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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.”

Jim Black
Jim Black

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

Damian Zapisocky
Damian Zapisocky

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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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.

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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Artistic photograph of Sarah Bureau, holding a pair of round glasses framing one eye.

Oliver Peoples & Roger Federer Release First Eyewear Collection

Oliver Peoples and Roger Federer release their first eyewear collection. The four-collection partnership under the Roger Federer (“RF”) and Oliver Peoples brands begins with six new styles – including four sunglasses and two shield frames.

For Roger, the connection to Oliver Peoples began over 20 years ago, when he purchased his first pair from the Los Angeles-based brand.

“Sunglasses are something I’ve enjoyed as my sport has required me to chase the sun 80% of my life. One of the main goals of our collection was to create sunglasses that could be utilized in every aspect of one’s routine – off or on the court.”

Roger Federer

RF Oliver Peoples sunwear collection
RF Oliver Peoples sunwear collection

For sport, lifestyle, or even a red carpet, the sunglasses complement every world Roger occupies. This angle is what makes each pair truly unique. At first glance, every shape – even the shield – resembles a look for everyday life, but it’s the inner workings and details that exemplify the performance elements.

The high visual quality of the lenses offered in the RF | Oliver Peoples collection match the innovative performance technology found in each pair. From custom Color Enhancement lenses which boost dominant colours specific to environments like water, forest, or the city, to Polarized lenses which cut the sun’s glare, and mirrored lenses – advanced visual details are offered throughout.

Federer stated, “We wanted to ensure the frames fit well and do not slide. With this, we created rubber grip details that sit on the back of your ears and nose. Especially with the adjustable rubber nose pads, the frames are comfortable and look strong on your face, without being too tight.”

Notably, every pair is incredibly lightweight, with a maximum of 35 grams. The designs are made to be universally flattering for various face shapes and easy to style – perfect for whatever a day’s activities entail.

RF Oliver Peoples R-4_RYEGRASS PEWTER + FOREST
RF Oliver Peoples R-4

Throughout every angle, there are distinct, collaboration-exclusive details that honor Roger Federer. Elements include a number “8” plaque, a special number to him representing his birthdate (8.8.81) as well as the number of his Wimbledon titles. A custom corewire pattern was developed and inspired by the threading patterns of the strings found on vintage tennis racquets. Another symbol of tennis is the custom octagonal RF metal logo piece at the temple tip. The octagonal shape is inspired by the end of a tennis racquet. In addition, every pair features the iconic RF logo on the plaque, temple tip, and lenses.

The collection notably offers the first-ever shield styles in the history of the Oliver Peoples brand. In designing shields, both OP and Roger wanted to make sure the frames were an extremely clean aesthetic, wearable, and timeless while still being fashion-forward. The collaboration offers two shield styles, R-4 and R-5. R-4 is distinguished by its semi-matte bio- nylon top bar while R-5 features a minimalist, windsor rim top bar.

Oliver Peoples R-1 model
Oliver Peoples R-1 model

Perhaps most recognizable in design, is the namesake Mr. Federer frame. “This shape is what I wore to the Met Gala, and I wanted to find a way to incorporate it into the collection but in a more sporty way. With all the collaboration envisioned details, like the rubber grip nose pads and temple tips, we accomplished this. Alongside, the name we landed on was Mr. Federer, which I hope this style will be quite iconic” he noted. With this new take, sunglass and optical pairing are available and feature the perfect hybrid of active components with elegant styling. In addition, a semi-rimless metal sunglass with double bridge detail, R-2 and a bold acetate frame featuring a quintessential Oliver Peoples key-hole bridge, R-3, make up the collection.

The corresponding campaign sees Federer captured by acclaimed photographer, Pari Dukovic. A reference to the different arenas of Federer’s life, the styling features an all-white, on-court look and a classic, impeccably tailored tuxedo. The imagery is distinct with a motion drag effect – giving a first look at the frames in action.

Oliver Peoples Roger Federer optical collection campaign
MR. FEDERER sunglass model

“We are thrilled for the release of the Oliver Peoples and Roger Federer collaboration. Roger is a true icon of our generation who represents elegance, style, mastery, and precision. Together, we have joined forces to reinvent performance eyewear. Every style is made to be as luxurious as it is durable, as beautiful as it is functional. With lenses for high performance and exceptional optical quality, this ultra-lightweight design also features intricate collaboration exclusive details. For an aesthetic fit for sport and lifestyle, nothing compares. Finally, in eyewear, performance and luxury co-exist!”

Rocco Basilico, CEO, Oliver Peoples

Click HERE for the full press release.

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Morel XL

Morel introduces a concept tailored for men seeking eyewear frames larger than average, unveiling the XL Cyan concept. These stainless-steel frames, with a revamped retro allure, are accentuated by a contrasting colour line for a striking effect. The finesse of their design, combined with Morel’s iconic comfort, provides a unique experience ideal for the modern man unwilling to compromise on style!

Distributed by Morel Canada: morel-france.com

About Morel:

Family-owned, independent and responsible, the company strives to transmit the authenticity of its expertise while developing a strong international distribution network. Today, we are present in over 90 countries!

Today, more than ever, MOREL is proud of our past and resolutely turned towards our future. Our sincere desire for improvement lies close to our hearts and has led us to embrace an environmentally and socially responsible initiative. MOREL strives to become a company that is committed to addressing the major global issues of our time.

CSI Dry Eye Software Announces Release of Version 5.0

CSI Dry eye software

CSI Dry Eye Software has announced the launch of its latest update, Version 5.0. This update represents a significant advancement in dry eye diagnostics and treatment recommendations. Developed after extensive research and input from key opinion leaders, Version 5.0 aims to improve efficiency, accuracy, and simplicity in pre-operative assessment and dry eye management.

Key features of CSI Dry Eye Software Version 5.0 include expanded language support with the addition of French and Spanish, enhanced visuals through integrated charts for better assessment analysis, and an integrated HIPAA compliant medical intake form that streamlines patient data management. Additionally, the software introduces a medication notification system for alerting users about drug side effects or eye disease-related issues, along with a referral center for managing incoming and outgoing referrals.

The new inbox system offers improved navigation and customization options for a better user experience, including notification management and centralized updates. Moreover, Version 5.0 provides simplified assessments with customizable pre-operative and dry eye screening tools to suit various clinic needs.

“We are thrilled to introduce CSI Dry Eye Software Version 5.0.  It represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to revolutionizing dry eye management and diagnosis through technology.  With its advanced features and user-centric design, Version 5.0 empowers practitioners to deliver exceptional care, improve patient outcomes and drive operational excellence”. 
Aftab Ahmad, Chief Technical Officer for CSI Dry Eye Software

Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghoul, MD, inventor and founder, will be speaking at ASCRS in Boston on “Machine Learning Model for Predicting Dry Eye Severity Using ASCRS Pre-Operative OSD Algorithm”. Visit booth #2377 for more information.

To learn more about CSI Dry Eye Software, please visit the website: https://csidryeye.com/

Click HERE for the full press release.

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