Tom's Hooks Up with Bain to Accelerate Growth

Toms, the company that turned the idea of One for One into a global movement, signed with investment firm Bain Capital to accelerate growth of the company and its giving programs. Founder Blake Mycoskie continues as company visionary and retains 50% ownership. Founded eight years ago, it began as a shoe company that matched every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need – One for One. Since then, Toms' giving has grown to serve other basic needs. Its Eyewear gives sight to a person in need with every pair of eyewear purchased, and Its Roasting Co. gives one week of clean water to a person in need for every bag of coffee purchased. To date, TOMS has given over 25 million new pairs of shoes to children in need and helped restore sight to more than 250,000 people. Read more.

Diversified Ophthalmics U.S. Distributor for Unilens

Unilens Vision Inc. assigned Diversified Ophthalmics, Inc., as its U.S. distributor for C-Vue family of disposable contact lens. The lenses are available for sale now through all thirteen Diversified Ophthalmic locations. Read more.

Infographic about Myopia in Children

AllAboutVision.com has expanded its website about myopia and children, adding five articles for patients and their parents along with the infographic. The company has added it to its list of free eye health infographics that eye care professionals can share with their patients.

OptiCon Coming This Week

Linda Conlin, president and founder of OpticalCEUs and F.E. Enterprises, will present at upcoming OptiCon, sponsored by the Opticians Association of America. The association released a schedule of events. The conference will run from Sept. 4 to 6 at the Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville.

Johnson & Johnson Partners with "X Factor"

"Contact lens giant Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (J&J) partnered with television talent show The [British] X Factor [tv show] to provide the friends and families of those auditioning the opportunity to try contacts lenses from its Acuvue range. Across the programme’s four days of auditions at London’s Wembley SSE Arena, J&J offered one-to-one consultations to interest potential contact lens wearers," according to Optometry Today. "'Everyone who visited the specially established contact lens booth during the auditions was given a free Acuvue trial voucher. The partnership “aimed to encourage young people and contact lens considerers to visit their local practices and become an Acuvue wearer,' J&J explained." Read more.

New Eyewear from Ogi Eyewear

Midwest Lens reports that "making a statement as the next noteworthy thick angular cat eye, the 9206 enters the market with an edgy yet inviting appearance. This desirable style encompasses many rich designer details, giving it an exquisite look unlike anything we’ve seen before. Available in 4 designer color schemes of pink mingle, purple mingle, yellow mingle and green mingle, the 9206 assures confidence to the face behind the frame. From the vibrant acetate fronts to the matching colored metal hinge accents, the 9206 presents itself as a frame to forever be remembered." Read more.

New Eyewear from Nike Vision

"Nike Vision introduces the Nike Flexon Hyper collection, a groundbreaking new line that combines the wearable style and lightweight comfort of plastic-framed eyewear with the progressive strength and flexibility of our advanced memory metal—Flexon," says Midwest Lens. "Designed specifically for active people who are tough on their frames, the Nike Flexon Hyper collection is built with a dual-injected manufacturing process featuring a TR-70 chassis sealed inside rubber, with Nike Flexon encased in the nosebridge. All three materials are ultra lightweight and flexible, and thanks to Nike Flexon’s innovative memory properties, the frames can bend, but are engineered to return to the original fit and shape. The result? Comfortable, more durable frames that are designed to take on the abuse of life." Read more.

Treating Vision Problems Induced by Space Travel

"To reduce and better treat spaceflight-induced visual impairment, University of Houston (UH) optometrists are collaborating on a NASA study that examines ocular changes seen in a number of astronauts," according to SpaceRef. "The research, developed by Heidelberg Engineering, uses Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which is a technique for obtaining subsurface images of translucent or opaque materials at a resolution equivalent to a low-power microscope. OCT effectively images reflections from within tissue to provide cross-sectional views. This technology is being used to investigate changes in visual acuity, intraocular pressure, the optic nerve and retinal structures in astronauts exposed to long-duration microgravity aboard the International Space Station (ISS)." Read more.

Essilor's Profits Up an Adjust 3.5%

According to a MarketWatch report, "French lens maker Essilor International said on Thursday net profit more than doubled in the first half, boosted by the company's recent acquisitions. Net profit for the first six months rose to EUR699 million euros ($923.6 million) from EUR310 million as revenue rose 7.9% to EUR2.78 billion from EUR2.58 billion. Profit adjusted for acquisitions and other 'nonrecurring' items rose 3.5% to EUR325 million, Essilor said. The CAC 40-listed company--whose main brands include Varilux, Crizal, and Foster Grant--has made several acquisitions over the past year, including U.S. sunglass maker Costa Inc. for $270 million." Read more.

Will.i.am Launching Eyewear Line

"Will.i.am is bouncing with enthusiasm," starts the Women's Wear Daily post. "Perched on a gray leather and concrete built-in sofa in his sleek black recording studio (which looks like the modern-day version of the villain’s den in the James Bond classic 'Dr. No'), he is discussing his newest venture, ill.i Optics by will.i.am. The dual-gender optical and sunglass line launches Sept. 16 in selected retailers worldwide." Read more.

Luxottica’s Guerra May Be Ousted

According to a post on Reuters.com, Luxottica’s CEO Andrea Guerra may be ousted:

The board of Italy's Luxottica will discuss on Sept. 1 the future of Chief Executive Andrea Guerra, who is expected to leave the world's biggest luxury eyewear maker following disagreement with owner Leonardo Del Vecchio.The group said in a statement on Monday the board would discuss management structure and Guerra's position. The meeting will be followed by a conference call for analysts and investors, Luxottica said. Three sources close to the matter told Reuters last week that Guerra, one of Italy's most-respected executives, was set to leave after clashing with Luxottica's founder and Chairman Del Vecchio. Read more.

