May 7, 2020 — Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, many companies in the industry and beyond are sharing their efforts to help eyecare professionals, and the public, weather these turbulent times.

Here, we share a roundup of some recent initiatives:


ClearVision Optical has released a digital guidebook, featuring best practices on how to reopen optical shops in different locations and stages of recovery across the U.S. following Covid-19.



CooperVision is supporting essential hospital workers fighting on the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic, by providing U.S. eye care professionals with complimentary contact lens refills to extend to these healthcare heroes. The CooperVision Essential Hospital Workers Complimentary Contact Lens Program will run through June 5, 2020. 



De Rigo REM has developed a resource center to support its customers in the wake of Covid-19. The platform is constantly updated and includes digital merchandising tools, HR support, safe practices for cleaning glasses, and more.



Luneau Technology USA has expanded its Visionix product line with the addition of the Visionix VX65 digital phoropter with wireless control to help ECPS maintain a safe distance while performing refraction in the “new normal.”



Maui Jim has launched a “Nominate a Hero” program, encouraging people globally to nominate an individual—from health care workers on the front lines, to essential workers, to neighbors helping neighbors—to receive recognition for their contributions during this time. Maui Jim will select one person per day through the month of May 2020 to receive a pair of PolarizedPlus2 sunglasses.



To respond to the immense need for personal protective equipment, Paws N Claws Eyewear pivoted its efforts starting in March to bring PPE to the eyecare industry and beyond. Products include 3-ply disposable masks, gallon jugs of hand sanitizer, reusable + adjustable cloth masks with “I (Heart) Paw” messaging, and more. Plus, the company is giving away a free eyeglass frame with every order from an ECP.



To respond to the challenge of glasses fogging for mask-wearers, specifically those in medical teams, Shamir Insight, Inc. is piloting a technology called Shamir Glacier Anti-Fog, designed to permanently prevent the buildup of vapor on lenses without any type of activator or rejuvenation spray.



Zeiss is providing free protective breath shields that ECPs can easily install on most slit lamps, regardless of the make or model. Additionally, the company has shared disinfecting guidelines for devices.