New Eyewear from Vogue

Adriana Lima

"Vogue Eyewear will launch its new Spring-Summer 2015 communication campaign with three glamorous international muses: Brazilian model Adriana Lima, Indian actress Deepika Padukone and Chinese actress Liu Shi-Shi," writes Midwest Lens. "The faces of the new campaign belong to three women known for their style, glamour and A-list reputation. Launching internationally in January, the campaign speaks to the young, curious and fashion forward female. The campaign images are playful and colorful, truly reflecting the essence of Vogue Eyewear." Read more.

1-800 Contacts Starts New Battle in Mississippi

About two weeks ago, 1-800 Contacts asked the stare legislature of Oregon to look into the pricing policies of contact lens suppliers. It's doing the same in Mississippi as reported in the Clarion-Ledger:

A major online seller of contact lenses wants Mississippi to adopt a law to prevent suppliers and manufacturers from setting a minimum price for them.

1-800-Contacts, a supporter of Senate Bill 2016, says Johnson & Johnson Vision Care implemented a new pricing strategy last year that requires a minimum price for some of their contact lenses.

The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee conducted a public hearing today on the bill, hearing from both 1-800-Contacts officials and officials of Johnson & Johnson.

Johnson & Johnson says the unilateral pricing policies will lead to lower prices for consumers.1-800-Contacts says the pricing strategy is leading to higher prices for consumers that will continue to increase.

Read more.

Cost of Living Rises 25% for People with Sight Loss

“People with sight loss can face at least 25% higher costs for everyday living than those who are fully sighted, according to a new study released by the sight loss charity Thomas Pocklington Trust,” reports Medical News Today. “For the first time, the methods used to calculate Minimum Income Standards (MIS) were applied to the living costs of people with disabilities. The research looked at sight loss and hearing loss and showed clearly that both impairments lead to substantial extra costs if a minimum acceptable standard of living is to be reached.” Read more.

OpticalCEUs to Host Its Annual Spring Continuing Education Program for Opticians

On Sunday, April 26th, OpticalCEUs will host its annual spring continuing education program for opticians at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino. The program, which is in its 16th year, has grown annually since it was founded by Linda Conlin. It attracts opticians from Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire as well as from other states. Online registration will begin within the next month at www.OpticalCEU.com.

Prevent Blindness Launches Low-Vision Aid Purchasing Program Online

Visitors to Living Well with Low Vision, lowvision.preventblindness.org, can purchase low-vision aids and products through Enablemart.com. The company will donate 5% of every purchase made through lowvision.preventblindness.org to Prevent Blindness. Prevent Blindness launched Living Well with Low Vision to address the needs of individuals with low vision and their caregivers. The website was specifically developed from the point of view of individuals facing the challenges of vision loss. Read more.

New Eyewear Collection from Emilio Pucci

"Over sea bass, squid ravioli and truffled gnocchi, Emilio Pucci presented its first eyewear line with new partner Marcolin at the Italian Embassy in Paris on Monday night. Poppy Delevingne said she would 'basically be living in them.'” That's the word from Women's Wear Daily. Read more.

New Sunglasses from Eastern States Eyewear

"Eastern States Eyewear has announced the release of its 2015 Jaguar Sunglass collection. As always, the collection features a wide range of premium lens options including Polarized, Blue Blocker and Nano lenses with AR coatings. All protect against lateral glare and provide for clearer, crisper optics," says a Midwest Lens post. "This year also sees the addition of mirror lenses throughout the collection. Available in various shades including red, blue, and silver, these highly fashionable lenses are quality, performance driven and highly fashionable." Read more.

New Eyewear from Miu Miu

"Interplay between experimentation and creativity is the common thread in the new Miu Miu eyewear collection," writes Midwest Lens. "Miu Miu’s creative spirit infuses the entire collection, highlighting an intriguing mix of ironic experimentalism and attention to detail. Each new model strikes the perfect balance between symmetric shapes and irregular profiles, an understated design and precious decorations, slim metal elements and colorful acetate details. For its new special project, Miu Miu reinterprets, with a glamorous flair, two iconic models of the celebrated Rasoir and Noir eyewear collections. The new glasses stay true to their identity yet evolve, combining the irregular shape for which they are renowned with dazzling crystal detailing." Read more.

1-800 Contacts Fights in Oregon for No Minimum Pricing

"An Internet firm that sells contact lenses is trying to persuade Oregon legislators to stop manufacturers from setting a minimum price on their products," reports Oregon Online. "The Internet firm 1-800 Contacts says a new pricing strategy by major contact lens manufacturers is driving up prices to consumers. In recent weeks, the Utah-based firm has distributed $24,000 in political contributions to 19 Oregon legislators as part of a lobbying effort to change the law in about a dozen states and force the manufacturers to reverse course." Read more.

