the last few years we have covered several smart contact lenses with different purposes,” starts the post on MedGadet. “One of these electronic contact lenses is the Sensimed Triggerfish, a device capable of continuous measurement of the intra-ocular pressure (IOP). It is the first of its kind, since current measurements of IOP, like applanation tonometry and air-puff tonometry, can only give us the IOP at a certain moment, whereas the Triggerfish can monitor the course of the IOP throughout the day. As we write this, the Triggerfish is already being clinically tested.” Read more.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Jennifer Garner Promoting Max Mara
“Jennifer Garner is being paid to cover up her beautiful brown eyes,” notes Gossip Center. “But in this case, the actress doesn’t mind, seeing as they’ll be shaded by sophisticated sunglasses made by Max Mara. Garner has just signed on to star in the luxury Italian fashion house’s first-ever accessories campaign. The oversized eyewear, introduced as MM DIVA sunglasses, has an ultra-light feel and comes in easy-to-match colors. Mrs. Ben Affleck will also help put a spotlight on Max Mara’s elegant new handbag, which it calls JBag. This is the first time the fashion brand has recruited an actress in its marketing strategy. The slogan that appears throughout the campaign: Timeless is Now.” Read more.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Google Glass Gets Makeover
“Sourcebits is a software development firm that felt the current design for Google Glass was too geeky even for them. So they decided to put together a team of designers, illustrators, and 3D modelers to create a more fashion-friendly version of the glasses,” according to PSFK. “Looking more like something you could work into an existing wardrobe, the team have made a few significant changes. The first was to redistribute the weight of the glasses. Instead of having all the technology focused on one side which made the frames bulky – they divided it up across both sides, allowing for a much thinner product.” Read more.
Affordable Care Act on Target for Eye Care
The Obama administration announced July 2 it was delaying the deadline until 2015 for penalties targeting large employers who do not provide health insurance coverage to their workers. Although this decision represents a significant change to the president’s timetable and approach toward implementation, the AOA Advocacy Group reports there has been no change in the law’s full recognition of optometrists as providers of essential care or in how eye health care will be integrated into comprehensive health insurance coverage for children beginning in 2014. Read more.
New from Best Image—Tours by Plume Paris
Guess Eyewear Partners with Susan G. Komen
“Guess Eyewear is proud to announce its first ever partnership with Susan G. Komen, unveiling a limited edition collection of women’s frames to support Komen’s mission to save lives and end breast cancer forever,” says Midwest Lens. “During this promotion ending July 31, 2014, $5.00 will be donated by Viva International Group to Komen in connection with the sale of each specially marked GUESS sunglasses or optical frame, with a collective guaranteed minimum donation of $25,000 to support innovative breast cancer research and global programs. Each pair will also come with a custom collaboration case, box, lens cloth, and pamphlet detailing the partnership.” Read more.
Hauswirth Receives Llura Liggett Gund Award
New from Viva’s Harley-Davidson, Candie’s, and Skechers Lines
Midwest Lens notes that Viva International has added new frames to three children’s collections, Harley-Davidson Wild Child, Candie’s Eyewear, and Skechers Eyewear.
Harley-Davison Wild Child: “Viva International Group [has introduced] six new tween styles to the Harley-Davidson Wild Child Eyewear 2013 collection. The new ophthalmic styles, designed for boys, capture the fun and edgy lifestyle of the brand with skull detailing, laser-engraving and denim-like print patterns. In addition to the bold styles debuting this season, a new blue denim case with the Harley-Davidson logo in bright red will accompany each frame.” Read more
Candie’s Eyewear: “Viva International Group [has introduced] two new ophthalmic styles to the Candie’s Eyewear collection this summer. The new styles feature bold accents and trendy patterns, including metal scroll designs, which capture the playfulness of today’s CANDIE’S girl. Whether it’s a confident mix of color, glitz or a more delicate look, CANDIE’S Eyewear is the perfect accompaniment to any tween’s wardrobe.” Read more.
Skechers Eyewear: “Viva International Group [has introduced] a lively mix of colorful and sporty designs in the Skechers Eyewear Summer 2013 kids collection. Consisting of 12 frames for boys and girls that are inspired by a playful and energetic lifestyle, the designs include innovative elements such as carbon fiber and rubber inlays, stone embellishments and pops of color.” Read more.
