LensCrafters Taking on China's Retail Eyewear Market

China Daily reports that "after the aggressive purchase of three Chinese optical companies for an estimated 600 million yuan ($95.24 million) since it came to China at the end of 2005, US-based LensCrafters is launching a new concept store under the name of LC+.The outlet will be the flagship store of the giant high-end retail chain owned by Luxottica Group S.p.A., the world's largest eyewear company, whose most famous brands include Ray-Ban, Persol and Oakley Inc. It also makes sunglasses and prescription frames for designer brands such as Chanel and Prada. Luxottica also produces sunglasses branded Burberry, Polo Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Tiffany, Versace, Vogue, Miu Miu, Tory Burch and Donna Karan. Read more.

Safilo and Its Unions Coming to Grips with Armani Loss

Safilo recently signed a preliminary agreement with the unions after a number of intense but constructive discussions and negotiations about the redundancies caused by the loss of the Armani license. The agreement ensures the use of the solidarity contract for 24 month, which Safilo says is in-line with its industrial plan. Safilo is looking to make its production more flexible and to improve plant efficiency through training programs, requalifying workers, and plant investments. Read more.

Herpes of the Eye Linked to AMD

"A team of researchers, including a scientist from the Viral Immunology Center at Georgia State University, have found that a type of herpesvirus infection of the eye is associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease that causes blindness in the elderly," reports Science Daily. "The scientists found that human cytomegalovirus, a type of herpesvirus, causes the production of vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF, a signal protein that regulates the formation of new blood vessels." Read more.

Examiner Profiles Ophthalmologist, Eyewear Design A. Mikli of Beverly Hills

"Alain Mikli full-service LA Boutique is dedicated to the finest care, craftsmanship and service in eyewear. Alain Mikli is an Ophthalmologist who, when unable to find fashion and function together in eyewear, combined his medical skill and knowledge with superb talent to design frames with a unique hinge. He created fashion conscience glasses that meet function with each and every piece," according to an Examiner post. "Fans of Alain Milki’s eyewear include Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Elton John (who has his own eyewear line) and Samuel Jackson. Alain Mikli described his eyewear on 20/20 as 'Frames to see as well as to be seen.' With his frames you are seen in the very best way. They are hand crafted, custom colored eyewear; a piece of art worn on the face." Read more. See slide show of Alain Mikli's Custom Eeywear.

Concept Eyewear Adds to Its V.Design Collection

Concept Eyewear Inc. has released three new rimless ophthalmic models within the V.Design eyewear collection. All three models have a screwless lens mounting system utilizing acetate plugs. The designs are unexpected and fresh, featuring unique temple details and beautiful color combinations such as lime green with black and deep purple with white. Model 5670 is designed for men while 5667 and 5668 are distinctly feminine. The styles combine unexpected unique shapes and architectural temple details with bright fun colors.Read more.

NIH and NEI Create Great Site on Eye Care for the Elderly

It's a great website for those elderly patients who surf the web. It's called NIHSeniorHealth (nihseniorhealth.gov). And recently, the National Eye Institute contributed five vision-related topics to the enhanced version of NIHSeniorHealth. The National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine recently announced the expansion and updating of NIHSeniorHealth, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) health and wellness website designed for older adults. Visitors to the site can learn about ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat aging-related diseases and conditions including age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and low vision.

Health information is one of the key topics that older adults search for online according to the Pew Research Center, and since its launch in 2003, NIHSeniorHealth has been an accessible source of reliable, up-to-date health information for adults 60 plus. Built to address cognitive and vision changes that commonly occur with age, NIHSeniorHealth includes senior-friendly features such as large type, simple navigation, and open-captioned videos that make the site especially easy for older adults to use. 

Two NEI Researchers Receive Awards

Dr. Brian Brooks received the 2012 the ARVO Foundation/Pfizer Ophthalmics/Carl Camras Translational Research Award. This new award was made possible by a generous donation from Pfizer Ophthalmics in honor of the late Dr. Carl B. Camras, a highly respected glaucoma specialist and a research scientist. Dr. Brooks is chief of the NEI’s Unit on Pediatric, Developmental and Genetic Ophthalmology. He is one of the few clinician scientists in North America with board certification in both ophthalmology and medical genetics. Read more.


Dr. Rachel Caspi, chief of the NEI’s Immunoregulation Section in the Laboratory of Immunology, recently received an Alcon Research Institute Award. This award was set up to support research in eye health and to expand the frontiers of vision sciences throughout the world. This year, Alcon awarded six outstanding vision researchers with $100,000 each in funding, an invitation to an honorary symposium, and lifetime membership in the Alcon Research Institute. Read more.

