By Daniel Breeman
Friday, April 12, 2024 8:30 AM
There is a notable gender imbalance when it comes to eye health. In fact, two-thirds of all blindness and visual impairment occurs in women, according to the
National Eye Institute. Women also have a higher prevalence of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, dry eye, glaucoma, refractive error and thyroid eye disease. According to the
Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health: Vision Beyond 2020 report, this gender imbalance can be attributed to both demographic factors and social factors. As we celebrate Women’s Eye Health and Safely Month during April, the optical industry is shining a light on this issue, with a sharp focus on prevention, education and eliminating the barriers to improved women’s eye health, including greater access to care.
By Daniel Breeman, Mary Kane
Friday, March 22, 2024 8:30 AM
NEW YORK—After nearly four decades of showcasing some of the best eyewear products, eyecare technologies and countless hours of continuing education at Vision Expo in New York City, attendees at this year’s Show soaked in every moment and celebrated Expo East held for the final time at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. More than 450 leading eyewear and eyecare companies showcased their latest products and technologies, and attendees were again treated to VisionEd, the accredited educational program of Vision Expo featuring nearly 200 sessions, new product launches, special events and company anniversary celebrations. Read on for a review of special events and photo highlights from the Show.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, March 8, 2024 8:30 AM
With an eye clearly focused on future scientific leaders, the
National Eye Institute (NEI) is again inviting teens in grades nine through 12 to submit their best videos for the
2024 Eye on the Future teen video contest. Now in its third year, the contest is open to high school students and encourages the next generation of scientists to share why science is essential in today’s world. The deadline to submit videos is April 14, 2024.
By Daniel Breeman
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 1:00 AM
From the Silent Generation to Generation Alpha, consumer attitudes and priorities are consistently shifting as retailers attempt to gain a handle on what makes each group tick and what is important to them when searching for new products. Consumers as young as 10 years and under (Gen Alpha) have their own set of purchasing criteria, such as influencers on social media, while Millennials may presently represent the most powerful and influential consumer group overall.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, February 9, 2024 8:30 AM
With Valentine’s Day just a few short days away on February 14, The National Retail Federation (NRF) reminded the public just how much joy it takes in spending money on gifts for our loved ones, such as flowers, candy and jewelry. In fact, this year’s
NRF annual survey revealed that total spending on significant others for the holiday is expected to reach a record $14.2 billion. Consumers expect to spend $185.81 each on average, nearly $8 more than the average Valentine’s Day spending over the last five years. Read on for some interesting fast facts about today’s holiday shoppers as well as some historical background about the origins of St. Valentine's Day.
By Daniel Breeman
Sunday, February 4, 2024 12:58 AM
The Silent Generation refers to people who were born between 1928 and 1945 and is the smallest generation in the past 100 years. There are approximately 55 million members of the Silent Generation. They lived during the Depression and WWII. Millions made personal sacrifices to defend their country or were engaged in other at-home efforts to support the war.
By Daniel Breeman
Sunday, February 4, 2024 12:57 AM
A Baby Boomer is a person born between 1946 and 1964, and is part of a large generation that continues to have a significant impact on the economy. As Boomers age, the workforce is projected to be older than ever, with many working past retirement age.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, January 12, 2024 8:30 AM
With the start of each New Year comes resolutions for many of us for improved physical and mental health, better financial management, spending more time with loved ones and perhaps finally getting that job or promotion you’ve been seeking. According to a
YouGov survey of American adults conducted in December of 2023, one-third (34 percent) plan to make New Year’s resolutions or set a goal for 2024. Along with making resolutions, the turn of the calendar also dictates that many “experts” share their own personal lists of must-read books for the New Year or the most highly-anticipated movies to hit the screen in 2024. Self-help media of all forms is also high on many lists. Podcasts have become a big part of many Americans’ normal routine and so we asked some optical industry leaders to share their recommended podcasts and blogs, be it industry, business-related or personal.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, December 15, 2023 8:30 AM
‘Tis the season for extended family holiday gatherings and celebrations, which means not just the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and preparations, but for many a chance to get away to visit with loved ones or in some cases simply to take a well-deserved end-of-year vacation. While many preparations go into holiday travel, from securing reservations to making sure the details of family gatherings are set, one item that may not be at the top of everyone’s holiday wish list is taking the time to be sure their eyes and vision stay safe and healthy.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, November 17, 2023 8:30 AM
In just a few days, many of us will gather with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving, a time set aside to be with the ones we love and to remember those close to us that are no longer with us. Serving as the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season (no football pun intended), Thanksgiving is the special day when many of us will begin to dream about the weeks ahead and the continuing festivities. But for one special day this November 23, many of us put aside thoughts of Black Friday shopping to remember all we have to be grateful for in a time of both economic and global instability. In that spirit, we asked some optical industry professionals what they are most thankful for this holiday season, both on a professional and personal level.
By Daniel Breeman
Sunday, October 22, 2023 1:30 AM
NEW YORK—With every passing year, millions of aging Baby Boomers lose some, or all, of their sight due to age-related eye disease. Gen X is not far behind. The fact is that as we live longer due to advances in healthcare, the number of people suffering from low vision and blindness continues to increase. According to 2021 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, 20 percent of all people aged 85 and older in the U.S. experience permanent vision loss. As a result, the need for assistive technologies and improved access to them has never been greater.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, October 20, 2023 8:30 AM
Visual impairment and its impact on mental health and overall quality of life both in adults and children presents many challenges for patients, health care providers and caregivers. Fortunately, it’s an issue that appears to be garnering much-needed attention of late, with resources being developed to aid in this ongoing battle for improved quality of life for patients and their families.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, September 22, 2023 8:30 AM
Cooling temperatures, shorter days and the turning of leaves to bright autumn colors can also bring unwelcomed seasonal allergies, among them ocular allergies that can include irritating symptoms such as red, swollen, or itchy eyes, burning or tearing of the eyes, and an increased sensitivity to light. According to the
American Optometric Association, ocular allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, is one of the most common ocular surface diseases in primary eyecare. Yet allergic conjunctivitis is often unaddressed largely due to its relatively benign nature. The good news for fall eye allergy sufferers is that prevention and treatment for seasonal allergies is well within reach.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, August 25, 2023 8:30 AM
The hopes and dreams of college football fans and school alumni alike kick off on Saturday August 26, also known as Week 0, with a handful of games scheduled. And the more things change, the more they apparently stay the same as two-time defending national champion Georgia enters the 2023 season as the top-ranked team in most preseason polls. The Bulldogs, 29-1 over the past two seasons, are expected to be challenged by the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, Alabama, LSU, USC, Penn State, Florida State, Clemson, Washington, Texas, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Utah and Oregon. Of course, the anticipation of another college football season brings out the fan and weekend warrior in many of us, including those in the optical industry. We asked some optical leaders where their loyalties stand on the gridiron and what their predictions are for the upcoming season.
By Daniel Breeman
Monday, July 31, 2023 8:25 AM
In the broadest sense, “sustainability” may refer to the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. In business, sustainability seeks to prevent the depletion of natural or physical resources, so that they will remain available for the long term. While a specific definition may be difficult to agree on, in 2023, major contact lens companies have all agreed on one thing: the time to implement sustainability initiatives is now.