Studying the Blind to See the 21st Century

“Studying the brain activity of blind people, scientists are challenging the standard view of how the human brain specializes to perform different kinds of tasks, and shedding new light on how our brains can adapt to the rapid cultural and technological changes of the 21st Century.” That’s the abstract from Science Daily. Read more.

New Way of Examining a Toddler’s Eyes

“Picture a toddler getting his first eye exam. He's seated in a strange room, with strange instruments and strange bright lights. He can't sit still or open his eyes long enough for that diagnostic poof of air -- especially if he has trouble seeing anyway, as children with achromatopsia do,” reports Science Daily. “But according to research from the Baylor Visual Function Testing Center, future little ones might not have to squirm in their seats during routine eye exams. The research, which was published in JAMA Ophthalmology, explores a new non-invasive technology that's kind of like a handheld CT scanner for the eye. The technology, known as spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic imaging (SD-OCT), helps pediatric ophthalmologists detect achromatopsia by studying retina thickness. It can scan the structure of the eye from a distance, without getting too close to the young patient.” Read more.

Number of Individuals and Treatment Costs for AMD to Rise Dramatically by Middle of Century

The number of individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) will jump from two million to 3.4 million by 2032 and 4.4 million by 2050, according to the recent Prevent Blindness report called “Future of Vision: Forecasting the Prevalence and Costs of Vision Problems.” Treatment costs now run $4.9 billion a year, but they will increase to almost $10 billion in 2032 and $14 billion in 2050.The report notes that the current average age of AMD patients is 80. As a greater number individuals live beyond 80, the number of patients with AMD will increase. Whites and women, who are at higher risk for AMD than other groups, will continue to dominate the total affected population with AMD. Read more.

Intel Buys Swiss Smart Eyewear Startup

“Just as Google has stepped back from making networked eyewear, Intel is stepping into the gap with the purchase of Swiss startup Composyt Light Labs for an undisclosed amount,” according to a post on ZDNET. “A spinoff of the famous Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, known as the EPFL), the company creates smart glass technology that can work with any type of eyewear. For its initial designs, the startup uses an ultra-miniature laser projector (developed by another EPFL start-up Lemoptix) built into the frame of the glasses. This projects images onto a transparent lens, which has a holographic film coating that reflects the information towards the eye.” Read more.

New Eyewear from Esprit

“Esprit understands the importance of style, confidence and comfort when it comes to fashion and lifestyle. Since its founding in the late 1960s, this global brand has fused elements of its sunny Californian heritage with East Coast elegance and chic catwalk accents to create attractive looks that are at once on-trend and classic. Longevity and comfort are quintessential aspects of the Esprit creed. The highest quality standards are applied to ensure that each Esprit product fits well and is made to last,” writes Midwest Lens. “The designers of Esprit eyewear share these fundamental brand principles. This spring brings fresh trend influences to the latest frame profiles. Expressive looks capture next spring/summer’s hottest color directions with glimmering accents and unexpected bursts of color.” Read more.

Calcium Deposits Possible Source of Macular Degeneration (AMD)

"New research from scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UM SOM) has found that tiny lumps of calcium phosphate may be an important triggering factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a degenerative eye disease that can cause severe vision loss and blindness," reports Medical News Today. "This is the first time these mineral deposits have been implicated in the disease, which affects more than 10 million Americans. The article appeared in the latest issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences." Read more.

New Eyewear from Elle

"New Elle eyewear for spring summer 2015 conveys the femininity and classic French panache of the brand while infusing each frame with up-to-the-minute design inspirations," according to Midwest Lens. "Sprightly silhouettes are realized in a playful array of zesty spring-like colors and classic shades, in solid and translucent executions and combinations. Elegant profiles are tastefully embellished by Parisian-inspired decorative temples with textured 3-D effects." Read more.

New Eyewear from Prada

"Rigorous designs and geometric shapes, bold volumes and oversize frames. The new models of the Prada Eyewear Collection for women are an inspired blend of contrasting elements," reports Midwest Lens. "The new glasses for women evoke a retro flair, combining essential lines with a creative touch that is conveyed by the models’ original details and expert manufacturing techniques. Large, unmistakable geometric shapes do not leave room for stylistic irregularity, while the frames flaunt thick, bold profiles. Rigor blends with sensuality, giving life to skillfully crafted models. The Prada Machine special fashion show glasses feature perforated metal elements which are perfectly balanced by sinuous shapes, for a feminine yet contemporary style." Read more.

