Structured as a memorandum of understanding, the agreement leverages the respective strengths of the two world-leading eye care and research institutions, aiming to foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge, resources, and technology. Dr. Amit Mathur, strategic global partnerships and digital innovation advisor to LVPEI and a University of Waterloo alumnus, initiated the collaboration.
Key focus areas include:
Joint research initiatives, encompassing collaborative research projects focused on cutting-edge solutions in vision science and eye health.
Therapeutic development, expediting the creation of new interventions to address some of the most challenging eye conditions affecting people worldwide.
Knowledge exchange and capacity building, facilitating cross-institutional sharing through joint seminars, workshops, and exchange programs for researchers and clinicians.
Innovation in eye care, exploring novel approaches to delivery mechanisms while harnessing the latest technology and research to improve patient outcomes.
“Our agreement with CORE represents a significant milestone in the quest to push the boundaries of vision science and eye care. By combining our strengths, we are setting the stage for breakthroughs that could transform the landscape of eye health globally.”
Dr. Prashant Garg, executive chair at LVPE
“LVPEI is renowned for its dedication to excellence in eye care and research. Together, we are committed to unlocking new possibilities in vision science and therapeutic development for the benefit of patients worldwide.”
Professor Lyndon Jones, director of CORE
The memorandum of understanding was signed by LVPEI and CORE in late April, and both organizations are now establishing the joint operating models for the partnership.
Professor Lyndon Jones, Director, CORE and Dr. Prashant Garg, Executive Chair, LVPEI, sign the memorandum of understanding.
In the heart of New Brunswick, a unique collaboration between an optician and a food bank is lighting the path for a brighter, more inclusive future for community health and well-being. This initiative, known as the Groceries and Glasses Program, has become a beacon of hope for those in need, blending essential vision care with vital food support. Here’s a closer look at this transformative program and how it’s changing lives.
Bridging Vision and Necessity
In July 2014, Pierre Landry, a New Brunswick licensed optician, launched Personal Opticians Inc., embarking on a mission to provide mobile, personalized vision care primarily to seniors. Despite the innovative approach, Landry quickly identified a gap in service fulfillment, particularly when optometrist visits resulted in purchases elsewhere.
This realization led to a groundbreaking partnership with the Peter McKee Community Centre (PMCC) in Moncton, where, starting August 10, 2016, prescription eyewear became available for those in need, with no participation fees attached.
Eliminating Barriers to Eye Care
The partnership aimed to address the financial barriers that often prevent individuals from following through with essential eye care services or correction devices. By waiving eyewear fees and covering eye exam participation fees, over 400 New Brunswick Social Development clients have received free eye exams and glasses since April 2017. This initiative received a significant boost on April 1, 2023, when New Brunswick eradicated vision care participation fees, further ensuring that no individual is left behind due to financial constraints.
Expanding the Horizon
Recognizing that not everyone qualifies for social development optical coverage, the program introduced a monthly draw for free eye exams and glasses for uninsured individuals. This expansion reflects a deep understanding of community needs and a commitment to addressing them creatively and compassionately.
A Clinic Built on Generosity
The initiative’s success prompted the establishment of a clinic within the PMCC, supported by donated equipment and the expertise of Dr. Ed Doherty, a retired ophthalmologist. This clinic not only signifies the power of community collaboration but also highlights the importance of volunteerism in enhancing public health services.
Groceries and Glasses Program in Moncton, NBDonated equipment
Joining Hands with Visionaries
The program’s impact is magnified by the support of various organizations and individuals, including the Riverview Lions Club and the ONESIGHT EssilorLuxottica Foundation. Their contributions, ranging from donated frames to prescription lenses, underscore the collective effort required to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
A Call to Action
The Groceries and Glasses Program is more than just an initiative; it’s a testament to the impact of combining resources, expertise, and compassion to address complex community needs. It serves as an inspiring model for opticians and community organizations nationwide, demonstrating the profound difference that can be made when we work together to remove barriers to essential services.
Pierre Landry’s vision, supported by Dr. Doherty’s dedication and the generosity of community partners, embodies the spirit of service and the power of community-led health initiatives. As this program continues to flourish, it invites others to consider how they, too, can contribute to a world where everyone has access to the care they need, regardless of their financial situation.
Left to Right: Christine Taylor, Dr. Ed Doherty, Pierre Landry, RO*
If you’re inspired by the Groceries and Glasses Program and wish to learn more or contribute to its expansion, please contact Mr. Landry at pierre@personalopticians.com for further details or visit www.personalopticians.com.
Together, we can ensure that vision care is within everyone’s reach, one community at a time.
*Left – Christine Taylor is the General Manager at the Peter McKee Community Centre, the largest food bank in New Brunswick and home to a teaching kitchen, thrift store, community boardroom and garden and of course, our eye clinic.
