The FW24 collection from Etnia Barcelona embodies a bold expression of creativity and style, featuring designs that blend vibrant colours like striking orange with high-quality materials such as metal. This men’s eyewear showcases acetate temples with integrated fringe, asymmetric shapes in their contours, and meticulously crafted details, emphasizing masculine elegance and modern sophistication.
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.
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In response to widespread demand from eye care professionals to better understand myopia progression and intervention, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has themed Issue 81 of Contact Lens Update as “The Science of Myopia Control: What Every ECP Should Know.” The bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.
“We are in the midst of a global myopia epidemic and public health crisis. Its prevalence continues to increase, with an estimated 50% of the world’s population projected to become myopic by the year 2050. High myopia is associated with the risk of serious ocular health problems which can lead to vision loss, such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, and glaucoma.”
Jill Woods, Head of Clinical Research, CORE
“It is crucial for practitioners to be aware of the latest scientific findings to ensure their patients are given the highest standard of care. Intervention to slow myopia’s progression is particularly important for children, preventing them from becoming highly myopic as they age.”
Debbie Jones, ClinicalProfessor and Lead Clinical Scientist at CORE, School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, recaps the September 2024 International Myopia Conference in the issue’s editorial. Her conference highlights include ways of identifying people at risk of developing myopia, barriers to increasing the amount of time spent outdoors, and new potential treatments such as colored light therapies, pharmaceutical treatment using a caffeine derivative, and optical films for spectacle lenses.
The feature article is written by Vishakha Thakrar, an optometrist and owner of a specialty contact lens practice in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. She outlines the findings of a systematic review investigating the intervention-dependent rebound effect that may occur after stopping myopia control treatment. The review presents studies that examined a range of optical, pharmaceutical, and low level red light therapies, including spectacles and soft contact lenses designed for myopia control and orthokeratology.
The conferencehighlight is contributed by Lisa Ostrin, Associate Professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry, Texas, United States. The abstract summarizes a presentation from the 2024 International Myopia Conference describing the safety profile of an instrument used for low-level red light therapy. The work compares the emitted irradiance level to criteria established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to determine the class of laser, instrument group, and maximum permitted exposure time.
Optometrist Oliver Woo, founder and chief clinical director of his eponymously-named orthokeratology and myopia management clinic in Sydney, Australia, presents the issue’s clinical insight column. The case report details a young patient’s journey through different therapies to manage her myopia, with Dr. Woo delving into why it is important customize the replacement frequency of orthokeratology lenses to each patient.
Contact Lens Issue 81 authors (clockwise from top left): Debbie Jones, Vishakha Thakrar, Lisa Ostrin, and Oliver Woo
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.
Less than a year since its launch, the WCO CooperVision® Myopia Management Navigator is now being actively used in 126 countries worldwide, marking a significant milestone for this new educational resource. Its usage represents 64% of all countries globally, with the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, India, Australia, and Canada having the most active users.
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) partnered with CooperVision to launch the Navigator (myopianavigator.info) in April 2024, as reported on Optik NOW. Developed to support the adoption of myopia management as the standard of care, the Navigator provides evidence-based content, advice, and practical actions to help eye care professionals in all stages of their myopia management journey. It highlights the three Ms of myopia management—mitigation, measurement, and management—offering actionable insights within each section.
“We celebrate this enormous achievement for the Navigator, which demonstrates the impact the Navigator is having all over the world. As the adoption of myopia management continues to grow, so does awareness of the crucial role myopia management plays in protecting vision in children now and adults in the future. We look forward to seeing even more users explore the Navigator in the years ahead, driving continued progress in transforming children’s eye care.”
Dr. Sandra Block, President, World Council of Optometry
The myopia management standard of care resolution was developed and introduced by WCO in April 2021. It includes the three main standard of care pillars of mitigation, measurement, and management. With the global support of CooperVision, WCO has since worked to advance awareness and adoption of this landmark initiative, which includes the launch of the Navigator.
The WCO appointed a team of ambassadors who are experts on the topic to raise awareness of the Navigator based on their myopia management 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.
More than 300 of the industry’s most influential eyecare and eyewear brands will showcase industry-leading vision products and services at the upcoming Orlando, FL edition of Vision Expo East, taking place February 19–22, 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center.
An integral part of the upgraded show floor experience debuting in Orlando, Vision Expo East 2025 welcomes an impressive roster of renowned industry brands including Kering Eyewear, DITA, Krewe, Anna-Karin Karlsson, Mykita, Tom Davies and Silhouette.
