Providing Education Tools to Patients

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Medflowmeaningful use criteria of the electronic health record incentive program of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2010. One measure of meaningful use requires doctors to show that more than 10 percent of patients are provided patient-specific education resources electronically." Read more. will provide AAO patient education tools through Medflow's electronic health records software. This initiative helps eye care practices meet the

Tennessee's MDs and ODs Duel over Use of Lasers

"Eye surgeons in Tennessee have begun a pre-emptive offensive against legislation to allow optometrists the right to do laser surgeries — even though optometrists say they aren’t seeking any law change," according to a post on the Tennessean. Read more.

Do You See What I See?

MedicalNewsToday reports that "although portions of the visible world come in through one eye only, the brain instantaneously takes all that information and creates a coherent image. As far as we know, we "see" with both eyes at once. Now a new study suggests that the brain may know which eye is receiving information - and can turn around and tell that eye to work even harder." Read more.

Silicone Oil Behind Aviara's Recall, Says FDA

AboutLawsuits reports that "Federal regulators say that silicone oil is the cause of problems with Aviara contact lenses sold by CooperVision, which were quietly removed from the market in August after a number of consumers suffered torn corneas, hazy vision and other potentially serious complications....More than 778,000 CooperVision Aviara contact lenses were impacted by the recall, which was not widely publicized until the FDA criticized the company last week for failing to take sufficient steps to make sure consumers were aware of the contact lens problems." Read more.


Here's what CooperVision has to say about the CL and the recall:


"If [a patient wears]...Avaira Toric contact lenses and experience[s] any symptoms, CooperVision recommends that [the patient]... stop wearing the lenses immediately.  Contact your eye care practitioner for advice. If [a patient wears]...Avaira Toric contact lenses and [is]... not experiencing symptoms, CooperVision recommends...:

• "Go to the CooperVision recall web page at www.coopervision.com/recall, and enter the lot number of [the]... package to determine whether [the]... lenses have been recalled.
• "Alternatively, ...contact [CooperVision on its}...toll-free consumer hotline (1-855-526-6737).
• "If ... lenses have been recalled, immediately remove [the]... existing lenses, discontinue lens wear; and return [the]... lenses to [the]... eye care practitioner or point of purchase.
  

"The recall was initiated because of the unintended presence of a residue on certain lots of Avaira Toric lenses, which may cause hazy vision, discomfort, or eye injuries requiring medical treatment. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Since the initiation of the recall, the company has received some additional complaints of severe eye pain. Avaira Toric contact lens wearers that experience any symptoms should stop wearing the lenses immediately and speak with their eye care practitioner. The company has  ongoing relationships with practitioners to continue to identify all the affected lots in the market. To date, the recall has impacted approximately 600,000 Avaira Toric contact lenses in the U.S." Read more.

CL Myth Spreads across Facebook

"Recently, an alarming message about how a 21 year old boy lost his eyesight, because of contact lenses, did the rounds on Facebook," reports the Times of India. "Apparently he stared at the burning coals for a couple of minutes, then started shrieking in pain. Once admitted to the hospital, a 'doctor' declared that he had been blinded by his contact lenses, which melted from the heat." Read more about the development of this Internet myth.

New Campaign for Fighting Glaucoma

Americans ages 40 and older must be better educated about the risk factors for glaucoma, the silent nature of the condition, and its potentially serious outcomes, according to a new declaration issued by the Glaucoma Working Group, a panel of experts including The Glaucoma Foundation, the Alliance for Aging Research and leading ophthalmologists, in partnership with Merck. To achieve this goal, the group encourages aging Americans to TAKE on Glaucoma (Take Action to Know your Eyes), by going to www.takeonglaucoma.com to learn about the risks, the importance of a comprehensive eye examination (including dilation) and proper disease management, if diagnosed.Read more.

B+L Hooks Up with WebMD

"Bausch & Lomb Inc. has struck a deal with WebMD Health Corp. to have the local company provide eye-health information through WebMD’s consumer and professional websites, officials said Monday," according to the Rochester Business Journal. "In addition to videos and information for patients at WebMD’s webmd.com/eye-health vision-care consumer link, Bausch & Lomb is producing ophthalmology information and links for doctors at the online medical publisher’s provider-oriented website, www.medscape.com." Read more.

Cards Closer Sometimes Can't See the Plate

"With his uneven, unkempt beard and a fastball that would break the speed limit in all 50 states and on the Autobahn, St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Jason Motte(notes) plays the role of stereotypical closer awfully well. There’s just one difference between him and the rest of the late-game lockdown artists in baseball," goes Yahoo!Sports. "Motte can’t see where he’s throwing. He’s not blind, exactly, but the 29-year-old’s nearsightedness is bad enough that he often squints on the mound because he can’t see catcher Yadier Molina’s(notes) fingers, which indicate the pitch Motte is supposed to throw. Afternoon games at St. Louis’ Busch Stadium, with their perilous shadows, are particularly difficult. Sometimes Motte will wave his glove up and down, asking Molina to hold his fingers lower – and, in the process, exposing the sign to the opposing dugout." Read more.

