On May 30, 2024, a high-level side event focusing on access to vision care will convene at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland. Titled “Universal Access to Glasses: Promoting Multisectoral Action,” the event is coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and hosted by the governments of Nepal and Malaysia.
This important event underscores the global public health crisis posed by vision impairment. Over 2.2 billion people live with some form of vision impairment, with about 1.1 billion of these cases being avoidable. Uncorrected refractive errors, the most common cause of vision loss, affect an estimated 671 million people worldwide, a number predicted to rise sharply in coming decades.
The event will build upon positive momentum created by the landmark 2021 UN resolution “Vision for Everyone” and WHO guidance promoting Integrated People-centered Eye Care. It will also address the ambitious WHA target for a 40-percentage point increase in effective refractive error coverage by 2030. You can register to view the event livestream on the IAPB website.
Organizers of the event are calling on governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to join forces and commit to achieving universal access to affordable and quality eye care, including glasses.
“It is so important for us as a sector to galvanize support from member states, international organization like WHO and stakeholders from across the sector including business and NGOs to tackle this global health challenge, this is why it is so important to unite behind the same cause.” Peter Holland, Chief Executive Officer, IAPB
Jennifer Gersbeck, Executive Director – Global Advocacy, The Fred Hollows Foundation, moderator for the event said “With uncorrected refractive error expected to affect more than a third of the global population by 2030, we need to take urgent collective action now. This event will bring together experts from across different sectors to help us chart a way forward.”
Ahead of the event, one of the speakers Stuart Cockrill, Head of LCM for Myopia Management, CooperVision said “Uncorrected refractive error is one of the biggest silent health crises that impacts educational and work performance so it a true lifetime disease and disability.”
Dr. Alarcos Cieza - Unit Head, Sensory Function Disability and Rehabilitation, WHO HQ said, “This event will discuss policy recommendations and strategies such as the WHO’s SPECs initiative to integrate refractive error services into broader healthcare and other systems.”
Event Details
Universal Access to Glasses: Promoting Multisectoral Action
• Peter Holland, Chief Executive, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
• Dr. Stuart Keel – Technical Officer (Vision and Eye Care Programme), WHO HQ
• Stuart Cockerill – Head of LCM for Myopia Management, CooperVision
• Joaquim Pintado Nunes – Chief of the Labour Administration, Labour Inspection and Occupational Safety and Health Branch, Governance and Tripartism Department, International Labour Organisation
• Sumrana Yasmin – Deputy Technical Director for Eye Health, SightSavers
• Dr. Alarcos Cieza – Unit Head, Sensory Function Disability and Rehabilitation, WHO HQ
• Prof. Dr. Siegfried Wahl – Head Advanced Development | Head Scientific Affairs | Site Manager, Carl Ziess Vision
• Dr. Bente Mikkelsen – Director of Noncommunicable Diseases, WHO HQ
• Representative from the Ministry of Health, Malaysia
• Representative from the Ministry of Health, Nepal
IAPB’s Jess Thompson and CooperVision’s Stuart Cockerill sat down ahead of a VIP panel about refractive error at the 77th World Health Assembly to discuss the challenge, progress, and how the eye care community can support access to screening and correction.
A new survey by Specsavers, conducted by Leger, reveals that almost half (41%) of Canadian seniors are not up-to-date on their annual eye exam. Despite provincial insurance coverage for seniors, the cost of eyewear has been found to be a barrier for some, causing them to delay their exam. These findings are concerning as this can lead to undiagnosed eye conditions that can cause significant damage to vision.
“Eye exams are not just about getting a new prescription for glasses. Optometrists are equipped to detect the earliest signs of eye diseases. The advice an optometrist gives can be anything from helping with daily eye discomforts, to the detection of eye diseases, to ensuring that new glasses work for an individuals’ daily tasks. All of these are important for the preservation of quality of life, through better sight.”
When examining the factors putting seniors’ vision at risk, half do not have vision health benefits and one-in-four have skipped or delayed updating their eyewear prescriptions due to financial barriers.
