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

By Staff
Thursday, October 17, 2024 12:24 AM 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.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists Raises Awareness About the Myopia Epidemic Among Children

By Staff
Friday, October 4, 2024 12:24 AM OTTAWA, Ontario—The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) has announced the release of a new national campaign to raise awareness about myopia, and to enlighten parents and caregivers about the crucial significance of annual eye exams for children. Several provincial associations of optometrists and sponsors from the industry, including Alcon, CooperVison and SunPharma Canada, have joined and supported the campaign, according to the announcement. As a visual condition currently affecting 30 percent of the population, myopia has evolved into a global public health crisis, according to the CAO.

Prevent Blindness Unites With IAPB and Other Organizations in Support of 2024 World Sight Day

By Staff
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 12:18 AM CHICAGO—Prevent Blindness, a nonprofit eye health and safety organization, announced that it is uniting with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and its member organizations around the world in support of World Sight Day.

Optical Women’s Association Announces International Expansion Committee, Global Connection Event at Silmo Paris

By Staff
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 12:21 AM DALLAS—The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has announced the formation of an International Expansion Committee, bringing the association beyond U.S. borders and expanding its membership to impact women’s lives globally. The OWA also announced it will host the “OWA Global Connection Event,” at Silmo on Friday, September 20, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Slimo Talks stage on the show floor.

The Vision Council Launches Its Foundation, Names Abigail Crosby as Partnership and Business Development Manager

By Staff
Monday, August 12, 2024 12:24 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council announced the launch of The Vision Council Foundation, its philanthropic arm that aims to expand the knowledge, access and opportunities needed for professionals and consumers alike to make informed decisions about eye health. A new website consolidates programming and resources and now serves as a single central hub for education, research and marketing tools, the group announced. In addition, the group announced that Abigail Crosby has been hired as the Foundation’s partnership and business development manager, with the goal of strengthening ties with donors to create and enhance the relationships and revenue streams that underpin programming.

Prevent Blindness Declares August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

By Staff
Monday, August 5, 2024 12:21 AM CHICAGO—Prevent Blindness has declared August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. According to the group, the goal is to educate parents, caregivers, professionals and policy makers on the important role vision and eye health plays in a child’s development, learning ability and social engagement.

Meet VM’s 2024 ‘Class’ of Most Influential Women in Optical

By Mary Kane
Friday, August 2, 2024 8:30 AM NEWARK, N.J.—The 22nd edition of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optical feature brings a class of leaders, changemakers and trailblazers who are as impressive and exciting as it gets. This past week, Vision Monday announced its 2024 roster of 40 women of accomplishment who were selected by VM’s editors from several hundred submissions. For this year’s Annual Report, VM considered women who are making a difference in the following five categories: Executive Suite, Rising Stars, Mentors, Innovators and Above & Beyond.

PECAA Announces 2024 Fall Education Lineup for ECPs

By Staff
Thursday, August 1, 2024 12:18 AM BOCA RATON, Fla.—As part of Professional Eye Care Associates of America’s commitment to helping independent eyecare professionals build profitable practices, the group announced that registration is now open for a suite of fall 2024 education programs designed to expand doctor and staff knowledge in a variety of essential practice areas.

The Vision Council Foundation Touts Record Number of Opening Your Eyes Scholarship Fund Recipients

By Staff
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 12:15 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council Foundation has announced a record-breaking number of opticianry school graduates who benefited from scholarships this year, setting a new record for the organization.

New inSights Research From The Vision Council Reveals More Than One-Third of Eyewear Users Neglect Proper Care

By Staff
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 12:27 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council released its latest research report, Focused inSights Eyewear Accessories, providing comprehensive data into American adults' behaviors, preferences and purchasing patterns related to eyewear accessories. The report sheds light on the usage and maintenance habits surrounding various eyewear accessories and underscores the importance of proper care and storage of eyewear products to ensure optimal vision, according to the announcement from The Vision Council. The survey highlights a variety of eyewear accessories, including eyeglasses cases, eyeglass chains/lanyards, microfiber cloths, eyeglasses replacement/sizing nose pads, lens cleaning wipes, lens cleaning solution, contact lens cases, contact lens solution and lubricant eye drops.

The Vision Council Issues a Total Solar Eclipse Guide Titled, ‘Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies’

By Staff
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 12:24 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council, a nonprofit association with members spanning the optical industry, represents the U.S. during the creation and maintenance of international optical industry technical standards by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), including ISO 12312-2, the standard that all “filters for the direct observation of the sun” should meet. “Industry standards help protect both manufacturers and consumers; they ensure everyone is aware of the minimum safety requirements necessary to preserve one of humanity’s most critical senses—sight,” said Michael Vitale, VP of membership, government relations and technical standards at The Vision Council. “Check that your eclipse glasses are marked with ISO 12312-2 and keep your eyes safe while viewing this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

It’s a Wrap as Optical Industry Celebrates Grand Finale of Vision Expo East in NYC

By Staff
Monday, March 25, 2024 12:24 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 an Expo East that was held for the final time at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Vision Expo East 2024 Concludes Final Show in NYC and Sets Its Sights on a Bright Future in Orlando

By Staff
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 12:27 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Vision Expo East 2024 concluded on Sunday, March 17, following three days of new product discovery, innovative discussions, accredited education sessions, networking events and business meetings. Celebrating nearly 40 years at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from March 14–17, Vision Expo East convened thousands of eyecare professionals, buyers, students and sellers representing all facets of the optical and vision care industry. Among the highlights were the second annual NOW Awards, standing room-only presentations of breakthrough technologies and trending fashion, in-depth market research revelations, enjoyable musical performances and explosive product launches.

Vision Expo East Concludes Show and Historic Residency in New York City

By Staff
Sunday, March 17, 2024 12:33 AM NEW YORK—As Vision Expo East 2024 wraps up today, the organizers of Vision Expo, The Vision Council and RX, would like to thank all supporters, attendees and exhibitors for their enthusiasm, hard work and commitment that has made the Show so successful this year, and for the last few decades. We thank the Javits Center and the city of New York for its unwavering support and hospitality, empowering us to host and execute one of the world’s best events for the eyecare and eyewear industry.

Vision Expo East 2024 Continues With Engaging Programming and Entertainment

By Staff
Saturday, March 16, 2024 12:33 AM NEW YORK—Welcome back to Vision Expo East 2024, where the excitement continues as we delve deeper into a world of innovation, education and camaraderie. Today, Saturday, March 16, promises to be another extraordinary day packed with special events and enriching educational opportunities, both on and off the Show floor. As we kick off Day 2, explore today’s robust lineup of events and activities. On the Show Floor, the Bridge programming begins at 9:45 a.m. with RestoringVision's session “Doing Good is Good for Business.” Following this, at 10:15 a.m., the National Optometric Association will delve into the crucial topic of Physician Burn Out.