Blog

April 28, 2022April 28, 2022

Safilo USA and Topology Collaborate on Interactive Platform

Safilo USA recently paired up with San Francisco-based eyewear technology company Topology to create a visually appealing interactive platform and virtual product showcase to entice potential customers and generate sales leads.

This virtual selling tool, which debuted in the U.S. and Canada starting December 2021, has allowed users to browse through a virtual brand portfolio and view optical frames and sunglasses on the faces of real people while providing the opportunity to rotate the models’ faces 180 degrees to view how each frame fits from all angles.

The platform quickly resulted in thousands of unique visitors to the landing page and the virtual try-on demo, creating significant awareness and positive impact in growing the potential customer base. Safilo customers and other retailers can contact a Safilo sales rep to receive a dedicated link to view the password-protected virtual platform.

This is the second time that Safilo USA has collaborated with leading eyewear technology innovator Topology to introduce state-of-the art-technology to its customers in North America. Show attendees at Vision Expo West, held in Las Vegas in September 2021, were able to virtually and safely try on Safilo’s various collections by scanning their faces into Topology’s proprietary Touchless Optical Platform (TOP) app and experience the company’s precision scanning, measurement, and photorealism technology.

“Safilo is committed to introducing our customers to new and beautifully designed collections supported by the newest eyewear technologies available. This latest collaboration with Topology – who traditionally offers their platform to optical retailers and e-tailers who need a Virtual Try-On and precise optical measurements for online and in-store customers – has been proven to be a very innovative and successful sales tool to virtually to engage our customers,” said Steve Wright, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Safilo North America.

Click HERE for the full press release.

April 28, 2022April 27, 2022

Transitions Hosts Roundtable on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Canadian Optical Industry

Transitions Optical gathered optical industry leaders on April 21, 2022, in Victoria, BC for a discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Canadian optical industry. The discussion highlighted eye health and eye care issues related to various ethnic groups in Canada and provided practical initiatives eye care professionals can implement to better serve their diverse patients.

The roundtable began by exploring how to better serve the three largest and fastest-growing ethnic minority populations in Canada: Asian Canadians, African Canadians, and Indigenous Canadians. Panelists continued the discussion by offering advice on a variety of topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, such as patient communications, dispensing and styling, creating an inclusive practice, advocating with colleagues, and increasing the pipeline of diverse individuals entering the optical industry.

The roundtable was moderated by Dr. Essence Johnson, OD and Transitions Diversity Advisory Board member. Participants included:

Dr. Vi Tu Banh, OD
Robert Dalton, executive director, Opticians Association of Canada
Dr. Olivia Dam, MD, Ophthalmologist
Aunalee Boyd-Good, Canadian certified optometric assistant
Sophia Seward-Good, optometric assistant
Dr. Danielle Gordon, OD and Transitions Change Agent
Dr. Trevor Miranda, OD and Transitions Canada Pro Forum member
Dr. Surjinder Sahota, OD and Canadian Association of Optometrists board member

“We recognize the importance of serving the unique eye health needs of ethnically and culturally diverse populations in Canada,” said Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing and sales manager, Transitions Optical Canada. “We are honoured to gather this talented group of eye care professionals together to assist in the creation of resources that will inspire other professionals.”

A white paper is currently in development and will be available in the weeks to come on Transitions.com/en-canadapro.

Click HERE for the full press release.

April 27, 2022April 27, 2022

Transitions Survey Highlights Need for Better Education, DE&I Considerations for Ethnic Minority Patients

A new survey from Transitions Optical reveals a need for eye care professionals to improve patient education on eye health risks in ethnic minority groups including Asian, African and Indigenous Canadians. The survey confirmed low awareness levels among all demographics of the correlation between their ethnicity and increased risks for certain eye health issues, revealed that most respondents do not believe their eye health can be affected by extended exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and found that nearly seven in 10 (67%) Canadians have not had an eye exam within the past year.

