Nikon Optical Canada Launches Transitions® GEN S™ – Pushing Innovation Even Further

Nikon Optical Canada introduces Transitions® GEN S™ the latest innovation on the market to provide eyeglass lens wearers more than just correction. This new innovation elevates the consumer’s vision experience from static, basic and must wear to a dynamic, spectacular and love-wear experience that addresses their ever-changing and versatile lifestyle.

Transitions® GEN S™ offers GEN SPEED™ making the lens ultra-responsive to light, GEN STYLE™ offering a spectacular color palette to pair your patient’s look with their frame and style, and GEN SMART™ providing better vision quality, faster¹.

Transitions® GEN S™ is available in a wide variety of Nikon products including Single Vision, E-Life Pro, and Progressive lenses in 1.50, 1.60, 1.67 and 1.74 indexes and replaces the previous Transitions® Gen 8™lenses. Eye care professionals will be receiving marketing assets directly from Transitions Optical.

To learn more about Nikon lenses with Transitions® GEN S™, visit Nikon’s Professional Hub or contact your Nikon Business Development Partner at 1-800-663-8654.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature, UV exposure and lens material

1. Better vision quality, faster Sources: A – Subject-masked cross-over randomized controlled investigation performed in 2023 at the University of Georgia, on 30 healthy participants (19.2 ± 1.3 years). Testing light stress (discomfort and disability glare, photostress recovery) with the clear and darkest states of Grey Transitions GEN STM AR coated lenses compared to clear AR-coated control lenses. Principal Investigator Prof Billy R. Hammond. B – Subject-masked cross-over randomized controlled investigation performed in 2023 at the Principal Investigator Prof Pablo Artal. Accepted abstract at ARVO 2024. Duarte-Toledo R, Mompeán J et al., A new photochromic lens improves contrast sensitivity during fade-back. Tested on Grey Transitions GEN STM 1.6 index lenses with premium AR coating compared to clear 1.6 index lenses with premium AR coating (source B). Tested on Grey Transitions GEN STM 1.6 index lenses with premium AR coating compared to Grey Transitions GEN8 1.6 index lenses with premium AR coating (source A) Vision quality improved in challenging light conditions, notably when moving from a bright to a darker environment (source B), in bright to very bright light situations (source A), or in low light with peaky stray light (source A).

Transitions and the Transitions logo are registered trademarks of Transitions Optical, Inc. used under license by Transitions Optical Limited. GEN S is a trademark of Transitions Optical Limited.©2024 Transitions Optical Limited.

April 8, 2024March 22, 2024

Style Takes Flight

Voila Optik March-April 2024 OGI Eyewear Loon

Bold and graceful, the Loon brings together a sleek metal silhouette and stand-out acetates in a dreamy palette of blues and orange. This style embodies the 2024
collections, with its unique shape and perfect balance of boldness and versatility.
This comfortable, wearable frame will flatter every face.

Distributed by: www.ogieyewear.com

About OGI Eyewear:

Established in 1997, we’re a design house first, an innovator with a proven record of setting industry standards, of working with top tier manufacturers and suppliers to create new eyewear designs that stay ahead of the trends.

Our releases are frequent, distinct, and tell a consistent story without overlapping existing styles across Brands. Each one of our Brands tells a unique story that identify and serve a captive audience. Think durable, handcrafted frames designed to appeal to a diverse range of lifestyles so your clients can connect with the perfect piece instead of feeling shoehorned into a more generalized look.

April 5, 2024April 5, 2024

NUXE Eyewear Now Distributed in Canada by Lanctôt Optical

Lanctôt Optical announces the partnership agreement with Seaport – ODLM for the exclusive distribution of NUXE ophthalmic and sun frames in Canada.

NUXE is a French brand known for over 30 years for its natural and sensory cosmetic products for women. With the expertise of the French design firm Seaport – ODLM, the brand is launching high-quality optical and sunglasses. Lanctôt will market them nationwide starting now.

The French Nuxe Eyewear collection stands out for its colour harmonies and sensory approach to products. Just like NUXE cosmetic products, the frames in this collection are crafted using natural materials.

Diane Lanctôt, President of Lanctôt Ltd., is very excited to add this renowned brand to the company’s brand portfolio.

“This partnership with NUXE, a pioneer in natural cosmetology, allows us to add a completely new line of eco-friendly frames, to our product offering.”

Diane Lanctôt, President, Lanctôt Ltd

Click HERE for the full press release.

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April 5, 2024April 5, 2024

FYihealth Group Expands Senior Leadership Team

FYihealth group makes two new additions to its senior leadership team: Jim Black as Senior Vice President of Information Technology, and Damian Zapisocky as Chief Financial Officer.

With eye health and enhancing the lives of each patient at the forefront of FYihealth group’s values, Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO and Chair of FYihealth group describes 2024 as a time for “growth and further establishing our position in the eye care industry.”

Black is a senior technology and digital business executive with over 20 years of experience at the leadership level. Black has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta and an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University. Working in three different industries at the Chief Information Officer level, Black is also recognized as a strategic partner to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board of Directors in translating business needs into process and technology solutions that move businesses forward during times of rapid technological change.

“I’ve been nothing but impressed with the quality and authenticity of the people that work here and am very confident in the future trajectory of this organization,” shares Black. “The culture is what most attracted me.”

