Congratulations: Kotob Receives ABO Master in Ophthalmic Optics

Shortly before Deborah Kotob presented her talk at the OpticalCEUs Fall 2013 Continuing Education Conference, she received one of the highest honors available to an optician. She, a sales consultant for Vision-Ease, earned her ABO Master in Ophthalmic Optics certification.

"The ABO Master in Ophthalmic Optics designation demonstrates to the public and colleagues that an individual has attained a superior level in ophthalmic dispensing," notes the ABO website. The rigorous program requires candidates to pass a comprehensive exam and to write a Master's paper.

"It's an honor for such an accomplished optician to be a part of OpticalCEUs continuing education program," noted Linda Conlin, founder of OpticalCEUs. "Her continuing education classes always provide attendees with an intriguing look at optics, and our attendees appreciate the professionalism that she brings to every presentation."

"The Master optician certification is worth the effort," said Kotob. "Preparing for the exam and writing the research paper forced me to become more knowledgeable about optical theory and the effects of light, both good and bad, on ocular tissue."

When asked about what she enjoyed most about the program, she said, "The best part was learning. I'm an optician. I've dispensed. But to dig deep into all that is required for sight and how that little hockey puck of a lens corrects Ametropia or Asthenopia, to name a couple, was satisfying. Through this program, I expanded the depth and breadth of my understanding of ophthalmic optics."

New Research about the Development and Progressive of Myopia

"New research on myopia -- how it develops, risk and protective factors, and potentially effective measures for prevention and treatment are reported across twenty articles in the November issue of Optometry and Vision Science," reports Science Daily. The issue "highlights scientific discoveries leading to potentially useful approaches to prevention and treatment of progressive nearsightedness in young patients. One study states that soft contact lenses with multiple areas of focus can reduce progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children, and that multifocal lenses also affect eye growth, with effects persisting through at least two years, according to new research reported by Jeffrey J. Walline, OD, PhD, FAAO, of The Ohio State University, Columbus." Read more.

New Design for Google Glasses

"Google on Monday evening unveiled a redesigned new version of its Google Glass connected eyewear… and it doesn’t help," according to Yahoo! News. "In fact, if anything, the new version probably looks even geekier than it did before. Google recently announced a new run of its $1,500 Explorer Edition Glass, and now we finally get to see what the new build looks like. For those hoping it might offer some key design changes that make it less geektastic, no such luck. Instead, Glass gets a bit bulkier and an added earbud that is sure to make any wearer the belle of the ball." Read more.

New Eyewear from Totally Rimless

"Boutique by Totally Rimless offers elegant and feminine rimless designs in the latest fashionable colors," reports Midwest Lens. "TR 202, TR 203 and TR 204 offer beautiful coloring and stone designs for a jewelry-inspired look perfect for any woman. With adjustable nose pads and spring hinges, these frames offer the ultimate in fashion, quality and a comfortable fit." Read more.

Ohio AG Goes After Optical Shop

"Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has filed a lawsuit against two companies that operate Stanton Optical, which has three stores in Ohio, including one in Toledo. The lawsuit charges the businesses with multiple violations of Ohio’s consumer laws," says NorthwestOhio.com. "Stanton Optical sells eyeglasses, contact lenses, accessories, and eye exams, which are performed by third-party optometrists....According to the Attorney General’s Office, 78 Ohio consumers have filed complaints about the business with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Better Business Bureau, or the Federal Trade Commission. Consumers have reported a variety of issues in their complaints. For example, consumers said they waited months to receive their glasses after paying for them, received glasses with incorrect prescriptions, or did not receive refunds they were owed." Read more.

Luxottica Working on New Licensing Deal

"Italy's Luxottica...is working on a new licence deal and expects to match an 8 percent third-quarter rise in net profit for the next three months despite recent currency turmoil, its CEO told Reuters." That was the post on Yahoo!Finance. "The maker of Ray Ban, Oakley and Armani branded glasses, which makes more than half of its sales in North America, posted quarterly net profit of 148 million euros ($203.79 million), beating a Thomson Reuters SmartEstimate of 142.6 million euros....Luxottica said group net sales were affected by the weak dollar, which fell by 3.5 percent against the euro in the third quarter compared with a decline of just 1 percent in the previous three months. Sales rose 7.4 percent at constant exchange rates to 1.8 billion euros. But at current rates, sales were flat." Read more.

Charlotte Ronson to Design Vogue Eyewear Line

Vogue will use Mendes in
its Spring advertising.

Ronson to design Vogue line.

"Charlotte Ronson is trying her hand at spectacles. The fashion designer, who has no previous experience in the eyewear category, has been tapped by Luxottica and the Council of Fashion Designers of America as the participant for the 2014 Design Series for Vogue Eyewear," reports WWD. "The Vogue Eyewear/CFDA Collection by Charlotte Ronson, which was featured in the designer’s spring runway show in New York, will launch at Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters in North America in mid-January and international retailers in March, ranging from $130 for sunglasses to $140 for optical frames. The frames will be featured on [Eva] Mendes in a global advertising campaign next spring." Read more.

Bobbi Brown's Eyewear Set for Feb. 2014 Release

"The cosmetics legend [Bobbie Brown] has designed her first ever range of glasses," notes the New York Daily News. "Makeup artist and beauty maven Bobbi Brown has announced the first details of her latest project, an eyewear line produced in collaboration with Italian luxury specs specialists Safilo. Set to hit stores in February 2014, Brown has designed a range of glasses and sunglasses designed to fit different face shapes, with the color palette organized by skin tones."" Read more.

Google Expands Offering of Its AR Eyewear

"Google is expanding the availability of its Internet connected eyewear Google Glass to more people, but not the general public just yet," reports the Mercury News. "Google said Monday that it is allowing the 10,000 or so people who have been testing out its wearable computer to invite three friends each to buy Glass. The gadget, which works like a smartphone but is worn on your head like glasses, costs $1,500. The invites will be available in the coming weeks. Google says it's also letting users who bought their device before Monday to swap out their Glass for a new one. The new devices have been updated to work with prescription frames and include a single earbud." Read more.

Oakley Expands Its U.S. Olympic Collection

The United States Olympic Committee and Oakley, Inc., have added to its Team USA collection, an array of special-edition products with colors and highlights that honor the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams going to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi this February. Customized versions of two eyewear designs and two snow goggles have been added. The specially-rendered products in the collection allow fans to share the excitement of the games while enjoying the same technologies that serve athletes in Olympic and Paralympic competition. A percentage of Team USA eyewear collection sales supports the training of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls.Read more.

