Blog - OptikNow

August 30, 2024August 15, 2024

Capture Childhood Memories with Kaleos Kids’Trendy Andersen Frame

Kaleos Kids, when each frame becomes a companion to childhood memories. The Andersen model is the perfect partner for adventures, both summer and school days. With its hexagonal shape and ultra-trendy green colourway, this handmade frame will delight young trendy looks.

Distributed by Lanctôt: www.rlanctot.com

About Lanctôt:

Lanctôt Ltée is excited to be celebrating its 65th Anniversary with over 5000 customers and partners! Since 1953 Lanctôt Ltée has been a Canadian based, family-run business that specializes in the distribution and production of premium sporting goods, apparel and eyewear. Our distribution and design expertise combined with our passion for sports is the foundation of our success.

Lanctôt offers 3 distinct categories: Sports Equipment, Apparel and Optical. Lanctôt’s brands fall into 7 divisions: Ski, Bike, Golf, Outerwear, Team Sports, Fashion and Eyewear.

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August 29, 2024August 29, 2024

CooperVision Launches Fourth Annual Canada Back-to-School Campaign: “Your Child’s Tomorrow Starts Today”

CooperVision Canada announces its 2024 consumer myopia control advocacy initiative, “Your Child’s Tomorrow Starts Today.”

This year’s initiative focuses on the critical importance of scheduling comprehensive eye exams for children before the school year begins, educating parents and caregivers about the consequences of myopia, and MiSight^® 1 day’s ability to slow its progression and keep it from getting worse.

New engaging digital and video assets in French and English, along with strategic content investments nationwide, are designed to raise awareness, educate, and drive action. The campaign will be featured on various social media platforms targeting parents and broadcast integrations on various television news programs.

MiSight^® 1 day, the first and only FDA-approved* product proven to slow myopia progression in children aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment,^1† is now available in higher prescriptions in Canada up to -10.00D, covering 99.97% of prescriptions for age-appropriate children with myopia and less than 1D of astigmatism.²

Visit www.misight.ca for more information.

Click HERE for the press release.

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References:

*USA Indications for Use: MiSight® 1 Day (omafilcon A) Soft (Hydrophilic) Contact Lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters (spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Canadian Indications for Use: MiSight (omafilcon A) Soft Contact Lenses for Myopia Control may reduce the rate of myopia progression in children (6-18) and correct ametropia. Reduction of myopia progression was observed in children with wearing time of 12 hours (8-16 hours) per day, 6.4 days (5-7) per week in a clinical study. Permanent myopia control after lens treatment is discontinued is not supported by clinical studies. MiSight (omafilcon A) Soft Contact Lenses for Myopia Control are indicated for single use daily disposable wear. When prescribed for daily disposable wear, the lens is to be discarded after each removal.

† Compared to a single vision 1-day lens over a 3-year period.

1 Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.

2 CVI Data on file, 2022. SERE coverage of childhood myopia prescriptions with MiSight® 1 day for 104,810 eyes in Asia (China, Korea) and 116,336 eyes in Europe and USA aged 8-18 years.

August 28, 2024August 28, 2024

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence: Nurturing a Child-Friendly Environment in Optometry Clinics

By Jade Bodzasy

In the bustling environment of an optometry clinic, dealing with children can present unique challenges.

From apprehension about eye exams to fear of the unknown, children often experience heightened emotions during their clinic visits. Therefore, fostering emotional intelligence among optometry clinic staff is paramount in creating a supportive and comforting atmosphere for young patients.

By increasing emotional intelligence skills, staff members can not only alleviate children’s anxieties but also enhance the overall quality of care. Here are some strategies to cultivate emotional intelligence among optometry clinic staff when dealing with kids.

Empathy as a Foundation:

Empathy forms the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Understanding and acknowledging a child’s feelings, whether it’s fear, confusion, or discomfort, can significantly impact their clinic experience. Staff should actively listen to children’s concerns and validate their emotions. By showing genuine empathy, staff members can build trust and rapport, paving the way for a smoother examination process.

