2026 News Archive

Friday, March 27, 2026

Complement Therapeutics Begins GA Trial

First patient receives a single dose of CTx001 gene therapy for geographic atrophy secondary to AMD.

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Hoya Announces Progress on Sustainability Goals, Advances 2030 Renewable Energy Target

Hoya Vision Care has released a new sustainability update detailing progress under its “One Vision” program and outlining accelerated environmental and social commitments.

Thursday, March 26, 2026

United Opticians Association to Host Annual Leadership Conference

Taking place June 25 to 27 in Chicago, the conference brings together opticianry professionals from across the United States for 3 days of education, networking, and industry discussion.

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Prevent Blindness Designates April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

The initiative is intended to raise awareness that women face a higher risk of several vision conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye, and vision changes linked to pregnancy and menopause.

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Microdrop Device Improves Glaucoma Outcomes

Crossover study shows greater IOP reduction and reduced medication waste.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Okyo Reports New Positive Phase 2 Data for Urcosimod

Data showed meaningful improvements in patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes with urcosimod.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

OCU410 Shows Promise in Phase 2 GA Trial

Twelve-month data from Ocugen’s ArMaDa study support progression toward phase 3.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Eyedaptic Introduces EYE7 Smart Glasses

EYE7 smart glasses integrate an AI assistant to enhance independence for people with vision loss.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

VirtuaLens Introduces Monovision Simulation Feature

The new feature allows surgeons to demonstrate the visual effects of monovision during the consultation process.

Monday, March 23, 2026

Sydnexis Reports Positive Phase 3 Data for SYD-101 in Myopia Progression

SYD-101 0.01% significantly reduced myopia progression across all time points tested and met the primary efficacy endpoint at 36 months of confirmed myopia progression of -0.75 D or worse.

Monday, March 23, 2026

WCO, Alcon Introduce Dry Eye Management Map

The online tool supports optometrists worldwide to easily evaluate and manage dry eyes in their patients.

Friday, March 20, 2026

Vision Expo 2026 Celebrates Successful 40th Anniversary Event

Vision Expo 2026 concluded March 14 at the Orange County Convention Center, marking the event’s 40th anniversary and the debut of a unified annual format that brought together the global optical industry for 4 days of business, education, and product discovery.

Friday, March 20, 2026

Prevent Blindness Announces Its First-Ever Keratoconus Week

Prevent Blindness has designated March 23-29 as its first Keratoconus Week, an awareness initiative focused on education and early detection of the eye disease.

Friday, March 20, 2026

American Academy of Optometry Announces Registration Open for 2026 Retina Summit

Registration has opened for the 2026 Retina Summit, a 1-day continuing education program focused on retinal disease, scheduled for April 18 in Indianapolis.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Prisms, Vision Therapy Reduce Acute Acquired Comitant Esotropia

Retrospective cohort shows 79% of patients improved without surgery, with measurable gains in divergence and reduced esodeviation

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Study Reveals Women Prefer Contact Lens Under-Correction

Clinic-based study suggests sex differences in preferred contact lens under-correction during presbyopia management

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Survey Shows 96% of Optometrists Assess Smoking Status

Survey finds widespread smoking status screening among optometrists in Wales following national training requirements.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Alcon and Lensar Agree to Terminate Merger Agreement

Both companies mutually end deal after prolonged regulatory review.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

FDA Declines Approval of Aldeyra’s Reproxalap NDA

Aldeyra said it does not currently expect to pursue additional clinical trials, and intends to expeditiously request a Type A meeting to understand the actions needed for NDA approval.

Friday, March 13, 2026

New Tool Evaluates Eyedrop Routines

Nanodropper introduces a quiz designed to help patients assess challenges with topical therapies.

Friday, March 13, 2026

Hilco Vision Adds Ndemex Eye Serum to Bruder Healthcare Brand

The ingredients are designed for comfortable absorption and application to the eyelid area.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Heru Showcases PretestPro for its VR-Powered Diagnostic Headset at Vision Expo

According to Heru, PretestPro allows full-stack pretesting in just under 2 minutes.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Younger Optics Announces Launch of LED Pro Lenses at Vision Expo

LED Pro lenses are a patented ophthalmic lens technology engineered to selectively absorb the intense wavelengths that cause visual discomfort in white LED lighting.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Tecnis PureSee IOL Wins FDA Approval

The extended depth of focus lens expands Johnson & Johnson’s cataract surgery portfolio.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

TVC Issues Update on DOJ Proposal for IEEPA Refunds

The Vision Council issued an update after the Department of Justice, acting on behalf of US Customs and Border Protection, submitted a new proposal on March 6 outlining how refunds for duties assessed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act could be processed.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Virtual Field Rebrands Company as Carrot

