A Hong Kong study highlighting a significant decrease in the time schoolchildren have been able to spend outdoors and a sharp increase in screen time is the latest to join mounting evidence that a rise in childhood myopia may be linked to the coronavirus pandemic. Read more
Clinic with optomap imaging cuts visits by a third
A study conducted at a prominent research university has found patient visits were 28 minutes shorter on average after systemic changes to its workflow, including the implementation of decentralised optomap imaging. Read more
EssilorLuxottica completes GrandVision deal
EssilorLuxottica has completed the acquisition of optical retail giant GrandVision, ending uncertainty sparked by a legal ruling that granted the eyewear giant the option to walk away from the €7.3 billion (AU$11.2 billion) deal altogether. Read more
International Myopia Institute appoints new chief scientist
The International Myopia Institute (IMI) has appointed the UK’s Professor James Wolffsohn as its chief scientist, following the retirement of Professor Earl Smith. Read more
New paper sheds light on myopia control axial length targets
A new paper comparing axial elongation differences among untreated myopes, myopes fitted with a control contact lens and emmetropes has helped further the understanding of myopia control efficacy in the context of normal childhood eye growth. Read more
EssilorLuxottica secures final GrandVision clearance; unveils sustainable acetate plans
The Turkish Competition Authority has cleared EssilorLuxottica’s GrandVision takeover. It’s the final country to approve the deal, but it won’t be finalised until arbitration proceedings are ironed out between the two companies. Read more
Specsavers acquires first Canadian practices
Specsavers has reportedly entered the North American market with the acquisition of a Canadian business with 18 practices. Read more
BHVI announces return of Myopia Awareness Week – 24-28 May
Eyecare professionals are being urged to remain abreast of the most current myopia management methods as Australian not-for-profit the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) relaunches Myopia Awareness Week, starting Monday. Read more
Hoya releases three-year follow-up study of myopia spectacle lens
New data published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology (BJO) has shown Hoya’s MiyoSmart lens continued to slow myopia progression in children after three years, while patients who switched from single vision lenses had a significant slowdown in their condition. Read more
Global IOL market to reach AU$6.2bn by 2030 – report
A global data and analytics company has valued the 2020 intraocular lens (IOL) market at US$3.5 billion (AU$4.5 b), however the current resurgence in cataract procedures won’t offset COVID-19 revenue losses until 2022. Read more