A great example of this is allowing children the opportunity to speak. Don’t gloss them over the moment they start to say something. Of course, it is part of your job to keep the doctors on time, however this doesn’t mean you would completely disregard what a patient is trying to tell you. When we take a moment to listen to children, a few things will happen. They will listen to you in return, and you will greatly increase your rapport with their guardian as well.

This will result in positive experience for everyone and improve your chances of referrals and sales.

Effective Communication:

Clear and age-appropriate communication is essential when interacting with children in the clinic. Optometry staff should use simple language and avoid jargon to ensure that young patients comprehend instructions and explanations. Moreover, maintaining a calm and reassuring tone can help alleviate any apprehensions the child may have. Encouraging open dialogue and addressing any questions or concerns can foster a sense of security and empowerment in children.

Think about how you can simplify the terms you would use for taking a PD measurement with a child or when you mark an OC. By directing your responses to the child and making sure they fully understand what you are saying, they will be more involved in the process and in turn more attentive and patient with you while you are taking those measurements.

Tailored Approach to Care:

Recognizing that each child is unique, clinic staff should adapt their approach to meet individual needs. Some children may require extra reassurance and encouragement, while others may prefer a more independent experience. By being attuned to each child’s temperament and preferences, you can tailor their interactions and interventions, accordingly, fostering a sense of personalized care.

Watch the guardian and child for body language cues and “read the air” when the guardian is speaking. When focusing on these two aspects, you can quickly determine what might cause tension in this experience and how to remedy it. For example, little Tim likes to touch EVERYTHING, and his parents are trying their best to make sure he’s not grabbing every frame off the shelves.

Instead of letting him search the board with you, sit him down at the table and let him know he is the King today and it is your job to bring the king only the best frames for him to look at. Ask him lots of questions and bring the frame options that will work best for him to the table. Get the parents to take lots of pictures and if he needs a break to stand up and move his body, direct him to your child-friendly space so that he can do so. You will find his parents are incredibly grateful for helping them keep their own stress levels down through the experience which will make it more enjoyable for everyone.

Nurturing emotional intelligence among staff is essential for creating a child-friendly environment where young patients feel safe, supported, and valued. By cultivating empathy, effective communication, and a tailored approach to care, staff members can enhance the overall clinic experience for children and their families. If you’re not sure how to start nurturing emotional intelligence in your staff, I invite you to www.emotionalintelligenceconsultinginc.com where you will find Continuing Education centered around increasing emotional intelligence in yourself and your team.

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August 27, 2024August 27, 2024

Pro Football TV Rules Analyst Gene Steratore Teams with the CLI to Promote Healthy Wear and Care

Former professional football referee and current television rules analyst Gene Steratore is teaming with the Contact Lens Institute^™ (CLI) to promote healthy contact lens wear and care. In a new video timed to the start of football season, the well-known broadcaster encourages eye care professionals to use The EASY Way when speaking with soft contact lens patients. The video will appear on major social media platforms over the next month and is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/TBtZSFMVVb4.

“For your contact lens patients, following a few rules and instructions helps them achieve healthy and comfortable wear and care. But take it from me… people can’t always follow what they don’t understand,” says Steratore, who is a familiar face and voice in millions of homes on fall and winter weekends. “That’s why the Contact Lens Institute introduced The EASY Way—three simple steps to improve their experience. For a guy whose life has been built around rules, there are few guidelines simpler than this.”

Steratore was a professional football referee from 2003 to 2018 and a Division 1 college basketball referee from 1997 to 2018. Following his retirement from both, he has been a prominent game day rules authority for a major U.S. broadcasting network. His spot joins the recently produced “EASY as 1-2-3” video series that features eighteen prominent members of the eye care community calling on their colleagues to adopt the approach.