FDA Frustrated with CooperVision's Recall

"Frustrated by a brazen disregard of its request, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is threatening to widely publicize potential problems with recalled contact lenses made by a western New York firm and sold in stores such as Costco, Wal-Mart and Lenscrafters," reports MPOMag. "CooperVision Inc. of Fairport, N.Y., (located nine miles east of Rochester) reportedly has failed to heed a request by the FDA to broaden notification of problems with certain lots of its Avaira Toric contact lenses, which were recalled quietly in August due to unidentified “residue.” Company executives said the recall affected about 600,000 contact lenses in the United States, or 10 percent of those sold or issued domestically as samples." Read more.

New Alpha 10 Collection

Lightec's Alpha 10 is now available in 6 new rimless models (3 for men and 3 for women)," according to Eyesurf. "Alpha 10 features a slim stainless steel temple, over-molded with colored polyurethane rubber (latex-free). The velvety-textured soft rubber encases the temple resulting in an interesting material-color contrast. A technical and dynamic appearance is achieved thorough the clever integration of the frame’s materials." Read more.

OpticalCEUs Fall Conference a Grand Success

On October 16, a sold-out crowd of opticians came to the conference center at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods to attend OpticalCEUs semi-annual continuing education program for opticians. “It was a grand success,” noted Linda Conlin, founder and president of OpticalCEUs.Opticians from the New England area listened to accredited lecturers Linda Conlin, Jean Davidson and Deborah Kotob of Vision-Ease present their ABO and NCLE accredited courses:

• 9-10: Ocular Allergies by Jean Davidson (1 NCLE);
• 10 1: In the Beginning: Embryonic Eye Development by Linda Conlin (1 NCLE);
• 11-Noon: The Healthy Eyecare Solution by Deborah Kotob (1 ABO);
• Noon-1: An elegant, hot buffet luncheon compliments of OpticalCEUs;
• 1-2:Presbyopia:  Boomers and Bifocals by Jean Davidson (1 ABO pending);
• 2-3: The Three Bugs: Acanthamoeba, Pseudomonas, and Fusarium by Linda Conlin (1 NCLE);
• 3-4: Eye Know Why by Jean Davidson (1 ABO); and
• 4-5: Trends in Fitting Younger Contact Lens Patients by Linda Conlin (1 NCLE). 
  
   

SpecSavers Raises Money for Zambian OD School

Until now, there has been no public accessible eyecare provision for the one in four people in Zambia who desperately require it. Three million Zambians have visual difficulties, with 100,000 of those suffering from serious visual impairment. But now, thanks to more than £300,000 raised by Specsavers staff and customers, a school for optometry has been built in the capital, Lusaka, and students have already begun training to become qualified optometrists. Read more.

Computer Whizs Unravel Braille Keyboard for Tablets

MedicalNewsToday reports about two computer geeks who discovered how to create an effective Braille keypad: "Dharmaraja and Duran mulled their options before arriving at a clever and simple solution. They did not create virtual keys that the fingertips must find; they made keys that find the fingertips. The user simply touches eight fingertips to the glass, and the keys orient themselves to the fingers. If the user becomes disoriented, a reset is as easy as lifting all eight fingers off the glass and putting them down again." Read more.

New Drugs May Effect Eye Function

"According to new research by University of Kentucky investigators, an emerging pharmaceutical platform used in treating a variety of diseases may produce unintended and undesirable effects on eye function," reports MedicalNewsToday. "The paper, "Short-interfering RNAs Induce Retinal Degeneration via TLR3 and IRF3", appears in the current online edition of the journal Molecular Therapy, a publication of the Nature Publishing Group and the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy." Read more.

Much of the World's Blindness Is Preventable

AllAfrica reports that "Minister of Health Professor Christian Onyebuchi Chukwu yesterday said over one million Nigerians are blind while another three million are visually impaired," which is how World Sight Day started in Nigeria. The minister noted "over 50 percent of children become blind before they get to the age of five....He said the national blindness and low vision survey carried out between 2005 and 2007 revealed that 'Over 80 percent of the causes of blindness in Nigeria are avoidable. 50 percent of avoidable blindness is attributable to cataract, followed by glaucoma (16 percent), corneal opacity (12 percent), trachoma (4 percent), optic Atrophy (3 percent) and refractive error being the major cause of visual impairment.'" Read more.