New Eyewear from Badgley Mischka

"Badgley Mischka captures the signature glamour of old Hollywood through design and color," according to Midwest Lnes. "For eyewear, nothing is more glamorous than the cat eye shape. Desiree and Juliet offer a twist on this signature shape and feature tonal coloring from custom acetates for an exclusive look." Read more.

NEI Looking at Adaptive Optics

If you've ever been sleep-deprived, you've probably had a firsthand glimpse of the blood vessels in your eyes. But what you haven't seen—and what many eye care professionals cannot see as well as they would like—are the vessels closest to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, according to a National Eye Institute (NEI) spokesperson. The federal agency is helping researchers develop new retinal imaging methods to solve this problem. Such methods have the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of common eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. These diseases can cause a variety of defects in blood vessels inside the eye, including vessel loss, the growth of abnormal vessels, and small bulges that can rupture (called aneurysms).

Adaptive optics (AO) is one technology helping to overcome this problem. It deals with the tendency of light to become distorted as it passes through different media such as air, water, or living tissue. AO was originally developed because astronomers wanted to get a clear view of objects in space, without distortions caused by the atmosphere. But vision scientists and eye care experts have a similar problem: When light is shined into the eye, it is distorted by the cornea (the front, transparent part of the eye) and the lens. AO systems typically use a sensor to measure the pattern of blurring and a flexible mirror to correct it. Read more.

Danica Patrick Representing REVO

NASCAR superstar Danica Patrick will promote Sequential Brands' eyewear brand REVO, according to a company spokesperson. Patrick, one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, drives the No. 10 GoDaddy Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Danica will wear REVO both on and off the track and will be involved in the product development process for the 2014 collection. In addition, she will be featured in the Spring 2014 advertising and marketing campaign, and featured throughout REVO's social media platforms. Read more.

New Eyewear from JudithLeiber Staccato

"The Judith Leiber Staccato collection draws inspiration from the lyrical concept of disconnected parts and short sounds." So goes the Midwest Lens post. "Boasting three optical frames (JL 1665, JL 1684, JL 1685) and two sun options (JL 1666SG, JL 1686SG), this collection is crafted of handmade Italian acetate and features multi-level detailing along the temples for explosions of color on a linear plane." Read more.

NICE Approves Lucentis for Treatment of Myopic CNV

Medical News Today reports that "in a Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) published October 25, The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended that Lucentis (ranibizumab) be approved for use within the NHS in England and Wales as an option to treat people with visual impairment due to choroidal neovascularisation associated with pathological myopia (myopic CNV)6. Myopic CNV is the growth of abnormal leaky blood vessels in the back of the eye in high myopia (severe near sightedness)." Read more.

New Approach to Treating Eye Disease

"Researchers have revealed a new approach for treating human eye disease that has proved to be successful in preclinical studies. This is according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation," according to a Medical News Today post. "The research team from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in California, Mount Sinai Hospital in Canada and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), say their findings could lead to new treatments to prevent blindness. Many types of blindness, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, can be linked to the abnormal growth of blood vessels (neovascularization) in the retina at the back of the eye, the researchers explain. The retina is a thin layer of soft tissue consisting of blood vessels and light-sensing cells." Read more.

Custom-Made, as in One of a Kind, Eyewear from Lee Allen

"That’s impossible, Rhode Island School of Design president John Maeda said when optician Lee Kuczewski told him he could make him a pair of custom frames from scratch," notes a post from the Providence Journal. “'So then Lee gets out his camera and starts photographing my face,' Maeda said. That’s the first of many steps Kuczewski and business partner Declan Halpin take when creating bespoke eyewear, a service offered by their company Lee Allen Eyewear. A couple months later, they presented Maeda with a pair of rectangular frames made out of navy blue acetate, a glossy lightweight plastic.'The final glasses are just so beautiful,' Maeda said." Read more.

Treating Cataracts without Surgery

"The ability of the lens in the human eye to change focus relies on a dense formation of proteins that can result in clumps that cloud the lens and lead to cataracts - except for special protective proteins that prevent this. Now a team in Munich, Germany has discovered an activation mechanism that can switch on one of these protective proteins to keep the lens clear," notes Medical News Today. "The team, from the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), write about their findings in a recent online issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)." Read more.

Outer Space Changes Eyes in Less Than Two Weeks

"Just 13 days in space may be enough to cause profound changes in eye structure and gene expression, report researchers from Houston Methodist, NASA Johnson Space Center, and two other institutions in the October 2013 issue of Gravitational and Space Research," reports Science Daily. "The study, which looked at how low gravity and radiation and oxidative damage impacts mice, is the first to examine eye-related gene expression and cell behavior after space flight." Read more.

Feds Warning against Use of Comestic CLs

"With Halloween rapidly approaching, federal officials are warning the public about the dangers associated with counterfeit decorative contact lenses. Decorative and colored lenses are becoming increasingly popular, especially around this time of year," according to the News Herald. "Currently, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are working to seize counterfeit contact lenses, illegally imported decorative lenses and lenses unapproved by the FDA. This ongoing effort, which is being coordinated with the ICE-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) in Washington, is being called 'Operation Double Vision.''Even though Halloween approaches, consumers shouldn’t let a good deal or great costume blind them to the dangers of counterfeit decorative contact lenses,' said HSI Executive Associate Director James Dinkins in a release. 'What’s truly scary is the damage these counterfeit lenses can do to your eyes for a lifetime.'” Read more. If customers/patients need more convincing, show them this FDA site.

New Eyewear from Eastern States

"Eastern States Eyewear has announced the launch of 'Exces Montage,' a new concept from Exces Eyewear," says Midwest Lens. "The initial release will consist of a total of five styles – three for this fall with two more planned for January. Montage is defined by its thin stainless steel design and its clever use of an epoxy coating. The result of this coating is a rich finish that has a slight crown at its apex and thus sports a slight color fade due to the natural flow of the epoxy. Styles such as the Montage 5000 and 5001 feature laser cutting and raised points on the metal underneath the epoxy to give the frame a more multi-dimensional effect. The collection sports a variety of modern shapes with a nod to a classic, retro feel and is targeted to women of all ages." Read more.

