Wine Bottle Double as Eyewear

"The Poland-based design firm Luksemburk created this clever branding concept for the Californian wine manufacturer Pink Glasses," according to Midwest Lens. "The orientation and size of the glasses on the label invites the customer to turn it sideways and look through the soft pink 'lenses.' Each variety of wine is decorated with a different set of glasses ranging from horn rims to cateyes." Read more.

Some States Struggle Setting Up Insurance Exchanges

"The days since President Obama won re-election have been marked by tension and angst in Republican-led states like Iowa, where Gov. Terry Branstad has waited until the last minute to decide whether to create a crucial tool for people to get medical coverage under Mr. Obama’s health care law," according to the New York Times. "'There has been a total blackout of information,' said State Senator Jack Hatch, a Democrat who vented his frustration at a news conference here this week. 'We’re behind schedule, we’re at a disadvantage, and I don’t know what our governor’s plan is to reposition Iowa.' States are supposed to tell the Obama administration by Friday whether they want to create their own health insurance exchange — a deadline that many had bet might never come to pass, choosing to sit on their hands for months in the hope that Mitt Romney would win the presidency and the health care law would be repealed." Read more.

Arnette Releases the Catfish

"Sunglasses brand Arnette was born in an Orange County garage back in 1992, and quickly grew into one of the most popular sunglass companies among the new generation. At the time, their Black Dog and Raven silhouettes were a staple... and then they released the Catfish," says Baller Status. "As described in a press release, the frames were a 'cultural identifier for those who went against the grain.' 20 years later, in celebration of their 20th anniversary, Arnette is re-releasing the Catfish in four colors, in limited quantities worldwide. The re-issued version of the shades feature a retro-inspired Arnette logo and some of the throwback colorways that it was infamous for -- including the original Gloss Black, along with vintage Havana, trippy Inked Green, and 90's-soaked Silver with a red mirror lens." Read more. 

Maxx Licenses More College Sunwear Lines

Under a licensing agreement with Licensing Resource Group (LRG), Maxx HD Sunglasses  will develop a line of sunglasses with matching school colors and insignias for colleges and universities using LRG as its licensing representative. With the LRG agreement, Maxx will expand its line of college and university sunglasses. Read more.

New Safety Eyewear from Wiley X

"Workers in need of stylish, comfortable eye protection have a bold new choice — the new Climate Control WX Gravity from eyewear innovator Wiley X, Inc.," according to Midwest Lens. "Wiley X’s Rx-ready, Climate Control sunglasses combine an attractive, wraparound style frame with Wiley X’s patented, removable soft foam Facial Cavity™ Seal. This unique design was developed to block out wind, dust and debris, providing protection unmatched by other eyewear. This exclusive feature creates a comfortable, climate controlled “protection zone” for the wearer’s eyes. And because it’s removable, it’s like getting two pairs of glasses in one. With Wiley X’s shatterproof lenses and frames, the WX Gravity protects the wearer?s eyes against a wide range of occupational dangers." Read more.

OneSight Launches Pilot Program in Cincinnati

OneSight is preparing to launch OneSight Vision Center at CityLink, a new community-based program created to eliminate vision care as a barrier for the working poor. OneSight is setting up the pilot program about 20 miles from Luxottica's North American headquarters in Mason, Ohio. Cincinnati is actually the third poorest city in the United States. One in four people in Cincinnati live below the poverty line. This incredible need inspired multiple organizations to come together to create CityLink Center, a new holistic facility that brings essential support services together under one roof to help people climb out of poverty. According to Dr. Jason Singh, OD, Vice President and Executive Director of OneSight, vision care nearly topped the list of needs. "In a survey of prospective CityLink clientele, 71% ranked the need for Vision and Dental Services as critical to their success. In fact, only Job Help ranked higher (74%) in terms of essential support,” he said. Read more.

New Light-Sensitve Molecule Stimulates Retina and Brain

"Chemists and vision scientists have designed a light-sensitive molecule that can stimulate a neural response in cells of the retina and brain -- a possible first step to overcoming degenerative eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, or to quieting epileptic seizures," according to a Science Digest post. Read more.

The Hundreds Fall/Winter Collection

"The Hundreds unveil this year’s cool weather collection with the primary focus on the Phoenix frame,:" reports Stupid Dope. "The popular model returns in three new looks with colors ranging from navy, purple and black. Each include mirrored lenses while blending premium materials and stylish design cues. Tonal Hundreds slant logo branded appears at the front of each arm. Look for the collection in stores and online November 15th." Read more.

Smart Glasses Wins Innovation Award from CES

Vuzix Corporation's Vuzix Smart Glasses M100 was selected as an Innovations 2013 Design and Engineering best of innovations honoree and picked as the best new technology in the Wireless Handset Accessories product category. In addition, Vuzix Smart Glasses also received the honoree distinction in the Personal Electronics category as well. The awards were given by the organizers of the Consumers Electronics Show, which runs in January.

The device is described as the world's first enhanced hands-free display and communications system that can access data from a smartphone and the Internet. Its virtual display operates using an Android OS and connects to a compatible device via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It also runs applications and games on its own, and its integrated camera enables a user to take a picture or to record a video. The device includes an integrated head tracker and GPS for spacial and positional awareness. Read more.

