IcareLabs Blog

Selecting the proper base curve has long been a hot topic among opticians. Traditionally, labs followed a simple rule of thumb: keep the back curve of the lens as close to a 6.00 diopter as possible for optimal optics. For most prescriptions—aside from high plus powers (typically +5.00 and above)—this worked just fine.

But with the rise of freeform digital lenses, the game has changed.

Vision Expo, the leading event for the optical community, is about to take an exciting new step thanks to The Vision Council and RX. Beginning in March 2026, Vision Expo will become a single, unified annual event—kicking things off in Orlando, Florida, and then bringing the experience to top U.S. cities each year.

Essilor continues to bring new technology in progressive lens designs to the market with their new Varilux® Physio® extensee™. Following on the remarkable success of the Physio family of lenses, the Varilux Physio extensee breaks through with new technology giving your patients extra visual sharpness and contrast with the new Pupilizer™ lens technology.

Transitions Optical has just launched two powerful new tools designed to help eyecare professionals (ECPs) nationwide increase their profit margins by enhancing their ability to recommend and sell more Transitions lenses to every patient who walks through their door. Let's take a look at how easy these are to use and how you can implement them at your practice.

Join us this weekend for The Art of Eyecare: SMSO Annual Convention 2025 from July 11–13, 2025 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel & Convention Center: 415 W McCarty St, Jefferson City, MO. This is an amazing opportunity for continuing education, networking with other opticians, and much more.

The IcareLabs AR room is a state-of-the-art anti-reflective coating facility featuring the latest in anti-reflective coating technologies. As the AR manager here at IcareLabs, I'd like to give you a peak behind the curtain to see how we are able to produce these amazing coatings in record time for our customers.

The Heritage Desk and Office occupational lenses are the perfect answer for your patients that work in a variety of settings. From remote workers at home to executives in the office and everybody in between. They provide added near and extended intermediate zones to help these patients see more where they need it. Let's find out how they work and when you should be offering these amazing lenses to your patients.

Gen Z now makes up a significant portion of the consumer market—and their buying power is only growing. As digital natives, Gen Z’s expectations and preferences are unlike any generation before them. If you're an eye care professional (ECP) looking to boost optical sales and build long-term brand loyalty, connecting with Gen Z patients should be a key part of your strategy.  

In the world of optometry, increasing optical sales is essential for practice growth.However, many eye care professionals struggle with the idea of "selling" to patients.The key is to shift the focus from selling to styling, creating an experience where patients feel confident and excited about their eyewear choices.

We've all noticed how things from the past are making a comeback, haven't we? Recently, my wife surprised me with a record player, and I was reminded of how much I loved placing an album on the turntable. The simple act of dropping the needle brought back a flood of cherished memories. Streaming music just doesn't capture that magic. For those who haven't experienced listening to an entire album, you're missing out on a special journey. Many of my favorite tunes were never singles, and you only discover and appreciate them by enjoying the whole album.