FINE EYEWEAR & Eye Care Library » Industry News

AOA Study Cites Safety and Compliance Issues for Rx Eyeglasses Ordered Online

admin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:37:54 +0000

Make no mistake, Glasses are not TV’s or Cell phones or other things you might order online. When you receive your glasses in the mail, you can’t just turn it on to verify if the prescription is working and accurate. Glasses are medical device’s used to help organ’s in your body function better. A good pair of glasses help your visual/brain and hand eye coordination perform better. A bad Rx or cheap lenses can cause headaches and other problems. A cheap pair of Sunglasses may cause even more harmful UV rays to enter into and cause permanent to damage your eyes. Manufacturing a great pair of glasses to specific tolerances is a difficult thing to do and requires highly experienced, trained personal. We don’t take your vision lightly and neither should you – FE.

ST. LOUIS—Consumers who order prescription eyeglasses online often receive glasses that fail to comply with optical tolerance and impact resistance requirements, according to a newly released study conducted by the American Optometric Association in conjunction with the Optical Laboratories Association and The Vision Council.

The study, which was published in the September issue of Optometry: Journal of the American Optometric Association, found that nearly half of the prescription eyewear ordered online in the U.S.—44.8 percent—had incorrect prescriptions or did not meet physical parameters to provide sufficient protection to the wearer.

Over a two-month period in 2010, 10 individuals from across the U.S. ordered two pairs of glasses, including pairs for both adults and children, from each of 10 of the most visited online optical vendors, for a total of 200 pairs of glasses. Frame styles were chosen from the mid-range options offered by each vendor, in varying frame materials, lens styles and prescriptions. The AOA’s published article did not identify the online optical vendors/retailers selected for the study.

Of the eyeglasses ordered, 154 pairs were received. After they were received, lens analysis included measurement of sphere power, cylinder power and axis, add power (if specified), separation of distance optical centers and center thickness.

Several pairs were provided incorrectly such as single vision instead of bifocals, or lens treatments that were added or omitted, the AOA reported. In 29 percent of glasses received, at least one lens was not within the parameters of the prescription. Nearly 23 percent of the lenses failed impact testing, based on center thickness and lens treatment. Of the children’s glasses tested, 29 percent failed impact testing.

Karl Citek, OD, PhD, a lead study author from Pacific University College of Optometry, noted that patients who purchase eyewear without the assistance of a trained professional may not receive a product of equal performance, value or safety. “Patients do not receive the benefit of ensuring an accurate prescription and a proper fit,” he wrote.

Sam Pierce, OD, trustee for the AOA, said consumers should be cautious when ordering any medical devices online. “Although online retailers may effectively market cost savings associated with online purchase of eyewear, consumers should beware, as this study points out, that the lack of oversight and quality control can lead to inferior products that could be harmful,” Pierce said.

FDA Cracks Down On False LASIK Claims

admin — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:56:09 +0000

HealthDay (9/30, Mann) reports, “The US Food and Drug Administration is once again cracking down on eye care professionals who make false safety claims and promises about the popular LASIK eye surgery.” In its Letter to Eye Care Professionals, which it issued this week, the FDA “is now giving eye doctors 90 days to get in line and update any advertising or promotional materials that make false claims. After this time, the agency will take regulatory action, said FDA spokeswoman Erica Jefferson.”

Questions to research when considering LASIK:

1. What are the risks of LASIK. (dry-eye, star/halo night vision, ability to properly heal after surgery)
2. Will LASIK make the need for eye glasses go away 100%? (in many cases no)
3. Will LASIK make the need for reading glasses come at an earlier age (in many cases yes)
4. Is there an age window to get LASIK?
5. Does my eyeball structure make me a good LASIK candidate?
6. Ask your surgeon if he/she has had LASIK performed on their own eyes.

Further reading can be found by clicking this FDA website: MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/LASIK

Chinese fakes – 1st glasses, now entire stores…..

