By Daniel Breeman
Friday, June 7, 2024 8:30 AM
The good news is that cataracts is an easily treatable condition with simple and safe corrective surgery. But cataracts don’t go away on their own, experts warn, and ignoring the signs and symptoms could potentially lead to vision impairment or eventually vision loss. According to the National Eye Institute, cataracts affect more than half of all Americans aged 80 years or older. During June’s Cataract Awareness Month, ECPs should remind their patients, especially those over the age of 40, to have regular eye exams and to be aware of the symptoms related to the onset of cataracts. “The biggest risk factor is really age,” said Sila Bal, MD, MPH, a global ophthalmology fellow and a cataract, cornea and refractive surgeon.
By daniel breeman
Sunday, May 12, 2024 12:55 AM
According to the
World Health Organization (WHO), climate change presents a “fundamental threat to human health,” affecting the physical environment as well as all aspects of both natural and human systems—including social and economic conditions and the functioning of health systems. All aspects of health are affected by climate change, WHO noted, from clean air, water and soil to food systems and livelihoods. In fact, research shows that 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly susceptible to climate change.
By Daniel Breeman
Sunday, May 12, 2024 12:53 AM
While sustainability in the optical industry continues to make strides, major contact lens companies are doing more than their share in promoting initiatives and keeping an ear tuned to the sustainability requests and concerns of ECPs and consumers alike. Contact lens companies realize just how important it is to have support for these initiatives up and down the line, from their own employees, to ECPs and their patients, and they are developing many of their sustainability initiatives with these thoughts in mind.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, May 10, 2024 8:30 AM
The numbers are overwhelming and still climbing. Myopia is growing around the world, with a recent study estimating that on average, 30 percent of the world is currently myopic, and by 2050 almost 50 percent (5 billion people) will be myopic, according to the
International Myopia Institute. Myopia prevalence is also rising in the U.S., with a reported prevalence of 42 percent, a number that has almost doubled in three decades. The week of May 13-19 has been designated as Myopia Awareness Week 2024, a global event that aims to raise awareness about juvenile-onset myopia and encourage eyecare professionals to take necessary actions.
By Daniel Breeman, Senior Editor
Sunday, April 14, 2024 1:59 AM
NEW YORK—Samantha Jordan, head of computing and technology at the
Future Today Institute, doesn’t predict the future. Instead, she and her group utilize what they call strategic foresight, a disciplined and systematic approach to identify where to play, how to win in the future, and how to ensure organizational resiliency in the face of unforeseen disruption. The proprietary strategic foresight methodology is intended to enable organizations to plan for unpredictable futures with certainty.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, April 12, 2024 8:30 AM
There is a notable gender imbalance when it comes to eye health. In fact, two-thirds of all blindness and visual impairment occurs in women, according to the
National Eye Institute. Women also have a higher prevalence of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, dry eye, glaucoma, refractive error and thyroid eye disease. According to the
Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health: Vision Beyond 2020 report, this gender imbalance can be attributed to both demographic factors and social factors. As we celebrate Women’s Eye Health and Safely Month during April, the optical industry is shining a light on this issue, with a sharp focus on prevention, education and eliminating the barriers to improved women’s eye health, including greater access to care.
By Daniel Breeman, Mary Kane
Friday, March 22, 2024 8:30 AM
NEW YORK—After nearly four decades of showcasing some of the best eyewear products, eyecare technologies and countless hours of continuing education at Vision Expo in New York City, attendees at this year’s Show soaked in every moment and celebrated Expo East held for the final time at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. More than 450 leading eyewear and eyecare companies showcased their latest products and technologies, and attendees were again treated to VisionEd, the accredited educational program of Vision Expo featuring nearly 200 sessions, new product launches, special events and company anniversary celebrations. Read on for a review of special events and photo highlights from the Show.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, March 8, 2024 8:30 AM
With an eye clearly focused on future scientific leaders, the
National Eye Institute (NEI) is again inviting teens in grades nine through 12 to submit their best videos for the
2024 Eye on the Future teen video contest. Now in its third year, the contest is open to high school students and encourages the next generation of scientists to share why science is essential in today’s world. The deadline to submit videos is April 14, 2024.
By Daniel Breeman
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 1:00 AM
From the Silent Generation to Generation Alpha, consumer attitudes and priorities are consistently shifting as retailers attempt to gain a handle on what makes each group tick and what is important to them when searching for new products. Consumers as young as 10 years and under (Gen Alpha) have their own set of purchasing criteria, such as influencers on social media, while Millennials may presently represent the most powerful and influential consumer group overall.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, February 9, 2024 8:30 AM
With Valentine’s Day just a few short days away on February 14, The National Retail Federation (NRF) reminded the public just how much joy it takes in spending money on gifts for our loved ones, such as flowers, candy and jewelry. In fact, this year’s
NRF annual survey revealed that total spending on significant others for the holiday is expected to reach a record $14.2 billion. Consumers expect to spend $185.81 each on average, nearly $8 more than the average Valentine’s Day spending over the last five years. Read on for some interesting fast facts about today’s holiday shoppers as well as some historical background about the origins of St. Valentine's Day.
By Daniel Breeman
Sunday, February 4, 2024 12:58 AM
The Silent Generation refers to people who were born between 1928 and 1945 and is the smallest generation in the past 100 years. There are approximately 55 million members of the Silent Generation. They lived during the Depression and WWII. Millions made personal sacrifices to defend their country or were engaged in other at-home efforts to support the war.
By Daniel Breeman
Sunday, February 4, 2024 12:57 AM
A Baby Boomer is a person born between 1946 and 1964, and is part of a large generation that continues to have a significant impact on the economy. As Boomers age, the workforce is projected to be older than ever, with many working past retirement age.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, January 12, 2024 8:30 AM
With the start of each New Year comes resolutions for many of us for improved physical and mental health, better financial management, spending more time with loved ones and perhaps finally getting that job or promotion you’ve been seeking. According to a
YouGov survey of American adults conducted in December of 2023, one-third (34 percent) plan to make New Year’s resolutions or set a goal for 2024. Along with making resolutions, the turn of the calendar also dictates that many “experts” share their own personal lists of must-read books for the New Year or the most highly-anticipated movies to hit the screen in 2024. Self-help media of all forms is also high on many lists. Podcasts have become a big part of many Americans’ normal routine and so we asked some optical industry leaders to share their recommended podcasts and blogs, be it industry, business-related or personal.
By Daniel Breeman
Friday, December 15, 2023 8:30 AM
‘Tis the season for extended family holiday gatherings and celebrations, which means not just the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and preparations, but for many a chance to get away to visit with loved ones or in some cases simply to take a well-deserved end-of-year vacation. While many preparations go into holiday travel, from securing reservations to making sure the details of family gatherings are set, one item that may not be at the top of everyone’s holiday wish list is taking the time to be sure their eyes and vision stay safe and healthy.