World Sight Day, 10 October 2024, highlights the importance of prioritizing child eye health and giving children everywhere the opportunity to love their eyes. Today, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) joins our partners at the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and thousands worldwide for World Sight Day 2024.
“World Sight Day 2024 is focused on children’s vision. What a great opportunity to highlight and increase awareness of the importance of screening, diagnosing, and treating vision issues early in a child’s life to reduce the number of people with preventable visual impairments. Good vision is important for our children to learn and grow.”
Dr. Sandra Block, WCO President
This year, World Sight Day is a call to action. We are asking parents, caregivers, and schools to prioritize child eye health by making a pledge to Love Your Child’s Eyes, reinforcing your child’s eye health as a top priority and raising awareness of the 450 million children globally who have a sight condition that needs treatment.
WCO Managing Director Alyssa Callaghan is making the pledge to love her daughter’s eyes. “As an employee of WCO and someone who received early intervention from an optometrist at the age of two, I understand the importance of having my child’s eyes tested,” she shared, “Keeping her eyes healthy will set her up for success in her development and her future.”
WCO is pleased to highlight our Pediatric Eye Care Resource, available to the public, which includes clinical information, assessment tools and references for clinicians to use to help children and their families in accessing the best eye care possible.
Additionally, a new optometry publication summarizing a 2023 global survey conducted by the World Council of Optometry (WCO) was recently published online. This study investigated the optometric demographics within WCO member countries and information related to the scope of practice and legislation. It showed that 20% of the countries surveyed limit the use of diagnostic drugs, which can impact early detection efforts of refractive errors in children.
“Many refractive errors in children, such as hyperopia, remain undetected unless diagnostic agents, such as cycloplegics, are used. Optometrists are well-positioned to address many eye conditions in children, however, several countries limit the use of diagnostic drugs as per the latest WCO Global Survey on scope of practice,” said Dr. Yazan Gammoh, Chair of the WCO Education Committee and lead author of the study. “Limiting the use of diagnostic drugs by optometrists hinders the efforts for early detection and timely management of refractive errors in children which may lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), poor performance in school, and may affect their future career choices.”
Dr. Sandra Block, pictured holding a World Sight Day 2024 campaign sign at an eye screening event held on October 8th in New York City.
As primary eye care providers, optometrists must be active participants in efforts to address preventable vision impairment worldwide. WCO celebrates the efforts of our members across the globe to emphasize the importance of prioritizing eye care in young people. Visit www.iapb.world/world-sight-day to learn how you can #LoveYourEyes for World Sight Day and encourage others to do the same.
Versace celebrates the iconic Medusa Biggie sunglasses with an innovative and unconventional campaign that shows how life is better in Biggies.
Biggies are an undoubted icon of Versace design and have been one of the most distinctive eyewear shapes in global luxury for over three decades. Their signature attitude and high-luxury design have always attracted individuals with independent spirit, most notably Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls), the world-leading rapper who rocketed the style to icon status within rap, music, entertainment and culture. The Biggies style is named in his honour.
The multifaceted and innovation focused campaign mixes physical and digital experiences for a full immersion into the iconic lifestyle felt when wearing Biggies. An augmented reality experience is accessible through QR codes on Life is Better in Biggies out-of-home billboards placed across global cities.
The interactive journey unveils a pair of golden Biggies floating above the House’s Medusa before the full selection of available Medusa Biggie styles is revealed. A Try-On filter available through Meta and Snapchat social channels lets users wear the Biggies in 3D and share selfies with friends. A fully immersive Virtual Reality headset experience available at select Luxottica stores gives users a new way to interact with the iconic Biggies. Upon entering the virtual world, users are placed into an opulent Biggies Celebration Room and can travel through portals to other areas until they are faced with Versace’s powerful Medusa, all in an immersive 360-world.
The new season expands the Medusa Biggie sunglasses collection with new designs and colours.
The Medusa Biggie eyewear designs are available for eyecare professionals at my.essilorluxottica.com.
SILMO Paris 2024 once again established itself as the key event for the optical industry, offering a rich panorama of emerging trends and immersive experiences. For four intense days, the show was the focal point for inspiring encounters, cutting-edge innovations and enriching exchanges, captivating industry professionals.
This year, 32,125 professionals (up 2.6% on 2023), 52% of them international and 48% French, came to discover the new products presented by more than 900 companies spread over 75,000 m² in Halls 6 and 7 at Paris Nord Villepinte. This dynamism fostered an environment conducive to discoveries and collaborations, paving the way for new prospects and projects for the market.
