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Specsavers Welcomes Dr. Laurie Lesser as Key Addition to Their Team

Specsavers logo
Specsavers Laurie Lesser

Specsavers announces the appointment of Dr. Laurie Lesser as their Head of Optometry Attraction. This comes at a time of accelerated growth and commercial success at the company, as it’s become the fastest growing network of optometrists in Canada. Lesser brings an illustrious career with more than three decades of experience as an optometrist working in diverse modes of practice in both Canada and the United States.

In her capacity as Head of Optometry Attraction, Lesser will play a pivotal role in driving Specsavers’ growth strategy forward to make eye care more accessible across communities in Canada. Her proven track record for placing optometrists in rewarding careers and establishing optometry networks for emerging optical brands makes her an invaluable asset to the team.

“Not many individuals share Dr. Lesser’s clout and experience. Her deep understanding of the intricacies of the industry will grow Canadian optometry and improve patient access to quality eye care in step with Specsavers’ continued expansion and prominence in the market.”
Bill Moir, Managing Director of Specsavers Canada

Lesser joins Specsavers at an exciting time of growth and change in the industry. Prior to joining Specsavers, Lesser held leadership roles at national optical retailers, where she guided teams of optometrists supporting their growth as professionals.

“I am thrilled to be joining the worlds’ largest optometrist owned and led company. Specsavers has shown how they prioritize eyecare by supporting doctors with the technology they need to provide earlier diagnosis leading to better outcomes for patients. I’m eager to collaborate with such a talented team. I look forward to contributing to the company’s purpose of ‘changing lives through better sight’ while helping to shape the success of the profession.”

Dr. Laurie Lesser

Specsavers extends a warm welcome to Dr. Lesser and looks forward to the positive impact her expertise and leadership will have on the organization.

Click HERE for the press release.

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Contact Lens Institute & IACLE Collaborate to Bring Practice and Patient Insights to Contact Lens Educators

The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) and the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) announced a collaboration to provide university-level instructors with direct access to CLI-developed research publications and practice tools.

Nearly 950 IACLE members—spanning more than 600 academic institutions and 81 countries—will be able to view and download CLI training and professional development materials from IACLETOP, the organization’s digital resource and teaching platform. These include multilingual assets for The EASY Way, CLI’s program to promote healthy contact lens wear-and-care, and in-depth consumer and practice management reports from CLI’s See Tomorrow initiative.

“Putting Contact Lens Institute materials in the hands of contact lens educators around the globe allows them to be even more closely connected to relevant trends and insights from top clinicians. This will translate into better preparing tens of thousands of students entering the profession, who in turn can deliver better patient care and improved practice performance.”

Bonnie Boshart, chief executive officer of IACLE

Established in 1979, IACLE welcomes contact lens educators from all eye care professions and related disciplines. The non-profit organization is dedicated to raising the standard of contact lens education and promoting the safe use of contact lenses worldwide. It is the leading provider of educational and information resources essential to contact lens educators. For more information, visit iacle.org.

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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CORE Publication Helps ECPs Prepare for a New Wave of Dry Eye Disease Medications

Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

In response to accelerating clinical interest about new, innovative treatments for dry eye disease, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has dedicated Issue 77 of Contact Lens Update to several recent introductions and promising pipeline developments. The publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.

“Dry eye disease affects millions of people across the world and can have a significant impact on their lives. Our growing understanding of this complex condition has led to the development of multiple new medications—both approved for sale and undergoing trials—that we believe have important clinical potential.”

“In primary eye care settings, dry eye is encountered daily. These additional treatments, targeting different aspects of the disease, will offer practitioners more options to incorporate into their prescribing arsenal and help patients better manage the condition.”

Alex Hui, Head of Biosciences at CORE

Hui, who is also an adjunct associate professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, shares his expertise in the issue’s editorial. His overview covers recently approved treatments such as a short-term corticosteroid to treat acute periods of worsened dry eye, a preservative-free ophthalmic solution that slows tear evaporation,  and investigational products that either target inflammation or stimulate receptors on the ocular surface to increase the production of tears.

Contact Lens Update, issue 77

The feature article is authored by Etty Bitton, a professor and director of the Externship Program and Dry Eye Clinic, School of Optometry, University of Montreal. She summarizes the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis that investigated the efficacy and safety of a novel nasal spray to manage dry eye. Her article provides an overview of how different doses can impact signs of dry eye and reviews observed ocular and non-ocular adverse events.

Quillan M. Austria, an ophthalmology resident at Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Christopher Starr, an associate professor of ophthalmology and director of ophthalmic education at Weill Cornell Medical Center, co-author the issue’s clinical insight column. The case report details a patient’s experience with dry eye and management with a recently approved ophthalmic solution to treat Demodex blepharitis. 