New Artificial Lens Nearly Identical to an Eye's Lens

Drawing heavily upon nature for inspiration, a team of researchers has created a new artificial lens that reportedly is nearly identical to the natural lens of the human eye. The lens, made up of thousands of nanoscale polymer layers, may provide a more natural performance in implantable lenses to replace damaged or diseased human eye lenses, as well as consumer vision products, claims the researches. It also may lead to superior ground and aerial surveillance technology. This work, which the Case Western Reserve University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, and PolymerPlus team describes in the Optical Society’s (OSA) open-access journal Optics Express, also provides a new material approach for fabricating synthetic polymer lenses. Read more.

Eyelash Size Drainage Device Helps Glaucoma Patients

"A tiny medical device no larger than an eyelash may significantly reduce eye pressure in glaucoma patients and allow some to stop using eye-drop medications, according to year-one clinical trial results for the device," says Science Daily. "Results of the HYDRUS I clinical trial indicate successful control of eye pressure in all study participants." Read more.

Run for Vision Raises $17K for EBAA

The 27th Annual Run for Vision 5K benefit run/walk, held Sunday at Grant Park in downtown Chicago raised almost $17,000 for the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA). The charity run, which had more than 350 participants, was co-sponsored by Bausch + Lomb, which has been a part of the event for nearly three decades. Since the race's inception, it has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars in support of the EBAA.  

Michelle Keagle, and her two sisters, Christy Gault and Kathy Lewis, traveled to Chicago from Nebraska, Colorado and Virginia with their own special reason to participate. In 2007 their brother, Ryan Otte, died in an Iowa hospital at the age of 21, following a tragic farm-related accident in northeastern Nebraska. One of Otte’s corneas was successfully transplanted to Rebecca Koltveit, a then 16-year old student from Pontiac, IL, whose sight was threatened by a serious corneal infection in her right eye. The day before the run, Koltveit, now a senior at Eureka College, finally got to meet Otte’s sisters at a gathering facilitated by the Iowa Lions Eye Bank. Together, they participated in the Run for Vision, oblivious to the morning chill. Read more.

AOA Helps ODs after Super Storm Sandy

In the aftermath of the devastation from Hurricane Sandy along the East Coast, Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief, administered by Optometry Cares-the AOA Foundation, is ready to assist optometrists whose practices and/or homes were damaged. The AOA has received several reports from optometrists who sustained damage from the superstorm and expects the number to rise. Read more.

3D Printer Sunglasses by Mykita

"The next time someone asks where you got your glasses from, wouldn’t it be fun to say, 'From the presses of a 3D printer'? High-end eyewear designer Mykita is now offering you that very opportunity with its new line of glasses called 'Mylon' created using a 3D printer," reports Geek.com. "The process used to manufacture the glasses is called Selective Laser Sintering (SRS). In layman’s terms this is just another form of 3D printing, but it is more sophisticated than the cheap plastic-manipulating machines that get most of our attention. SRS allows the use of many different types of materials, from nylon to steel, and it uses a laser beam for the extrusion part of the manufacturing process." Read more.

Frequent Headaches in Children Do Not Indicate Need for Eyewear, Says Study

"A new study provides the first clear evidence that vision or eye problems are rarely the cause of recurring headaches in children, even if the headaches usually strike while the child is doing schoolwork or other visual tasks," says Science Daily. "Many parents assume that frequent headaches mean their child needs glasses, so they ask their doctor to refer their child for an eye exam. This study was conducted by pediatric ophthalmologists who wanted to find reliable answers for parents, family doctors and pediatricians facing this common health question." Read more.

Study Explores Alleles of AMD

"A report that describes the relationship of age and risk alleles (variant gene forms) with the incidence and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) during a 20-year period suggests that the overall five-year incidence of early AMD was 9.1 percent and late AMD was 1.6 percent, according to an article published Online First by Archives of Ophthalmology," notes a Medical News Today post. Read more.

More on the Protective Eyewear Study

A new study conducted by researchers at Hasbro Children's Hospital, the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Fairfax (VA) County Public Schools, and Boston Children's Hospital has found that high school field hockey players competing in states with mandated protective eyewear have significantly lower rates of head, eye, and facial injuries when compared to players who compete in states without protective eyewear mandates.

Each academic year, an estimated 63,000 girls participate in high school-sanctioned field hockey in the United States. Head, facial, and eye injuries are common among field hockey players, and, occasionally, are catastrophic. In recent years, there has been ongoing debate among coaches, players, parents, rules committees, and medical professionals regarding the efficacy of protective eyewear in preventing these injuries.


The study, currently online and appearing in the December 2012 print issue of Pediatrics, examined injuries among high school field hockey players 14-18 years of age during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 scholastic seasons, just prior to the national mandate by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) requiring the use of protective eyewear for all high school field hockey players which went into effect during the 2011-12 season.

Researchers found that the rates of all head and face injuries (including eye injuries and concussion) were significantly higher in states with no protective eyewear mandate compared to states with protective eyewear mandates. Players from states with no protective eyewear mandate were more than five times more likely to sustain an eye injury than players from states with mandated protective eyewear. In addition, a larger percentage of injuries sustained by athletes from states with no protective eyewear mandate required more than 10 days to return to activity (32 percent) compared to athletes from states with mandated protective eyewear (17 percent).