Considering patient preferences, the survey results also identify tangible ways eye care professionals can implement DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) practices to meet the expectations of their ethnically diverse patients and maintain or improve their eye health. Actions eye care professionals can take include hiring a multi-racial staff, offering in-language materials and taking time to get to know their patients on a personal level.

“In addition to validating a need for widespread education on the importance of UV protection and how a person’s ethnicity can put them at a greater risk for developing certain eye health issues, these results also present insights into ways eyecare professionals can better serve their culturally diverse patients,” said Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing manager, Transitions Optical in Canada.

The research was conducted in advance of a professional roundtable event, exploring the needs of growing minority demographics groups in Canada, sponsored by Transitions Optical in April 2022.

Key Findings

Poor Awareness of Eye Health Risks and Execution of Protective Eye Care Measures

Showing low awareness of important risks to eye health, only 27% of Canadian consumers surveyed believe vision loss is one of the main harmful effects of extended exposure to the sun’s UV radiation. Additionally, less than a quarter (22%) believe developing cataracts and just 18% believe macular degeneration are also harmful effects.

Demonstrating that low awareness levels may be leading to poor protection habits, a little over a third (34%) of Canadian consumers surveyed identify UV protection as a top impact on the type and brand of eyewear they would select for themselves. Additionally, of the 76% of Canadians surveyed who wear eyeglasses, only 16% of them have purchased eyeglasses with photochromic lenses in the past two years.

However, over half (55%) find that photochromic or Transitions^® lenses are appealing because they can make their eyes feel more comfortable and prevent them from squinting in bright light. Over half (52%) of respondents also agree photochromic or Transitions^® lenses are appealing because they protect their overall eye health.

“Poor awareness of the importance of eye protection from the sun paired with interest in photochromic lenses and the high-level of trust patients have in their eye care professional—as 95% of Canadian consumers report trusting their eye doctor to make the best recommendations for them—highlights an opportunity for eye care professionals to educate their patients on the dangers of sun exposure to the eyes and prescribe Transitions^® lenses, as they block 100% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays,” added Rajchenbach.

Nearly all (96%) of Canadian consumers surveyed have received a comprehensive eye exam in their lifetime. However, nearly seven in 10 (67%) have not had an eye exam within the past year. Indigenous Canadians (66%) were the least likely ethnic group to have had an annual eye exam within the past year. Barriers to care also differed among Asian, African and Indigenous Canadians. African (44%) and Asian (33%) Canadians were the most likely to say they did not receive a comprehensive eye exam within the past year because they forgot to schedule or attend, while Indigenous Canadians (35%) were the most likely to not receive a comprehensive eye exam because they report the cost is too expensive.

Additionally, over eight in 10 (81%) of Canadian consumers surveyed do not agree that their ethnicity puts them at an increased risk for certain eye issues. However, research proves otherwise and finds those with Asian ancestry have a higher prevalence and earlier age of onset of cataract than Europeans. Glaucoma is also six to eight times more common among those with African descent than Caucasians and are more likely to experience permanent blindness as a result of glaucoma. While little data exists on prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) among Indigenous Canadians, as a group, they have more risk factors for developing the disease because they are at a significantly higher risk for diabetes, which increases risk for AMD.

Patient Preferences

When asked to identify factors that are important in choosing an eyecare professional for themselves, 64% of the ethnic minority groups surveyed agree that the best eye care practices include staff members from a mix of races and ethnicities—and this is particularly important among Asian and African Canadian populations, as over half (58%) of Asian Canadians and 57% of African Canadians agree that an eye care professional who is of the same race or ethnicity as they are will better understand them.

Click HERE for the full press release.

April 27, 2022April 27, 2022

CooperVision and WCO Commit to Second Year of Myopia Management Partnership

Amplifying their dedication to advancing myopia management as standard of care worldwide, CooperVision and the World Council of Optometry (WCO) have committed to a second year of their partnership. A pioneering myopia management standard of care resolution, a multilingual online learning resource for eye care professionals (ECPs), and a virtual event that drew interest from more than 100 countries and more than 1,200 ECPs are among early achievements that have laid the foundation for the year ahead.