Essilor to Buy Three More N.A. Companies

After the acquisition of  Transitions Optical, Essilor continues its North American buying spree. "The company expanded its presence in the low vision segment with the acquisition of a majority interest in Quebec-based Humanware, a world leader in the design and distribution of electronic assistance products for the blind and vision impaired (revenue of around $35 million)," reports 4 Traders. "In the United States, Essilor acquired Katz & Klein, a California-based prescription laboratory with revenue of around $4.0 million, and VIP Optical, a wholesale optical laboratory based in New Jersey with revenue of $3.9 million." Read more.

Samsung Files Patent for Augment Reality Eyewear

"Samsung Electronics Co. appears to be creating a Google Glass of its own," reports the Wall Street Journal. "A design patent registered with Korean authorities in October shows an electronic device in the form of spectacles. It has been categorized as a type of 'sports glasses.''This design is of a type [of glasses] with earphones integrated, allowing [users] to take phone calls and listen to music during workouts,' according to a memo attached to several drawings of the device, filed by Samsung earlier this year. The device is linked to a smartphone and displays alerts for information running on the phone, providing easy access to control when the users’ hands are tied with sports activities, the memo says. The device features a lens that is either transparent or translucent, it says." Read more.

New Sunglasses from Costa

"New for fall, Costa Sunglasses has released six of its styles in the Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades frame color. The new pattern compliments Costa’s camouflage line, which already includes eight sunglass styles available in the Realtree AP frame color, as well as a variety of men’s and women’s apparel options." So begins the Midwest Lens post. "The Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades pattern is known for its precisely arranged blades of grass, designed to help hunters and anglers disappear in the marsh. The new frame color is available in Costa’s Caballito, Fantail, Fisch, Hatch, Rockport and Tuna Alley. Each of these frames feature Costa’s signature performance technology, such as sturdy integral hinges, nearly indestructible co-injected nylon frame construction and no-slip Hydrolite™ nose pads and interior linings. All work together to provide Costa’s 'forget-they’re-on' fit." Read more.

Man Sprinkles Wife's Ashes on Eyewear Store

"Police say no charges will be filed against a grieving man who sprinkled some of his dead fiancee’s ashes near an eyewear store, causing a Florida mall to be evacuated and shut down for two hours," according to tv news report on KOB. "Sarasota police Lt. Pat Ledwith says a man on Tuesday sprinkled some of the ashes in places that were special to the couple. Officials say the woman had a connection to LensCrafters in the Westfield Southgate Mall and because of that, the man released some of the ashes there on Tuesday." Read more.

Marcolin to Buy Highmark's Viva Optique

"Highmark Inc.'s vision subsidiary is selling its wholesale eyewear unit, Viva Optique, to Marcolin SpA, an international eyewear designer based in Italy, the companies announced," writes the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Highmark's vision unit, HVHC Inc., has agreed to a stock purchase agreement with Marcolin and its majority owner, European private equity firm PAI Partners, which bought a 78 percent stake in Marcolin a year ago." Read more.

Bionic Eye Ready for the Market

“A bionic eye may soon help give some sight back to people who lost their vision due to a degenerative eye disease,” notes a CBS News report. “The Argus II by Second Sight, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in February, is set to hit the U.S. market soon. Specifically, the bionic eye can help people who suffer from retinitis pigmentosa, a rare disease that destroys the photoreceptor cells in the eye's retina. The retina is the tissue layer at the back of the inner eye responsible for converting images to nerve signals which are then sent to the brain. When the cells are damaged, the person cannot perceive light and dark. About 1 in every 4,000 people has the disease, according to government estimates.” Read more.

Technique for Treating Eye Diseases Effective in Preclinical Studies

“A promising technique for treating human eye disease has proven effective in preclinical studies and may lead to new treatments to prevent blindness, according to experiments conducted at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in La Jolla, California,” according to Science Daily. “The studies involved controlling the actions of microRNAs, tiny pieces of RNA that were once considered to be "junk" but are now known to fine-tune gene activation and expression. The researchers showed that treating mice with short RNA strands that precisely target and inhibit microRNAs (antimicroRNAs) can stop the aberrant growth of blood vessels (neovascularization). It is this abnormal proliferation of vessels that exacerbates vision loss in neovascular eye diseases like wet macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, two of the leading causes of blindness. Described in the cover story of the November issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the microRNA treatments blocked aberrant vessel growth without damaging existing vasculature or neurons in three separate models of neovascular eye disease -- a proof-of-principle that suggests future treatment based on the same approach may be effective in humans.” Read more.

Microsoft Testing Its Own Augmented Reality Eyewear

“Microsoft is testing prototypes of Web-connected wearable devices similar to Google Glass, but the technology is far from ready,” notes the San Diego Times. “A source told the Wall Street Journal that Microsoft is asking Asian component manufacturers to supply cameras and other technology for the eyewear, but the device may never reach mass production. Microsoft is "determined to take the lead in hardware manufacturing to make sure the company won't miss out on the opportunities in the wearable gadget market," the source told the WSJ. This latest device is yet another in Microsoft’s efforts to expand its product base from software and PCs to mobile devices such as the Windows smartphone and Surface RT tablet. Wearable technology, be it watches, bracelets, eyewear or something else entirely, represents the next wave of hardware innovation. It isn’t the first rumor of Microsoft developing eyewear either; rumblings of augmented reality gaming glasses have been kicked around since the leak of Project Fortaleza last year.” Read more.

The Wall Street Journal reported: “Microsoft may have missed the first boat on smartphones but it refuses to be left behind in the race to launch wearable devices. The company is testing prototypes for Internet-connected eyewear similar to Google's Glass, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal, underscoring the company’s ambitions to go head-to-head with Google, Samsung and Apple on devices. Last month, Microsoft struck a $7 billion deal to acquire Nokia’s cellphone business in a bid to catch up in a market dominated by Samsung and Apple. Microsoft also has launched the Surface tablet computer and continues to test its own touch-enabled watch, people familiar with the matter have said. Research firm Gartner expects the market for wearable smart electronics to be a $10 billion industry by 2016. Last month, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Gear, a digital watch that can run apps and interact with its own family of smartphones.” Read more.

Legally Blind Child Sees with New “Eyewear”

“Emma-Rose Gibson can see clearly no more than three centimetres in front of her, but a new device is allowing the nine-year-old Ottawa girl to watch TV,” reports The Record. “The legally blind Grade 4 student, who is diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplasia, is one of the first users of the eSight eyewear, a pair of computerized glasses officially launched this week in Toronto. The device — made by Ottawa-based eSight Corp. — reconfigures images captured by its high-definition camera in a way to optimize a user's vision. The processed images are then fed into two LED screens in front of the user's eyes.” Read more.

