Blog - OptikNow

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026

Lucyd Armor Smart Safety Eyewear to Roll Out Through FYihealth Group Clinics

Innovative Eyewear Inc. has announced a retail rollout of Lucyd Armor smart safety eyewear through FYihealth group, including FYidoctors and Visique locations.

The partnership will bring Lucyd Armor to 345 FYidoctors and Visique clinics, with initial product placement expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026. The rollout will take place through Visiguard, FYihealth group’s branded prescription safety eyewear program.

Lucyd Armor is positioned as smart safety eyewear designed for wearers who require both vision correction and workplace eye protection. The company says the launch represents its first national entry into the Canadian optical market.

FYihealth group operates several optical and eye care brands, including FYidoctors, Visique, BonLook and solis optics. The organization has more than 370 locations across Canada and the United States.

“FYihealth group is an excellent partner for us, as bespoke eye care is an essential component of smartglass adoption by their most natural users, those who wear eyeglasses every day. Unlike many other smart accessories, smart eyewear is also a medical device that benefits significantly from the personalized touch of an eye care professional. With this partnership, we have made it easier than ever for Canadian patients to Upgrade Your Eyewear with our incredible smart features, while also receiving precise vision correction and protection from FYihealth group’s extensive Canadian lab capabilities,” said Harrison Gross, CEO of Innovative Eyewear.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Innovative Eyewear to bring Lucyd Armor smart safety eyewear to our customers across Canada,” said Scott Shaw, VP of Retail and Merchandising at FYihealth group. “This collaboration is a meaningful step toward expanding our offering within our Visiguard safety program and making smart safety eyewear more accessible to Canadians. We look forward to offering our patients this innovative technology through our network of eye care professionals.”

Sources: Innovative Eyewear Inc. / PRNewswire

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July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

Think Sunscreen Is Enough? Your Eyes Can Get Sunburned Too, Canadian Ophthalmologists Warn

Most Canadians know to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors, but many don’t realize another part of the body is just as vulnerable to the sun: their eyes.

As Canadians spend more time outside this summer, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is reminding the public that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage the eyes, with effects that build over time. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, while sunlight reflected from water, sand and pavement can further increase exposure.

Repeated UV exposure has been linked to a number of eye conditions, including cataracts, photokeratitis (a painful sunburn of the eye), and certain cancers affecting the eyelids and eye. Cataracts alone affect more than 2.5 million Canadians and remain the leading cause of vision loss.

“People often think of sunburn as something that only affects the skin, but the eyes can be damaged by UV rays too,” said Dr. Phil Hooper, leading Canadian ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon.”You may not notice the effects right away, but years of UV exposure can increase your risk of serious eye conditions. Protecting your eyes should be part of your everyday sun safety routine.”

5 Ways to Protect Your Eyes This Summer

Wear UV400 sunglasses (100% UVA/UVB protection).
Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
Protect your eyes even on cloudy days.
Schedule regular eye exams.
See an ophthalmologist if you notice changes in your vision.

This UV Safety Awareness Month, COS encourages Canadians to make eye protection part of their everyday sun safety routine.

Source: Canadian Ophthalmological Society

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July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

Applications Open for 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award

Applications are now open for the 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award, an international competition recognizing emerging talent in eyewear design.

The award will be presented during MIDO | Milano Eyewear Show, taking place February 6–8, 2027, in Milan, Italy. Founded by Harvey Ross and presented in partnership with the Ross Viva Family Foundation, MIDO and the Cereda family, the competition honours the legacy of eyewear designer Sergio Cereda.

The 2027 theme, “The DNA of Design: Eyewear Reimagined,” invites participants to consider eyewear through identity, storytelling and purpose. Entrants may reinterpret the design philosophy of an existing brand, movement or aesthetic, or develop an original concept.

For the 2027 edition, applicants must submit a complete collection rather than a single frame. Each entry must include either three original optical frame designs or three original sunglass designs, along with a one- to two-minute video presentation explaining the inspiration, creative process and design concept.

Submissions will be evaluated on creativity, originality, cohesion across the collection, interpretation of brand DNA or originality of concept, innovation, craftsmanship, material awareness, market relevance and storytelling.

A total of $20,000 USD in awards will be presented: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, $3,000 for third place and $2,000 for the Harvey’s Choice Award.

Sergio Cereda Design Award Winner 1° premio 2026

Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2026. Winners will be announced and recognized during MIDO 2027 in Milan.

The official competition criteria and application are available at:
https://optyx.com/sergio-cereda-award-application/

Click HERE for the press release.

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July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

Safilo Completes Acquisition of SPY+ and Serengeti

Safilo Group announces the closing of the acquisition of SPY+ and Serengeti from Bollé Brands, following the signing of a Share and Asset Purchase Agreement on May 11, 2026, and the fulfilment of all customary closing conditions.

The transaction, which covers selected SPY+ and Serengeti assets in Europe and 100% of the shares of two dedicated legal entities operating in the United States and Canada, represents a further step in Safilo’s strategy focused on the selective acquisition of brands capable of strengthening the Group’s positioning in attractive and high-growth segments, enhancing its portfolio of home brands, which includes Smith, Carrera, Polaroid and Blenders.

Angelo Trocchia, Chief Executive Officer of Safilo Group, commented:

“The closing of this acquisition marks another important step in the execution of our strategy. SPY+ and Serengeti are highly complementary to our existing portfolio and fully aligned with our strategic focus on sport and high-quality eyewear.

SPY+ is an authentic and well‑established US brand which strengthens our presence in the sport and outdoor channel alongside Smith and Blenders, supporting a more effective multi-brand positioning across different price points. Serengeti, with its long-standing heritage and best-in-class mineral lens technology, represents a key opportunity for Safilo in the premium and high-end segment, enhancing our ability to serve the upper end of the market and expanding our presence in high-quality, performance-driven eyewear.

We expect to unlock both top-line and cost synergies by leveraging our supply chain, global distribution network and D2C capabilities, driving growth and improving operating efficiency over time.”

Together, SPY+ and Serengeti generated sales of approximately USD 39 million in 2025. The consideration for the transaction is USD 24.6 million and has been financed through the Group’s available financial resources.

Source: Safilo

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July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

Optometry Practice Strategy Series Builds Momentum for Fall Program

Following the first event in the Optometry Practice Strategy Series (Mastering Social Media presentation by Dr. Alexa Hecht), attention now turns to the upcoming fall webinars, beginning in September.

Developed for Canadian optometrists, the series focuses on practical business issues that influence practice ownership, operations, growth and long-term planning. Each scheduled course will be COPE accredited, and interest in the program has been strong, with more than 100 registrants already confirmed for each of the upcoming sessions.

Fall Series with Subject Experts Continues in September

The fall program will continue with expert-led courses addressing key areas of practice management and professional decision-making. Topics include financial, operational, technology and strategic considerations relevant to today’s optometric practice environment.

The series is supported by a group of sponsors with deep connections to business, professional services and the eye care sector. Sponsors include CIBC Commercial Banking, one of Canada’s leading national banking brands, MNP, a national accounting, tax and business advisory firm, ROI Corporation, TeckSoft, and Théa Pharma Canada.

Together, the series and its supporting partners aim to provide optometrists with accessible, practical education that extends beyond clinical care and into the business realities of managing and growing a practice.

Earn COPE accredited CE

Registration is now open for the fall sessions. Visit the Optometry Practice Strategy Series mini-site to view upcoming COPE-accredited webinars and register:
https://vuepoint.ac-page.com/ODPracticeStrategySeries

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