Ameritas Launches New Vision Plan

Ameritas Group, a division of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., announces a new group Vision Perfect plan that features increasing annual maximums. The Vision Perfect with Increasing Annual Maximum plan automatically gives members an increased maximum benefit with each year on the plan. The plan includes no deductible, waiting period or late entrant provision. Read more.

Scientists Break in Ft. Lauderdale to Discuss Vision Correction and Ocular Health

Does uncorrected refractive error affect the quality of our life? You might think there’s a simple answer to the question but for Nina Tahhan the question is highly complex.  At ARVO this week, Nina, from the International Centre for Eyecare Education and colleagues from the Brien Holden Vision Institute will be presenting their latest insights from research across a range of topics in vision correction and ocular health. Around 10 000 scientists have descended on Fort Lauderdale U.S. this week to exchange findings from the cutting-edge of research at the annual Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting – probably the biggest science meeting for people involved in eye and vision research.

PCI Awards Grants to Orbis and ICEH for Their Work with Children

The Pediatric Cataract Initiative (PCI), a collaboration between Bausch + Lomb and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), has awarded two $50,000 research grants to Orbis in South Africa and Zambia and to The International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH) in Bangladesh. PCI gives its grants to organizations strengthen and expand treatment for preventable childhood blindness, particularly pediatric cataract. PCI reviewed 14 small research grant applications from around the world including countries such as Hungary, Nigeria, Nepal, Malawi, and New Zealand before ultimately choosing the projects of Orbis and ICEH. 

New Magnetic Coating Makes CLs Antibacterial

"Scientists at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have created a "magnetic-like" coating that traps and destroys 99 percent of the bacteria and fungi that it encounters," reports Gizmo. "The antibacterial coating has been shown to be effective against superbugs like Staphylococcus aureus and is already being used in the manufacture of contact lenses." Read more.

Dizm Eyewear Launches 100% Biodegradable Frames

"Dizm Eyewear is proud to announce the launch of their Eco Collection- the first sunglass collection with 100% renewable and biodegradable frames," reports Trans World Business. The "eco collection is fashioned from RB Cellulose Acetate, a plant based material derived from cotton, wood and palm oil. With the appropriate environmental conditions these frames will decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Meets compliance with the American and European certification for biodegradation." Read more.

IFE Creates Promo Film for Orbis

IFE Services, a leading in-flight entertainment (IFE) provider, today announced that it has helped produce a new promotional film for the sight saving charity, Orbis. The international charity delivers the tools, training and technology necessary for local partners to develop their own capacity to provide eye care services that are affordable, accessible and sustainable. At the heart of Orbis's  efforts is the Flying Eye Hospital - the world's only airborne eye health training and surgical centre. The IFE's promotional film will inform people about the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital and the need for funds to finance a new plane that will continue this sight saving legacy. The film is currently being used during one-to-one meetings with current and prospective supporters of the charity to update them on the next generation Flying Eye Hospital project. Read more.

Toms Eyewar Launches Summer of Sight Campaign

This summer, the One for One company, Toms, is launching a new campaign to help it reach its goal of saving and restoring sight to 100,000 people around the world.  Toms' Summer of Sight kicks off on May 10, timed with the anticipated arrival of new Toms Eyewear product that will hopefully make shoppers look as good as the good they are doing. Of the Summer of Sight campaign, Toms Founder Blake Mycoskie said "When we launched last year, we had no idea we could get anywhere near helping 100,000 people in such a short amount of time.  We're truly proud, yet humbled, that the response to Toms Eyewear has been so positive.  The goal of 100,000 people returning to work or school, rejoining their communities and regaining their independence is something all of us at Toms – and our fans – are excited about."

Judge Wants to Hear from Victims of the Cyberbully Eyewear Website Operator

"A judge delayed the sentencing of an eyewear website operator who intimidated customers, saying he first wants to hear testimony from dozens of victims who reported they were threatened with violence, including murder and rape," according to a Washington Post post. Read more.

