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March 4, 2024March 4, 2024

Optometry Giving Sight’s Grant Process Now Open

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) is now accepting pre-applications for its grant program that funds sustainable, optometry-based projects to end preventable blindness and vision impairment throughout the world. Pre-applications will be accepted until Midnight MST March 20, 2024. Organizations that pass the pre-application process will be invited to submit a full grant proposal in early April. Final grant awards will be announced in August.

OGS funds organizations that focus on the following:

Programs involving optometry where there is a clear outline of optometry’s involvement in and benefits to the program.
Establishment or support of optometry schools, eye clinics, vision centers, and optical labs.
Programs that deliver eye exams and low- or no-cost glasses to underserved or marginalized populations and include a strong optometry education and training component.
Integrated, long-term optometry-related programs with a view towards sustainability.
Service delivery tied to optometry education and/or the development of optometry.

Organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), Canadian registered charities and international charities are eligible for funding. There are no geographic restrictions on the locations of the projects. However, priority is given to programs that are in parts of the world where optometry is not a well-developed profession.

To be considered, organizations must be nonpartisan and will not be eligible for funding if their parent company is a large corporation. Programs that include only vision screenings, basic eye exams, and eyeglass distribution will also not be considered.

As “Optometry’s Charity™,” OGS raises funds from optometrists, optometry practices, and optometry-related businesses and corporations to award grants for sustainable, impactful projects that expand the profession and improve access to vision care in underserved areas of the world.

During the last 20 years, OGS has: awarded more than 180 grants for primary eye care services for more than 8 million people; funded the training of more than 14,000 optometrists and eye care personnel; established more than 130 vision centers in underserved areas and; served individuals of all ages in more than 40 countries.

Optometry Giving Sight is located in Golden, Colorado, and Calgary, Alberta.

Prospective grantees may learn more here.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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March 4, 2024March 4, 2024

VEE 2024 Unveils New Main Stage Special Events

The Vision Council and RX, co-organizers of Vision Expo, have shared the line-up of events scheduled to take place at The Bridge, Vision Expo East’s main stage destination. To register for Vision Expo East, click here.

Taking place from March 14–17 at the Javits Center, Vision Expo East 2024 holds particular significance as it will pay homage to its rich history in New York City before making its anticipated relocation to Orlando, Florida in 2025. Programming at the Show’s exhibit floor main stage, The Bridge, will build on this celebratory spirit, engaging attendees.

Highlights at The Bridge include:

Performance and Q&A with NYC Icon and Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, Sophie B. Hawkins. The artist will give a special performance and discuss her personal journey living with exotropia and amblyopia.
The NOW Awards, and the NOW by Vision Expo trend activation, is set to amplify its impact, showcasing a diverse range of eyewear designs reflecting the latest industry trends in colors, materials, and styles. Nine exciting awards will be presented including, “Eyewear, the Ultimate Accessory” Award presented by Accessories Council, and a People’s Choice Award among others, where attendees vote for their favorite pair of frames at the NOW Pavilion. Learn more here.
Flaunt the Frame, a new series sponsored by IMAGINEM that transcends conventional fashion shows by focusing solely on eyewear, will provide an unfiltered view of the most cutting-edge designs. Fashion shows on Friday and Saturday will highlight independent eyewear designs with collections from ClearVision, Morel, MODO, OGI, Jonas Paul, Spectacle Eyeworks, Sospiri, and Variation Design.
The OptiCon General Session, sponsored by EssilorLuxottica, will feature an inspirational conversation with Rebecca Alexander, LCSW-R, MPH, who has been losing both her vision and hearing due to Usher Syndrome (type 3) since adolescence.
Visionaries Unveiled, new disruptive content will feature industry leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the eyewear sector and presenting game-changing business strategies that will shape the future of eyewear. Experts in sustainability, aesthetics, and hearing care will give engaging presentations and spark active discussion.
The Career Zone, a student favorite, will debut on a new day, Sunday March 17, and at a new location, The Bridge, and offer young professionals and students invaluable opportunities to network with industry leaders, engage in panel discussions, and win prizes.

“We are thrilled to share this year’s lineup of programming taking place at Vision Expo East, and use this opportunity to celebrate our time in New York before our 2025 debut in Orlando. Year over year, we have been able to highlight industry-leading brands, technologies and thought-leaders at The Bridge, and this year will be no different. Centrally located in the center of the exhibit floor, we encourage all attendees to explore the plethora of events taking place. From fashion shows to musical performances to compelling education and career opportunities, there’s truly something for everyone.”

Fran Pennella, Vice President, Vision Expo, RX

Event highlights are included below. Check Vision Expo’s website or mobile app for the most up-to-date schedule.

