Ga Ga for Balenciaga
Kering Eyewear and Balenciaga are partnering on the development, production and worldwide distribution of Balenciaga sunglasses and prescription frames. Set to launch in January 2019, the collection will available through a selective distribution network. kering.com
Andy the AI
Johnson & Johnson Vision has introduced an artificial-intelligence powered virtual assistant chatbot for contact lenses named Andy. Designed to help guide U.S. consumers with their ACUVUE brand contact lens experience from considering contact lenses for the first time to long-term wearers any time of the day from their computer or mobile device. Andy also provides intuitive coaching to help new wearers develop healthy contact lens habits and can be found by connecting with ACUVUE on the Facebook Messenger app. acuvue.com
$700 Million Dollars
Think About Your Eyes generated 3.4 million eye exams in 2017, data shows. The success was measured using a statistical analysis of all factors contributing to the creation of eye exams, including population growth, marketing efforts, vision care insurance coverage, and health of the economy. The increase in exams and shortening of the exam cycle resulted in $752 million in additional industry revenue. This represents exam fees and add-on purchases, like frames, contact lenses and other accessories. thinkaboutyoureyes.com
For the Students
Essilor and the American Academy of Optometry announced a new event for students, “Essilor Academic Challenge @ Academy Stadium.” The challenge will be comprised of digital competitions by teams from each optometry school culminating in a public finale at Academy 2018 San Antonio. School teams will be comprised of three students at varying levels and one faculty coach. Academy 2018 San Antonio will take place at the Henry B. González Convention Center on November 8 from 7:00 pm. aaopt.org/2018