The new brand reflects the company’s expansion beyond visual field testing to a broader diagnostic platform with integrated clinical workflows.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Report: Opticians Are Vital to Contact Lens Experiences, Profession Wants More Education

The January 2026 survey of US and Canadian contact lens patients indicated that 89% believe opticians are important in helping to achieve the best vision possible, with 83% saying opticians were extremely or very valuable to their contact lens-specific experience.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Transitions Optical Now Accepting Applications for 2026 Advancement Educational Grant Program

Transitions Optical has opened applications for its 2026 Transitions Optical Advancement educational grant program, which supports students pursuing careers in optometry and opticianry in the United States. The company is accepting submissions through April 17 at 11:59 PM ET.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Report: US Container Imports Expected to Remain Below 2025 Levels in Early 2026 Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Imports at major US container ports are projected to remain below last year’s levels during the first half of 2026 as retailers navigate continued tariff uncertainty, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

DigitalOptometrics Announces Next Evolution in Tele-Ophthalmic Care at Vision Expo East

Through a new partnership with Eyoto, DigitalOptometrics is introducing a new fully automated, remote-powered 4K digital slit lamp integrated into a tele-ophthalmic care platform.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

National Vision Announces Winners of 11th Annual Scholarship Program

Three optometry students were honored for their perspectives on technology’s expanding role in eyecare accessibility.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

EVAA.AI Expands to Integrate With Multiple Eyecare EHR Systems

The expansion allows eyecare practices to access EVAA’s AI-powered billing automation and clinical documentation tools without changing their existing EHR system.

Monday, March 9, 2026

Visionix Showcases VX 40 Pro System at Vision Expo 2026

The auto lensmeter and lens verification system can help optical professionals analyze spherical power, cylinder, axis, prism, segment height, and optical center positioning for accuracy.

Monday, March 9, 2026

ModMed Adds New Features to Scribe 2.0 Clinical AI Assistant

New features include intelligent note reconciliation, expanded device compatibility, and streamlined documentation.

Friday, March 6, 2026

TVC Research Highlights Economic Challenges, Growth for Eyecare Practices

The Vision Council has released its latest research report, “Provider inSights Q3-Q4 2025,” that provides an overview of economic conditions and operational trends among US eyecare practices during the second half of 2025.

Friday, March 6, 2026

AOA Foundation Announces 2026 Student Scholarship Winners

These scholarships recognize outstanding optometry students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to advancing the profession.

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Eying the Future Program Introduces Students to Eye Health, Optometry Careers

Classroom initiative expands eye health education and career awareness in schools serving Hispanic/Latino communities

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

The EASY Way Contact Lens Wear-and-Care Guidance Refreshed

The program’s practice-ready infographics, social media graphics, animations, and more now include additional guidance for keeping contact lenses away from water, along with removal-related videos.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Carl Kramer, OD, Named Valley Contax's New Professional Relations Director

In his new role, Dr. Kramer will support Valley Contax’s growing focus on education and clinical collaboration.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

VSP Invests $1 Million Toward Children’s Literacy, Vision Care Nationwide

VSP Vision announced a $1 million investment to expand access to vision care and literacy resources for children and families across the United States.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Announces 2026 Board Members

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition also announced that Meredith Bishop and Roni Kennison will serve as co-chairs.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Now Awards Returns With Expanded Format, 2026 Finalists Announced Ahead of Vision Expo

The finalists of the 2026 Now Awards have been announced, spanning independent, licensed, emerging, and direct-to-consumer brands from the global eyewear community. Winners will be announced at a ceremony during the optical trade show, and all submissions will be on display throughout the event.

Friday, February 27, 2026

VSP Vision Announces 2026 Fontana Memorial Scholarship Recipient

VSP Vision has named John Luder as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship, honoring his commitment to patient care, clinical excellence, and community outreach.

