The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) announced its 2025 Board of Directors, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and driving global action to address childhood myopia.
Olga Prenat, Head of Medical and Professional Affairs, Global and EMEA at EssilorLuxottica, will continue in her role as GMAC Board Chair for 2025. Jeon Enzu, Senior Director, Global Strategic Marketing, Pediatric Eye Health Solution at Johnson & Johnson Vision, will assume the role of Co-chair. Joining them on the 2025 board are:
Bill Scott, President, Jobson
Elizabeth Lumb, Director, Global Professional Affairs, Myopia Management, CooperVision
François Couillard, CEO, Canadian Association of Optometrists
Lori Archer, CEO, United Healthcare Vision
Sandra Block, President, World Council of Optometry
The diverse expertise of the 2025 board members will play a key role in advancing GMAC’s global initiatives and broadening its impact.
“As we enter 2025, I’m honored to continue serving as GMAC Board Chair alongside our board members,” said Olga Prenat. “While awareness of myopia has grown, there’s still much to be done, particularly in educating parents about their critical role in shaping their children’s eye health. As a coalition, we’re committed to expanding our outreach and collaborating closely with health care organizations and professionals to ensure families everywhere have the tools they need to manage this growing health concern.”
As myopia rates continue to rise worldwide, GMAC remains dedicated to combating the myopia crisis through awareness, advocacy, and collaboration with key stakeholders and health care associations.
For decades, Vision Expo East (VEE) dominated as North America’s premier eyewear and eye care event. Traditionally held in New York City, its move to Orlando, Florida, and new February dates (Feb. 19–22, 2025) leave March wide open for a fresh chapter in eyewear showcases. At the heart of this transition is The LOFT, the long-standing luxury independent eyewear show, which now faces the challenge of standing alone without VEE’s draw.
As The LOFT adapts to the new dynamic, it will compete with two new shows debuting in NYC:
The Frame Affair Hosted at The Shed, this event promises a redefinition of luxury eyewear exhibitions. Featuring visionary independent brands, The Frame Affair pairs innovative designs with immersive storytelling and art exhibits by local artists. Upscale cuisine and the debut of The Golden Eye Awards, celebrating excellence across five categories, will add to its allure. With IMAGINEM magazine as the exclusive media sponsor, The Frame Affair positions itself as a must-see event steps away from The LOFT.
The EYE-CON Dubbed “The Other Eyewear Show,” EYE-CON will take place at The Glass House, offering designers a blend of a show floor and private suites. Its location, distant from The LOFT and The Frame Affair, adds a unique dimension to the competition.
An Industry in Flux The LOFT has partnered with luxury giants Kering and Thelios to launch New York Eyewear Design Week, shifting focus toward global luxury brands.
Optik Magazine will be on-site to deliver firsthand insights. March 2025 will undoubtedly set the tone for NYC’s eyewear future. Stay tuned!
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Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc. has introduced Optaro®, the first video magnifier specifically made for a smartphone, in Canada. This revolutionary new product easily attaches to an iPhone and turns two devices—a video magnifier and a phone—into one.
Optaro® can be attached to an iPhone one of two ways, either with a custom-fit, integrated case that holds both an iPhone and the Optaro® camera module together (cases are available for most iPhones, models 12 through 15), or secondly, through a MagSafe Universal Stand which allows almost any iPhone to be magnetically attached to the Optaro® camera module to use as an integrated unit.
By downloading the free Optaro® app, the Optaro® camera module communicates with an iPhone turning the phone into a full-featured video magnifier. It provides a Full HD image, 3.3x – 15x magnification and access to many of the features available in a typical video magnifier that are helpful to those with vision loss. The LED illumination can be adjusted or turned off, ensuring a glare-free image, and there are 14 color mode options from which to choose. There is also an adjustable reading line or blinds, a read aloud function, and a customizable menu, all of which ensure Optaro® provides a more comfortable and effective viewing experience for those with a vision impairment.
The Optaro® also features a fold-out stand which holds the iPhone at a comfortable ergonomic angle so it can be used for extended reading tasks and the camera, located under the center of the phone, automatically swivels into the reading position when folded out to ensure there is no on-screen distortion or orientation issues.
Transform an iPhone into a convenient, easy-to-use reading aid with Optaro®, the magnifier that is always with you, now available in Canada! Learn more about this transformative new product at www.eschenbach.com/optaro/.
On Saturday 8 February, the curtains open on MIDO, the international eyewear show running through Monday 10 February at Fiera Milano Rho. The stars of the show will be the 1,200+ exhibitors from more than 50 countries and visitors from 160 nations, including buyers, opticians, entrepreneurs, journalists and the full spectrum of trade professionals. MIDO is the elite stage for global eyewear that propels the entire production supply chain into the spotlight. It is the only eyewear show in the world to do this and shines a spotlight on a system that, in Italy alone, is worth more than €5 billion, employs 19,000 skilled workers and celebrates every aspect of eyewear, promoting business and sales agreements at the global level.
