Ambassadors Share Insights on WCO CooperVision® Myopia Management Navigator in New Roundtable Discussion

World Council of Optometry and CooperVision logos

A new video of a roundtable discussion highlighting the WCO CooperVision^® Myopia Management Navigator is now available. In the video, three of the four World Council of Optometry (WCO) myopia management ambassadors—Nicola Logan, Jagrut Lallu, and Síofra Harrington—came together for the first time to talk about the new educational resource and offer their insights on advancing myopia care globally. The conversation took place during the International Myopia Conference (IMC) in Sanya, China.

Watch the video from the roundtable discussion at myopia.worldcouncilofoptometry.info/multimedia-resources/#myopia-navigator.

WCO partnered with CooperVision, a global leader in myopia management, to launch the Navigator (myopianavigator.info) in April 2024 as part of its efforts to further the adoption of myopia management as the standard of care. The Navigator is a free, interactive guide to evidence-based content, advice, and practical actions across the three Ms of managing myopia: mitigation, measurement, and management.

“With myopia reaching pandemic levels, the need to treat it proactively and slow its progression in children has never been greater. Since launching earlier this year, the WCO CooperVision^® Myopia Management Navigator has already demonstrated its value in guiding eye care professionals in those important conversations with young patients and their families while helping advance myopia management as the standard of care. We are incredibly grateful to our ambassadors for their continued partnership in raising awareness of the Navigator on a global scale.”

Dr. Sandra Block, President, World Council of Optometry

The ambassadors’ roundtable discussion was moderated by Elizabeth Lumb, Director of Global Professional Affairs, Myopia at CooperVision.

“Our global ambassadors are leaders in the field of myopia management and are perfectly placed to introduce the Navigator to a wider audience and champion this cause,” said Lumb. “Hearing Nicola, Jagrut, and Síofra share the feedback they’ve already received about the Navigator—and how it’s being used by both experienced eye care professionals and those new to myopia management—highlights just how valuable they are in helping CooperVision and the WCO’s shared ambition in driving the adoption of myopia management with the support of this important resource.”

The WCO appointed a team of ambassadors, comprised of Nicola Logan, Global Ambassador, professor of optometry and physiological optics at Aston University in Birmingham, United Kingdom; Jagrut LalluAsia–Pacific Ambassador, owner of Rose Optometry in Hamilton, New Zealand; Síofra Harrington, European Ambassador, lecturer and researcher at Technological University Dublin; and Ashley Wallace Tucker, Americas Ambassador, optometrist and owner of Bellaire Family Eye Care in Houston, Texas, to spread the word about the Navigator based on their myopia management educational roles, outreach, and practice-building initiatives. All four Navigator ambassadors are actively involved in day-to-day myopia management. For their full biographies, visit the WCO website.

“Translating research into clinical practice is essential for integrating myopia management worldwide, and using the Navigator supports these efforts. The clinicians I’ve shared the Navigator with find it to be a great resource. It’s beneficial not only for those just starting out with myopia management by providing a comprehensive overview, but also for those who have some knowledge about myopia but want access to up-to-date evidence.”

Nicola Logan, PhD, MEd, MCOptom, SFHEA, FBCLA, Global Ambassador

To access the WCO CooperVision^® Myopia Management Navigator, visit myopianavigator.info. Explore the World Council of Optometry’s myopia management online resource featuring the standard of care pledge signup page, resolution, practical tools, and information for optometrists at https://myopia.worldcouncilofoptometry.info/. For questions about myopia management, email the WCO ambassadors at MMNambassador@worldoptometry.org.

Click HERE for the press release.

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November 19, 2024November 20, 2024

Transitions and the OAC Now Accepting Applications for the 2024 Students of Vision Scholarship Program

As part of a partnership to support the next generation of eyecare professionals, Transitions Optical and the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) are now accepting submissions for the 2024 Students of Vision Scholarship Program. Opticianry, optometry and optometric assistant students from across Canada are eligible to apply for the chance to win one of three prizes: a $2,000, $1,500 or $1,000 scholarship.