Eyewear Shopping Advice Your Patients Are Hearing

Money magazine offered the following advice to readers about eyewear: "If you're among the two-thirds of adults who need glasses or contact lenses, you know vision care often comes at eye-popping prices. You can easily drop $200 for a pair of basic glasses; spring for add-ons like anti-glare lenses or designer frames and the price can double. If multiple members of your family need corrective eyewear, you could face a bill that tops $500 to $1,000 in a single year. Sure, insurance and shopping at discount retailers can help cut costs. The savings, though, may not be as great as they first appear.And if you're not careful, you can end up sacrificing lens quality and safety to save a few bucks. Use these strategies to get the best care for the best price." Read more.

New Releases from Skechers

"Viva International Group presents 10 new releases from the Skechers Eyewear Spring/Summer 2012 collection consisting of four men’s, four women’s and two boy’s ophthalmic styles," reports Midwest Lens. "The new styles capture the sporty and vibrant look of the Skechers brand, while incorporating many design elements from Skechers' new footwear styles." Read more.

Gene Therapy Leading to Treatments for Eye Disease

"Gene therapy strategies to prevent and treat inherited diseases of the retina that can cause blindness have progressed rapidly. Positive results in animal models of human retinal disease continue to emerge, as reported in several articles published in Human Gene Therapy, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The articles are available free on the Human Gene Therapy website." That's the start of a post on Medical News Today. Read more.

Optical Cyberbully Sentenced Today

"An eyewear website operator who prosecutors say left dozens and possibly hundreds of customers fearing for their lives is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in New York," reports MSNBC. "The sentencing [today}...comes after Vitaly Borker pleaded guilty to making threats and fraud charges. Prosecutors say he bullied his customers into accepting counterfeit and inferior products. They say he encouraged them to complain online to boost his Internet ranking and drive more customers his way." Read more.

Global Warming Responsible for Increase in Eye Problems

"Two years ago, retired teacher Vera started experiencing eye discomfort, irritation and crusting of the eyelids," according to the UK edition of the Huffington Post. "Many trips to eye specialists later, she was diagnosed with chronic blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid, of unknown cause. And, after trial and error with different treatments, she now has a routine that keeps her discomfort and pain in check....It may be difficult to pin Vera's symptoms to global warming, but scientists all over the world agree that increased levels of ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface of the Earth, resulting from ozone depletion at high altitude, and a toxic mix of air pollutants are responsible for serious eye disorders." Read more.

Google Exec Shows Off Google Specs at Work

Picture taken with Google glasses. Video re-
leased at beginning of year for the Google
Glass Project.

"Google's Project Glass glasses might not be the most stylish pair of lenses you've ever worn, but a new image released by the search company shows how far they might go in changing the state of photography," reports CNET. "Google fellow and vice president Sebastian Thrun yesterday posted an image he took while wearing his Project Glass eyewear. In it, he's spinning his son, Jasper, around with both hands while the glasses he's wearing snap the photo. Soon after it was posted, the image went viral on the Google+ social network, and it was reposted by company co-founder Sergey Brin, who called it "an amazing capture." Thrun's posting has 500 comments -- nearly all of which laud the photo -- and about 1,800 +1 votes. It's just as popular elsewhere it was posted across the social network." Read more.

Puma's New Line

"The release consists of three men’s styles (PU15362, PU15363, and PU15367) as well as two ladies (PU15364, PU15365) and one unisex style (PU15366).  From top to toe, Puma style spreads the word with bright colours, hip styles and individuality.  A fusion of fashion nous, function and comfort is the hallmark of the unique Puma Eyewear’s style.  The look is cutting-edge and never out of date." That's the word on an Eye Surf post. Read more.

New Clip-Ons from Revolution

Eye Surf claims that "Revolution Eyewear continues to raise the bar on magnetic clip-on styles. This classic timeless look is now available with a magnetic clip-on.  The Rev740 is available in Black Crystal, Black, Demi Grey and Havana. Remember all Revolution Magnetic Clip-Ons can be special ordered for 3D Viewing and soon to come specialty lenses for specific sports as well." Read more.

Wiley's New Fisherman Sunwear

"Fresh and saltwater fishermen have a new weapon in their arsenal — the new WX Gravity from Wiley X, Inc. This weapon isn’t going to help them cast further or trick a big large mouth into biting, but it will help them read the water more effectively, spot fish and bait orienting to underwater structure, and keep their eyes safe and comfortable from dawn to dusk," acccording to Eye Surf. "It’s one of the few sport performance sunglass models in the world certified to meet U.S. Military Specifications for combat protective eyewear—only from Wiley X." Read more.