The conference highlight is contributed by Alison Ng, a Lead Clinical Scientist at CORE, University of Waterloo. The abstract summarizes a presentation from the American Academy of Optometry 2023 annual meeting, detailing a phase two clinical trial that investigated the use of a new topical ointment to treat meibomian gland dysfunction. The work details changes in signs and symptoms over a three-month period of use.

Published six times per year, Contact Lens Update provides a global platform for unbiased clinical insights based in current research. Since 2011, each issue has provided dependable and up-to-date ocular health information for more than 60,000 leading eye care professionals.

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 full press release.

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New Research Reveals More than One-Third of Eyewear Users Neglect Proper Care

The Vision Council logo

The Vision Council releases its latest research report, Focused inSights Eyewear Accessories, providing comprehensive insights into American adults’ behaviors, preferences, and purchasing patterns related to eyewear accessories. The report sheds light on the usage and maintenance habits surrounding various eyewear accessories and underscores the importance of proper care and storage of eyewear products to ensure optimal vision.

The survey highlights a variety of eyewear accessories, including eyeglasses cases, eyeglass chains/lanyards, microfiber cloths, eyeglasses replacement/sizing nose pads, lens cleaning wipes, lens cleaning solution, contact lens cases, contact lens solution, and lubricant eye drops. Key findings from the report reveal intriguing insights into the eyewear accessories market in the United States.

Report highlights:

  • 36% of adults admit to using their shirt or another clothing item to clean their glasses, a practice not recommended by eyecare providers.
  • While 73% of prescription eyeglass wearers use a glasses case, one in five eyewear users neglect to use a case when their glasses are not being worn, with non-prescription glasses users being the most likely culprits. Of those who shopped for accessories at an optical store, a significant proportion reported purchasing lens cleaning solution (71%), cases (69%), or cloths (68%) immediately following their eye exam, indicating a correlation between eyecare provider recommendations and accessory purchases.
  • Most consumers spent $25 or less on their last eyewear accessory purchase, with most purchasing from big box stores.
  • Compared to eyeglass accessories, the research highlights higher usage of contact lens-related accessories such as cases, cleaning solution, and lubricant eye drops, emphasizing the specialized care and storage requirements associated with contact lenses.

“Findings from our latest research report suggest that there is ample opportunity for eyecare providers and the industry at-large to emphasize the significance of proper eyewear care and maintenance to consumers. By educating individuals on the importance of using appropriate cleaning methods and storing their eyewear properly, we can help them preserve the quality and durability of their eyewear, ultimately ensuring they see their best.”

Alysse Henkel, Vice President, Research and inSights at The Vision Council

A summary, along with the full research report, is available in The Vision Council’s Research Download Centeras a complimentary download for members of The Vision Council, with a paid option for non-members.

The Vision Council’s inSights Research Report serves as a valuable resource for industry stakeholders, providing actionable insights to inform strategic decision-making and enhance the overall consumer experience.

This survey is based on data collected between March 6-8, 2024, among a sample of 2,203 American adults.

About the inSights Research Program  

The Vision Council’s inSights Research Program launched in May 2022 and is built on a foundation of rigorous methodology and cutting-edge technology. The inSights Research Program provides a comprehensive perspective on the state of the optical industry through quarterly consumer survey reports; quarterly in-depth special reports on eyewear and eyecare products and topics; quarterly market estimates; and an annual industry forecast.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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CooperVision Celebrates Earth Day 2024

CooperVision

Thousands of CooperVision employees worldwide are dedicated to improving the way people see each day—and that includes making a positive impact on our planet.

Earth Day 2024 is on 22 April, and CooperVision has many activities planned in celebration,  including:

  • Employees of CooperVision’s LEED® gold certified manufacturing facility in Alajuela, Costa Rica will campaign to re-collect recycled waste brought in from home. Employees will also have the opportunity to take home compost made from the site’s organic waste for use in their gardens.
  • CooperVision’s LEED® gold certified manufacturing facility in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico is celebrating Earth Day all month long through a series of educational sessions and events for employees. The facility will also host an Earth Day Fair with exhibitions featuring energy-efficient equipment, electric cars, educational conferences, sustainable art and houseware, raffles, and more.
  • Employees of CooperVision’s LEED® silver certified global packaging and distribution facility in West Henrietta, N.Y. will volunteer their time to pick up waste at a local park and will recycle materials collected as appropriate. On Earth Day, employees at the site will receive reusable produce bags for their grocery shopping.
  • CooperVision’s LEED® silver certified manufacturing facility in Scottsville, N.Y. will participate in an Arbor Day event at a local park where, for the third consecutive year, the Scottsville manufacturing team will donate trees to be planted in the community.

For more information about CooperVision’s commitment to sustainability—on Earth Day and every day—visit coopervision.com/about-us/coopervision-sustainability, or I can set you up to speak with Denise Lougheed, Marketing Manager, CooperVision Canada.

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