Just last week, the company reportedly will close 50 Sears Optical shops. Read more.

Native American Ancestry Risk Factor for Eye Disease

“New research, led by the University of Southern California (USC) Eye Institute, part of Keck Medicine of USC, shows for the first time that Native American ancestry is a significant risk factor for vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy among Latinos with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in the United States, affecting more than 4 million Americans age 40 and older,” according to Medical News Today. “The research was published online in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, the peer-reviewed academic journal of The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the largest and most respected eye and vision research organization in the world” Read more.

Fix Patient Flow with Principles of Industrial Engineering

“Here’s a typical day at many …[practices or optical shops for that matter, the bosses, doctors, or  you]  consider how to bring in more patients because the insurers are squeezing prices and competitors are ramping up advertising. …[ECPs] rush …seemingly without enough hours in their day. Meanwhile, patients sit in the waiting room, growing frustrated (and those calling the hospital sit on hold), even as exam rooms are empty and multimillion-dollar equipment sits idle. What’s going on here?” That’s the question asked by strategy + business. Here’s its answer: Apply four specific of industrial engineering. It’s written for hospitals, but the article’s principles could apply to any optical shop or optical practice. Read more.

Card Cheat Wins Using Marked Deck and Contact Lenses

“Bruce Koloshi’s strategy for cheating at poker at the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut one night last September was, the authorities said, unusual. He marked the cards with ink that he believed only he could see with the special contact lenses he was wearing,” states the New York Times article. “His reason for doing so was even more unusual. He said he was trying to win enough to make bail in Louisiana, where he was facing felony charges for doing the same thing. It turned out that others could see his supposedly invisible ink — casino surveillance operators, if they played the video from their cameras in black-and-white rather than color. A surveillance operator at Mohegan Sun did and called in the state police, who arrested Mr. Koloshi.” Read more.

Trauma, Surgery, Injections Cause Common Eye Infection

“The most common cause of endophthalmitis, a potentially blinding condition that can occur after eye trauma, eye surgery, and eye injections, are the well-known staphylococci ("staph") and streptococci ("strep") bacterial strains, according to a study published in the August issue of Ophthalmology and based on a review of 25 years of cases at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE).” That’s the word from Science Daily. Read more.

Vision Loss Increases Risk for Death, Says Study

“Vision loss can adversely affect the ability of older adults to perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), such as using the telephone, shopping and doing housework, which are all measures of an individual's ability to live independently, and that subsequently increases the risk for death,” reports Medical News Today. “Visual impairment (VI) can have negative effects on a person's physical and psychosocial health. VI is associated with a variety of functional and health outcomes. The authors used data from the Salisbury Eye Evaluation study to examine the extent to which visual acuity (VA) loss increased the risk for death because of its effect on functional status over time. The study included 2,520 older adults (65 to 84 years) from September 1993 through July 2003 from the greater Salisbury, Md., area. Study participants were reassessed at 2, 6 and 8 years after baseline.” Read more.

Luxottica Reportedly to Close 50 Sears Opticals

Two days after newspapers were reporting that Luxottica’s CEO Andrea Guerra was facing troubles, Vision Monday reports that Luxottica will close 50 Sears Optical locations.

Luxottica Retail’s Licensed Brands division will close 50 Sears Optical locations in the U.S., VMail has learned. The news was shared internally with associates. In response to a query from VMail, the company did not provide which specific locations would close, but a Luxottica spokesperson said, “Today, we are sharing the difficult, but necessary decision to close 50 Sears Optical locations across the U.S. The impacted stores have served their customers and communities well, but have struggled with results over time. The Sears Optical team is incredibly committed to the long-term, sustainable growth of the brand….”Read more.

New Sports Goggles from Liberty Sports

“Liberty Sport’s popular F8 frame series continues to inspire. The All-Pro and All-Pro Goggle were created to bridge the gap between teen and adult sizing – with a look that plays for all ages. Available in three trend-conscious colors, both the frame and goggle compliment today’s busy lifestyle. ‘F8 All-Pro meets the needs of active teens and adults who no longer wear frames exclusively for sports,’ says Linda Laube, EVP of Business Development.” That’s the post from Midwest Lens. Read more.

New Eyewear from Alexander McQueen

The Alexander McQueen eyewear collection for Fall/Winter 2014/2015 uses cut off metal studs, perforated flat metal and a textured effect. These latest styles showcase Alexander McQueen’s signature craftsmanship. The color palette ranges from classic colors such as blue, black, burgundy to oxidized metals such as ruthenium, copper and bronze.

New Eyewear from Bottega Veneta

The new styles of this season’s Bottega Veneta eyewear collection feature subtle signatures of the brand including the Intrecciato motif, interpreted through sculpted texture on the temples or lasered on precious leather and on the photoengraved studs. The introduction of flash mirror lenses offer additional options to select styles. Read more.

New Eyewear from Carrera

For Fall/Winter 2014/2015, Carrera plays with ultra-slim profiles and stunning color-blocking effects. The new eyewear collection reveals an authentic spirit and a fresh, lively look, highlighted by the use of premium materials and reflecting the brand’s great passion for design and attention to detail.
Last but not least, Carrera shakes up the world of fashion with its latest “Made in Italy” adventure: a revolutionary bitoric wraparound nylon/metal model. Read more.

