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UNIfied…to See Farther

UNIfied continues to promote everyone’s individuality with its new release. The Blake model stands out with a bold coloured circle, inlaid in a translucent square. Embellished with a thin metal temple for increased comfort, this frame will be the must-have of all trend lovers.

Distributed by Lanctôt: www.rlanctot.com

About Lanctôt:

Lanctôt Ltée is excited to be celebrating its 65th Anniversary with over 5000 customers and partners! Since 1953 Lanctôt Ltée has been a Canadian based, family-run business that specializes in the distribution and production of premium sporting goods, apparel and eyewear. Our distribution and design expertise combined with our passion for sports is the foundation of our success. Lanctôt offers 3 distinct categories: Sports Equipment, Apparel and Optical. Lanctôt’s brands fall into 7 divisions: Ski, Bike, Golf, Outerwear, Team Sports, Fashion and Eyewear. 

About UNIFIED

Stylish and original, UNIfied frames allow everyone to express themselves and show their personality. Unified creates eyewear that brings people together and helps them unify with their peers, while embracing each person’s individuality.

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Specsavers Surpasses 100-store Milestone in Canada

Specsavers

Specsavers has opened its 100th store in Canada – a significant achievement towards making quality eyecare and eyewear affordable and accessible to all Canadians.

Specsavers optometry and retail partners attend an Ontario regional meeting, April 2023 (CNW Group/Specsavers Canada)

Building a Network of Excellence

This milestone comes just after Specsavers celebrates its two-year anniversary in Canada, and a successful entry into Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, with stores slated to open in Manitoba in summer 2024. The Company recently achieved Great Place to Work® certification, and its expansive network now includes more than 200 optometrists, 250 opticians and 1,000 eyecare consultants. Specsavers is the fastest growing network of eyecare professionals in Canada.

“Behind our success in Canada is a growing network of eyecare and retail professionals who provided 250,000 eye exams and 450,000 pairs of glasses to Canadians last year. These are exciting numbers as 20 per cent of our locations have been open for less than six months. As Specsavers surpasses its 100th store milestone, we intend to continue to show Canadians our unwavering commitment to eye health and community impact. Every day, our colleagues and partners are delivering clinical and retail excellence in local communities while creating a great culture that is inclusive and driven by purpose.”

Bill Moir, Managing Director, Specsavers Canada

Looking Ahead: Vision for 2025

With more new stores slated to open in 2024, and eye exam bookings and trading at its current locations growing rapidly, the company has set a new goal: to care for 1 million Canadians a year by 2025.

Specsavers stores are locally co-owned by an Optometry Partner, who is a practicing optometrist, and a Retail Partner, who is an optician or an experienced retail professional.

Clinics located within Specsavers are wholly owned and operated by the local Optometry Partner, who receives comprehensive clinical support allowing them to focus on patient care. 

Innovative Partnerships and Brand Awareness

Since opening its doors in Canada two years ago, Specsavers has become one of the most recognized optical brands in Canada. In 2023, Specsavers brought its popular global ad campaign ‘Should’ve Gone to Specsavers’ as well as exciting collaborations with designers and personalities such as Alex Perry, Kylie Minogue and adidas to Canadian consumers. Initiatives to drive both brand and eye health awareness have driven impressive results for Specsavers locations, which are averaging more than $1.5 million in revenue during their first twelve months of business.

Community Impact and Customer Experience

In addition to Specsavers’ high-value customer promotions, established locations benefit from the patient recall program as well as a history of positive customer reviews and referrals. The first Specsavers in Canada, located on Vancouver Island, is forecast to care for over 15,000 patients and customers in 2024 and achieve over $4.5m in retail revenue, which is almost six times higher than before the location converted to a Specsavers location.

Expanding Horizons: Future Growth Opportunities

The Company has received interest from optometrists and opticians across Canada, and openings in Canadian provinces outside of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario may be considered in the future.

Optometrists and opticians across Canada who are interested in partnership opportunities with Specsavers can contact Specsavers directly or learn more about Specsavers by visiting our Company website.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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SILMO Launches 3rd Edition of Optical Design Contest 2024

SILMO Paris announces the launch of the third edition of the Optical Design Competition. A unique opportunity for new generations of designers to push back the boundaries of innovation in the field of optical eyewear objects.

ACCESSORY EYEWEAR – WHAT NEW FUNCTIONS FOR WHAT NEW USES?

young woman wearing prototype frame from contest.

This year’s competition looks at the evolving role of accessory eyewear, exploring the potential for new functionality and innovative uses. Chaired by renowned designer Olivier Jault, the competition encourages students to rethink eyewear beyond its traditional function, incorporating new features that meet the emerging needs of modern society.

Terms and Conditions of Participation

Open to students of legal age enrolled in the 3rd, 4th or 5th year of a design course, the competition offers a space for individual or collective expression. Participants can also collaborate with other students meeting the same age and level criteria, thus enriching the diversity of proposals. Projects must be submitted by June 15, 2024, on the dedicated platform.