Eye Care Retail Market Supposedly Is Recovering

The Eye Glasses and Contact Lens Stores industry has begun its recovery from the economic recession, says an analyst from IBISWorld. While sales of eyewear during this rough period have been relatively stable because of need-based demand, revenue declined in 2008. Improving incomes and a growing aging population have helped bolster sales, with revenue expected to grow 2.3% from 2011 to 2012. Despite the industry's lackluster performance in 2008, revenue has grown at an average annual rate of 0.5% to $9.1 billion over the five years to 2012. Read more.

Developed Regenerative Treatment for Corneal Endothelium

"Doctors have successfully treated various disorders of the heart, pancreas and cartilage by using regenerative medicine, i.e. using specially grown tissues and cells," according to Medical News Today. "However, until now, regenerative treatment of the corneal endothelium, a single cell layer on the cornea's inner surface has been of limited success. A new method that improves the adhesion of injected corneal endothelial cells (CECs) in order to enhance successful transplantations to repair pathological dysfunctions has just been published in The American Journal of Pathology." Read more.

Opium Eyewear Launches Limited Edition

"Opium Eyewear offers you the ultimate freedom to express your individual style by launching its limited edition Teri Meri Kahaani inspired Opium Eyewear collection – a range of designs that capture the best in eyewear trend across eras," according to Bollyspice. "Teri Meri Kahaani is a film producerd by Kunal Kohli, Eros International, directed by Kunal Kohli and starring the sizzling couple Shahid and Priyanka Chopra." Read more.

Plume Paris Eyewear Releases Fall Line

"For Fall 2012, the eyewear fashion market will tour France with inspired frame designs from Plume Paris Eyewear," says Eye Surf. "France, a beautiful country known for its fashion, wine, architecture, and culture became the muse for the latest frame designs for the Plume Paris brand.  After visiting some of the most beautiful cities in France to inspire the latest collection, Plume Paris Eyewear designers picked their top three cities to draw inspiration from: Nice, Lyon, and Paris." Read more.

Elle Offering New Eyewear Designs

"The 2012 Elle optical styles are a triumph of bold, contemporary design and dashing femininity," reports Eye Surf. "Inspiration for these great new looks is taken from luxuriously decorative jewellery as seen on the catwalk, seductive new colour trends, and of course Elle’s signature fashion flair and feel-good essence which lies at the heart of this entire line. Style features include decorative temple elements in enamel and metal, a rush of colours in mysterious smoky formations, translucent hues and classic matte tones. Resolute frame forms are tempered by soft acetate with curving or feline angles, while a charming metal style is flattered by trendy temple lines." Read more.

New Eyewear Releases from Puma

"From top to toe, Puma style spreads the word with bright colors, hip styles and individuality," according to apost from Midwest Lens. "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. Enjoy life, have fun and be healthy with a positive outstanding look! The new 2012 release consists of three Men’s styles (PU15362, PU15363, and PU15367) as well as two ladies (PU15364, PU15365) and one unisex style (PU15366)." Read more.

Dita to Release Its 2012 Collection Soon

"Dita Eyewear is set to launch their 2012 collection in the next few weeks. With frames for both men and women, there is no-doubt they will be the must-have item for the summer." That's the word from Los Angeles Fashion. "Dita Eyewear, is one of the last great independent eyewear ateliers in the world. The frames are distributed amongst 50 countries to select retailers including: Barneys New York, Bergdorf Gooman, Fred Segal, Aloha Rag, Dover Street Market UK, On Pedder HK, Lane Crawford HK, Surrender SING, Isetan JAP, Harrolds AUS, Restir JAP and Collette FR. DITA also has flagship stores in Los Angeles, Fashion Island – Newport and Tokyo." Read more.

More on NBA Geek Chic--Now During the NBA Finals

"The way they fly around the basketball court, LeBron James and Kevin Durant often resemble Superman. Then they return to the locker room and come out looking like Clark Kent," says a Wall  Street Journal post. "Mr. James, Mr. Durant and many other superstars in the NBA playoffs have found a novel way to accessorize their bespoke suits: thick-rimmed, chunky, ostentatious eyeglasses. In the NBA, the new cool is geek chic.... Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook admits that his lenses are nonprescription. Like Mr. Westbrook, Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade has gone so far as to wear glasses without glass in them (or even plastic) ." Read more.

The New York Times reported:  "The shirt, adorned with images of singing and dancing hipsters dressed in funky pastels — suspended in a jazzy jam session of horn and bass players, with random cars zooming past — was an N.B.A. finals fashion statement begging to go viral. Westbrook tied together the ensemble with what has become his signature accessory, a pair of lensless oversize red eyeglass frames, which make him look like a cross between the preppy Carlton Banks of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the geeky Steve Urkel of Family Matters.” Read more. (This is confusing since Carlton did not wear eyewear--as a rule.)

As far as we know, Freakonomics first reported on this story last month. See our post. There was another post from the Washington Post about Durant and Westbrook even earlire than the Freakonomics piece.

Now that the world has noticed superstars and superheroes wearing eyewear without scripts, will the trend stop? Or will teens across the country bug parents for a pair of eyewear?

