THAT'S A WRAP! 2025 is in the history books—and what a story to tell. On the global scene, conflicts continued in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza (through the October 9, 2025 Gaza Peace Plan). The economy felt like a roller coaster due to trade negotiations and tariffs, and was exacerbated by political instability and continued concerns about inflation. We saw the election of a new Pope (Pope Leo XIV)—the first ever from the United States. On the artificial intelligence (AI) front, resistance remains futile—AI is like a runaway locomotive. Also in the United States, we have observed political changes impacting health care, regulatory bodies, and scientific funders that will affect us for many years to come.
Key contact lens events in 2025 showcased advancements in daily disposables, new multifocal options, expansion of drug-delivering technology, and the change to a growing use of AI in contact lens fitting. One topic that our readers continually say is important to them is smart contact lenses. Think health status–monitoring contact lenses. Think virtual reality– and augmented display–incorporating contact lenses. There will be challenges ahead, but we predict that the next major breakthrough in the field of contact lenses will be the introduction of a truly wearable and functional smart contact lens. Aside from all these advances in 2025, did you know that on April 15 we celebrated the world’s first “Contact Lens Day?” Remarkable.
Our field has seen a lot of hubbub and excitement this year, but our 2025 contact lens event of the year is the US Food and Drug Administration’s approval of spectacle lenses for myopia control. Yes, you read that correctly. While the technology itself should be celebrated, our focus is on how this innovation might change the market for contact lenses used for myopia control/progression (ie, multifocals, orthokeratology). Some people predict that prescribing spectacles for myopia control will put a dent in the contact lens market, we believe that contact lenses will remain a key treatment option for myopia control for years to come.
We at Contact Lens Spectrum are quite enthusiastic for the 2026 calendar year, which is a massive one for us as we commemorate (with you) our 40th anniversary! We wish to thank all our readers, sponsors, patients, and colleagues as we celebrate this new year!