By Staff
Friday, September 25, 2020 1:57 PM
NEW YORK—For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, fall has officially… fallen. Autumn is usually a pretty exciting season—it means bringing the cozy sweaters out of the back of the closet, breaking out the scented candles, gorgeous foliage, and gearing up for the holiday season. Of course, things are looking a little different this year, and the holiday season we’re all so used to celebrating is shrouded in uncertainty. But that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate and welcome the start of fall, or enjoy long walks outside in the crisp autumn air. To celebrate safely, we’ve searched high and low for some of the strangest fun facts about the autumnal season.
By Staff
Friday, September 25, 2020 10:32 AM
Yes, we're in the midst of global pandemic and yes, these are, as they say, unprecedented times—but love doesn't wait for things to calm down. If anything, more time at home means some people are spending more time on dating apps and websites, and maybe even
falling in love. But is it safe to meet up with someone right now for a date? And should you even get close enough to kiss? Head over to
WebMD to listen to this week's episode of the Health Now podcast to hear what the experts have to say.
By Staff
Friday, September 25, 2020 10:00 AM
NEW YORK—Nationally, optical sales returned to their levels prior to the Labor Day Holiday during the most recent week for which metrics have been tracked (Sept. 14 – Sept. 20). Following substantial decreases resulting from the Labor Day holiday for the previous week tracked (Sept. 7 – Sept. 13), overall optical sales in all categories bounced back to where they had been on a national level during the week of Aug. 31 to Sept. 6. Regionally, although all four Census regions being monitored (Northeast, Midwest, West, South) had states reporting increases in cases of COVID-19 (according to the
CDC COVID Data Tracker), this had little to no impact on optical sales, according to the tracker. With every state in the West and nearly every state in the Midwest and South reporting increasing numbers of cases of COVID-19 over the past week, optical sales returned to the same level or within at least 1 or 2 index points of where they had been during the week prior to the Labor Day weekend.
Read More
By Staff
Friday, September 25, 2020 12:45 AM
Transitions Academy to mark 25th anniversary next June in Orlando, ECPs optimistic as business increases, optical sales bounce back to pre-Labor Day holiday levels, Bausch Health to acquire option to purchase assets of Allegro Ophthalmics, and Sen. Boozman introduces Contact Lens Rule Modernization Act all topped this week’s VMAIL news feed. Click on the headlines below to catch up on anything you might have missed.
By Staff
Friday, September 25, 2020 12:42 AM
PINELLAS PARK, Fla.—Typically held in February, Transitions Academy will celebrate its 25th year as one of the industry’s most well-recognized educational events from June 13 – 16, 2021 at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla, the company announced late yesterday. The submission dates for the Transitions Innovation Awards are also being extended. The awards are open to optical industry professionals, educators, retailers, optical laboratories and independent eyecare professionals and practices. The Transitions Innovation Awards categories include: 2020 Transitions Brand Ambassador (individual-only award), Retailer of the Year, Eyecare Practice of the Year, Best in Training and Best in Marketing.
By Staff
Friday, September 25, 2020 12:39 AM
PARIS—
Silmo has released the first selections of nominations for the 27th
Silmo D’Or awards. The awards ceremony gives prizes to recognize the creativity of the optical products for design, innovation and technology.
By Staff
Friday, September 25, 2020 12:36 AM
MINNETONKA, Minn.—
UnitedHealthcare has been awarded a seven-year contract to provide dental and vision benefits through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
By Staff
Friday, September 25, 2020 12:30 AM
BASEL, Switzerland—As part of its commitment to developing innovative resources and relevant educational opportunities for ECPS
Novartis (NYSE: NVS) has announced that Dr. Whitney Hauser will join its eyecare team as director, peer education for U.S. Ophthalmics.
By Staff
Friday, September 25, 2020 12:27 AM
ST. LOUIS—The
American Optometric Association (AOA), moving to follow-up on its
earlier statement on the national dialogue around diversity following the death of George Floyd, has taken the opportunity to look inward and assess how the organization can be even more impactful and focus on advocacy for doctors, patients and as a profession. One of the results has been the effort to develop a board-level Diversity and Inclusivity Task Force appointed by AOA president William T. Reynolds, OD.
By Staff
Friday, September 25, 2020 12:25 AM
The 8th edition of DaTE, the showcase event for eyewear of the future, closed on September 21 in Florence. 1,000 pre-registered professionals and select buyers visited the show, meeting organizers’ expectations and confirming the importance of in-person events.
By Staff
Friday, September 25, 2020 12:24 AM
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—
Kenmark Eyewear and
Kensie have announced the renewal of an exclusive licensing agreement for the design, development, production and worldwide distribution of eyewear for the Kensie brand. This agreement will extend through June 2024—Kenmark Eyewear has partnered with Kensie since 2009, launching the brand within the optical industry. The brand includes Kensie optical, Kensie sun and Kensie girl segments. Marissa Cundiff, Kenmark Eyewear marketing director, said, “We’re thrilled with the renewal of Kensie. It’s such a fun, colorful brand to work on and we love what we have created together over the years.
By Staff
Friday, September 25, 2020 12:21 AM
CHICAGO—
Fight for Sight, the first nonprofit organization in the U.S. to promote eye research, and
Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest voluntary eye health organization, announced today the recipient of the 2020 Joanne Angle Public Health Award as Angela R. Elam, MD, Clinical assistant professor,
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan. The $25,000 grant was awarded for Dr. Elam’s study, “Engagement in Telemedicine-Based Glaucoma Screening in the Community Clinics.” The Joanne Angle Public Health Award is presented annually to research focusing on the public health side of vision and eye health.