Due to their risk for potential health complications and more incidence of eye health issues, seniors should be getting regular eye exams. One-in-five do not know their family eye health history and may not be aware of their increased risk of vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
“The number of Canadians living with vision loss is growing every day, and it’s critical that we continue to bring to light the factors that may be putting one’s vision at risk. Diagnosing conditions early is integral to the conservation of sight, and it’s incomprehensible that someone should have to delay potentially sight-saving treatment due to financial concerns.”
Jim Tokos, National President of the Canadian Council of the Blind
Specsavers partners with a network of participating independent optometrists who conduct eye exams – available at no-cost to seniors. These exams always include Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which creates a 3D eye scan that helps optometrists detect sight-threatening diseases at the earliest point of detection. Regular eye exams are important as 75% of vision loss is preventable and treatable.1
“We believe that Canadian seniors deserve better. Specsavers has a mission to help change the lives of Canadians through better sight,” says Bill Moir, Managing Director, Specsavers Canada. “It is important to break down the barriers to access eyecare and eyewear in Canada so that seniors are coming in for important eye exams.”
One of the ways to overcome these challenges is by implementing a national strategy for eyecare, through the proposed Bill C-284, to ensure better health outcomes for Canadians. This is particularly important for senior populations who are more likely to be diagnosed with eye diseases such as glaucoma and AMD.
“A national eyecare strategy is the next important step in making healthcare accessible and affordable for all Canadians, and it aligns strongly with Specsavers own vision of making eyecare and eyewear accessible to all,” says Moir. “Financially, eye exams and eyewear purchases go hand-in-hand. Recognizing the cost barrier for eyewear is important, particularly for our senior population, many of whom are on a fixed income.”
Specsavers has launched an ongoing seniors’ eyewear offer that is available at every location across Canada to make eyewear more affordable for seniors and prevent delaying eye exams.
1 A Report Card on Vision Health in Canada, The Canadian Council of the Blind and Fighting Blindness Canada. October 2022.
Methodology – Specsavers survey, conducted by Leger, Canadians 65+
An online survey of 2,012 Canadians, 65+ was completed between April 11th-16th, 2024, using Leger’s online panel. No margin of error can be associated with a non-probability sample (i.e. a web panel in this case). For comparative purposes, a probability sample of 2,012 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.2%, 19 times out of 20. Leger is the largest Canadian-owned full-service market research firm.
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The Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) is excited to announce the start of its provincial board of directors’ elections for Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland & Labrador. This is a crucial opportunity for OAC members to have a say in the leadership and future direction of their profession in these provinces.
The election process began May 14, 2024, and will continue until May 21, 2024. During this period, eligible members are encouraged to cast their votes to ensure their voices are heard.
If you are an OAC member practicing in Ontario, Quebec, or Newfoundland & Labrador, you should have received a voting notification from vote@simplyvoting.com. This email contains the necessary information and link to cast your vote securely.
If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding the election, please do not hesitate to reach out. For any inquiries or if you need the voting link re-sent, contact the OAC at elections@opticians.ca. They are here to support you throughout the voting process.
Get Involved
Your participation in these elections is vital to the continued growth and representation of opticians in your province. Make sure to cast your vote before the deadline and contribute to shaping the future of the Opticians Association of Canada.
Here are the candidates vying for your vote:
Newfoundland and Labrador
Michelle Skinner – NFL
It has been my great pleasure to represent the Opticians of this province over the past four years. I feel that I have been a valuable voice at the national level. I am passionate about advancing our profession and bringing in-person events to this province.
The OAC was here this past September and did a mini in person event. There are plans in the works for something on a much larger scale to happen Fall 2024.
I respectfully ask for the opportunity to continue building on the relationships I have forged and to further advance Newfoundland and Labrador at the national level.
-Michelle Skinner
Cindy Simmons – NFL
I want to help make change for our province and all opticians across Canada.
I’m passionate about what we do and want others to see what great things we can do.
-Cindy Simmons
Québec
Luc Sauvageau -Quebec
I’d like to complete what I’ve been tackling since 1998 with the AOOQ and since 2015 with the OAC:
– Greater participation by Quebec opticians in their association;
– Making them love their profession even more by promoting it more and more, both for the general public and for the opticians themselves.
