Marchon Licenses G-Star Raw Brand for Eyewear

G-Star RAW has granted Marchon Eyewear a license to manufacture and distribute eyewear collections under the G-Star brand. Marchon plans to ship the eyewear in October. G-Star originated the concept of 3D denim and established a dedication to raw, untreated denim. With the expertise of these two specialists coming together, this partnership will bring a new perspective to the eyewear industry, bringing innovative sun and ophthalmic products that represent the raw, industrial G-Star design signature, according to a press release. Read more.

Zeiss and Rodenstock Hook Up

Carl Zeiss Vision and Rodenstock have entered into a cross-license agreement for patents covering certain ophthalmic lens technologies, including Carl Zeiss Vision’s back-surface freeform progressive lens technology. The agreement reportedly will allow Carl Zeiss Vision and Rodenstock to accelerate the delivery of advanced ophthalmic lens products and related technology to markets throughout the world.

Vistakon to Discontinue Some Older Brands

The Vistakon division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., will discontinue three of its older brands in 2013. Acuvue brand contact lenses will no longer be available in select base curves and parameters in the United States as of July 1, 2013.  All 9.1 base curves and 8.4 and 8.8 base curves of parameters from -6.50 to -11.0 are being discontinued. Products with 8.4 and 8.8 base curves and parameters ranging from -0.50 to -6.00 will continue to be available. All parameters of Acuvue Brand Contact Lenses Bifocal and Acuvue 2 Colours Brand Contact Lenses will be discontinued as of Dec. 31, 2013. That’s the word from the American Optometric Assn. Read more.

New from X-IDE

“A rainbow of colors explodes on the new X-IDE frames, the young eyewear collection with strong personality presented by Villa Eyewear. The soul of the brand is reborn, but always remaining true to itself: X-IDE is thrilled to present an eyewear collection where dynamic shapes and linear thickness are enhanced by refined details and innovative materials.” So starts the post on Midwest Lens . “Synthesis of different worlds and cultures, X-IDE optical frames express the creative thinking of those who look at the reality with inspiration and passion, observing life as a masterpiece, with the constant pursuit of the aesthetic pleasure and the unique particular.” Read more.

Pearle Shifting to Doctor-Licensed Stores

“Pearle Vision announced that it is in the process of rebalancing its portfolio to gear its presence away from retail and into eye care, a representative said at a press conference here at SECO,” according to a post on Healio Optometry. “In line with this new mantra, Pearle Vision plans to relicense, or ‘flip,’ 34 locations in 10 states over to doctor- and eye care-driven establishments and is looking for optometrists who have the ability and desire to leverage a strong operational system, provide exceptional eye care and superior patient service, while contributing to the community in which their center is located.” Read more.

Discovery about Eye Shape and Impact of Cataract Operations

"A professor at London's Kingston University has made a discovery about the shape of the eye that could boost the effectiveness of human-made lenses used in cataract operations," reports Science Daily. "Research carried out by Professor Barbara Pierscionek and a team of fellow vision experts suggests that the way proteins are distributed in the lens of the eye may cause its gradient to be stepped rather than smooth as previously thought. The finding could give a new insight into the way the eye grows and lead to major improvements in synthetic lenses used in surgery to treat patients who have developed cataracts. Artificial replacements did not currently match the quality of real ones, Professor Pierscionek said. 'However this research could help give patients better vision if manufacturers use it to develop an improved lens able to change focus,' she explained." Read more.

Vision Council Creates Site for Low Vision

The Vision Council has launched a website covering low vision: www.whatislowvision.org. Its goal: to educate the public on low vision, its symptoms, and the resources available to help. As America's baby boomers enter their senior years, they may notice a gradual loss in some areas of sight. Loss of peripheral or central vision could indicate low vision, a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, pharmaceuticals or surgery. More than 2.9M people in the U.S. suffer from low vision and it is most common in people age 60+.

New Marketing Campaign from Mykita

"Instead of some exotic faraway beach, the 2013 MYKITA campaign was shot at the place where it all began back in 2003: in Berlin. Friend and photographer Mark Borthwick was responsible for the creative implementation of this tenth anniversary campaign," notes Midwest Lens. "An apartment in a typical Berlin tenement building served as the backdrop for the first portrait session. The subjects – comprising family members, friends and professional models including the likes of Werner Schreyer – were photographed against vintage furniture in light-flooded rooms." Read more.