They're Back. The Brewsees!

"Talk about literal beer googles. Brewsees Eyewear's 12'Oz'er sunglasses might not make the biggest fashion statement, but they definitely win points for being the most useful 2-in-1 product during a tailgate party. Can't misplace your bottle opener when it's on your face." That's the post on LAWeekly.

Charity Donates3600 Reading Glasses

New York City-based philanthropic eyewear company Moraleyes recently made a donation of over 3,600 pairs of reading glasses to non-profit organization New Eyes for the Needy. Established in late 2010, Moraleyes adheres to a one-for-one sales philosophy, donating a pair of reading glasses to its non-profit partner, New Eyes, for every pair sold. In Moraleyes' brief history, the company has already donated over 18,600 reading glasses. Read more.

Does Visual Deprivation Enhance Other Senses? Maybe, Says Study

"Can blindness or other forms of visual deprivation really enhance our other senses such as hearing or touch?" asks a Science Daily post. "While this theory is widely regarded as being true, there are still many questions about the science behind it.New findings from a Canadian research team investigating this link suggest that not only is there a real connection between vision and other senses, but that connection is important to better understand the underlying mechanisms that can quickly trigger sensory changes." Read more.

Fixing Nearsightedness with Fluorescent Lights?

"Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham hope to one day use fluorescent light bulbs to slow nearsightedness, which affects 40 percent of American adults and can cause blindness," says Science Daily. "In an early step in that direction, results of a study found that small increases in daily artificial light slowed the development of nearsightedness by 40 percent in tree shrews, which are close relatives of primates." Read more.

New Movie Shows Off Eyewear

"I’ve written before about the cinematic power of great 1970s period eyewear, fully on display here. But the most intriguing aspect of Argo is the bizarre true story it’s based on,:" reports Slate. "Adapted from Joshuah Bearman’s 2007 Wired article, Argo depicts how the Central Intelligence Agency invented a fake science-fiction flick to rescue six Americans from Iran. That sci-fi flick was called Argo, and the fake production was convincing enough that it got written up in Variety and The Hollywood Reporter—here's the fake movie’s very real poster." Read more.

Eye Docs Warn about Need for Exams and UV Protection

You might find more of your patients asking about exams or you might want to promote exams. Why? The American Academy of Ophthalmology and EyeCare America, a public-service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, released a public-service announcement, urging all Americans to make regular dilated eye exams a part of their health routine during Healthy Vision Month. It is receiving a great deal of coverage. Observed each year during the month of May, Healthy Vision Month is an annual campaign to educate the public about ways to make their healthy vision last a lifetime. In addition to routine eye exams, healthy habits -- such as a nutritious diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and wearing sunglasses -- can help prevent eye disease and vision loss.Read more.

Additionally, most Americans don't recognize the importance of ultraviolet (UV) protection for their eyes to prevent damage and visual impairment.  In fact, according to the American Optometric Association's (AOA) recent American Eye-Q survey,  only 47 percent of Americans said UV protection is the most important factor when purchasing sunglasses. Additionally, less than one-third (28 percent) of Americans indicated that wearing sunglasses and sunscreen should always go hand in hand.Read more. So pull out those UV and sunwear displays.

Eye Color Related to Skin Disease?

"They say 'the eyes are the window to the soul.' But a new study suggests the eyes may also offer a sneak peek at the risk of serious skin problems down the road," according to WebMD. "The results showed that people with blue eyes were less likely to develop vitiligo. Meanwhile, people with brown eyes were more likely to develop the skin disease and its characteristic white patches of skin and hair." Read more.

New Line from Humphrey's Eyewear

"Youthful in design, this collection offers more than 40 optical and 20 sunwear designs – featuring outstanding color with an attitude," goes the Midwest Lens post about Humphrey's Eyewear. "Colors of red and black, purple and pink, black and white and brown and green, just to note a few. The unique frame characteristics include combinations of metals and plastic to create the interest." Read more.

Canadians Living with Vision Loss

A study released today by CNIB and the University of Waterloo's School of Optometry as part of Vision Health Month indicates that one in seven Canadian adults may be living with some form of vision loss, much of which could be corrected. Meanwhile, other results from the study indicate that more than one-third of Canadians over age 40 could actually have eye disease, despite having normal vision. Read more.

