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

By Staff
Monday, October 21, 2024 12:24 AM 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.

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

By Staff
Friday, October 18, 2024 12:21 AM 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.

Vision Monday Launches Survey to Gauge the Effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on the Industry

By Staff
Thursday, October 17, 2024 12:15 AM NEWARK, N.J.—Due to the devastating effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the U.S., Vision Monday has launched a survey to gauge the effects of the hurricanes on the optical industry. Click here to let us know how your business has been affected by these two historic hurricanes. If your company or organization is providing disaster relief to the optical community, we want to hear from you too. Stay tuned to VMAIL for results of the survey.

In Hurricane Aftermath, AOA Reports That Donations to Support Doctors, Students Surpasses $233,000

By Staff
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 12:24 AM ST. LOUIS—The American Optometric Association (AOA) announced yesterday that it has received more than $233,000 in combined individual and industry donations following an appeal made just about 2 weeks ago to help support doctors and students in hurricane-impacted areas. Soon after Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Southeastern U.S., the AOA Foundation issued its emergency appeal to the optical community for donations to its Optometry’s Fund for Disaster Relief (OFDR), which provides support to optometrists, and optometry students, affected by disaster. The request for relief, made in early October, was soon extended to those impacted by Hurrican Milton last week. Since the inception of the OFDR in 2005, the group noted, it has issued more than $1,000,000 in grants.

World Sight Day 2024 Is Embraced by the Optical Community With a Focus on Children’s Eye Health

By Staff
Monday, October 14, 2024 12:24 AM NEWARK, N.J.—The optical community came together last week on October 10 in honor of World Sight Day (WSD), marking the celebration, held annually on the second Thursday of the month, with joyous and awareness-raising events worldwide, coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). With the theme “Love Your Eyes,” events in the U.S. and across the globe included almost 200 IAPB member organizations as well as eyecare organizations, industry and eyecare professionals with a focus on the unique needs of children’s vision and eye health.

Vision Monday Launches Survey to Gauge the Effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on the Industry

By Staff
Friday, October 11, 2024 12:15 AM NEWARK, N.J.—Due to the devastating effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the U.S., Vision Monday has launched a survey to gauge the effects of the hurricanes on the optical industry. Click here to let us know how your business has been affected by these two historic hurricanes. If your company or organization is providing disaster relief to the optical community, we want to hear from you too. Stay tuned to VMAIL for results of the survey.

Artificial Intelligence Program Reaches Standing-Room-Only Audience at Vision Expo West

By Staff
Monday, October 7, 2024 12:18 AM LAS VEGAS—Eyecare professionals overflowed the room at the Venetian Resort for “The Artificial Intelligence Revolution: Practical Applications in Eye Care Today” hosted by Jobson on Sept. 18, 2024. They attended to learn from the experts what Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are already available for ECPs and how they are revolutionizing eyecare now and will continue to do so into the future. The event was sponsored by Founding Sponsors Advancing Eyecare, Alcon, EssilorLuxottica and Topcon Healthcare; and Supporting Sponsors Barti, CSI Dry Eye Software, Dr. Contact Lens and Neurolens.

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.

Eyecare Providers Put the Focus on Education During October's Eye Injury Prevention Month

By Staff
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 12:15 AM FARMERS BRANCH, Texas—October marks Eye Injury Prevention Month, and Eyemart Express is partnering with its network of optometrists to highlight the proactive steps that people can take to prevent injuries and preserve their vision.

A Busy Vision Expo West 2024 Wraps Up in Las Vegas

By Staff
Friday, September 27, 2024 8:30 AM LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Vision Expo West 2024, a four-day conference and exhibition held here at The Venetian Expo for eyewear and eyecare professionals, wrapped up its event on September 21, after drawing what organizers The Vision Council and RX estimate to be more than 10,000 industry professionals from 98 countries. Opening this year on September 18, Vision Expo West 2024 showcased the latest innovations across 103,000 square feet of exhibit space, and immersed attendees in cutting-edge advancements in lens technology, diagnostic tools and practice management solutions throughout the Show.

Vision Expo West 2024 Shows Strength in Sales, Technology and Innovation Sectors

By Staff
Thursday, September 26, 2024 12:24 AM NORWALK, Conn.—Vision Expo West 2024, a premier conference and exhibition held at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas for eyewear and eyecare professionals, wrapped up its event on September 21 after drawing more than 10,000 industry professionals from 98 countries, show organizers The Vision Council and RX stated. Opening this year on September 18, Vision Expo West 2024 showcased the latest innovations across 103,000 square feet of exhibit space, and immersed attendees in cutting-edge advancements in lens technology, diagnostic tools and practice management solutions throughout the four-day show.

As Expo Comes to a Close, Focus Shifts to Next Generation of ECPs

By Staff
Saturday, September 21, 2024 12:24 AM LAS VEGAS—As Vision Expo West 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. Today, students and young professionals are encouraged to check out the Career Resource Center from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Located at the Innovation Stage, the Career Resource Center is a dynamic hub dedicated to connecting students, recent graduates and other professionals with leading companies in the eyecare industry that are actively recruiting.

Expo West: Where Innovation Meets Insight and Connections

By Staff
Friday, September 20, 2024 12:24 AM LAS VEGAS—Vision Expo West 2024 continues today with an impressive line-up of special events and education, both on and off the Show Floor. On the Innovation Stage, the day's schedule starts with The Vision Council All Member Meeting at 8:00 a.m. This is followed by a session on AI in optometry, "How Can AI Compliment Your Practice vs. Being a Threat," from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. Then, at 11:00 a.m., Johnson & Johnson presents a discussion on Cultural Competency in Eyecare.

Vision Expo West 2024 Kicks Off in Las Vegas

By Staff
Thursday, September 19, 2024 12:18 AM LAS VEGAS—Vision Expo West 2024 has just begun at The Venetian Convention & Expo Center in Las Vegas. We extend a warm welcome to all attendees on behalf of the show organizers, The Vision Council and RX. This year's event boasts over 350 exhibiting companies on the lively show floor, premieres the brand new Visionaries Unveiled series, introduces the “Flaunt the Frame” eyewear fashion show series on the Innovation Stage Thursday and Friday hosted by Eyecare Business, offers enhanced education opportunities, streamlines the attendee experience, and presents an exciting lineup of engaging sessions and energetic events centered around buzzworthy industry topics.

Jobson Optical Research Releases ECP Income Study

By Staff
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 12:15 AM NEWARK, N.J.—Jobson Optical Research has released its ECP Income Study, offering insights on what ECPs are earning across the country. This extensive study shares the average income for optometrists, opticians/dispensers and optical office managers in the U.S. A full comparison of males vs. females is broken out across all demographics. Jobson Optical Research polled its internal database of ECPs for the study.