“MIDO is just around the corner, and this will be my first edition in the role of President; I can’t deny feeling a certain excitement. Over the years, I have experienced MIDO as an entrepreneur and what always amazed me is its ability to transform and elevate itself, adapting to the times and often anticipating market trends. With this edition, we were passionate about carrying forward this concept of ongoing evolution and improvement, constantly responding to the needs and requirements of the many, many professionals around the world who work in this industry. In historic and economic times of great uncertainty, as we are presently experiencing, it is our duty and a necessity to demonstrate to the world the industrial strength and economic power of a healthy, thriving manufacturing sector like eyewear.”
Lorraine Berton, President, MIDO
In this context, on the eve of its opening, this edition of MIDO is already, in and of itself, a huge success, with massive participation by exhibitors and a trade show that has expanded to meet the needs of the trade. Compared to 2024, there is 1,000 m2 more exhibit space, installed in 7 pavilions and 8 different exhibit areas,that will host the leading fashion brands and small independent designers, manufacturers of lenses, machinery and accessories, and the effervescent Asian group stands.
From every point of view, MIDO is also a feast for the eyes, not only because its target audience is eyewear and vision professionals, but also because the layout and installations are updated with each edition, ensuring that exhibitors have a stage which engenders wonder and that visitors experience the enchantment of a unique, awe-inspiring venue.
A number of innovations stand out this year: pavilion 6, inspired by green principles, will have a new piazza that personifies the unmistakable style of typical Italian villages. It hosts the Academy and the Start-up area, both of which have been expanded compared to last year (+13 exhibitors for Academy and +9 for Start-up).
Pavilions 2 and 4, home of the Design area, will be reorganized to accommodate a greater number of exhibitors, increase the size of some of the stands and host many new entries. An installation focused on DaTE, the contemporary eyewear event taking place September 13-15 in Riccione, is featured in the pavilion 4 piazza. Redesigned for greater functionality and accessibility, the Fashion Square in Pavilion 1 is the hub for luxury and high-fashion brands.
On Saturday at 5 pm, it will become the stage for the MIDO Awards ceremony, featuring the Best Store Award, for optical shops that are shining examples of services and shopping experience; Stand Up For Green, for the most sustainable stand; the Certified Sustainable Eyewear (CSE) Award for sustainability in eyewear at the international level; and the Sergio Cereda Design Award, new this year, that spotlights emerging Italian talent in eyewear design.
MIDO is also continuing education and information. There will be workshops, meetings, conferences and round tables in the renovated The Vision Stage space in pavilion 1 (former Otticlub area) with Italian and international guests discussing the most current topics of interest to industry professionals.
Saturday’s events will open with a focus on trends with Alessandra Albarello (at 11) and a meeting on color with Francesca Valan (at noon). At 1 pm, Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, will participate in the press conference presentation of The Lens of Time exhibit, an ANFAO project that celebrates the connection between innovation and tradition with an exhibit hosted at Palazzo Flangini in Venice. The event, with its distinguished guests, emphasizes the central role MIDO plays in narrating the Made in Italy story, the country’s traditions and cultural excellence, and the power of Italianness in venturing into the world. At MIDO, Italian expertise is center stage.
On Sunday at 11 am, there is a conference on the topic of inclusion titled Oops. I said it again, organized by ANFAO, with Paolo Ruffini. At 1 pm, WGSN will present Future Consumer 2026, and at 3 pm, the Eyecare Commission introduces Learn about the importance of proper vision in sports, with Alessandro Costacurta. At 4 pm, unveiling of the Optical Monitor market research data developed by GFK for MIDO, and at 5 pm, Shared visions: projects and perspectives of integration between optical and medical areas, a meeting organized by Fabiano Gruppo Editoriale in partnership with ANFAO, the ANFAO Lens Group, Federottica and MIDO, to promote dialog between opticians and the medical-ophthalmological area. On Monday February 10th, of special interest, the 11 am session curated by ANFAO on sustainability and the role of ESG criteria in the eyewear industry; and, at noon, presentation of STEPIC Innovations 2026 on the 12 trends that will reshape the world in 2026, developed by WGSN.The complete calendar of events is available on the MIDO website https://www.mido.com/en/the-vision-stage-2025.
Alongside the in-person show, MIDO is also digital, with many tools created for visitors and exhibitors. The App, for simpler, more efficient management of activities at the show and networking after the show closes; the website, complete with reserved areas that offer exclusive content designed for each category; and the social channels, filled with content.
MIDO is held at Fiera Milano Rho, Strada Statale del Sempione 28, from Saturday 8th to Monday 10th February with the following hours: Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 7 pm and Monday 9 am to 6 pm. For MIDO accreditation, you must complete the form on the site at this link https://www.mido.com/en/entry-pass. Journalists may register herehttps://www.mido.com/en/press-registration.