Gene Tied to Retinitis Pigmentosa Discovered

“An exhaustive hereditary analysis of a large Louisiana family with vision issues has uncovered a new gene tied to an incurable eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa, according to an examination led by scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). It is a family of eye diseases that affects more than 200,000 in the United States and millions worldwide,” according to a Science Daily post.

“In the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, UTHealth's Stephen P. Daiger, Ph.D., and his colleagues report their discovery of a new gene tied to retinitis pigmentosa, which brings the total of genes associated with this sight-threatening disease to more than 60. The gene is called hexokinase 1 (HK1).” Read more.

New Eyewear from Dolce & Gabbana

"The new men’s eyewear collection by Dolce & Gabbana is a continuation of the Basalto theme with an updated, sophisticated construction," reports Midwest Lens. "In the new collection, the amazing technical features of the volcanic rock still ensure the same well-known comfort, lightness and flexibility, but also become a style detail that makes these models distinctive and sophisticated." Read more.

Eyewear Does Make You Look Smart

That’s the essence of a report that appeared a few days ago in the Wall Street Journal (see video). Here’s some of the text:

While trying to look intelligent, a lot of people do things that make them look dumb. For instance, people use big words or put on a poker face—tactics that can backfire for some, studies show. A growing amount of research is teasing out how people form first impressions of others’ intelligence—and how well it works when you try to manage those impressions. The cues people look for in assessing each other’s intelligence are simple. But they aren’t always easy to pull off under pressure. They include showing self-confidence, speaking clearly and smoothly, and responding thoughtfully to what others are saying, research shows. …Some simple stereotypes about intelligence can also shape others’ first impressions. Wearing eyeglasses can lead strangers to regard you as more intelligent, says a 2011 study in the Swiss Journal of Psychology.

The Atlantic Monthly ran a similar article back in August. You might want to give that a glance as well. Think of it as marketing research. With this type of information, which is all supported by social science research, you have more information to offer your patients and customers.

New Eyewear from ClearVision Optical

“ClearVision Optical expands two of its private label collections, PuriTi 100% Titanium Eyewear and DuraHinge, to include new styles for women,” writes Midwest Lens. “Created and designed for women who need a little more durability in their eyewear, DuraHinge for women offers superior strength and comfort with a touch of feminine style. The collection is designed with the proprietary DuraHinge five barrel hinge construction, providing strength with the added flexibility of a spring hinge, yet is not too heavy or bulky on the face.” Read more.

Google Will Stop Offering Consumers Google Glass

“Google will stop selling its Internet-connected eyewear to consumers until the company can develop a more polished and affordable version that’s less likely to be viewed as a freakish device,” reports the Toledo Blade. “The sales moratorium on the nearly 2-year-old “Explorer” edition of Google Glass goes into effect Monday. Google will still sell a version of Glass to companies that have found uses for the device in their offices, stores, and factories. The company still plans to come back with a new consumer model of Glass.” Read more.

Underestimating the Abilities of the Blind

“Using simulation to walk in the shoes of a person who is blind -- such as wearing a blindfold while performing everyday tasks -- has negative effects on people's perceptions of the visually impaired, according to a University of Colorado Boulder study,” reports Science Daily. “’When people think about what it would be like to be blind, they take from their own brief and relatively superficial experience and imagine it would be really, really terrible and that they wouldn't be able to function well,’ said Arielle Silverman, who is lead author of the paper and blind. She conducted the research as part of her doctoral dissertation in CU-Boulder's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and now is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington in Seattle. In one part of the study, after simulating blindness by having their eyes covered, participants believed people who are blind are less capable of work and independent living than did participants who simulated other impairments like amputation, or had no impairment.” Read more.

New Eyewear from Burberry Eyewear

“The Burberry Eyewear Spring/Summer 2015 collection for women takes inspiration from the colors and youthful spirit of the Spring/Summer 2015 ready-to-wear and accessories collections. Cat-eye frame acetate optical with temples that feature a new textured interpretation of the Burberry Horseferry check in a rubber-finish. Color palette for women: Plum acetate frame in a gloss finish, black rubber check temples and scratch-resistant lenses. Black acetate frame in a gloss finish with red rubber check temples,” according to Midwest Lens. “The Burberry Eyewear Spring/Summer 2015 collection for men takes inspiration from the colors and youthful spirit of the Spring/Summer 2015 ready-to-wear and accessories collections. Square frame acetate optical with temples that feature a new textured interpretation of the Burberry Horseferry check in a rubber-finish. Color palette for men: Blue acetate frame in a gloss finish, black rubber check temples and scratch-resistant lenses. Black acetate frame in a gloss finish with red rubber check temples.” Read more.