New Eyewear from Dior

For winter 2014, the Femme Fleur collection by Raf Simons uses graphic silhouettes mirrored at the top of the lenses in metallic colors. A facetted metal line is applied on the lens. The color palettes are comprised of the following: gun metal frame, silver mirrored and grey lenses; gun metal frame, dusk blue mirrored and blue lenses; golden metal frame, power pink mirrored and gray lenses; golden metal frame, orange mirrored and blue lenses. Read more.

FDA Gives Contact Lens Manufacturers a Year to Comply with UDI Rule

“Some medical device manufacturers will have an additional year to comply with the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Unique Device Identification (UDI) rule, a 2013 regulation intended to allow regulators to exercise greater oversight of the device industry,” reports RAPS.org. One group: Contact Lens manufacturers. “In an announcement this week, FDA indicated that at least one group of devices had been granted an extension. Class III contact lens and intraocular lens labelers, FDA said, would have until September 2015 to label their products in accordance with the UDI rule's direct marking requirements. The reason for the delay, FDA explained, was because of the likelihood of an ‘extremely large number of data submissions to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID)’—a number so large that FDA implied it might be a burden upon both the industry and its database.”  Read more.

WellPoint Takes Up New Moniker: Anthem

“WellPoint Inc. (WLP), the second-largest health insurer in the U.S., plans to change its name to Anthem Inc., the brand under which it sells most of its coverage,” according to Bloomberg News. “WellPoint and other large health insurers find themselves increasingly marketing directly to consumers, as Obamacare requires most uninsured Americans to obtain coverage and employers thrust more responsibility for costs on their workers. The company sells plans in 14 of the health-care law’s new insurance exchanges, in most cases under its Anthem brand.” Read more.

Trouble in Luxottica’s Eyewear Paradise: Andrea Guerra to Leave?

“Andrea Guerra, chief executive of Italy's Luxottica, is close to leaving the eyewear group after differences of opinion with founder and chairman Leonardo Del Vecchio, several newspapers said on Wednesday,” according to a Reuters post on Yahoo! Finance. “Luxottica, whose brands include Ray-Ban and Oakley, declined to comment. The company's shares were down 4.5 percent in morning trade. Guerra, who earlier this year was tipped to become a minister in Matteo Renzi's government, is credited with helping turn family controlled Luxottica into the world's largest eyewear maker by revenue. But according to a report in Corriere della Sera, relations between Guerra and patriarch Del Vecchio soured after Guerra's recent deal with Google to market its Internet-connected spectacles.” Read more.

CNBC reported: "Guerra took the helm of Luxottica in 2004 and has been credited with a massive turnaround of the company. Under Guerra's leadership, the company's share price has more than tripled. Several Italian newspapers reported that Guerra could leave at the end of the year when his contract expires, but the prospect of his departure has investors worried." Read more.

New Eyewear from Seraphin

“Characteristically demonstrating a noteworthy tribute to retro boldness, Seraphin recommends a design inspired by time honored styles from the mid to late 20th century. The Milton is brought to the forefront with dapper appearance embodying the prestigious intelligence behind the frame. A memorable unification of Japanese titanium and acetate overlay come together to create an extremely lightweight yet durable design. With exquisite detail on both the bridge and the temples, the Milton provides a timeless classic of precise intricacy. With a refined classiness, this round frame captivates sophistication, making it an icon to always be remembered,” writes Midwest Lens. “A timeless classic, the P3 figure of Seraphin’s Milton offers a long-established shape with updated intricacy. Elaborate etchings lace the Milton’s Japanese titanium throughout its bridge and temples with a hand crafted quality. Titanium and acetate unify to produce an extremely lightweight design with options such as black/antique silver, dark tortoise demi/black, dark tortoise demi/gold and light blonde demi/bronze.” Read more.

New Eyewear from Fendi

Fendi presents the new Fall/Winter 2014-2015 eyewear collection embodies Fendi’s aesthetic codes for the new season celebrating lightness and geometric architectures. Skillful manufacturing techniques enhance the glasses’ premium quality, such as Optyl and exclusive acetate, celebrating the House’s perfect savoir-faire and timeless elegance. The color palette comprises refined shades and edgy color contrasts highlighted by an alluring interplay of materials, jewel-like details and shaded or mirrored lenses. Read more.

Fendi Fashion Show Sunglasses: Fendi, for Fall/Winter 2014-2015, presents the Galassia sunglasses. Different materials are melted together to form a cat-eye frame in acetate is enriched by faceted Havana or multi-colored elements framing the lenses. The metal shape, highlighted by graphic lines underlining the eyes, is completed by a thin metal bridge and slim metal temples with a flat design, enhanced by refined enamel colors, such as black/crystal with multicolor insert and azure shaded lenses, rust/crystal with Havana red insert, and orange pink lenses, turquoise/crystal with multicolor insert and azure shaded lenses, white/crystal with multicolor insert and yellow shaded lenses. Read more.

New Eyewear from Gucci

Gucci presents its Fall/Winter 2014-2015 eyewear collection, introducing new sunglasses and optical frames dedicated to a contemporary and sensual woman. The styles are embellished with new versions of the brand’s distinctive signature motifs, interpreted with innovative finishes that reflect the tradition of excellence and the flawless savoir-faire of Gucci. Read more.