Non-Compliance of CL Users Worrisome

NetDoctor reports that "a worrying number of contact lens wearers fail to take care of their lenses properly, new research suggests. A poll of 2,000 adult contact lens wearers, conducted on behalf of Biotrue multi-purpose contact lens solution, found that 20 per cent have used something other than lens solution to clean their lenses. Many admitted using spit or saliva - which could be highly dangerous, considering there are between 500 and 1,000 different types of bacteria in the average person's mouth."  Read more.

Almost Half Internet Glasses Have Wrong Rx

In conjunction with the Optical Laboratories Association and The Vision Council, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has published the results of a months-long study investigating the level of compliance of prescription eyewear ordered online for compliance with optical tolerance and impact resistance requirements. The study was published in the September issue of Optometry: Journal of the American Optometric Association. While patients may believe that ordering prescription glasses online is an easy way to save money, the study discovered that about half of all glasses (44.8 percent) ordered through the Internet had incorrect prescriptions or did not meet physical parameters to provide sufficient protection to the wearer.  Read more.

Mikli Comes Out with a Folklore Collection

"Alain Mikli’s latest journey into the world of eyewear takes us to a far off place into a wonderful world full of legends and folktales," starts a MidwestLens post. "Inspired by the French comic book, Prince de Sassoun, written and illustrated by Alban Guillemois and Yvon Bertorello, eyewear artist and designer, Alain Mikli, tells the tale of this fantastical journey through his new collection. The tale, based on Armenian folklore, is a story of joy and optimism in the face of doom and gloom." Read more.

Helping the Hungry and Those in Eye Care Need

To help Americans stay healthy and to help the hungry, Jeffrey Gold, M.D., and the staff of Liberty Vision are sponsoring a different type of food drive. People do not bring food to Liberty Vision. Rather they sign up for the food drive's comprehensive eye exam, which costs them only $39, significantly less than the regular rate of $150. Dr. Gold's press release notes that "every penny of the $39 will be donated to the Connecticut Food Bank." Read more.

CooperVision Recalls Avaira Toric CLs for Second Time

"CooperVision issued its second announcement in two months about the recall of 600,000 Avaira Toric contact lenses linked to pain, red eye and blurred vision by wearers," reports FoxNews. "The company first announced the recall Aug. 19 and said it had focused its efforts on more than 7,000 eye care professionals who sell the lenses. The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday a larger effort was needed to alert consumers to the defective products, which contain a residue caused by a manufacturing problem." Read more

40% of Irish Drivers Older Than 55 Cannot See Well

"Recent results on the driving standard from the over 55s in Mayo were extremely worrying and dangerous," says a MayoAdvertiser post. "Six out of 10 patients tested required spectacles for driving, [but] ...only two in 10 were wearing spectacles. That is a shocking four in 10 over 55s with vision which is below the legal standard." Read more. The question remains: How many drivers in the U.S. do not have adequate vision for driving?

Blind Cop Settles over CL Dispute

"A Garda [police] sergeant who claimed he was left blind due to a failure to promptly diagnose an infection of the eye linked to wearing contact lenses has settled his High Court medical negligence action for an undisclosed sum," reports the IrishExaminer. Read more.

French Arrest Four in Casino for Using Specialty CLs

"The Frenchman is accused of marking a deck of cards with invisible ink [in a Cannes casino] and ensuring the three Italians played from that deck, reports say," according to the BBC. "The Italians, meanwhile, wore special lenses to enable them to see the markings, according to police.  The gang are accused of swindling one casino out of up to 64,000 euros ($88,000; £56,000). But detectives believe they may have used the technique elsewhere in Europe before coming to their attention in France." Read more.

OpticalCEUs Sells Out Luncheon at its Semiannual Continuing Education Conference for Opticians

OpticalCEUs Semiannual Conference for Opticians will being with registration at 8:30 am this Sunday (October 16) at the lavish MGM Grand's conference center of the splendid Foxwoods Resorts and Casinos in eastern Connecticut. Several days before the conference, OpticalCEU's sold out its luncheon, prepared by the culinary staff of the MGM Grand. For the conference itself, only a few seats remained to be sold. For the past several conferences, OpticalCEUs has sold out or almost sold out events at its conferences. For more details about the conference, go to www.opticalceu.com.

Kidd Speaks Out about Eye Health in Ethiopia

Moved and humbled by the fact that blinding diseases can be prevented for as little as 25p, founder of Jemma Kidd Make Up, Jemma Kidd, speaks out on the shocking reality that 10 million people in Ethiopia suffer from disease causing blindness and 100% needlessly so. During a recent trip to Ethiopia with sight-saving charity ORBIS, Jemma saw first-hand how a disease that is no longer prevalent in the West is devastating lives, leaving families and communities facing hardship, suffering and isolation, making every day a struggle to survive. Read more.

