How Two Cutting Edge Machines Changed Optical History

In discussions of optical industry history, Arthur Lemay’s name doesn’t often come up. Unlike celebrated figures like Bernard Maitenaz, who invented the Varilux lens, or Noel Roscrow, Robert Graham and Rene Grandperret, who played key roles in the development of plastic lenses, or O.W. Coburn, who helped commercialize automated surface generators, Arthur Lemay is relatively unknown. Joe Santinelli has made it his mission to change that. For the past 30 years Joe, the founder of lens finishing equipment maker, Santinelli International, has been waging a one-man campaign to get Arthur Lemay the belated recognition he fervently believes Lemay deserves.

The National Average for Gross Revenue at ECP Locations Decreased for the Week of Nov. 21–27, Jobson’s Latest Practice Performance Tracker Shows

NEW YORK—Due to the Thanksgiving long weekend, the national average for gross revenue at ECP locations decreased significantly last week, Nov. 21–27,  when compared with the previous week at a rate of -42 index points. Despite the decrease, that places gross revenue at a level 4 index points above where it was at this point in time (Week 48) when compared with last year, 2 points above the same period in 2020, and 5 points above 2019, according to Jobson’s most recent Practice Performance Tracker.

NOW by Vision Expo Will Return to Vision Expo East 2023

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council and RX, co-owners of Vision Expo, announce that NOW by Vision Expo, the trends showcase that debuted at Vision Expo East 2022, will return at Vision Expo East 2023, taking place March 16-19, 2023 at the Javits Center in New York City. Expanding on last year’s showcase, which featured eyewear trends, the 2023 trends showcase will also feature new innovations in fashion lenses and lens technologies that are shaping the direction of the industry, in addition to frames.

EssilorLuxottica Pledges $11M in New Technology, Scholarships and Loan Repayments for Optometry Students and Recent Optometry Graduates

NEW YORK—EssilorLuxottica has announced an investment in the future of optometry with an $11 million pledge over the next two years. The funding will go towards scholarship programs to third- and fourth-year optometry students through the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), loan reimbursement to recent graduates and to fund equipment installation in optometry schools, the company said. Through its retail optical brands in North America, including LensCrafters, Target Optical and Pearle Vision, EssilorLuxottica’s commitment will include several programs. The first is the availability of $3 million for loan repayments for recent graduates seeking employment within LensCrafters, Target Optical and Pearle Vision. This allows new doctors the chance to start their careers and build their practice without the added burden of paying off loans. Interested applicants can click here to receive additional information.

STAAR Surgical Opens EVO Experience Center in U.S.

LAKE FOREST, Calif.—STAAR Surgical Company, a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of implantable lenses for the eye, announced the opening of the first company-operated EVO Experience Center at its corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, Calif. EVO ICL and EVO+ ICL are STAAR Surgical's phakic IOLs for myopia and astigmatism. Made from collamer, EVO ICL (Evolution in Visual Freedom) can treat a wide range of refractive error, according to STAAR Surgical. The lens is approved by the FDA.