New Eyewear from Hugo Boss

Hugo Boss Fall/Winter 2014/2015 eyewear collection offers bold shapes with distinctive colors: black and red.The oversized sun mask accents sharp edges and a metallic structure visible on the front, highlighted by the tones of palladium or dark ruthenium with flash mirror or gray lenses. These acetate squared optical frames feature a flat front top line and unique three-layer profiles in the signature colors of black and red, but also in the classic tones of Havana/crystal/Havana, gray/crystal/gray or total crystal blue. Read more.

Boss Orange presents its new eyewear collection for Fall/Winter 2014 featuring the exclusive triangle hinge: a colored rubber insert, interpreted in a new reversed version that reveals its inner soul. Fresh and urban sunglasses and optical frames come in easy-to-wear shapes with a fresh look and seduce with innovative materials and tone combinations. Read more.

 

 

 

The sunglasses and optical frames of Boss Fall/Winter 2014/2015 eyewear men’s collection blend cutting-edge technologies with fashion-forward design inspirations. A micro-steel insert at the end of the temple tips is the new detail of the collection. The women’s eyewear collection presents soft and feminine shapes, highlighted by contemporary-chic elements , such as a subtle wooden-like texture on the temples, accentuated by shiny metal details. Read more. 

New Eyewear from Jimmy Choo

The Jimmy Choo eyewear collection for Fall/Winter 2014/2015 celebrates the brand’s luxury spirit. The contemporary and sophisticated sunglasses and optical frames feature leather inserts, exclusive fabric details with glitter elements and animal-prints. Read more.

New Eyewear from Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs presents the Fall/Winter 2014/2015 eyewear collection. The new sunglasses and optical frames convey a contemporary style. With geometric shapes and unparalleled color combinations, the frames are enhanced by an innovative mix of materials: acetate and metal melt together to create extra-light silhouettes while rubber details underline the contemporary personality of the men’s sunglasses. Subtle opal shades define the elegant allure of the women sunglasses, while the men’s styles are offered in bold hues, such as black, blue and burgundy. Read more.

Marc by Marc Jacobs: The Fall/Winter 2014/2015 Marc by Marc Jacobs eyewear collection presents new sunglasses and optical frames highlighting the brand’s modern and lively spirit. The new styles’ clean design is interpreted with innovative creativity, such as the vintage-inspired round sunglasses underlined by graphic colors, or the feisty yet sophisticated see-through offerings with metal grids in subtle color ways, for a cutting-edge effect. Read more.

New Contact Lens Case Available Next Year

WatchDog Group designers have engineered a contact lens case with patent pending features that the company says will minimize microbial contamination. Its flip-top design of the case called EZcase is said to make it easy to open and close. Left and right solution soaking wells are marked, reducing the chances of mixing up lenses. Its flip-top drying feature keeps solution wells from touching dangerous sink top bacteria while also keeping irritating allergy dust and bathroom particulates from dropping into the wells. The case  will be nationally distributed to food, drug, and mass retailers Spring 2015. Read more.

New Eyewear from Safilo’s Max

Max & Co.: The new Fall/Winter 2014/2015 Max &Co. eyewear collection is inspired by Europe’s capitals. Berlin’s intellectual charm inspires the lines of the new sunglasses combining pure colors with gloss effects and mirrored lenses. They also are available in an animal print version. London’s “hip” spirit gives life to sunglasses and optical frames: 80s-inspired softly rounded silhouettes embellished with the new “tube” detailing on the temples, for a fashion-forward appeal. Paris’ bon-ton elegance is conveyed by eyewear with polka dots, reinterpreted in a new, all-over spotted version in delicate pastel hues. Read more.

Max Mara: Its Fall/Winter 2014/2015 sunglasses and optical frame collection reflects the brand’s use of modern design elements blended with its techniques of production, its architectural shapes, and its use of materials. The sunglasses and optical frames highlight the eye with a refined color palette featuring soft, opalescent hues enlivened by trendy notes of rust, emerald green and midnight blue.
Expert manufacturing techniques lend an ethereal, lightweight feel to the glasses, while a harmonious blend of volumes and proportions makes each model unique. Read more.

Max Mara Fashion Show Sunglasses: Max Mara’s new sunglasses mix minimalism with metropolitan flair, says Safilo. The eyewear evokes Anglo-Scottish elegance. The squared acetate/metal frame with softly rounded edges and smooth profiles reflects the understated elegance of the Max Mara woman. A fine interplay of transparencies lends an ultra-lightweight feel to the new sunglasses, highlighted by clean, essential lines, recalling the minimalist design of the brand’s new accessories.  British-inspired nuances, reflecting the color palette of the House’s ready-to-wear collection, are perfectly matched with the dazzling gloss effect of the gold metal frame: orange, moss green, honey, grey and Havana, with plain or shaded brown or grey lenses. Read more.

“Enactive Torch” Helps Visually Impaired

“University of Cincinnati experiment aimed at this diverse and growing population could spark development of advanced tools to help all the aging baby boomers, injured veterans, diabetics and white-cane-wielding pedestrians navigate the blurred edges of everyday life,” according to a Medical News Today post. “These tools could be based on a device called the Enactive Torch, which looks like a combination between a TV remote and Captain Kirk's weapon of choice. But it can do much greater things than change channels or stun aliens. Luis Favela, a graduate student in philosophy and psychology, has found the torch enables the visually impaired to judge their ability to comfortably pass through narrow passages, like an open door or busy sidewalk, as good as if they were actually seeing such pathways themselves.” Read more.