OAA's and AOA's Sun Education Series Seeking to Prevent Upsurge in Vision Problems

Amid new evidence that ultraviolet (UV) and high-energy visible (HEV) radiation pose a growing eye health problem, the ambitious new SUN Education Series, jointly developed by the AOA and the Opticians Association of America (OAA) with support from Luxottica and The Vision Council, seeks to avert a predicted upsurge in sight-robbing eye conditions through the use of protective outdoor eyewear. Read more.

Persol Debuts Second Film on Craftsmanship

Persol has kicked "off the second of three installments in the Persol Magnificent Obsessions: 30 Stories of Craftsmanship in Film exhibition at The Museum of Moving Image in Astoria, Queens," according to Complex. "Curated by Michael Connor, the exhibition showcases the the steps and research to craft the iconic Persol frames via images and a behind the scenes video look at some of cinema’s most iconic on-screen moments." Read more.

Transitions Optical 10 City Tour Stops in Seattle

As part of the next stop on its 2012 Sightseeing City Tour, Transitions Optical, along with Pearle Vision, today reveals the Top 10 Sights to See in Seattle, and brings an exciting, interactive experience area aimed at educating consumers of all ages about the role of proper eye care and eyewear in seeing all of the 'sights' around you – whether on vacation or in your own backyard – to the Washington Brewer's Festival, June 15 – 17. Leading up to the Washington Brewer's Festival, Transitions Optical, in conjunction with national travel expert and best-selling author, Marybeth Bond, identified the Top 25 Sights to See in Seattle and encouraged Seattle-area residents and tourists to vote on which of those made up the Top 10. Read more.

Eating Fruit May Prevent Retinopathy in Diabetics

"Japanese researchers studied 978 people with diabetes who filled out detailed food questionnaires. They were followed for eight years, during which time they were given annual eye exams," notes WebMD. "When the study started, they had no signs of eye problems. Over the next eight years, 258 of them developed diabetic retinopathy -- the medical term for damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the lining of tissue at the back of the eye. Left untreated, it can lead to loss of sight. 'Those who ate the most fruit were the least likely to develop diabetic retinopathy,' says study head Shiro Tanaka, PhD, of Kyoto University Hospital." Read more.

HEHP Grants Awarded to ODs

The AOA Foundation Optometry Cares has named the 2012 recipients of the Luxottica-funded Healthy Eyes Healthy People (HEHP) state grant program: Patricia Westfall-Elsberry, O.D., AR.; Miki Carpenter, Ph.D., CA; Linda Rouse, O.D., FL; Jill Gonder, IA; L’Erin Garner, O.D., MPH, IN; Todd Fleischer, KS; Doug Wilkinson, LA; Michael Ackermann, MN; Linda Ross Aldy and Katie Nelson, MS; Alissa Johnson, NB; Lawrence Ragone, O.D., NJ; Joan Portello, O.D., MPH, NY; Terri Gossard, O.D.,OH; Ruthie Ruan, O.D., OK; Len V Hua, OR; Zakiya Nicks, O.D., TN; and Michael Judkins, O.D.,UT.

Healthy Eyes Healthy People program looks to improve the eye and visual health, and its grants are based on the Healthy People 2020 initiative, developed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The grants will stimulate community initiatives in eye care. This year, applicants proposed a project that focuses on one of the two vision objectives to improve children’s vision.

California Opticians Can't Offer Eyewear and Exams from Same Store, Say Three Judges

"The 9th Circuit on Wednesday upheld California laws that prohibits opticians from offering examinations and eyewear in the same shop," according to the Courthouse News Service. "Under the state's business codes, only optometrists and ophthalmologists can offer their patients such one-stop shopping. In a federal complaint, the National Association of Optometrists and Opticians, LensCrafters and Eye Care Centers of America said that the law violated the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution, which gives Congress the sole power to regulate interstate commerce. U.S District Judge Lawrence Karlton in Sacramento found the laws discriminatory, but a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit disagreed and reversed in 2009." Read more.

Braves Freeman Struggling to See with CLs, Glasses, and Goggles

The New York Times has run a great story about Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman's struggle to see at the plate. It begins this way: "A hitter is nothing without his eyes, which is why anxiety gripped Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman last month when his vision started blurring. What if his career was being sideswiped? A hitter might as well have a Wiffle ball bat in his hands if he goes to the plate and his vision is not right. Freeman, 22 and in his second season as the Braves’ regular first baseman, was scared, and rightfully so." Read more.

Why Is This CL Provider in Business?

We stumbled over the following press release from San Francisco: "Many teenagers and young adults are on the lookout for fashion accessories to improve their looks. One of the latest trends is circle contact lenses, which were invented in South Korea in 2005. ..One website that has been generating a lot of excitement in this market is MapleLens.com. The website provides a wide range of Circle lenses and contact lens accessories. The company prides itself on providing excellent customer service." Read more. We could not find any reference on the website --even on the FAQ page--that a customer would need to supply Maple Lens with a prescription from an eye care professional. The FAQ page did answer many questions about purchasing the $18 lenses, a price so low that one must wonder.

