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WCO Releases Professional Guidance on Childhood Myopia Management

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and CooperVision have partnered to release “A Practical Guide to Managing Children with Myopia”. The professional article is authored by four experienced ocular health and science professionals from around the world. It complements the WCO Standard of Care for Myopia Management by Optometrists Resolution, which embraces evidence-based approaches focused on the three pillars of mitigation, measurement, and management.

The work is available HERE.

The authors collaborated to share their insights on what the WCO Standard of Care entails and how eye care professionals can incorporate it in their fight against the worldwide myopia epidemic.

Dr. Kate Gifford said, “My advice to eye care professionals through this article is just do something, or just do one more thing. We all come from different starting points. Instead of just talking about myopia correction, start talking about myopia management and control.”


Article authors Dr. Carmen Abesamis-Dichoso and Dr. Kate Gifford speak at a global myopia management virtual event presented by the World Council of Optometry and CooperVision February 12, 2022. Register for the free “Putting It Into Practice” event at http://Myopia.WorldCouncilOfOptometry.info.

The World Council of Optometry and CooperVision partnered in early 2021 to raise awareness of myopia progression and embrace a standard of care to manage the condition. The joint initiative is centered around evidence-based approaches without bias toward any management methodologies. The partnership includes a global multi-lingual myopia management resource.

In addition to “A Practical Guide to Managing Children with Myopia”, the World Council of Optometry Standard of Care Resolution and online myopia management resources are available.

Click HERE for the full press release.

OKIA Wins Hong Kong Sustainability Award 2020/21

OKIA Optical was awarded for its green consciousness: the company won the Special Recognition for Outstanding Sustainability Initiative(Environmental Dimension) of the Hong Kong Sustainability Award 2020/21 organized by The Hong Kong Management Association.

Jacky Lam, Managing Director at OKIA

“This year is particularly important for us as after years of efforts put in increasing our company’s sustainability, our hard works were finally seen in the various awards we won. After years in the eyewear industry, we have built a reliable reputation which further demonstrates our ability to anticipate the trends and our deep commitment to offering products that respect the environment.” says Jacky Lam, Managing Director at OKIA.

OKIA’s sustainability projects first kicked off in 2018 and the company continues its sustainability journey by developing upcycled products and green materials.

Click HERE for the full press release.

New Generation Transitions® XTRActive® Lenses with Cutting-Edge Photochromic Technology

Transitions Optical unveiled Transitions® XTRActive® new generation lenses, the latest innovation from Transitions Optical, which will offer the best extra darkness and the best light protection in the clear to dark photochromic category. Transitions XTRActive new generation includes features that enhance the wearer’s life in all settings.   

Offering the best extra darkness in the clear to dark photochromic category, Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses are the darkest photochromic lenses in hot temperatures and the only photochromic lenses achieving category 3 levels of darkness at 35 degrees Celsius[i]. In addition, Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses are the only photochromic lens achieving category 2 levels of darkness in the car[ii], offering maximum darkness at 23 degrees Celsius with no driving restriction[iii]. The technology also offers the best harmful blue light protection across more light situations[iv], including the best blue light protection indoors[v]. As with all Transitions lens technologies, they block 100% of UVA and UVB.

Compared to the Transitions XTRActive lenses on the market today, this new generation is darker overall[vi], darker in hot temperatures and in the car, and up to 35% faster to fade back[vii]. These advances are possible thanks to the new nano-composite matrix technology combined with new, extra powerful broad spectrum dyes which activate in both the UV and visible light spectrum.

“People are experiencing increased symptoms of eye strain and discomfort whether inside from screens or outdoors, and Transitions XTRActive lenses were designed with this issue in mind.  In fact, three out of ten eyeglass wearers are very light sensitiveiv” said Brian O’Neil, Ph.D., global vice president, Innovation, Technology & Operations, Transitions Optical. “Wearers of Transitions Optical technology want flexibility between indoors, outdoors and driving to be better protected at all times. The new generation of Transitions XTRActive provides light protection regardless of the situation.”

Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses will be available in the U.S. and Canada in the third quarter of 2021 in grey, brown, graphite green and in five style mirrors in Canada. Additional details on the timing of availability across materials and designs will be provided by the lens manufacturer partners of Transitions Optical. Availability in other markets will be announced at a later date.

In addition to this new generation, Transitions Optical began the rolling launch of Transitions® XTRActive® Polarized™ in the US and Canada in January 2021. Both products provide extra protection for eyeglass wearers who are frequently in intense light situations or who are very light sensitive. Transitions XTRActive Polarized is an extension of the Transitions XTRActive range bringing the additional benefits of polarization to the extra dark photochromic category, while Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses offer the best extra darkness[viii]. Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses are designed for patients who want extra protection in high-glare situations. The unique polarization technology reduces glare outdoors, providing sharper vision, a larger field of view and bright, vivid colours.

Eyecare professionals (ECPs) will be able to learn more about the benefits Transitions XTRActivenew generation and Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses on a new virtual learning platform that will be available in April 2021.

Click HERE for the press release.

This post is sponsored by Transitions Optical.


[i] In the clear to dark photochromic category. Tests across polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses at 35°C achieving <18%T using Transitions Optical’s standard testing method.

[ii] Clear to dark photochromic category. Polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses tested at 23°C behind the windshield achieving between 18%T and 43%T.

[iii] Clear to dark photochromic category. Tested on grey lenses across materials at 23°C outdoors achieving >8%T (Category 3 Darkness Levels) using Transitions Optical’s standard testing method.

[iv] Protection from harmful blue light (380nm-460nm) across the following light situations: indoors at 23°C, behind the windshield and outdoors at 23°C, among polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses in the clear to dark photochromic category.

[v] From harmful blue light (380nm-460nm) at 23°C among polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses in the clear to dark photochromic category. 

iv Transitions Optical, Quality of Vision and Vision Experience Test in Controlled Lab Situations (Lab Wearer Testing), U.S., Eurosyn, Q4 2019, N=135.

[vi] Compared to the previous generation, across materials tested on grey lenses at 23°C and 35°C.

[vii] Compared to the previous generation, across materials tested on grey lenses fading back to 70% transmission at 23°C.

[viii] In hot temperatures and in the car in the clear to dark photochromic category.  Tests across polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses at 23°C and 35°C using Transitions Optical’s standard testing method.

Optometry Giving Sight Comings and Goings

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) announces Sharyn Gallatin as the new Director of Development, North America, and the retirement of Eric Anderson, Director of Donor Engagement, North America.

Sharyn Gallatin has over 20 years of fundraising experience, as both a volunteer solicitor and when she moved to the professional side of philanthropy where she assumed the role of Chief Development Officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. Most recently, Sharyn was the Director of Foundations and Endowment for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan.

In addition to her work in non-profit development, Sharyn has over 20 years of experience as an estate planning attorney, which is instrumental in planned giving and vital to the long-term sustainability of the organization.

Eric Anderson was with OGS for seven and a half years and came with a wealth of fundraising experience, mostly in higher education. He has been a driving force in securing support from the optometric community to meet the OGS mission. Eric states: “It has been my privilege and joy to get to know the optical industry and to make friends with the many donors to this great cause. I strongly encourage optical companies, their leaders and employees, optometrists and other ECPs who have not supported OGS to do so, to give back, to give sight and hope to those around the world who literally need our help to see.”

Anne Marie Hand, Executive Director, North America at Optometry Giving Sight stated “I want to welcome Sharyn and greatly look forward to working with her and taking OGS to the next level! I also want to thank Eric for his years of service and for the brief time he served as Interim Executive Director.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

Skaga Features Sleek, Timeless Styles

True to its Swedish roots, the new Skaga eyewear collection features a mix of acetate, metal and titanium styles, all thoughtfully constructed to incorporate modern design attributes. The new optical collection features sleek, timeless frames with updated design details that meet the distinct functionality the brand is known for. For the first time, Skaga introduces styles made from at least 45% bio-based cellulose acetate.

Featured model: Vatten

Distributed by Marchon: www.marchon.com

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