Blog

November 3, 2014April 24, 2018

Tura launches Lulu Guinness models

Lulu Guinness has launched four new cat-eye sunglass models for women (L114, L117, L122, L123). The new styles feature crystals, enameling and Italian prints from the designer’s handbag collection. Retailers who pre-order the new styles and have them delivered before year-end will receive special promotional pricing. Model 117 is inspired by the retro Club Master shape and has been modified as an oval with a cat-eye corner. The Wild Cat printed pattern is used on the brow and temples. http://www.tura.com/

October 29, 2014April 24, 2018

EyeCheck shortlisted for prestigious James Dyson award

EyeCheck, a start-up founded by University of Waterloo students, made the final list of 20 entries for the James Dyson Award.

The James Dyson Award (named after the inventor of the Dyson bagless vacuum cleaner) is a design engineering award. The winning student or team receives $46,000, and their university receives $18,000.

Developed by Ashutosh Syal and Daxal Desai, two University of Waterloo systems design engineering grads, EyeCheck aims to bring inexpensive eye care to developing countries using a smartphone app developed for BlackBerry 10.

The app takes a picture of the person’s face, tells you whether the person is nearsighted or farsighted, and detects opacity in their eyes. You can then take a picture of the eye itself to provide a prescription, which must nonetheless be confirmed by an optometrist. This device reduces a 20-minute exam to about three minutes.

For now, the team is focussed on developing prototypes. Its members intend to conduct trials in “eye care camps” held in developing countries. “It is one thing to work with a charity here in Canada sitting over a cup of coffee, and something totally different talking to a volunteer on the ground in India,” said Ashutosh Syal.

Source: http://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/4919630-dyson-award-has-eyes-for-waterloo-startup/

October 27, 2014April 24, 2018

A first in Canada: two patients receive the Argus II implant

Two patients at the Toronto Western Hospital have become the first in Canada to receive the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis Device.

Both patients lost their vision due to retinitis pigmentosa. The prosthesis will not restore their sight, but will allow them to once again perceive light.

A prosthesis the size of a pencil eraser is implanted into the retina. Then each patient is given a pair of glasses with a built-in video camera. Information from the camera is wirelessly transmitted to electrodes in the implant and converted to electrical pulses. These pulses are turned into images, which are transmitted to the brain. The patient must undergo intensive rehabilitation to learn how to process these images.

The implants have already produced results. Orly Shamir, one of the patients, can detect a moving square on a computer screen, which she was unable to see at all before. She can also see the movement of a line across the screen, as well as black and white stripes on a board.

“The device stimulates the retina the same way that light normally does, just electronically,” said Dr. Robert Devenyi, a member of the team of physicians who performed the surgery.

Source: http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/bionic-eye-implants-let-canadian-patients-perceive-light-1.2052819

October 23, 2014April 24, 2018

New sports vision clinic at the University of Waterloo

The School of Optometry & Vision Science now has a clinic to promote sports vision research.

Directed by Professor Kristine Dalton, the Sports Vision Clinic is one of the first in Canada to focus on this subject. The fact that the clinic is in a university setting will greatly facilitate the synergy between research and clinical practice.

At the heart of the research is the role vision plays in the performance of athletes at all levels of competition. “Vision provides athletes with most of the information needed to play sports so it’s surprising that many neglect training and caring for their eyes,” said Professor Dalton. She added that studies suggest that 25% of athletes have never had an eye exam.

The clinic will develop standardized tests to measure sport-specific vision function and visual-motor coordination. It will conduct customized, sport-specific assessment and training of athletes’ vision. For example, athletes may be prescribed glasses or contact lenses exclusively for use while playing their sports or training hand-eye coordination, reaction times and eye movement control.

Source: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/waterloo-optometrist-helps-get-athletes-eyes-in-shape-1956010.htm

October 20, 2014April 24, 2018

Improved access to eye care for Saskatchewan diabetics

In Saskatchewan, the government is now fully covering the cost of annual eye examinations for diabetic adults.

This measure is the result of an agreement between the government and the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists (SAO). Up to now, eye exams were only covered by the government when provided by ophthalmologists. This was a financial barrier for some patients.

“Doctors of optometry will continue to collaborate and communicate with ophthalmologists, family physicians and other health care providers to ensure the best possible patient outcomes for the eye health of our patients,” said Dr. Kevin Woodard, SAO president.

The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) says it is pleased to see the government’s decision. According to the CDA, approximately 90,000 people – that is, 8.2 per cent of the province’s population – have been diagnosed with diabetes, and that number is expected to rise to 10.9 per cent by 2024. A regular eye exam can help preserve vision for many of them. “By the time someone with diabetic retinopathy notices changes in their vision, the opportunity for prevention has been lost,” said Warren Wagner, CDA regional director.

The cost to the government of covering eye examinations between 2014 and 2016 is estimated at about $1.15 million.

Source:

http://globalnews.ca/news/1601151/saskatchewan-expands-vision-care-for-diabetics/