What’s New

• New Report by The Vision Council Examines Gaps in UV Safety
  Nearly half of U.S. adults do not protect their eyes from UV radiation, according to a new consumer media report released by The Vision Council. The report, The Big Picture: Eye Protection is Always in Season, finds that UV protection is not a priority for shoppers, despite the damaging effect of UV radiation to eyes and vision. Click here to read the report.

• Think About Your Eyes National Campaign Launch
  Think About Your Eyes, L.L.C., a non-profit organization under The Vision Council, has announced plans for a national public awareness initiative in the second half of 2013. With the support of industry leaders around the country, the new campaign will focus on increasing the importance of overall vision health. Click here to read the full release.

• Announcing whatislowvision.org
  The Vision Council has launched a standalone website, whatislowvision.org, dedicated to educating consumers about low vision and low vision solutions. The site was created to serve as an online resource for people with vision impairment due to various eye conditions often associated with aging. Visit whatislowvision.org now.

• Spring 2013 Eyewear Trends
  The Eyecessorize spring 2013 trend kit is complete and is being sent to hundreds of fashion and lifestyle editors. The printed kit highlights the top trends of the season for both men and women, and provides corresponding trend descriptions and frame images with credit information. These materials are live on the Eyecessorize website.

• Changes to California Medical Device Licensing Process
  Since 2008, the State of California has required medical device manufacturers physically located in California to be licensed with the state. At the beginning of 2013, changes were made to the licensing process. Now applicants, including renewal applicants, can avoid the state inspection under certain circumstances. To find out what steps can be taken to avoid inspections, click here.

• Fax Blasting: What You Need to Know
  Due to a recent increase in litigation under the Junk Fax Prevention Act, Reed Smith LLP has prepared a summary for members, which outlines the procedures for sending unsolicited advertisements via facsimile. Click here to learn more.

• Important Updates to OSHA Inspection Guidelines
  New changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) require employee training and other steps to ensure employer compliance. The Vision Council has prepared two informational guides for members in response to the recent revisions. Both documents can be viewed here.