Andrew Karp, Group Editor, Lenses & Technology
Andrew has reported on many facets of the optical industry for
Vision Monday and
20/20 Magazine since 1987. He specializes in covering the latest developments in ophthalmic dispensing, spectacle lenses and treatments, lens processing technology, optical laboratories and wearable technology. Andrew edits
VMail Technology, a weekly e-newsletter that spotlights new products, software and online applications for labs and dispensers. He helps plan and produce Vision Monday’s annual Global Leadership Summit. Contact Andrew at
akarp@jobson.com.
By Andrew Karp
Monday, December 17, 2018 12:30 AM
I’ve never spent much time on farms. But I know a silo when I see it. I spotted one the other day at my doctor’s office. The receptionist handed me an iPad and asked to enter my medical history. Height and weight. Major illnesses and surgeries. What medications do you take? Are you a smoker?
By Andrew Karp
Monday, July 9, 2018 12:00 AM
How many progressive lens designs do you think are on the market today? 25? 50? 150? Actually, more than 350 different PALs (Progressive Addition Lenses) are now available, according to The Vision Council. That’s an astounding amount of variety, even taking into account the knock offs and older designs still out there.
By Andrew Karp
Monday, March 12, 2018 12:00 AM
One of my most valuable takeaways from CES 2018 was realizing the variety and sophistication of assistive technology for blind or visually impaired people that is now available. Mixed in among the smart devices, self-driving cars and wearable tech were innovative products and systems designed to help blind or visually impaired people be more independent. Here are three example
By Andrew Karp
Monday, November 13, 2017 12:00 AM
Last week’s observance of Veteran’s Day got me thinking not only about the crucial role our armed forces play in wartime, but in peacetime as well. In particular, the military, because of its enormous size and vast resources, is a catalyst for change in many fields, not the least of which is vision technology.
By Andrew Karp
Friday, November 10, 2017 12:42 PM
NEW YORK—Today is Veteran’s Day, the federal holiday when Americans formally recognize the contributions of those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. But what about the contributions of the vision care professionals who care for our veterans? Don’t they deserve some recognition, too?
By Andrew Karp, Group Editor, Lenses & Technology
Thursday, October 5, 2017 12:27 PM
NEW YORK—For many people, having their vision corrected for the first time can be a profoundly life-changing experience. In my case, though, there was no “wow” moment. I only began wearing glasses in my mid-30s, and looking through the lenses felt strange for the first few weeks. I recall being conscious of the frame, a solid object that now circumscribed my view. But within a month the sensations went away, and soon the glasses felt natural.
By Andrew Karp
Monday, July 17, 2017 12:00 AM
It was 30 years ago this week that I first walked into the offices of Vision Monday, which was then a scrappy start-up whose mission was to cover optical industry business news. I’ve never left.
By Andrew Karp
Monday, June 19, 2017 12:00 AM
“Sony is developing a smart contact lens which can record videos and play them back.”—Hashem Al-Ghaili, www.facebook.com/sciencenaturepage.
akarp@jobson.com
By Andrew Karp
Monday, May 15, 2017 12:00 AM
“A set of snap-together glasses designed by Rice University students will help show patients how their vision could deteriorate over time due to diabetic retinopathy.” akarp@jobson.com
By Andrew Karp
Monday, April 24, 2017 12:00 AM
“Companies should consider inclusion of its in-house counsel and HR in discussions about AI integration into the workplace.”— Sarah Moore, in Crain’s Cleveland Business akarp@jobson.com
By Andrew Karp
Monday, March 27, 2017 12:30 AM
I was in London recently to visit Moorfields Eye Hospital. Although it’s the oldest eye hospital in the world, there is nothing antique about it.
By Andrew Karp
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 1:58 PM
HARD ROCK CAFE—Guitar. Check. Guitar picks, medium gauge. Check. A pack of new guitar strings. Check. Head backstage at the Hard Rock Cafe with
VM’s own Andy Karp as he preps for optical’s big gig next Saturday night—the Rockin’ For New Eyes benefit concert. The supporting cast includes five bands and 38 musicians from all walks of optical industry life. Check out who’s performing and why. Click
here to read the latest edition of
VMail Weekend.
By Andrew Karp
Monday, March 13, 2017 12:00 AM
“AI’s impact on the business world in the next three to five years will be ‘massive—but also massively unpredictable.’”—Intel’s Joe Curley, in AIBusiness.com.” akarp@jobson.com
By Andrew Karp
Tuesday, February 14, 2017 12:00 AM
“Harmful blue light protection is valued across generations, but is less top-of-mind for Boomers.”—Transitions Optical’s 2017 Employee Perceptions of Vision Benefits survey akarp@jobson.com
By Andrew Karp
Monday, January 16, 2017 12:00 AM
“Artificial intelligence (AI) is the 21st century equivalent of electricity and the internet.”—AI Trends newsletter akarp@jobson.com