Ontario to Pay for Boy's Eye Treatment in U.S.

"The Ontario government is signalling that it will fund the treatment of a young boy with a rare, congenital eye disease," according to the Globe and Mail. "The Globe and Mail first reported on the story of Liam Reid, who turns three on Monday, and suffers from advanced bilateral persistent fetal vasculature syndrome (PFVS)/Norrie’s disease – a rare, congenital retinal condition that, if left untreated, would result in permanent blindness and the loss of both eyes by the age of four. Ontario had refused to pay for his treatment in the United States, even though doctors in Toronto said there was nothing more they could do for him." Read more.

Stem Cells Spontaneously Form Part of Eye

"Human-derived stem cells can spontaneously form the tissue that develops into the part of the eye that allows us to see, according to a study published by Cell Press in the 5th anniversary issue of the journal Cell Stem Cell," reports Science Daily. "Transplantation of this 3D tissue in the future could help patients with visual impairments see clearly." Read more.

Dolabany Kids Expands Line

"Dolabany Kids, part of the Dolabany Eyewear Collection from Best Image Optical, has added new frames for the fall season," reports Eye Surf. "As parents get ready for the Back to School rush, the Eye Care Professional will have an assortment of colors in retro and modern shaped frames to offer children. As kids become more fashion-thinkers, selective, and recognize style, Dolabany Kids now offers a more sophisticated design to the younger demographic." Read more.

Coastal Tops $1Billion in Sales

-Coastal.com reached $1 billion in eyewear sales on April 30, 2012. Since its founding, Coastal.com has sold over 1 million pair of eyeglasses. The company carries more than 1000 styles—ranging from designer brands to private label—and owns and operates a  lab. Last year, Coastal.com shipped 2.2 million orders and rolled out its "First Pair Free" business model in the U.S., offering a no-risk challenge to new customers.

PSAs Available for National Children's Vision and Learning Month (Aug.)

The College of Optometrists in Visual Development (COVD) and the AOA (American Optometric Association) are working together to create an effective National Children’s Vision and Learning Month campaign, which starts in August. COVD has released a series of public service announcements (PSAs) about the variety of vision problems that interfere with learning, sports performance, and other activities. The PSAs can be downloaded at www.covd.org.

Oakley Signs Deal with the USOC

Oakley, Inc., and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) extended their partnership, making the eyewear company an official supplier to Team USA through 2020. Oakley is the first-ever performance-based eyewear supplier to the USOC and Team USA, and has licensing rights for protective, active, lifestyle and corrective eyewear, including glasses, sunglasses, goggles and associated accessories. Hundreds of athletes from more than 15 sports reportedly  will rely on Oakley performance innovations during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company will also supply product to the U.S. delegation at Sochi 2014, Rio de Janeiro 2016, Pyeongchang 2018 and the soon-to-be-determined host city of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Additionally, Oakley will support Team USA at the Youth Olympic Games for Nanjing 2014, Lillehammer 2016 and the yet-to-be-decided hosts of the 2018 and 2020 Youth Games.Read more.

ReVision's PresbyLens Enters Phase 3 of Trials

ReVision Optics, Inc. (RVO), a leader in implantable inlay technology to treat presbyopia, announces the advancement of its proprietary product PresbyLens into the final phase of its U.S. clinical trial under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE). PresbyLens is a clear, circular corneal inlay comprised of approximately 80% water and is less than half the thickness of a human hair. The Phase 3 clinical trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the PresbyLens in improving near vision in subjects with presbyopia. In this prospective, multi-center trial, subjects will be implanted with the PresbyLens in their non-dominant eye. Read more.

Medicare Giving EHR Practitioners in HPSA's Additional Bonus

Qualified EHR (Electronic Health Records) practitioners who practiced last year in federally recognized Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) will be getting an additional bonus payment for their participation in the program – if they haven’t received it already, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Read more.

MDs and ODs Preventing Strokes--Maybe Someday

"A simple eye test may someday offer an effective way to identify patients who are at high risk for stroke, say researchers at the University of Zurich," reports Medical News Today. "They showed that a test called ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) can reliably detect carotid artery stenosis (CAS), a condition that clogs or blocks the arteries that feed the front part of the brain. It's a known risk factor for stroke. The OPA test could be performed by ophthalmologists - physicians who treat eye diseases - during routine exams. The study, ...published in the June issue of Ophthalmology, ...confirmed that patients who had the lowest OPA scores also had the most seriously blocked arteries." Read more.