Jim Black, Senior Vice President of Information Technology

Zapisocky has experience in CEO, COO, and CFO roles previously, where he developed his skill sets in financial management, strategy, acquisitions, governance, budgeting, forecasting, and treasury. Damian has a Bachelor of Commerce and a MBA from the University of Alberta, is designated as a Chartered Accountant, as well as is designated as a Certified Internal Auditor, has received the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors, and awarded the honour of Fellowship by CPA Alberta in 2024.

“What got me hooked on joining the team was the amazing people I met through the hiring process. FYi has had tremendous growth in the past few years, and I am thrilled that I can be part of its next stages as the company continues to expand.”

Damian Zapisocky, Chief Financial Officer

“I am pleased to have Jim and Damian join our organization. Culture is everything for us and it was important to find exceptional individuals who fit our servant-leadership model. Both check these boxes for our organization, and they bring years of valuable skills and experience to the team.”

Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO and Chair of FYihealth group

FYihealth group was named one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies in 2022 and 2023 by Globe and Mail’s Report on Business. The addition of Black and Zapisocky is part of the organization’s strategy to continue its growth in 2024, with plans to continue its expansion to provide eye care access to more Canadians.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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April 4, 2024March 25, 2024

Tinted Lenses: From History to High Fashion

Close-up photograph of a brilliant green emerald.

By Sarah Bureau, RO

Tinted lenses are an integral aspect of Opticianry dating back centuries. The earliest examples are from Roman times when Emperor Nero used polished gemstones to watch gladiator matches. In the 12th century, Chinese magistrates wore tinted panes of glass during court proceedings to hide their expressions. During the 18th century, tinted lenses were prescribed to enhance the wearer’s vision and by the 20th century the health benefits of specific tint colours were used to treat medical conditions, including syphilis induced photophobia.

The Rise of Tint Technology

Photograph of about 9 circular, different-coloured tinted lenses arranged in a pattern.

In these modern times, tinted lenses have come a long way. With choices for any colour you can think of, polarized filters and mirror coatings, the options are seemingly endless. Tinted lenses are not limited to sun protection though. There are many uses for specific colours and filters which are being used to treat conditions including post-concussion therapy, anxiety, ADHD, migraines and more.

When sitting down with a client, crafting the perfect pair of eyeglasses starts with a detailed discussion about their expectations of the finished product. As Opticians, it is our responsibility to explain the visual benefits of each tint colour. For some, it is a practical decision. Which colour is going to offer me the ideal visual experience? For others, it is a fashion decision. Which colour is going to make these glasses look the coolest? The discussion between Optician and client however is only the beginning. Having an understanding of the science behind lens tinting is integral to keeping your promises to the client and avoiding a disappointing outcome.

Exploring the Craftsmanship Behind Lens Tinting

The art of tinting lenses is just that. An art. It is important for the Optician to have an understanding of how lens tints interact with specific materials and coatings in order to be able to meet the expectations of the client. We’ve all experienced a lab returning a product that doesn’t match our request or have had them refuse the job entirely. But why does this happen? Most lens tinting is performed by an immersion tint bath, submerging the lens into a heated liquid dye. The colour is absorbed into the lens material and can be applied in solid or gradient patterns with varying densities and combinations of colours.

However, not all lenses will absorb the colour in the same way and there are many details which can affect the accuracy of the final product. For instance, high index lenses cannot be tinted as dark as other materials due to the composition of the lens. Coating on the lens will also interfere in the absorption of the dye. A lab can create the perfectly matched tint of your dreams, but this accuracy can be affected by the next step of coating application. If you are requesting a matched tint, it is always beneficial to discuss the feasibility and expected outcome with the lab and relaying this information to the client in advance. An informed client is a happy client and avoids disappointing results.

Photograph of Johnny Depp wearing aviators frames with blue tinted lenses.

Photograph of Sir Elton John wearing red tinted lenses.

A Therapeutic Frontier

Practitioners who specialize in vision therapy are now using unique lens colours and filters to treat certain visual and sensory processing issues by modifying the wavelengths of colour that enter the eye. These conditions are often characterized by sensitivity to specific wavelengths of light, leading to visual discomfort, headaches, and difficulty with reading or focusing. Each patient is unique, and by assessing their specific needs, these symptoms can be alleviated by prescribing a precise tint.

The Fashion Forward World of Lens Tints

And who can overlook the fashion aspect of lens tints? Indoor tints are becoming increasingly popular as we see fashion designers using unique colours to enhance the aesthetic of the eyewear their models are wearing on the runway and celebrities can be seen on and off the big screen sporting lightly tinted lenses in a full spectrum of colours to create a unique fashion statement.

Dust off that old set of tint samples and step outside of the limitations of your basic brown, grey, and green recommendations. Have some fun partnering with your client to craft a truly unique set of eyeglasses!

Sarah Bureau has been a licensed dispensing Optician in Niagara, Ontario for more than 20 years. She is the woman behind sbspecs, specializing in repairing and customizing eyewear for Opticians all across North America. Her love for restoring eyewear and modifying frames for unique fits is evident in the care she puts into each pair that crosses her workbench.

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Blog

Nikon Optical Canada Launches Transitions® GEN S™ – Pushing Innovation Even Further

Style Takes Flight

About OGI Eyewear:

NUXE Eyewear Now Distributed in Canada by Lanctôt Optical

FYihealth Group Expands Senior Leadership Team

Tinted Lenses: From History to High Fashion

The Rise of Tint Technology

Exploring the Craftsmanship Behind Lens Tinting

A Therapeutic Frontier

The Fashion Forward World of Lens Tints

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