New Eye Center at UCLA

“On July 29, the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA and Doheny Eye Institute announced that they had finalized a long-term affiliation to create the nation’s preeminent centers for ophthalmic patient care, vision research, and education,” according to the Examiner. “The affiliation appears to be a win-win relationship between the two entities and will promote specialized eye care for Angelenos. UCLA noted that the proposed affiliation would preserve each organization’s identity and mission, seek to combine clinical operations that would expand patient access in Los Angeles, and align strengths that have factored into world recognition for each in advancing ophthalmology through research, outreach, education and patient care.” Read more.

New from A&A Optical

A&A Optical has released four new smart styles from Pez eyewear: Classmate, Cool Kid, Sugar Pop, and Hula Hoop. The collection is said to offer stylish and classic eyewear for children in bright colored plastics, and super tough metals. Cable temples and pediatric fits are available for infants. The line comes with a  no-questions-asked lifetime warranty, according to the manufacturer. Read more.

EPGL Medical Develops Power Source for AR Contacts

Engineers at EPGL Medical reportedly have invented the world's first self-powered, self-contained, power source for contact lenses.  Researchers are designing applications for use in contact lenses, such as displaying data in real-time about medical data such as their blood sugar level, oxygen level, heart rate, and EKG.  Powered contact lenses are also being looked into as delivery devices for drugs and other therapeutic applications.  Read more.

3D-Printer Eyewear Company Turns to Crowdfunding

San Francisco-based startup Protos Eyewear has created an elegant, simple way of purchasing the perfect pair of eyeglasses made to order. In a crowdfunding campaign launched Monday, they released a brand new line of prescription and sunglass frames along with their styling and custom fit service. In a very competitive industry, they attribute their success to a rare synergy between technology, fashion and design. Read more.

Essilor Takes Control of Transitions

“PPG Industries Inc (PPG.N) has agreed to sell its $1.73 billion controlling stake in Transitions Optical, the inventor of modern variable-tint plastic lenses, to business partner Essilor International (ESSI.PA), PPG said on Monday,” according to a Reuters post. “Essilor…already holds 49 percent interest in Transitions Optical….The deal will help Essilor boost expansion in the variable-tint lens market, which is growing twice as fast as the optical industry as a whole, mainly in Asia, Latin America and Europe.” Read more.

Ophthalmologist and Tech Help Afghan Children

“’Providing children vision gives them a better chance at life in Afghanistan,’ said U.S. Air Force Maj. Marcus Neuffer, an ophthalmologist assigned to the Craig Joint Theater Hospital on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.” That’s the word from DODLive. “If Afghan children cannot see to perform normal daily tasks, there is a possibility they will be left behind in their village to fend for themselves. Neuffer’s primary job here is to take care of patients with traumatic eye injuries. When he is not busy in the operation room, Neuffer and his technician, Airman 1st Class Chellbie Gonzales, spend their spare time providing humanitarian support to local citizens.” Read more.

B+L Moves to New Jersey, Losing 15% of Work Force

“Valeant says it will eliminate as much as 15 per cent of its work force and move Bausch + Lomb's headquarters to New Jersey as part of its $8.7 billion acquisition,” reports Canadian Yahoo! News. “In a letter to workers, Valeant says that after the deal closes, it will eliminate between 10 per cent and 15 per cent of positions companywide. That works out to between 1,850 and 2,775 people. The Canadian drugmaker says it will remain based in Quebec, but it will move Bausch + Lomb's Rochester, N.Y. headquarters to New Jersey.” Read more.

Celebs Help with Launch of Chopard Jeweled Eyewear

“Stars such as Terri Vaughn, Bobby Valentino and Porsha Stewart were just some of the celebs who stepped out in Atlanta on Thursday for the launch of the Chopard jeweled luxury eyewear collection,” according to The Grio. “They were there to support former reality television star, Lisa Wu, who hosted the evening as brand ambassador for the trendy and fashionable sunglasses….The collection, which was unveiled in Atlanta for the first time last night, features a wide selection of high-end sunglasses that cost between $300 and $800.” Read more.