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:22:55 +0000

BEIJING — It looks almost exactly like a sleek Apple store. Sales assistants in blue T-shirts with the company’s logo chat with customers. Signs advertising the iPad 2 hang on the white walls. Outside, the famous logo sits next to the words “Apple Store” — one of the few clues that the whole thing is a fake.

China, long known for producing counterfeit consumer gadgets, software and brand name clothing, has reached a new piracy milestone — fake Apple stores.

“It had the classic Apple store winding staircase and weird upstairs sitting area. The employees were even wearing those blue T-shirts with the chunky Apple name tags around their necks,” she wrote on her blog.

“But some things were just not right: the stairs were poorly made. The walls hadn’t been painted properly. Apple never writes ‘Apple Store’ on its signs — it just puts up the glowing, iconic fruit.”

http://www.statesman.com/business/technology/ifraud-entire-apple-stores-being-faked-in-china-1629983.html

Buyer Beware – Seizure of 560,000 pairs of unsafe sunglasses

admin — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:04:28 +0000

As part of an operation that involved numerous provinces in Italy, the Venice Guardia di Finanza (Italian tax police) seized about 560,000 pairs of sunglasses made in China and valued at 10 million Euro: the lenses were considered to be an extreme health hazard.

The operation was triggered by a display of eyeglasses in a Venice store with price tags that were well below market prices: a subsequent check of the goods revealed that the labels and CE markings had been illegally applied.

Technical analyses of the material demonstrated that in addition to not having UV filters, the lenses also released nickel on contact with perspiration. Also seized were 3.2 million labels that would have been applied to products imported from China to Italy.

The seven Chinese and Italian importers involved paid less than ten Eurocents a pair for the seized eyewear, which was placed on the market at prices ranging from 8 to 15 Euro.

http://www.mido365.com/index.php?idcont=13919

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LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Customs agents at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex seized 13,200 pairs of fake Givenchy and Armani sunglasses and reading glasses in a shipment from China, authorities announced Thursday.

The shipment, seized on Feb. 2, had a combined “domestic value” of $11,141, but a combined “suggested retail price” of nearly $2.6 million, said Jaime Ruiz of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“Along with the negative effect on legitimate manufacturers and on the U.S. economy, counterfeit sunglasses may not be impact-resistant, may cause injury by shattering and may fail to provide UV protection,” Ruiz said

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/02/10/13000-pairs-of-fake-sunglasses-seized/

…..

These sunglasses and prescription glasses often end up in bargain stores or on the internet at too good to be true prices. A knowledgeable person can quickly ascertain a fake by the quality of the materials and the lenses. A true quality pair of sunglasses will have at least a polycarbonate lenses, which won’t be found in these fakes (too expensive) the metal hardware is often flimsy and has no protective coatings. The plastic from the cheap molds will have rough edges, rather than the smooth hand polished edges from a real pair. All in all, they are cheap, but dangerous toys that will allow more UV exposure to your eyes and damage them over time. F.E.

Americans not Protecting Vision – yet 82% fear losing vision more than any of the 5 senses

admin — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:18:42 +0000

NEW YORK— According to a new survey, an overwhelming 82 percent of Americans fear losing their vision more than any other of the five senses. Additionally, a majority of those surveyed reported getting an annual eye exam yet 86 percent of those who have (or are at-risk for) eye disease fear losing their vision and do not get an annual eye exam, according to Lighthouse International, the non-profit organization which released the survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, yesterday.

The study features public response regarding health and other key national issues, was conducted by telephone in September 2010 for Lighthouse. It also explored barriers against vision testing and key behaviors that contribute to vision loss (i.e. smoking or lack of exercise) with the 1,004 participating adults. Other questions asked in the survey included, “What would motivate you to take better care of your eyesight?” More than half of respondents indicated the motivation to be “a problem or change in vision.” (PLEASE REMEMBER, EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS YOUR BEST OPPORTUNITY TO TREAT A PROBLEM SUCCESSFULLY, DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE – Fine Eyewear)

“This is a disturbing finding, since a comprehensive, annual eye exam is the most important step to preserving vision,” said Mark G. Ackermann, president and CEO of Lighthouse International. He added, “Due to an increase in the number of aging Baby Boomers and the growing prevalence of such diseases as diabetes and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), some 61 million Americans are at high risk of serious vision loss.”