Using Holography to Stimulate Eye Cells

"Researchers led by biomedical engineering Professor Shy Shoham of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology are testing the power of holography to artificially stimulate cells in the eye, with hopes of developing a new strategy for bionic vision restoration," notes Science Daily. "Computer-generated holography, they say, could be used in conjunction with a technique called optogenetics, which uses gene therapy to deliver light-sensitive proteins to damaged retinal nerve cells. In conditions such as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) -- a condition affecting about one in 4000 people in the United States -- these light-sensing cells degenerate and lead to blindness." Read more.

New Sunglasses from Marc Jacobs

Following the Marc Jacobs Winter 12 Collection and the Crystal sunglasses, the glamorous eyewear collection returns in a new easy-to-wear version with the latest models created for Spring/Summer 2013, says a Safilo spokesperson. The new models is said to maintain that sense of sparkle with an understated twist: a single crystal that illuminates the temple tips and denotes a unique and individual style. The round-shaped acetate model features bold volumes that are balanced with translucent shades, in line with the colour palette of Marc Jacobs’ 2013 ready-to-wear and accessories collections: olive, brown, red and ochre, perfectly combined with gray lenses. Read more.

New Lens from Essilor Controls Emission of Blue Light

Essilor has launched what it calls the first  lenses offering selective protection against harmful blue light -one of the risk factors in retinal cell degeneration- and against UV rays.This major innovation was made possible thanks to an ambitious four-year research program conducted in partnership with Paris Vision Institute, according to Essilor. After two years, the joint venture team identified, with a high level of accuracy, that portion of the visible light spectrum that is noxious to retinal cells. Emitted by the sun and also by artificial light sources such as LEDs and computers or smartphones, blue light (between 380-500 nm) plays a beneficial role on health, such as regulating biological clocks. However, a specific band of this light might have a harmful effect on the eyes. In order to identify the part of the spectrum that damages the retina, the researchers developed an in vitro test on retinal cells with narrow screening light exposure to determine the harmfulness of rays depending on their wavelength. This test--a first in ophthalmic optics--allowed for the discovery that wavelengths between 415 and 455 nm (spectral band centered at 435 nm +/- 20nm) are the most harmful for the target retinal cells.After two years of research, the company has developed the Crizal Prevencia lens, which is able to protect the eye from wavelengths that contributes to the degeneration of retinal cells while allowing beneficial blue light to pass through. This is a new category of preventive lenses developed using Light Scan, an exclusive technology which filters light selectively- by letting beneficial blue light pass through. Read more.

Sunglasses from Skateboard Wood

"Streetwear giant, Diamond Supply Co., is set to launch this mini accessories capsule, consisting of an iPhone case and wood sunglasses," says Baller Status. "Both items are made from 100% recycled skateboard wood that turns into this rainbow-style pattern once bonded together into the shape of the iPhone 5 case and accompanying sunglass frames. The case and sunglasses are finished with laser-etched logo branding. The words "BRILLIANTLY CRAFTED" are etched into the inner temple of the eyewear." Read more.

New from Gotti Switzerland

Award-winning eyewear brand Götti Switzerland's spring and summer collections  include buffalo horn mixed with natural wood, and a more expansive acetate and titanium collection. Retail prices range from $310 to  $1,556 with its customized horn frames at $2,470. This month, Gotti debuts five unisex optical styles, including Belize and Balou, each blending raw buffalo horn with elegant walnut and maple wood. The company notes that most stages of production are finished and polished by hand. It takes six weeks to produce one frame, whose fit can be customized.  It's  also launching additional unisex optical acetate styles. The latest models, including Aysha and Amey, have bolder shapes with thin rims. They also consist of a keyhole nose bridge evoking a more vintage-inspired look. Read more.

Ectopic Eyes that See

"For the first time, scientists have shown that transplanted eyes located far outside the head in a vertebrate animal model can confer vision without a direct neural connection to the brain." That's the startling start of a Medical News Today post. Read more.

Dolabany Reintroduces the Arnold

The Dolabany Arnold optical frame is currently one of the most popular designs from the Dolabany Eyewear Collection. This design continues to reign supreme in retro style eyewear, and this year, it is being reintroduced in three classic colors,"  starts the post on Midwest Lens. "Classical purity is the defining aesthetic of the Dolabany Arnold eyeglasses. Every element of style and functionality is considered, in the design of this retro look. This frame epitomizes the 1950′s and 1960′s in look and quality of craftsmanship. In fact, this style is in such high demand people are spending in excess of $1000 for the vintage eyewear style. But, thanks to Dolabany, this vintage look hits every single specification of the original eyewear design of that period at a reasonable price. With celebrity sightings, like the iconic Johnny Depp, wearing the Dolabany Arnold, the designer eyewear has made its mark in the fashion industry." Read more.

