New Eyewear from Aspex's BMW Collection

Aspex Eyewear will show its new BMW Group optical and sunwear collection Vision Expo West this week in Las Vegas. The BMW eyewear collection includes 12 optical styles and 12 sunglasses. The designs are made from a combination of titanium, acetate, stainless steel, carbon fiber, and NXT. Designed with style and function, the frames offer polarized spectacle lenses with integrated spring hinges. Read more.

New Eyewear from Bottega Veneta

"This season, Bottega Veneta adds several new sunglasses and optical frames to its sophisticated eyewear collection. New styles highlight the brand’s unique aesthetic and enduring motifs, featuring subtle signatures including the intrecciato pattern, distinctive studs, and new interpretations of the block hinge," waxes poetic Safilo. "Made from the finest quality materials, these new styles feature the superb craftsmanship, versatility, and timeless elegance that define the Bottega Veneta brand." Read more.

New Eyewear from Pierre Cardin

Safilo spokespeople said the following about the new Pierre Cardin line: "The new Autumn/Winter 2013/2014 Pierre Cardin eyewear collection asserts itself with a sophisticated personality and the knowledgable blending of French style and Italian creativity - for which the celebrated brand is renowned. The new sunglasses and optical frames feature a timeless allure and precious detailing, which give an aura of pure elegance to the collection." Read more.

The collection includes a 'special edition' optical frame. The frame is a modern take on the model that Cardin wore decades ago. The glasses merge classic with the contemporary. The acetate silhouette is bold and square in form whilst being aesthetically elegant.

Time and Seats Running Out for OpticalCEUs Fall Conference

“Time is running out to reserve space for our Fall Conference,” notes Linda Conlin, founder of OpticalCEUs and F.E. Enterprises. “There are less than ten days left. After that date, we cannot guarantee a seat at the conference.” The program permits licensed opticians to renew their licenses and receive the ABO/NCLE certificationi with a7-credit program from F.E. Enterprises at the Grand Pequot Ballroom, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, CT on Sunday, October 20. Participants can register for the conference by clicking this link.
The seminars include the following:
1. The Miracle of Sight and How to Preserve It Speaker: Deborah Kotob (2 ABO) 9am-11am NEW!
2. Grading Contact Lens Complications Speaker: Linda Conlin (1 NCLE) 11am-Noon
3. Fitting Irregular Corneas Speaker: Joe Forte (1NCLE) 1 pm-2 pm NEW!
4. Beam Me Up! Understanding the Slit Lamp Speaker: Linda Conlin (1 NCLE) 2 pm-3 pm NEW!
5. Diseases of the Eye Speaker: Joe Forte (1 ABO) 3pm-4pm NEW!
6. Augmented Reality Contact Lenses Speaker: Linda Conlin (1 NCLE) 4 pm-5pm
For more information about the conference, send an email to F.E.Enterprises@OpticalCEU.com.
In addition, speakers for the conference have achieved several milestones in the past six months. ABO/NCLE (American Board of Opticianry/National Contact Lens Examiners) has approved OpticalCEUs speaker Joe Forte as an Advanced, Level III speaker for ABO/NCLE courses. Level III speakers can give level I, II or III courses. Earlier this year, Deborah Kotob, a sales consultant for Vision-Ease and an OpticalCEUs speaker, received an ABO Advanced Certification. According to ABO/NCLE, “the Advanced Certification designation, ABOC-AC is earned only after a practitioner has attained several years experience, completes a prescribed curriculum of advanced education, and achieves a passing score on the rigorous examination." At the same time, Linda Conlin, founder of OpticalCEUs and a speaker at all the conferences, was recognized by the NAO. "In this issue, we are choosing to use this space to highlight a particularly amazing [NAO] ambassador" Linda Conlin. That's the start of an article (page 16) in this month's Vision of the Industry, the official publication of the National Academy of Opticianry.

