OSI Summit East 2024: A Resounding Success in Halifax

The OSI Summit East had Halifax’s Marriot Harbourfront Hotel echoing with innovation and collaboration. From June 7-9, 2024, this landmark event united optometry professionals in a weekend brimming with rich discussions, groundbreaking ideas, and community passion.

The summit kicked off with the inaugural OSI Expo where members met with suppliers, connected with peers, and engaged with industry visionaries. On the entertainment front, PEI comedian Patrick Ledwell brought the laughs with his closing standup set.

The following day, the summit transitioned seamlessly with a lineup of conferences and workshops. Among the highlights, keynote speaker Bill Carr gave a compelling talk on harnessing creativity to confront workplace conflict.

Groupe SOI — Patrice Lacoste & Dr. Paul Gray

During Saturday’s nautical-themed dinner party, OSI Group CEO Patrice Lacoste honoured Insight Optometry’s Dr. Paul Gray for his dedication as a board member and chairman.

Dr. Gray’s dedication has profoundly contributed to OSI Group’s success and the promotion of independent optometry.

The event wrapped up on Sunday with a workshop on dry eyes featuring Drs. Jordan Friedman and Kerry Salsberg, OSI Members from Eyes on Sheppard, a multi-doctor practice in Toronto.

Reflecting on the weekend, OSI Board Member Dr. Karine Briand noted, “It was great to spend time with my peers and to meet future optometrists from University of Waterloo and Université de Montréal. It’s rewarding to see how much the next generation is interested in having a career in independent optometry.”

As OSI Group looks forward to its upcoming summit—happening October 25-27 at Vancouver’s Fairmont Hotel—it continues to foster the spirit of community and innovation that defines its network.

Click HERE for the press release.

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June 19, 2024June 20, 2024

Marchon and Longchamp Announce Renewal of Exclusive Global Eyewear Licensing Agreement

Marchon Eyewear and Longchamp, the French luxury brand, announced the multi-year renewal of their global eyewear licensing agreement.

This agreement is for the worldwide, exclusive design, development, production, and distribution of ophthalmic and sunglass collections under the Longchamp name. Marchon and Longchamp first engaged as licensing partners in 2016, introducing the first-ever collection of eyewear for the brand in 2017. Over the years, Longchamp eyewear has grown as part of the brand’s continued success, taking cues from Longchamp’s iconic handbags and accessories. This renewal reaffirms the strong alliance between the two companies.

“We are incredibly proud to continue our successful partnership with Longchamp for many years to come. The French elegance and Parisian lifestyle come to life in the Longchamp eyewear collection, attracting customers of all ages and fitting perfectly into our portfolio.”

Gabriele Bonapersona, Chief Brand Officer, Marchon Eyewear

“We are delighted to renew our successful partnership with Marchon. Eyewear is an essential fashion accessory, like a bag or shoes, to complete the silhouette of the Longchamp Parisian woman.”

Sophie Delafontaine, Creative Director, Longchamp

Longchamp eyewear is sold worldwide in select optical retailers, department and specialty stores, Longchamp boutiques and online at www.longchamp.com and www.eyeconic.com.

Click HERE for the press release.

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June 18, 2024May 9, 2024

Etnia Barcelona Launches Underwater Campaign for Its Spring-Summer Collection

Etnia Barcelona presents its new Underwater campaign, transporting us to a surreal and hypnotic universe that evokes the mystery of the deep sea. Once again, the Barcelona-based brand’s campaign is an exercise in creativity, experimentation, and attention to detail.
Furthermore, the glasses bear names related to marine imagery.

Featured model: Gorgonia

Distributed by: www.etniabarcelona.com

About Etnia Barcelona :

CREATING GLASSES FOR THREE GENERATIONS

In the 1950s, Fulgencio Ramo—grandfather of David Pellicer, who is the current owner of the company—created his first eyewear factory. His children helped out there and quickly acquired all of the know-how of the business to take over the reins. This second generation designed, created and distributed the glasses all over Spain, but it was not until the 1990s when David Pellicer joined the company with the dream of creating something new.