SILMO Paris 2024 thus continues to consolidate its role as an essential crossroads in the evolution of the industry, where innovative ideas and promising concepts come to life, shaping the future of the sector.
HIGHLIGHTS OF SILMO PARIS 2024
EXCELLENCE REWARDED & AWARDS PRESENTED
THE SILMO D’OR, 30 YEARS ON
The SILMO d’Or awards recognise technical excellence, creativity and innovation, essential qualities that drive the optical industry into the future. Each year, this event attracts the attention of professionals and the media from all over the world, underlining its importance and impact on the global market.
The 2024 edition will mark the 30th anniversary of the SILMO d’Or, a testament to its enduring influence and the importance of know-how in the ever-evolving optical industry. Discover the winners of the 2024 SILMO d’Or.
OPTICAL DESIGN CONTEST
SILMO Paris also encourages the talents of tomorrow through the Optical Design Contest, which aims to promote expertise, defend the industry and stimulate innovation. Open to design students from all over the world, the third edition of this competition focused on eyewear accessories that not only correct and protect vision, but also explore new functions and uses. Discover the 2024 winner: DISTROAL by Thomas DENEUFBOURG & Adrien GALLOIS – École de Design Nantes Atlantique
COMMITTED COMPANY PRIZE
Adopting a comprehensive CSR strategy is essential to meet stakeholder expectations while strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of companies in the optical sector. To encourage these sustainable and responsible practices, SILMO, in collaboration with the HYSSOP agency, has launched the Committed Company Prize. This award recognises companies that take a holistic approach to ethical, environmental and social issues and are actively committed to a more responsible future. Discover the 2024 winners: Vanni & Skans
INTERNATIONAL OPTICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award, presented by the IOA (International Opticians Association) in partnership with SILMO Paris, encourages and rewards an optician for his or her vision and commitment to promoting the values of the profession to both staff and customers. Discover the 2024 winner: Vitor Martins (Portugal)
INTER-SCHOOL CHALLENGE
Every Monday during SILMO Paris, Schools Day offers students and teachers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the heart of the optical industry. This day also included the Inter-School Challenge, a fun competition organised in partnership with OPTIC 2000 and dedicated to 2nd year BTS students. This year, ESSO ANGERS won the competition, with the top 5 students winning a trip to a European optics exhibition.
ANIMATIONS
SILMO NEXT – FUTUROLOGY: THE FUTURE OF POSSIBILITIES
Immerse yourself in the future of optics and explore the fascinating prospects for the years 2025 to 2035. Professionals discovered a space, divided into several distinct zones, where technological innovations, personalised solutions, interactive experiences, augmented and virtual reality all come together.
The SILMO NEXT Experts Committee – Who are these specialists and professionals? What themes were discussed? And what conclusions were drawn? Discover the latest report from the Committee of Experts.
THE TRENDS FORUM
A freeze frame on the shapes, colours and materials of eyewear, a complete overview that shed light on the best optical and sunwear frames from exhibitors at the show. Here are the four trends highlighted at the show that will be tomorrow’s success stories.
MEETING THE KNOW-HOW
MEILLEURS OUVRIERS DE FRANCE
An exploration of the MOFs’ key workshops, where masters of the French craft revealed their exceptional craftsmanship and offered demonstrations: design of made-to-measure frames, hand shaping, welding, etc. And, as every year, visitors were able to discover the ‘Design Challenge’ exhibition, which brought together the creations of design students and trainees from the Ecole de Lunetterie de Morez, eclectic frames inspired by plant materials, offering a wonderful story of transmission and sharing.
THE EXPERTISE OF FRENCH EYEWEAR MANUFACTURERS
Plunge into the heart of the Jura mountains to discover the unique expertise of these companies and meet their craftsmen during captivating events. A showcase for the talent and tradition of artisan eyewear manufacturers who perpetuate a centuries-old know-how that is essential to the worldwide reputation of « Made in France ».
OYONNAX – MOREZ MUSEUM
A fascinating collection of historical objects and innovations that have shaped two centuries of eyewear history. This showcase of French eyewear heritage is an opportunity to explore the evolution of techniques and frame designs, while discovering the rich history and heritage of the two iconic towns of Oyonnax and Morez.
SILMO TALKS & THE SILMO ACADEMY CONFERENCES
An even more immersive and interactive experience, with a series of inspiring conferences offering insights and analysis from leading specialists. At the same time, the new SILMO Academy format enabled visitors to attend engaging talks from leading international researchers and experts. Find out more about the exhibition programme.