Friday, February 27, 2026

Zeiss Launches Collaborative Care Application

The browser-based software application is designed to enable eyecare professionals to work together more seamlessly by securely sharing data, referring patients, and strengthening their professional networks.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Two New Peer-Reviewed Articles Evaluate Biovance 3L Ocular Membrane

The articles highlight the use of the Biovance 3L Ocular tri-layer decellularized basement membrane used in ocular surgery and in ocular surface disease applications.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

FDA Accepts Supplemental NDA for Opus Genetics' Presbyopia Treatment

If approved, phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% has the potential to offer a pharmacologic treatment option for patients seeking improved visual acuity without reliance on corrective lenses, the company said.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Vision Expo 2026 Unveils New Offerings for 40th Anniversary Event

Marking its 40th anniversary, Vision Expo will bring together the optical community for 4 days of product launches, accredited education, hands-on demonstrations, and networking opportunities March 11-14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Prevent Blindness Announces Workplace Eye Wellness Month

As part of Workplace Eye Wellness Month in March, Prevent Blindness provides free educational materials that eyecare professionals can share with their patients, designed to help employees and employers protect and maintain eye health.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Colormax.org Expands Guaranteed Color Blind Test Success

Colormax.org, a division of Global Complex Eye Care, announced an expansion of its custom contact lens system designed specifically to help individuals who have color blindness pass standardized color vision tests.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Art Optical Introduces Ampleye Scleral Lens Identification System

This lens-to-invoice matching system enables practitioners to quickly verify lens parameters during the fitting process.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

VSP Report Finds US Workers Logging Nearly 100 Hours of Screen Time Weekly

VSP Vision Care has released new findings indicating that US employees are spending close to 100 hours per week on screens, with many reporting productivity challenges linked to screen-related visual discomfort.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

TVC Webinar Examines Impact of Supreme Court IEEPA Decision

In response to the US Supreme Court’s 6–3 decision limiting presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), The Vision Council (TVC) hosted a webinar to brief members on the implications of the ruling and resulting changes to US tariff policy.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Global Review Shows Lifestyle-Driven Rise in Ocular Redness

A new global review highlights the increasing prevalence of noninfectious ocular redness due to digital eye strain, dry eye disease, allergies, and environmental exposures.

Monday, February 23, 2026

TearRestore Announces Launch of OneDrop

The artificial tear is preservative free, blur free, lipid based, and safe for contact lens wearers, according to the company.

Monday, February 23, 2026

Study Shows Neurolens With Contoured Prism Improves Symptoms

Findings from a retrospective study demonstrate statistically significant symptom improvement among patients prescribed Neurolens with Contoured Prism technology.

Monday, February 23, 2026

TVC Issues Statement After Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs

A ruling from the US Supreme Court has struck down sweeping global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), invalidating tariffs on imports from several major US trading partners.

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Menicon’s Largest Malaysia Plant Begins Commercial Production

The newly opened Malaysia Plant is dedicated exclusively to producing 1-day lenses.

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Prevent Blindness Announces Third Annual ROP Awareness Week

Prevent Blindness has declared the third annual Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Awareness Week, Feb. 23 to March 1, as part of its ongoing ROP Education and Support Initiative.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

FDA Expands US Age Indication for EVO ICL

The expansion extends EVO ICL use for patients 21 to 60 years old

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Alcon Launches Total30 Multifocal for Astigmatism

Total30 Multifocal for Astigmatism is the only monthly multifocal toric contact lens with Water Gradient Technology, according to Alcon.

Monday, February 16, 2026

WHO Urges Faster Expansion of Global Access to Cataract Surgery

A new study finds nearly half of all people facing cataract-related blindness worldwide still need access to surgery.

Monday, February 16, 2026

Latinos en Optometry, Alcon to Host Vision Expo Panel

The session will explore how culture, trust, and communication influence patient understanding and follow-through in chronic disease care.

Friday, February 13, 2026

RevolutionEHR Announces Early Access to Redesigned Patient Portal

The upgrade allows patients to schedule appointments, send and receive secure messages, pay bills online, and access clinical documents, including Consolidated Clinical Document Architecture records, through a single, secure destination

Friday, February 13, 2026

Contamac Ltd. Announces FDA Premarket Approval of Optimum Infinite Lenses

The lenses are indicated for use in the reduction of refractive error in nondiseased eyes.

Thursday, February 12, 2026

WCO Welcomes 2 New Trustees to Charitable Foundation

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and World Optometry Foundation (WOF) announced the appointment of Dr. Juan Carlos Aragón (Costa Rica) and Dr. Scott Mundle (Canada) to the WOF Board of Trustees.

Thursday, February 12, 2026

ZipBio, MeiraGTx Enter License Agreement to Advance Gene Therapy for GA

Under the agreement, MeiraGTx will receive exclusive rights to ZipBio's first-in-class therapies for geographic atrophy, targeting the complement pathway.

Thursday, February 12, 2026

RPE Modeling May Advance AMD Research

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health use AI to develop a 3D atlas of healthy and diseased RPE cell states.

Thursday, February 12, 2026

CooperVision Launches MiSight 1 Day in Japan

To mark the milestone, the company hosted “Global and Japanese Perspectives on Myopia Control in Tokyo” on January 27.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

ACET Launches Technician Training Program to Address Workforce Shortage

The 8-week virtual course provides participants with foundational knowledge in anatomy, ocular disease, diagnostics, optics, and patient safety.

