In conjunction with the G7 Summit, currently being held in Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, Italy not only welcomes the heads of state and government but also showcases authentic Made in Italy products through exclusive gifts for the distinguished guests. Outstanding among these is Blackfin, chosen as one of the symbols of Italian excellence.
This is the second time Blackfin, the brand of choice in titanium eyewear, has been selected to represent Italy’s extensive know-how in such a prestigious context. In 2009, Blackfin eyewear was donated to the heads of state and government that met in L’Aquila for the G8.
“An indescribable sensation. To be chosen again as a symbol of our extraordinary country is a great honor, not only for me but for each and every individual in our company. Every day, we commit ourselves with passion and diligence to creating an authentic Italian product. To see our work esteemed in such a prestigious setting is the best reward for all of our efforts.”
Nicola Del Din, CEO, Blackfin
Members of the G7 received a pair of Blackfin titanium sunglasses, customized with a personal engraving and the event logo.
GIGI STUDIOS presents the new optical and sun designs from the XS Collection, which condenses the brand’s essence in small-calibre models. Anastasia features a geometrical model in a hexagonal shape made in crystal acetate for the front, Havana temples and a laminated endpiece.
GIGI Studios is a brand founded in Barcelona by a family that has always been surrounded by glasses. This family spirit has led to partnerships with independent eyewear sellers and distributors in more than 45 countries. At GIGI Studios, we transmit knowledge and experience while passionately embracing the future.
Without distinction, GIGI Studios wants to support people in their self-expression by making them feel more creative and self-confident. GIGI Studios’ designs are the result of constant improvement, a process of exploration through materials, shapes, and colours seeking designs that enhance the uniqueness of the individual.
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“Today marks a significant milestone in our region’s history. One in five Canadians is at risk of losing their sight due to eye disease. The Waterloo Eye Institute will help address this urgent problem by harnessing our research strengths to develop innovative solutions and by delivering expert care to patients in Waterloo and surrounding communities.”
Dr. Stanley Woo, director of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science
With 68,000 square feet of new and renovated space, the WEI will extend its impact, providing essential services to patients of all ages. The need is widespread: in addition to the millions of adults in Canada living with eye disease, 60% of children with reading difficulties have undetected or uncorrected vision problems.
“It is imperative that Canadians have access to care when they need it most,” says The Right Honourable David Johnston, former Governor General of Canada, past president of the University of Waterloo and honorary chair of the Seeing Beyond 20/20 fundraising campaign.
“Helping people see is crucial for individual quality of life as well as for productivity, equity and inclusion on a national level. The WEI will change vision care not only for patients in Waterloo region but also for the underserved communities that will benefit from the teleoptometry centre and the future patients who will benefit from the WEI’s research.”
As an epicentre for learning and innovation, the WEI will provide critical resources for interdisciplinary Waterloo researchers to apply their deep knowledge of biomedical sciences and ocular imaging to make advances in earlier diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes.
The School of Optometry and Vision Science has raised $27.5 million of its $35 million goal. Leading gifts include $5 million from FYidoctors, which was comprised of $2.5 million from Alan and Karen Ulsifer and individual member optometrists and then matched with a $2.5 million gift from the company; $3.5 million from IRIS; $2 million from Dr. Marta Witer (OD ’79) and the Ihnatowycz Family Foundation; $1.5 million from longtime supporters Dr. George (OD ’64, DSc ’19) and Judy Woo; $1 million from the Region of Waterloo; and $600,000 from Dr. Carol Cressman (OD ’79).
Construction of the Waterloo Eye Institute is expected to take two years. The completed building will feature expanded and modernized patient care spaces, including an updated optical dispensary full of natural light. All patient care will be on one floor, which will assist with accessibility and patient flow.
During the construction process, all patient care will move to a nearby interim location, which will offer all services currently offered at 200 Columbia St. W., from comprehensive eye exams for all ages to specialized services such as vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation, advanced contact lenses and ocular disease care.
The campaign, developed by Max Galli in partnership with Mixer Group, was the first in the trade show industry to be created with Artificial Intelligence.
The “Spheres” campaign was a turning point in the advertising sector because it was the first, in the trade show industry, to be created by combining human creativity and the innovative power of Artificial Intelligence, exploring the new frontiers of visual communication.
At its 28th edition, each year the Mediastars award is assigned to the best Italian campaigns, recognizing and adding value to the professionalism and talent of those working in the field of communication at the national level. More than 580 projects were nominated for this edition and evaluated by a jury composed of industry experts and professionals.
