2nd Annual Canadian Frame Study Reveals Opportunities and Threats

By Staff
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 12:15 AM NEW YORK—The results of the second annual Canadian Frame Market internet study, jointly conducted by VuePoint IDS and Jobson Optical Research, are now available. The 2018 study, building upon the inaugural research conducted in 2017, reveals that eyecare professionals are choosing to be more selective and do business with fewer frame suppliers, according to an announcement from VuePoint IDS. The distribution strength of the top players shows signs of weakening compared to the previous year. Only 2 of the top 10 companies showed gains in distribution.

The Society to Advance Opticianry Names Sam Johnson 2018 Ophthalmic Optician of the Year

By Staff
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 12:15 AM RUIDOSO, N.M.—The Society to Advance Opticianry (SAO) has named Sam Johnson as the 2018 ophthalmic optician of the year. To be considered for this honor an individual must be a member of the Society to Advance Opticianry, cannot be a voting member of the society’s board and must have shown leadership in advancing the scope of practice of opticiary during the prior year. During the past year, Johnson served as the chairman of the SAO’s refraction committee where he brought the certification of opticians as “ophthalmic refractionist” to be a potential future certification through the ABO/NCLE.

U.K.’s Federation of Manufacturing Opticians Announces Upcoming Retirement of CEO, Bryony Pawinska

By Staff
Thursday, February 8, 2018 12:15 AM LONDON—The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO), a U.K.-based association, announced the upcoming retirement of Bryony Pawinska, its chief executive, effective at the end of May. Pawinska joined FMO in January 2016 to work as part-time CEO following her retirement from full-time employment as chief executive of the College of Optometrists. Andy Yorke, FMO chair said, “We will be very sorry to see Bryony go although we understand her desire to retire after a long and successful career. 

Canadian Judge Rules Against Online Retailer Clearly

By Staff
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 12:27 AM TORONTO—A Canadian judge has ruled in favor of two Ontario regulatory colleges that have filed lawsuit seeking to prevent Essilor’s Canadian online retail company, Clearly, from dispensing prescription eyewear over the internet. The College of Optometrists and the College of Opticians, both located here, jointly filed the application in December 2016. A hearing was held on Oct.11, 2017, and Justice Thomas Lederer delivered his decision on Jan. 11, 2018. In a message to its members, The College of Optometrists said, “Although we are still reviewing the decision in detail, we are pleased that the court has agreed with the position of the colleges on the questions we brought forward.

Cristall Opticians Caters to Customers Through a Personal Touch

By Jamie Wilson
Monday, December 18, 2017 12:10 AM TORONTO, Ontario—Sister duo Gina Dressler-Kay and Alison Dressler-Adler, co-owners of Cristall Opticians, an independent boutique located here, hosted their first trunk show 30 years ago and are still going strong. With over 60 years of experience in the optical industry between the both of them, Gina and Alison understand the importance of not only providing top quality optics to their customers, but also a personalized experience for their clientele.

What Goes Around Comes Around: The Revival of Vintage

By Staff
Monday, December 18, 2017 12:10 AM NEW YORK—Vintage Eyewear is certainly nothing new, but there is an undeniable shift with consumers desiring accessories that tap into the vein of vintage. Whether inspired by a specific period in time or a revival of a classic style, the growing passion for vintage is definitely having its moment in the sun again.

Jobson Research’s 2017 ECP Compensation Study Now Available

By Staff
Monday, November 27, 2017 12:18 AM NEW YORK—For a portrait of professional compensation for eyecare professionals, including dispensing staff and office managers, Jobson Research’s 2017 ECP Compensation Study is now available.

Florida Optician Thanks Vendors for Hurricane Irma Relief Efforts

By Staff
Thursday, October 26, 2017 3:29 PM The following "thank-you note" came to Vision Monday from Stanley Ehlin, a licensed optician at Island Vision Care in Marathon, Fla. The practice can be reached at islandvisioncare@gmail.com.

Opticians Ponder the Future of the Profession at OptiCon Conference

By Staff
Wednesday, October 18, 2017 12:15 AM LAKE BUENA, Fla.—"I believe the future visit to the optician might be more like a trip to the Apple Store," declared Ted Gioia during his keynote speech at the annual OptiCon Conference held here from Oct. 6 to 8.

OptiCon to Join Vision Expo Starting March, 2018

By Staff
Friday, October 6, 2017 8:15 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Vision Expo and OptiCon have formed a partnership to bring what is billed as “the industry’s premier opticianry and contact lens fitters education program” to “the largest gathering of eyewear and eyecare professionals in the Americas.”

Local Eye Site Launches New Website Update for Better User Experience

By Staff
Monday, May 29, 2017 12:18 AM RALEIGH, N.C.—Local Eye Site, an online employment site for eyecare professionals, recently launched the newest version of their website.

Opticians Association of America Names Shire its State Leader of the Year

By Staff
Friday, March 24, 2017 12:21 AM LAKELAND, Tenn.—The Opticians Association of America announced that Sue Shire of Michigan has been named the 2017 OAA State Leader of the Year.

Optical Groups in Ohio Oppose Consolidation of Regulatory Boards

By Staff
Wednesday, December 7, 2016 12:21 AM COLUMBUS, Ohio—Separate bills in the state legislature here propose a consolidation of several health-related regulatory boards—including the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board (OODB) and state Board of Optometry—under a new structure.

USC’s Roski Eye Institute to Launch Certified Ophthalmic Education Program

By Staff
Monday, December 5, 2016 12:27 AM LOS ANGELES—The University of Southern California (USC) Roski Eye Institute will offer the first educational program in California to train certified ophthalmic technicians beginning January, 2017.

Alcon to Host Local Multifocal Contact Lens Fitting Event Today in Memphis

By Staff
Monday, November 28, 2016 12:11 AM MEMPHIS—Alcon is hosting a training event today at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis to help eyecare professionals become more successful in fitting multifocal contact lenses.