Assessment and Selection Process

A graduate of the ESAA Duperré fashion school, he is now an accessories designer, teacher and exhibition curator, and has worked for many fashion houses including Jean-Paul Gaultier, Repetto and Saint Laurent.
Olivier Jault

An international jury of design professionals, chaired by designer Olivier Jault, will examine the projects according to criteria such as innovation, creativity, functionality, social and environmental responsibility and project feasibility. The shortlisted entries will be announced in July 2024, and the winning projects will be developed in collaboration with SILMO’s industrial partners.

Awards

In addition to the recognition conferred by its success, the winner of the competition will receive a prize of 10,000 euros, awarded jointly to the school and the student. The winner’s creation will be exhibited throughout SILMO Paris 2024, giving it a high profile. The winner’s work may also be presented at SILMO Paris 2025.

Keep up with the latest trends in optics and explore the future with us at SILMO Paris, from September 20 to 23, 2024, at the Parc des Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte.

Photo: Olivier Jault
A graduate of the ESAA Duperré fashion school, he is now an accessories designer, teacher and exhibition curator, and has worked for many fashion houses including Jean-Paul Gaultier, Repetto and Saint Laurent.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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Flip, Mount, and Lock into High Performance with Nike Flyfree Sunglasses

Marchon Nike Eyewear model FLYFREE FV2391

The Nike Flyfree sunglasses offer interchangeable lens options that latch securely into the frame to help effortlessly adapt to any environment. The customizable temple tips and nose pads are wrapped in silicone for added traction and easily bend for a comfortable fit.

And when the play heats up, the airy, ventilated channels at the temples, hinges and top bar keep vision fog-free.

Featured model: FLYFREE FV2391

Distributed by Marchon: www.marchon.com

About Nike Vision:

SEE SPORT BETTER.

Nike has revolutionized athletic footwear and sportswear. Nike’s vast range of products includes specialized training gear, footwear, apparel, accessories, and sports equipment. Through innovative products, advertising, and sponsorship of teams and athletes, Nike has become a leader in the sportswear industry and one of the world’s largest brands.

Nike Vision eyewear brings the same inspiration and innovation to athletes with product that helps them See Sport Better ™. Product is developed for each category of sport within Nike, which are sport inspired and for the athlete in everyone, from lifestyle sunglasses to ophthalmic frames.

About Marchon:

Working with leading brands to constantly push the envelope through distinct designs, innovative materials and clever constructions, Marchon Eyewear’s goal is to consistently design distinctive eyewear that offers accessible quality, style and value.

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NOW Awards Take Center Stage at Vision Expo East 2024

Vision Expo

The Vision Council and RX, co-organizers of Vision Expo, announce that NOW by Vision Expo and the accompanying NOW Awards will return to spotlight industry trends with a curated collection of frames from exhibiting designers and brands.

Due to overwhelming interest, the deadline to submit products for consideration in NOW by Vision Expo has been extended to February 9.

The latest edition will debut at Vision Expo East 2024, scheduled to take place from March 14-17 at the Javits Center in New York City. In celebration of nearly four decades of Vision Expo in New York, NOW by Vision Expo is set to amplify its impact, showcasing a diverse range of eyewear designs reflecting the latest industry trends in colors, materials, and styles.

This year’s NOW by Vision Expo will spotlight the most eye-catching frame designs, aligning with the following themes for Vision Expo East 2024:

  • NOW loves NYC NOSTALGIA: Commemorating nearly 40 years of Vision Expo with archives or vintage-inspired frames.
  • NOW loves NYC FASHION: Featuring high fashion eyewear accessories, from runways to NYC activewear.
  • NOW loves PEACH FUZZ: Highlighting the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year.
  • NOW loves EARTH: Showcasing innovation, new technology & materials.
  • NOW loves LOVE: Featuring independent WOW and the jewelry of the eyes.

Submissions

Eyewear exhibitors at Vision Expo East 2024 are invited to participate by submitting one product per brand and/or collection that best encapsulates the 2024 themes. The submission deadline is extended to February 9, 2024, and all products must be received by February 14, 2024. Exhibiting eyewear companies can participate by filling out the submission form here.

2024 NOW Awards

The NOW Advisory Committee will present the 2024 NOW Awards at The Bridge, Vision Expo East’s main stage on Friday, March 15. All participants of NOW by Vision Expo will be automatically considered for the NOW Awards.

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

  • Best Optical Style of 2024 by a Licensed brand
  • Best Optical Style of 2024 by an Independent brand
  • Best Sunglass Style of 2024 by a Licensed brand
  • Best Sunglass Style of 2024 by an Independent brand
  • Best Sustainable Style of 2024
  • People’s Choice Award
  • New Emerging Brand / Designer
  • “Eyewear, the Ultimate Accessory” Award presented by Accessories Council
  • Optical Lifetime Achievement Award

Participation in NOW by Vision Expo is free for all companies exhibiting at Vision Expo East, and the NOW Awards is free for all Vision Expo East attendees to attend. For details on the application process, click here. For any inquiries about submitting your application, contact Suzanne Krauss at skrauss@thevisioncouncil.org.

Vision Expo East 2024 will take place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from March 14-17, 2024. To secure your spot as an exhibitor, click here. To register as an attendee, click here. To register as media, click here.

Source: The Vision Council

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