Safilo Terminates Licenses with Kering

Safilo will terminate its Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, and Saint Laurent licenses with Kering SA at June's end and its Gucci license by 2015's end, according to a report by Reuters of India. Safilo will pick up a license to produce and distribute Gucci's Made in Italy brand from 2017 through 2020. These are some of the moves resulting from an agreement signed by Kering and Safilo back in September. Read more.

Study to Look a Reduction of Visual Impairment

Prevent Blindness and the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness will co-sponsor, along with other organizations, an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study entitled “Public Health Approaches to Reduce Vision Impairment and Promote Eye Health.” According to the IOM, a committee of experts across multiple disciplines will produce a consensus study to examine the core principles and public health strategies to reduce visual impairment and promote eye health in the United States. The final report is anticipated to be released in 2016. Read more.

New Eyewear from Blackfin

"For the coming spring, Blackfin, the all-Italian titanium eyewear brand, is once again living up to its style imperatives – clean, uncluttered lines, exclusive design details and colors with personality to match the people who wear them," reports Midwest Lens. "The excellent quality of the material and the blend of traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology add up to a product that every time reaffirms its power in modern, linear styling that is truly one of a kind. This excellence is plain to see in the new titanium models. Two optical frames, one for men and one for women, express that unique essence that is Blackfin and their pride in being all-Italian." Read more.

New Eyewear from Smith

"Smith is proud to announce their new visual identity. Following a refined brand platform that modernizes their beliefs, values, and who they stand for, Smith will relaunch its entire product range in January 2015 with a new logo and brand presentation," writes Midwest Lens. "With clean, modern and refined letter forms, the updated logo hearkens back to their original identity and speaks to the fundamental tenets of the brand: performance, movement, and essential design." Read more.

Can Mammals Regenerate Retinal Cells?

Science Daily writes: "Scientists have long known that species such as amphibians and fish can regenerate retinal cells -- so why can't mammals? This and related questions are the premise for the third report from scientists trying to solve this mystery." Read more.

Zenni Optical Helps Artists See

"A charity netted 15,000 toys for children this holiday season and an eyewear company has followed suit by giving new glasses to the homeless," according to a post on Patch.com. "Novato-based Zenni Optical is partnering with the nonprofit ArtLifting to help homeless, disabled and disadvantaged artists keep producing art, something they couldn’t do without the glasses....The partnership started about 10 months ago and the two organizations got together for the first time in November when ArtLifting was expanding to San Francisco. It said it needed just 10 to 15 pairs of glasses, but Zenni Optical offered to give glasses to any of the artists who need them." Read more.

Animated Optical Illusions Trick Eyes

"I never get tired of Brusspup's Amazing Animated Optical Illusions series because I love making my eyes feel dumb and in turn making myself feel even dumber. It's always good to humble yourself with optical illusions." So starts the post on Gizmodo's Sploid. "Especially optical illusions that seem to be animated to move but are actually just well designed images. The lines in the transparent sheet create movement when passed over the image. It's a neat trick." Read and see more.

A larger variation of these illusions can be found at http://www.scrollslowhavefun.com/. 

New Crocs Eyewear from A&A Optical

"A&A Optical announces the release of 12 adult styles (36 skus total) from Crocs eyewear. Crocs eyewear interprets the relaxed and distinctly fun Crocs spirit, incorporating the unique style and creative design in terms of colors, shapes, materials and comfort of Crocs branded products. The collection uses an assortment of high quality materials such as ultra-lightweight stainless steel, hypo-allergenic silicone rubber and flexible polymer." That's the word from Midwest Lens. Read more.

Prevent Blindness Holding Free Webinar about Children's Vision Health

On Jan. 23, a free children's vision webinar from Prevent Blindness will provide an overview of the following papers published by the National Expert Panel (NEP) of the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health (NCCVEH) at Prevent Blindness in the January 2015 issue of Optometry and Vision Science:

• Vision Screening for Children 36 to <72 Months: Recommended Practices
• Vision and Eye Health in Children 36 to <72 Months: Proposed Data System
• Vision and Eye Health in Children 36 to <72 Months: Proposed Data Definitions

To register for the webinar or for more information on the NCCVEH or children’s vision topics, please visit https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=6odi6pcdprmd, or call Prevent Blindness at (800) 331-2020. 

