CORE announces that specialty contact lens innovator Daddi Fadel, DOptom, FSLS, FBCLA, FAAO, FIACLE, has joined CORE.
Dr. Fadel is one of the world’s best-known designers and fitters of scleral lenses for irregular cornea and orthokeratology lenses for myopia control. She is the founder and head of the European School of Scleral Lenses, founder and past president of Accademia Italiana Lenti Sclerali, and co-founder and president of the Euro & Austral-Asia Scleral Lens Academy.
Dr. Fadel joins CORE in her role as a clinical scientist and will help advance CORE’s rapidly growing specialty contact lens initiatives.
About CORE
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) is a research unit based within the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo. Our three diverse areas of clinical research, biosciences and education work together in support of our mission to improve global eye health and vision.
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Greetings to all as we usher in a new year and embrace fresh beginnings in the world of optical sales. It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new voice behind “ROCKSTAR Road Warriors,” a column dedicated to the tireless trailblazers of the optical industry. My mission is to shine a light on the individuals who fuel our sector’s heartbeat with their steadfast commitment and inspiring narratives.
The Pulse of the Industry: Optical Sales
Every story shared in these pages is a testament to the vibrancy and resilience that characterize the optical world. As a ten-year veteran of this nomadic lifestyle, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with countless individuals who embody the spirit of our profession. They are the reps, agents, distributors, and manufacturers who journey tirelessly, ensuring that your experience with their products is nothing short of exceptional.
Consider the challenges they face: inclement weather, packed cars, unpredictable accommodations, and the ever-increasing costs of hitting the road. Yet, these hardships are met with an unwavering resolve. Whether it’s a sales veteran or an independent agent building a customer base from the ground up, their mantra remains the same—believe, achieve, and never concede
A Tale of Grit and Growth
One such story close to my heart involves a determined optical manager from Western Canada. After five years of contributing to a start-up’s success, she was ready for a new challenge—taking the helm and steering her own course. Her next destination? Joining our family of optical pioneers. From Calgary to Montreal, through 38 hours of relentless drive and Mother Nature’s furies, she arrived, exemplifying the very essence of our industry’s passion and perseverance.
This isn’t just about selling glasses; it’s about the odyssey behind each pair—the snowstorms navigated, the personal comforts sacrificed, and the miles traversed with a steadfast vision. These journeys are fueled by more than mere necessity; they are the lifeblood of our industry, enriching it with stories of human connection and ambition.
Upon her arrival, we broke bread and shared tales, not just as colleagues but as companions on this optical voyage. Our connection extended beyond the eyewear collections and into the narratives of the designers whose missions we champion. This shared vision is what drives us—it’s the recognition that every frame sold carries with it a piece of a journey, a fragment of the optical odyssey.
Our road warriors bring with them not just their wares, but the essence of their character. They extend gestures of kindness—baked treats, handcrafted gifts, and personal anecdotes that transform transactions into relationships. These moments, often understated, are what truly resonate and remain etched in our memories.
This column is a celebration of these very stories—the trials, the triumphs, and the secrets of thriving on the open road. It’s about the latest and most exclusive global collections that our professionals introduce to the market with flair and finesse. In a world without these spirited souls, our industry would miss the colour, style, and personal connection that distinguish it.
Being an optical salesperson is an art that demands a special kind of vitality—an inexhaustible zest for the craft and a profound appreciation for the clientele we serve. Here, we not only celebrate their endeavors but also the love and adoration they have for the optical industry.
The Road Ahead
We encourage you, our esteemed readers, to play an active role in this narrative. Who has touched your life with their dedication? Who do you feel should be in the limelight? Your contributions are what make our shared journey so rewarding, and we eagerly await the opportunity to highlight your heroes.
As we craft the spaces where our clients discover their perfect pair of glasses, we do so knowing that our efforts are supported by the individuals who bring style, substance, and soul to our industry. These are the stories that “Rockstar Road Warriors” seeks to tell—the chronicles of those who go the extra mile, literally and figuratively, to ensure that our field remains as dynamic and heartfelt as the people within it.
Let us join hands in appreciation of our optical sales representatives who, with every mile they cover, every style they deliver, and every smile they share, remind us of the beauty of our industry. Your insights and suggestions are not just welcome but vital to the life of this column. We aspire to feature as many of these remarkable individuals as possible, and with your help, we will.
So, here’s to the journey ahead, to the tales of grit and grace we will unfold together where every mile tells a story.