New Eyewear from Oxydo

For Fall/Winter 2014/15, Oxydo from the Safilo Group has released a new collection of sunglasses and optical frames. The collections reportedly offers unique styling dedicated to young fashion enthusiasts who love experimenting with new trends every day.
The new collection plays with squared and rounded shapes, different materials and intense, definite hues. Each model is available in the same four colors: three basic nuances, including eminent black, remarkable Havana and nude tone, and the Fall/Winter 2014 instant pop of color for the season – emerald green. The new glasses is described as blending a lightweight feel with bold volumes and featuring Oxydo’s signature details, such as the laser-printed logo on the right temple tip and the integrated metal step hinge. Read more.

New Eyewear from Pierre Cardin

Pierre Cardin presents the new Fall/Winter 2014/2015 eyewear collection: the new sunglasses and optical frames celebrate the House’s stylistic codes with jewel-like detailing, inspired by Mr. Pierre Cardin’s legendary creations, and innovative materials, creating an unending dialogue between the past, the present, and the future. The women’s models flaunt a classic style, enhanced by sophisticated motifs highlighting the eye, while the men’s glasses are an inspired blend of elegance and functionality. The color palette explores new, refined combinations, with delicate graduated shading for the women’s eyewear and understated hues for the men’s models. Read more.

New Eyewear from Safilo

For Fall/Winter 2014-2015, Safilo presents a new collection of optical frames that, it says, is an inspired blend of style and innovation, reinterpreted with a contemporary twist, for unparalleled technical performance. All the new eyewear models feature Elasta 80 hinges. The temple closing mechanism has been further reduced so that it takes up less space. The screwless crossbow mechanism is inspired by the automotive world. The frames are made from what Safilo is calling XE 4066 polymer, a lightweight, resistant plastic material with unique technical and stylistic features, which reportedly has never been used in the eyewear industry. The polymer is said to allow for ultra-slim profiles and stunning matte/transparent colour combinations, for a strong visual impact. Read more.

New Eyewear from Smith Optics

For Fall/Winter 2014/2015, Smith Optics presents a new eyewear collection that reportedly combines cutting-edge technology with the brand’s unmistakable style. The brand’s new collections of sunglasses and optical frames perfectly reflect the authentic values for which Smith is renowned and appreciated worldwide including, its great passion for innovation, commitment to design and masterly craftsmanship. Read more.

New Eyewear from Tommy Hilfiger

The Tommy Hilfiger Group has introduced its Fall/Winter 2014 eyewear collection, manufactured by Safilo Group S.p.A. The new collection of sunglasses and optical frames for men and women features eclectic details that reportedly fuse functionality, comfort, versatility and style. An innovative combination of acetates introduces new brushed effects, color contrasts, graphic outlines and chromatic color blocking. The collection, available in Fall 2014, reflects the relaxed vibe, youthful spirit and irreverent attitude at the core of Tommy Hilfiger’s brand identity. Read more.

AAO Workshop Hopes to Prevent Acanthamoeba Keratitis

“The American Academy of Ophthalmology today announced a contact lens microbiology workshop on Sept. 12 aimed at preventing Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare infection among contact lens wearers that causes severe eye pain, redness, light sensitivity and potential vision loss,” writes News-Medical. “The event is jointly sponsored by the Academy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, the American Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association.” Read more.

Court Rules Jury Erred in Award Penalties against Wal-Mart

“A Texas jury erred in levying $3.95 million in civil penalties against Wal-Mart because the in-store optometrists pressed to stay open longer by the retail giant could not prove they suffered economic damages, the 5th Circuit ruled,” according to a post on Courthouse News Service. “Lead plaintiff Doris Forte filed a class action against the retailer in the Houston Federal Court in 2012, after years of discussion between the Texas Optometry Board and Wal-Mart over alleged violations of the Texas Optometry Act.” Read more.

Broussard Receive the First VSP Poston Leadership Award

The first-ever recipient of the VSP Marvin R. Poston Leadership Award is Alexis Broussard, a second year optometry student and president of the National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) chapter at Nova Southeastern University, College of Optometry in Ft. Lauderdale. Broussard was presented with the Award during the National Optometric Association’s  46^th annual conference in Washington, D.C. on July 26, 2014. VSP Global created the award in honor of Dr. Marvin Poston who helped found VSP. Read more.

New Eyewear from Tura

“Tura Inc., the inventor of fashion eyewear in 1938, expands its re-mastered Lulu Guinness collection with four striking Cat Eye models,” says Midwest Lens. “In keeping with the Lulu Guinness DNA, the new ophthalmic styles provide a modern, dramatic and flirty update to the popular Cat Eye shape trend. The frames feature custom iconic prints from the designer’s handbag collection, combining luxurious laminate materials and engravings to flatter a variety of women’s faces. While these new models are bold, they are still very wearable. The Lulu Guinness eyewear collection is the “must have” affordable collectible.” Read more.

Patients Order Contact Lenses Online thru CooperVision

CooperVision, Inc., is beta-testing a program that enables patients to order replacement contact lenses from any manufacturer via their mobile device, tablet or computer. Through the program, called LensFerry, ABB Optical ships the lenses to the patient’s home, and the prescribing practice receives sales revenue as if ECPs office ordered the lenses for the patient. The service will be part of WebSystem3’s EyeCare Prime suite later this year. The ECP needs to follow four steps:

1. In conjunction with selecting and prescribing contacts, the practice enrolls a wearer and verifies the prescription.
2. The wearer selects his/her insurance benefits and applicable rebates.
3. ABB Optical ships the contact lenses to the wearer’s home or business.
4. The ECP also can send the wearer custom-branded email and/or text reorder reminders via LensFerry.
5. If a wearer is not immediately interested in placing a lens order following an in-office appointment, LensFerry can send ECP-customized follow-up messages to encourage enrollment and online ordering, build wearer loyalty and maintain relationships.

