The National Average for Gross Revenue at ECP Locations Increased for the Week of Sept. 11–17, Jobson’s Latest Practice Performance Tracker Shows

NEW YORK—The national average for gross revenue at ECP locations increased last week, Sept.11–17, when compared with the previous week at a rate of 20 index points. That places gross revenue at a level 4 index points above where it was at this point in time (Week 38) when compared with last year (2022), 14 points above the same period in 2021, 4 points above 2020 and 17 points above 2019, according to Jobson’s most recent Practice Performance Tracker.

Safilo and Amazon Collaborate on New Carrera Smart Glasses With Alexa

PADUA, Italy and SEATTLE—Safilo Group (SFLG.MI) and Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) have announced the launch of new Carrera Smart Glasses with Alexa, blending Safilo’s design with Amazon’s cloud-based voice service. This is the first collaboration between Safilo and Amazon. The launch consists of two styles: the Carrera Cruiser and the Carrera Sprinter. In addition to the two Carrera frames, Amazon is also launching five of its own new Echo frame styles: Modern Rectangle, Rectangle, Round, Square and Cat Eye.

Prevent Blindness Joins With IAPB on 2023 World Sight Day Global Initiative

CHICAGO—Prevent Blindness, a leading eye health and safety organization, is joining the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and fellow eye health organizations across the globe, to raise awareness about vision and eye health issues and promote access to eyecare as part of “World Sight Day” on Oct. 12, 2023. This year’s theme, “Love Your Eyes at Work,” was chosen to help people understand the importance of protecting their vision in the workplace, and to call on business leaders to prioritize the eye health of workers everywhere, according to IAPB.

Smart Eyewear Awareness Grows According to New Research From The Vision Council

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—On the heels of New York Fashion Week, where wearable tech was featured among the year’s hottest trends, The Vision Council has released a new report delving into consumer awareness, interest and sentiment toward smart eyewear products. The report, Focused inSights Smart Eyewear 2023, found that more than a third of Americans intend to purchase tech eyewear within the year, with men aged 18-44, those in urban communities and early adopters of technology especially likely to purchase.

Jim McGrann Appointed CEO and David Spear Named President and Chief Strategy Officer of Advancing Eyecare in Leadership Transition

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Advancing Eyecare, a leading North America provider of ophthalmic instruments, today announced the appointments of Jim McGrann as chief executive officer and David Spear as president and chief strategy officer, both effective immediately, as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Advancing Eyecare is an alliance of industry leaders offering comprehensive ophthalmic solutions, including Lombart Healthcare, Marco Healthcare, Enhanced Medical Services, Veatch Ophthalmic Instruments, Santinelli International/Sios, Innova Medical and S40Optik. McGrann has 25 years of experience in vision care, including roles as president and CEO of VSP Vision, and chairman and CEO of the Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA), which VSP acquired in October 2022.