The Swiss research team used a device called the dynamic contour tonometer to check the OPA of 67 patients who were assumed to have CAS. The OPA score is calculated by finding the difference between the two pressure levels that occur inside the eye during the two phases of the heartbeat -- the systolic and diastolic. The tonometer measures the two pressure levels, then instantly computes the patient's OPA score. When blood flow to the eye is blocked by CAS, there is not much difference between the two pressure levels, so the OPA score is low. The study confirmed that patients with the lowest OPA scores also had the most seriously blocked arteries. The researchers used ultrasound exams to corroborate that each study participant had CAS and to detail the severity of his or her blockage. 

Boy Going Blind While Bureaucrats Struggle

"Liam Reid’s family has struggled to pay for his care at a U.S. hospital while another boy with the same rare eye condition has received 49 treatments paid for by the Ontario government," notes the Toronto Star. "If Liam, nearly 3, does not receive surgery to correct the vision in his left eye, he will go blind before he is 4 years old, said his mother, Kristina Reid. Liam has a retinal condition called advanced bilateral persistent fetal vasculature syndrome or Norrie disease." Read more. Even so, it's better care than an American could get.

9Five Promo Features Rosa Acosta

Model Rosa Acosta has been tapped by 9Five Eyewear as one of the faces of their newly released Summer 2012 collection, appearing in the lookbook for the season," reports Baller Status. "The summer collection is comprised of four new models, the KLS 2 Red Snake, the Tips Black & Tortoise, the Watson 2 Black & Gold Reader, and the Cults Wood and Sky Blue Split. The new frames boast handmade acetate frame and temples, as well as detailing like gold metal arms on the Watson 2, blue wood grain on the Cults, and red and black snake skin coloring on the KLS 2." Read more.

Adidas Eyewear Runs Unique Promo

"Held from June 8-10th (more details on this Pinkbike story and the website), the Adidas Eyewear Chainless DH time trial on the Richard Juryn trail went off very, very quietly (have you ever ridden chainless - it's eerily silent)," according to Pink Bike. "Forty-seven riders rode the course with Joe Schwartz taking the Mens and Michelle Lachman taking the Womens!" Read more.

Hackers Delete Records at College of Optometry

Officials at the University of Houston (UH) College of Optometry are working with local law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to identify a hacker who apparently breached the security of a computer at one of the college’s neighborhood eye clinics on Feb. 23 and deleted the records of 7,000 patients. Staff at the La Nueva Casa de Amigos Eye Clinic, just north of downtown Houston, are now at work restoring the 7,000 deleted records and say, as of yet, there is no evidence the patient information has been used for illicit purposes, such as insurance fraud. Read more.

ODs Warned Only 3 Months Left for EHR Incentives

Health care practitioners have just a few months to ensure they earn the maximum possible payments through the Medicare Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Program, according to the AOA Health Information Technology (HIT) Subcommittee. In fact, they must act within the next 90 days, AOA HIT Subcommittee Chair Philip Gross, O.D., noted. Under the Medicare EHR Incentive Program, health care practitioners can earn up to a total of $44,000 ($48,400 in federally designated health professional shortage areas) over the six-year life of the program if they install EHR systems that are certified for use under the program and achieve compliance with the program’s EHR utilization criteria, known as “meaningful use” standards. Read more.

A Different Look at Failing Eyesight

" Giulio Iacchetti's tongue-in-chic take on failing eyesight—he's had horrible vision since the age of ten—yielded his 4occhi ("four eyes") eyeglasses, which saves the user the trouble of having to carry regular glasses and sunglasses, or regulars and reading. (It's a more extreme take on the horizontally-symmetrical glasses we showed you at the link below, but these will raise more eyebrows. While your own eyebrows are framed by the upper lenses.)" Those of the thoughts of Core77. Read more.

L.G.R. Releases Sunwear

"It’s the season of the sun which means more sunglasses and more collaborations between L.G.R and their favorite opticians," reports Midwest Lens. "This special limited edition was created for Astrologo Ottica, one of Rome’s finest optical boutiques. For this collaboration they combined an ultra protective mirrored polarized lense with a camouflage toned acetate, making you even more prepared to battle this summer’s blinding rays. This style has been adapted to their beloved models Luanda and Victoria, and is only available at Astrologo’s boutique on Via di Fontanella Borghese 25, Rome. So get them if you can, since they are limited to 40 pieces!" Read more.

Substandard Chinese Eyewear Impounded in Europe

"Tax police Friday impounded from a Chinese importer in central Italy 18,000 garments, piece of costume jewellery, eyewear and accessories that failed to meet European labeling standards," according to IGN. "European labeling law requires goods to state where they were made and the exact materials used in their manufacture, but the impounded items had no labels on them at all." Read more.

Medicare Reviewing of Outpatient Claims

A Medicare carrier medical review probe may be coming to your area soon.The medical review department at Palmetto GBA, the A/B MAC for North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, recently announced it will perform a service-specific prepay probe review on outpatient ophthalmic claims. Read more.