The next edition of MIDO will take place from February 8-10, 2025, at Fiera Milano Rho. The team is already working on the new communication campaign with the aim of once again fascinating its audience and strengthening brand awareness internationally, thanks to unique, creative, engaging messages.
CREDITS:
“SPHERES – THE EYEWEAR UNIVERSE” Agency: MAXGALLI Communication and MIXER GROUP Creative Direction: Max Galli Art Director: Sergio Copetti Copy: Lorella Montanaro Digital Processing: Silvia Badalotti Client Manager: Martina Vailati
In the picture, the MIDO team (Francesco Gili and Monia Innocenti), Mixer Group (Max Galli and Martina Vailati) together with Giulio Rodolfo, organizer and director of the award.
EssilorLuxottica implements an innovative project near Pescara, Italy which oversees the recovery and reconversion of industrial land surrounding the site of Barberini, an optical glass lens manufacturer and part of EssilorLuxottica. Covering almost 40 hectares, EssilorLuxottica will create a large solar farm to produce renewable energy along with a green area hosting sports facilities and natural food crops for the corporate staff restaurants, with a sustainable and circular approach.
Covering an area of 25 hectares, the solar farm will be the first large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic system built and directly managed by EssilorLuxottica and will have a total power of 20MW. The plant is expected to generate approximately 30,000 MWh of renewal energy per year (equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 10,000 families) and will be connected directly to Barberini’s industrial site to maximize self-consumption of onsite renewable power production.
The new solar farm, together with the photovoltaic panels which are already installed on the roofs of Barberini’s buildings and on most of the Company’s plants throughout the world, is a testament to the Group’s commitment to increase the production of renewable energy and confirms the ongoing investments to improve the efficiency across its logistic and manufacturing facilities and to reduce energy and water consumption.
The project is being implemented in coordination with local institutions and is part of the Company’s journey since 2019, following the completion of the acquisition of Barberini. The Group’s investments have made it possible to create a modern production area in Città Sant’Angelo which, in addition to hosting a new building with LEED certification for eco-compatibility, no longer uses fossil fuels and hosts the cultivation of native species such as olive trees, Abruzzo’s pear tomatoes, and melliferous plants in the areas close to the production sites. The Group works with local firm Tenuta Fragassi to introduce natural food production from this plant together with the ones from the new crops around the solar farm in its corporate staff restaurants. This in turn supports EssilorLuxottica’s Eyes on Food program launched in 2022 with Italian chef Davide Oldani to promote a healthy and responsible eating in the workplace.
Additionally, the area near the photovoltaic plant will also be open to the community and feature educational aspects of circularity and ecology initiatives along with seasonal crops, gardens and beekeeping. The site is expected to be completed in early 2025.
“We are continuing to realize EssilorLuxottica’s vision to produce extraordinary results in the market alongside major sustainability initiatives and investments to ensure an ethical and responsible approach. Today, we mark another key step to keep improving our energy efficiency globally while supporting our goal to become carbon neutral in our direct operations around the world by next year, as outlined in our Eyes on the Planet corporate sustainability program.”
Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO, EssilorLuxottica
The Canadian Association of Optometrists says optimizing optometric scope of practice is key to improving access to safe, timely eye care across Canada.
Warby Parker has launched Warby Parker Sport, a new performance eyewear category featuring sport-focused frames and polarized lenses for active lifestyles.
Alcon and ARVO are continuing their partnership on the 2026 Eye Pitch event, which will showcase early- and mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists says optimizing optometric scope of practice is key to improving access to safe, timely eye care across Canada.
Warby Parker has launched Warby Parker Sport, a new performance eyewear category featuring sport-focused frames and polarized lenses for active lifestyles.
Alcon and ARVO are continuing their partnership on the 2026 Eye Pitch event, which will showcase early- and mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists says optimizing optometric scope of practice is key to improving access to safe, timely eye care across Canada.
Warby Parker has launched Warby Parker Sport, a new performance eyewear category featuring sport-focused frames and polarized lenses for active lifestyles.
Alcon and ARVO are continuing their partnership on the 2026 Eye Pitch event, which will showcase early- and mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists says optimizing optometric scope of practice is key to improving access to safe, timely eye care across Canada.
Warby Parker has launched Warby Parker Sport, a new performance eyewear category featuring sport-focused frames and polarized lenses for active lifestyles.
Alcon and ARVO are continuing their partnership on the 2026 Eye Pitch event, which will showcase early- and mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