B+L Launches PureVision

Bausch + Lomb launched PureVision2 for astigmatism with High Definition Optics contact lenses, yesterday. The HD Optics feature of the lens reportedly provides clarity and meets the special vision correction needs of patients with astigmatism.Read more.

Pressure Growing on CooperVision and its Avaira Toric Lens

"A maker of more than half a million recalled contact lenses blamed for reports of corneal tears and other injuries acknowledged Wednesday that some of its users may have experienced '"severe eye pain,'" according to MSNBC. "Officials with CooperVision Inc. of Fairport, N.Y., urged wearers of Avaira Toric contact lenses who believe they’ve suffered harm to stop the using the products, which were first voluntarily recalled on Aug. 19 because of problems with residue left behind during manufacturing."Read more.

Forbes applied a different slant to the story, noting that "One of the nation's largest eye care companies is stepping up efforts to publicize the recall of more than a half-million contact lenses after coming under pressure from federal health regulators. CooperVision issued its second announcement Wednesday on an August recall of 600,000 Avaira Toric contact lenses linked to pain, red eye and blurred vision by wearers." Read more.

Original Penguin Offers Display with New Line

"The Kenmark Group is releasing new displays for the launch of its Original Penguin Eyewear collection," according to a MidwestLens post. "In keeping with the Original Penguin look and feel, each display provides a cool way to display the hip new vintage-inspired eyeglasses and sunglasses. The new displays are reminiscent of the 1950’s with wooden freestanding fixtures. These countertop displays offer everything from a “Pete” the Penguin Logo Block to an Image Holder featuring imagery for the brand. Designed to be used individually, or in a group, they’re sure to catch the attention of the Original Penguin customer." Read more.

Blocked Tear Eye Increases Rick of Amblyopia

"A recent study published in the Journal of the AAPOS, the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, has found that children under the age of 3 with a nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), or blocked tear duct, were at an increased risk for developing amblyopia. About 6% of children are born with blocked tear ducts," reports MedicalNewsToday. Read more.

New CL Website for Consumers

The American Optometric Association (AOA) launched www.ContactLensSafety.org to help answer consumer questions about contact lens safety. The AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section (CLCS) created the site with the assistance of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). The website covers such topics as lens replacement schedules, purchasing contact lenses and contact lens wear in various environments. Consumers also can submit questions in "Ask the Expert." Read more.

Public Warning about Avaira Toric CLs Coming?

MSNBC reports that "amid growing reports of eye problems ranging from blurry vision to torn corneas, federal health officials are threatening to issue a public warning about recalled contact lenses manufactured by CooperVision Inc. and sold widely at stores such as Costco, Wal-Mart and LensCrafters. The Fairport, N.Y., firm has yet to heed a request from the federal Food and Drug Administration to broaden notification of problems with certain lots of its Avaira Toric contact lenses, which were recalled quietly in August because of unidentified 'residue.'" Read more.

Carrera Offers "After All, No Regrets" Line

Safilo reports that "the latest Carrera eyewear collection is dedicated to those who live life in the fast lane, who are not afraid to achieve goals, dreams and desires, and who express their individuality without hesitation or regret. The new sunglasses and optical frames emphasise the message behind the Carrera campaign, 'After All, No Regrets'." Read more.

Rigid Gas Permeable CLs Improve Topography Parameters

"Rigid gas permeable contact lens wear provided improved topographic parameters after cross-linking to stabilize progressive keratoconus, a study found." That's the lead of a PConSuperSite post. "The study compared 15 eyes without contact lenses and 12 eyes that were fitted with contact lenses 1 to 10 weeks after surgery. Outcome measures included the change from baseline in best corrected visual acuity, refractive sphere and cylinder, keratometry and astigmatism values, inferior-superior (I-S) value on EyeSys (EyeSys Vision) and maximal keratometry value on Pentacam (Oculus). Measurements were taken before surgery and at three 6-month intervals after surgery." Read more.

Transitions Releases Healthy Sight Calculator

As benefits enrollment season begins, research by Transitions Optical, Inc., shows that reportedly nearly half of employees do not take full advantage of their company's vision benefits, leaving themselves at higher risk for eye-related and overall health problems. So Transitions developed the Healthy Sight Calculator in an effort to help individuals see the full picture of what a vision benefit can do for them.The calculator also summarizes risks and related costs for 11 vision-related issues. Read more.

Study Shows Children Have Eye Problems

"About 4% of preschoolers have myopia, 21% have hyperopia, and 10% have astigmatism, according to data from 2 studies supported by the National Institutes of Health and published in the October issue of Ophthalmology," says MedscapeToday. "Risk factors such as age, exposure to smoking, ethnicity, and access to health insurance were also identified." Read more.