Monday, February 9, 2026

Six-Month Miyosmart iQ Data Shows No Myopia Progression on Average

At 6 months, children aged 4-12 wearing Miyosmart iQ spectacle lenses showed no myopia progression on average, with minimal eye growth, according to Hoya Vision Care.

Friday, February 6, 2026

Four Finalists Named for 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge

The global competition is designed to identify and support early-stage companies developing technologies and solutions aimed at advancing the eyecare experience.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

RETeval Electroretinography Device Gets New Partner

Ametek has announced its acquisition of LKC Technologies.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

VIEW Optometry Launches Doctor-Led Alliance

The alliance aims to preserve and grow the private practice market segment, improve profitability, and lessen financial pressures on optometry practices.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Vision Expo Celebrates 40 Years With Community Retrospective Initiative

Vision Expo is marking its 40th anniversary by inviting longtime attendees and exhibitors to contribute to a commemorative retrospective highlighting the event’s history and impact on the optical industry.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Clinique, Acuvue Collaborate to Advance Eye Education

Clinique and Acuvue will roll out a multichannel consumer education campaign featuring expert-driven content, engaging digital activations, and consumer experiences.

Friday, January 30, 2026

Optometry’s Meeting 2026 to Offer 300+ Hours of Education

Registration is now open for Optometry’s Meeting and AOA+, taking place June 17-20 in Phoenix. The annual event will feature more than 300 hours of programming planned across clinical, technological, and practice management topics.

Friday, January 30, 2026

Prevent Blindness Raises Alarm Over Cuts to CDC Vision Program

Congress’s finalized funding for fiscal year 2026 includes cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vision and Eye Health program, reducing its budget by nearly one-third, according to Prevent Blindness.

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Contact Lens Institute Announces 2026 Visionaries

Each Visionary has demonstrated a commitment to raising awareness of advances in soft contact lenses and prescribing benefits.

Thursday, January 29, 2026

FDA Approves Yuvezzi Combination Eye Drop for Presbyopia

Yuvezzi (carbachol and brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution) 2.75%/0.1%, previously known as Brimochol PF, is the first dual-agent eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia in adults.

Thursday, January 29, 2026

TVC: Optical Industry Reaches $69.5 Billion Despite Declines in Product Volume, Eye Exams

According to The Vision Council’s “Market inSights 2025 With 2026 Forecast,” the US optical industry grew in overall value in 2025, reaching an estimated $69.5 billion, even as the number of products purchased and eye exams conducted declined.

Thursday, January 29, 2026

CSI Dry Eye Innovations Granted Patent for AI-Supported Platform

The patent protects the core clinical reasoning framework behind CSI Dry Eye Software.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Prevent Blindness Declares February AMD and Low Vision Month

Prevent Blindness is providing free educational resources on AMD and low vision including patient and expert videos, webpages, fact sheets, and more.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

WCO, Alcon Expand Partnership to Promote DED Education

The collaboration will bring more innovations in dry eye disease tools and resources.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

TVC, Optical Industry Leaders Voice Tariff Concerns on Capitol Hill

The meetings focused on concerns that rising costs tied to current trade policies are affecting optical businesses, independent practices, and patient access to prescription eyewear.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

New Data Demonstrate Qlosi is Pupil Selective With Ciliary Muscle Movement

In an imaging study from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Qlosi's low-concentration formulation with 0.4% pilocarpine significantly reduced pupil diameter while demonstrating ciliary muscle movement the same as balanced salt solution control.

Monday, January 26, 2026

WCO Sets Collaborative Theme for World Optometry Week 2026

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announced that World Optometry Week 2026, running March 22-28, will highlight coordinated, cross-sector collaboration as a strategy for expanding access to eye and vision care worldwide.

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Primera Professional Pharmacy Introduces the Demovectin Kit

The kit features a custom compounded topical medicated ointment containing ivermectin 1%, metronidazole 0.5%, and tea tree oil 0.3%, with 2 OCuSOFT products to support a comprehensive eyelid hygiene routine.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

New Omega-3 Supplement for Dry Eye Launched

OCuSOFT’s Retaine Omega Forté contains a concentrated daily dose of omega-3 essential fatty acids in natural triglyceride form.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

More Than Half of US Optometrists Affected by Burnout

Nationwide study reports factors including gender disparities, home life, and work life that contribute

By Sarah Fackler, managing editor, Optometric Management

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

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2026 News Archive

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