Armani and Luxottica Ink Deal for Eyewear

Armani Group and Luxottica Group S.p.A. signed an exclusive license agreement for the design, manufacturing and worldwide distribution of sun and prescription eyewear under the Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani and A/X Armani Exchange brands. The 10-year license agreement will begin on January 1, 2013. The first collection will be presented during 2013. Armani eyewear is expected to generate annual sales exceeding €200 million annually after thedistribution has been fully rolled out across key geographies and channels. Read more.

Italy Creates Baseball for the Blind; Forget Your Catcalls

"When Eugenio Brivio first started coaching blind baseball players in 2002, getting across one basic tenet had him stumped," notes the New York Times. "'The first rule they teach you is to keep your eye on the ball,' Mr. Brivio said on the sidelines of a game one sultry Sunday at Bologna’s Leoni ballpark. 'You can imagine the challenge I felt.' He seems to have managed. Italy’s baseball league for the blind is not huge, but since 2005, Mr. Brivio’s Milanese team — Thunder’s Five — has won all but one championship title and is heading strong into the playoffs later this month. 'They got good,' Mr. Brivio said." Read more.

Brulimar Optical Kisses Barbie and Batman Goodbye

"A desire for cool designer gear among youngsters has triggered a re-think at eyewear firm Brulimar Optical Group," says Men Media. "The £3m-turnover company, based at Middleton, Greater Manchester, has shut its Brulimar Fashion Eyewear subsidiary which supplied Barbie, Action Man, Batman and other children's frames. It follows a shift by youngsters away from character frames in favour of children's versions of adult designer brands such as Bench, Pineapple, Henleys and Lee Cooper, a spokesman for Brulimar said." Read more.

Acuvue CLs Clear Patent-Infringement Claims

"Johnson & Johnson cleared patent-infringement claims over its Acuvue contact lenses after a federal judge found that a witness gave inconsistent testimony about product testing," according to Courthouse News. "In a federal complaint, Rembrandt Vision Technologies claimed that Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc.'s Acuvue Advance and Acuvue Oasys contact lenses infringed on its patent." Read more.

Optician Arrested for Examing Eyes and Writing Scripts

NBC Bay Area reports that "a 73-year-old San Francisco man was arrested on a warrant this week after prosecutors discovered that he was giving eye examinations and doling out prescriptions out of San Jose without a required license. Valery Dobrushin was arrested Wednesday, and subsequently charged with five felonies involving insurance fraud and two misdemeanors involving prescribing eyeglasses and giving eye exams without a license. Prosecutors say he operated out of small eye care store in San Jose. His alleged actions caused an estimated loss exceeding $11,300 to five health insurance carriers." Read more.

Understanding Human Tissue through the Eye

"Research from North Carolina State University demonstrates that a relatively new microscopy technique can be used to improve our understanding of human tissues and other biomedical materials," reports Medical News Today. "The study focused specifically on eye tissues, which are damaged by scarring in diabetic patients." Read more.

Visual Prosthetic Helps Blind to "See"

"Researchers have discovered how a visual prosthetic device could stimulate the brain to generate mental images - the blind person could wear eyeglasses with a tiny webcam that transmits data to a computer chip which is implanted in the brain," according to Medical News Today. "The researchers, from the University of Texas Health Science Center and Baylor College of Medicine published their research in the journal Nature Neuroscience." Read more.

Ciba's Warning Labels on Clear Care Not Enough, Says Safety Group

"Amid ongoing reports of burning eyes and emergency injuries, the makers of a popular contact lens solution have failed to adequately warn consumers about the dangers of using the product improperly, a patient safety group says," says MSNBC. "Labels on bottles of Clear Care contact lens cleaner, sold by Ciba Vision, don’t carry a strong enough caution that the 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution shouldn’t be used directly in the eyes, or clear enough warnings that it must be used only with the product’s proprietary case that neutralizes the solution. That's according to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, a nonprofit medication safety agency that has been lobbying for two years to get the firm to bolster its warning labels." Read more.

Marcolin and DSquared2 Release Neon Sunwear with Mirrored Lenses

New from Marcolin and DSquared2, and launching just in time for summer 2012, the DQ0093, a collection of neon frames in an initial release of green, orange and blue colorways," reports Eye Surf. "The new plastic frame is the perfect frame for any beachside activity. All frames have mirror lenses in corresponding colors that make the frames pop, perfect for anyone who wants to make a statement this summer." Read more.

Fendi and Maserati Release Sunglasses

"Experience the beauty of Rome through The Whispered Grand Tour, as the long-standing heritage of the luxurious house of Fendi collaborates with the well-known Italian car manufacturer Maserati for this unique promotion," according to Eye Surf. "Fendi, known for its high quality, luxurious materials, partners with Maserati, the epitome of high-class Italian engineering, to create a sunglass style that complements a luxurious lifestyle. FS5262L is hand crafted with supple genuine leather and fine metal. This light weight frame has been fully made in Italy with only the finest materials. The combination of class and luxury meets the high powered intensity of the Maserati sports car." Read more.