Read more.

First Anthem, Now Empire BC/BS with 1-800 Contacts

Just as Anthem announced last week, Empire BlueCross BlueShield has teamed up with 1-800 Contacts and Glasses.com. The offer is more or less the same. Empire members can save $20 off a purchase of $100 or more, plus free shipping at 1-800 Conctacts and Glasses.com. Empire members do not have to have vision coverage to take advantage of the deal. This offer is available to all plan members.Read more.

Digital Tablets Help People with Vision Loss

"People who have eye diseases that damage their central vision can regain the ability to read quickly and comfortably by using digital tablets, according to a recent study," reports Science Digest. "The research found that people with moderate vision loss could increase their reading speed by 15 words-per-minute, on average. Using a tablet with a back-lit screen resulted in the fastest reading speeds for all study participants, no matter what their level of visual acuity." Read more.

Drivers with Glaucoma Causing Accidents?

"The first study to compare accident rates for drivers who have advanced glaucoma...with normal-vision drivers found that the glaucoma group had about twice as many accidents," according to a post on Science Digest. "This study, which was conducted in Japan using a driving simulator, suggests that potential drivers should pass a visual field test to ensure adequate peripheral vision before a license is granted or renewed." Read more.

PTSD or TBI Lead to Chronic Vision Problems in Vets

Science Daily notes that "many veterans of the United States armed forces who have traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder also have undiagnosed, chronic vision problems, according to two studies presented today at the 116th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, jointly conducted this year with the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology." Read more.

Field Hockey Eye Injuries Down

"Fewer high school field hockey players get head and face injuries when they're required to don protective eyewear, according to a new comparison of states with and without those policies in effect," according to Yahoo! News. "Researchers were looking into worries that the equipment, while preventing eye injuries, might encourage players to get more physical and violent overall - which they termed "the gladiator effect" - leading to an increase in injuries....However that did not appear to be the case, and concussion rates, for example, were similar in states where eyewear was and was not required during the study." Read more.

Find the Best CL for Your Patient

Searching through lens parameters, manufacturers, modalities, and materials, Johnson & Johnson's new Acuvue contact lens finder helps ECPs find the right contact lens, including brands other than Acuvue Read more. Visit the site.

FDA Approves Besivance to Treat Conjunctivitis

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted additional labeling indications for Bausch + Lomb's Besivance (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension) 0.6 percent eyedrop. It is now indicated to treat bacterial conjunctivitis infections caused by susceptible isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

From Safilo

The new Safilo eyewear collections for next season reflect careful research into the latest design trends and advanced technical solutions, the distinguishing traits of a brand that has always been a byword for quality and excellence. The new optical frames are the perfect combination of functionality and aesthetics, to meet specific rigorous needs. Read more.

The Smith Optics collection proposes new sunglasses and optical frames featuring unique shapes and made from innovative materials. The new models have a young and cool personality yet they ensure maximum comfort and utmost functionality: they are the perfect accessories for a fresh, original look.  Read more.

The new Oxydo eyewear collection presents its new sunglasses and optical frames that are the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics.
A combination of technology and design gives a unique style to the new eyewear models: they are the perfect result of careful research into the latest design trends and keen attention to detail.

A refined, timeless style with sophisticated, retro-inspired touches for the new Max Mara eyewear collection. The new sunglasses and optical frames fascinate with their unique stylistic details and brand new colours, striking the perfect balance between classic elegance and a refined modern appeal.

For 2012/2013, Bottega Veneta adds four sophisticated new styles to its coveted eyewear collection. The new styles—three sunglass models and an optical frame--exemplify the brand’s refined and timeless aesthetic. Bottega Veneta’s distinctive design motifs, including its signature intrecciato weave, are enhanced with such innovations as a closing-block hinge. Constructed from the finest quality materials and proudly “Made In Italy”, these new styles feature the superb craftsmanship, functionality, and versatility that defines the Bottega Veneta brand.Read more.

The new Boss Black collection of sunglasses and optical frames celebrates the brand’s refined elegance, striking the perfect balance between contemporary design and classic inspirations. In line with the stylistic heritage of the fashion company, the new men’s and women’s models reinterpret the distinctive understated appeal of BOSS Black with clean, simple lines and refined details, that are never flashy.Read more.

The new Alexander McQueen eyewear collection highlights the brand’s classic yet unconventional aesthetic feel: iconic detailing such as metal studs and refined feather-like textures that is synonymous to the brand feature on the new range of luxury sunglasses and optical frames.Read more.

The new Pierre Cardin eyewear collection reflects the brand’s classic, refined style: the new sunglasses and optical frames stand out for their elegant, timeless personality.Read more.

New from Seventh Street

The new Seventh Street eyewear collection proposes new optical frames featuring playful shapes and lively colours, dedicated to young wearers. Original, contemporary and urban: the new models enthrall with their unique, sparkling personality, so goes the perky company statement about the line. Read more.