This range extension comes at a time when high myopia is a topic of great interest in the myopia management space. By 2050, it is estimated that almost 1 billion people worldwide will suffer from high myopia, affecting 10% of the global population.1 This necessitates early action because the risk of ocular complications increases exponentially with increasing levels of myopia.2 It is imperative to identify children who are at a high risk of developing high myopia as early as possible and provide proactive and comprehensive treatment. Doing so will significantly reduce the risk of myopia-related complications and ensure better visual outcomes for young patients later in life.3
“Myopia progression is complex and unpredictable, especially for children with high myopia. Our MiYOSMART range extension is a significant step in addressing this challenge, providing comprehensive solutions for every myopic child. By optimizing the lenses with a broader power range and improved features, we continue to empower eye care professionals in delivering the best possible care to young patients, supporting healthier vision today and in the future.”
Kim Kochendorfer, RO, Professional Affairs Manager, HOYA Vision Care Canada
“We are proud to launch our extended range options for MiYOSMART across Canada,” said Steven Haifawi, President of HOYA Vision Care, Canada. “With myopia rising rapidly among children worldwide, our commitment to innovation ensures eye care professionals have the tools they need to address the unique challenges of myopia management.”
Features of MiYOSMART® Range Extension include:
Range Extension of Minus Power: Not only for patients with myopia greater than -10.00D but also for patients with myopia less than -10.00D and astigmatism. This will allow more and more myopic children to take advantage of effective and innovative care, ensuring better vision outcomes.
Larger Diameters: Larger lens diameters are aimed at meeting every child’s needs, allowing them to find the perfect style to suit their active lifestyle. Eye care professionals have greater flexibility during frame selection, including those who require a larger frame.
Optimized Lens Edge Thickness: Enhances the appeal of the spectacle lens, addressing a common concern related to the appearance of thick, high-prescription lenses. These improvements aim to increase patient satisfaction through improved aesthetics.
MiYOSMART® lenses now offer the option to include Full Control Coating – a combination blue light, anti-bacterial, and 100% UV protective coating to round out the offering of MiYOSMART® clear, Chameleon photochromic, and Sunbird polarized myopia management lenses. This complements HOYA’s comprehensive myopia management portfolio with the Range Extension, which addresses the needs of a wider variety of children.
Since its launch in 2018, more than 10 million MiYOSMART® spectacle lenses have already been purchased by parents worldwide.4 MiYOSMART® spectacle lenses were proven to slow down myopia progression by 60% on average in children aged 8-13,5 with sustained myopia management effect over eight years.6
To learn more about HOYA’s suite of MiYOSMART® lenses, visit the website and speak to a HOYA Territory Manager.
*MiYOSMART spectacle lenses have not been approved for use in the management of myopia in all countries, including the U.S., and are not currently available for sale in all countries, including the U.S.
Urban Lite returns with a fresh expression of lightweight design for modern city living. Its minimalist SPX®+ frames offer lasting comfort, reduced material use, and a sleek, agile look enhanced by slim lines and vibrant hues.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a three-part video series to help eye care professionals understand and apply recommendations from the TFOS DEWS III report.
SightGlass Vision has launched “Control the Contrast,” a global education campaign aimed at increasing awareness of contrast management in myopia control among eye care professionals.
Registration is now open for the American Academy of Optometry’s 2026 Myopia Summit, a one-day program focused on evidence-based strategies for myopia management.
Urban Lite returns with a fresh expression of lightweight design for modern city living. Its minimalist SPX®+ frames offer lasting comfort, reduced material use, and a sleek, agile look enhanced by slim lines and vibrant hues.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a three-part video series to help eye care professionals understand and apply recommendations from the TFOS DEWS III report.
SightGlass Vision has launched “Control the Contrast,” a global education campaign aimed at increasing awareness of contrast management in myopia control among eye care professionals.
Registration is now open for the American Academy of Optometry’s 2026 Myopia Summit, a one-day program focused on evidence-based strategies for myopia management.
Urban Lite returns with a fresh expression of lightweight design for modern city living. Its minimalist SPX®+ frames offer lasting comfort, reduced material use, and a sleek, agile look enhanced by slim lines and vibrant hues.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a three-part video series to help eye care professionals understand and apply recommendations from the TFOS DEWS III report.
SightGlass Vision has launched “Control the Contrast,” a global education campaign aimed at increasing awareness of contrast management in myopia control among eye care professionals.
Registration is now open for the American Academy of Optometry’s 2026 Myopia Summit, a one-day program focused on evidence-based strategies for myopia management.
Urban Lite returns with a fresh expression of lightweight design for modern city living. Its minimalist SPX®+ frames offer lasting comfort, reduced material use, and a sleek, agile look enhanced by slim lines and vibrant hues.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a three-part video series to help eye care professionals understand and apply recommendations from the TFOS DEWS III report.
SightGlass Vision has launched “Control the Contrast,” a global education campaign aimed at increasing awareness of contrast management in myopia control among eye care professionals.
Registration is now open for the American Academy of Optometry’s 2026 Myopia Summit, a one-day program focused on evidence-based strategies for myopia management.