AN INDEPENDENT EYEWEAR BRAND

David brought colour to a product that, up until that point, had only been brown or black. If there was one thing he knew, it was that he did not want to dedicate his efforts to just manufacturing glasses; he wanted something more. That something was creating a brand. A brand that embodied the idea of being free, human and respectful towards all ethnicities. He wanted a brand that thought of all people and forms of expression through colour and art. That’s how Etnia Barcelona was born.

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June 17, 2024June 17, 2024

Specsavers Champions Next Generation of Optometrists in Canada with ASCO Sponsorship

Specsavers has announced their sponsorship of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). ASCO represents the interests of institutions of optometric education and enhances the efforts of these institutions as they prepare highly qualified graduates of optometry to best serve the public’s eye health needs.

Latest reports from the Government of Canada projects a labour shortage of optometrists over the period of 2022-31 and anticipates job prospects for the profession to remain very strong.

With only two optometry schools in Canada, the University of Waterloo offers the only program available for English-speaking students who wish to pursue the profession, accepting 90 students each year. The intake capacity has remained the same since the early 2000s. Meanwhile, Statistics Canada reported that the population of English-speaking Canada has grown by 37% and the aging population by 48% within that time.

“The availability of doctors has fallen behind population growth and the needs of the demographic in the country. To deliver on the increasing eyecare needs of patients and customers, we’re collaborating closely with ASCO, whose membership includes American colleges of optometry, University of Waterloo, and Université de Montréal, to close the labour gap.”

Bill Moir, General Manager, Specsavers Canada

Dedicated to advancing the profession in Canada, Specsavers is the only Canadian corporate contributor of ASCO. The company is actively working with schools to address the shortage of optometrists by furthering initiatives aimed at increasing interest in the profession, capacity for education and ultimately, access to quality care for Canadians.

“As the world’s largest, optometrist-owned and -led organization, we believe in investing in the future of optometry and supporting the next generation of professionals. We’re proud to contribute to the development of Canadian optometry students studying across Canada and the USA, helping them access the resources and opportunities they need to pursue the profession and excel in their studies.”

Dr. Laurie Lesser, Head of Optometry Attraction, Specsavers Canada

“Collaborating with generous organizations such as Specsavers through our Corporate Contributors Program nurtures robust, forward-thinking, and evidence-based optometric education that benefits the eye and vision health of patients around the globe today and well into the future,” said Dawn Mancuso, Executive Vice President/CEO of ASCO. “Specsavers is demonstrating its commitment to optometry in Canada, and we’re thrilled to have them as a strong Canadian supporter to help us further our educational mission.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

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June 14, 2024June 14, 2024

Perfect Optical Partners with Mondottica Group for Exclusive Reebok Eyewear Distribution in Canada

Perfect Optical announces a new partnership with Mondott ica Group, marking a significant step in bringing innovative eyewear solutions to the Canadian market. As of April 1, 2024, Perfect Optical serves as the exclusive distributor of Reebok eyewear across Canada, further solidifying their commitment to providing top-quality products and exceptional service to their customers.

This new partnership with Mondottica Group underscores the commitment to offering cutting-edge products. Mondottica Group’s expertise in design, manufacturing, and distribution, coupled with Reebok’s reputation as a respected sports lifestyle brand, ensures that consumers will have access to high-performance, stylish eyewear that complements their active lifestyles.

The Reebok eyewear collection, revealed at the MIDO Eyewear Show in Milan, features a diverse range of styles catering to various tastes and preferences. With 24 optical models and 16 sunglasses for both men and women, the collection launches with a blend of acetate and metal styles, adorned with Reebok branded filled enamel logos and integrated spring hinges.

The History of Perfect Optical

Founded in 1964 by Jacques Benguigui in Montreal, Quebec, Perfect Optical has a rich history of over 60 years in the optical industry. From our humble beginnings focusing on quality frames from France and Germany, we have evolved into a leading player nationally. Our dedication to quality and craftsmanship has been a cornerstone of our success, exemplified by our longstanding partnerships with the global leader Charmant Group of Japan.

As Perfect Optical embarks on this new venture, they remain committed to upholding their legacy, driven by the dedication of their talented team members, including family members Lucy, Yaël, and Corinne Benguigui, working alongside Adrian Maas. They look forward to a future built on quality frames, exceptional service, and innovative partnerships that continue to elevate the Canadian optical industry.

Source: Perfect Optical

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