It's probably for such reasons that "three associations of ophthalmology and pediatrics have jointly proposed an in-depth vision care program to the Department of Health and Human Services for inclusion in state insurance plan exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to a news release." Read more on the OSNSuperSite.

Raising $4 Billion on World Sight Day

Having lead the battle for improved vision in developing communities, Australian Professor, Brien Holden, and South African Professor, Kovin Naidoo, will try to raise US$4billionRead more. to do enough training, enough eye examinations and supply enough spectacles to help the 670 million people who need care.On World Sight Day this year on 13 October, Holden and Naidoo will demand that governments and institutions stop ignoring the simplest eye care problem to correct – refractive error. The term refractive error encompasses myopia (short sightedness), hyperopia (long sightedness) and the biggest concern – presbyopia (the need for reading glasses which affects everyone over the age of 45 years). When left untreated, refractive error can cause vision impairment and blindness, drastically reduce educational and employment opportunities and can often lead to poverty.

Sneaking Duck--The New Online Eyewear Store

"The team behind successful design-your-own-shoes site Shoes of Prey have launched their next concept store online, Sneaking Duck for eyewear featuring a virtual fitting application and customisation tools," according to PowerRetail. Read more.

Cole Haan Launches Advertising Campaign

MidwestLens notes that "Cole Haan’s fall advertising campaign will debut in the September issues of women’s and men’s fashion and lifestyle titles as well as a mix of digital regional print, out-of-home and direct mail starting in mid-August." Read more.

Efva Attling's New Collection

"Efva Attling, who has been hitting the headlines with her new store in New York, has launched a collection of eyewear with a strong retro feel. Her cateye and aviator styles along with sturdier acetate models capture current trends, while small, subtle touches inspired by Efva’s jewellery collections are also part of the look. Efva Attling’s October 2011 collection comprises seven optical styles in acetate and metal and two styles of sunglasses." That's the start of the Eyesurf post. Read more.

Pucci Introduces Fall Collection

"This Fall, Emilio Pucci revitalizes the eyewear collection through the innovative incorporation and mastering of shapes and lines," so starts the post on Eyesurf. "Iconic prints from the Pucci Palazzo archives highlight frame end pieces, strong brows and sleek temples. Depth and dimension is displayed with translucent patterned temples. Fluid lines curve to hug female silhouettes and frame shapes range from full rounds to modified cat-eyes." Read more.

Columbia Comes Out with New Collection

Eyesurf notes that the "new for Fall 2011, Columbia Eyewear extends its multi-faceted ophthalmic collection with 3 new models perfectly suited for the active-lifestyle, but designed to have minimal environmental impact. This proprietary new acetate offers the “tri-fecta” in eco-friendliness." Read more.

L'Amy Launches Winter Holiday Charity Program

"L’Amy America announces a special charity program on behalf of the company and their customers," reports Eyesurf. "Entitled Help the World to See a Better Tomorrow, TODAY the program allows eye care professionals to participate in donating to those in need. From the day participants begin until New Year’s Day, for every L’Amy America frame sold from the optician to the consumer, one frame will be donated to charity on behalf of the company’s participating customers. Frames will be given to a number of highly respected charities such as Lions Club International, New Eyes for the Needy, Volunteer Optometric Services for Humanity (VOSH) and Eyewear for Kids. Each of these noble organizations is renowned for its service and dedication to giving the gift of vision around the world." Read more.

New McQueen Sunwear

The new Alexander McQueen sunglasses collection has a classic individuality and a non-conformist spirit, combining vintage inspirations in a contemporary and unmistakable luxe style, so goes the Safilo press release. "The latest eyewear models celebrate the brand’s signature icons. The skull, a McQueen accessory motif, conveys a iconic appeal on the new styles. Natural wood, another unmistakeable signature material highlights a contemporary feel and leather the collection’s newest luxury element, underscores sophisticated references to the brand’s ready-to-wear creations." Read more.

Scientist Discover New Mechanism That Regulates Color Vision

"New York University biologists have identified a new mechanism for regulating color vision by studying a mutant fly named after Frank ('Ol Blue Eyes) Sinatra," according to MedicalNewsToday. "Their findings, which appear in the journal Nature, focus on how the visual system functions in order to preserve the fidelity of color discrimination throughout the life of an organism. They also offer new insights into how genes controlling color detection are turned on and off." Read more.

Luxottica North America Reorganizing Retail Group

VisionMonday  reported this morning that "Luxottica's North American Retail Group has made a series of organizational and operational changes recently, VMail has learned, which includes the adoption of a new management and regional reportig structure for its North American retail brands and the creation and reorganization of a new internal 'EyeCare Centers of Excellence' group." Read more.