Top USA Cyclist Fights Eye Irritation

"His vision improved immediately and so did his results, as shown in last year's Tour de France in which he was the top American, finishing eighth overall. The veteran cyclist has emerged as one of the favorites in this weekend's Amgen Tour of California," starts the USAToday post. "[Tom] Danielson, 34, rode for a decade with constantly irritated eyes. He carried extra contact lenses during races as did team personnel in race vehicles. He often raced without clearly seeing where he was pedaling." Read more.

Screening for Retinopathy Bi-Annually

"Research carried out at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (PCMD), University of Exeter, has concluded that it would be a safe and cost-effective strategy to screen people with type 2 diabetes who have not yet developed diabetic retinopathy, for the disease once every two years instead of annually," reports Medical News Today. "The research is supported by funding from the National Institute for Health Research Peninsula Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR PenCLAHRC). It is published on-line in Diabetes Care." Read more.

Seeing Is Playing

"As a high-school football player, Mike Peters’ inability to see the football kept him from playing in college. As an eye doctor who works with the Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina RailHawks and Durham Bulls, he saw that those athletes’ abnormally good ability to see helped make them successful," according to the Charlotte Observer. "That difference is the gist of Peters’ new book, “See to Play,” which is as much a manual for athletes (and would-be athletes) on how to improve their eyesight as it is an examination of the role vision plays in athletic success. The book, scheduled to come out next month, is the culmination of five years of writing and a career’s worth of consideration." Read more.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/07/3224992/decock-what-if-hand-eye-coordination.html#storylink=cpy

Update on Ocular Imaging Techniques

The same technology used by astronomers to obtain clear views of distant stars is now being used by optometrists to perform incredibly detailed examinations of the living eye. An update on new developments in ocular imaging techniques—and how they may affect clinical vision care in the not-too-distant future—is presented in an article titled “Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope-based Microperimetry” published in a special May issue of Optometry and Vision Science, official journal of the American Academy of Optometry. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.Cutting-edge techniques now allow researchers to visualize the fine structure of the eye in a way that was "not conceivable 20 years ago," according to a guest editorial by Scott Read, OD, PhD, FAAO (Candidate), and colleagues. "As these advanced imaging methods continue to develop, the potential for imaging ocular structures down to the cellular level in everyday clinical practice has become a reality—and the potential to improve patient care is truly stunning," Dr. Read and coauthors add.

An Analysis of the Current Eyewear Trend among Celebrities

Judging from the plethora of eye-catching eyewear that's been getting face time over the last few years — be it on the European ready-to-wear runways or in the adjoining office cubicle — it's clear that glasses have gone from nerd necessity to chic accessory," goes the Los Angeles Times report. "It's a shift reflected in the current look-at-me trends — retro, vintage-inspired frames, chunky tortoise shells and geometric shapes that attract rather than deflect attention — and reinforced by the laundry list of fashion-focused brands with a presence in the eyewear arena. These include high-end European luxury labels like Prada, Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana as well as American contemporary brands Brooks Brothers, Tory Burch, Tiffany & Co. and Sperry Top-Sider, which aims to translate the brand's footwear DNA into a line of licensed sunglass and ophthalmic frames due to hit the market next year." Read more.

Drug Adminstered Orally Offers Promise for Some AMD Patients

There may be new found hope for patients whose vision is threatened when medicine injected directly into the eyes fails to cause abnormal blood vessels to recede. While injectable drugs called angiogenesis (an-gee-oh-jen-esis) inhibitors are considered a modern miracle and have become the standard of care for patients with the fast-progressive form of macular degeneration, they are not foolproof. For the first time researchers report that an oral nutriceutical, used on a last resort basis, reportedly restores vision rapidly to otherwise hopeless patients who face permanent loss. Read more.

Conversation with the Man Behind Activist

"Activist Eyewear, based in Brooklyn NY, is a brand that stands for creative change and a life spent exploring the world. Co-founded by creative director Mark Craig and business director Anthony Codispoti, the collection debuted in 2010 with the goal of redefining high-performance sunglasses," according to the gushy review in the Examiner. "They invented new technologies, such as their signature Split-FitTM temple design and ActiVIZmTM Polarized Lenses, and melded them with elements of classic style for a totally new crossover product." Read more.