-Luc Sauvageau
Elliott Eliezer Spiro – Quebec
I am interested in joining the OAC Board of Directors. With 6 years as an optician and 3 decades in business management, I offer a unique blend of expertise. My diverse roles as an owner and as an employee have equipped me with skills in client relations, optical technology, and operational management. As a mobile optician in Quebec, I gained insights into regional needs. Being bilingual in French and English, I aim to foster inclusivity. If elected, I’ll contribute to strategic planning and professional development, promoting excellence and patient care standards. Thank you for considering my nomination. I look forward to discussing how I align with the association’s vision.
-Elliott (Eliezer) Spiro
Ontario
Krysten Halcrow – Ontario
I’m interested in joining the board of the Opticians Association as I have been wanting to learn more about our industry. As a licensed optician for the last ten years, I continue to learn more on the job each year and have grown an interest in expanding my presence in the industry.
When I lived in southern Ontario, I would attend Optician events and product sessions, but found that all stopped when I moved up north.
On one of the web seminars I had mentioned the lack of optician events for northerners and I felt my statement was taken seriously. I am so pleased to see that there will be an event coming up for northerners!
I see that the association listens to its members and cares about our input. I would really like to be involved in the association.
– Krysten Halcrow
Rachel Hill – Ontario
Thirty years ago, I proudly became a licensed Optician. During this time, I have seen many changes happen in our industry. No matter what knowledge has been gained there is always more to learn. Having the experience of being a Director for the Ontario Opticians Association allowed me to meet so many Opticians from the Province.
This opportunity allowed me the ability to exchange ideas and information with others and gain different perspectives on how to better care for our patients. The future of Eyewear is bright with the advancements in technology over the years and it’s an exciting time to be an Optician. With new photochromic advancements in progressive lenses and myopia control education is key to being proactive in our industry. I look forward to meeting more Opticians and increasing my involvement as a director of such a unique group of individuals.
-Rachel Hill
Bryan Todd – Ontario
I am excited to apply for the elected position for Ontario on the board of the Opticians Association of Canada, where I aim to leverage my extensive experience in opticianry and my passion for advancing the profession to contribute to the strategic direction and success of the organization in Ontario. I began my Opticianry career as a student Optician studying at Ryerson University in 1973 and became a Licensed Optician in 1975. I began working in Sudbury for an independent optical chain, moving then to Ottawa where I continued to work for another independent chain until 1980. I opened my own company Todd Optical Ltd 1981 and sold my practice in 2021. During that time, I was honoured to have been elected to the College of Opticians of Ontario and for 27 years served on all committees as Chair and Vice Chair and finally President and Vice President of the College. These positions also afforded me the opportunity to attend numerous national meetings such as NACOR, CNAR and many more which resulted in building valuable relationships with our fellow Opticians from other provinces. From those associations across the country, I gained the knowledge that the concerns of the future of Opticianry are similar in all provinces and that we must continually reinforce our profession and safeguard Opticians from threats such as deregulation. As President of the College, I also co-presented College updates with our Registrar Fazal Khan to the OOA and the AOE. I have travelled internationally on numerous eyeglass missions to Belize, Kenya and Malawi which has enlightened me as to how fortunate we are with the level of eyecare we experience in Canada primarily because of the high quality of Opticians within the profession that serve the public. I would therefore ask for your support and vote for the position of the Ontario representative in the upcoming Opticians Association of Canada election. I have the time and possess experience and most importantly the passion necessary to voice your concerns on a national level.
– Bryan Todd
Bernadette Power – Ontario
I have been a licensed optician for 33 years. I began my career in Newfoundland and have been licensed in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario. In the late 90s there was a mandate for national examinations. I participated in the Newfoundland Guild of Opticians debate and recommendations. The OAC had several provinces leading the way on a national exam, Newfoundland being one of them. I became an examiner. In 2004, I moved to Ontario. This was their first year administering the national exams. Again, I was an examiner and participated in the national exam process for 6 years.
I decided to step away from the politics of opticianry for a few years to concentrate on mu health. Though I had never considered being part of the national opticians association, I feel the time is right for me to get involved in the changes and evolution of our industry. I am a business owner with Specsavers.
-Bernadette Power
Jennifer Meloche – Ontario
I have a passion for helping people, and for helping other opticians. I believe it is important to help one another become the best health care providers we can be, and helping our patients get the best quality care possible.
