Transitions Optical postpones Transitions Academy 2022

Transitions Academy 2022, originally scheduled for this month, has been postponed for a later date, Transitions Optical announced Thursday.

The decision comes as experts predict the wave of COVID-19’s omicron variant will peak in North America in mid-January — the same timeframe in which the 25th annual meeting was to take place, January 16-19.

“The Transitions team shares the disappointment this may cause our attendees and partners, but safety is our first concern,” said Chrystel Barranger, president of wholesale, EMEA, EssilorLuxottica and president Essilor Photochromics and Transitions Optical, in a news release.

The academy cited concerns for attendee safety and rapid spreading of the variant as making it increasingly difficult to guarantee safety on-site as well as additional risks of exposure during travel and the interaction with others at the event venues who may not be required to follow its protocol.

Further, with flight schedules continuing to be impacted and testing sites overwhelmed, it would be difficult for some speakers and attendees to confirm attendance and secure the required PCR testing.

“We want to bring the global eyecare community together in solidarity and look forward to making Transitions Academy 2022 an unforgettable live experience later this year,” Barranger said in a statement.

The company is expected to announce the rescheduled dates in the coming weeks.