Viva's Bongo Eyewear Fall 2012 Collection

Eye Surf says that "Viva International Group presents four new ophthalmic releases to the Bongo Eyewear Fall 2012 collection, featuring playful, yet edgy adornments, including stud plaque detailing and glitter-accented temple treatments. The new collection is offered in translucent colorations and mixed textures, inspired by the trendsetting lifestyle of today’s Bongo girl." Read more.

Viva's Harley-Davidson Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

"Viva International Group introduces four new styles for men and women from the Harley-Davidson Eyewear Fall/Winter 2012 collection. The new collection embodies the craftsmanship and attention to detail known worldwide by the Harley-Davidson brand," notes Eye Surf. "Models HD 430, HD 431 and HD 432, from the men’s collection, feature an innovative raised metal temple treatment enhanced by the Harley-Davidson logo. The well-constructed design of model HD 430, a full-rimmed metal style and HD 431, a semi-rimless style, is presented in sleek metallic colors, including antique gunmetal, brown, olive green, black, brown and gunmetal. Model HD 432 sports a soft rectangle shaped handmade acetate front in warm hues of blue demi, demi amber, olive demi and shiny black." Read more.

Carrera Two New Sunglasses Models

Carrera "presents two new folding sunglasses featuring a timeless design and unique stylistic details that leave their mark," says Eye Surf. "The new 'Pocket Flag 3' and 'Champion Fold'  models, dedicated to high-tech lovers, catch the eye with their unique folding mechanism, perfectly combining utmost functionality with a distinctive style. They are designed to take up less space and have an ultra-lightweight feel: the iconic detail on the front and the hinges on the temples conceal a special device that allows you to fold the frame of these sunglasses and place them in a special case." Read more.

New Anesthetic Treatment for Eye Disease

"In a new study, a light-sensitive moiety has been added to propofol, a commonly used anesthetic, allowing its narcotic effect to be controlled by light. The compound also offers a possible route to the treatment of certain eye diseases," reports Science Daily. "Inhibitory neurotransmitters dampen the activity of neurons. This regulatory effect forms the basis for the action of many anesthetics. For example, propofol, a common anesthetic, interacts with receptors on neural cell membranes that normally bind the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). Binding of GABA opens protein channels through which negatively charged chloride ions stream into the cell. By raising the resting electrical potential across the membrane, this makes the cell less likely to fire in response to an incoming stimulus. Propofol magnifies this effect and this functions as an anesthetic." Read more.

RegeneRx Receives Mexican Patent for Dry Eye and Glaucoma Treatment

RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. has received a patent in Mexico for the treatment of dry eye syndrome and glaucoma, among other medical indications, using Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), or its isoforms and fragments, derivatives and analogs. The patent is projected to expire in July 2026. The Company has similar issued patents or pending applications in major countries throughout the world. Read more.

OneSight Runs Clinic in Mexico

At the OneSight Mexico Clinic (August 26 – September 8), passionate team members brought the gift of clear vision to recipients of all ages. Among the hundreds of patients was a 10-year-old boy named Fernando who aspired to be an engineer when he grew up but could not see clearly at school. Upon receiving his new eyewear and sunwear, Fernando revealed from his pocket an old pair of broken glasses he could no longer use. Volunteers were able to not only give Fernando the gift of sight but also repair his old frames to serve as backup eye wear! Read more.

The Refraction Threats to ODs

"Are refracting opticians the only potential threat to the delivery of optometric refractive care? Probably not. New technology like the NETRA device may also become significant in how refractive care is delivered to our patients," according to an American Optometric Association press release. Read more.

SCO Gets a $300,000

Southern College of Optometry (SCO) announced it was awarded a $300,000 grant from the Plough Foundation. The grant will support a new building project that will provide SCO’s 500 students with new classroom facilities and state-of-the-art instructional space at its midtown Memphis campus. Read more.

Viva's Catherine Deneuve Eyewear Fall 2012

Eye Surf  reports that "Catherine Deneuve Lunettes from Viva International Group presents three new models to its exclusive Fall 2012 eyewear collection. Each style delivers an exquisite blend of elegance and artistry for today’s modern woman. A decorative print pattern embellishes the handmade acetate fronts of models CD-312, CD-313 and CD-314, three new styles from the Fall 2012 eyewear collection. The pattern’s distinctive design is available in rich tones of brown, purple, rose and grey and highlights the frame’s crystal front. Elegant laser-etchings decorate each of the metal temple’s end-pieces, creating a striking jewelled effect. A subtle logo plaque adorns this unique temple treatment offered in a satin finish. This stylish trio is available in soft front shapes, including round, square and oval silhouettes." Read more.

Rampage Eyewear Fall 2012

"The fall 2012 Rampage  Eyewear collection from Viva International Group features two new ophthalmic styles, which offer innovative design elements infused with an edgy and seductive, yet sophisticated look that’s perfect for today’s young woman. A mixture of sparkled accents and metal detailing finds its inspiration from this season’s top fashions." So goes the Eye Surf post. "The collection’s latest releases, models R 170 and R 171, feature handmade acetate temples highlighted by cast metal detailing and glitter accents. An intricate pattern of beveled edges decorates this trendy cast metal design, completed by a subtle lasered logo. Model R 170 is a handmade frame available in chic color combinations, including brown over cream and burgundy over pink. Model R 171 features a semi-rimless front in satin black, dark brown and matte plum." Read more.