Seated – Dr Ed Doherty, M.D. Ophthalmologist, is retired Minister Govt. of New Brunswick, Minister Service NB, Aboriginal Affairs, Social Economic Inclusion, Poverty.
Right – Pierre Landry, RO is a Licensed Dispensing Optician retired from teaching optical dispensing at the Collège Communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick and owner of Personal Opticians Inc, providing prescription eyewear services at the Peter McKee Community Centre.
Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!
Etnia Barcelona seeks to unravel the mysteries of the deep sea through a journey of creative and surreal exploration. Underwater includes 22 new models, 18 optical and 4 sunglasses. Inspired by the underwater world, the collection combines a palette of translucent tones, evoking reflections of light in the water, with solid colours inspired by underwater flora and fauna.
In the 1950s, Fulgencio Ramo—grandfather of David Pellicer, who is the current owner of the company—created his first eyewear factory. His children helped out there and quickly acquired all of the know-how of the business to take over the reins. This second generation designed, created and distributed the glasses all over Spain, but it was not until the 1990s when David Pellicer joined the company with the dream of creating something new.
AN INDEPENDENT EYEWEAR BRAND
David brought colour to a product that, up until that point, had only been brown or black. If there was one thing he knew, it was that he did not want to dedicate his efforts to just manufacturing glasses; he wanted something more. That something was creating a brand. A brand that embodied the idea of being free, human and respectful towards all ethnicities. He wanted a brand that thought of all people and forms of expression through colour and art. That’s how Etnia Barcelona was born.
Bausch + Lomb announced its ONE by ONE and Biotrue® Eye Care Recycling programs have collected 84,343,540 units, or 510,116 pounds, of used contact lenses, eye care and lens care materials in the U.S., which is greater than the weight of the Statue of Liberty.1
“Eye care professionals, patients and consumers have helped us collect hundreds of millions of these used materials through our recycling programs over the years, making a positive impact in the world. In conjunction with our other sustainable business practices, we continue to do all we can to help reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility throughout our organization.”
Amy Butler, vice president, Global Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability, Bausch + Lomb
In the U.S., an estimated six to ten metric tons of contact lens packaging waste ends up in wastewater each year. Eye health packaging materials collected through the Bausch + Lomb recycling programs are used to create various post-consumer products like picnic tables and benches.
“The Bausch + Lomb recycling programs are an important part of our practice’s efforts to reduce waste and practice sustainability. It’s gratifying to know that the materials we collect in partnership with our patients are repurposed rather than ending up in a landfill or ocean.”
Jennifer Tsai, OD, LINE OF SIGHT, New York
Recycling Programs
The ONE by ONE Recycling program has collected nearly 84 million used contact lenses, blister packs and top foils since the program’s launch in November 2016.
The Biotrue Eye Care Recycling program, which launched in April 2021, has collected nearly 825,000 eye drop single dose units, lens cases, lens solution caps, as well as all Biotrue-branded eye drop bottles2.
In addition to the U.S., Bausch + Lomb has a similar contact lens recycling program in Canada called Every Contact Counts.
The Government of Canada released Budget 2024 and announced that the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit will start in July 2025, pending a regulatory design process. The benefit will be funded with $6.1 billion over the next six years.
This investment equates to a proposed maximum of $200 per month for eligible recipients who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Further, Budget 2024 does not invest in a strategy or programs that enable people who are blind or have low vision to join the workforce.
While the passage of the Canada Disability Benefit Act was an important first step, CNIB joins the growing list of organizations and advocates calling on the government to commit to more support to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.
“The announcement in this budget will not significantly impact anyone’s bottom line and will not remove people who are blind or partially sighted from poverty. A maximum benefit of $200 per month, or $6 a day, does not substantially improve the financial security of the disability community.”
John M. Rafferty, President and CEO of CNIB
CNIB has been advocating for the Canada Disability Benefit program to be implemented in tandem with a national employment strategy for people with disabilities.
“One of the major contributing factors behind this benefit is that the employment landscape in this country is not equitable or inclusive for Canadians who are blind or low vision,” said Rafferty. “While CNIB is supportive of the benefit – and critical of the level of funding that is being provided for people who need this benefit – we’re even more critical of the fact that there is nothing in Budget 2024 that addresses employment levels for those who can work and want to work.”
Based on CNIB’s 2018 International Level of Employment Study, only 28% of Canadians with sight loss work full-time.
During the passage of the Canada Disability Benefit Act, CNIB urged the Government of Canada to ensure that the development and implementation of the Act is done in tandem with a national employment strategy for people with disabilities. This strategy must consider skills development, the cognitive load of job seeking, culture change of employers, accessibility enhancements to the workplace, a national assistive devices program, mentorship opportunities, and continuous professional development.
CNIB will continue to call on the government to fully enhance the monthly benefit amount while rolling out a national employment strategy that supports people with disabilities in finding meaningful employment.
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.