CL Continuously Monitors Intraocular Pressure (IOP)

“Smart contact lenses are no longer science fiction. In the last few years we have covered several smart contact lenses with different purposes,” starts the post on MedGadet. “One of these electronic contact lenses is the Sensimed Triggerfish, a device capable of continuous measurement of the intra-ocular pressure (IOP). It is the first of its kind, since current measurements of IOP, like applanation tonometry and air-puff tonometry, can only give us the IOP at a certain moment, whereas the Triggerfish can monitor the course of the IOP throughout the day. As we write this, the Triggerfish is already being clinically tested.” Read more.

Jennifer Garner Promoting Max Mara

“Jennifer Garner is being paid to cover up her beautiful brown eyes,” notes Gossip Center. “But in this case, the actress doesn’t mind, seeing as they’ll be shaded by sophisticated sunglasses made by Max Mara. Garner has just signed on to star in the luxury Italian fashion house’s first-ever accessories campaign. The oversized eyewear, introduced as MM DIVA sunglasses, has an ultra-light feel and comes in easy-to-match colors. Mrs. Ben Affleck will also help put a spotlight on Max Mara’s elegant new handbag, which it calls JBag. This is the first time the fashion brand has recruited an actress in its marketing strategy. The slogan that appears throughout the campaign: Timeless is Now.” Read more.

Google Glass Gets Makeover

“Sourcebits is a software development firm that felt the current design for Google Glass was too geeky even for them. So they decided to put together a team of designers, illustrators, and 3D modelers to create a more fashion-friendly version of the glasses,” according to PSFK. “Looking more like something you could work into an existing wardrobe, the team have made a few significant changes. The first was to redistribute the weight of the glasses. Instead of having all the technology focused on one side which made the frames bulky – they divided it up across both sides, allowing for a much thinner product.” Read more.

Affordable Care Act on Target for Eye Care

The Obama administration announced July 2 it was delaying the deadline until 2015 for penalties targeting large employers who do not provide health insurance coverage to their workers. Although this decision represents a significant change to the president’s timetable and approach toward implementation, the AOA Advocacy Group reports there has been no change in the law’s full recognition of optometrists as providers of essential care or in how eye health care will be integrated into comprehensive health insurance coverage for children beginning in 2014. Read more.

New from Best Image—Tours by Plume Paris

Best Image Optical will release a new frame model, Tours by Plume Paris. This collection is said to provide unique styles and sophisticated designs. Frame Model Tours by the Plume Paris eyewear collection offers colors such as brown/black, burgundy/black and grey/black. It is available in size 52-18-140 and comes with a European-influenced style inspired by the French city of Tours. Its frame model features a large, rectangular frame front, modern and sleek temples, in lightweight materials. The frame is produced in stainless steel with a rubber-textured coating for comfort. Read more.

Guess Eyewear Partners with Susan G. Komen

“Guess Eyewear is proud to announce its first ever partnership with Susan G. Komen, unveiling a limited edition collection of women’s frames to support Komen’s mission to save lives and end breast cancer forever,” says Midwest Lens. “During this promotion ending July 31, 2014, $5.00 will be donated by Viva International Group to Komen in connection with the sale of each specially marked GUESS sunglasses or optical frame, with a collective guaranteed minimum donation of $25,000 to support innovative breast cancer research and global programs. Each pair will also come with a custom collaboration case, box, lens cloth, and pamphlet detailing the partnership.” Read more.

