By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Friday, April 5, 2024 8:30 AM
All eyes will be on the sky on Monday, April 8, as North America experiences the first total solar eclipse since 2017. The event will offer sky gazers a chance to experience a total solar eclipse throughout most of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and will be the last time a solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous U.S. until 2044. Making sure people view the eclipse safely is the top priority of eyecare specialists and optical industry leaders, who have spent the last few months sharing tips and resources to reduce the chances of eye damage during the event.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Friday, March 15, 2024 8:30 AM
On April 8, millions of people will have their eyes on the sky for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a rare total solar eclipse that will be visible throughout North America as it passes across Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. The April eclipse will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. until 2044. Experts estimate that the solar eclipse will cover a lot of ground and has the potential to be viewed by millions of people. For several months, optical safety experts have been sounding the alarm about the upcoming eclipse, warning eyecare providers and their patients to take steps to avoid significant eye damage.
By Sarah McGoldrick / Contributing Editor
Sunday, March 3, 2024 2:05 AM
Today’s optical industry landscape may seem like it’s changing daily with the integration of artificial intelligence technology and better products to treat eye conditions. Providing the highest level of care to patients requires that eyecare professionals (ECPs) stay current and continue to learn about the latest innovations and technological advancements. For many ECPs, this means regularly updating continuing education credits and participating in training and courses provided by their optical partners.
By Sarah McGoldrick / Contributing Editor
Sunday, March 3, 2024 2:04 AM
In 2022,
Hoya introduced the Hoya Learning Center. The platform was designed to be used by clients who had sold lenses within the previous calendar year, making it easy to stay on top of the newest offerings and innovations from the Hoya team.
By Sarah McGoldrick / Contributing Editor
Sunday, March 3, 2024 2:02 AM
EssilorLuxottica has been on the forefront of ECP education, offering training and education opportunities about all their products. In May 2021, this was expanded with the launch of Leonardo, a global learning ecosystem with the goal of making high-quality education accessible to everyone in the eyecare and eyewear industry in a community setting.
By Sarah McGoldrick / Contributing Editor
Sunday, March 3, 2024 2:01 AM
When choosing the right learning platform, ECPs want to be sure they are getting resources that will help grow their practice. VSP Premier Edge Training and Education, formerly VSP Premier Academy360, has been a trusted and doctor-vetted training and education source that has helped elevate private practices for nearly 5 years. The platform offers educational resources tailored specifically for
VSP network doctors and staff.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Friday, February 23, 2024 8:30 AM
With March just around the corner, eyecare professionals (ECPs) are focusing their attention on Workplace Eye Awareness Month. Each year, thousands of Americans experience some form of workplace eye injury. These types of injuries can be the result of many things, ranging from chemical spills to sharp objects. Many ECPs are also trying to educate their patients about the risks of spending too many hours in front of the computer, which can cause digital eyestrain. According to the
American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 25,000 Americans are sent to the emergency room each year with a workplace eye injury.
By Sarah McGoldrick / Contributing Editor
Sunday, February 4, 2024 1:03 AM
The optical industry has never been more competitive. Consumers want the most advanced and effective technology, while eyecare providers want to ensure this is delivered on-time and with the highest level of patient satisfaction. Operating in this environment, optical labs need to ensure that the products they are producing are accurate, easily adaptable and error-free. Arizona-based GSRx recently upgraded its 12,000 square foot facility to ensure that they tick all three of these boxes.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Friday, January 26, 2024 8:30 AM
As the U.S. population ages, the number of Americans with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) continues to rise. A recent study published in
JAMA Ophthalmology,
The Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the U.S. in 2019, found that the number of Americans with age-related macular degeneration has risen to nearly 20 million people. This is nearly three times previous estimates. There are many new treatment options available that, with early detection, can help slow the progression and make living with AMD easier for patients and their families. This is why eyecare professionals around the world are boosting their education programs to keep patients in the know when it comes to AMD diagnosis and treatment. Here are descriptions of some of those efforts posted on Instagram by ECPs.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Friday, December 8, 2023 8:30 AM
During the winter months, your eyes can be at increased risk for injury. Despite the sun spending more time hidden behind clouds and shorter days, vision health can still be at risk due to Ultraviolet rays. This is also known as snow blindness and many people who live in northern climates are at risk. There is also an increased risk for developing photokeratitis, a condition resulting from exposure to ultraviolet light or man-made sources such as UV lamps. Today, sports enthusiasts use modern snow goggles featuring the latest sun blocking technology to protect their eyes. ECPs are working with their patients, both in-office and online, to educate and provide the right resources to prevent photokeratitis including helping them better identify the warning signs.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Sunday, November 26, 2023 2:00 AM
NEW YORK—Each year, millions of Americans suffer severe eye injuries and even blindness associated with workplace accidents. According to 2023 Bureau of Labor statistics, there were 18,510 eye-related injury or illness cases that resulted in at least one day away from work in 2020, leading to an incidence rate of 1.7 cases per 10,000 full-time workers.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Sunday, November 26, 2023 1:59 AM
The shift to provide workers with better protection on the job has been felt at Hoya. The SafeVision by
Hoya program has seen a post-COVID surge in growth as employees head back to in-person manufacturing jobs. “There has been a significant shift across a multitude of industries to ensure that workers are well-protected while on the job, even across many job functions where safety eyewear has not been historically required,” said Bruce Scott, vice president of Hoya Global Safety and Hoya wholesale division.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Sunday, November 26, 2023 1:58 AM
Art-Craft has been a pioneer in prescription safety eyewear for more than 25 years. The USA Workforce Collection and recently added Hudson Safety Line feature plastic and metal frames for men and women with tasteful styling and fashionable colors, something that has continuously driven business growth.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Sunday, November 26, 2023 1:57 AM
Bollé Safety launched the Corporate Safety Rx program in 2023 to meet the needs of their industrial customers and expand their customer base.