Additional top-tier brands committed to Vision Expo East include:
Eyewear Leaders: EssilorLuxottica, VSP Vision, Tura, Europa Eyewear, WestGroupe, Zyloware, ClearVision Optical, MODO Eyewear, Design Eyewear Group
Eyecare Innovators: Carl Zeiss Vision and Meditec, Bausch & Lomb, Topcon Healthcare, Advancing Eyecare, Hoya Vision Care, US Ophthalmic, Cherry Optical Lab, Johnson & Johnson Vision, AbbVie, Alcon, CooperVision, Altris AI, Scope/Optalase
“This Expo event is a bold step forward – an exceptional opportunity for the industry to come together, push boundaries and be inspired. This year, we are taking things to the next level by expanding our booth and creating an extraordinary space for a new activation. Not only will this elevate engagement, but it will allow us to connect with a fresh audience of industry professionals. It presents an incredible opportunity for us to showcase the remarkable work we have been tirelessly crafting. Get ready to be amazed!”
Tom Davies, renowned eyewear designer
Hartmut Kraft, President, Silhouette Optical US added, “As the world’s largest independent, family-owned eyewear manufacturer, we are thrilled to be back at Vision Expo East in 2025. Our modern booth design will embody Silhouette’s uncompromising commitment to manufacturing, simply the best eyewear in the world and will be the perfect place to welcome our accounts and introduce our latest collections.”
A Destination Worth Exploring
Orlando offers not only an exceptional trade show experience but also a destination filled with enjoyable weather, world-class dining, and a dynamic entertainment scene. Mitch Barkley, Vice President of Trade Shows at The Vision Council, remarked, “The reimagined Vision Expo event is designed to benefit eyewear boutiques, industry buyers, optometrists and opticians like never before. Orlando promises an incredible atmosphere that complements Vision Expo’s fresh, exciting experience.”
Join Us for a Groundbreaking Event
Vision Expo East 2025 in Orlando is set to redefine how the optical industry connects, learns and celebrates. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable week of exploration, innovation and inspiration.
Save the dates—February 19–22, 2025. Visit Vision Expo East to register and learn more!
Bausch + Lomb Corporation issued the following statement in response to a request from the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO):
“The Bausch + Lomb Board of Directors authorized management and its advisors to explore a potential sale, which is one of several options being explored to complete a full separation from Bausch Health Companies Inc. That process is ongoing, and there can be no assurance that it will result in a transaction.
“While the company normally would not comment on deal negotiations, CIRO requested confirmation of a potential sale process given stock volatility often associated with market rumors. Bausch + Lomb does not intend to provide additional detail until further disclosure is appropriate or necessary.”
Bausch + Lomb is traded on both the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange.
AAVantgarde Bio, an Italy-based biotechnology company announced that the first patient has been dosed in their Phase ½ clinical trial. This trial will test the safety of a new gene therapy (AAVB-081) for Usher Syndrome Type.
Vision Expo East is set to transform and inspire the optical industry with a reimagined show floor and enhanced programming at its inaugural Orlando edition.
Transitions Optical has unveiled the finalists for its annual Transitions® Innovation Awards program, which recognizes individuals and organizations from North America who have shown unparalleled commitment to implementing innovative programs and technologies over the past year.
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) announces an OWA Global Event at MIDO in Milan, as expansion plans continue to reach out to women in the optical industry internationally.
AAVantgarde Bio, an Italy-based biotechnology company announced that the first patient has been dosed in their Phase ½ clinical trial. This trial will test the safety of a new gene therapy (AAVB-081) for Usher Syndrome Type.
Vision Expo East is set to transform and inspire the optical industry with a reimagined show floor and enhanced programming at its inaugural Orlando edition.
Transitions Optical has unveiled the finalists for its annual Transitions® Innovation Awards program, which recognizes individuals and organizations from North America who have shown unparalleled commitment to implementing innovative programs and technologies over the past year.
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) announces an OWA Global Event at MIDO in Milan, as expansion plans continue to reach out to women in the optical industry internationally.
AAVantgarde Bio, an Italy-based biotechnology company announced that the first patient has been dosed in their Phase ½ clinical trial. This trial will test the safety of a new gene therapy (AAVB-081) for Usher Syndrome Type.
Vision Expo East is set to transform and inspire the optical industry with a reimagined show floor and enhanced programming at its inaugural Orlando edition.
Transitions Optical has unveiled the finalists for its annual Transitions® Innovation Awards program, which recognizes individuals and organizations from North America who have shown unparalleled commitment to implementing innovative programs and technologies over the past year.
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) announces an OWA Global Event at MIDO in Milan, as expansion plans continue to reach out to women in the optical industry internationally.
AAVantgarde Bio, an Italy-based biotechnology company announced that the first patient has been dosed in their Phase ½ clinical trial. This trial will test the safety of a new gene therapy (AAVB-081) for Usher Syndrome Type.
Vision Expo East is set to transform and inspire the optical industry with a reimagined show floor and enhanced programming at its inaugural Orlando edition.
Transitions Optical has unveiled the finalists for its annual Transitions® Innovation Awards program, which recognizes individuals and organizations from North America who have shown unparalleled commitment to implementing innovative programs and technologies over the past year.
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) announces an OWA Global Event at MIDO in Milan, as expansion plans continue to reach out to women in the optical industry internationally.