Rare Eye Disorder Nearly Takes Vision

"When Tamika Morgan developed red irritated eyes in the fall of 2010, she wasted no time heading to an optometrist at a local retail store who gave her drops for pink eye," starts the dramatic story in the Baltimore Sun. "Her eyes got worse over the next few days so she went to a local hospital to see an ophthalmologist, but a specialist wasn't available. A weekend passed and she landed in the office of a retina expert at another hospital, and by then she couldn't read the big E on the vision chart." Read more.

More than 80% of Eastern Asian Students Myopic, Says Study

"Around 80% to 90% of school-leavers in major East Asian cities like China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and South Korea suffer from myopia or short-sightedness. This represents an enormous burden of disease that will lead to further problems in the future, as 10 to 20% of those affected suffer from 'high' myopia that can ultimately lead to loss of vision, impaired vision, as well as blindness," according to a post on Medical News Today."Professor Ian Morgan, from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Vision Science, and the Australian National University in Canberra, and team report in the second paper in The Lancet Series on Ophthalmology that this extremely high prevalence of myopia is linked to increased schooling, according to recent data, which indicates that the lack of daylight exposure could have a major impact on this gigantic problem." Read more.

Sloppy Shipping of Retinas Leads to AMD Discovery

"Sloppy shipping of a donated human retina to an Indiana University researcher studying a leading cause of vision loss has inadvertently helped uncover a previously undetected mechanism causing the disease," reports Science Digest. "The discovery has led researchers to urge review of how millions of dollars are spent investigating the cause of a type of age-related macular degeneration called choroidal neovascularization." Read more.

Hilfiger's New Sunwear Line Donates to the Millennium Promise

The Promise Collection of Tommy Hilfiger Eyewear will benefit the Millennium Promise. Katie Holmes, Tommy Hilfiger’s international brand ambassador for The Promise Collection, is supporting Millennium Promise and their efforts to raise awareness for the plight of African communities living in extreme poverty, and the substantive changes being implemented by Millennium Promise to provide these communities with a sustainable future. The Promise Collection of Tommy Hilfiger eyewear features two classic styles with African prints, colors and natural wooden effects. All proceeds from the sale of the collection will go towards the Millennium Villages Project. Read more.

New Marc by Marc Jacobs Line

Marc by Marc Jacobs eyewear presents its new “I Love Stripes” collection. Featuring both acetate and metal styles, the brand's signature stripes provide eye-catching detail to the temples. From rectangular silhouettes for the Men’s offerings, to refined cat eye shapes for the Women, the collection is chic and wearable.Read more.

New Sunwear Advertising Campaign from Armani

Following the first launch of the “Frames of Life” campaign in 2010, and the itinerant project, Frames of Your Life, Giorgio Armani’s sunglass collection is now the focus of a summer journey that captures genuine moments of pure relaxation. Shot in sophisticated black and white by photographer Serge Guerand, the new advertising campaign, Frames of Life – Spring/Summer 2012 speaks of vacations, of an intimate and pleasant atmosphere uniquely set in and around Saint Tropez. Read more.

Burberry Hosts 4 Concerts for Its 2012 Spring Eyewear

"Last night, legendary British label Burberry hosted four concerts in four major international cities – Paris, Milan, New York City and Sydney – in coordination with their Spring 2012 eyewear campaign," reports a Rolling Stone post. "Burberry Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey – already something of a vanguard for his creative pairing of fashion and music culture – continues to reinforce the revitalized brand as cultural tastemakers. As we've said before, can a Burberry record label be far behind? It would be stylish and solvent – an increasingly rare feat these days. What's not to love?" Read more.

Helen Flanagan Models for Spectacle Wearer of the Year

"Actress Helen Flanagan swapped a modelling career on the cobbles of Coronation Street for some real life modelling when she launched Specsavers’ search for Ireland’s Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2012," so goes a post from the Irish Independent. "Are you the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2012? Every year, Specsavers scours Ireland to find the girls and boys next door who look amazing in their specs. The competition is open to men and women aged 16 and over, who are current specs wearers or wear glasses for fashion purposes. Specsavers and top model agency Assets Models will be specs-spotting this summer up and down the country." Read more here.