A&A Offers DIY Display Guides
“A&A Optical announces the release of a series of DIYD (Do It Yourself Display) Guides. In an effort to increase their customers’ product insight and ultimately market their optical dispensary as a retail space, A&A offers helpful and creative merchandising tips in a series of easy to use ‘how-to-guides,’” notes Midwest Lens. “DIYD Guides feature a themed display and a corresponding list of props (including price and suggested place of purchase). In addition, the guides offer ideas for recycling and reusing the purchased props. The guides are an ultimate source for inspiration and point of reference for DIY merchandising ideas.” Read more.
New from REM Eyewear
“REM Eyewear once again delivers unbeatable back-to-school collections from two of the most exciting kids brands on the planet – Converse and Lucky Brand. Year after year, REM proves that no one knows what kids want better than these style giants,” according to Midwest Lens. “The 2013 eyewear release features the hottest colors of the season, paired with classic shapes and quality construction. Both collections bring whimsical designs and playful pops of color to an otherwise dull landscape of traditional kid’s eyewear options. Also available in larger sizes for in-between “tweens”, Converse and Lucky Brand are back-to-school essentials.” Read more.
When Strongmen Wear Sunglasses
“As if they have something to hide, authoritarian leaders have a habit of wearing sunglasses when facing the public,” says Global Post. “More often than not, a leader wearing sunglasses is a worrying sign. There are endless examples of bespectacled autocrats doing their dictatorial (and sartorial) best with their stunna’ shades on.” Read more.
Gwyneth Paltrow Hooks Up with Warby Parker
“Good news for people who love Gwyneth Paltrow's style, but aren't such big fans of her sometimes expensive taste,” notes EOnline. “The blond beauty, whose extravagant leanings saw her suggesting $450,000 worth of clothing items for the spring season earlier this year, has signed off on stylish sunnies that ring in at under—gasp!—$100. The Goop goddess has teamed up with Warby Parker to create two exclusive lines of sunglasses for Paltrow's popular lifestyle site.” Read more.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Lagerfeld & Elkann Team Up
“Karl Lagerfeld, who frequently sports sunglasses with velvety frames by Italia Independent, is now really seeing eye-to-eye with Italia founder Lapo Elkann,” reports Women’s Wear Daily. “The two men are to collaborate on a capsule collection of sunglasses and optical frames, WWD has learned. Marchon, Lagerfeld’s eyewear licensee since 2008, and Italia Independent Group are to unveil today a two-year agreement that starts in October.” Read more.
‘Treasure Trove’ of Vintage Sunglasses
“One of the many joys of travelling is discovering the hidden gems that a city has to offer. It might be the awesome bar that you keep open until the early morning in the midst of an American city. It could be the best boulangerie in Paris (it’s in the 10th arrondissement if you’re curious). Or it might be that out of the way, unexpected shopping treasure – which is precisely what I walked into while in Tuscany’s Lucca this summer,” says Fashioning.com. “Looking for a few new pairs of sunglasses to see me into 2014, I happened upon Ottica Bruno. It’s the kind of ocular store you find in many an Italian town – stylish frames, generally understated, and brimming with old world, genteel service. While on their shelves you will find what most every other glasses store the world over has to offer – to walk into their store is to walk past the usual suspects of modern sunglasses and spectacles – the real magic happens in the back room.” Read more.
Making AR Contacts a Reality
“Though it may be hard to imagine now, we may eventually be able to ditch head-worn devices like Google Glass and simply see images projected floating in front of us using contact lenses,” reports MIT’s Technology Review. “Researchers at Belgian nonelectronics reseach and development center Imec and Belgium’s Ghent University are in the very early stages of developing such a device, which would bring augmented reality–the insertion of digital imagery such as virtual signs and historical markers with the real world–right to your eyeballs. It’s just one of several such projects (see “Contact Lens Computer: It’s Like Google Glass Without The Glasses”), and while the idea is nowhere near the point where you could ask your eye doctor for a pair, it could become more realistic as the cost and size of electronic components continue to fall and wearable gadgets gain popularity.” Read more.
US Eyewear Industry to Grow Annually at 2.57%
“The US eyewear industry has been forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57% through to 2016, driven by the high prevalence of eyesight disorders, and the trend of using contact lenses for aesthetic and cosmetic purposes,” according to Yahoo! Finance UK/Ireland. “After suffering three consistent years of value sales declines, the eyewear market in the US began to emerge from the depths of the economic recession in 2011 and 2012. While the economy remains weaker than it was before the recession, GDP growth, a declining unemployment rate, and rising levels of consumer confidence led consumers to once again invest in vision correction products.” Read more.