To be eligible, you must either be currently enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year or registered for the upcoming 2025 school year. All winners will also receive a pair of Transitions^® evaluation lenses, and the first-place winner will receive an invitation to Transitions^® Academy, taking placing on February 2-5, 2025 in Orlando, FL.

Transitions Optical and OAC 2024 Students of Vision Scholarship Program

To enter the scholarship program, students must develop a project in the form of an essay, video or presentation about how they will educate younger patients about protecting their eyes from UVA, UVB and blue-violet light. A webpage with more information can be found at Transitions.com/en-canadapro/students-of-vision. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges against the following criteria: creativity, strategic thinking and ethics.

“Raising awareness about the importance of protecting young eyes from UV and blue-violet light is essential for promoting long-term eye health,” said Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing and sales manager, Transitions Optical in Canada. “We’re proud to support future eyecare professionals who are dedicated to educating younger generations and making a lasting impact on vision care.”

All submissions should be sent to StudentsofVision@Transitions.com by December 10, 2024. The winners will be announced in January 2025.

Click HERE for the press release.

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November 18, 2024November 18, 2024

Canada’s Vision Health Stakeholders Applaud Parliament’s Passage of Bill C-284, the National Strategy for Eye Care Act

The recent passage of Bill C-284, the National Strategy for Eye Care Act by the Government of Canada, marks a significant advancement in the country’s commitment to eye health and vision care. This legislation sets forth a comprehensive framework to develop a national strategy to improve eye care and rehabilitation services, invest in research to provide treatments and cures, increase accessibility and promote eye health education nationwide, ensuring all Canadians will have access to essential eye health services.

As a collaborative unit of eye health advocacy groups, Canada’s Vision Health Stakeholders have been working diligently over the past two years on behalf of Canadians to develop solutions that address gaps in patient access to care and vision rehabilitation. Balance for Blind Adults, Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, Canadian Association of Optometrists, Canadian Council of the Blind, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Canadian Ophthalmological Society, Diabetes Canada, Fighting Blindness Canada, International Federation on Aging, Opticians Association of Canada, and Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, have long advocated for such measures, recognizing the critical importance of vision health and rehabilitation to overall well-being and quality of life.

Vision loss is an issue that affects over 1.2 million Canadians today, with more than eight million living with one of the top four eye diseases—age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Bill C-284 encompasses several key initiatives that will help improve prevention, treatment and vision rehabilitation for patients across Canada, including the designation of the month of February as Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month.

Canada’s Vision Health Stakeholders extend their gratitude to the members of Parliament and Senators for championing this vital legislation, including the Honourable Judy Sgro, who proposed Bill C-284 as a private members bill. Their dedication to improving the health and well-being of Canadians has culminated in a significant policy achievement that will have a lasting impact.

Quotes:

“The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists applauds the passage of Bill C-284 and acknowledges the importance of united, purposeful action to ensure equitable access to vision care for everyone living in Canada. Occupational therapists are essential in supporting individuals with low vision and blindness, helping them participate fully in meaningful activities and achieve their life goals.”
— Irving Gold, CEO, Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

“The passage of Bill C-284 is a milestone in making eye care a priority for all Canadians. This legislation embodies our commitment to establishing eye health as a national priority, ensuring regular, proactive care is promoted at every level.”
— Dr. Martin Spiro, President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists

“The passage of Bill C-284 is a major step towards ensuring that vision rehabilitation of people who are blind, deaf- blind or partially sighted is integrated into the continuum of care and that all Canadians achieve the best possible vision health.”
— Jim Tokos, National President, Canadian Council of the Blind