Suzanne Sendel is an optical distributor who left the world of interior design and architectural sales management to fall in love with a pair of hand painted glasses, 10 years ago. Through her travels, Suzanne has inspired many with her independent collections, and her passion for optical fashion, and in sharing her stories and the many sales teams of “Road Warriors”, who have inspired the optical industry. Through her lens, Suzanne will share their journey and what has made them an integral part of the success of our industry. Reach her at suzannesendel@gmail.com.
EssilorLuxottica and Michael Kors announced the renewal of their licensing agreement for the development, production and worldwide distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses under the Michael Kors brand.
The renewal will come into effect on January 1, 2025, and cover a period of five years, with an option for a five-year extension. The early renewal, coming almost a year before the expiration of the current agreement, is a testament to the strong confidence and collaboration between the two companies since 2015.
“We are really proud of the work we’ve done with Michael Kors over the past decade. In the years ahead, we’ll continue to innovate together with designs that reflect the brand’s innate sense of modern glamour and its unfailing eye for effortless chic. With this move, EssilorLuxottica continues to strengthen its collaboration with one of the most relevant luxury groups around the world through strategic partnerships that express the essence of its unique brands”.
Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica
“We’re very pleased with the success of our partnership with EssilorLuxottica over the past 10 years. Together, we have grown Michael Kors eyewear into a global business at the leading edge of fashion eyewear while continuing to celebrate the brand’s long and distinctive heritage. We share EssilorLuxottica’s commitment to design, innovation and quality, and look forward to continuing our close collaboration in the years ahead.”
Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) will begin 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 from March 1, 2024 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-cost 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.
CSI Dry Eye Software, an emerging AI dry eye software company at the forefront of pioneering artificial intelligence in dry eye diagnostics and treatment recommendations, announces that it has appointed Trudi Charest as CSO – Chief Sales Officer.
Trudi Charest, Chief Sales Officer
Trudi has had a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the eyecare industry. Trudi is a Licensed Optician who has worked in retail optical, wholesale with Bausch & Lomb, clinical consulting with Optos, VP of Marketing & Training for Eye Recommend before co-founding a digital marketing agency for Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, Marketing4ECPs.
Trudi brings an impressive history of business development, international public speaking, venture start-ups, best-selling author, board direction and most recently awarded, 2024 Pyxis Award Winner by the Optical Women’s Association, for outstanding contributions to the growth of leadership of women in optical.
Trudi’s appointment comes at a significant time in the software’s history as it continues to release new artificial intelligence advancements and enhancements to the technology that are the first-of-its-kind in dry eye management. Invented and founded by Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghoul, MD, the main goal of the dry eye software is to make diagnosing and treating dry eye disease more accurate, organized, and efficient for all practices.
“We are excited to have Trudi join our team here at CSI Dry Eye Software and continue our expansion and growth globally.”
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
Delve into the world of night vision technology. From thermal imaging to infrared systems, explore how these innovations improve our ability to see in the dark.
Vision Expo East, organized by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, announces that submissions are now open for the highly anticipated NOW Trend Showcase and Awards at Vision Expo East 2025, taking place in Orlando, FL.
The Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) will take the relevant legal measures to challenge the validity of the government’s ministerial order preventing optometrists in the province from exercising a right to which they are entitled: to opt out of the public health plan.
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
Delve into the world of night vision technology. From thermal imaging to infrared systems, explore how these innovations improve our ability to see in the dark.
Vision Expo East, organized by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, announces that submissions are now open for the highly anticipated NOW Trend Showcase and Awards at Vision Expo East 2025, taking place in Orlando, FL.
The Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) will take the relevant legal measures to challenge the validity of the government’s ministerial order preventing optometrists in the province from exercising a right to which they are entitled: to opt out of the public health plan.
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
Delve into the world of night vision technology. From thermal imaging to infrared systems, explore how these innovations improve our ability to see in the dark.
Vision Expo East, organized by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, announces that submissions are now open for the highly anticipated NOW Trend Showcase and Awards at Vision Expo East 2025, taking place in Orlando, FL.
The Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) will take the relevant legal measures to challenge the validity of the government’s ministerial order preventing optometrists in the province from exercising a right to which they are entitled: to opt out of the public health plan.
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
Delve into the world of night vision technology. From thermal imaging to infrared systems, explore how these innovations improve our ability to see in the dark.
Vision Expo East, organized by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, announces that submissions are now open for the highly anticipated NOW Trend Showcase and Awards at Vision Expo East 2025, taking place in Orlando, FL.
The Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) will take the relevant legal measures to challenge the validity of the government’s ministerial order preventing optometrists in the province from exercising a right to which they are entitled: to opt out of the public health plan.