Friday, March 15

10:00 AM

Eyecare Business Trends in Eyewear 2024

11:00 AM

Flaunt the Frame Fashion Show

CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENT EYEWEAR:

Featuring the collections from ClearVision,

celebrating 75 years of independence

12:30 PM

OptiCon General Session:

A Conversation with Rebecca Alexander, LCSW-R, MPH

Sponsored by EssilorLuxottica

1:45 PM

The Fundamentals and Benefits of Light Therapy to Elevate Patient Care

Presented by Essilor Instruments

2:25 PM

Visionaries Unveiled: Education for Change Makers

3:30 PM

Flaunt the Frame Fashion Show

COLORPALOOZA:

Including styles from Morel, MODO, OGI and Jonas Paul

4:30 PM

NOW Awards: 2nd Edition

Champagne Toast & Mingle

Saturday, March 16

9:45 AM

RestoringVision: Doing Good is Good for Business

10:15 AM

Physician Burn Out

Hosted by the National Optometric Association (NOA)

11:00 AM

Beyond Vision: Behaviors to Supercharge Your Contact Lens Business

12:30 PM

The National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) College Bowl

Powered by EssilorLuxottica

3:30 PM

Flaunt the Frame Fashion Show

ARTISANAL EYEWEAR:

Featuring styles by Spectacle Eyeworks, Sospiri, and Variation Design

4:15 PM

Q&A and Performance by Sophie B. Hawkins

Sunday, March 17

10:00 AM

Career Zone open all day

For the full schedule of events at The Bridge, reference the Schedule of Events page on Vision Expo’s website, filterable by date and location. Schedule is subject to change. On-site, attendees are encouraged to reference the Vision Expo mobile app for the most up-to-date schedule.

Vision Expo East 2024 will take place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from March 14-17, 2024.

Click HERE for the press release.

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February 28, 2024February 28, 2024

Eye Care Leaders Share Contact Lens Wear-and-Care Tips In “EASY Does It” Video Series Reboot

Several prominent members of the U.S. and Canadian eye care community are voicing their support for The EASY Way, the Contact Lens Institute’s (CLI) initiative to help promote healthy, comfortable contact lens wear and care behaviors. CLI has rebooted its popular “EASY Does It” one-minute video series, in which optometrists, opticians, and staff describe one way their colleagues can better reach patients through conversations that take only seconds.

Prominent Eye Care Community Voices Support

2024 CLI Visionaries including Monica Bhula, OD, Jenn Seymour Brusven, LDO, Janelle Davison, OD, Scott Moscow, OD, Shalu Pal, OD, and Adam Ramsey, OD, are featured in new episodes, with additional segments planned throughout the coming weeks. All “EASY Does It” videos are available as a YouTube playlist at bit.ly/EASYD o esIt.

Rebooted “EASY Does It” Video Series

Now in its fourth year, The EASY Way (Eyes, Awareness, Safety and You) has been adopted by eye care practices across the U.S., Canada, and worldwide. It includes simplified tips, attention-grabbing infographics, and companion digital resources for use in practices, presented in a memorable and straightforward way. All components are available for free download within The EASY Way resource page on ContactLensInstitute.org.

Three Simple Steps to Healthy Lens Wear

At the center of the program are three easy steps:

1. Think Clean. Wash and dry your hands every time before touching your lenses or eyes. If you wear reusable lenses, always clean and disinfect them with each removal, and clean your lens case as directed. Keep your lenses and case away from any type of water, which can contain harmful microorganisms.

2. Remember Fresher is Better. Wear your contacts for only as long as your eye care professional says, replacing them with fresh lenses on schedule. Only wear daily disposable lenses once, and always rely on new solution for reusable lens disinfection and storage. Replace your lens case at least every three months.

3. Trust Your Eye Doctor. Listen to your eye care professional, who has specialized training. If you have any questions, contact their office—they care about your health and great vision.

The rebooted “EASY Does It” video series is being promoted across CLI’s social media channels, CLI Visionaries’ personal and practice digital channels, and through CLI member companies Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

The Contact Lens Institute advances the latest innovations in safe and effective contact lens and lens care products and services that provide unique benefits to patients while satisfying the evolving needs of eye care professionals.

CLI undertakes activities that properly assess, enhance, promote and balance contact lens and lens care industry welfare and growth, including the safe use of products in the marketplace. Its members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

For more information, visit contactlensinstitute.org.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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February 28, 2024February 28, 2024

Karün Eyewear Unveils Celion®, a Pioneering Material Made Out from Cigarette Butts

During MIDO 2024, Karün announced a groundbreaking game changer: the world’s first eyewear frames made from cellulose acetate recovered from cigarette butts. A new material called Celion®

At Karün, innovation is deeply rooted in the pursuit of harmony between humanity and nature. Their team is relentlessly exploring new ways to create products that not only protect the environment but also cater to the needs of users, transforming challenges into opportunities for both ecological and user-centric innovation.