Kaenon and Fatheadz Partner with C&E

"Kaenon, the Newport Beach based eyewear company, is proud to announce its partnership with C&E Vision Buying Group, a leading national optical buying group. Under the agreement, C&E members that are billed through the group will receive a volume discount from published prices, along with extended dating." That's the report from Eye Surf.

In addition, Eye Surf reported that "Fatheadz Eyewear, the leading eyewear maker catering to men and women with large brains (and heads to match) announces today its partnership with C&E Vision Buying Group, meaning their members no longer have to place the brains of their larger-headed clientele in choke holds by trying to fit them with standard size frames. Now all C&E Vision member patients can have great looking, proper fitting frames."

Shared Saving Program from Medicare Launched

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently launched the Shared Saving Program and will release the names of participating accountable care organizations (ACOs) soon. The program will return a portion of savings to an authorized ACO so long as the individuals and entities delivering care for the ACO meet designated quality-of-care standards. A second program reporting period will begin July , and CMS should announce participating ACOs within the next seven weeks. Read more.

ProDesign's New Line

"The Axiom collection is all about simplified functionality and this new addition to the successful fifth branch under the ProDesign name is no exception!" So goes the post on Eye Surf. "The special clip is a patented hinge functionality, that allows the temple tob e removed easily from the rest oft he frame – simply by pressing down lightly on the clip! The striped acetate of the end tip is a classic ProDesignacetate, and both the colors of the fronts and the temples are repeated in the end tip pattern.Five shapes, in five to six colors each." Read more.

Maryland Guv Signs Provision for Stand-Alone Vision Plans

"Governor Martin O’Malley just made Maryland the first state to sign into law a provision that will save the way millions access and receive vision care.  This law sets the stage for other votes that will take place across the country - in other states that are setting up their own health care exchanges," wrote a public relations representative for VSP. "The law enables stand-alone vision insurance companies – the way 90% of Americans receive eyecare – to provide benefits to residents through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (the marketplace for small businesses and the uninsured to purchase healthcare benefits).  They were overlooked by the federal government in the creation of health care reform. By signing this law, Governor O'Malley is ensuring that Maryland residents can keep their eye doctors and have access to eyecare that can actually mitigate long term health care costs due to the early detection of chronic diseases."

Hydrogels as Drug Delivery Systems

"The flexible properties of hydrogels — highly absorbent, gelatinous polymers that shrink and expand depending on environmental conditions such as humidity, pH and temperature — have made them ideal for applications from contact lenses to baby diapers and adhesives," according to Phys.org. "In recent years, researchers have investigated hydrogels’ potential in drug delivery, engineering them into drug-carrying vehicles that rupture when exposed to certain environmental stimuli. Such vesicles may slowly release their contents in a controlled fashion; they may even contain more than one type of drug, released at different times or under various conditions." Read more.

Gucci's Eco-Friendly Liquid Wood Eyewear

Less than one year after setting an industry precedent with the launch of sustainable eyewear, Gucci and Safilo are pleased to make a further commitment to environmental responsibility with new eco-friendly packaging and the first-ever sunglasses made from Liquid Wood – aninnovative biodegradable material never before used in the eyewear sector.Read more.

Lightec's Alpha 15

"Discreet temples and original, contemporary eye shapes define Lightec’s Alpha 15 collection, which will appeal to modern women looking for clean, unique, and comfortable products." That's the w2rite-up from Midwest Lens . "Elegant eye shapes with clean lines, seamlessly merge with slim, beveled, colored plastic temples. Satin-finished fronts in vibrant tones, contrast with the color and texture of the shiny temples. All the models can be fitted with progressive friendly lenses and yet remain contemporary in design. All Lightec models are stainless steel ...Frames feature Lightec’s patented Alpha hinge which is totally free of screws and springs." Read more.

The Consequences of the Avastin/Lucentis Debate

"For both drugs, vision was slightly better with monthly injections, rather than with less frequent or "as-needed" injections. However, study authors were also quick to note that since as-needed dosing requires fewer drug injections into the eye, some patients, following consultation with their eye doctor, may elect not to choose monthly injections, balancing relative risks and cost." Read more on Medical News Today.