Get Your Patients to Participate in World Sight Day

The Vistakon Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., (JJVCI) has launched a worldwide campaign asking people to "Take the #EyePledge" and promise to get their eyes tested in honor of World Sight Day, October 10. The #EyePledge includes two simple steps individuals can take to demonstrate their personal commitment to get an eye exam and raise awareness of the broader global cause:

• Take an "eye selfie" photo; and
• Post the photo through the Donate-A-Photo App by Johnson & Johnson with #EyePledge, or share on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #EyePledge, and promise to get your eyes tested. 

Participants also can use the Donate-A-Photo app to generate contributions to Sight for Kids. For every photo uploaded on behalf of Sight for Kids, Johnson & Johnson will donate $1, up to $30,000. Sight for Kids has provided free vision screenings to more than 17 million children in Asia Pacific since 2002. Participants can post up to one photo per day using the app, which is available from the App Store or Google Play.

Eyefinity Launches New EHR

Eyefinity announced that more than $100 million in potential stimulus funds are available to its customers, as nearly 3,500 Eyefinity customers have attested for Stage 1 Meaningful Use (MU). In addition, it has launched Eyefinity EHR, a cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) system with an adaptive learning engine. It’s also iPad accessible. Its users have found benefits to include ease of migration, increased access to patient data, adaptive learning, and seamless integration with OfficeMate. A thorough and effective data conversion process means easy access for nearly 8,000 doctors using ExamWRITER. General availability of the product is set for November 2013. Learn more at www.eyefinity.com/EHR.

More New Eyewear from Gucci

For Autumn/Winter 2013/2014, Gucci has introduced a new collection with web stripe detail on the temples. The green-red-green or blue-red-blue ribbon has its roots in the art of horse-riding, where it was used on a saddle’s girth strap. Now it’s a Gucci motif. The sunglasses and optical frames, available in metal versions or in Optyl, are fixed externally by a gold-colored metallic “GG Britt” logo and internally by a metal plaque bearing the Gucci’s engraved trademark. Read more.

New Eyewear from Dior

This season the Dior Homme Blacktie line encapsules an innovative interpretations of the Homme line. The aluminium temples give the frame a lightness, especially when combined with transparent acetate fronts, all accomplished with special handmade techniques and advanced manufacturing processes. The company thinks its sunglasses celebrate the Dior creativity and know-how with a contemporary aesthetic statement. Read more.
The Dior sunglasses for Winter 2013 are the futuristic version of Raf Simons’ couture. The company spokesperson says that in a perfect match between futuristic design and feminine spirit, lightness is skillfully mixed with asymmetry, for a truly sophisticated statement. The style combines a soft architectural interpretation, the shape being defined by a metal frame drawing an extreme butterfly shape. Playing with asymmetry, these sunglasses offer refined and unexpected chromatic juxtapositions. Read more.

New Eyewear from Proof Eyewear

“Proof Eyewear recently released their all new Fall-Winter Environmentally Conscious Optics (E.C.O.) Collection,” according to Midwest Lens. “Proof, the global leader in sustainable eyewear entered the industry in 2010 with its handmade all wood collection. In late 2011 Proof introduced the ECO collection blending environmentally friendly, biodegradable cotton acetate frames with certified woods accents. At its inception, Proof’s entire line has been completely sustainable, making Proof the only eyewear company to offer a 100% sustainable collection.” Read more.

Converse Celebrates 25 Years with Eyewear

“Converse Inc. celebrates a quarter century of quality eyewear by releasing a collection of limited edition Converse Anniversary Frames designed with a retro mindset. With a production run of just 250 per style, the classic square optical frames and sunglasses are available in six color combinations,” reports BroadwayWorld. “The Converse Anniversary Frames feature a square shape with loud pops of color. The limited-edition eyewear collection tells the story of the brand's rebellious roots with a modern spin. The Converse Anniversary Frames are available at www.Converse.com and www.StyleMint.com and have a suggested retail of $59 - $69 for sunglasses and $125 for optical frames.” Read more.