“CNIB celebrates the passage of the National Strategy for Eye Care Act. We now turn our attention to putting together the strategy that will support the prevention, treatment of eye diseases and vision rehabilitation. Our hope is that this strategy will help increase the number of children who get eye exams before entering school, and ultimately give those with unavoidable blindness the supports they need to thrive.”
— Angela Bonfanti, President and CEO, CNIB

“We are extremely pleased with the passage of Bill C-284 as this legislation underscores the importance of advancing vision health, and a step forward to ensuring optimal eye care for all Canadians. Prioritizing vision care improves lives and strengthens our economy, which helps build a healthier society for all Canadians.”
— Dr. Mona Harissi-Dagher, President, Canadian Ophthalmological Society

“With diabetic retinopathy affecting nearly one million people in Canada and leading to new cases of blindness each year, the passage of Bill-C284, the National Strategy for Eye Care Act is a critical step toward protecting the health and quality of life for people living with diabetes. Nearly all people in Canada with type 1 diabetes and more than 60 per cent with type 2 will face some degree of retinopathy over time, so this strategy is needed to reduce the serious health impacts of sight loss, including increased risk of falls and mortality.”
— Laura Syron, President & CEO, Diabetes Canada

“An investment in research is an investment in hope. As we look to the future, the creation of a National Eye Care Strategy will help advance treatments and technology which have meaningful impacts on the quality of life for Canadians with vision loss and their caregivers.”
— Jennifer Jones, President and CEO, Fighting Blindness Canada

“The passing of Bill C-284 marks a significant milestone in advancing eye health for all Canadians. This achievement highlights the impactful work healthcare associations can accomplish when collaborating on issues that unite us as a nation. At the Opticians Association of Canada, we are proud to support initiatives that protect and enhance the vision health of Canadians, and we look forward to collaborating with our partners across the eye care community to drive further progress.”
— Claudia Rojas, President, Opticians Association of Canada

“Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada looks forward to a future in which all Canadians have improved access to the vision health professionals which support their independence and well-being. Bill C-284 prioritizes the ability of Canadians to live the lives they choose by promoting awareness about their vision health and the services they need.”
— Jennifer Urosevic, President & CEO of Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada

Click HERE for the press release.

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November 18, 2024November 18, 2024

Chic Structure in Every Detail: Ferragamo’s Refined Aviators

Voila November-December 2024 Marchon Ferragamo SF2029SE

These Salvatore Ferragamo Aviator sunglasses, with oversized and bold profiles, are enriched by rivets on the frontal part, which have both a functional and decorative usage. The colour palette includes gradient and transparent colours, while the visible metal core wire adds an element of structure and a touch of chicness. Crafted from Eastman Acetate Renew™.

Featured model: SF2029SE

Distributed by Marchon: www.marchon.com

About Marchon:

Working with leading brands to constantly push the envelope through distinct designs, innovative materials and clever constructions, Marchon Eyewear’s goal is to consistently design distinctive eyewear that offers accessible quality, style and value.

Marchon is proud of its diversified portfolio of brands, covering key demand segments in the premium end of the market.

Marchon Eyewear distributes its products through a global network of subsidiaries and distributors, serving over 80,000 accounts in more than 100 countries.

Whether helping people access quality care, supporting eye care providers in managing their practice, or partnering with local organizations to aid our communities, VSP Vision™ is there with a comprehensive portfolio of brands that keep health at the center of everything we do. As the first not-for-profit eye health company, care and compassion have led our growth for nearly 70 years. Today, our focus remains on helping those we serve bring their best vision to life.

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November 15, 2024October 30, 2024

ABCs of Optics: N is for Night Vision (part 2 of 3)

Diagram of the human eye highlighting the parts which are essential for dark adaptation. The image shows an enlarged cross-section of the retina with rods and cones both indicated.

This course is accredited for 1 EC for NACOR and 1 CL/EG/RF for COO.
NACOR #110.643 and COO #4250
Completion of online post-course test required at www.OptikConEd.com.

