By Staff
Monday, March 18, 2024 2:20 PM
Despite other areas seeing a decline in population, Florida is home to five of the nations’ fastest growing metropolitical statistical areas. A
new report from the U.S. Census Bureau finds this is part of a growing trend of Americans flocking to the southern areas of the U.S. The southern part of the U.S. is home to 10 of the fastest growing metro areas between 2022 and 2023.
In January 2023,
VMAIL reported that the U.S. was seeing a surge in population despite falling birth rates globally.
Areas in Florida that are seeing the largest population increases include, Wildwood-The Villages, recently named the nation's fastest growing metro area, saw its population rise by 5 percent to 151,565. It was followed by Lakeland Winter Haven, which saw growth of 4 percent and Ocala and Port St. Lucie, which had a population increase of more than 3 percent.
Sixty-two percent of counties, up from 60 percent in 2022, experienced positive net domestic migration in 2023, according to the
U.S. Census Bureau.
Experts believe there are several factors contributing to the surge in growth in the southern U.S., including an increase in net domestic migration. In Texas, a natural increase and positive net migration drove population growth.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth region, growth was driven by both domestic and international migration, along with more births than deaths.
By Staff
Monday, March 18, 2024 1:46 PM
The 2024 Netherlands Contact Lens Congress (NCC) theme was “Future Generation,” complementing CooperVision’s dynamic scientific program at the event. CooperVision and its research partners presented multiple papers that seek to advance the eyecare category, with high clinical relevance for eyecare professionals worldwide.
By Staff
Sunday, March 17, 2024 10:30 AM
NEW YORK—The
Opticians Association of America (OAA), and the
National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS), have completed a merger, with continuing funding provided by the
American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO & NCLE) that has created a model opticianry association representing over 80,000 opticians and contact lens professionals throughout North America, according to a statement from the three organizations. OAA has proudly been committed to promoting a professional stature of opticianry through leadership education and communication since 1925, and NFOS has been dedicated to facilitating the development of formal educational programs, upgrading the standards of opticianry education, and working for uniformity of opticianry education since 1999.
By Staff
Sunday, March 17, 2024 12:33 AM
NEW YORK—As
Vision Expo East 2024 wraps up today, the organizers of Vision Expo,
The Vision Council and
RX, would like to thank all supporters, attendees and exhibitors for their enthusiasm, hard work and commitment that has made the Show so successful this year, and for the last few decades. We thank the Javits Center and the city of New York for its unwavering support and hospitality, empowering us to host and execute one of the world’s best events for the eyecare and eyewear industry.
By Staff
Sunday, March 17, 2024 12:30 AM
SAN RAMON, Calif.—Recognizing both current and future leaders in optometry,
CooperVision announced its 2024
Best Practices honorees and student award recipients. The initiative—now in its ninth year—honors innovative U.S. eyecare practices who are committed to advancing the profession and providing exceptional patient care.
By Staff
Sunday, March 17, 2024 12:24 AM
LONGARONE and MILAN, Italy—
Marcolin recently announced that it has obtained gender equality certification issued by the certification bodies accredited with
Accredia (pursuant to EC Regulation 765/2008), which operate based on the UNI/PdR 125:2022 guidelines.
By Staff
Sunday, March 17, 2024 12:21 AM
LAKE FOREST, Calif.—
STAAR Surgical Company (NASDAQ: STAA), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of the EVO family of implantable collamer lenses (ICL) for myopia, astigmatism and presbyopia, announced the appointment of Arthur Butcher and Wei Jiang to its board of directors, effective March 12, 2024.
By Staff
Saturday, March 16, 2024 3:48 PM
Safilo Group and Missoni have renewed their global licensing agreement for Missoni brand eyewear until the end of 2029. Since the start of the relationship in 2020, Missoni has represented a significant brand in Safilo’s women’s luxury fashion portfolio.
By Staff
Saturday, March 16, 2024 2:00 PM
A
new report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) has revealed that consumers are expected to spend more than $22 billion this Easter holiday season, down slightly from 2023, when consumers spent a record high of $24 billion.
"Each year, Americans look forward to the celebration of Easter and the renewal of time and traditions with loved ones,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Retailers understand the importance of this holiday and are ready to help their customers find the items they want and need at affordable prices."
Every year, the NRF conducts a
survey of consumer spending habits leading up to Easter. This year, 81 percent of respondents said they planned on celebrating the holiday, with the average person expected to spend $177, down from $192 in 2023.
Approximately 53 percent of consumers will purchase their Easter gifts at discount stores, while 40 percent said they were going to do their shopping at department stores. More than 33 percent reported they would be shopping online, while 33 percent said they will be shopping local, and 20 percent report they will visit specialty stores.
The survey found that 57 percent of consumers plan to cook a holiday meal, 53 percent said they would visit family and friends, and 43 percent said they planned on going to church. More than half of households reported they would be doing an Easter egg hunt at home.
By Staff
Saturday, March 16, 2024 12:33 AM
NEW YORK—Welcome back to
Vision Expo East 2024, where the excitement continues as we delve deeper into a world of innovation, education and camaraderie. Today, Saturday, March 16, promises to be another extraordinary day packed with special events and enriching educational opportunities, both on and off the Show floor. As we kick off Day 2, explore today’s robust lineup of events and activities. On the Show Floor, the Bridge programming begins at 9:45 a.m. with RestoringVision's session “Doing Good is Good for Business.” Following this, at 10:15 a.m., the National Optometric Association will delve into the crucial topic of Physician Burn Out.
By Staff
Saturday, March 16, 2024 12:27 AM
BAAR, Switzerland and NEW YORK—
Satisloh Group, headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, announced that
Ultra Optics, a global leader in spin coating equipment and lacquers, became a member of the Group in January, 2024.
By Staff
Saturday, March 16, 2024 12:24 AM
NEW YORK—Simple adjustments to how eyecare practices communicate with patients may attract a significantly higher number of contact lens wearers, according to new data from the
Contact Lens Institute (CLI).
By Staff
Saturday, March 16, 2024 12:21 AM
ATLANTA—
Thomas Eye Group has announced the acquisition of Tucker & Associates Eye Care and Laser Center, adding one new location. Located in the Johns Creek community, Thomas Eye Group is looking to expand and provide eyecare to the ever-growing Atlanta community.
By Staff
Saturday, March 16, 2024 12:18 AM
LOMBARD, Ill.—
Visionix USA and
20/20NOW have joined forces to debut a new tele-optometry program at Vision Expo East 2024. The two companies announced a strategic alliance in November 2023 to offer cost-effective, comprehensive eye exams with in-office synchronous tele-optometry. 20/20Now currently serves eyecare practices and optical retailers in more than 30 states. The company employs a team of remote optometrists to assess test results and conduct live clinical reviews with the patients. In the article titled,
“The Tele-Optometry Platform Expanding Reach without Compromising Quality of Care,” Dr. Noelle Tchang, director of professional services at 20/20Now, shared a few scenarios when tele-optometry is a great fit for an evolving practice.
By Staff
Saturday, March 16, 2024 12:15 AM
CARLSBAD, Calif.—Luxury eyewear brand
Serengeti has announced a number of new key hires following the company’s recent move to Carlsbad, Calif., from Lyon, France. Executives in the areas of marketing, creative direction and product development will lead the company’s innovation at Serengeti’s new North American headquarters. Serengeti is part of the
Bollé Brands stable of brands and will now operate all global brand functions out of Bollé Brands’ North American office.