Two New ProDesign's Iris Frames

"Usually the Iris frames are ultra-feminine, with flowers and gems. But is doesn’t necessarily have to be that way to be feminine! This Iris collection focuses on the mix of materials and the subtle play on colors," according to Eye Surf. "The temples are created from an Italian acetate material that is unique for ProDesign. The stripes in the acetate are created specifically to mimic the rhythm of the design of the temples. All the temples are grey on the inside, but most of them have their own exterior layer, to give them a subtle pop of color." They are in two shapes, six colors each. Read more.

Candie's Eyewear Fall 2012

"Viva International Group introduces four new ophthalmic styles to the Candie's  Eyewear collection this fall. The new styles reflect the playfulness of today’s  Candie's  girl infused with fashion glamour. Bold patterns, including stripe detailing, animal prints and contrasting color combinations highlight the high-spirited styling of the new fall collection," notes Eye Surf. "Fun stripe detailing decorates the outside temples of model C Logan, while model C Lexie takes a more subtler approach with a stripe pattern on the inside of each temple. Both styles are handcrafted in acetate and feature trendy oval front shapes. This chic duo is available in black, brown and burgundy, revealing a secondary color on the inside of each frame." Read more.

McGee and Vera Bradley Renew Deal

"The McGee Group and Vera Bradley, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRA) have renewed a multi-year licensing agreement. The McGee Group will continue with expanded optical and sun collections for Vera Bradley, with new styles releasing each month," reports Eye Surf. "The McGee Group will continue supporting the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, donating a portion of all McGee Group Vera Bradley sales to breast cancer research. The cause of finding a cure for breast cancer is especially close to the hearts of those at the McGee Group. Jenny Lynn McGee, wife of CEO Wayne McGee, passed away from breast cancer in 2008." Read more.

Retinal Therapies Overtaking Those for Glaucoma

Medical News Today reports that "therapies for retinal diseases are expected to overtake those for glaucoma by 2014, reports Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN). Because current retinal disease treatments only improve vision for six to eight weeks, there is a critical need for new remedies, according to a recent issue of GEN. " Read more.

University President Gets Students to Have Their Eyes Examined

"Two years ago, Michael J. Sorrell was giving a speech to the student body when he noticed one of his favorite students in the front row," reports Inside Higher Ed. "Despite sitting only 25 feet or so from Sorrell, the student was squinting to see him. Sorrell, president of the historically black Paul Quinn College in Dallas, stopped the speech and asked how many students would go to the eye doctor if he made the arrangements. It turned into more than just a poll. Between 10 and 15 percent of students needed glasses and lacked the means to get them or have their eyes examined. Not anymore. " Read more. 

Free Eye Exams for Special Olympians

For many, seeing well can be a struggle, especially when it comes to people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Approximately two percent of the global population, almost 200 million people, has ID and some estimates suggest that up to 40 percent of these individuals are also affected by some type of vision loss or abnormality. In light of this startling statistic, VSP Vision Care (VSP), the nation's leading not-for-profit vision care company, is announcing the "Send a High Five" campaign, a program that will provide comprehensive vision exams, critical follow-up eyecare and related services and materials for up to 50,000 Special Olympics athletes across the United States, a total donation valued at $43 million. Read more.

Costs for Part B E and M Services Rising Quickly

Medicare Part B costs for evaluation and management (E&M) services are rising more rapidly than other Part B costs, according to a report issued last month by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), according to a press release from the American Optometric Association (AOA). Read more.

Myopia On the Rise Worldwide

Yahoo Finance is reporting on the two findings from the "Eyewear Global Overview: Growth Trends and Analysis":

Globally, myopia rates continue to rise, and the age at which diagnosis is occurring is falling. At the other end of the age spectrum, rising global ageing population is also fuelling demand for presbyopia solutions in readymade reading glasses.

No longer is eyewear used for just correcting vision problems. Increasingly, consumers and especially the youth are using eyewear to enhance facial features or to make a fashion statement. Coloured lenses, disposable lenses, clear and over-sized frames and sporty looks are currently popular.

Read more.

EyeTrackAwards Winners

Tobii Technology has selected a behavioral research team that used eye-tracking technology to enhance the understanding and diagnosis of supranuclear palsy as the winners of the annual Tobii EyeTrackAwards. The award recognizes cutting-edge research projects that uncover new insights made possible through the application of eye-tracking technology and analysis. This prestigious global award will be presented to the winning researchers at the annual EyeTrackBehavior Conference in Leuven, Belgium, Oct. 9-10. Read more.

Discovered Gene Links Cataracts and Alzheimer's

"In a recent study, investigators at Boston University Schools of Medicine (BUSM) and Public Health (BUSPH) identified a gene linking age-related cataracts and Alzheimer's disease," notes Science Daily. "The findings, published online in PLoS ONE, contribute to the growing body of evidence showing that these two diseases, both associated with increasing age, may share common etiologic factors." Read more.