New from Gucci

For Autumn/Winter 2012-2013 Gucci unveils vintage style sunglasses, revealing magnetic, romantic and dreamy glances on the latest men’s runway. Intellectual rebels bohemian charm, new poètes maudits with a self-confident attitude create a very personal style: this is the distinctive nature that characterizes this model with the acetate front and the semi matte metal bridge which underline its aviator timeless appeal. The metal temples, with a low relief shiny/matte manufacturing creating a web effect, are emphasized by a unique cut that highlights the subtle Gucci logo: this is the perfect luxury accessory for the modern dandy. Read more.

New from Yves Saint Laurent.

The YSL 6360/S  is a women’s rounded frame sunglasses (on left) in acetate, studs on the front, and engraved ‘Saint Laurent’ logo on temples in transparent blue, olive Havana, gray, burgundy, black panther, black. The man's YSL 2310/s is a square-frame sunglass in acetate with studs on the front and an engraved ‘Saint Laurent’ logo on temples. It comes in walnut horn, brushed matt black, brushed Havana, black, spotted Havana, matt granite, purple/beige/blue, and caramel/beige/Havana. Then there's the YSL 2313, an optical version of the 2310 in black, brushed black, spotted Havana, dark horn, transp;arent gray with brushyed black temples, transparent beige with brushed Havana temples, purple/beige/blue,  and caramel/beige/Havana. Read more.

New from Blue Bay

The Blue Bay eyewear collection presents its new sunglasses and optical frames for the next season: an interplay of colours and shapes, as well as lively patterns and appealing colour combinations highlight the new models’ young and pop personality. Holiday inspirations for the new collection: these modern and dynamic sunglasses and optical frames are the perfect accessories for lively young people who have an open, forthright personality. Read more.

New from Marc Jacobs

 Marc Jacobs has created a limited edition sunglasses style: five hundred individually numbered pieces detailed in Swarovski crystals are the embodiment of the brand’s chic and individual style. It calls on two hallmarks of the brand: a vintage inspiration and unexpected details. A cascade of over two hundred and fifty tone-on-tone sparkling crystals, match the deep red or hematite front perfectly. Read more.

Then there's the  new Marc Jacobs eyewear collection that celebrates the polka dot. This playful, glamorous icon is a recurring theme can certainly be considered one of Jacobs’ signature motifs. These new special edition sunglasses feature a fun eclectic design: oversize silhouettes and a geometric shaped frame are embellished with eccentric details, including black polka dots that highlight the red translucent frame and an acetate butterfly with central white pearl . Read more.

Transitions Offers ECPs Quiz

"Transitions Optical, Inc. introduced a new, interactive quiz, challenging eye care professionals to find out if they’re prepared to meet the needs of their culturally diverse patients," according to the AOA announcement. "Available through the Transitions Cultural Connections program, the quiz can be accessed free-of-charge at www.MyMulticulturalToolkit.com/Quiz." Read more.

New from Ermenegildo Zegna

"Sun-faded colors, soft silhouettes and fabrics treated with innovative techniques that enhance their highly contemporary elegant quality flows through Ermenegildo Zegna new eyewear collection," notes Midwest Lens. "The spirit is sophisticated yet informal, dominated by an interplay of subtle contrasts: technological materials and vintage-feel patina treatments. The finishing of plastic processing or high-technology brushing, mixed with the natural shades of acetates, convey interesting tactile effects. Glossy and matt, streaked and antique, are blended with the grains of natural wood inserted in the temples and with lines of metal, to create a vintage yet modern combination." Read more.

New Collection Called Cody Air

"From the founder/designer of Zero G Titanium comes an all-new eyewear collection… Cody Air. This collection takes inspiration from the Machine Age and Art Deco Era – a time in history when builders took pride in hand craftsmanship, artisans did not cut corners, things were built to last and designed with passion, pride & quality," according to Midwest Lens. "Cody Air’s aerodynamic, patent pending designs are influenced by the industrial designs of iconic aircraft and automobiles which focused on functionality and symmetry. This streamlined eyewear collection is cut from a single sheet of surgical grade stainless steel with no screws or solder-points. Cody Air embodies super sleek, ultra comfortable and minimal." Read more.

Eye Care Professionals Promoting Organ/Tissue Donation

"Leaders of several major ophthalmic organizations are asking healthcare professionals to join them in giving the gift of life by registering as eye, organ and tissue donors," notes Midwest Lens. "The 'Are You A Donor?' campaign will continue by targeting the ophthalmic community at the 2012 American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting, November 10-13 in Chicago." Read more.

Laser Correction of Spherical Myopia

Carl Zeiss Meditec reports that the first 29 subjects in the VisuMax IDE clinical trial in the US have been treated with the ReLEx smile procedure for the correction of spherical myopia with the VisuMax femtosecond laser. One month results for the first 15 subjects will be presented at a Carl Zeiss Meditec symposium at the 2012 American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting in Chicago. The company received conditional approval from the US FDA to initiate the clinical trial in April 2012. Read more.

FDA Considering Presbyopic Implantable Lens

Presbia, a medical device producer of near-vision restoration, reportedly has received a letter from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) indicating that it is being actively considered for an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE, G120225) for its Presbia Flexivue Microlens, an implantable corneal inlay solution for presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision.Read more.

Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield Hooks Up with 1-800 Contacts and Glasses.com

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has teamed up with 1-800 Contacts and Glasses.com to give its members exclusive savings on their vision needs. This offer will make it easy for members to use unspent Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account dollars before the end of the year. Anthem members reportedly can save $20 off a purchase of $100 or more, plus free shipping at 1-800 CONTACTS and Glasses.com. Anthem members do not have to have vision coverage to take advantage of the deal. This offer is available to all plan members.Read more.

New Research on Color Blindness

"Now, a host of new research and tools promise to improve life for the estimated 32 million Americans—8% of men and 0.5% of women—who have some degree of colorblindness," reports Yahoo! Finance picking up a story from the Wall Street Journal. "For many, getting through the day—avoiding wardrobe perils and worse—has often involved bringing in a second pair of eyes. But new websites and smartphone apps offer to help identify or enhance hard-to-see colors. Videogame manufacturers are increasingly including 'colorblind' modes in their games. And researchers are homing in on more specific vision tests that may allow mildly colorblind people to qualify for jobs that, until now, have been closed to them." Read more.

New from Bioeyes Glasant

"Lightness, harmony and performance are the ingredients that best describe the original Bioeyes Glasant models that animated the 2012 edition of the French exhibition," notes Mido 365 News. "Pramaor, the Italian company that is the "quality leader" for crafting titanium, presented the premiere of three totally feminine frames for women who are demanding and do not want to relinquish style. The Glasant Bioeyes BE652 family has been enriched with three new models that are sophisticated and elegant, the perfect combination of technology and refined beauty." Read more.

Discovered Cells Could Lead to Treatment of Eye Conditions

"Eye experts and scientists have discovered specific cells in the eye which could lead to a new procedure to treat and cure blinding eye conditions," says Science Daily. "The study found that cells called corneal limbal stromal cells, taken from the front surface of the eye have stem cell properties and could be cultured to create retinal cells. This could lead to new treatments for eye conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa or wet age-related macular degeneration, a condition which is a common cause of loss of vision in older people and will affect around one in three people by age 70." Read more.

Creating a Form of Macular Degeneration from Stem Cells

A Science Daily post reports that "for the first time, researchers have taken skin from patients and, using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, turned them into a laboratory model for an inherited type of macular degeneration." Read more.

Four-Year-Old Wins Most Beautiful Eyes Contest

South Dakota-native Ava Lloyd has won Prevent Blindness America's Most Beautiful Eyes Contest. PBA awarded the four-year-old a $10,000 educational scholarship at the charity's annual banquet earlire this week in Chicago. PBA flew Ava and her parents to the windy city. The national contest began earlier this year when parents of children ages zero to 17 were encouraged to submit photos of their children, which PBA posted on its Facebook page. Read more.

Seeing with Sound

"Common wisdom has it that if the visual cortex in the brain is deprived of visual information in early infanthood, it may never develop properly its functional specialization, making sight restoration later in life almost impossible," starts the Science Daily post. "Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and in France have now shown that blind people -- using specialized photographic and sound equipment -- can actually 'see' and describe objects and even identify letters and words." Read more. There's additional information on the same study at this Science Daily post.

College Squash Assn. Issues Warning about Safety Eyewear

"As the season gets underway, teams and players are reminded that proper eyewear is required for all college squash matches, including warmups and match play," notes a post from the College Squash Association. "Standard eyewear (i.e. everyday prescription glasses) may not be worn in place of acceptable eyewear. The CSA has detailed Eyewear Rules, which includes the following language:

"Approved eyewear must be worn for the entirety of a match, from the beginning of the warm-up until the match’s conclusion. Standard eyeglasses may not be worn in lieu of approved eyewear, even if the eyeglasses have plastic lenses. In the event of a player not having approved eyewear for their match, the rules for a self-inflicted injury apply. In the event that a player’s eyewear breaks during a match, the injury rule may be required to determine the result. This would only be needed in the case of prescription glasses that can not be immediately replaced. In the event of a player not having approved eyewear and a suitable replacement not being found, the player may forfeit the match."

Read more.

New from Jones New York

"Jones New York has been crafting superlative specs inspired by their sophisticated, polished, modern apparel for five years," according to Eye Surf. "Fall 2012 is no different. The new collection delivers on the promise of enduring quality and style. For the Jones New York woman, Delicate gold wrap hinge detail and easy, chic shape create a quiet elegance." Read more.

Will Whisking Help the Blind?

"Rats use a sense that humans don't: whisking. They move their facial whiskers back and forth about eight times a second to locate objects in their environment. Could humans acquire this sense?" That's the question asked on a Medical News Today post. "And if they can, what could understanding the process of adapting to new sensory input tell us about how humans normally sense? At the Weizmann Institute, researchers explored these questions by attaching plastic "whiskers" to the fingers of blindfolded volunteers and asking them to carry out a location task. The findings, which recently appeared in the Journal of Neuroscience, have yielded new insight into the process of sensing, and they may point to new avenues in developing aids for the blind." Read more.

Diabetic Retinopathy on Rise

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the United States, reports the National Eye Institute. According to recent studies funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI), diabetic retinopathy, one of the most common and debilitating complications of diabetes, increased by 3.7 million new cases over the last decade. Read more.