AOA Releases Info about 3D in the Classroom

3D@Home Consortium announces the release of a new public health report, '3D in the Classroom:  See Well, Learn Well', authored by the American Optometric Association in consultation with 3D@Home and its member organizations.  The document is a joint effort of several top authorities in the optometric community, educators and vision researchers.  It is designed to help teachers, students, and parents understand 3D and its impact on the visual systems. Most significantly, the document illustrates how viewing 3D improves the retention of presented materials and can assist in the diagnosis of vision issues that have not been detected by traditional testing. Read more.

Retail Growth in Eyewear Sector Predicted

Despite growing competition and a more frugal consumer base, eyewear retailers can look forward to five more years of growth. The aging US population will continue to drive demand for prescription eyewear, especially as consumers remain in the workforce longer. Another benefit to eyewear retailers will be the healthcare reform bill, which will give more people access to vision care, boosting demand. To ward off competition from online and discount retailers, operators will increasingly offer eye exams given by in-house optometrists. Read more.

Detecting Glaucoma Earlier

MedicalNewsToday reports that "Writing in a forthcoming issue of the International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics, researchers in the US have analyzed and ranked the various risk factors for open angle glaucoma so that patients can be screened at an earlier stage if they are more likely to develop the condition." Read more.

L'Amy and Carven Join Hands

"L'Amy Group has signed a worldwide optics and solar brands Balmain and Carven. The launch will take place at the show Mido in Milan in 2012. Silmo late September at the show in Paris, the group will present its first collections Cerruti, Paule Ka, Ted Lapidus, Kaporal and Le Temps des Cerises," reports the Fashion-Daily News. "The first collections for men and women of the two French houses Mido exhibition will take place in Milan from 4 to 6 March 2012. In 2010, Balmain was launched with two models of solar Oliver Peoples, one of the biggest names in bezel California who signs the solar arrays Paul Smith. Previously, four other French claws will start their collaboration with the licensed Amy Group: Cerruti, Paule Ka, Ted Lapidus, Kaporal and Le Temps des Cerises. The presentation will be held to retailers, for all of these claws, Silmo the show to be held from September 29 to October 2." Read more.

VSP CEO Receives Award

The National Association of Specialty Health Organizations (NASHO) today announced the recipient of its 2nd Annual Most Influential in Specialty Health Award: Rob Lynch, President and CEO of VSP Global, which includes VSP Vision Care, the largest not-for-profit vision benefits company in the nation; Marchon Eyewear, one of the world's largest eyewear and sunwear manufacturers; Eyefinity, which offers technology solutions for practice management; and VSP Optics Group, an industry leader in new lens technologies.Read more.

Glasses as Sole Therapy Work with Strabismic & Amblyopia

"Glasses as the sole therapy can improve and even resolve the vision of children with strabismic and combined strabismic-anisometropic amblyopia, according to research published online September 29 in Ophthalmology. The finding should encourage clinicians to consider prescribing glasses until their patients stop improving, before resorting to patches or atropine, first author Susan Cotter, OD, MS, told Medscape Medical News." Read more.

Dunst "Fetes" Launch of Bulgari's Eyewear Collection

WWD reports that "Kirsten Dunst stopped by the Ilori New York SoHo boutique Tuesday night to fete the launch of Bulgari’s Le Gemme eyewear collection. Wearing Bulgari jewels and a floor-length, long-sleeve white Derek Lam dress, the 29-year-old actress posed for photographs and chatted with partygoers." Read more.

North America Doesn't Do Enough for Toxoplasmosis

"North American babies who acquire toxoplasmosis infections in the womb show much higher rates of brain and eye damage than European infants with the same infection, according to new research from the Stanford University School of Medicine," reports MedicalNewsToday. Read more.

Tura's Fall 2011 Line

"The [Tura] Intricates grouping of four beautiful designs brings refreshing details to this elegant-to-wear group. These designs will appeal to those interested in today’s current fashion trend of customized femininity," according to MidwestLens. The collection "offers frames with unique feminine appeal. Each design is unique with a special temple treatment featuring special use of material or color processes." Read more.

Importance of the Gene Related to Night Blindness

"A scientist from The Scripps Research Institute has determined how a particular gene makes night vision possible. The study focuses on a gene called nyctalopin. Mutations in the gene result in inherited 'night blindness,' a loss of vision in low-light environments," according to a MidwestLens post. Read more.

Happenings with Three Eyewear Lines

Eyesurf reports on news from the eyewear industry.

Fendi: "The Fall/Winter 2011 Fendi Eyewear Collection features luxurious materials and intricate detailing synonymous with the house of Fendi. The legendary Zucca pattern, a staple throughout all collections, has been replicated onto temples creating a window through which crystal inlays are displayed. Classic detailing seen throughout the Fendi Ready-to-Wear collection and accessories are replicated onto temples. A new detail to the collection is the Fendi Pequin pattern that wraps and extends down full temples." Read more.