“Armed with the growing amount of data and clinical resources, the eye care industry must act now to address the rising prevalence and severity of childhood myopia,” said Elizabeth Lumb, BSc (Hons) MCOptom, FBCLA, CooperVision Director of Global Professional Affairs, Myopia Management. “Alongside the World Council of Optometry, we invite and encourage ECPs worldwide to mitigate, measure and manage children at risk of becoming myopic alongside those who already are.”

Planning is now underway by CooperVision and WCO for a new series of clinical education resources and initiatives in the coming months, extending the partnership’s first-year successes.

In 2021, the World Council of Optometry board of directors unanimously approved a standard of care resolution advising optometrists to incorporate myopia management in their practices. Earlier this year, the Canadian Association of Optometry subsequently endorsed the standard of care resolution; other country-specific professional bodies are considering the same.

Building on the resolution, WCO and CooperVision jointly launched an online learning resource at myopia.worldcouncilofoptometry.info that provides multilingual assets and approaches that enable busy ECPs—regardless of location—to apply a myopia management standard of care.

Most recently, the “Myopia Management: Putting It into Practice” virtual education event was attended by more than 1,200 professionals located across 6 continents. Leading ECPs shared their perspectives on myopia management, including overcoming barriers and success stories. Event sessions are now available on demand here.

To stay up to date on CooperVision and WCO’s efforts, visit WCO’s myopia resource hub at https://myopia.worldcouncilofoptometry.info/.

Click HERE for the full press release.

April 27, 2022April 27, 2022

Contact Lens Institute Shares Additional Findings Ahead of May 3rd Webinars

Ahead of its live webinars for the eye care community, the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) shared additional findings from its recent research with nearly 1,000 U.S. adults who require vision correction. These include practice-building insights on significant opportunities with older patients, barriers to wear, and expectations for technological advancements.

The new data builds on a range of information made public earlier this month by the industry association as part of its See Tomorrow initiative (SeeTomorrowNow.com), which is designed to help practices understand and thrive as consumer beliefs and behaviors evolve. The research—and pearls on how to apply it for patient and practice success—will be explored in depth during CLI’s “Revealed!” webinars on May 3^rd at 6 pm EDT and 9 pm EDT. Free registration is now open for the earlier session and the later session here.

The latest discoveries include:

Presbyopia remains a massive opportunity for the eye care community to increase value to patients—and practice growth—through contact lens fitting. Among all adults ages 55+, 67% use prescription glasses and 38% use reading glasses, but only 6% wear contact lenses. In the same age group, only 4% recall their eye care practitioner having discussed contact lenses as a potential alternative to readers during their last two office visits.
Investment in myopia management education is breaking through. Vision-corrected parents of children under 18 are more than twice as likely to know that contact lenses that slow the progression of myopia are available today compared to parents of older children.

Significant upside exists to inform patients about contact lenses that offer novel benefits. Only 5% of vision-corrected adults believe that lenses are available that administer drugs directly to the eye, and just 56% understand that coloured lenses are an option.

Two of the top barriers to contact lens wear are addressable by eye care professionals. With 1 in 3 people (34%) stating they don’t wear contact lenses or use them more frequently because of comfort issues, practitioners should think about this from the initial fit; positive first impressions increase retention. Another 1 in 5 vision-corrected adults state they don’t wear contact lenses or use them more frequently because care is perceived to be difficult, yet CLI’s The EASY Way program and fast-growing options such as daily disposable lenses prove otherwise.
Consumers see augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and fitness tracking-enabled contact lenes as rapidly moving from science fiction to commercial availability. Within the next five years, 24% of adults believe that AR/VR contacts will be available and 25% believe that health monitoring lenses will be obtainable—presenting practitioners with door opening opportunities to discuss the benefits of current contact lens technologies and benefits.