New from Ogi Eyewear

"This years Vision Expo West marks the strongest debuting collection Ogi Eyewear has had to date," starts the Midwest Lens post. "With 13 new styles from Ogi and 14 new styles from Seraphin their booth had very high traffic. The growing trend among attendees is to cut down the amount of frame lines that they carry and focus on brands with premium materials and excellent craftsmanship." Read more.

Benji Framk Frames Election Debate

"In honor of Tuesday’s presidential election, eyewear company Benji Frank launched a 'Framing the Political Debate' initiative, which encourages users to virtually outfit Barack Obama and Mitt Romney in a pair of its frames and then share the image on Facebook. Benji Frank plans to donate a pair of glasses for every 10 image shares; on Election Eve, the company says it has plans to donate 100 pairs," says Time magazine. "But this isn’t just another Election Day gimmick sponsored by a business hoping for a presidential boost. The company’s name—Benji Frank (named after Benjamin Franklin)—and products are all inspired by presidents." Read more.

Link between Lipid Deposits on CLs and Blinks

Modern contact lens materials are prone to drying when exposed to air, which contributes to the buildup of deposits on contact lenses, according to the study called "The Impact of Intermittent Air Exposure on Lipid Deposition." The results of the study appear in the November issue of Optometry and Vision Science, the official journal of the American Academy of Optometry. With significant differences between materials, the buildup of lipid deposits on contact lenses is affected by "intermittent air exposure" between blinks, according to Holly Loretz, PhD, and colleagues of the Centre for Contact Lens Research at University of Waterloo, ON. The findings may help in developing new materials that are less prone to drying and lipid deposition—thus increasing the chances of successful contact lens wear. Read more.

Diane von Furstenberg Winter 2012

"The Diane von Furstenberg brand, known for femininity and luxury, debuts an eyewear collection featuring vintage shapes and key components from her ready to wear collection," according to Midwest Lens. "Inspired by iconic designs, unique hardware such as the chain link, harper buckle and power stone are showcased in this beautiful collection." Read more.

New from Bennett and Evans

"The fashion choices of the Urban Graduate incorporate clean cuts and bold colors to create a sense of style that reflects his individuality," says Midwest Lens. "Bennett and Evans are sleek frames with colorful accents to complete a modern wardrobe. Both frames feature masculine eyeshapes and design features for the man who appreciates success and sophistication." Read more.

Brain "Sees" More than the Eyes?

"Vision may be less important to 'seeing' than is the brain's ability to process points of light into complex images, according to a new study of the fruit fly visual system currently published in the online journal Nature Communications," according to a report in Medical News Today. "University of Virginia researchers have found that the very simple eyes of fruit fly larvae, with only 24 total photoreceptors (the human eye contains more than 125 million), provide just enough light or visual input to allow the animal's relatively large brain to assemble that input into images."  Read more.

Brand O.I. Licenses Cesare Paciotti for Eyewear

Mido 365 News reports that "Cesare Paciotti SpA...has signed an eyewear license agreement with Brands O.I., the Italian...manufacturer and distributor of the Borsalino Eyewear collection and with the distribution license in Italy for French brand, Zadig&Voltaire." Read more.

Iceberg Winter 2012 Collection

"The new Iceberg eyewear collection for winter 2012 was inspired by upper style sportswear - a balance of modern urbanite and casual chic – that distinguishes the brand's style. Precious details like rhinestones and leather enrich super-feminine, glamorous sun models IC643 and IC644: on the temples of generous and rounded IC643, the iconic 'I' appears in negative on a thick application of rhinestones," according to Mido 365 News. "The art of combining modernity and tradition was the inspiration for sun models IC641 and IC642 designed for the male world but equally wearable by more decisive, unconventional women. The former has a generous, slightly Sixties shape with refined acetate veining in Havana, blue or dark green." Read more.

More about Luxottica's Purchase of Alain Mikli

The renowned British financial paper The Financial Times reports that "Luxottica has been rapidly pressing ahead with an expansion strategy since August, when its owners– a private family company controlled by Luxottica founder Leonardo Del Vecchio – sold €490m worth of shares in order to create additional liquidity. They continue to hold a 62.1 per cent stake. Giorgio Armani, the fashion designer and entrepreneur, also holds a 5 per cent stake in the business." Read more.

Hong Kong Hosts Optical Fair

More than 610 eyewear manufacturers and suppliers from around the world will exhibit at this year’s Hong Kong Optical Fair. As a country exhibitor, Turkey and its manufacturers will be exhibiting at the fair for the first time, and France and its exhibitors will set up its largest  pavilion. The fair will give local talent a platform to to introduce eyewear designs and tap into the global market. Under the theme “Timeless,” more than 200 designs have entered the 14th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition. Read more.

Opticians Brave the Threat of Hurricane Sandy

With Hurricane Sandy just off the East Coast on October 28th more than 135 people braved the threat to attend OpticalCEU's annual Fall Seminar for Opticians at the Grand Pequot Hotel and Casino at Foxwoods.

“Opticians from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Florida defied the weather to attend. They were amazing,” notes Linda Conlin, president of OpticalCEUs. “It would be 24 hours before the storm made landfall in southern New Jersey. Yet some attendees came even though they would have to evacuate when they returned to their homes. Opticians are an amazing group of people. It was their presence, as it always is, that made the event a success.”