Scientifically Defining CL Discomfort

"Contact lens discomfort (CLD) may be the leading cause of patient dissatisfaction with, and discontinuation of, contact lens wear throughout the world -- but there is little agreement among vision researchers and eye care professionals about how to define and manage its causes," reports Science Daily. "'Up to half of all contact lens wearers experience CLD,' explained Jason J. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, Professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry. 'However, there is no global consensus concerning the definition, classification, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management and the proper design of clinical studies for CLD.' To lay the groundwork for defining and treating this widespread issue, the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS; www.tearfilm.org) organized the TFOS International Workshop on Contact Lens Discomfort (CLD), which was chaired by Nichols. The findings were reported Friday in the current issue of journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (www.iovs.org)." Read more.

CooperVision Launches Biofinity XR

CooperVision, Inc., have launched Biofinity XR contact lens. This extension to Biofinity (comfilcon A) silicone hydrogel lens reportedly allows practitioners to fit patients with significant hyperopia and myopia. The XR version of the line reportedly combines high oxygen permeability with all-day comfort characteristics. "The availability of Biofinity XR gives eye care practitioners another reason to make it a monthly lens of choice, whether transitioning Proclear wearers, upgrading from a competitive lens, or introducing a broader span of spectacle wearers to soft lenses," said Dr. Juan Carlos Aragon, senior vice president, Global Professional & Clinical Affairs, CooperVision.The new lens is made with Aquaform, which the company says makes the lens material highly breathable so more oxygen reaches the eyes with less irritation. It also ensures that the lenses are naturally and uniformly wettable for smoothness and comfort, and maintains softness and flexibility for more gentle wear from the first day to the last. Read more.

New Eyewear from OGA

"Technology and design is the philosophy of the ÖGA brand," says Midwest Lens. "The new Kusk flex system combines TR90 and stainless steel, creating a clipped on hinge which is esthetically pleasing, lightweight, and durable. Kusk II, expands the ÖGA Kusk family with the inclusion of a thicker TR90 hinge than the model which came before." Read more.

New Eyewear from XOXO

"Bringing a funky, feminine attitude to eyewear, XOXO offers the latest in bold and edgy fashion," according to Midwest Lens. "The newest styles from the XOXO eyewear collection combine the hottest trends with the latest eyewear designs for an unforgettable look. Bombshell and Sophisticate feature sexy feminine eyeshapes and intense colors for a bold look." Read more.

Opticians from the Northeast Rav about Fall Conference

Scores of opticians from the Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island raved about the presentations at OpticalCEUs Annual Fall Conference. Presentation after presentation, veteran opticians approached speakers before they could leave the stage. The audience members were wishing them congratulations. "During your one presentation, I learned more than I did an entire other conference" was how one attendee expressed his appreciation to Deborah Kotob of Vision-Ease. Joe Forte of Raymond Opticians and Greenwich Ophthalmology, an Advanced Level III ABO/NCLE speaker, and Linda Conlin, founder of the conference, also received similar accolades after their presentations. "It was obvious that our attendees thought that the Fall 2013 continuing education conference was our most successful endeavor," reported Conlin. More details about the conference will be provided during the coming week.

FDA Red-Lists Sunglass Manufacturer

The FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) "red-listed" Linhai Industrial Glasses (LIG) Factory, Duchuan 387 The Road , Linhai City, China, for its non-prescription sunglasses. That means Customs agents can detain without physically examining LIG eyewear with impact-resistant lenses.

The red-listing process began with a U.S. distributor. The firm heard reports about LIG's eyewear. It tested a shipment and found a breakage rate ranging from 40 to 70 percent. That's when the FDA became involved. The federal agency notes, "Due to apparent certificate irregularities SAN-DO collected a sample of children's sunglasses. The manufacturer's certificate indicated that no lenses broke during testing. However, WEAC testing of the sample found that nearly every lens broke completely. More recently, SAN-DO collected a sample of adult prescription lenses. WEAC testing of the sample found that 38% of the lenses broke completely." Eyeglasses and sunglasses imported into the U.S. must comply with 21 CFR 801.410: "Use of impact-resistant lenses in eyeglasses and sunglasses." A certificate of compliance, which testifies that the lens manufacturer has tested lenses for compliance, must accompany each shipment. In the past three years, the FDA has red-listed several manufacturers in China. Read more.

'I Don't Get No Respect,' Say Contact Lenses

"'Give the contact lens respect,' says Christine Sindt, an optometrist in Iowa City, Iowa," in a recent post for U.S. News & World Report Health. "Contacts are so commonplace and frequently used that we sometimes don't see them as a medical device, she says, although that's exactly what they are. And while she believes contacts are a wonderful invention – if not a luxury – 'when things go wrong, they go very, very wrong and can be visually devastating.' Think infections, which can range from redness and oozing to vision problems possibly leading to blindness. No thanks. Contact wearers, avoid these common mistakes to maintain healthy eyes and vision." Read more. You might want reprints or the link for your patients and customers.

New Eyewear from John Varvatos

"The John Varvatos Eyewear mid-year release evokes feelings of worn records, hot nights, and vintage cool. Texture takes hold and sleek silhouettes reign supreme," according to Midwest Lens. "A perfect extension of the rock-influenced vision for cutting edge design and artisanal craftsmanship, the latest eyewear offering is refinement with edge." Read more.

Adlens Adjustables Growing Quickly

"Adlens... has seen its customer base surge since last year with sales of eyeglasses that have variable focus technology, CEO Michael Ferrara said in an interview" with the Boston Business Journal. "By year’s end, the company will have about 500,000 customers across the United Sates, Asia and Australia — up from 100,000 customers in 2012." Read more.

New Eyewear from Bulgari Heritage

"Nothing beats a cool, new, funky and chic eyewear that speaks fashion. Take your pick from the season’s hottest specs, Bulgari Heritage Collection," notes Yahoo! News. "Inspired by an exquisite Bulgari neckpiece made in the 1950s, 27 teardrop–shaped emerald green stones surrounded by intricately cut diamond gilds—this collection is a classic range of elegant frames marked by a singular emerald gemstone circled with ..." Read more.