From creating the first eyewear made with recycled fishing nets, to implementing full traceability with Blockchain and labeled carbon footprint to each of their products, Karün has led the way in sustainable innovation in the industry since 2012.

This mindset has directed their focus today to one of the most neglected environmental concerns: cigarette butts.

Typically disregarded and rarely recycled, cigarette butts have spurred Karün’s latest innovative leap. Employing advanced technology from IMEKO, a Chilean cleantech company that collects, processes and recovers the cellulose acetate found in cigarette butts to be completely transformed, these butts are repurposed into Celion®, the foundational material of their forthcoming collection.

This distinctive chemical process does more than repurpose a discarded substance; it makes a significant contribution to the preservation of our planet’s crucial ecosystems.

The Problem?

5.6 trillion cigarette butts are discarded into the environment each year. That’s equivalent to filling 80 Olympic swimming pools every second.
1.3 million tons is the total weight of cigarette butts discarded every year.
Up to 50 liters of water are contaminated by just one cigarette butt.
This represents one of the most toxic forms of ocean plastic pollution.

The Solution?

Repurpose acetate, the main component in cigarette butts (plastic).
This new efficient, sustainable, and scalable mechanical-chemical process developed by IMEKO, removes the toxicity from the filters and recovers pure cellulose acetate as a new sustainable raw material.
High-quality eyewear is achieved using fashion as a symbol of change. For every ton of Celion®, up to 5.6 million cigarette butts are removed.

Celion® stands out not just for its origin but also for its exceptional properties:

Exceptional mechanical physical properties.
40% reduction in carbon footprint compared to virgin acetate.
Formulated with no toxic additives.
Ability to be molded in conventional industrial plastic processes.
Versatility in colors and a high level of transparency.
Adjustable formula for the development of various products (eyewear frames, jewelry, tools, other high-end plastic items).
Celion material is infinitely recyclable, fostering a circular economy where resources are utilized for as long as possible.

Together with IMEKO, Karün once again showcases the crucial importance of looking at the world from a different point of view. This perspective enables them to continuously transform what was once considered waste into beautiful high quality products that generate a positive impact on our planet.

Crafted from a complex and commonly overlooked waste material, the use of Celion® is a symbol of their dedication to creative problem-solving and environmental stewardship. It positions the brand at the forefront of the eyewear industry and establishes them as leaders in sustainable innovation and chemical ingenuity.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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February 28, 2024February 8, 2024

Design and Style in the Middle of Colorado

Woodys presents Colorado, a new campaign set in the desert full of fashion and style. The SS24 collection follows the essence and identity of the brand. For men’s eyewear, a new five-axis OBE hinge has been incorporated in most of the new models.

Quality remains a top priority, so materials are selected for excellence: Italian Mazzucchelli acetate, German OBE hinges, titanium, and Japanese beta-titanium.

Featured model: Budler

Distributed by Mood Eyewear: www.moodeyewear.com

About Woodys:

Woodys is inspired by the design and the latest trends to create exciting frames. From our headquarters, the design team conceptualizes, creates and produces frames full of authenticity.

They design frames with high quality standards and with an incredible attention to details to achieve exclusive pieces: engravings that go back to our origins, unique or milled terminals and hand-polished volumes, among others.

Focused on creating elegant and sophisticated combinations, which enhance the look of the wearer. We combine structures, transparencies and translucent colors to create incomparable frames.

About Mood Eyewear:

At Mood Eyewear we take pride in presenting the best of the current cutting edge European Optical trends, which incorporates fashion as an aid to vision. Our commitment is to provide our partners with the personal prompt and professional service they deserve. Our exclusive collections are the fruit of creativity with innovation, art, design, knowledge and the highest standards of new technology with a multitude of carefully selected pieces.

Founded in 2006, Mood Eyewear imports and introduces to the Canadian market prestigious optical collections. The group distributes the renowned European brands Adidas Originals, Blackfin, Cremieux, Enrico Cecchi, KunoQvist, KunoQvist Young, Marc Cain, Rye & Lye, UX, X-iDE and now has the Canadian exclusivity of the creative Italian brand Italia Independent.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e- newsletters!

Optometry Giving Sight’s Grant Process Now Open

OGS funds organizations that focus on the following:

VEE 2024 Unveils New Main Stage Special Events

Friday, March 15

Saturday, March 16

Sunday, March 17

Eye Care Leaders Share Contact Lens Wear-and-Care Tips In “EASY Does It” Video Series Reboot

Prominent Eye Care Community Voices Support

Rebooted “EASY Does It” Video Series

Three Simple Steps to Healthy Lens Wear

Karün Eyewear Unveils Celion®, a Pioneering Material Made Out from Cigarette Butts

The Problem?

The Solution?

Design and Style in the Middle of Colorado

About Woodys:

About Mood Eyewear:

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