THE OPTYMPICS
A fun and engaging competition, the OPTympics celebrated the intersection between sportsmanship and the fascinating world of optics. Like athletes pushing their limits, opticians were given the opportunity to play the game and test their skills with passion, creativity and expertise. + Over 800 people took part! Click here to see the results.
In collaboration with Radioottica, Nico Caradonna & Behind My Glass
◊ THE SILMO TOUCH, a year-round commitment ◊
RSE: AT THE HEART OF OPTICS
SILMO is actively committed to supporting the optical industry in adopting sustainable and ethical practices. In partnership with the Hyssop agency, it is making available practical fact sheets that decipher key issues such as sourcing, packaging and transport, in order to guide companies in integrating social responsibility at the heart of their activities. The factsheets offer practical advice on how to reduce the ecological footprint, encourage diversity and improve the transparency of supply chains. By combining innovation and responsibility, the SILMO supports industry professionals in their transition to a more sustainable future.
« THE RIGHT OPTICS » PODCASTS BY SILMO
« The Right Optics » is designed to accompany professionals throughout the year, beyond the borders of the show. These lively conversations with experts and special guests, all orchestrated by Nick Coffer, explore in depth the captivating world of eyewear. The episodes reveal success stories, highlight exceptional expertise and share inspiring visions for the future of the sector.
SILMO TV & SILMO NEWS, the broadcast
Throughout the four days of the show, SILMO TV journalists were on hand to report live on all the latest developments in the sector and to ensure that visitors did not miss any of the key moments of the event. Thanks to expert analysis, personal accounts and reports, professionals were able to keep abreast of the latest developments at SILMO Paris and will be able to follow the SILMO news broadcasts throughout the year to keep abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the optical sector. All SILMO Paris 2024 programmes and interviews are available here.
SILMO JOB
SILMO Paris, a key partner of the optics industry, supports professionals in meeting the key challenges of the sector, in particular talent recruitment. Throughout the year, recruiters and candidates benefit from a dynamic space beyond the exhibition walls, offering exclusive opportunities to build the teams of tomorrow.
See you next year, from September 26 to 29 at Paris Nord Villepinte.
ARHUS, a new concept from Morel, offers the combination of two premium materials: natural wood and stainless steel. The dark green colour of the front blends perfectly with the walnut essence of its slim adjustable temples.
A colourless varnish protects the noble material, while allowing it to develop a patina and forge a unique character over time.
Family-owned, independent and responsible, the company strives to transmit the authenticity of its expertise while developing a strong international distribution network. Today, we are present in over 90 countries!
Today, more than ever, MOREL is proud of our past and resolutely turned towards our future. Our sincere desire for improvement lies close to our hearts and has led us to embrace an environmentally and socially responsible initiative. MOREL strives to become a company that is committed to addressing the major global issues of our time.
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HOYA Vision Care announced the Canadian launch of iD MyStyle® 3 and iD WorkStyle® 3 with AdaptEase™ Technology as the newest progressive lenses available for eye care professionals (ECPs) nationwide to order today.
Internal research conducted by HOYA shows higher wearer satisfaction, with patients reporting 56% faster adaption¹, 57% less fatigue¹, 61% less swaying¹, and three times less peripheral deformation².
With iD MyStyle® 3 and iD WorkStyle® 3, design and innovation come together to create two powerful new progressive lens options for Canadian eye care professionals to prescribe.
“We’ve introduced a groundbreaking technology that makes it easier than ever for patients to adapt, even those with the highest demands. As individuals’ visual needs have evolved, so have our lens designs. AdaptEase™ has elevated lens design to an entirely new level, and we are excited to bring this versatile innovation to the market.”
Steven Haifawi, President, HOYA Vision Care, Canada
The key feature of the iD MyStyle 3 and iD WorkStyle 3 lens is the addition of AdaptEase™Technology, which leads to faster adaption and clearer vision by reducing peripheral astigmatic distortion. Also new to these designs is 3D Binocular Vision™ technology. It significantly reduces peripheral distortion, creating a more comfortable and stable visual experience. Combining AdaptEase Technology with 3D Binocular Vision and HOYA’s other leading binocular technologies uniquely benefits those with different prescriptions in each eye.