3D Printing and Eyewear

"It follows suit that 3-D printing is a solid match for spectacles. But more specifically, 3-D printing is a boon to anyone who wants bespoke frames. It’s a niche market that designers like Tom Davies have cornered and profited handsomely on by charging somewhere in the thousands for a pair of custom frames, the extra cost attached to the extra time and labor that comes with the personalization," according to Fast Company Design. "But a 3-D printer, of course, can speed up manufacturing, which is exactly how Protos works. “We’re making an experience where instead of someone going into an eyewear specialist, you go online and take two pictures of yourself,” explains James Peo, one of the co-founders. Peo, who owns a chain of eyewear stores, can then style a pair of frames that best fits the customer’s unique arch, eyebrow, and bone structure." Read more.

.

Social Media Site for Visually Impaired Launched

Yesterday, I-MerSee launched it calls the world’s first social media network for the visually impaired and 50 and over communities. The launch coincides with Blindness Awareness Month.

For the more than 21 million visually impaired individuals across the United States, access to social media has been limited. The I-MerSee spokesperson claims that traditional assistive technologies for the visually impaired, such as screen readers, lack the functionality to offer an engaging experience with social media. I-MerSee integrates the latest assistive technologies, including text-to-speech (TTS), speech-to-text (STT), and screen magnification to create an intuitive and dynamic social experience. The platform allows users to interact with individuals across most social media platforms, while also acting as a standalone social network. I-MerSee has partnered with UNEDUC, a non-profit organization endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNEDUC’s mission includes raising funds to support educational programs for the disabled in developing nations. Among other funding sources, UNEDUC will raise funds through contributions generated by Internet-based advertisement revenues in partnership with I-MerSee. Further information on UNEDUC’s efforts can be found at www.uneduc.net. Social media users are encouraged to visit the I-MerSee platform and register as members, instantly connecting with family and friends and sharing interests and information via www.i-mersee.com.Read more.

Costco Optical Joins Superior Vision's Network

"Superior Vision Services, a Rancho Cordova-based managed vision care benefits provider, announced Tuesday that Costco Optical has joined its provider network. The provider’s members will be able to use their benefits at Costco starting early next year," according to the Sacramento Business Journal. "The deal is a major move for Super Vision. The Costco partnership means the provider’s members will be covered when they buy frames, prescription contact lenses, and see independent optometrists located in the retailer’s optical department." Read more.

The Future of AR Eyewear

"Forrester Research recently reported that over 20 million U.S. consumers are willing to wear augmented reality devices," goes the post on Wired. "Earlier this year, IHS forecasted that the adoption of AR in smart-glass devices will drive volumes of 10 million units through to 2016. Apps will be critical to driving the success of glass, in fact IHS stipulated “Google is betting the house that developers will produce some compelling applications for Glass.” Topping the list of apps that will define the glass experience are AR related apps, which are designed to add an extra layer of information or experience to that which is being seen. Without AR apps, the forecast sinks to just 1 million units which — an indication of the lengths to which AR will impact the wearable market." Read more.

New Eyewear from Modern Optical

"Modern Optical’s New Releases Brochure showcases 62 brand new eyewear styles for men, women and children. Value eyewear has truly never looked so good!" So starts Midwest Lens post. "Get ready for an abundance of wearable on-trend designs featuring colorful patterns, beautiful embellishments, and unique textures. Women’s styles boast rich colorations and feminine silhouettes including flattering cat-eyes and softened square fronts. Look for tasteful design details on the temples that range from sophisticated baguettes to playful animal and artisanal patterns....Modern Optical’s product selection now exceeds 800 styles." Read more.

Two Suits Among Marchon, Allure, MEI 3D, and Gunnar Optiks Dismissed

Marchon Eyewear, Allure Eyewear, MEI 3D, and GUNNAR Optiks, have entered into a confidential settlement that fully resolves two lawsuits pending between the parties. The lawsuits have been dismissed. Read more.

Pro Volleyball Olympic Star Misty May-Treanor Discusses Eyecare

It's a good, short video about the impact of good vision care on performance. May-Treanor might be just the spokesperson young, female patients need to hear from. The video at the end of this link summarizes her performance at the London Olympics.

New Eyewear from AV Studio by Match

"The AV Studio brand launch was not the only excitement Match Eyewear brought to Vision Expo West. The much anticipated Fall/Winter Collection from Adrienne Vittadini Eyewear was also debuted with 10 new ophthalmic styles," writes Midwest Lens. "Inspired by the warmth and variety of the season, the Fall/Winter Collection brings a rich color palette and thoughtful details to sophisticated silhouettes for a fresh yet timeless elegance. Taking inspiration from the romantic allure of the latest sportswear and accessory lines, the new Adrienne Vittadini Styles: 1118, 1124, 1126, and 1128 eyewear styles embrace the accessible luxury of the Adrienne Vittadini brand." Read more.

Man Sprinkles Ashes Near Eye Store

"Police say no charges will be filed against a grieving man who sprinkled some of his dead fiancee's ashes near an eyewear store, causing a Florida mall to be evacuated and shut down for two hours," reports the Miami Herald. "Sarasota police Lt. Pat Ledwith says a man on Tuesday sprinkled some of the ashes in places that were special to the couple. Officials say the woman had a connection to LensCrafters in the Westfield Southgate Mall and because of that, the man released some of the ashes there on Tuesday." Read more.

New Eyewear from Juicy Couture by Safilo

The Juicy Couture Fall/Winter 2013/2014 eyewear collection presents new sunglasses and optical frames that are essential to the Juicy girl’s Fall/Winter 2013/2014 wardrobe. On-trend and glamorous, the glasses feature playful details and bold shapes that enhance the newest must-have styles, accoding to a Safilo spokesperson. Read more.

New Eyewear from L'Amy's Ann Taylor Line

"L’Amy America will launch Ann Taylor eyewear to optical retailers in the United States and Canada. For the first time, the ready-to-wear ophthalmic frames and sunglasses will be available beyond the brand’s own distribution channels. Sunglasses, which launched last May, were previously only available in Ann Taylor stores and on www.anntaylor.com," according to Midwest Lens. "The full eyewear collection, developed and manufactured in partnership with L’Amy, was designed to complement the modern woman’s chic lifestyle and is a natural extension for the brand as it continues to outfit women head-to-heels for every facet of their busy brilliant lives. Eyewear will come with a white saffiano case embossed with the Ann Taylor logo." Read more.