New Company Offering New Brands of Eyewear
“When looking at disruption in the eyewear space, most people talk about Warby Parker. That is because Warby Parker is cutting out the middleman and selling eyewear directly to consumers. However, there is a new disruptor in town and its name is Eponym,” goes the Forbes post. “When Richard Ray Ruiz and Andrew Lipovsky were starting their company, Eponym, they realized that all of their favorite brands didn’t make eyewear. Brands like Steven Alan, Rag & Bone, Band of Outsiders and Theory were among of their favorites, but eyewear made by these brands were nowhere in sight.” Read more.
Media Jobs reports that “Eponym’s platform-based business model has been a rip-roaring success. Lipovsky says that revenues are now expanding at a rate of 50 percent a month and promises the launch of ‘some exciting new things in the near future.’ One reason, no doubt, why it recently clinched a $1 million seed-funding round, with angel investors almost falling over themselves to participate, amongst them Garry Tan (the founder of Posterous and Y-Combinator partner), Loopt’s co-founder, Sam Altman, and Reddit co-founder, Alexis Ohanian.” Read more.
New from A&A’s Quiksliver
“Quiksilver is recognized world-wide for stylish surf wear and board sport-related equipment, connecting with young, athletic and young-minded people everywhere,” according to Midwest Lens. “Quiksilver eyewear exemplifies the perfect combination of modern aesthetic design and functionality. The collection offers sporty, contemporary and retro looks infused with Quiksilver’s adventurous, board riding heritage.” Read more.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
New from A&A Optical
Can We Take UV Protection Too Far?
California Looks to Limit Liability for Nonprofits Offering Free Eye Exams and Used Eyewear
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
New from ClearVision
Vision Express Teams with Medikidz as Kids' Eye Exams Decline
New from Moscot
Bees See UV
'Braille' CL Helps People 'See'
Genes of the Retina Catalogued
NovaTears Receives CE Approval
Monday, July 22, 2013
One Step Closer to Curing Blindness? Just Maybe
“Scientists are one step closer to curing blindness, after they carried out the first successful transplant of light-sensitive photoreceptor cells from a synthetic retina that was grown from embryonic stem cells,” reports Medical News Today. “Researchers from University College London (UCL) and Moorfields Eye Hospital in the UK, transplanted the photoreceptor cells in to night-blind mice and found that the cells developed normally. The cells integrated into the existing retina in the mice and formed the required nerve connections that transmit visual information to the brain. The study, published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, shows embryonic stem cells could potentially be used to provide an ‘unlimited supply of healthy photoreceptors for retinal cell transplantations to treat blindness in humans.’” Read more.
New from Polaroid
“The innovative Polaroid Plus sunglasses collection represents the perfect partnership between cutting-edge polarization technology and a “New Basic” design. The collection focuses on essential shapes and minimalist color schemes whilst providing maximum comfort, utmost eye protection and perfect vision,” according to Midwest Lens. “The Polaroid Plus collection is designed for contemporary people who are looking for optimal eye protection as well as a refined and unique style. Polaroid introduces the new and innovative UltraSightTM Plus lenses, the evolution of the polarized lenses. The new lenses are produced using the revolutionary ThermofusionTM Plus technology, integrating the exclusive ThermofusionTM process – which is used to produce the Polaroid polarizing filter – with a skillful manufacturing technique that is 100% glue-free and designed to inject the polarizer into a polyamide lens.” Read more.
Another One-for-One Non-Profit Opens as Warby Parker Gives Away Its 500,000th Frame
“Many people with vision problems have difficulty completing daily tasks simply because they can't afford glasses. This is a reality for North Carolinians, as well as people overseas. Eye Care Associates in Burlington has an answer,” reports the television news station DigTriad. “The "One for One" campaign works to combat this need by donating one set of prescription glasses whenever a customer purchases a complete pair. This campaign includes a partnership with Restoring Vision, which will distribute the donated eye wear in the U.S and around the world.” Read more, see video.
Meanwhile Warby Parker reached the half-million mark. That’s right. It has donated 500,000 eyeglasses to people in need. Read more.