Braves Freeman CL Saga Continues

"Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has ditched his glasses and switched back to playing in contact lenses again, hoping the latest medicated eye drops will keep his dry eyes from becoming irritated again," reports the Atlanta Journal. "'I’m going with contacts now,' said Freeman, who a week ago said he was done with contacts and would wear glasses on a permanent basis for the foreseeable future." Read more.

NEI and NHS Team Up to Study Ocular Immunology

The NEI, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has become the first U.S. government agency to develop a formal collaborative research and training agreement with the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS). The agreement was signed earlier this year. Human ocular immunology will be the initial focus of the collaboration. Human immune system response can lead to inflammation which has been associated with diseases such as uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

More Studies Needed for Slowing Myopia in Children

"Research by an optometrist at the University of Houston (UH) supports the continued investigation of optical treatments that attempt to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children," according to Science Daily. "Conducted by UH College of Optometry assistant professor David Berntsen and his colleagues from The Ohio State University, the study compared the effects of wearing and then not wearing progressive addition lenses, better known as no-line bifocals, in children who are nearsighted. With funding by a National Institutes of Health National Eye Institute training grant and support from Essilor of America Inc. and the American Optometric Foundation Ezell Fellowship program, the study examined 85 children from 6-11 years old over the course of two years. The results were published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science." Read more.

Newly Discovered RNA Proteins May Explain Glaucoma

An RNA protein complex

"When scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, set out to find enzymes - the proteins that carry out chemical reactions inside cells - that bind to RNA, they too found more than they expected: 300 proteins previously unknown to bind to RNA - more than half as many as were already known to do so," reports Medical News Today. "The study, published online in Cell, could help to explain the role of genes that have been linked to diseases like diabetes and glaucoma." Read more.

CMS Prepayment Reviews More Common with ECPs

The rapid expansion of a U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative, launched last year to crack down on improper billing and claim errors, has meant more optometrists across the nation are receiving Medicare prepayment review notices, according to the AOA Third Party Center Executive Committee. The new prepayment review program means health care practitioners, including optometrists, will have to more diligently avoid common claim filing errors – such as coding mistakes or missing signatures – if they wish to ensure prompt payment, according to AOA Third Party Center Executive Committee members. Read more.

Cincinnati Women's Club Buys Eyewear for Child in School

"Led by President Marianne Beard, The Cincinnati Woman’s Club, in conjunction with multiple health partners, area philanthropists, and some public funding, is poised to provide prescription eyeglasses to all Cincinnati Public School children who need vision correction through the to-be-established Vision Care Clinic in the Oyler School-Based Health Center," according to Cincinnati.com. "There are currently no primary eye and vision care services offered in Cincinnati School-Based Health Centers. Last year’s eyesight screenings revealed that one in three children at Oyler needed corrective lenses, but by year’s end fewer than half actually had received glasses." Read more.

TMS Improves Visual Abilities

"Using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), an international team led by researchers from the Centre de Recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière (CNRS / Inserm / UPMC) has succeeded in enhancing the visual abilities of a group of healthy subjects," notes Science Daily. "Following stimulation of an area of the brain's right hemisphere involved in perceptual awareness and in orienting spatial attention, the subjects appeared more likely to perceive a target appearing on a screen." Read more.

WellPoint Wants to Use 1-800 Contacts as a Starting Point

"WellPoint, [the parent of Anthem] and based in Indianapolis, said Monday that the eyewear company will help diversify its revenue sources with a high-margin business," reports Business Week. "The insurer typically generates an after-tax profit margin of around 4 percent. 1-800 Contacts can generate margins in the double-digit range, said Ken Goulet, WellPoint's president of commercial and specialty companies....1-800 Contacts currently has about 3.3 million customers. WellPoint Chairwoman and CEO Angela Braly said in a statement that the business comes with a significant growth opportunity because there are more than 38 million people wearing eye contact lenses and more than 140 million people wearing eye glasses in the United States." Read more.

Prodesign Adds Iris

The feminine collection from Prodesign adds Iris. Eye Surf  quotes Prodesign: "We have used the amazing 3D temple design of the successful 5133-34 and create new color combinations with matching acetate fronts and end tips. The new colors are fresh and spring-like, one with a tortoise acetate and even a matte black temple." Read more.

New Additions to Sprinkles of Color Girlfriends Collection

"Color brightens up every day, and the newest Vera Bradley colors are no different," according to the sugary Midwest Lens write-up. "Candice, Katrina and Maddy mix the best of youthful styling with the perfect combinations of blues and greens, pinks and purples, to make a look that fits her lifestyle. The Sprinkles of Color Girlfriends collection is sure to please, with trendy styling and floral accents perfect for spring and summer." Read more.

iOptik Wins Popular Science Invention Award

How iOptik works according to Popular Science.