OpticalCEUs Closes Online Registration as Conference Approaches

Time is running out. Online registration has closed. To sign up for OpticalCEUs Fall 2013 Conference, you must call 203-366-5991. Also remember that ABO/NCLE has eliminated the grace period for approving renewed certification. (See the next posting.)

At this Fall's conference, opticians will pick up the latest ideas in the field - from preserving vision health to new contact lens technologies. The six courses at the Grand Pequot Ballroom, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, CT on Sunday, October 20, will help you discover how to fit irregular corneas with contact lenses, provide top-notch patient care by identifying vision health issues, and learn about new technology in spectacle and contact lenses. Here are the ABO/NCLE approved seminars being presented:

• The Miracle of Sight and How to Preserve It Speaker: Deborah Kotob (2 ABO) 9am-11am NEW!
• Grading Contact Lens Complications Speaker: Linda Conlin (1 NCLE) 11am-Noon
• Fitting Irregular Corneas Speaker: Joe Forte (1NCLE) 1pm-2 pm NEW!
• Beam Me Up! Understanding the Slit Lamp Speaker: Linda Conlin (1 NCLE) 2pm-3pm NEW
• Diseases of the Eye Speaker: Joe Forte (1 ABO) 3pm-4pm NEW
• Augmented Reality Contact Lenses Speaker: Linda Conlin (1 NCLE) 4pm-5pm.

For more information about the conference or the blog, send an email to F.E.Enterprises@OpticalCEU.com.

MD Sues Texas Optometry Board

"A Lubbock ophthalmologist has sued the Texas Optometry Board seeking to overturn a rule that prohibits optometrists from opening practices in national eyewear chain businesses," says LubbockOnline.com. "Peter M. Ho filed suits last week in Lubbock County District Court and U.S. District Court challenging the state regulatory panel’s authority to regulate the practice, calling the rule protectionist and anti-consumer. According to the suits, the board has threatened to take disciplinary action against Brian Kern, an optometrist employed by Ho, for violating the co-location rule." Read more.

Hawaii Warns of Risks from Cosmetic CLs

"As the Halloween season approaches, the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) wants consumers to be aware of the risks associated with wearing cosmetic, non-corrective contact lenses that are purchased without a valid prescription," reports Kohn2.com. "State officials says using the wrong contacts can cause injury, infection and even possible blindness if the quality is questionable or they are fitted or worn incorrectly. In 2008, the state passed a law prohibiting sales of non-prescription contact lenses in Hawaii. However, these lenses are still being marketed illegally as fashion or Halloween accessories at beauty salons, swap meets, convenience stores; through on-line businesses; and even by individuals advertising on the Internet." Read more.

New Eyewear from L'Amy's Nicole Miller Chambers

"Three raised metal Celtic symbols – a larger one on the side followed by smaller ones on the top and bottom – are the highlight of the Nicole Miller Chambers frame," according to Midwest Lens. "The Celtic theme is an important one in Nicole Miller and the NM Chambers parlays the Celtic obsession brilliantly. Rich acetate colors in a modern rounded shape with keyhole bridge complete this urban style. Three beautiful colors, honey tortoise, wisteria fade and olive complete this style." Read more.

A Roundup of Augmented Reality Eyewear

"Soon many people will be seeing the world through computerized glasses, and not just those made by Google," notes the New York Times. "Spurred by the coming of Google Glass, a handful of companies are joining the nascent market to float e-mail, text messages and the Internet in front of people as they ride their bicycles, buy groceries or pretend to be paying attention at meetings. Many of the new glasses from Google rivals will have a different look from Glass and be aimed at specialized markets, said Shane Walker, an analyst at the research firm IHS, who is preparing a report on an expected surge in smart glasses and related products." Read more.

Cataract Surgery on Rise, Says Study

"As baby boomers enter their retirement years, health care costs for complex and debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer's disease are expected to soar. Not drawing as much attention is the likelihood of similarly rising expenses for common age-related medical procedures," starts the Medical News Today post. "A Mayo Clinic study looked at one of those - cataract surgery - and found that more people are getting the vision-improving procedure, seeking it at younger ages and having both eyes repaired within a few months, rather than only treating one eye. The demand shows no sign of leveling off, raising the need to manage costs and ensure access to appropriate cataract treatment, the researchers say. The findings are published in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery." Read more. What will this mean in terms of spectacle sales?

Diagnosising Pathological Myopia with Automation

"An automated assessment of multiple datasets using artificial intelligence accurately diagnoses a common cause of blindness," reports Science Daily. "Pathological myopia is a condition characterized by severe, progressive nearsightedness caused by the protrusion of pigmented tissue from the back of the eye. The disease is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide and the leading cause in Asian countries. Early diagnosis is essential for preventing permanent loss of vision but heavily relies on manual screening and involves a complete eye exam, which can take up to an hour. Zhuo Zhang of the A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research in Singapore and her colleagues have now developed an automated, computer-assisted informatics method that uses artificial intelligence to diagnose the condition accurately." Read more.

Researchers Might Have Topical Treatment for AMD

"Researchers have identified a possible topical treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)," reports Science Daily. "The findings are the first to report successful topical use of a compound with the potential to treat both major forms of AMD, which can currently only be treated in later stages with regular injections into the eye." Read more.

Woman Stores CLs in Tap Water, Contracts Amoeba Infection

"How many times have you let your basic contact lens hygiene slide, not doing things like washing your hands before handling your lenses, using tap water instead of saline solution or sleeping in your lenses?" asks a story on Huffington Post. "During a busy week at work, a woman named Erin was out of contact lens solution but didn't have time to buy any, so she used tap water to store her contact lenses. That would soon prove to be a mistake: She contracted a rare amoeba infection that began to attack her cornea." Read more.

Oregon's Cheerleaders Unintentionally Promote Decorative CLs

USA Today reported that University of Oregon's cheerleaders tweated the following: "On our way to Seattle, but all we see is green and yellow #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/C7QLuCbNqj" And  the picture went with the tweat. Just how many of those cheerleaders went to a doctor to ensure the fit of those contact lenses.

New Eyewear from Safilo's Smith Optics and Polaroid

Smith Optic has launched its new collection of sunglasses and optical frames specifically designed for outdoor activities. A Safilo spokesperson says that the lines comes with ChromaPop, the world’s most scientifically advanced polarized lens that reportedly optimizes color vision and increase visual clarity.

Polaroid has a new collection of sunglasses, which is divided into five categories of sunglasses, all having different technical and stylistic features but the same high-performance polarized lenses: Polaroid UltraSight. 

