Being an Online Optician

The Wall Street Journal's Smart Money examines the work of Ronald Applebaum, who once had three stores in Manhattan. He sold them and started EyeglassDirect.com. Remember: One man's poison is another's....

Presbyopia Taking Worldwide Toll
Topic: Eyewear

Researchers have put on number on the impact of presbyopia worldwide. More than 1 billion people cannot see near and half don't have eyewear, most of them living in the developing world. The number will probably double in the next 40 years.

Germans Want Better Price-Quality Ratio/Belgians Selling More Multifocals
Topic: Eyewear
According to Companiesandmarkets.com, "The main trends influencing spectacles in Germany are towards a greater variety of products and designs and a better price-quality ratio."

Meanwhile in nearby Belgium, the sales of multifocal spectacle lenses are increasing along with the incident of presbyopia.

Bugs Bunny Had It Wrong about Carrots and Eyes
Topic: Optical
What's up, doc? Bugs Bunny used that line over and over. He also ate carrots, but did they improve his eyesight? Nope. But did it help him avoid cataracts and macular degeneration. Read. There's a host of other food that could help eye health.

Eye Tracking Eyewear--An Optical Curiosity
Topic: Eyewear
Tobii Technology has developed eye-tracking eyewear. The goal: to "help researchers in commercial, scientific, and government organisations to gain greater levels of insight into the preferences, reactions and personal experiences of people in a natural environment."

Implant to Fix Macular Degeneration
Topic: Optical
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an implantable telescope to counter the effects of macular degeneration. The product is produced by VisionCare of Saratoga, CA, and will cost around $15,000 for the device itself.

3D without Eyewear
Topic: Eyewear

The Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University believes its AqualLux 3D can project 3D images by focusing the image on layers of water.

AAO Warns of Dangers of Cosmetic Contact Lenses
Topic: Contact Lenses

Following the warnings issued by the state of Connecticut, an article in the New York Times, and a column in EyeWitness, the American Academy of Ophthalmology issued the following statement: The AAO “would like to alert consumers to the hazards of buying any decorative lenses, including circle lenses, without a prescription. Any type of contact lens is a medical device that requires a prescription, proper fitting by an eye care professional and a commitment to proper care by the consumer.”

Minor Leaguer Tames Keratoconus with CLs

A few years ago, Tommy Pham was a baseball scout's delight, but his career in the minors has not gone as well as Pham would like, especially since he was diagnosed with keratoconus in 2008.

Perry Ellis to Sell Cubavera
Topic: Eyewear

Yesterday, Perry Ellis International signed an agreement with Eyewear Designs to make and distribute Cubavera eyewear.

Night Driving Made Easy. That's the Claim
Topic: Eyewear

Squadra Night Vision is the world's first ophthalmic mask made specifically for night driving, according to TAG Heuer Avant-Garde Eyewear.

Revo Sails 11,000 Miles
Topic: Eyewear

Revo announced that it is the sole provider of eyewear for the Plastiki Expedition, a nautical journey of 11,000 miles from San Francisco to Sydney, Australia, where the expedition will port at the end of this month.

Eyewear Goes Electronic?
Topic: Eyewear
The a columnist for the well-respected website CNET reported: "...new, electronic glasses are set to roll out in the U.S. later this year that serve the same function. With the press of a button on the side of the frames, the thickness and shape of the lenses adapt to where the wearer is looking. Press once, and you're in for a closeup view. Again, and you're ready to see across the room. Again, and you've got the in-between mode."

Austrian and English Opticians Want Better Referees
Topic: Optical
Tired of ref's calling poor games, especially as noted at FIFA's World Cup this year, Austrian optician United Optics is offering free eye tests to referees and linesmen until the last day of the World Cup.

Incensed over the poor job of the Uruguayan linesman at the English-German World Cup game, which England lost in a major upset, English Asda Opticians offered free eye tests  oall Uruguayans.

Report on Optical Industry Available
Topic: Optical
According to MarketResearch.com, "The retail optical industry in the US includes about 13,000 optician stores with combined annual revenue of $8 billion, and 20,000 offices of optometrists with combined annual revenue of $11 billion. Large opticians include Luxottica Retail (LensCrafters and Pearle Vision), Eye Care Centers of America, and US Vision. The optician segment of the industry is concentrated: the 50 largest chains hold about 60 percent of the market. The optometrist segment is highly fragmented." You can purchase a copy of the report for $129 by registering with Market Research at www.marketresearch.com.

Canadians Take Health Regs Seriously
Topic: Optical
The Hamilton Spectator reports: "The Great Glasses chain of eyewear stores has been placed in court-ordered receivership following seven years of flagrant disregard for the health regulations of Ontario."

Around the Globe Eyewear Market Reports
Topic: Optical
According to a new report, the sales of eyewear in France grew to 4.82 million Euros in 2009, up 1.9%. Meanwhile, the Chinese are taking a more frugal approach to their selection of eyewear.

Over eye care in the Domincan Republic grew almost 9%, according to another report.

"Sales of contact lenses grew modestly in 2009" in the Netherlands, says another report.

Need an Eye Exam; Try Your Cell Phone
Topic: Optical

Based on research coming from MIT's Media Labs, individuals – with an app for an Android cell phone – can discover their own prescriptions. MIT isn't foolhardy enough to believe an cell phone app could replace a visit to an OD or MD. It's meant for use by individuals in developing countries without access to ODs or MDs.

Orange 21 Launches Music Eyewear Collection
Topic: Eyewear

Using recording artists as designers, Orange 21 has launched a new line of eyewear called Music.

New Coating for Protective Eyewear
Topic: Eyewear

Uvex has unveiled two new coatings for protective eyewear.