Essilor Battles Younger, Indizen, and VSP Over Patent Infringement

On Feb. 22, 2013, Essilor International S.A. and Essilor of America, Inc.,  filed a patent infringement action with the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division, against Indizen Optical Technologies S.L.; Indizen Optical Technologies of America, LLC; Younger Manufactuirng Co. d/b/a/ Younger Optics; Vision Service Plan; VSP Labs, Inc.; and VSP Optical Group, Inc. This suit was filed  about a month after Essilor sent Indizen and Younger Optics letters giving notice of their reported infringement of Essilor International's 271 Patent. On February 13, 2013, Essilor sent the VSP, VSP Labs, and VSP Optical a letter giving notice of their reported infringement of Essilor's patent, which covers its progressive addition lenses. For a copy of the suit, click this link.

"On Feb. 20, Younger Optics, Indizen Optical Technologies, Indizen Optical Technologies of America, Vision Service Plan,  VSP Labs and VSP Optical Group filed suit against Essilor International and Essilor of America in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division," according to a Vision Monday post. "The companies are seeking a declaratory judgment stating that the manufacture and sale of their progressive lenses, including VSP Unity PLxpression lenses, does not infringe three Essilor International patents on digital progressive lenses, either directly or indirectly. In their suit, the companies are also seeking to invalidate all three Essilor patents because they claim the patents fail to comply with U.S. patent laws." Read more.

Safilo Pulls Out the Stops for Mido 2013

Apparently Safilo wants to make waves at Mido 2013 exhibition this March 2-4. The company claims that research is the key to new designs. It points to the Avantek technology it has used on its new Boss and Safilo collections, claiming that the stress and distortion-free lens mounting system eliminates perforations in the lenses and, as a result, risk of visual distortion or deformation for rimless 'glasant' optical frames. Its Polaroid Plus Collection has adopted the UltraSight Plus lenses. Its Hugo collections are using titanium.

Shapes
Its collections feature a wide range of silhouettes, which include large and small cat-eye shapes, and its round-shaped models have an essential, minimalist design. The square-shaped proposals feature large silhouettes that evoke the fashion of the ‘60s or ‘80s and come in opal or shaded nuances.

Colors
The collections will have a wide range of shades and  new color combinations. With their unique interplay of black and white that captures the Optical Art spirit of the ‘60s and their fluorescent shades that recall the ‘80s and pop culture, the new collections are designed for people who are not afraid to show off their daring, personal style. Some models combine also pastel nuances. The wild side collection, however, takes life with animal patterns and spotted prints. Color-blocking, a hot trend for the 2013 season, catches the eye with vibrant color combinations. Last but certainly not least, sunglasses with the ‘80s-inspired mirrored lenses. Read more about specific collections. 

Applications for 2013 Pearle Scholarship Open

In June, the OneSight Research Foundation will award Dr. Stanley Pearle Scholarships for $2000 to 20 full-time optometry students graduating from an accredited optometry program in North America and Puerto Rico in 2014, 2015, or 2016. The foundation will award the scholarships based on scholastic performance and commitment to optometry and community service. Students can apply through April 15, 2013, via a new automated application form at https://aim.applyists.net/OneSight.. Applicants must enter the program key OneSight to submit their application.  Need more information, contact tparasil@onesight.org.

Google Glasses Start Looking Like Glasses

"Earlier today we reported that Google was looking to improve their awesome augmented reality glasses by making them a bit more stylish and fashionable. Because no matter how great they are, people need to want to wear them. Well this evening we’re now seeing a new patent that gives us an idea of what they’re aiming for, as well as what Project Glass could look like on a nice frame," says Android Community. "They certainly aren’t Ray Bans, but can you imagine rocking some awesome Aviator or Wayfarer style glasses combined with Project Glass. Sign me up for a pair right this minute. We’re getting ahead of ourselves though, Google has just started looking into alternative styles and we’re probably far from anything extremely fashionable." Read more.

People in Need of Vision Care

"Orange County needs a pediatric vision program for low-income children, and the service should probably be on wheels, according to the Children & Families Commission of Orange County," reports the Voice of OC. "A pediatric mobile unit would make it easier for parents to overcome barriers and obtain eye exams, diagnoses and glasses for their children. A 'vision van' would join the ranks of other specially equipped vans that deliver dental care, asthma treatments and primary care services to young patients around the county." Read more.

Several thousands of miles away, "people wait[ed] to receive a wristband number for medical treatment at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic in Wise, Va. on July 20. RAM clinics bring free medical, dental and vision care to uninsured and under-insured people around the world." See the NBCNews photo essay.