SEE Opens 31st in Philly Area and 32nd to Open in Seattle

"A Michigan-based eyewear chain opened its first area store in Suburban Square.," accordindg to the Philadelphia Business Journal. "The Ardmore, Pa., store (37 Coulter Ave.) is the 31st location for SEE, which sells fashion eyewear at a discount. CEO and majority owner Richard Golden, who was in town this week for the store’s grand opening, told me the chain first tried to get into the Philadelphia market five years ago. ...Golden owns the Southfield, Mich.-based chain with his brother Randall. The company has 150 employees in stores and 50 in its headquarters. Next week, SEE will open a store in Seattle." Read more.

"In Pursuit of the Ultimate Eyewear"

"My glasses are for driving,’ says Japanese-based architect and designer Eisuke Tachikawa. ‘And sometimes for stargazing.’ As dually specialised ocular prerequisites go, this is quite an obscure request… but, it turns out, nothing that spectacle maker Silhouette’s Rimless Bespoke programme can’t handle," notes the Wallpaper. "We are in the design department at Silhouette’s HQ in Linz, Austria. Creative director Roland Keplinger is talking about Dieter Rams’ (via American architect Louis Sullivan) notion of form following function and how it relates to spectacle design. He tackles the intricacies, trickiness and applications of titanium, guiding Tachikawa through the Rimless process, advising on face fit, lens shape and colour." Read more.

New Safety Eyewear from Honeywell

"Honeywell launched Uvex Livewire sealed eyewear for extreme, high-particulate environments," according to Penn Energy. "Based on extensive research and fit-testing, the Uvex Livewire precision-engineered frame ensures a superior, gap-free fit that seals out debris, while the high-performance Uvextreme® Plus coating delivers 10 times longer anti-fog protection and two times better scratch resistance than other anti-fog coated lenses. Uvex Livewire is designed to deliver exceptional durability, performance, fit and protection to keep workers safe in the harshest conditions." Read more.

New from Bowie and Morrissey's Argyleculture

"The Argyleculture Eyewear collection features fashion-forward eyewear designed to fit real men," says Midwest Lens. "Handcrafted for larger fit needs, Bowie and Morrissey offer bold embellishments and colors while staying comfortable and lightweight. Combining traditional and classical elements with a highlighted twist, the latest Argyleculture frames create a modern fashion statement." Read more.

Urine Test Reveals Retinitis Pigmentosa

"You might not think to look to a urine test to diagnose an eye disease," says Science Daily. "But a new Duke University study says it can link what is in a patient's urine to gene mutations that cause retinitis pigmentosa, or RP, an inherited, degenerative disease that results in severe vision impairment and often blindness. The findings appear online in the Journal of Lipid Research." Read more.

California DPH Warns against Decorative CLs

"Dr. Ron Chapman, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) director and state health officer, today warned consumers about the risks associated with wearing decorative contact lenses without proper consultation with an eye care professional," according to the Sierra Sun-Times. "Decorative contact lenses are non-corrective lenses that do not correct vision and are intended to temporarily change the appearance of the eye. Use of these lenses can carry serious risks, including permanent eye injury that may lead to blindness. " Read more.

Dior Releases Video for His New Sunglasses

"Christian Dior has created a new video celebrating its latest accessories, the avant-garde 'Audacieuse' sunglasses which debuted in the Fall-Winter 2013 ready-to-wear show," notes Yahoo! News. "Dior has released a new one-minute long video showing off the butterfly-inspired shape of the 'Dior Audacieuse' design. In the film the model wears the glasses with a simple Dior bustier top and the makeup look from the Fall-Winter 2013 show: metallic lilac cat-eye liner around the eyes, solid brows, and a pale pink pout." Read more.

Jason Maxielwearl to Don Protective Eye

"Jason Maxiell will change his look at some point in the next few weeks," reports the Orlando Sentinel. "Because he underwent surgery late last season to repair a detached retina, Maxiell has worn protective eyewear during Magic practices. Maxiell has worn a relatively fashionable pair of Wilson glasses during Magic practices. But soon he expects to receive goggles that resemble the eyewear Horace Grant donned during Grant’s days with the Chicago Bulls and the Magic. Maxiell doesn’t expect the new goggles to be ready for Wednesday night’s preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans in Jacksonville." Read more.

Innovations in Eyewear???

"Google Glass has been hogging the spotlight when it comes to eyewear, but get ready to see new technology designed for those stuck with old-fashioned prescription eyeglasses," goes the LATimes post. "About 64% of Americans wear glasses to improve vision. Many can't stand them, complaining that glasses are cumbersome, headache-inducing or don't work in all situations. Meanwhile, the growing amount of time people spend in front of computers and mobile devices has also raised concern about the potential damaging effects on eyesight. That's spurring innovation among eye specialists, who say the glasses industry has been largely stagnant since bifocals were invented by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century. "It's a marketplace with slow technology adoption. There hasn't been new technology in eyeglasses in forever," said Stephen Kurtin, chairman of Superfocus, which makes adjustable-focus glasses that enable wearers to choose the best focus for every distance. Now, companies are designing a host of solutions to aid glasses wearers, including futuristic lenses and even an iPhone app that developers say can help people wean themselves off glasses." Read more.

New Progressive Solves the Swimming Issue

"For eyeglass wearers who want to avoid the telltale bifocal line, progressive lenses have become an attractive option—but they present some practical problems," reports the Wall Street Journal. The reporter came away impressed with Essilor's new Varilux S. "Many people who wear the graduated prescription lenses with their three viewing zones—close-up, midrange and distance—say they can sometimes make objects looks like they're moving. Playing sports in them is tricky as they can create blurry peripheral vision and make depth perception more difficult. Engineers in recent years have tried to fix these problems by designing different variations, such as glasses just for golf, and multifocal contact lenses. For Ines Bunza, 54 years old, of Ridgewood, N.J., the problem of 'swim,' or objects appearing to move caused her to give up on progressives." Read more.

See How Those Glasses Look without Leaving Home--Another App

"The last time I picked out new eyeglasses, I spent about an hour trying out different pairs in the store. Of course I had to drive there, find and pay for parking, and get soaked in the rain." So starts the CNET post. "I would have much rather used Smart Vision, an Australian technology that can create an augmented-reality 3D model of a face from a 2D image. It can show you what you look like when trying on many different pairs of glasses or sunglasses, and you won't even have to leave home. Australia's national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), has filed patents on the Smart Vision virtual try-on tech, which lets users see themselves from any angle." Read more.

