The Vision Council Unveils a Reimagination of Vision Expo, New Curated 'Neighborhoods' to Debut at Vision Expo East

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Citing the year 2020's optical symbolism for the eyecare industry, The Vision Council is revealing today "the reimagining of its signature event, Vision Expo. "Innovation has always been at the heart of the industry as well as the bi-annual Vision Expo, the definitive trade event for ophthalmic professionals," the organization said, adding, "Now, The Vision Council, together with co-owner of the Show, Reed Exhibitions, aims to mark a new era for Vision Expo with a laser-like focus on discovery, connection and experience." Noted Ashley Mills, The Vision Council CEO, "Incremental improvement isn't enough. We have worked with our partners to completely reimagine the show, with a new focus on discovery, connection and experience."

New Look Vision Group Enters U.S. Optical Retail With Acquisition of Edward Beiner Company in Florida

MONTREAL, Quebec--Marking its entry into the U.S., New Look Vision Group Inc. (TSX: BCI) Canada’s largest optical company, announced earlier this morning that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Miami-based Coco Lunette Holding, LLC which carries on business principally under the Edward Beiner banner. Known for its unique and original designer eyewear, over the years under the direction of Edward Beiner and Guido Balocco, the Edward Beiner Company has built a strong presence in key premium markets across 12 locations in Florida, including Miami, Aventura, Boca Raton, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Naples, Orlando and Palm Beach. Its current annualized revenues are $15.5 million Cdn and it will continue to operate as a stand-alone unit within the New Look Vision Group, the announcement said. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

Historic First: Seven of 10 Students Who Entered Optometry Schools This Fall Are Female

For what is believed to be the first time, the percentage of women who entered North American schools and colleges of optometry this fall increased to the 70 percent plateau, Women In Optometry reported this month. The publication cited data from the 25 optometry schools surveyed for its report, which also found an overall increase of 28 students in optometry schools this fall compared with a year ago.

Confessions of an Optical Pack Rat

I don’t think of myself as a pack rat. But somehow I’ve managed to accumulate a lot of stuff. My desk drawers and file cabinet, and even some closets at my house contain a curious assortment of promotional giveaway items and swag I’ve received at the countless optical industry meetings and events I’ve attended over the years. I’ve actually gotten rid of a lot of it while preparing for an office move last year. My brass Orcolite coaster went into the trash.

Warby Parker Enters Contact Lens Category With New Scout Lens and Other CL Brands

NEW YORK—Today, Warby Parker moves into new optical territory as it enters the contact lens arena in the U.S., with the debut of a branded daily wear contact lens called Scout. The new daily lens was developed by the company, executives said, with a Japanese contact lens manufacturer. The lens is described as "made from a super-moist, breathable material that resists drying for lasting hydration. The lenses incorporate Centraform technology for wearing comfort." The lenses will be priced $55 per eye for a 90-day pack, $110 for a 90-day supply of two lenses, or approximately $440 a year. Each Scout lens comes in an innovative, space-saving flat pack that’s easier to transport and store than a traditional contact blister pack, the company noted, adding that it uses almost 80 percent less packaging than traditional contact packs. Dave Gilboa, co-ceo of Warby Parker, told VMAIL, "We have been thinking about contact lenses for several years. Being a direct-to-consumer brand, we get a lot of feedback from our end customers, and roughly 40 percent of them wear contact lenses. We're hopeful that they will love the opportunity to get their contact lenses prescriptions from us, when they see our ODs. In addition, he said, " If you are a customer not near one of the WP stores, or want to go to a doc you've been seeing, that doctor, outside of the WP system, can request one of the six-day trial kits as well." Warby has been piloting contact lenses in some of its offices during the past year, he noted (the company currently operates 112 locations and has 80 optometrists.)