Zilli's New Line of Eyewear

"Zilli is to unveil a collection of 12 new eyewear models showcasing innovation, technology, craftsmanship and design at the TFWA Asia Pacific show in Singapore, where the French luxury menswear brand is exhibiting for the first time," according to Moodie Reports. "The new range, which follows the success of the company's first eyewear collection in 2010, centres on state-of-the-art technology and distinctive materials....Zilli offers 12 models (six optical and six sun models), each available in three colours. This season, limited editions, made from acetate laminated with silk, have been added to the collection." Read more.

ONS Reports Need to Education Americans about Nutrients and Eye Health

 The Ocular Nutrition Society (ONS) recently issued the following statement regarding the urgent need to educate Americans about the role of nutrition in supporting eye health.

Significant scientific evidence exists to support the role of certain nutrients, including zinc, vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, to help promote health in the aging eye. The displacement of nutrient-dense foods by processed foods in the Western, or American, diet is disconcerting, as is the lack of awareness of key nutrients and other modifiable risk factors that impact eye health. The lack of key diet-derived nutrients is a modifiable risk factor for protecting eye health, and eating a healthy diet rich in these nutrients is encouraged. With regard to dietary supplementation, many leading multivitamin and mineral supplements do not contain lutein, zeaxanthin or long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Taking a supplement specifically designed for eye health that contains these key nutrients, in addition to a general nutritional supplement, may therefore be a better approach to filling dietary shortfalls. There is a need for guidelines that include nutritional recommendations and other lifestyle modifications to aid people in making better choices for protecting the health of their eyes as they age. As such, we support new efforts to develop such guidelines as well as subsequent educational initiatives designed to raise awareness of these recommendations among public and professional audiences.

The statement is the consensus of a multidisciplinary roundtable of experts recently convened by the ONS to explore the role of nutrition in eye health. Experts from the fields of ophthalmology, optometry, diet and nutrition, and primary care reviewed current data regarding nutrients that support the health of the aging eye and the results of a recent survey that examined U.S. baby boomer attitudes and awareness regarding eye health.

Foundation to Promote Health Vision Month

Beginning in May, Healthy Vision Month, the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) is launching See a Better Tomorrow, a public education campaign that encourages people to schedule comprehensive eye exams to help protect against irreversible vision loss. AHAF, which funds research and provides public information on glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, attests that early diagnosis is key to limiting or preventing vision loss from these two degenerative diseases, which affect 16 million Americans.Read more.

3M Tekk Launches Protective Eyewear for Homeowner

3M Tekk Protection Brand has hooked up with Mike Holmes, the contractor from HGTV, to develop a line of protective eyewear for projects around the house. According to a recent 3M Safety Survey, nearly three out of four homeowners across the U.S. are most concerned with injuring their eyes as opposed to any other injury while completing DIY or home improvement projects. The eyewear reportedly will protect homeowners from projectiles and contaminants while doing home maintenance projects, including sanding, painting, sawing, drilling, power washing and lawn maintenance.Read more.

Wiley X to Raise Money for Breast Cancer Research

"For the third consecutive year, leading protective eyewear manufacturer Wiley X, Inc. will be raising thousands of dollars for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), through an ongoing fundraising program linked to sales of its popular Lacey sunglasses,: reports Midwest Lens. "Throughout 2012, Wiley X will donate $3 from the sale of each polarized or non-polarized Lacey model to support the efforts of this long-standing and proven charitable organization." Read more.

Short Video about OpticalCEU's Spring 2012 Seminar for Opticians

NEI Weighs In on the Avastin-Lucentis Debate

At two years, Avastin (bevacizumab) and Lucentis (ranibizumab injection), two widely used drugs to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), improve vision when administered monthly or on an as needed basis, although greater improvements in vision were seen with monthly administration for this common, debilitating eye disease, according to researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Wills Eye Featuring Education Videos on Web

Wills Eye Institute will feature informational videos from  Eyemaginations, Inc.,on the homepage of the institute's new website. Among the topics to be highlighted on the new website are macular degeneration, refractive surgery, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye. The site also includes animated content on cutting-edge procedures and treatments available at the institute.

Adam Levine Wearing Rupert by Indie

"Adam Levine, from Maroon 5 & NBC’s The Voice, was spotted recently shooting his new video 'Payphone,' wearing the Rupert by Indie, by REM Eyewear." That's the report from Eye Surf.