"After two decades as an electrical engineer, Randy Sprague quit his job in 2008 to start a solar power company," starts the Popular Science post. "He had been planning the venture for years, saving up, getting his wife’s blessing. But then one morning while taking a shower, he had a brainstorm for an entirely different idea: contact lenses that could act as part of a wearable display. Users could instantly augment their view with information—say, the price of an antique in a store or the species of a tree in the forest—or transform their field of vision into a virtual videogame screen. Suddenly the solar company no longer seemed as appealing." That was the birth of iOptik. Read more.

Spot Vision Screener Wins Award

The revolutionary new Spot vision screener has been named winner of the Gold Award for design by Appliance Design Magazine. PediaVision collaborated with the design firm Bressler group, on the initial design concepts. The objective was to construct a quick and convenient technological tool that would best address vision disability early, making screening quicker, easier and more accurate than the current standard of vision screening.  The result is a portable, wireless, WiFi-enabled, handheld device that makes vision screening as easy as using a camera. Read more.

Virtual Eyewear Making Smartphones Obsolete

"Interestingly, by the time we get the V3.0 products and beyond, the Volumetric 3D display will be able to render a virtual iPhone, and the gesture tracking will be able to track multiple fingers, so if nostalgia makes you want to try an iPhone again, you could literally emulate an iPhone, or an Android phone, or a book, or a magic crystal ball, or any object or interaction modality you like!" That's the post on Forbes. Read more about the future of eyewear.

Brits Celebrate Queen's Jubilee--Even with Red, White, and Blue Eyewear and CLs

"To Jamie Newell, from London, events on the river were just a forerunner of the main attraction of the day - the after party he was planning at home," reports CNN. "Newell, decked out from head to toe in Union flags, and sporting red, white and blue contact lenses, said simply: 'I love the queen.'" Read more.

WellPoint to Buy 1-800-Contacts

"Health insurer WellPoint Inc. plans to buy contact-lens and eyewear retailer 1-800 Contacts Inc for a transaction value close to $900 million, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a person familiar with the matter," notes MSNBC. "The deal will close in the third quarter and will start adding to the company's per-share earnings in 2014, the Journal said in its report. The deal will be financed with cash on hand, the report said." Read more.

Need Protective Eyewear to Watch Venus Pass in Front of Sun

"On Tuesday, you may be able to watch the movement of an object millions of miles away with only protective eyewear," notes the Milwaukee Journal. "And there won't be a chance to do this again in your lifetime or possibly even in your children's lifetimes. The planet Venus will pass in front of the Sun, and that won't happen again until December 2117. The 'Transit of Venus' will be visible between 5:04 p.m. and sunset (about 8:30 p.m.)." Read more.

Legacie Introduces Judity Leiber Line

"Legacie has introduced a new line from Judith Leiber group, Radiance.The exploration of mixed media served as the inspiration behind the Radiance group," reports Eye Surf. "The Art Nouveau-influenced temple decor features a combination of titanium, enamel and genuine Austrian crystals; the accent colors of the laminate frame fronts are picked up in the enamel pieces." Read more.

Marcolin Tightens Its Agreement to Produce Diesel Sunwear

"Marcolin and Diesel Group have signed a further deal for the world exclusive rights to produce and distribute 55DSL branded sunglasses and spectacles," notes Moodie Report. "The new agreement is an addendum to the licence contract the two Italian firms signed on 28 October 2010. 55DSL is the most recent line in the Diesel product portfolio, and is targeted at 'an international and urban public who adore graphics, music and digital world,' the companies said." Read more.

Lucky Brand Jeans Releases New Sunglasses

"Famous for its sun-soaked beaches, California is the birth place of Lucky Brand Jeans, and the inspiration behind the hottest new sunglasses this summer," according to Midwest Lens. "In the Sunshine State, you’re not fully dressed unless you’ve got the perfect pair of shades, so Lucky Brand Sunglasses incorporate prints from Lucky’s collection for a head-to-toe look. Whether you’re lounging at a sidewalk café or island hopping, pack a pair of these stellar sunnies, along with your Lucky Brand jeans, for quintessential California style." Read more.

Elephant Has Cataract Surgery, Fitted with CLs

"It was a jumbo-sized problem that needed a tusk force of the brightest minds in animal medicine. C’sar the African bull elephant kept bumping into things after cataracts left him with blurry vision," reports Metro.co.uk. "This week the 38-year-old animal had pioneering eye surgery to correct the problem – before vets can fit him with mammoth contact lenses." Read more and see the picture of the surgery.

Craven and L'Amy Launch Fiip-Up Sunwear Line

"Collaborating with eyewear brand L'Amy, French luxury house Craven is launching an eyewear line with a collection of round frame flip-up sunglasses," says Yahoo! News. "The Anastasie model comes in a variety of playful colors and brow bar shapes. Carven's Anastasie glasses feature round lenses with gold metal rims, with clip-on solar lenses that can be flipped down." Read more.