New Eyewear from Gucci by Safilo

Gucci for women: For Autumn/Winter 2013/2014 Gucci presents the new eyewear collection dedicated to the seductive and unequivocally feminine woman. The collection showcases glasses with large butterfly silhouettes, embellished with pastel nuances and fine elegant details which highlight the eyes of every woman. Read more.

Gucci for men: For Autumn/Winter 2013/2014 Gucci presents the new sunglasses for men with a classic flair and contemporary notes: this eyewear perfectly reflects the alluring blend of casual elegance and metropolitan spirit of the House’s ready to wear collection.
The aviator model is dedicated to the contemporary gentleman, with its sophisticated, masculine feel, highlighted by unique stylistic touches, such as a stunning interplay of gloss and matte materials, the ultra-slim metal temples and the House’s iconic, discreetly engraved logo. Read more.

Gucci Viaggio Sunglasses: For Autumn/Winter 2013- 2014 Gucci presents Gucci Viaggio sunglasses designed to meet the modern globetrotters’ desire for highly versatile items. These sunglasses, with their unique aesthetic yet functional elements, are the perfect balance between formal sophistication and casual attitude, dedicated to people who want to feel stylish and comfortable when traveling. With its unique folding design, the model perfectly combines a relaxed urban attitude with a dynamic personality. The result is an ultra-lightweight and incredibly comfortable item: the hinge joints on the front and temples conceal an exclusive mechanism that allows the sunglasses to be folded and placed in a special case. Read more.

Eco-Gucci Sunglasses: Gucci renews its commitment to environmental responsibility presenting a new version of sunglasses made from Liquid Wood, a biodegradable and eco-friendly material that represents an alternative to the plastic usually used in the production of eyewear. Liquid Wood is originally made from bio-based materials: wood fiber from sustainably managed forests, lignin from the paper manufacturing process and natural wax. These new sunglasses feature a square upsweep silhouette shape with mineral glass lenses, which enhance the impeccable quality and the elegance of this new model. This eco-friendly style comes in new wood-effect shades, in nuances of grey, burgundy and brown. Read more.

New Candie’s Eyewear from Viva

Midwest Lens reports that “Viva International Group introduces four new ophthalmic styles to the Candie’s Eyewear collection this fall. The new styles feature feminine accents and pops of color, including floral lace patterns and hi-definition feather designs, which showcase the on trend playfulness of today’s Candie’s girl.” Read more.

L’Amy and A&A Start Program for Veterans

“L’Amy America and A&A Optical have joined forces to launch a charity program this holiday season that will provide eyewear to veterans in need,” according to Midwest Lens. “For every pair of L’AMY America branded frames (Ann Taylor, Bally Switzerland, Balmain, Columbia, Nicole Miller, Nina Ricci, Sperry Top-Sider, L’AMY Paris, C by L’AMY and Vision’s) and A&A Optical branded frames (Quiksilver, Roxy, Jimmy Crystal New York, Alexander Collection, XXL, Cruz, Jalapenos and Pez) bought by the end-consumer, one pair will be donated to a veteran in need.” Read more.

New Eyewear from Plume Paris

Plume Paris takes inspiration from many forms. For example, its Taden takes its inspiration from the French city of the same name. It’s known décor and architecture. Stainless steel, with a classy brow-bar accent. Our clients have a choice in color combination of green/brown, blue/grey, and red/black. With its innovative thin frame, with an impact design at the top of the glasses, that is where the contrast of color reigns. It is no wonder why so many have fallen in love with these frames. Read more.

JD Power Releases Vision Plan Study

Just as the Affordable Care Act comes into effect next week and as Americans learn that adult eye care is not covered, J.D. Powers came out with its rankings for vision plans.

UnitedHealthcare Vision ranks highest in customer satisfaction among vision plan providers, performing particularly well in plan coverage and communication about plan benefits, according to the J.D. Power 2013 Vision Plan Satisfaction ReportSM.