Ogi Kids Expands

"to the already beautiful Mommy and Me, Daddy and I Collection, solidify Ogi Kids as a leader in the children’s eyewear segment," reports Midwest Lens. "By making fun frames that emulate frames their parents wear, this collection is bridging the gap between fun and functional. The children of today are the fashion enthusiasts of tomorrow and Ogi is looking to give them a head start." Read more.

Marchon Buys Dragon Alliance

Marchon Eyewear purchased Dragon Alliance, reportedly one of the world’s leading goggle and eyewear brands in the action sports market. The company says that innovative, diversified eyewear products are fueling its success. Dragon's functional products are said to appeal to the youth market and push outside the boundaries of the status quo. This includes the recent groundbreaking launch of the frameless Advanced Projects Infinity snow goggle. Read more.

IRS "Bows" to ODs. Or a Rose by Another Name Ain't a Rose

"Bending to AOA pressure, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that it will no longer use a discriminatory reference to doctors of optometry in its annual tax guidance documents." That's the way the Ameircan Optometric Association boasted of the change in the "you-say-tomato-I-say-tomato" debate. The radical bureaucratic departure: IRS officials will refer to “eye doctors” as optomettherists and ophthalmologists. Prior to the change, the IRS asked patients and their tax preparers to obtain a certified statement from an “eye doctor or registered optometrist” in order to apply the higher standard deduction for blindness.

New Eyewear Videos from AllAboutVision

Keeping an eye on the latest eyeglass and sunglass trends for spring and summer just got easier with four new videos from AllAboutVision.com. The men’s eyeglass trends video features nearly 30 frames from Cole Haan, Geek Eyewear, Mario Galbatti and Randy Jackson Eyewear.  The women’s eyeglass trends video features more than 20 frames by Lipstick Eyewear, Roxy, Jean Paul Gaultier, XOXO and more. From aviator and modern to classic and "rock-n-roll," about 20 trendy sunglass frames are displayed in the men’s sunglass trends video. Color blocking is a popular trend for women’s sunglass frames, as well as cateye shapes, as shown in the women’s sunglass trends video.

Bausch and Lomb UK Team Up with Fight for Sight

"Eyecare specialist Bausch and Lomb, based in Surrey, has teamed up with Fight For Sight to help support the charity's work," says the Press Association. "Employees from Bausch and Lomb, which supplies eye healthcare products, will be taking part in fundraising activities for the charity as part of a new partnership. Staff will be tackling the charity's annual Carrots NightWalk in London on September 21 to support the charity, which funds research to prevent sight loss and treat eye disease." Read more.

Avastin and Lucentis Yield Similar Improvements, Says Study

Two drugs commonly used to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD) yield similar improvements in vision for patients receiving treatments on a monthly or as-needed basis, according to a study from researchers at the Center for Preventive Ophthalmology and Biostatistics (CPOB) at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The year-two results of the Comparison of AMD Treatment Trials (CATT) support the findings from the first year of the study that evaluated the effects of Avastin (bevacizumab) - the off-label drug most frequently used to treat AMD - and Lucentis (ranibizumab), a drug approved by the FDA in 2006 for the treatment of AMD. Full long-term results of the CATT, a two-year clinical trial, are published in the current issue of Ophthalmology. Read more.

New Line from Tru Trussardi

"The latest Tru Trussardi optical collection features modern frame silhouettes with a snug fit and high-tech design composition using top quality materials and all presented in the latest season colours," according to Eye Surf. "Women’s frames are inspired by a new functional femininity showcasing a blend of softly sensuous, simple forms in matt metallics or marbled acetate topped off by rare and beautiful design accents including leather inlays or sassy Tru Trussardi temple logo. Men can enjoy head-turning masculine frame styles which endow an attractive blend of debonair nonchalance with cutting-edge style in acetate and titanium." Read more.

New Line from i-dealoptics

"This spring i-dealoptics introduces a brand new collection for women. Six debut styles evoke a timeless feel with their emphases on classic shapes and soft feminine colors," reports Midwest Lens. "Jewelry-inspired elements on the temples are highlighted by sparkling rhinestones, richly colored acetates, and geometric shapes. Full frame and semi-rimless options in stainless steel are sized with deeper B-measurements to easily accommodate multi-focal lenses." Read more.