From Scooby Doo to Stranger Things: Making Halloween an Optical Treat

NEW YORK—Halloween is, as far as I’m concerned, the perfect holiday. There’s no pressure, no big family events, no gifts to buy—nothing to do except wear a fun wig and eat free candy, no matter how old you are. Halloween as we know it today is about pure, unadulterated fun for all. And the best part? You can have that fun at work and at home. I’m not alone in my love for Halloween—according to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending in 2019 is expected to reach $8.8 billion, with shoppers saying they plan to spend an average of $86.27 this year.

Vote Now for Vision Monday's and 20/20 Magazine's 2019 EyeVote Reader’s Choice Awards

NEW YORK—Vision Monday and 20/20 Magazine are hosting the 11th annual EyeVote Reader’s Choice Awards to identify the optical industry’s favorite products and companies this year. These two Jobson Medical Information publications are teaming up once again this fall to get readers’ opinions by asking optical retailers’ and ECPs to identify their favorite products in 15 distinct categories: optical frames, spectacle lenses, sunglasses, Rx sun lenses, contact lenses, optical equipment for prescription labs, optical supplies, in-office lab equipment, diagnostic instruments, practice management software, EHR software, online ordering website, patient engagement systems, dispensing/measuring fitting systems and Social Purpose missions.

World Sight Day Activities and Messages Amplify

NEW YORK—The voices, social media messages and outreach of thousands of eyecare professionals, dozens of U.S. and international organizations, foundations, social purpose groups and optical companies contributed to a global crescendo about the importance of improving access to vision care yesterday in honor of World Sight Day 2019. A series of initiatives advocated for more financial support and increased awareness for the value and importance of healthy vision and expanding eyecare and eyewear products and services to those in need.

World Health Organization Launches First World Report on Vision

GENEVA—More than 1 billion people worldwide are living with vision impairment because they do not get the care they need for conditions like short and far sightedness, glaucoma and cataract, according to the first World Report on Vision issued by the World Health Organization. The report, launched ahead of World Sight Day (Oct. 10), found that ageing populations, changing lifestyles and limited access to eyecare, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are among the main drivers of the rising numbers of people living with vision impairment.

Vision Professionals, Companies, Organizations in U.S. and Worldwide Taking Part in the Messages of World Sight Day Today

NEW YORK—Vision care professionals, suppliers from all sectors, optical retailers, volunteers, NGOs and sight-saving groups, are actively taking part and contributing their time, voices and dollars today, World Sight Day, to spread help and assistance to those without access to eyecare and eyewear and to raise awareness and dollars to support the cause of bringing the value of eyewear to those in need in the U.S. and around the world. OptometryGivingSight with groups of corporate and individual supporters in the U.S. and Canada, is actively involved in a range of programs administering care.

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Shopko Optical Announces Russ Steinhorst as CEO

GREEN BAY, Wis.—Shopko Optical, which was formed in May with the backing of private investment firm Monarch Alternative Capital, has named Russ Steinhorst as its chief executive officer.

VSP Ventures Acquires Palo Alto, Calif.-Based University Optometry

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSP Ventures announced yesterday the acquisition of University Optometry, a boutique optometry practice based in Palo Alto, Calif.