Optical News from OpticalCEUs

Gene Identifies AMD

2012-02-25T21:58:00.001-05:00

Medical News Today reports that "new research published in BioMed Central's open access journal Genome Medicine has identified genes whose expression levels can identify people with AMD, as well as tell apart AMD subtypes." Read more.

Maine Cuts Medicaid, Including Vision Benefits

2012-02-25T21:51:00.001-05:00

"An estimated 30,000 people will feel the effect of the budget cuts signed by the Governor [of Maine] on Thursday" according to WCSH. "That's according to Republicans in the State Senate. The budget fills a $121 million hole in this year's budget, and makes significant cuts in two Medicaid programs." It will include cuts in vision care. Read more.

New Eyewear Company Looks to Stop VAD. Look Out Tom's

2012-02-25T21:46:00.001-05:00

Several weeks ago, Fenton, Michigan, native Wes Stoody started Aframes Eyewear. Its mission differed from most. Stoody believes "all corporations have the responsibility to make a difference. After learning about vitamin A deficiency, and its cost effective solutions, Aframes Eyewear founder, Wes Stoody, was determined to create a company that would spread the word about the problem, and help fund the solution. Partnering with Helen Keller International, Aframes combines [eyewear] fashion and philanthropy in a way that will prove most effective in the eradication of this global health crisis." Read Aframes website.

Indian Diety Fitted with Diamond Studded Contact Lenses

2012-02-25T21:36:00.001-05:00

When thousands of devotees turned up for their regular "darshan" of deity Mahalaxmi earlier this week, they noticed a strange glint in her eyes — glowing but very different from what they were accustomed to. They were surprised to learn that deity Mahalaxmi was "wearing" diamond-studded contact lenses, donated by an eye surgeon, Chandrashekhar Chavan,"reports Gulf News. "Considered to be over 5,000 years old, the 40-kilogram idol of the deity here is made of gemstone and is studded with precious stones.But controversy has erupted among devotees and media which has questioned the limits to which various temples and other religious places can go while accepting devotees' donations." It is said that "the diamond contact lenses actually block the deity's divine energies believed to pass through her eyes on to the devotees." Read more.

XOXO for the Sexy Woman

2012-02-24T21:55:00.000-05:00

"For the smart, sexy XOXO woman, there is a time for work and a time for play." That's the start of the Midwest Lens blog about XOXO eyewear. "Hipster, Rock Star and Coquette bring a funky edge to modern feminine eyewear. All three frames are a petite fit for the ultimate feminine look, featuring spring hinges and the latest in jewelry-inspired embellishments." Read more.

Viva International Releases Mark Nason

2012-02-24T21:47:00.000-05:00

"Viva International Group introduces the Mark Nason Eyewear Spring/Summer 2012 collection," announces Eye Surf. The collection "features classic rock ‘n’ roll elements and signature embellishments, as seen in the brand’s exclusive couture leather boot designs. Design elements include the Mark Nason “signature” dragon, crosses and detailed roses, which enhance the collection’s edgy style. The new collection consists of 13 ophthalmic styles and 18 sunglass styles for men and women." Read more.

Zyloware Releases Sophia Loren, Stetson, Randy Jackson, Daisey Fuentes for 2012

2012-02-24T21:43:00.000-05:00

"Zyloware Eyewear announces the April 2012 release of new styles from the Sophia Loren, Stetson, Randy Jackson Limited Edition, and Daisy Fuentes collections," according to Eye Surf. "Previously-released styles Daisy Fuentes Kira and Daisy Fuentes Lourdes introduce new colors for April 2012." Read more.

Silhouette Unveils New Adidas Sunwear

2012-02-24T07:38:00.002-05:00

"Silhouette International Schmied AG is to unveil its new collections for Silhouette and Adidas eyewear at the upcoming 2012 IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas," says Moodie Report. "The combination of mainly rimless eyewear design consists of 16 models, all offering sun protection and designed to make an impact, thanks to their high design standards, comfort because of their lightness, and state-of-the-art processing – up to 80% by hand, the company said." Read more.

Accuvue Promoting CLs During London Marathon

2012-02-24T07:29:00.000-05:00

ContactLenses.co.uk reports that "contact lens manufacturer Johnson & Johnson Vision Care has announced a new scheme that will encourage people running this year's London Marathon to wear contact lenses on the way round." Read more.