They listened and took notes to presentations by accredited lecturers Linda Conlin, Deborah Kotob of Vision-Ease, and Joe Forte in order to earn seven continuing education credits (three ABOs and four NCLEs). OpticalCEUs added a more comfortable learning environment to accompany its complimentary hot lunch buffet in the luxurious Grand Pequot Ballroom conference space.

According to an early sampling of attendee responses, the presentations were a huge success. As always, OpticalCEU's will post those results in the near future. The next continuing education seminar will be held in the spring. Look for updates here or on our OpticalCEUs website (www.opticalceu.com).

Speakers
For 14 years Linda, an NAO Fellow Ambassador and member of CLSA's University Review Committee, has provided continuing education for opticians at the state and national level. She is ABO and NCLE certified, licensed in CT, MA and RI, has a BS from Fairfield University and was a columnist for EyeWitness magazine.

Deborah, a sales consultant for Vision-Ease, writes, edits and presents ABO seminars related to best practices. A Massachusetts-licensed optician, she has owned an optical business and was a sales representative for MODO and Luxottica. Deborah is certified by the ABO and NCLE.

Joe lectured at CUNY Tech, specializing in contact lenses and was program director of the Interboro Institute College of Opticianry where he taught courses in various areas of contact lenses and optics. He has lectured at Vision Expo and Optifair. He is currently director of contact lens services for Raymond Opticians.

The Evolution of Sight

A "study, which used computer modelling to provide a detailed picture of how and when opsins evolved, sheds light on the origin of sight in animals, including humans," notes Medical News Today. "The evolutionary origins of vision remain hotly debated, partly due to inconsistent reports of phylogenetic relationships among the earliest opsin-possessing animals." Read more.

Eye Movement Discriminates Schizophrenia Cases

"There is a long history of research on impaired eye movements associated with schizophrenia," says Science Daily. "Using a series of simple viewing tests, researchers explored the ability of these eye movement tests to distinguish people with and without the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Using their complete dataset, they were able to develop a model that could discriminate all schizophrenia cases from healthy control subjects with an impressive 98.3% accuracy." Read more.

Luxottica Acquiring Alain Mikli International

Alain Mikli

Tightening its hold on the luxury eyewear market, Luxottica Group S.p.A. will purchase 100% of the French luxury eyewear company Alain Mikli International, according to an exclusivity agreement. Created in 1978 in Paris, Alain Mikli has always been a synonym of innovative design. With its sophisticated and subtly off-beat style it is one of the most recognizable players in the eyewear market. In 2011, Alain Mikli posted net sales of approximately Euro 60 million.

Soldana Becomes the New Face for LensCrafters

"Zoe Saldana has lent her name to a few campaigns including Calvin Klein underwear and Avon, but now she can add specs to her list as the new face of LensCrafters for the eyewear brand’s new myLook campaign," reports the New York Times.

OPSM Gets Deal with Cricket Australia

OPSM, Luxottica's eyewear chair in Australia, has hooked up with Cricket Australia. With the five-year deal, OPSM will provide optometric services, eyewear, and sunglasses to what the company is calling Australia's elite cricket players. Read more at Sports Campus.

After Favorable Ruling, VSP Stays in CA

"Vision Service Plan isn't going anywhere. In fact, a favorable decision by a state agency Tuesday prompted the Rancho Cordova insurer to green-light a plan to add 400 jobs in the area," reports the Sacremento Bee. "The state agreed to rewrite the rules governing California's fledgling online insurance market, a crucial piece of President Barack Obama's overhaul of the health care system.
The revision gives companies like VSP – which insure eye care only – much greater access to sell coverage in the online market. VSP and other eye-care insurers can now take aim at the full range of Californians who will buy coverage through the market, which begins operations in January 2014." Read more.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/10/31/4950093/vsp-to-add-400-jobs-after-favorable.html#storylink=cpy

Omega-3's Could Help with CL Discomfort

"Researchers who studied the effects of omega-3s found that supplementation improved comfort with and without contact lens wear," reports Optometry News. "Percy Lazon de la Jara, PhD, reported here at Academy 2012 that 45 participants in a study rated their ocular comfort in the morning and evening with no contact lens wear for 10 days, then with daily disposable contact lens wear for 10 days. The participants then took omega-3 supplements for 6 weeks, and the measurements were repeated, without and with contact lens wear. 'Ocular comfort declines over the day regardless of whether lenses are worn or not, but the decline was greatest in magnitude in contact lens wear,' de la Jara said at an academy-sponsored press conference.  'Omega-3s improved overall comfort ratings but did not stop the decline at the end of the day,' de la Jara added. 'Omega-3 consumption reduced some inflammatory ocular signs and symptoms in wearers.'" Read more.

New Collection from Superfocus

Superfocus LLC launched its new auto-focus Leonardo Collection. The eyewear allow users to adjust focus for clarity with a touch to the bridge. The new collection features what the comapny is calling ‘Focus Module + Frame’ construction. The Focus Module incorporates an updated version of Superfocus’ patented adjustable focus technology. It includes an easy-to-use wheel (located on the bridge). The frames are made in Italy with cellulose acetate. They are initially available in attractive light or dark tortoise.