By Thomas Weissberger, RO

How Dark Adaptation Works

There are two parts composing dark adaptation; the first is that pupils dilate to allow more light into the eye as light is reduced; the second is the use of the Rod receptor cells in the retina. We should remember from our anatomy that Rod cells are exclusively responsible for (low light) night vision. Rods use a photopigment (a pigment that releases electrical energy when triggered by light striking it) called Rhodopsin for night vision.

What is Rhodopsin?

Rhodopsin is a protein found in the outer segment discs of rod cells. It mediates scotopic vision, which is monochromatic (black and white) vision in dim light. Rhodopsin most strongly absorbs green-blue light (~500 nm) and appears therefore reddish-purple, so it is also referred to as “visual purple”. It is much less sensitive to longer wavelengths of light such as red (visible) and infrared. Rhodopsin is a chromoprotein (sensitive to light). It is composed of two components: a protein molecule called scotopsin, part of a group of proteins made light-sensitive via a chromophore, and a cofactor (the chromophore called Retinal12). Retinal is a pigmented molecule derived from vitamin A aldehyde (sources of Vitamin A include deeply orange and red fruits and vegetables such as carrots, green and yellow peppers, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and yams).

How does Rhodopsin function in relation to dark adaptation?

When light hits the Rods, Rhodopsin bleaches (breaks down), “releasing” energy in the form of an electrical impulse which is then transmitted to our brains and converted into vision. For this to reoccur so that we may continue seeing, the Rhodopsin needs to regenerate, which happens over and over, but needs darkness to happen quickly and more efficiently in a process called “dark adaptation”, in which the eye adjusts to see in low light conditions. When light is detected at a low level for 20 minutes or so, the body starts producing rhodopsin in sufficient quantity to reduce the cycle time.

Because rod cells are insensitive to long wavelengths as discussed above, the use of red lights and red lensed glasses has become a common practice for accelerating dark adaptation. In order for dark adaptation to be significantly accelerated an individual should ideally begin this practice 30 minutes prior to entering a low luminescence setting (this is a factor in a scene we are all used to seeing in movies featuring submarines, where the captain and lookout stay in darkened areas illuminated only by a dim red light prior to the submarine surfacing at night, so that they may be able to see clearly right away when the go out).

Other Contributors to Dark Adaptation

Other factors effecting dark adaptation include the intensity and duration of pre-adapting light, and the size and position of the retina, as well as the wavelength distribution of the light used, as shown by the rod cells’ sensitivity to shorter wavelength light as well as the sensitivity of cones in the eye, both major contributors to dark adaptation. Above a certain luminance level (about 0.03 cd/m2), the cone mechanism is involved in mediating vision; called photopic vision. Below this level, the rod mechanism comes into play providing scotopic (night) vision as discussed.

The ability to see in low-light conditions tends to decline with age, primarily due to changes in the structure and function of the retina; this is a major but not often thought of issue when evaluating vision and visual defects and reduction in older individuals. Combined with the development of cataracts, AMD (age related macular degeneration), and other maladies such as Glaucoma which all reduce the quality of vision; low-light adaptation can have a negative impact on the safety and health of those individuals.

Impact on Daily Life:

Driving at night with visual reduction
Unfocussed vision,
Reduction in visual field (sometimes unknown to the individual)
Lack of scotopic vision (sometimes called night blindness or nyctalopia)

As ECPs this is an area of discussion and guidance that we can provide our wearers and sometimes their families to help improve their quality of life and ability to function both during the day and night. To do this, we must be able to both communicate with their doctors and determine the issues present and be able to offer solutions in eyewear that will help.

Simple Solutions for Low-Light Adaptation

Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones: Since prolonged exposure to bright light reduces dark adaptation; we can suggest ways of reducing exposure, such as sunglasses (yes, they really are not just an accessory or add-on) which help reduce the amount of perceived light entering the eye.