Jil Sander: "This Fall season, Jil Sander debuts a collection of sun wear and ophthalmics that are pure in design and minimalist in nature. Each frame is a vibrant statement created through colorations from the staple blue to modern influenced red, purple, olive, fuchsia and horns. Shapes contour the female silhouette with metal brows sculpted to slightly curved and modified ovals molded out of rich zyl. New this season is beveled end pieces accented with the scratched texture. Ophthalmics are molded from rich zyl into vintage shapes with  Jil Sander subtly laser etched at temples. The Fall/Winter 2011 collection remains clean, pure and modern." Read more. 

Montblanc: "Marcolin, one of the world’s leaders in the eyewear industry and Montblanc, one of the leading international brands in the luxury segment, announced today the renewal of the licensing agreement for design, production and worldwide distribution of Montblanc optical frames and sunglasses." Read more.

OD in Australia Calls for Vigilance of CL Sales

"Paul Sheehan, a qualified optometrist and the Managing Director of Sydney-based YourLens (www.yourlens.com.au), an online wholesale distributor of contact lens to the profession, has called for increased vigilance, and an overhaul of laws surrounding the sale of contact lenses in Australia," according to MIVision. Read more.

Canadian Bill to Regulate Cosmetic CLs

"Cosmetic contact lenses need to be regulated to protect consumers from causing damage to their eyes, a Conservative MP says in a new private member's bill," reprots Canada.com. "Ontario MP Pat Davidson's bill, introduced in the House of Commons this week "to close regulatory loopholes for unsafe non-corrective cosmetic contact lenses," is expected to be debated later this month. The act to amend Canada's Food and Drugs Act proposes to bring non-correction cosmetic contact lenses under the same regulatory framework as prescribed, corrective contact lenses." Read more. Cosmetic CLs are regulated in the U.S.

Safilo Launches New Armani Collection

Emporio Armani celebrates its 30th anniversary with a capsule eyewear collection from Safilo. Iconic silhouettes are revisited with a touch of irony, producing transparent, lightweight and incisive results. For him, an ultra-flat teardrop shielded model (EA 9838/S) and for her an oversized rounded model (EA 9837/S). The ‘30° Emporio Armani logo is presented on the front of the frame and the metal signature eagle on the temples. The colour options include breathtaking pixel bursts in pink, red, purple or green. Alternatively softer shades of brown, shiny grey and smoke grey are available to round off the selection. Read more.

Flying Eye Hospital Goes South

At the invitation of the Regional President of La Libertad, the Ministry of Health, Instituto Regional de Oftalmologia (IRO) and sponsored by FedEx, ORBIS International landed its flagship Flying Eye Hospital – a converted DC-10 aircraft, flown by volunteer FedEx pilots, containing a state-of-the-art surgical and teaching facility – in Trujillo, Peru. During the next few weeks, the ORBIS medical team will conduct an intensive skills-exchange program for ophthalmic practitioners and medical personnel from around the region aboard this unique aircraft. In addition to the Flying Eye Hospital program, ORBIS will extend this program a fourth week to include a Hospital-based program with its partner in Chiclayo to address diabetic retinopathy and ROP (retinopathy of prematurity). Read more.

The Key: Fruit Fly's Retina

A tiny fruit fly's retina may hold the key to understanding the cause of the progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to a newly published study by researchers at the University of Dayton and the University of Florida. Read more.

Hitler's Eyewear Go on Auction

DailyMail reports that "they were made for him as his eyesight began to fail as the Second World War dragged on. But few photographs of Adolf Hitler in his reading glasses exist because he regarded them as a weakness and believed it would undermine his authority with his subjects. Sixty-six years after the end of the war, however, the glasses are in the news as they come up for sale in a major auction of the Nazi leader’s possessions." Read more.

New App for iPhone

Developed by Richard G. Davis,MD, a practicing ophthalmologist and founder of Precision Eye Care in Long Island, New York, the iRead App reportedly allows an individual to read for a short period of time with an iPhone. If your phone supports the zoom function and has a built in light and camera, iRead will allow you to read small print. Read more.

Izod Frames Get Cameo in Movie Moneyball

"Jonah Hill, who starred in Superbad and Get Him to the Greek as well as in movie hits like The 40-Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up, sports the Izod PFX63 frame in the hit film– Moneyball," reports MidwestLens. "Currently in theaters, this must-see sports drama written by Aaron Sorkin is the story of Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane’s attempt to put together a baseball club on a budget. For his role, Hill wears the IZOD PerformX63 frame throughout the film." Read more.

