Golden Opportunity Award Opens 2024-2025 Application Period to Support Emerging Optometrists

ST. LOUIS—The AOA Foundation, in collaboration with PERC Alliance, has announced the second annual Golden Opportunity Award, an initiative that continues to honor the legacy of the late Dr. David Golden by providing substantial support to emerging optometric professionals. From now through Jan. 15, 2025, applications will be accepted for this distinguished award, which aims to empower up to three optometrists with $50,000 each to help them establish their first independent practice, according to the announcement.

Prevalence of Glaucoma Among U.S. Adults Is Higher Than Previously Estimated, New Study Finds

CHICAGO—A new study titled “Prevalence of Glaucoma Among U.S. Adults in 2022” and published in JAMA Ophthalmology has found that approximately 4.22 million people in the United States have glaucoma (1.62 percent of adults aged 18 and older), and 1.49 million people (0.57 percent of adults aged 18 and older) have vision-affecting glaucoma, with substantial variation in prevalence across demographic subgroups, U.S. states, and counties. Among those aged 40 and older, 2.56 percent have glaucoma and 0.91 percent have vision-affecting glaucoma. Previous estimates of glaucoma prevalence published in 2016 were 2.1 percent of adults aged 40 years and older and did not include estimates for those under 40 years old, or estimates of vision-affecting glaucoma, according to information about the study that was also shared by Prevent Blindness.

EssilorLuxottica Reports 4 Percent Revenue Growth in 2024 Third Quarter, Touts Recent Acquisitions and Anticipated Launch of Nuance Audio

PARIS—EssilorLuxottica held its third quarter/9-month earnings call yesterday, announcing consolidated revenue of €6,437 million for the third quarter of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 4.0 percent at constant exchange rates compared with the same period last year. In the first nine months of 2024, reported revenue was €19,727 million, up 4.9 percent versus the same period of 2023, backed up by what the company identified as positive growth across all channels and regions. According to the company, the third quarter delivered solid top line growth among all regions and channels, although they noted that overall growth was hindered by the volatile market in China and continued weak sunglass sales in the U.S.

Registration for THE Myopia Meeting in Markham, Greater Toronto Is Open

MARKHAM, Ontario—Based on its past success and popularity, THE Myopia Meeting is returning to Canada for a full-day event in Markham, located in the Greater Toronto area, on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Registration is now open. THE Myopia Meeting provides attendees the opportunity to focus on myopia management with a full day of COPE continuing education courses presented by experts in the field, as well as intermittent manufacturer clinical reviews and networking opportunities.

Registration Opens for IDOC's Annual Conference, The Connection 2025

ROUND ROCK, Texas—IDOC, an independent, service-focused alliance supporting more than 3,200 independent ODs, has announced that its annual conference, The Connection, is scheduled for February 13-16, 2025, at the Kalahari Resort located here. The theme, “Ignite Your Vision,” was designed to spark innovative ideas and strategies for independent optometrists, optical staff and practice managers across the country, according to the group. The Connection offers members and prospective members a chance to grow, innovate, and connect, IDOC said.