Romney's Firm Helps CL Producer

2012-02-24T07:25:00.000-05:00

How did the Mitt Romney's firm help to "transform" a struggling contact lens company? The story about the candidate for the Republican Presidential nominee on NPR, which involves Michael Jackson (a little bit), offers an insight. It starts:

"Wesley Jessen had a valuable patent for color contacts. Michael Jackson wore Wesley Jessen color contacts in the Thriller video. But the color contact lenses they made were the kind that you kept for a year. When disposable lenses got popular, Wesley Jessen couldn't keep up."

Read more.

Zyloware Distributing NASCAR Optical Collection

2012-02-24T07:13:00.001-05:00

"Zyloware Eyewear will handle distribution of Inspecs USA NASCAR Optical collection in the US, Canada and Latin America," according to Midwest Lens. "NASCAR Optical is both stylish and robust, targeted towards men ages 20s – 40s. Made with high-quality materials, the collection is a great value in the eyewear market. Drawing inspiration from race cars, the NASCAR Optical collection is comprised of 8 new styles (in 2 colors each) reflecting the history and integrity of the NASCAR brand." Read more.

Foundation Provides Eye Exams for Children

2012-02-24T07:09:00.001-05:00

"Hope Through Housing Foundation, a nonprofit that provides low-income children after school programs, hosted two vision clinics at its program site in Montclair (California)," according to the Daily Bulletin. "At the vision clinics 59 children from low-income families were given a compete eye health and vision screening by Dr. Kristy Remick and optometry students from Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry in Pomona. One third of the children screened were identified as requiring further care and referred to the Eye Care Center at WesternU. These children will receive free comprehensive exams and any needed services such as vision therapy, corrective glasses, and prescription or non-prescription medications." Read more.

Mosley Tribes Releases New Sunwear

2012-02-24T07:03:00.002-05:00

"As part of the relase of their Summer 2012 collection, eyewear brand Mosley Tribes has launched a campaign to coincide with the relaunch of their website, featuring four Los Angeles natives--including tattoo and fine artist Jun Cha, skater Victor Garibay, fashion stylist Dianne Garcia, and Indio Downey." Read more on Baller Status.

Gene for Lens Development Also Responsible for Mechanosensory Function

2012-02-23T01:05:00.000-05:00

"A gene known to control lens development in mice and humans is also crucial for the development of neurons responsible for mechanosensory function, as neurobiologists of the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch have now discovered," according to a Medical News Today post. "They found that in mice in which they had removed the c-Maf gene in the nerve cells, touch sensation is impaired." Read more.

More on the Lanvin Launch

2012-02-23T01:01:00.003-05:00

"Is there no stopping Harvey Nichols? The Victoria by Victoria Beckham collection launch kicked off London Fashion Week, they've opened a new Club Monaco boutique (Giorgio Armani model Sasha Pivarova is the face of the brand – trust us, it’s cool), and now they’ve exclusively launched Lanvin’s first ever eyewear collection," according to Look UK. "Developed under the watchful eye of Lanvin’s creative director Alber Elbaz, the range mixes fierce hardware like screws, nails and studs with luxe materials like printed leather, bronze and natural horn. While they might be pricey, these bad boys are worth saving up for. And with celeb fans such as Kate Moss, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez, you’ll be in good company. Harvey Nics, here we come!" Read more.

Warby Parker's Business/Social Plan Praised Yet Again

2012-02-23T00:58:00.000-05:00

Read this copy that appears on a Fastcompany post: "Last year saw 500% growth for the online eyewear brand, Warby Parker. The company is disrupting prices in a business historically rife with mark-ups, all while advancing a social mission of bringing corrective eyewear to people who can't afford it." It sounds almost as if every other optician is playing robber-baron, sitting home on Saturday evenings (because they are working Saturday mornings) counting bags of gold coins. Read more because Warby Parker has created a sound business model.

Grandson Dies from Eye Disease. Grandparents Become Activists

2012-02-23T00:43:00.000-05:00

"Pam has been a regular visitor to the state capital since Joey died. She's been the driving force behind the Infant Eye Care Bill (nicknamed "Joey's Bill"), first heard in the 2002 legislative session," according to a small portion of the Palm Beach Post story of Pam, Wally, and their grandchild Joey. "The bill would require that babies born in state hospitals receive eye-dilation drops and ophthalmoscope exams before they go home, as well as at their 6- to 8-week and 6- to 9-month well-baby exams. Each exam would cost pennies and take seconds, Pam says, but the proposed law has met resistance from medical lobbyists." Read more.

