By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Friday, May 3, 2024 8:30 AM
A cross-disciplinary team of researchers and doctors at the
University of Waterloo (UW) are developing a new contact lens material that could change the way eyecare providers treat corneal wounds. The team, from the
Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE), located within the School of Optometry & Vision Science and the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University, believe the new material, acting as a bandage for corneal wounds, could release drugs in a controlled manner to help the eye heal faster.
By Sarah McGoldrick / Contributing Editor
Sunday, April 14, 2024 2:45 AM
This year, Cherry Optical Lab is marking 25 years as a successful, family-owned, independent optical lab. During that time, the Green Bay, Wisconsin-based wholesaler has established an enviable reputation for its excellent quality of work and forward-looking approach to technology.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Sunday, April 14, 2024 1:54 AM
NEW YORK—Heading into the afternoon sessions and before a break for lunch, Jim Rowan, principal at
Deloitte Consulting LLP, shared his insights into how to weave AI into daily business operations. In his presentation titled, “How to Build an AI Team,” he noted that generative AI is transforming the way the optical industry does business, from diagnostics to managing patient interactions and marketing, suggesting that AI is seemingly making it easier to enhance the patient experience.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Sunday, April 14, 2024 1:53 AM
NEW YORK—One of the greatest challenges businesses face in today’s age of artificial intelligence is finding the right balance between technology and human interaction. Hitting on this equilibrium was the focus of Liza Amlani’s session with her lunch-time presentation titled, “Keeping the Customer In Focus: Clienteling for Retail Eyewear.” As the principal and founder of the
Retail Strategy Group, Amlani has used her experience to help businesses improve profitability and organizational effectiveness by using the latest technology and most provocative retail trends.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Friday, April 5, 2024 8:30 AM
All eyes will be on the sky on Monday, April 8, as North America experiences the first total solar eclipse since 2017. The event will offer sky gazers a chance to experience a total solar eclipse throughout most of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and will be the last time a solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous U.S. until 2044. Making sure people view the eclipse safely is the top priority of eyecare specialists and optical industry leaders, who have spent the last few months sharing tips and resources to reduce the chances of eye damage during the event.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Friday, March 15, 2024 8:30 AM
On April 8, millions of people will have their eyes on the sky for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a rare total solar eclipse that will be visible throughout North America as it passes across Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. The April eclipse will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. until 2044. Experts estimate that the solar eclipse will cover a lot of ground and has the potential to be viewed by millions of people. For several months, optical safety experts have been sounding the alarm about the upcoming eclipse, warning eyecare providers and their patients to take steps to avoid significant eye damage.
By Sarah McGoldrick / Contributing Editor
Sunday, March 3, 2024 2:05 AM
Today’s optical industry landscape may seem like it’s changing daily with the integration of artificial intelligence technology and better products to treat eye conditions. Providing the highest level of care to patients requires that eyecare professionals (ECPs) stay current and continue to learn about the latest innovations and technological advancements. For many ECPs, this means regularly updating continuing education credits and participating in training and courses provided by their optical partners.
By Sarah McGoldrick / Contributing Editor
Sunday, March 3, 2024 2:04 AM
In 2022,
Hoya introduced the Hoya Learning Center. The platform was designed to be used by clients who had sold lenses within the previous calendar year, making it easy to stay on top of the newest offerings and innovations from the Hoya team.
By Sarah McGoldrick / Contributing Editor
Sunday, March 3, 2024 2:03 AM
Zeiss Academy was introduced by
Zeiss in 2023.
VMAIL first
reported about this exciting new learning platform, as the company was being updated to better serve the needs of participants. Today, it is used by thousands of ECPs across the country to tap into resources that benefit both their practices and patients.
By Sarah McGoldrick / Contributing Editor
Sunday, March 3, 2024 2:02 AM
EssilorLuxottica has been on the forefront of ECP education, offering training and education opportunities about all their products. In May 2021, this was expanded with the launch of Leonardo, a global learning ecosystem with the goal of making high-quality education accessible to everyone in the eyecare and eyewear industry in a community setting.
By Sarah McGoldrick / Contributing Editor
Sunday, March 3, 2024 2:01 AM
When choosing the right learning platform, ECPs want to be sure they are getting resources that will help grow their practice. VSP Premier Edge Training and Education, formerly VSP Premier Academy360, has been a trusted and doctor-vetted training and education source that has helped elevate private practices for nearly 5 years. The platform offers educational resources tailored specifically for
VSP network doctors and staff.
By Sarah McGoldrick, Contributing Editor
Friday, February 23, 2024 8:30 AM
With March just around the corner, eyecare professionals (ECPs) are focusing their attention on Workplace Eye Awareness Month. Each year, thousands of Americans experience some form of workplace eye injury. These types of injuries can be the result of many things, ranging from chemical spills to sharp objects. Many ECPs are also trying to educate their patients about the risks of spending too many hours in front of the computer, which can cause digital eyestrain. According to the
American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 25,000 Americans are sent to the emergency room each year with a workplace eye injury.
By Sarah McGoldrick / Contributing Editor
Sunday, February 4, 2024 1:03 AM
The optical industry has never been more competitive. Consumers want the most advanced and effective technology, while eyecare providers want to ensure this is delivered on-time and with the highest level of patient satisfaction. Operating in this environment, optical labs need to ensure that the products they are producing are accurate, easily adaptable and error-free. Arizona-based GSRx recently upgraded its 12,000 square foot facility to ensure that they tick all three of these boxes.
By Sarah McGoldrick
Sunday, February 4, 2024 12:56 AM
Gen X has been transforming the way people buy goods for more than 50 years. Also known as the “Me Generation” or “The Forgotten Generation,” Gen Xers were the first to take consumption to a higher level, coming of age in the Guess and Calvin Klein era.