Optical Goods Manufacturers Promotes National Anti-Counterfeiting Day

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:22:33 +0000

VENICE—The Italian Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers (ANFAO) promoted the first National Anti-Counterfeiting Day on July 7 throughout Italy.

The event’s primary objective of increasing the awareness of both companies and citizens on the phenomenon of counterfeiting, intending to become a starting point for further initiatives to fight the marketing of fake goods, the organization said.

“In Venice, we decided to carry out an important protest demonstration,” explained Tabacchi. “On a floating platform in front of Palazzo Labia, in Campo San Geremia, more than 5,000 pairs of counterfeit glasses were destroyed by a steamroller, together with Murano glass and shoes, all representing the qualitative excellence of goods produced in northeastern Italy. A striking message to say ‘no to knock-offs!’”

According to the release, during the first nine months of last year alone, the Guardia di Finanza (the Italian Tax Police) confiscated more than 112 million fake products in Italy, recording a sharp increase in the fashion sector with more than 19.5 million pieces seized. Since industrial and commercial counterfeiting today represents 5 percent to 7 percent of worldwide trade, a release from ANFAO said, the turnover generated by this phenomenon is threatening the national and international economy and its short- and long-term development.

In addition to notable economic damage, counterfeit products also constitute a threat for consumer safety. For this reason, Italian eyewear, represented by ANFAO, has long been aware of this phenomenon and for years has been leading the fight against counterfeiting.

“Counterfeit sunglasses[and prescription glasses] expose eyes and vision to risks due to non-compliant lenses, and they can also bring on devastating allergic reactions to the skin caused by the materials used to make the frames,” Tabacchi explained.

Oakley sponsors US Team at 2010 Winter Olympics

fineeyewear — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:42:46 +0000

VANCOUVER, British Columbia—The eyes of the sports world will turn to Vancouver as the city hosts the 2010 Winter Olympics beginning February 12, but ceremonies for the event have already begun. The Olympic flame was lit October 22 in Olympia, Greece and began its 106 day Canadian tour on October 30, where it will reach every province before ending its journey at the Olympic Cauldron.

2006 U.S. Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding
halfpipe Shaun White is sponsored by Oakley.

Approximately 2,500 athletes will be waiting in Vancouver to compete in 15 events on the world’s biggest stage in an attempt at Olympic immortality. This year’s host city—Canada’s third largest metropolitan area—will see its population of 2.1 million¬ more than double with attendees to the Games. While Vancouver is the heart of the Games, several of the events, including alpine skiing and bobsled, will take place at newly constructed facilities in nearby Whistler. Long track speed skating will take place at the Olympic Oval just south of Vancouver in Richmond.

While the official slogan of the games is “With Glowing Hearts,” Canada’s national slogan for the games is “ Own the Podium”—part of an effort to push Canadian athletes to greater podium showings in front of their home crowd and to increase Canada’s international athletic reputation. History explains the necessity: This will be the country’s third time hosting the Olympics (Canada’s first Winter Olympics was hosted by Calgary, Alberta in 1988 and Montreal hosted the 1976 Summer

The 2010 Olympic mascots.

Games) and, in both instances, Canadian athletes failed to win a single gold medal in any event.

U.S. Snowboard Team

Gretchen Bleiler – Oakley sponsorship
Shaun White – Oakley sponsorship

Oakley Sunglasses and ophthalmics are available at Fine Eyewear, located the three corners of Cedar Park, Austin and Round Rock, TX and a short drive from Georgetown, TX. Our address is 2800 E. Whitestone Blvd Suite 210 Cedar Park, TX 78613. See main website for contact information.