Help with the Visual Needs of the Homebound

“Specsavers Healthcall has produced an eye care information document for care home staff to use,” reports Optician Online. “Its Personal Eyecare Package, a double-sided A4 document, has pictures of vision with various eye conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma. The Specsavers Healthcall optometrists tick the box on the picture relating to the resident for workers to get a better idea of the sort of vision problems they face.” Read more. You might find it a useful reference for patients or relatives who must care for a person at home.

Worst Eye Care Mistakes

“You rely on them from the moment you wake up to when you turn off the lights at night. But are you really giving your eyes the care they deserve? We talked to Deeba Chaudri, OD, a New York City-based optometrist with LensCrafters, about her patients’ biggest bloopers when it comes to taking care of their baby blues (or browns, greens, or hazels),” notes a post from ABC News. “Here’s what not to do to make sure your vision stays healthy well into your golden years.” The report is informative for the general public. If you tweet or ‘facebook’ your client, you might want to reference the page: <https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/worst-eye-care-mistakes-youre-making/story?id=25000949>.

New Eyewear from Alternative Eyewear

“Alternative Eyewear – Plan B Eyewear is pleased to announce its new high-end men’s collection, StaagSpectacles. Overbuilt and exceptionally well designed, Staag cuts a swath through the mundane in men’s eyewear. 5 and 7-barrelled hinges combined with mitred joints are the result of an unmatched attention to detail. Block and beta titanium, alongside Mazzucchelli cured acetate ensure outstanding quality. Bold, unique and masculine, Staag Spectacles is rugged refinement,” reports Midwest Lens. “Staag Spectacles is an exclusive collection of 12 models, 9 in the highest quality acetate and 3 in block and beta titanium. The frames themselves aspire to great things; each one is named after important and influential men in fiction and history. Color and shape is truly inspired. Bold orange, blue and red sit alongside exquisite tortoise, demi and two-toned browns. Color techniques and finishes used in the collection are amongst the most advanced in the industry.” Read more.

New Contact Lenses Being Developed

“Phase Focus Ltd. reports on how the Brien Holden Vision Institute is applying the Phasefocus high-precision lens profiler to assist in the development of new contact lenses. The Brien Holden Vision Institute is located at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia,” writes Novus Light. “The core business of the Brien Holden Vision Institute is to create new ways to improve vision outcomes for people whose sight is affected by refractive error. Collectively, the conditions of myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia and astigmatism (all regarded as ‘refractive errors’) impair the vision of billions of people worldwide. An area of particular interest for the Brien Holden Vision Institute is the use of novel optics with the potential to provide advanced modes of vision correction using contact lenses. The Phasefocus Lens Profiler is capable of accurately measuring power profiles of soft contact lenses. Those measurements are helping scientists to understand and improve the distribution of optical power over the lens surface.” Read more.

Diagnosing ADHD through Eye Movement

“Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed -- and misdiagnosed -- behavioral disorder in American children,” reports Science Daily. “Now a new study can provide the objective tool medical professionals need to accurately diagnose ADHD. The study indicates that involuntary eye movements accurately reflect the presence of ADHD.” Read more.

CMA Award Winner Darius Rucker Fights for Better Vision

Approximately half a billion people worldwide have correctable vision issues, but lack access to quality vision care, according to a press release on Yahoo! Finance. As part of an ongoing effort to shine a spotlight on this issue and the importance of healthy, enhanced vision, Transitions Optical and vision care nonprofit OneSight have teamed up with GRAMMY and CMA Award winning music artist Darius Rucker to launch a public service announcement aimed toward raising awareness and inviting others to join the cause at www.onesight.org. Read more.

G.I.’s to Get Guide Dogs

Some 1.5 million U.S. veterans are affected by vision issues as a result of active duty. A guide dog can empower them to lead more independent lives. VSP Vision Care has teamed up with VetDogs, a not-for-profit guide and service dog school that serves the needs of veterans. They are launching Vision to Share. VSP intents to provide up to $50,000 to place a guide dog with a veteran who is blind or has low vision. People nationwide are encouraged to participate by visiting SeeMuchMore.com and sharing the Vision to Share video. Every time a person shares the video through Facebook, Twitter or email, VSP will make a donation toward the care and training of a guide dog. Read more.

New Eyewear from Safilo

“Safilo celebrates its 80th anniversary by launching a new limited edition inspired by the legendary glasses once worn by Peggy Guggenheim (1898-1979), renowned collector of 20th century European avant-garde art, who discovered some of the greatest American artists of her time,” reports Midwest Lens. “These Surrealist-inspired glasses are a new take on the celebrated model created for Peggy by American artist and friend Edward Melcarth. Safilo had already drawn inspiration from these eccentric sunglasses in 1994, when it first produced and distributed its Peggy Guggenheim model, which was on sale at the museum’s shops.” Read more.

New Eyewear from Max Mara

“Max Mara showcases the new Fall/Winter 2014/2015 eyewear collection. The new optical frames reflect the brand’s new, constantly evolving creative vision, with ultramodern design elements and an inspired blend of expert manufacturing techniques, sophisticated architectural shapes and innovative materials,” according to Midwest Lens. “The new eyewear model is the utmost expression of the House’s stylistic codes with great attention to detail and skillful craftsmanship, and a tribute to elegance and femininity.” Read more.

