OD Notebook:
The Vision Council Provides Latest Updates on Tariffs Impacting the Optical Industry
By Deb Fisher, contributing editor
As global trade policies evolve, changes in tariff regulations will significantly affect the cost and availability of optical products, including frames, lenses, and equipment used throughout the supply chain. To keep its members informed and supported during this period of change, The Vision Council held a webinar on April 9 to offer timely updates and educational resources. Another webinar providing the latest tariff developments and best practices for future business planning and compliance will be held on Wednesday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Members can register here.
On April 9, 2025, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on the newly implemented country-specific "reciprocal" tariff increases for countries that have not retaliated, offering temporary relief and stability for many in the industry. All non-retaliating countries were returned to 10%, except for China. Instead, China's reciprocal duty rate was raised sharply to 145%, first reported as a 125% tariff, but clarified on April 10 to include the additional 20% already imposed on China for its role in supplying fentanyl to the United States (referred to below as the IEEPA duty). This move may heavily impact optical companies relying on Chinese manufacturing or imports.
According to The Vision Council, optical products imported from China are now facing significantly elevated tariffs, creating substantial cost implications for importers. Plastic eyeglass frames are among the most heavily impacted, now subject to a combined tariff rate of approximately 155%. Other essential items, such as over-the-counter reading glasses, complete eyeglasses, safety glasses, and goggles imported from China are also now taxed at a combined rate of 155%, while sunglasses carry a slightly lower rate of 154.5%. In addition, a broad range of optical accessories and equipment, including eyeglass cases, lens processing systems, and optical manufacturing machinery, will now be subject to combined tariff rates estimated between 170% and 190%. These increases present serious challenges for U.S. companies that depend on Chinese suppliers for both finished goods and components.
CooperVision Raises Over $5 Million for World Sight Day Challenge
CooperVision announced that, through the commitment and generosity of its employees, the company has cumulatively raised more than $5 million for the Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) World Sight Day Challenge. Since 2008, CooperVision employees have engaged in a variety of creative fundraising activities for the OGS World Sight Day Challenge, according to a press release.
Kalaris Therapeutics Appoints Chair of Audit Committee
Kalaris Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of treatments for prevalent retinal diseases, named Leone Patterson to its Board of Directors and as chair of the Board’s Audit Committee, according to a press release. Patterson serves as the executive vice president of Zymeworks, a Canada-based global biotechnology company that is developing multifunctional therapeutics to address difficult-to-treat diseases.
Latinos en Optometry’s April Culture Responsiveness Blog Features Article on Integrating Cultural Awareness
The April edition of the Cultural Responsiveness blog, by Latinos en Optometry and sponsored by VSP Vision, features an article on the importance of integrating cultural awareness into all aspects of optometric training. Written by Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, president and CEO of the New England College of Optometry, the article emphasizes the significance of preparing students to effectively serve a diverse population by incorporating cultural sensitivity into their education. Dr. Purcell’s blog is available on the Latinos en Optometry website at https://latinosenoptometry.org/news/cultural-responsiveness/.
National Academy of Opticianry Announces 2025 Award Winners
The National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) announced the recipients of its NAO Hall of Fame, NAO Educator of the Year, and NAO Optician of the Year Awards for 2025. The NAO Hall of Fame inductee for 2025 is Edward L. De Gennaro, AAS, BS, M.Ed, ABOM. The NAO Educator of the Year for 2025 is Thomas R. Neff, MA, LDO, ABO-AC, NCLE-AC. The NAO Optician of the Year winners are Michael C. Vitale, ABOM, LDO, NCLE, and Ronnie Harbert, ABOC, South Carolina LDO.
Orasis Pharmaceuticals’ Anti-Presbyopia Drop Now Available in United States
Orasis Pharmaceuticals announced that its Qlosi (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.4%) anti-presbyopia drop is now available to prescribe in the United States. Paul Smith, the company’s president and chief operating officer, told Optometric Management, “We feel that presbyopia is a strong practice builder. Specifically, when the optometrist can successfully offer a range of treatments, including an anti-presbyopia drop, to presbyopic patients, those patients will become loyal to that OD for the rest of their ocular health needs.” He adds that he understands offering any new treatment can be challenging, so he invites ODs to reach out on how Orasis can facilitate adding QLosi, including how to educate patients on its value. For more information about Qlosi, visit www.QlosiECP.com.
Prevent Blindness Promotes 5 Staff Members
Prevent Blindness has promoted 5 of its staff members. Specifically, Kira Baldonado, MPH, will serve in the newly created role of executive vice president. Sarah R. Hecker is now the vice president of Marketing, with Ken West serving as vice president of Digital Content. Sara D. Brown, MPA, has been promoted to senior director of Government Affairs, and Nita P. Sinha, MPH, is now senior director of Public Health. These 5 individuals bring more than 90 years of combined service to Prevent Blindness, according to a press release.
Tenpoint Therapeutics Submits New Drug Application for Anti-Presbyopia Drop
Tenpoint Therapeutics, Ltd. has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its anti-presbyopia drop Brimochol PF, which is comprised of carbachol (a cholinergic agent) and brimonidine tartrate (an alpha2 agonist). The FDA will conduct a standard 60-day filing review to assess the completeness and acceptability of the application for formal review, according to a press release.
World Council of Optometry to Present Awards at Optometry’s Meeting
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announced the recipients of its international awards, which recognize individuals for their exceptional contributions to advancing optometry worldwide, according to a press release. Dr. Susan Cooper received the 2025 Distinguished Service Award, and Dr. Abraham Bromberg received the WCO International Optometrist Award. The awards will be presented on June 26 during the Optometry’s Meeting 5th World Congress of Optometry conference, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. OM