FDA to study quality of life problems associated with Lasik surgery

fineeyewear — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:27:01 +0000

The AP (10/16, Perrone) reports that “the Food and Drug Administration announced plans Thursday to study the scope of problems connected with laser eye-correcting surgery, which include blurred vision and dry eyes.” The agency “says it will work with the National Eye Institute and the Department of Defense to determine the percentage of patients who experience negative side effects following” Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery. Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, the acting head of FDA’s medical device division, said, “This study will enhance our understanding of the risks of Lasik and could lead to a reduction in patients who experience adverse effects.”

Bloomberg News (10/16, Waters, Larkin) reports that “the first phase of the study began in July and involves online questionnaires.” According to Bloomberg, “pressure from patients dissatisfied with laser eye surgery prodded US regulators to begin a study of the procedure’s effects and warn Lasik centers to better track complications, an advocate said.” The agency said Thursday “that recent inspections showed 17 undisclosed Lasik centers had inadequate systems for reporting adverse effects of the surgery.”

Although “Lasik has many ardent admirers among the more than 12 million in the US who have had it, between 2% and 5% of patients getting the surgery — as many as 75,000 per year — are thought to have lasting post-operative problems that range from painful dry-eye to poorer vision, halos, glare and even blindness,” the Los Angeles Times (10/15, Healy) “Booster Shots” blog reports. “The FDA calls these ‘quality of life’ problems following the laser surgery, and has acknowledged that it has recorded no more than a small fraction of such problems during the Lasik industry’s period of explosive growth.” CQ Today (10/16, Reichard) and the UK’s Press Association (10/16) also cover the story. Reuters (10/16, Heavey), meanwhile, reports on the FDA’s warning to Lasik centers.

Eyelid common site for skin cancer, experts say.

fineeyewear — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:06:18 +0000

California’s San Gabriel Valley Tribune (9/18, Jansen) reports that the eyelid “is one of the most common sites for skin cancer, accounting for as much as 10 percent of all skin cancers. Left untreated,” cancers there “could lead to significant injury and even blindness.” The Skin Cancer Foundation explained that “with their delicate structure and greater exposure to the sun, the eyes and surrounding areas are particularly prone to cancers,” and people who have “fair skin, light eyes,” or “who are older have an increased risk of skin cancer and eye diseases.” The “most common” form of cancer of the eyelid is “basal cell carcinoma.” To prevent eyelid cancer, people should wear sunscreen, wear wide-brimmed hats, and “wear sunglasses with 99-100 percent UV protection year-round.”

Optical chain changes policy on ‘used’ glasses

fineeyewear — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:02:06 +0000

In the news….. 11:56 PM CDT on Friday, August 7, 2009 By DAVID SCHECHTER / WFAA-TV

Used vs. New

“Frames that have been briefly worn by a customer and are deemed ‘Like New’ by passing the ‘Frame Review Process’ should be returned to retail stock at full price.”

“I think the patient should have the opportunity to know that they’re buying a used pair of glasses,” Forbes said.

Texas law agrees.

The Deceptive Trade Practices Act says it’s illegal to represent that “goods are original or new if they are deteriorated, reconditioned, reclaimed, used, or secondhand.”

Eyeglasses are not exempt.

LensCrafters is owned by a multinational company called Luxottica, which also operates Pearl Vision, Sears and Target optical shops. Luxottica says the memo was not sent to those outlets. And in a written statement to News 8, LensCrafters has now reversed its policy of selling used frames as new without telling customers.

“Returned frames that are in new condition will be identified and sold in the Clearance section of our stores, eligible for Clearance promotions,” the LensCrafters statement said. “We have asked our associates not to sell any returned frames while we prepare stores for the sale of these frames.”

But for Dr. Robert Forbes, the damage is already done. “I understand that business is business and profits need to be made,” he said, “but I don’t feel they need to be made in that manner.”

E-mail dschechter@wfaa.com

See the video at:

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa090807_wz_usedglasses.ba17a68b.html