How to Buy Copies of the Sunglasses Worn by a Celeb
There’s an intriguing sunglass story in People magazine. It’s the usually celebrity OMG approach: “Let’s list all the reasons we’re jealous of Miranda Kerr. There’s her…her super-stylish sunglasses.The KORA Organics owner is rarely spotted out without killer frames that serve as a statement item in her outfit. And the bolder the frames, the simpler her outfit is; case in point: she pairs these leopard print Stella McCartney sunnies with a simple Temperley London blue and white dress. But when she opted for a daisy-print Topshop dress, she instead selected for a sleek, chic pair of Prada cat-eyes. She also occasionally goes a little more advanced; her tortoiseshell Miu Mius contrasted a flirty floral Topshop skirt, and she kept the rest of her accessories playful.” Here’s the twist. Then the article tells the reader where to buy copies or imitations of these brands. Read more.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Donovan Dons Sunglasses Thrown at Him During FIFA Gold Cup Match
Compensating for AMD
Saturday, July 20, 2013
New Technology Enhances Topical Delivery to Front and Back of the Eye
Julia Restoin Roitfeld Heads Givenchy's Fall Promotion Campaign
New from Costa
Book Offers a Tutorial about Children Visiting the Eye Doctor
Friday, July 19, 2013
Poor Americans Don't Get Eye Care
See more about the study that appeared in JAMA.
New from Modz Kids
Italian Startup Takes on Google Glass
Carrera's Starring in Ron Howard Movie, Rush
Dutch DJ Dons Reeva Sunglasses
Polaroid Making Splash at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
New from Argyleculture
“Merging modern and classic design elements, Argyleculture Eyewear by Russell Simmons offers styles for all fashion-conscious men,” according to Midwest Lens. “Reinhardt and Powell combine masculine eyeshapes and bold trendsetting style to create fashionable eyewear for the modern, professional man who wants to stand out.” Read more.
New Look Eyewear Expanding Lab Capacity
“New Look Eyewear Inc. (TSX:BCI) is expanding its lens laboratory, warehouse and distribution centre in Montreal over the next two quarters,” according to Yahoo! Finance. “The eye-care company said it bought the commercial building housing its operations, which will allow it to double its available capacity. The plans also allow for the possibility of more capacity expansion in the future.” Read more.
NFL Players Toss Pig Skin with Google Glasses
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
National Academy of Opticianry Recognizes Linda Conlin, Founder of OpticalCEUs
Superior and Block Merge
U.S. News Ranks Boscom and Wills Eye One and Two in the U.S.
Wills Eye Hospital was named #2 best in ophthalmology nationwide by U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals 2013-14" rankings just released. This advancement in the prestigious rankings reflects a growing momentum at Wills Eye. Research funding at Wills Eye is at an all-time high and a new four-bed inpatient unit will soon unveil an innovative design for eye hospitals. Now, all services will be oriented around a centralized, surgical hub. Patients in private rooms will remain close to their physicians, providing fast access to the most highly trained medical professionals in the facility. The proximity also saves staff time and ensures efficient use of precious health care resources.
U.S. News gathers data from 5,000 hospitals and evaluates 16 specialties. It publishes the Best Hospitals guide for patients needing advanced or specialty care. In order, the top 5 best hospitals for ophthalmology are: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute/University of Miami, Wills Eye Hospital, Wilmer Eye Institute/Johns Hopkins Hospital, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Massachusetts General Hospital, and Jules Stein Eye Institute/UCLA. Read more.
New from Gotti
20 OD Students Win Scholarships
Twenty optometry students have won the 2013 Dr. Stanley Pearle Scholarship Fund from the OneSight Research Foundation. They will receive $2,000 to help fund their optometric education beginning this fall. The four-member selection committee reviewed close to a 100 applications to identify those students who illustrated leadership, scholastic performance and commitment to community service. The winners include the following:
Ryan Beck, Nova Southeastern University
Kinzy Frizzle, Illinois College of Optometry
Christina Grosshans, Southern College of Optometry
Megan Hangartner, University of Houston
Katherine Harkins, New England College of Optometry
Jessica Iida, Southern California College of Optometry
Abby Jakob, Illinois College of Optometry
Melissa Kendall, Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Claudia Lee, University of Waterloo
Timothy Mack, The Ohio State University
Daniel Mlnarik, Indiana University
Sarah Munther, The Ohio State University
Kasie Rust, Pacific University
Roberto Saenz, University of Houston
Debi Sarma, New England College of Optometry
Tatevik Shaboyan, University of Waterloo
Jeanette Strommen, Pacific University
Kevin Tomasu, Northeastern State University
Katherine Woo, State University of New York
Robert Young, Southern College of Optometry
Kentucky Requires Eye Exams for School Children
“Parents will soon be busy making their back-to-school lists. School supplies and new clothes may be at the top of those lists, but an eye exam should be included as well,” according to WHAS11. “State law requires that children ages 3 through 6 who are entering a public school or preschool program for the first time have a vision exam.” Read more.
