ORLANDO, Fla.—Opticians, optometrists, practice managers and business leaders from across the industry gathered here in Orlando last week for Transitions Academy, the annual international training, education and networking event hosted by Transitions Optical, part of EssilorLuxottica. “Hey Future!,” the theme of this year’s Transitions Academy, which has traditionally drawn more than 1,000 people, was a nod to the impact of technology on the optical industry, as well as to the four Transitions’ “superpowers,” which include vision, tech, style and experience. The event kicked off Sunday, Feb. 4, and marked the debut of new offerings in the Transitions line, including a sneak peek at the new Color Touch lenses in five colors—sapphire, ruby, amber, amethyst and emerald—with two new effects: gradient and washed. The lenses offer UV protection as well as eyestrain support, with the Color Touch lenses boasting light modulation lens technology, which the company says is ultra-responsive and adaptive to changing light conditions. The company advised that the lenses will be available in the U.S. in Q3 2025.

The three-day meeting featured a variety of presentations and breakout sessions, with discussions focused on Gen S clinical trial data, patient experiences and user testimonials, as well as a Transitions Immersive Experience, where visitors were able to experience the company’s newest products with Transitions lenses, including the Nuance Audio smart glasses and Ray-Ban Meta. Transitions Academy concluded with the Innovation Awards ceremony, honoring individuals and eyecare practices that stand out in the optical field. The award winners are as follows:

Healthy Site Ambassador

Celebrates an individual who best promotes healthy sight to their patients and within their local communities.

  • Winner: Ric Peralta, ABOC, consultant, senior optician/lab manager–Focal Point Optometry (Fullerton, Calif.)

  • Finalist: Brandy Yeack, CPOA, practice manager–Valley Eye Care (Corvallis, Ore.)
Eye Care Practice of the Year, North America

The Eye Care Practice of the Year, North America title recognizes an independent eyecare practice or retailer with less than 20 locations in the U.S. or Canada.

Retailer of the Year, North America

The Retailer of the Year, North America title is awarded to one North American retailer with 20 or more locations.

Channel Partner of the Year, North America

Channel Partner of the Year, North America, is awarded to an optical laboratory, managed vision care company, lens manufacturer or buying group in the U.S. or Canada.