Dr. Mark Rea, professor of architecture and cognitive sciences at The Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., talks
about the science behind light sensitivity.
Transitions shows why
it’s “Light Years Ahead”
at Academy
By Denis Langlois
More than 915 industry professionals
from 31 countries in North and South
America participated in the 23nd
annual Transitions Academy.
named by TIME magazine as one of
the best inventions of 2018. That
launch will be followed in the fall by
the release in Canada of Transitions
Signature Gen 8 lenses.
The invitation-only event, themed
“Light Years Ahead,” took place Feb. 4 This year’s Academy also included
to 5 at the J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes various workshops, general sessions
in Orlando, Florida.
and presentations, along with a key-
One of the highlights of this year’s event note presentation, called The Five
Second Rule, by Mel Robbins on
was the announcement by Chrystel
Barranger, president of Essilor Pho- how ECPs can increase productivity,
tochromics and Transitions Optical, collaboration and engagement.
on how the brand will be innovating to The event wrapped up with the 2018
bring light management solutions to
Transitions Innovation Awards and
even more wearers in 2019.
Celebration at Mango’s Tropical
It will achieve that goal by launching Cafe. Canadian optician Sheena
Taff of Roberts & Brown Opticians
in the first half of this year the new
in Vancouver, B.C., won the best in
OASYS ACUVUE with Transitions
marketing award, while Costco
contact lenses, which have been
Optical received the Canadian Retailer
of the Year honour.
36 OPTICAL PRISM | March 2019
Audience members participate in a retail innovation
workshop at Transitions Academy.
Other winners were: Weaver Eye
Associates of York, Pa., Eyecare Prac-
tice of the Year; Dr. Amanda Rights of
Blue Ridge Vision in Boone, N.C.,
2018 Transitions Brand Ambassador;
National Vision Inc., U.S. Retailer
of the Year; and Professional Eye
Care Associates of America,
Best in Training.