Medicare Pays Out More Than a Billion to ODs

Optometrists for the first time earned more than $1 billion in reimbursements under Medicare during 2012, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), according to the AOA (American Optometric Assn.). Complete 2012 data on the number of optometrists providing services under Medicare, the number of Medicare patients seen that year, or the total number of services provided by them is not yet available. However, the CMS estimates 32,404 optometrists saw Medicare patients during 2011, and more than 11 million services were performed by those optometrists under Medicare that year. Read more.

Zac Posen and Kenmark Partner Up

"Zac Posen, the luxury apparel and accessories brand, and Kenmark, the global optical and sunwear company, have announced their partnership to create a new collection of luxury eyewear," reports Vision Monday. "The agreement covers the design, production and worldwide distribution of both men’s and women’s sun and prescription eyewear." Read more.

Imaging System Inspired by the Simplicity of the Eye

"For hundreds of years, optical devices, like telescopes and microscopes, have relied on solid lenses that slide up and down to magnify and to focus," notes Science Daily. "To tune how much light is received, conventional devices use mechanical contraptions like the blades that form the adjustable aperture in cameras. To meet demands for ever smaller imaging systems, researchers are working to create entirely unconventional ways of focusing light. In pursuit of this vision, engineers from the University of Freiburg in Germany have built a novel type of imaging system inspired by the elegance and relative mechanical simplicity of the human eye. The technology may one day lead to new imaging instruments and microscopes for use in medicine and scientific research, such as devices for detecting early signs of skin cancer or early visual cues for food spoilage." Read more.

Canon Showing Off New Imaging Solution at Vision West

"Responding to the need for a single solution that helps eyecare professionals capture, view, process, and store images, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, [previewed its]...imageSPECTRUM Image Management System software (v5.0)* during Vision Expo West...Canon [showcased]...its line of ophthalmic and optometric offerings in combination with the new intuitive software to demonstrate a solution that offers image management and increased portability of patient data to help improve workflow processes and reduce appointment times." That was a post on the Fort Mills Times. Read more.

Fully Functioning Tear Glands Regenerated

"Scientists from Japan have regenerated fully functioning bioengineered salivary and tear glands, according to two reviews published in the journal Nature Communications."  That's the news from Medical News Today. "Researchers from the Tokyo University of Science, led by professor Takashi Tsuji, say their findings demonstrate proof-of-concept and indicate a big step toward next-generation organ replacement regenerative therapies, helping people whose organs have been damaged by disease, injury or aging. For both studies, the researchers transplanted and tested their regenerated glands in mouse models that had certain disorders." Read more.

FDA Clearance for B+L's New Hydrogel CL

Nasdaq.com reports that "Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. ...and Bausch + Lomb announced the U.S. FDA has issued marketing clearance for Bausch + Lomb's newest frequent replacement silicone hydrogel contact lenses made with MoistureSeal Technology." Read more.

Recon, Google-Glass Competitior, Gets Funding from Intel

"Intel Capital on Thursday made a 'significant' investment in Canadian wearables technology company Recon Instruments, the Vancouver, BC makers of consumer heads-up display products for sports. Intel Capital, Intel's investment arm, makes equity investments in innovative technology startups and companies," reports Sci-Tech-Today. "Founded in 2008, Recon Instruments lays claim to the 'world's first consumer Heads-up Displays (HUD) for sports,' selling over 50,000 units of its wearables, and making partnerships with known eyewear brands." Read more.

New Eyewear Collections from Safilo

Alexander McQueen has launched its Fall/Winter 2013-2014 eyewear collection with three key new styles. The collection reinterprets the signature detailing of the accessories in a unique way; from the cascade of metal studs to the distinctive detailing of the “Heroine” bag. Read more.

Safilo describes its Max & Co. new line as bold, edgy nuances – highlighted by colour blocking, shaded dégradé effects, exclusive graphic patterns and unexpected colour combinations. A company spokesperson adds that the collection is an inspiring blend of contemporary creativity and a touch of pop, which adds a playful, vibrant twist to these sunglasses and optical frames which emphasize the personality of whoever wears them. Then there's the MaxMara eyewear collection, which the spokesperson writes, "showcases elegant and refined sunglasses and optical frames. Precious details, reminiscent of the House’s iconic accessories, give an aura of sophistication to the new models, for a truly timeless style." Read more.

The new Autumn/Winter 2013/2014 Boss Orange eyewear collection showcases sunglasses and optical frames with a supposedly urban spirit and a fresh twist. Bright, lively colors and innovative materials give a unique touch to the new models, offering a truly contemporary look.  Read more. Least we not forget, there's also the Autumn/Winter 2013/2014 Boss Eyewear collection showcases sunglasses and optical frames with clean lines and precious detailing which express a unique, sophisticated and understated style.

The new Jimmy Choo eyewear collection celebrates the brand’s luxury spirit, with its contemporary and sophisticated sunglasses and optical frames.

The Tommy Hilfiger Group has  introduced its new eyewear collection of men’s and women’s sunglasses and optical frames. It is said to feature classic designs, reinterpreted with a retro flair, in easy-to-wear shapes that reflect the Tommy Hilfiger brand’s classic American cool style. Read more.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs new collection draws inspiration from the bold aesthetic of 1930s and 1940s Hollywood. The new sunglasses and optical frames have chic silhouettes, refined details and rich colors, underlining a vision of classic sophistication. That's followed by the Marc Jacobs collection, described as an inspiring take on glamour of old Hollywood. Therefore, the new models feature classic shapes and luxurious details, evoking a refined elegance. Read more.

The new Oxydo collection has new styling for its sunglasses and optical frames. The simple detailing and a definite colour palette characterize the new models: eminent black, remarkable Havana, nude tone, and cobalt blue are not just shades of color. Four colors reportedly reflects the brand’s minimalist, contemporary spirit. Read more.


"A perfect combination of materials and colors," so writes the Safilo spokesperson to describe the Carrera 82 unisex sunglasses. They reportedly

have slim profiles and an oversize teardrop silhouette inspired by the brand’s iconic models that made history, reinterpreted with a contemporary twist. The large front in Optyl is matched with slim ruthenium temples of black or mud, brown or ivory with gold temples, orange or grey with black temples and Havana with dark green temples. The models also come with such Carrera details as a silk-screen logo on the temples and on the upper front metal profile. Read more.