J&J and Lions Club Top 16 Million Vision Screenings in Asia

Newswit reports that "Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (JJVC) and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) recently screened hundreds of children on World Sight Day to celebrate the milestone of screening more than 16 million children in Asia under the Sight for Kids, partnership program now marking its 10th anniversary. The event is part of an effort to provide free sight screening for another 1 million kids in six Asia Pacific countries during 2012 alone." Read more.

New Safety Glasses from Honeywell

"Honeywell Safety Products unveiled Uvex Pheos safety eyewear, which combines streamlined styling with technologically advanced materials to deliver high-performance protectio," according to a press release on Thomas Net. "The eyewear’s frameless design features duo-spherical lenses for unparalleled optical quality and superior all-around coverage. The dielectric style comes with Uvex Dura-streme dual action anti-fog, anti-scratch coating for exceptional versatility and value. Available in two sizes and three lens tints, Uvex Pheos is designed to fit the workforce and perform to perfection in nearly every application." Read more.

Hurricane Sandy Forces Polaroid to Postpone Anniversary Celebration at MoMA

The Polaroid Eyewear 75^th Anniversary celebration planned for October 30 at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has been postponed due to the affects of Hurricane Sandy. A new date will be announced shortly.

At the planned celebrations, guests will discover, explore and interact with the brand's technology, heritage and innovation as well as learn how Polaroid Eyewear is moving forward into the future. They will be entertained by the music of the New York based DJ trio The Misshapes. Guests will be invited to experience polarization through a striking glare installation which will demonstrate the unique and perfect vision of the Polaroid polarized lens, and will also have the opportunity to preview, touch and try the new Polaroid Plus sunglasses collection. MoMA's collection of Architecture and Design includes an original pair of 1946 Polaroid sunglasses: a unique piece manufactured by the American Optical Corp. and donated to MoMA by Edgar Kaufmann Jr., heir to the famous family home Fallingwater designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

New Frame for Rainbow Rave Collection

"The Rainbow Rave group draws from both Betsey’s colorful past within the 'Youthquake' movement and today’s vibrant underground dance party scene," goes the Eye Surf  post. "Pow! Wow! Neon!, an acetate teacup-shaped optical frame, features a custom paint-splatter high definition print with two new crystal color variations: jade and violet." Read more.

ProDesign Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

"Simply retro! The retro-wave continues strongly into the fall/winter season of 2012," according to Eye Surf. "Where the retro frames used to be very chunky, with thick, heavy temples, ProDesign have created a light and more sophisticated collection, still with that unmistakable feel of the 60’s and 70’s, but twisted in a direction towards the more simple and 'intelligent.'" Read more.

Sanpei Sunwear for Construction Workers

"Sanpei Optics is an innovative eyewear company with brand-new, high-tech designs for sunglasses," notes New Times. "The eyewear products include two different designs, known as I.M.I.O. (for 'Inspire Me, Inspire Others') and G.I.Y.O. (for 'Give It Your All).' Longtime San Luis Obispo resident Richard Sanpei came up with the idea for the glasses while he was working as a general contractor and watching construction workers fumbling with their earplugs. He conceptualized glasses with a temple bar that would hold ear buds in place and added polarized lenses, frame rotation, and the ability to adapt to prescription lenses. His retractable and fully adjustable hinge temple bar was granted a U.S. Utility Patent in 2002." Read more.

Okia Optical Wins HOng Kong Optical Competition

" Innovative and winsome creations are in the spotlight as the winners of the 14th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition were announced today. Under the theme 'Timeless' the competition, organised by the Hong Kong Travel Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, saw more than 200 entries this year. Eleven prizes were awarded to nine local designers, whose creations will go on display at the region's leading HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair, opening next week." So goes the press release appearing on Yahoo! News. "The results of the eyewear design competition were released at a media conference this afternoon with the Okia Optical Company sweeping the champion, first runner-up and second runner-up prizes in the Professional Group section. The champion piece, "Mag Type" by Lee Tsun Hung, borrows from the appearance of a vintage typewriter and its distinctive sound. Infusing modern elements into the classic typewriter, the spectacles use no screws, are interchangeable and feature a spring-hinge function." Read more.

New Clip-Ons from Revolution

"This classic timeless look is now available with a magnetic clip-on. The Rev736 is available in Bronze Brown, Matte Gun, Matte Gold and Semi Matte Black," says Midwest Lens. "All Revolution Magnetic Clip-Ons can be special ordered for 3D Viewing and will soon be available in specialty lenses for specific sports as well." Read more.

More Than You Probably Wanted to Know about a Glaucoma Treatment. It Cures Baldness!

Medical News Today  reports "if you're balding and want your hair to grow back, then here is some good news. A new research report appearing online in The FASEB Journal shows how the FDA-approved glaucoma drug, bimatoprost, causes human hair to regrow. It's been commercially available as a way to lengthen eyelashes, but these data are the first to show that it can actually grow human hair from the scalp." Read more.

Additions to XOXO

"XOXO offers the latest runway and celebrity inspired high fashion looks for the young and young at heart," reports Midwest Lens. "Spellbound and Beguile are two complimentary looks bringing the latest in celebrity inspired fashion to women of any age. Bold coloring and modified animal prints are incorporated into the latest XOXO optical frames to create fashion forward looks for the smart and sexy woman." Read more.