Dry Eye Worldwide Health Crisis? Kleyne Says Yes

2012-02-23T00:34:00.001-05:00

According to Sharon Kleyne, Founder of Bio-Logic Aqua Research, sustained global changes in temperature, humidity and air pollution, are producing a worldwide health crisis in dry eye disease. The key to maintaining healthy eyes and good vision could come down to education about the structure and care of the eyes all-important tear film. Read more.

$14 Million/Yr Fixes a Major Eye Problem in Australia

2012-02-23T00:29:00.001-05:00

"Researchers from the University of Melbourne say $70 million over five years would be enough to bring indigenous eye health into line with other Australians," says Nine MSN. "Currently Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are six times more likely to go blind than the mainstream population, with 94 per cent of the vision loss unnecessary, preventable or treatable." Read more.

UC Irvine Scientists Study How a Protein Destroys Bacteria around the Eye

2012-02-23T00:22:00.001-05:00

Midwest Lens reports that "a disease-fighting protein in our teardrops has been tethered to a tiny transistor, enabling UC Irvine scientists to discover exactly how it destroys dangerous bacteria. The research could prove critical to long-term work aimed at diagnosing cancers and other illnesses in their very early stages." Read more.

Cops Nab Thieves of High-End Eyewear

2012-02-23T00:16:00.003-05:00

"Public's tips helped police focus on a group of three accused of lifting expensive eyewear from Fairfax stores," according to MSNBC. "Fairfax Police said the group worked together in four robberies, from July 6 until November 10. According to investigators, the three went after expensive frames made by brands like Gucci." Read more.

Knicks Player Gets Custom Protective Eyewear from Nike

2012-02-23T00:13:00.001-05:00

"Soon after Amare Stoudemire signed with the Knicks in 2010, he said, 'I'm a pioneer right now to really take a step forward and help rebuild a program and get us back on top.'" That's the start of a post about the player's protective eyewear in ESPN. "What many people didn't know is that Stoudemire, the pioneer, wanted to rebuild something else when he arrived in New York: his on-court eyewear. In the latter part of 2010, STAT, a Nike athlete, approached the Nike Vision team, a newer division within the company's headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., to see if they could tailor make a pair for him. Stoudemire, who suffered a partially detached retina in his right eye in a game on Feb. 18, 2009, had been previously wearing more generic Oakley shades for protection, and he wanted something better suited for his game." Read more.

Need a 2012 Christmas Gift? There Could Be AR Eyewear from Google

2012-02-23T00:09:00.001-05:00

Presuming that the Mayan were wrong and the world does not end on 12-21-12, which is likely, then Google might make us glad to be around for 2013. Slate reports: "The New York Times’ Nick Bilton reports that Google is preparing to take its long-rumored augmented-reality glasses to market by the end of the year. The product—known as “heads-up display glasses”—would allow users to get extra information about their surroundings, like, say, reviews of a restaurant. “The people familiar with the Google glasses said they would be Android-based, and will include a small screen that will sit a few inches from someone’s eye. They will also have a 3G or 4G data connection and a number of sensors including motion and GPS,” Bilton reports. The screen will appear on only one eye. The plan is to price the glasses about the cost of a smartphone, roughly $250 to $600, and like a smartphone, they will be intended for occasional use, not all-day wear." Read more.

How They Made the "Terminator" CLs Work

2012-02-23T00:02:00.001-05:00

Popular Science has a great description of how those University of Washington "Terminator" contact lenses work:

"So far, our display has only one pixel. But someday you could use the lenses to consolidate all the displays you interact with on a daily basis—your clock, computer, television and phone—into one personal display in your eye. In the distant future, your contact lenses could augment your reality. If you were in a bare hallway, the computer in your contact could put paintings on the wall.

"The light-emitting part of the contact lens is opaque, but these little dark spots shouldn’t obscure vision. The control circuitry and the radio harvest energy from a transmitter at the edge of the lens and communicate with the world. They don’t block the view either. We don’t have permission to test the lenses on humans yet, but animals have worn it, and the lens was safe and functional."Read more.

Boxer Can Fight with CLs

2012-02-22T23:53:00.000-05:00

"Derek Brunson revealed on Tuesday that he has been pulled from his planned March 3 fight in Ohio with Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, saying that the Ohio Athletic Commission wouldn't let him fight with contact lenses, as he has for his entire MMA career. But the Ohio commission says that's simply false." That's the start of the post on MMA Fighting. Read more.