We should always suggest UV protectant lenses, as the pupil will dilate behind dark lenses and therefore paradoxically let more light enter the eye, so the type of light must be controlled to reduce harmful rays.
Another way to protect the eyes is with the use of wide-brimmed hats, which although not usually sold in optical dispensaries maybe should be (an interesting business building potential?) because of their protective nature.
Avoiding sources such as reflections from snow, water, pavement, and car windshields is not always possible so protecting eyes using polarized lenses are highly recommended. Not only will the eyes be better protected but vision in activities such as driving, swimming, playing sports and even walking will be greatly improved.

Other lifestyle changes such as reducing time spent in direct bright light and staying under cover during peak hours will also work. Reminders to our customers that foods can play an important role in eye health should be encouraged. I say reminders as we cannot prescribe solutions, but certainly suggest research with the use of resource materials.

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Illustration of Thomas Weissberger, RO, wearing a graduation cap and blue glasses, labeled 'The Practical Professor: Optical Solutions for the Real World.'

The Practical Professor: Optical Solutions for the Real World

I am a second generation optician and have made all aspects of opticianry and optics my life. I have over 10 years of teaching experience as a former professor in the Dispensing Opticians’ program at Seneca College and at Georgian College. I was also responsible for
modernization of the optical curriculum.

I am a trainer and trainee (One never stops learning!), and I am available to share my knowledge and experience with today’s eye care professionals. As the owner of Special Eyes Optical Services, I am dedicated to supporting the optical industry. You can reach out to me at Tom@SpecialeyesOpticalServices.com.

Blog

Ambassadors Share Insights on WCO CooperVision® Myopia Management Navigator in New Roundtable Discussion

Transitions and the OAC Now Accepting Applications for the 2024 Students of Vision Scholarship Program

Canada’s Vision Health Stakeholders Applaud Parliament’s Passage of Bill C-284, the National Strategy for Eye Care Act

Quotes:

Chic Structure in Every Detail: Ferragamo’s Refined Aviators

Distributed by Marchon: www.marchon.com

About Marchon:

ABCs of Optics: N is for Night Vision (part 2 of 3)

This course is accredited for 1 EC for NACOR and 1 CL/EG/RF for COO.
NACOR #110.643 and COO #4250
Completion of online post-course test required at www.OptikConEd.com.

How Dark Adaptation Works

What is Rhodopsin?

How does Rhodopsin function in relation to dark adaptation?

Other Contributors to Dark Adaptation

Impact on Daily Life:

Simple Solutions for Low-Light Adaptation

The Practical Professor: Optical Solutions for the Real World

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ABCs of Optics: N is for Night Vision (part 3 of 3)

Specsavers Named as One of the Best Places to Work in the World

NOW Trend Showcase Sees Exciting Surge in Submissions for Vision Expo East 2025 in Orlando!

AOQ to Challenge Ministerial Order Compelling It to Participate in Public Health Plan

Striking Retro Glam by KLiiK denmark

ABCs of Optics: N is for Night Vision (part 3 of 3)

Specsavers Named as One of the Best Places to Work in the World

NOW Trend Showcase Sees Exciting Surge in Submissions for Vision Expo East 2025 in Orlando!

AOQ to Challenge Ministerial Order Compelling It to Participate in Public Health Plan

Quotes:

Distributed by Marchon: www.marchon.com

About Marchon:

This course is accredited for 1 EC for NACOR and 1 CL/EG/RF for COO.NACOR #110.643 and COO #4250Completion of online post-course test required at www.OptikConEd.com.

How Dark Adaptation Works

What is Rhodopsin?

How does Rhodopsin function in relation to dark adaptation?

Other Contributors to Dark Adaptation

Impact on Daily Life:

Simple Solutions for Low-Light Adaptation

The Practical Professor: Optical Solutions for the Real World

Featured Posts

This course is accredited for 1 EC for NACOR and 1 CL/EG/RF for COO.
NACOR #110.643 and COO #4250
Completion of online post-course test required at www.OptikConEd.com.