Hauswirth Receives Llura Liggett Gund Award

Midwest Lens reports that "the Foundation Fighting Blindness...recognizes William W. Hauswirth, Ph.D., of the University of Florida College of Medicine, with its Llura Liggett Gund Award. The Foundation’s highest research honor, this award has only been bestowed upon eight individuals in 42 years, who, throughout their long, extraordinarily productive careers, have moved the field of retinal disease research forward in a seminal way....Dr. Hauswirth is an innovator of delivery systems for sight-saving gene therapies. Using non-harmful adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to transport healthy DNA into retinal cells at the back of the eye, he was part of the research group that first showed gene therapy could restore vision in animal models, including Briard dogs. His team’s approach was then used in human clinical trials where children and young adults virtually blind from Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) have had significant vision restored." Read more.

New from Viva’s Harley-Davidson, Candie’s, and Skechers Lines

Midwest Lens notes that Viva International has added new frames to three children’s collections, Harley-Davidson Wild Child, Candie’s Eyewear, and Skechers Eyewear.

Harley-Davison Wild Child: “Viva International Group [has introduced] six new tween styles to the Harley-Davidson Wild Child Eyewear 2013 collection. The new ophthalmic styles, designed for boys, capture the fun and edgy lifestyle of the brand with skull detailing, laser-engraving and denim-like print patterns. In addition to the bold styles debuting this season, a new blue denim case with the Harley-Davidson logo in bright red will accompany each frame.” Read more

Candie’s Eyewear: “Viva International Group [has introduced] two new ophthalmic styles to the Candie’s Eyewear collection this summer. The new styles feature bold accents and trendy patterns, including metal scroll designs, which capture the playfulness of today’s CANDIE’S girl. Whether it’s a confident mix of color, glitz or a more delicate look, CANDIE’S Eyewear is the perfect accompaniment to any tween’s wardrobe.” Read more.

Skechers Eyewear: “Viva International Group [has introduced] a lively mix of colorful and sporty designs in the Skechers Eyewear Summer 2013 kids collection. Consisting of 12 frames for boys and girls that are inspired by a playful and energetic lifestyle, the designs include innovative elements such as carbon fiber and rubber inlays, stone embellishments and pops of color.” Read more.

A&A Offers DIY Display Guides

“A&A Optical announces the release of a series of DIYD (Do It Yourself Display) Guides. In an effort to increase their customers’ product insight and ultimately market their optical dispensary as a retail space, A&A offers helpful and creative merchandising tips in a series of easy to use ‘how-to-guides,’” notes Midwest Lens. “DIYD Guides feature a themed display and a corresponding list of props (including price and suggested place of purchase). In addition, the guides offer ideas for recycling and reusing the purchased props. The guides are an ultimate source for inspiration and point of reference for DIY merchandising ideas.” Read more.

New from REM Eyewear

“REM Eyewear once again delivers unbeatable back-to-school collections from two of the most exciting kids brands on the planet – Converse and Lucky Brand. Year after year, REM proves that no one knows what kids want better than these style giants,” according to Midwest Lens. “The 2013 eyewear release features the hottest colors of the season, paired with classic shapes and quality construction. Both collections bring whimsical designs and playful pops of color to an otherwise dull landscape of traditional kid’s eyewear options. Also available in larger sizes for in-between “tweens”, Converse and Lucky Brand are back-to-school essentials.” Read more.

When Strongmen Wear Sunglasses

“As if they have something to hide, authoritarian leaders have a habit of wearing sunglasses when facing the public,” says Global Post. “More often than not, a leader wearing sunglasses is a worrying sign. There are endless examples of bespectacled autocrats doing their dictatorial (and sartorial) best with their stunna’ shades on.” Read more.

Gwyneth Paltrow Hooks Up with Warby Parker

“Good news for people who love Gwyneth Paltrow's style, but aren't such big fans of her sometimes expensive taste,” notes EOnline. “The blond beauty, whose extravagant leanings saw her suggesting $450,000 worth of clothing items for the spring season earlier this year, has signed off on stylish sunnies that ring in at under—gasp!—$100. The Goop goddess has teamed up with Warby Parker to create two exclusive lines of sunglasses for Paltrow's popular lifestyle site.” Read more.