Eye Donations on the Rise
“Far more people are willing to donate their eyes to research than actually are registered to donate, according to a study led by a Michigan State University student,” reports Medical News Today. “While demand for tissue remains high, the number of human eyes donated for research declined 28 percent between 1997 and 2004, said Andrew Williams, a third-year MSU College of Human Medicine student who led the study in the journal Current Eye Research.” Read more.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Task Force Cannot Recommend for or against Screening Adults for Glaucoma
New from Match Eyewear
Sunday, July 14, 2013
OpticalCEUs Fall Continuing Education Seminar for Opticians Coming on Oct. 20, at Grand Pequot in Foxwoods
Conlin noted that registration will begin at the end of August or early September. At that time, OpticalCEUs will provide a complete list of the courses and their presenters. OpticalCEUs, as it always has, will provide a complimentary buffet lunch for most registrants. Attendees will be able to register online through links at OpticalCEUs websiteor its blog Optical News from OpticalCEUs. They also can choose to register by mail or by phone.
Since Conlin founded OpticalCEUs in 1999, it has provided opticians with accredited continuing education units. Each year, hundreds of opticians use the earned credits to fulfill their licensing requirements in many states, such as Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, to name only three. Opticians also apply their earned credits to their ABO and NCLE certifications.
Conlin added that in addition to the conference, OpticalCEUs provides opticians with a blog designed exclusively for their needs--Optical News from OpticalCEUs. The blog provides optical news from around the Web in digest form with links for more information.
For more information about the conference or the blog, send an email to F.E.Enterprises@OpticalCEU.com.
EyeMed Wins Again
NCNW with Transitions Increase Eye Education Efforts
Mimic Israel's Eye Care Approach, And Cut Blindness
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Oakley, the Official Canadian Olympic Sunwear
Friday, July 12, 2013
Patents and Trades Re-Examining Seiko's Patent for Freeform Lenses
Seiko Epson filed the patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in December 2009. Its publication date was December of last year, which means a USPTO examiner began the next step of the approval process: reviewing the patent request. Also as of December, the application has been available for public review, as on this Google site. Therefore, this is precisely the time period for companies or individuals, as is the case of Ocuco, to issue challenges to the entire patent claims or portions of the claim. Read more.
Oakley and Rag & Bone Team Up
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Safilo and Fossil Renew Licensing Agreement
More about Hi-Tech Glasses (Except Google)
Competition in U.S. Eyewear Market Will Intensify
During the past five years, the retail market--in terms of operators--has shrunk from 7,986 firms in 2008 to 7,422 in 2013 and will shrink even further by 2018, thereby increasing the concentration of retail sales. The report attributes this concentration to increased acquisitions, a symptom of a "mature" industry. In other words, the only way a company can grow effectively is by acquiring another company, especially for the major players such as Luxottica, National Vision, and Highmark.
Until 2018, industry growth will follow the economy's growth. There could be a bump. Patients have put off getting new prescriptions. With the economy coming back, they should be returning to outlets for new eyewear and prescriptions. Favorable demographic changes will also likely drive industry growth over the next five years. The number of senior adults aged 50 and older is forecast to grow through 2018. Because this group makes up the industry's largest market segment, its growth will increase demand. Elements of the newly enacted healthcare reform bill will also expand access to vision care, giving industry demand an additional boost. For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Eye Glasses and Contact Lens Stores in the US industry report page. Read more.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Foundation to Raise Funds for Eye Care in Rural India
New from Esprit Kids
James Franco New Face for Gucci Eyewear Ad Campaign
The campaign, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott and debuting worldwide in August 2013, highlights the classic yet contemporary elegance of this new style, perfectly matched with Franco’s sophisticated personality.
These sunglasses are a refined evolution of the classic Bamboo version launched in Spring/Summer 2013. The exclusive eyewear that James Franco wears in the campaign stands out for the new black version of the bamboo detail, complementing the dark ruthenium and grey shaded mirrored lenses. This style, which uniquely uses natural bamboo cane, blends tradition and innovation to reflect the House’s philosophy of contemporary luxury. The 70s-inspired pilot-shaped metal frame, embellished with the bamboo cane detail on the bridge and the Gucci laser signature on the lenses and temples, make these sunglasses highly distinctive and iconic.