New Eyewear from Arglyeculture

Midwest Lens writes, “Masculine modern style meets lightweight and easy to wear frames in the latest Argyleculture Eyewear collection. Stevens, Bonham and Guthrie each combine on trend styles with lightweight elements to create an exclusive look.” Read more.

OpticalCEUs Fall Seminar for Opticians Coming Nov. 2

OpticalCEUs Fall Seminar for Opticians returns. So if you need to renew your state license and ABO/NCLE certification? You can with the best value in continuing education - a full-day, 7-credit program from F.E. Enterprises. Pick up the latest ideas in the field - from preserving vision health to new contact lens applications. OpticalCEUs seven courses at the Grand Pequot  Ballroom,  Foxwoods Resort and Casino on Sunday, November 2 will help you:
· Advise your patients about protecting their night vision
· Provide top-notch patient care with an analysis of daily disposable contact lenses
· Expand your knowledge of vision, spectacle and contact lenses

Our LecturersFor 15 years Linda Conlin, an NAO Fellow Ambassador, has provided continuing education and training for opticians at the state and national level. She is ABO and NCLE certified, licensed in CT, MA and RI, and has written for 20/20 and EyeWitness magazines.
Deborah Kotob, the ECP Education Facilitator for Vision-Ease, creates and presents ABO, NCLE and JCAHPO seminars related to optics and best practices. A Massachusetts-licensed optician, she has owned two optical businesses and was a sales representative for MODO and Luxottica. Deborah has achieved ABOM and NCLE certifications. She will be lecturing at Vision Expo West 2014.
Joe Forte, the director of contact lens services for Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates, lectured at CUNY Tech, Vision Expo and Optifair. He was program director of the Interboro Institute College of Opticianry where he taught courses in various areas of contact lenses and optics.
DirectionsFoxwoods is located at 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket, CT 06338, on Route 2 between I-395 and I-95. Valet parking is free. For accommodations, call Foxwoods at 1-800 PLAY BIG. Overnight reservations are not associated with the seminar.

Kenneth Cole Introduces New Promotion for Fall 2014

Kenneth Cole has a new campaign for fall, “Look Good, For Good.” The new campaign will support specific charitable projects relating to collective health, civil liberties, and artistic activism. fThe Kenneth Cole Foundation will support projects through the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti, HELP USA, and the Sundance Institute. As an extension of the campaign, Kenneth Cole enlisted three photojournalists to chronicle the work of each charity partner. The campaign is being brought to life digitally at kennethcole.com/ForGood that will feature exclusive photographer and video  content from Haiti, Sundance and Help USA, as well as an interactive timeline meant to educate the consumer on the brands 30 year philanthropic history. The advertising campaign will appear in print, outdoor, and digital media.  The campaign was shot in New York City by fashion and portrait photographer Gregory Harris (whose previous work has appeared in prestigious magazines including Interview, WSJ Magazine, Dazed and Confused, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Russia and Teen Vogue).  Featuring models Mirte Maas, Kai Newman, Baptiste Radufe, and Sung Jin Park, the imagery depicts modern, utilitarian looks with a focus on accessories, styled in an urban, industrial backdrop. In the spirit of social impact, the cast and crew each donated 5 % of their fee to support one of the charitable projects that the company is supporting. Read more.

SynergEyes Expanding Its Contact Lenses Lines

SynergEyes, Inc., reportedly has raised $12 million to expand its production of Duete and UltraHealth contact lenses. The funding also will fund acquisitions in the field of specialty contact lenses. The company manufactures Duette contact lenses for astigmats—including Duette HD and Duette Progressive. Its UltraHealth lenses (ClearKone, SynergEyes A, MF, KC, and PS) is for patients with irregular corneas. Read more.

AOA Issues Consumers Warning about Online Purchases

The consequences of making an incorrect or uninformed online purchases could cost patients more time and money in the long run, according to a new warning from the American Optometric Association (AOA).  An AOA study published in 2011 with the Optical Laboratories Association and The Vision Council reinforces the drawbacks of online orders. The study concluded:

• Of 200 glasses ordered online, only 154 pairs were received;
• 44.8 percent had incorrect prescriptions or safety issues;
• 29 percent had at least one lens fail to meet required prescription;
• 19 percent of adult lenses failed impact resistance testing; and,
• 25 percent of children's lenses failed impact resistance testing.

Read more.

PBA Calls September Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month

Every year, thousands of Americans suffer an eye injury related to playing sports according to new data from Prevent Blindness. To help educate the public on the importance of proper eye protection while playing sports, Prevent Blindness has declared September as Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month. Eye injuries can range from corneal abrasions, inflamed iris, fracture of the eye socket, swollen or detached retinas or even a traumatic cataract.  And in some cases, a significant eye injury can cause permanent vision loss.  For individuals with vision issues, especially those who can only see clearly or have limited vision through one eye, proper eye protection is even more essential. Read more.

New Eyewear from OKO

“For this Fall/Winter 2014/2015 season, OKO by OKO Paris unveils its new optical metal line ErotiK@ with the new releases ‘Joy’, ‘Victoria’ and ‘Leon’ – following the first steps of ‘Emmanuelle‘, first released frame of that line (directly inspired from the French erotic movie ‘Emmanuelle’).” That’s the Midwest Lens post. “Naughty and mischievous wink for this sexy and suggestive optical line inspired by the world of sexy ladies lingerie with lace, feminine details and beautiful and delicate fabrics. The delicate chemical cutting of the steel material perfectly reproduces and structures the design of ladies lingerie. A huge dose of feminity tinged with elegance and refinement. To be worn without moderation! ‘Joy’, ‘Victoria’ and ‘Leon’ are ultra-light optical frames, extremely fluid and airy which enhance and light up the beauty of the look and expression of the one who wears them. Those frames are for seductresses and seducers, for those who dare. A designer approach and an innovative look for those frames strong in character and ultra-light in weight!” Read more.