New Sunglasses and Eyewear from Ray-Ban

"In this season, Ray-Ban continues its research into the possibilities offered by the new technologies. In particular, Liteforce – a material used in the aerospace industry – has a major role in two new sport styles in the sun segment, and in a mini collection in the optical segment: Ray-Ban uses this ultra-light, highly durable material to produce extremely lightweight and long-lasting models." So goes a post from Midwest Lens. "The Light Ray technology, based on a titanium alloy and a patented screwless, weldless hinge, has been advanced into Light Ray 2.0, featuring an innovative mix of nylon and Light Ray. As epitomes of design, both the Wayfarer and the Aviator were the ground breakers of this new combination of innovation and style. But it is the Wayfarer that claims the role as the icon of spring-summer 2015: offered in denim, and leather, as well as Liteforce in the optical version, or in a new premium acetate with an original fleck effect, the model demonstrates its ability to meet any challenge and to maintain its cachet across materials and new technologies." Read more.

Ed Greene to Receive Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award

Ed Greene, retired CEO of The Vision Council, will receive the 2015 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award at a dinner on March 19, 2015 at Gotham Hall, New York City, during Vision Expo East. The award recognizes an individual for leadership and dedication in the vision health field. Greene became president and CEO of Titmus Optical in 1989. After nine years, he became president and CEO of Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc., and later vice president of business development. In 2006, Greene became CEO of The Vision Council. He served as a board member of Prevent Blindness in 1987 and became chair from 1992 to 1995. He again served on the Board from 2004 to 2006. He also served on various Prevent Blindness committees including Strategic Planning (chair), Nominating, Developmentand Centennial Celebration. Read more.

New Eyewear from Vinylize

"Limited edition, rare blue colored Pink Floyd vinyl remastered into designer eyewear from Vinylize," according to Midwest Lens. "Elegant black decorative boxes are silk screened with gold lettering. The inside of the box is decorated with the original vinyl sleeve. The gold stamped certificates of originality are made from the back of the sleeve. A removable tray houses the remnants of the vinyl which encases the frames." Read more.

Hypertension Can Increase Chances for Glaucoma

"A new study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (IOVS) has found that chronic (long term) hypertension increases a person’s susceptibility to glaucoma," reports Science Digest. "These results suggest that doctors should consider a patient’s blood pressure levels in managing the potentially blinding eye disorder." Read more.

NHL Allows Players to Wear Sunglasses During the Winter Classic

"In a bid to improve safety players from the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals will be allowed to wear sunglasses for the first time during the [Winter Classic, which is played outdoors]. The Classic has been delayed twice by weather since the inaugural game in 2008 with rain postponing play in 2011 and sun causing issues a year later." That's the word from Big Pond. Read more.

Movie Introduces Ørgreen’s New Eyewear and Sunglasses

"In homage to Ørgreen’s fascination with film, the new Ørgreen image campaign echoes the subtle nuances and sensual style of French New Wave and Film Noir, with a touch of Shakespeare contemporized," writes Midwest Lens. "The stars in this dramatic interlude include the tremendously talented Nikolaj Hübbe, who is the Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet, known for his electrifying performances as the principal dancer at his previous home, the New York City Ballet. And his alluring female co-star, model turned actress Katharina Damm. Enjoy this preview of the newest collection photographed by Casper Balslev." Read more.

Intel Makes Two Smart-Eyewear Deals with Luxottica and Vuzix

"Intel's continuing to push aggressively into the world of wearables. On Wednesday it signed a deal with Luxottica Group to develop smart eyewear in time for a product launch next year," reports PC World. "According to Intel's press release, the partnership will 'deliver smart, fashion-forward products that are meaningful and desirable to consumers.'" Read more.

Meanwhile Vuzix Corp. announced that Intel Corporation has made a $24.8 million investment into the Vuzix Corp., according to a Vuzix press release on Yahoo! Finance Canada. Vuzix will use Intel's investment for general working capital to accelerate the introduction of its next generation fashion-based wearable display products. Read more.

New Eyewear from Dolabany

"The Dolabany Eyewear collection recreates original vintage design that captures the true retro trend," writes Midwest Lens. "Every frame in the collection is a perfect blend of yesterday and today. The collection includes enhanced original designs and incorporates the finest Italian zyl in a wide spectrum of colors. Comfort and fit are always an integral part of the design. The wide variety of materials used in the collection include zyl, stainless steel and TR-90 which make this collection unique and exciting. The look of the collection is versatile, while always maintaining a high standard of functionality and excellence." Read more.