Now in its fourth year, The EASY Way (Eyes, Awareness, Safety and You) is used by eye care practices across the U.S., Canada, and worldwide. It includes simplified tips, attention-grabbing infographics, and companion digital resources for use in practices, presented in a memorable and straightforward way. All components are available for free download within The EASY Way resource page on ContactLensInstitute.org. At the center of the program are three easy steps:

1. Think Clean. Wash and dry your hands every time before touching your lenses or eyes. If you wear reusable lenses, always clean and disinfect them with each removal, and clean your lens case as directed. Keep your lenses and case away from any type of water, which can contain harmful microorganisms.

2. Remember Fresher is Better. Wear your contacts for only as long as your eye care professional says, replacing them with fresh lenses on schedule. Only wear daily disposable lenses once, and always rely on new solution for reusable lens disinfection and storage. Replace your lens case at least every three months.

3. Trust Your Eye Doctor. Listen to your eye care professional, who has specialized training. If you have any questions, contact their office—they care about your health and great vision.

The Contact Lens Institute advances the latest innovations in safe and effective contact lens and lens care products and services that provide unique benefits to patients while satisfying the evolving needs of eye care professionals. CLI undertakes activities that properly assess, enhance, promote and balance contact lens and lens care industry welfare and growth, including the safe use of products in the marketplace. Its members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision. For more information, visit contactlensinstitute.org.

Click HERE for the press release.

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August 27, 2024August 27, 2024

New CORE Publication Provides Guidance on Cosmetics and Ocular Health

In response to the rising visibility of beauty trends on Internet and social media, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated Issue 79 of Contact Lens Update to the effect of cosmetics and cosmetic treatments on the eye. The publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“The popularity of social media platforms, like TikTok and Instagram, means that beauty products are promoted to a worldwide audience like never before. Positive product reviews or the recommendation of a beauty influencer spread like wildfire. However, most people often do not consider how their cosmetic choices could negatively impact their eyes before clicking ‘Add to Cart’.

We further elevate our role as eye care practitioners when educating our patients about how different cosmetics or procedures impact their eyes. Having different treatment options to manage problems and offering alternative options helps ensure optimal eye health.”

Jill Woods, Head of Clinical Research, CORE

Claudine Courey, an optometrist in private practice and professional at an optometrist/ophthalmology speciality clinic in Quebec, authors the issue’s editorial. The overview discusses cosmetic products and procedures that practitioners encounter daily, delving into eyelash extensions and serums, tattooing the eyelid to mimic eyeliner, and the use of retinoids to improve facial skin appearance. She also discusses ocular complications and provides practical advice on the best way to manage and counsel patients.

Contact Lens Update Issue 79 Contributors Claudine Courey Alison Ng and Mahsa Raeisi Ardali — Contact Lens Update Issue 79 Contributors (*clockwise from top right*): Claudine Courey, Alison Ng, and Mahsa Raeisi Ardali

Dr. Courey also lends her expertise to this issue’s clinical insight column. The downloadable practitioner handout provides helpful tips to start conversations that address the effect of cosmetics on ocular health. It also offers communications methods that elevate patient understanding and compliance.

The feature article is authored by Alison Ng, an independent optometric consultant and adjunct associate professor at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo. She summarizes the findings of a study that investigated the prevalence of dry eye symptoms in a group of adult females from Saudi Arabia that use eye cosmetics. The overview explores the frequency and type of products that were applied, and the severity of the symptoms assessed with a validated dry eye questionnaire.

The conference highlight is contributed by Mahsa Raeisi Ardali, an optometrist in Ontario. The American Academy of Optometry-presented case report discusses someone who underwent keratopigmentation (eye tattooing) to permanently change their eye colour. Her piece details the dry eye management routine that was proposed and outlines different applications and complications associated with the procedure.

In addition to a complete archive of back issues, ContactLensUpdate.com offers a resource library that provides no-cost professional tools, patient resources, images and video. It also houses complimentary technical training videos produced by International Association of Contact Lens Educators, plus an industry glossary. Industry professionals can access the latest issue directly from ContactLensUpdate.com or quickly sign up for email receipt of future issues.

Click HERE for the press release.

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