CooperVision Acquires Sauflon, Expanding Contact Lens Line

The Cooper Companies, Inc., has completed its acquisition of Sauflon Pharmaceuticals Ltd., the manufacturer and distributor of soft contact lenses and solutions. The transaction – valued at approximately $1.2 billion – gives CooperVision the ability to offer the most extensive range of daily disposable contact lens options to eye care practitioners and wearers worldwide, according to a Cooper press release.

“By adding the Sauflon portfolio …, we’re bringing forward multiple contact lens families designed and marketed for distinct wearer segments,” said Daniel G. McBride, president of CooperVision, Inc. “This approach to the market provides practitioners the ability to offer a daily disposable lens for every eye and every budget, which should further accelerate both practice growth and category momentum.”

Clariti – now part of the CooperVision range – is said to be the only brand of daily disposable silicone hydrogel lenses that spans the entire vision correction spectrum (sphere, toric and multifocal). The line complements CooperVision’s premium MyDay lens – now being launched in markets beyond Europe – as well as its Proclear 1 day lens.

New Eyewear from Marc by Marc Jacobs

“The Fall/Winter 2014/2015 Marc by Marc Jacobs eyewear collection presents new sunglasses and optical frames highlighting the brand’s modern and lively spirit,” reports Midwest Lens. “The new styles’ clean design is interpreted with innovative creativity, such as the vintage-inspired round sunglasses underlined by graphic colors, or the feisty yet sophisticated see-through offerings with metal grids in subtle color ways, for a cutting-edge effect.” Read more.

New Look Eyewear Acquires Assets of Greiche & Scaff

New Look Eyewear Inc. has entered into a agreement to acquire certain optical assets and business of Optic Direct Inc., carrying on business under the 38-year-old Greiche & Scaff banner in Quebec.  The acquisition will include 49 corporately owned stores in Quebec, including 42 in the greater Montreal region, and an integrated lens processing facility located in Montreal. Revenues for the business for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, amounted to approximately $30.7 million. That’s a summary of a press release appearing in the Wall Street Journal Online. The purchase price of the assets and business of Greiche & Scaff will be $17.75 million, subject to customary price adjustments. Read more.

Union of America Eye Care Providers Vision Plans Are Anti-Competitive

“Representatives of the Union of America Eye Care Providers recently met with the Department of Justice’s Healthcare Anti-Trust Division to argue the organization’s position that the vision care plan industry’s policies have an anti-competitive affect on the vision care industry,” reports Modern Medicine. “The meeting laid the legal foundation for the Union’s position that vision care plans’ policies and rules lead to higher prices, lower quality, fewer choices, according to Union Executive Director Craig Steinberg, OD, JD.” Read more.

New Eyewear from Esprit

“Contemporary flair with a classic appeal: these are the hallmarks of the Esprit look. With a focus on comfort and lasting quality, this beloved fashion label creates apparel and accessories that look great, feel wonderful and are designed for daily life,” according to Midwest Lens. “Inspired by the philosophy and spirit of the brand, Esprit eyewear designers create beautiful, on-trend eyewear that permeates everyday life, and expresses confidence and style. The new fall season release finds inspiration in the beauty and clarity of winter sunshine. Cool and chic profiles are realized in innovative executions that reflect late-year light and color in crisp transparent tones, autumnal browns and leafy camouflage prints.” Read more.

How Brains Get Wired for Sight

Science Daily writes: “Researchers have evidence suggesting that neurons in the developing brains of mice are guided by a simple but elegant birth order rule that allows them to find and form their proper connections.” Read more.

California Considers Marketplace for Vision Insurance

“The California Legislature is considering a plan to establish a statewide marketplace for vision insurance that would be separate from but linked to Covered California,” according to a post on California Healthline. “AB 1877, by Assembly member Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova), calls for the state to create a vision care access council that would contract with insurers to provide stand-alone coverage for vision care. The council and its processes would be modeled after the state's new health insurance exchange and would seek to establish links to Covered California.” Read more.

New Cole Haan Eyewear from ClearVision

“Cole Haan eyewear, distributed by ClearVision Optical, continues its playful yet sophisticated design direction with new styles for men and women. Taking inspiration from the brand’s timeless, well-crafted designs, the summer release elegantly fuses tradition and modernity into its acetate and metal frames,” writes Midwest Lens. “Men’s styles feature confident masculine shapes, thoughtful design details, and rich materials. Women’s styles blend materials in unparalleled hues with subtle romantic finishes. This release also features the brand’s summer colorways – blues, blacks, and grays – and the brand’s new wordmark and monogram logos, helping further reflect the effortlessly polished style of Cole Haan.” Read more.

An Eye Map of Diseases Associated with Blindness

“University of Iowa researchers have created the most detailed map to date of a region of the human eye long associated with blinding diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration,” according to Science Daily. “The high-resolution molecular map catalogs thousands of proteins in the choroid, which supplies blood and oxygen to the outer retina, itself critical in vision. By seeing differences in the abundance of proteins in different areas of the choroid, the researchers can begin to figure out which proteins may be the critical actors in vision loss and eye disease.”  Read more; see map.