OPTICAL PRISM | GLIMPSES
LENSBOX CANADA ACQUIRES OXFORD & KIN
Lensbox Canada , an eyecare technology company providing omni-channel eye healthcare solutions , connecting ECPs with patients , has announced the acquisition of Oxford & Kin and a new partnership with Baus Eyewear , to further expand same-day delivery and product innovation .
Oxford and Kin , a doctor-created and stylish eyewear brand dedicated to social responsibility , launched in 2016 by Doctor of Optometry , Harbir Sian .
ZYLOWARE PROMOTES GILDA MEHRABA
Zyloware has promoted Gilda Mehraban to vice-president corporate accounts and business development .
As part of the global sales team at Zyloware , Mehraban will provide a focus on strategic opportunities within the United States and Canadian markets . In her time at Zyloware , Mehraban has developed specialized expertise in key account and chain management with an eye on brand building .
Mehraban was previously director of business development for De Rigo REM .
J & J VISION INTRODUCES ACUVUE
Johnson & Johnson Vision has launched ACUVUE Abiliti , a new brand for future products and services to help parents and eye care professionals address the growing prevalence and progression of myopia in children .
Abiliti will provide parents and ECPs with comprehensive resources , including products and services , to address the progression of myopia in children . Each annual purchase of an Abiliti product will provide a free comprehensive eye health exam to a child in need through Sight for Kids , a joint program from Johnson & Johnson Vision and the not-for-profit program from the Lions Clubs International Foundation .
The introduction of Abiliti is the latest from Johnson & Johnson Vision to address the growing myopia epidemic , following the company ’ s partnership with Menicon to bring forward a therapeutic contact lens that can help address the progression of myopia in children . The company has also announced the development of a first-of-its-kind myopia management guide with recommendations for ECPs to assess , monitor and treat myopia in children .
“ I am truly excited for this brand to continue its growth under the Lensbox umbrella . Oxford & Kin was a passion project that grew into so much more . Having volunteered in multiple vision clinics globally and locally , I saw that there was a true need to provide quality products and services to people who did not have access to the care they deserved . I was inspired to create a brand that would be able to reach those who need it the most , ” states Dr . Harbir Sian , founder of Oxford & Kin Eyewear .
The acquisition launches the initial phase of developing a vertically integrated business model for Lensbox .
Baus Eyewear is a family-owned Canadian eyewear company , popular amongst eyecare professionals . Established in 2003 , Baus Eyewear offers six diverse lines including elegant , vintage and titanium styles , to meet the needs of the most discerning patients .
ENHANCING EYE CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
CooperVision , Optometry Giving Sight and Special Olympics have come together to support the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes program , which aims to strengthen vision care inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities .
The organizations have committed $ 300,000 through 2023 to provide Special Olympics athletes with high-quality vision and eye health screenings , prescription eyewear and sports goggles , while also providing improved education and training for eye care professionals ( ECPs ) and optometry students so they are better able to meet the unique needs of this marginalized group .
“ Our athletes suffer some of the lowest access to vision care of any population globally ,” says Dr . Alicia Bazzano , chief health officer , Special Olympics . “ Globally , 35 per
38 OPTICAL PRISM | July 2021