1-800 Contacts to Announce New Company, Luna, Focused on B2B Vision Technologies and Services

DRAPER, Utah—Tomorrow 1-800 Contacts will be announcing the formation of a standalone business focused on providing technology and services to third parties in the vision space, VMAIL has learned. The new business-to-business (B2B) company will offer 20 integrated technologies and services—ranging from telehealth platforms for new and renewal glasses and contacts prescriptions, eyewear virtual try-on, a digital pupillary distance tool, glasses and contacts fulfillment and more. This suite of solutions will enable eyewear retailers, brands and doctors to modernize their customer experience both online and in stores, the company said.

The National Average for Gross Revenue at ECP Locations Decreased for the Week of Jan. 17-23, Jobson’s Latest Practice Performance Tracker Shows

NEW YORK—The national average for gross revenue at ECP locations decreased last week, Jan. 17-23, at a rate of -3 index points. That places gross revenue at a level equal to where it was at this point in time (Week 4) in 2019 but below the levels reached at this same time in 2020 (-8 points) and 2021 (-11 points), according to Jobson’s most recent Practice Performance Tracker. All optical sales categories decreased last week, at rates ranging from -5 index points for contact lenses to -2 index points for exams/refractions, frame units and lens pairs.

The Vision Council’s Virtual Annual Business Meeting Spotlights Industry Trends and a New Board of Directors

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council hosted its Annual Business Meeting in a virtual format yesterday, Monday January 24. Presented under the banner of “It’s All Connected,” the meeting included a welcome address from Karen Roberts, The Vision Council’s Chair, followed by remarks from Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. Additionally, an overview of the enhancements planned for The Vision Council’s 2022 research program was presented by Alysse Henkel, The Vision Council’s director of Research Data and Analytics. The Vision Council also inducted its 2022 Board of Directors during the meeting.

Optical Women’s Association Announces 2022 Award Honorees

DALLAS—The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has announced the group's 2022 OWA annual award honorees. Erinn Morgan, editor-in-chief and editorial director of Eyecare Business magazine, will receive the Pleiades Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication and support in advancing the leadership role of women in the optical industry. Laura Dorris, executive vice president and general manager of strategic sales for HEA+PECAA, is the Pyxis Award honoree, acknowledging nearly a decade of service and commitment to growing the OWA and promoting it throughout the optical industry.

Taking the Temperature of Optometry as a Profession

NEW YORK—This seems to be the time of the year when “taking the temperature” of various professions and industry sectors is a popular undertaking. It’s especially popular these days because of all the upheaval and displacement in the labor force that observers lay at the feet of the COVID-19 pandemic. Who among us doesn’t want to get a better understanding of what’s going on in our day jobs? For ODs and others working in eyecare practices, three surveys and/or reports have dropped over the past few weeks that shine a light on where ODs stand on a number of topics today. Here’s a brief summary of the key findings.