Oct. 26, 2021 — Coinciding with the launch of the Essilor Vision Care Center digital event platform, Essilor has opened registration for the center’s inaugural event: the Global Varilux Summit.
 
Scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. EST, the virtual summit will focus on presbyopia and the latest advances in progressive lenses.
 
The Essilor Vison Care Center is designed as a space for idea exchange for eyecare professionals on the latest science and research in eye health, and the center’s first event will provide attendees with insights from top researchers on scientific developments in presbyopic correction and innovation methodologies behind progressive lenses and a closer look at the latest consumer research and trends in presbyopic eye health.
 
“More than ever in this increasingly digital world and ever-changing vision environment, we stand firm in our mission to help patients see better so they can enjoy life to the fullest,” says Agnes Dewidehem, global Essilor brands senior vice president. “The Global Varilux Summit aims to open doors and minds to the latest technical and scientific advances in presbyopia with contributions from internationally renowned experts. We are also looking forward to sharing compelling data and key learnings gleaned from recent global research and surveys to ensure our attendees benefit from the latest science.”
 
Dewidehem will co-host the summit with Howard Purcell, O.D., FAAO, president and CEO of the New England College of Optometry (and a 2020 #EBGameChanger awardee).
 
“I am honored to co-host the Global Varilux Summit on presbyopia,” says Dr. Purcell. “The topic is currently a very dynamic area of focus for our profession and continuous education for eyecare providers is critical to creating the best outcomes for patients. Attendees will hear from our global experts, clinicians, and researchers about the advancements in progressive lenses and how to optimally dispense the right products to the right patients. Awareness, education, and customization are at the heart of success for an eyecare provider—and patients will notice the elevated care they are provided as a result.”
 
Additional Global Varilux Summit speakers include professor Mark A. Bullimore, MCOptom, Ph.D., FAAO, University of Houston, College of Optometry, Boulder, CO; Damien Gatinel, M.D., Ph.D., head of the Anterior and Refractive Surgery Department of the Rothschild Foundation in Paris; Fiona Fylan, Ph.D., health psychologist, Leeds Beckett University in the U.K; professor Pete S. Kollbaum, O.D., Ph.D., FAAO, of Indiana University, School of Optometry in Bloomington, ID; Elaine Grisdale, FBDO, FAAO, FEAOO, ABDO head of professional services and international development/director of development for the International Opticians Association in the U.K.
 
The summit will broadcast to 66 countries and will be available in 11 languages: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Polish, Turkish, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Bahasa, and Portuguese.
 
Registration is free and is accessible until Nov. 9.