The New Nike Luxe and Nike Gaze Roll Out

"The Nike Luxe and Nike Gaze are women’s sport inspired sunglasses that have been designed with poise and empowerment in mind," reports Eyesurf. "These two styles are lightweight and provide comfort, flexibility, and durability. The Nike Luxe is a round 8 base frame that takes the precise technology of Nike Max Optics and combines it with a sporty and fashionable design. With four fresh and fun colors, the Nike Luxe is a great choice for the fashion forward athlete. The Nike Gaze, also an 8 base frame, is both comfortable and sporty. With its cat eye shape, script logo, and five vibrant colors, the Nike Gaze has a feminine look for today’s athlete. These two new women’s styles encompass confidence. You’re healthy, you’re true to you, and you’re in control and always looking your best with Nike Luxe and Nike Gaze." Read more.

Screen for Glaucoma Earlier, Says Study

 "Although [glaucoma] can be treated, new research shows Canadians may not be doing enough to protect themselves," according to a MedicalNewsToday post. "According to a new study by Lawson Health Research Institute's Dr. Cindy Hutnik, many Canadian glaucoma patients are not screened until the disease has reached moderate or advanced stages." Read more.

Chanel Goes with Schiffer

"Claudia Schiffer has long been the muse of Karl Lagerfeld, so it was unsurprising when he chose her to front his Chanel autumn/winter 2011-12 eyewear collection," says Vogue. "We took an exclusive look behind the scenes to see the German model in action as the face of the brand with which she is most associated." Read more.

Make Eyewear Allows Custom Frames Online

"We’ve heard about 3D printing for cars, buildings and chocolate … but spectacles? Yep," starts the SmartPlanet post. "While he was a student of industrial design, David Minich learned his way around 3D printing as part of his coursework at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. Later, while shopping for a pair of eyeglasses, he found the available designs uninspired and this, reports Fast Company, served as the inspiration for his startup eyeglass company, Make Eyewear....The web-based company, which launched this week, offers eight different frame styles, which range from Lady-Gaga-esque orbs to more studious and trendy options. Shoppers can pick a black, red, green, blue, purple, red or orange frame, select size (S,M,L) and then either a non-perspecription lens or a prescription lens. All the ordering is done online....Consumers can also go the totally bespoke route by presenting their very own design. A sketch is all it takes to get the process going, from there, you’re paired with a industrial designer to perfect the plans and submit the files to Shapeways. This option is best for those who are very confident with their ideas, however, as the custom frames start at $450 and aren’t refundable...The stock frames start at $150 and go up from there, based on the type of lens." Read more.

Safilo Says Confident It Will Land Deal with Armani

"Italian eyewear maker Safilo has tried to reassure investors that it was confident it could renew its key licence with the Armani group," reports GulfToday. "The Italian No. 2 eyewear maker behind Luxottica said that talks with Armani were ongoing and the outcome uncertain, but it had made a strong offer to try to keep the contract with Armani, a deal analysts estimate contributes around 15 per cent of Safilo’s sales." Read more. A few days ago, Safilo was telling investors that the company did not have a deal with the designer.

Another Reason Not to Use Coke--Glaucoma

"Cocaine users may have an increased risk of developing a type of glaucoma, a new study finds," notes a post on LiveScience. "The participants in the study who had used or were using cocaine were more likely than non-cocaine users to have open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma and the second-most common cause of blindness in the United States. Researchers at the Veterans Health Administration's Health Services Research and Development Service in Indianapolis analyzed the health records of 5.3 million U.S. veterans who had used VA outpatient clinics in 2009. About 90 percent of the veterans were male." Read more.

Aspirin Regiment Linked with AMD

"Seniors who take aspirin daily are twice as likely to have late stage macular degeneration, an age-related loss of vision, than people who never take the pain reliever, a new European study reports," says a Reuters post. "The data do not show that aspirin causes vision loss. But the findings are of concern if aspirin somehow exacerbates the eye disorder, researchers say, given how many seniors take it daily for heart disease." Read more.

NY Changes Its Mind about Eyes--For the Time Being

"Pending recommendations of an advisory panel, the state Department of Motor Vehicles is suspending a new policy that allowed motorists renewing driver's licenses to 'self-certify' their vision is good enough to drive, the agency announced Friday," according to the StarGazette."Commissioner Barbara Fiala issued a statement about the reversal Friday afternoon, following an outcry from county clerks, law enforcement and medical professionals who said waiving the eye test given in DMV offices threatens public safety." Read more. Many states, such as Connecticut, do allow for drivers to "self-certify."

New "Molecular Wipe" Drug Found for Pink Eye

 MedicalNewsToday reports that "scientists are reporting discovery of a potential new drug for epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) - sometimes called 'pink eye' - a highly infectious eye disease that may occur in 15 million to 20 million people annually in the United States alone. Their report describing an innovative new 'molecular wipe' that sweeps up viruses responsible for EKC appears in ACS's Journal of Medicinal Chemistry." Read more.