Blog

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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July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

Bausch + Lomb Survey Links Dry Eye Symptom Management with Quality-of-Life Improvements

Bausch + Lomb Corporation has released new findings from its third annual State of Dry Eye survey, suggesting that dry eye symptoms may affect more than physical comfort, with some respondents reporting impacts on emotional wellbeing, stress, productivity and self-confidence.

The online survey was conducted by The Harris Poll in May 2026 among 1,000 U.S. adults identified as dry eye sufferers who were using either a prescription treatment or an over-the-counter product.

According to Bausch + Lomb, one in five respondents said their dry eye symptoms affected their self-confidence, while a similar proportion reported an impact on emotional wellbeing. About one in three said their symptoms affected their stress or anxiety levels, while nearly three in ten reported effects on productivity and mood.

Among respondents who said their stress or anxiety levels were affected by dry eye symptoms, 73% reported improvement following treatment. The company also reported that respondents using prescription eye drops were more likely than those using over-the-counter products to report near-total or substantial improvement in several areas of daily life, including self-confidence, productivity, emotional wellbeing and mood. Bausch + Lomb noted that the over-the-counter-only base for some comparisons was fewer than 100 respondents.

The findings are based on self-reported survey data and should be interpreted as an association between symptom management and reported quality-of-life improvements, rather than proof of a direct causal relationship.

The survey also identified gaps in awareness about conditions that may be associated with dry eye symptoms. Bausch + Lomb reported that 90% of respondents did not know dry eye symptoms may be associated with menopause. Nearly eight in ten did not know that dry eye symptoms could be associated with autoimmune conditions in general. Awareness of specific associations was lower, with fewer than 10% of respondents aware that dry eye symptoms could be associated with lupus, type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Andrew Stewart, president, Global Pharmaceuticals and International Consumer, Bausch + Lomb, said the findings reinforce the complexity of dry eye and the importance of speaking with an eye care professional about symptoms.

Bausch + Lomb directs patients seeking additional information about dry eye to KnowYourDryEye.com.

Source: Bausch + Lomb

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June 29, 2026June 29, 2026

Prevent Blindness Declares July as Dry Eye Month

Prevent Blindness has declared July as Dry Eye Month, with the goal of raising awareness among the public and allied healthcare professionals about the causes, symptoms and management of dry eye.

Dry eye occurs when tears do not provide adequate lubrication for the eyes. In some cases, the condition can affect vision, and when left untreated, severe dry eye may contribute to damage to the front surface of the eye.

As part of the awareness initiative, Prevent Blindness is offering no-cost educational materials, including a dedicated dry eye webpage, fact sheets, social media graphics in English and Spanish, expert videos and patient-focused resources. Dry Eye Month is again supported by OCuSOFT Inc.

New this year, Prevent Blindness will include a dry eye discussion in the July episode of its Focus on Eye Health Podcast. The episode will feature Aidan Moore, co-founder and executive director of the Dry Eye Foundation, and Pam Gaio, an individual living with dry eye, both participants in the Prevent Blindness ASPECT Patient Engagement Program.

The organization’s Focus on Eye Health Expert Series also includes resources on dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction, featuring April Jasper, OD, FAAO, of Advanced Eyecare Specialists, as well as a dry eye presentation with Stephanie Jones Marioneaux, MD, a member of the Prevent Blindness Board of Directors and president-elect of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Symptoms associated with dry eye can include fluctuating blurry vision, burning or stinging, a gritty or sandy sensation, itchiness, redness, inflammation, stringy mucus and increased sensitivity to light or irritants such as cigarette smoke.

Prevent Blindness also notes that dry eye may be associated with certain health conditions, including diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, Parkinson’s disease and rosacea. Previous eye surgery may also increase risk. Some medications, including certain diuretics, beta-blockers, antihistamines, sleeping pills, anxiety medications, antidepressants and heartburn medications, may also contribute to dry eye symptoms.

The organization encourages patients to speak with an eye doctor about their symptoms, medical history and medications, including both prescription and non-prescription products.

Prevent Blindness also offers educational materials on the proper use of eye drops, including a printable guide, video and dedicated webpage.

Source: Prevent Blindness

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June 26, 2026June 26, 2026

Explore the Latest ZEISS Lens Innovations

ZEISS Innovation 2026 - Webinar Invitation

Join the upcoming online event “ZEISS Innovation 2026” on June 30th at 8:30 PM EST, where the latest ZEISS solutions designed to help you differentiate your portfolio and grow your practice will be presented.

Event Highlights

In this 1-hour webinar, we will introduce:

ZEISS DuraVision Plus – next-generation coating for enhanced durability and visual comfort
ZEISS AdaptiveSun – smart sun lenses for improved outdoor vision and convenience
ZEISS MyoCare – clinically proven to effectively slow myopia progression with the latest clinical findings and extended offerings