I think with representing our association it will help me better to help others.
– Jennifer Meloche
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ClearVision Optical was recognized for the ninth time as one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management (NYS-SHRM) and Best Companies Group.
ClearVision’s fifth-place finish in the Best Companies to Work for in New York State reflects the company’s dedication, focused work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. It was also the company’s best-ever finish.
Winners are chosen based on the results of a survey distributed to employees, with ClearVision’s entire nationwide team participating for the first time. Celebrating its diamond 75th anniversary, the independent and family-owned company is grateful for the recognition from the New York State Council of the Society of Human Resource Management, Best Companies Group, and Rochester Business Journal.
In addition to an employee survey, ClearVision submitted a company application. In the application, the company highlighted the ways it supported its team, its first customer, through excellent benefits, progressive family leave policies, comprehensive training, continuous education, and opportunities for community engagement.
Additionally, ClearVision showcased its traditions, celebrations, spirit activities, and gamification initiatives, such as with contests in our Watercooler channels, Founder’s Day, monthly meetups, park gatherings, and more. The company showed its commitment to fostering a diverse workforce and an environment where everyone feels empowered to share feedback, ideas, and suggestions through initiatives like CVO Circles, living room chats, and Living our Values workshops.
In the application, ClearVision also highlighted its communication approach featuring regular company-wide meetings, email updates, and other channels for team collaboration, ensuring transparency and collaboration across the organization.
“As we mark ClearVision’s 75th anniversary, we’re absolutely thrilled to once again be recognized for our commitment to culture and values. We are tremendously proud of our fantastic, growing team. Together we’ve built a workplace where everyone can live our values, have fun daily, and feel energized to succeed. And this impact extends to the positive relationships we have with our eyecare industry friends and community partners.”
Jen Trakhtenberg, ClearVision, co-chief operating officer and head of talent
As always, lool demonstrates its leadership in technology, offering a collection where luxury and details coexist with comfort, lightweight (8g), excellent flexible properties and high durability.
Embrace children's unique styles in eyewear selection with a custom approach, ensuring confidence, comfort, and individuality in their first pair of eyeglasses.
Each year the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) recognizes distinguished individuals who have made countless important contributions to advancing the profession of optometry.
Transitions® showcased Gen STM at the Festival d'été de Québec from July 4 to July 14. Located on Grande Allée, the booth featured an eye-catching setup that attracted festivalgoers eager to explore the offerings.
As always, lool demonstrates its leadership in technology, offering a collection where luxury and details coexist with comfort, lightweight (8g), excellent flexible properties and high durability.
Embrace children's unique styles in eyewear selection with a custom approach, ensuring confidence, comfort, and individuality in their first pair of eyeglasses.
Each year the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) recognizes distinguished individuals who have made countless important contributions to advancing the profession of optometry.
Transitions® showcased Gen STM at the Festival d'été de Québec from July 4 to July 14. Located on Grande Allée, the booth featured an eye-catching setup that attracted festivalgoers eager to explore the offerings.
As always, lool demonstrates its leadership in technology, offering a collection where luxury and details coexist with comfort, lightweight (8g), excellent flexible properties and high durability.
Embrace children's unique styles in eyewear selection with a custom approach, ensuring confidence, comfort, and individuality in their first pair of eyeglasses.
Each year the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) recognizes distinguished individuals who have made countless important contributions to advancing the profession of optometry.
Transitions® showcased Gen STM at the Festival d'été de Québec from July 4 to July 14. Located on Grande Allée, the booth featured an eye-catching setup that attracted festivalgoers eager to explore the offerings.
As always, lool demonstrates its leadership in technology, offering a collection where luxury and details coexist with comfort, lightweight (8g), excellent flexible properties and high durability.
Embrace children's unique styles in eyewear selection with a custom approach, ensuring confidence, comfort, and individuality in their first pair of eyeglasses.
Each year the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) recognizes distinguished individuals who have made countless important contributions to advancing the profession of optometry.
Transitions® showcased Gen STM at the Festival d'été de Québec from July 4 to July 14. Located on Grande Allée, the booth featured an eye-catching setup that attracted festivalgoers eager to explore the offerings.