Overall satisfaction among vision plan members is 673 on a 1,000-point scale.
Among members who rate overall satisfaction 10 (Outstanding) on a 10-point scale, 83 percent say they "definitely will" select their current vision plan provider in the future. Some 42 percent of members who rate overall satisfaction 10 (Outstanding) on a 10-point scale have single coverage.
The average monthly premium price paid for a vision plan is $36.33.

Overall Customer Satisfaction Index Scores
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

1. UnitedHealthcare Vision  704
2. EyeMed 700
3. VSP 687
4. Report Average 673
5. Davis Vision 630

The report is based on responses from 3015 verified vision plan members, questioned from this past August 20 through August 26. The report measures member satisfaction based on four factors (in order of importance): coverage, cost, communication, and customer care.

Blurry Images Become Clear Once in Motion

"Blurred images that are unidentifiable as still pictures become understandable once the images are set in motion," says Science Daily. "That's because of a phenomenon called 'optic flow' -- which may be especially relevant as a source of visual information in people with low vision, reports a study 'With an Eye to Low Vision: Optic Flow Enables Perception Despite Image Blur'... in the October issue of Optometry and Vision Science, [the] official journal of the American Academy of Optometry." Read more.

Spinning without Getting Dizzy

"Scientists have discovered differences in the brain structure of ballet dancers that may help them avoid feeling dizzy when they perform pirouettes," according to Science Daily. "The research suggests that years of training can enable dancers to suppress signals from the balance organs in the inner ear. The findings, published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, could help to improve treatment for patients with chronic dizziness. Around one in four people experience this condition at some time in their lives." Read more.

Inventor Explains Telescopic CLs

"We built a telescope into a contact lens. It is similar to a hard contact lens, but embedded inside are four tiny aluminum mirrors. These mirrors magnify the light, like a telescope, making images appear 2.8 times bigger," goes the post on Popular Science's website. "You can switch between magnified and normal vision by wearing modified 3-D television glasses. A button on the glasses changes their polarization. And polarized filters on the contact lenses determine whether the light passes through their magnifying part or their non-magnifying part. DARPA, a funder of our research, is interested in super vision. But the lenses may also work for people with macular degeneration, a disease that degrades the central part of the retina. Magnification makes it easier for those people to decipher small things, like text, with the healthy areas of their eyes." Read more.

In another report about the lens, BioOptics reports that "the lens' optics allow switching between normal and magnified vision with the addition of modified, off-the-shelf 3D television glasses: Without the glasses, the contact lenses superimpose both normal and magnified images. With the glasses on, a liquid-crystal shutter will switch open a window for normal or telescopic vision. The crystals change the way light is refracted onto polarized films embedded in the contact lens so that only light with a certain orientation, or polarization, passes through the glasses to the contact lens, hitting either the telescopic portion of the lens or the area designed for normal vision. The engineers are working on a hands-free infrared LED switch that will allow the wearer to activate one of the two functions by either winking one eye or blinking with both eyes." Read more.

Contact Lens Card Cheat Gets Jail in Europe

"An Italian has been sentenced to two years in prison after using infra-red contact lenses to count cards marked with invisible ink, in a daring poker scam believed to be 'the first of its kind in Europe,'" reports the Telegraph. "The self-styled 'player and cheat of international renown' impressed even the presiding judge for his sophisticated use of 'old techniques and high-end technology' to win thousands of pounds at a casino in the French Côte d'Azur resort of Cannes. The court in Grasse heard how Stefano Ampollini, 56 – code name Parmesan – turned up to 'Les Princes' casino in the Mediterranean resort in August 2011, wearing a set of infra-red contact lenses purchased online from China for 2,000 euros." Read more.

Bill Clinton Mimics U-2's Bono

"The joke’s on Bono this time," notes the NYPost. "Former President Bill Clinton answered back at the U2 frontman on CNN’s Piers Morgan Live Wednesday, one day after Bono did a spot-on impression of Clinton at a panel event. Bono drew laughs for mimicking Clinton’s down-home accent, discussing a meeting between the two and charity work. Clinton, meanwhile, donned a pair of sunglasses before taking aim at the singer’s music career and humanitarian efforts." Read more.