Historically, iD MyStyle has been the most personalized progressive lens, with nearly 400 design variations available when ECPs use the MyStyle iDentifier™ questionnaire with their patients. One of many unique aspects of the MyStyle iDentifier is it considers the satisfaction of the previous lens design worn.
iD MyStyle 3 has five convenience options: Tyro, Expert, Detail, Modern, and Adventure. The newest option is Tyro, which means “novice” or “beginner.” Tyro is specially designed to help new progressive lens wearers adapt quickly.
iD WorkStyle 3 is an occupational lens designed to maximize comfort throughout the workday. It is a better primary pair of glasses for patients who spend most of their day at work or play in an office or up-close environment. iD WorkStyle 3 includes three existing design variations: Space, Screen, and Zoom. Each design can be personalized to the primary type of work a patient engages in.
Eye care providers will receive HOYA’s signature comprehensive support and training, ensuring seamless integration into their practice. The iD MyStyle 3 and iD WorkStyle 3 designs will be compatible with HOYA’s leading AR portfolio, including Super HiVision® Meiryo™ EX4™ and available in all materials, including Sensity® photochromics.
Visionary Insiders loyalty program members can earn points toward iD MyStyle 3 and iD WorkStyle 3 orders for their patients. To learn more about HOYA Canada’s full suite of progressive lenses, ECPs can visit online and speak to their HOYA Territory Manager.
References:
¹ According to an internal HOYA study involving 1,694 PAL wearers across the globe in lenses with and without 3D Binocular Vision™ Technology and AdaptEase™ Technology. ² Based on models of peripheral progressive deformation in progressive lenses with and without 3D Binocular Vision™ technology.
Explore fall eyewear trends and smart lens innovations. Learn how to curate frame inventory, precision fit small silhouettes, and pair tech-driven lenses.
opti 2027 expands its See. Hear. Next. vision with SMART TECH, a new area dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables and connected applications. Director Cathleen Kabashi explains how “Next.” turns future technologies into real business opportunities for optics and hearing care.
New data from The Vision Council shows that rising prices are sustaining optical market revenue in early 2026, even as exam volume, patient visits and provider confidence decline. Market inSights and Provider inSights reports reveal a sector holding steady on value while underlying softness continues to build.
Life Italia adds a playful new dimension to children’s eyewear with the NI-157, combining bright gradient colours with durable TR-90 Grilamid, hypoallergenic rubber and flexible hinge technology.
Nikon launches Z Series Single Vision, a new portfolio of single vision lenses engineered with Asymmetric Z Contrast Technology to enhance binocular contrast and clarity.
Explore fall eyewear trends and smart lens innovations. Learn how to curate frame inventory, precision fit small silhouettes, and pair tech-driven lenses.
opti 2027 expands its See. Hear. Next. vision with SMART TECH, a new area dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables and connected applications. Director Cathleen Kabashi explains how “Next.” turns future technologies into real business opportunities for optics and hearing care.
New data from The Vision Council shows that rising prices are sustaining optical market revenue in early 2026, even as exam volume, patient visits and provider confidence decline. Market inSights and Provider inSights reports reveal a sector holding steady on value while underlying softness continues to build.
Life Italia adds a playful new dimension to children’s eyewear with the NI-157, combining bright gradient colours with durable TR-90 Grilamid, hypoallergenic rubber and flexible hinge technology.
Nikon launches Z Series Single Vision, a new portfolio of single vision lenses engineered with Asymmetric Z Contrast Technology to enhance binocular contrast and clarity.
Explore fall eyewear trends and smart lens innovations. Learn how to curate frame inventory, precision fit small silhouettes, and pair tech-driven lenses.
opti 2027 expands its See. Hear. Next. vision with SMART TECH, a new area dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables and connected applications. Director Cathleen Kabashi explains how “Next.” turns future technologies into real business opportunities for optics and hearing care.
New data from The Vision Council shows that rising prices are sustaining optical market revenue in early 2026, even as exam volume, patient visits and provider confidence decline. Market inSights and Provider inSights reports reveal a sector holding steady on value while underlying softness continues to build.
Life Italia adds a playful new dimension to children’s eyewear with the NI-157, combining bright gradient colours with durable TR-90 Grilamid, hypoallergenic rubber and flexible hinge technology.
Nikon launches Z Series Single Vision, a new portfolio of single vision lenses engineered with Asymmetric Z Contrast Technology to enhance binocular contrast and clarity.
Explore fall eyewear trends and smart lens innovations. Learn how to curate frame inventory, precision fit small silhouettes, and pair tech-driven lenses.
opti 2027 expands its See. Hear. Next. vision with SMART TECH, a new area dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables and connected applications. Director Cathleen Kabashi explains how “Next.” turns future technologies into real business opportunities for optics and hearing care.
New data from The Vision Council shows that rising prices are sustaining optical market revenue in early 2026, even as exam volume, patient visits and provider confidence decline. Market inSights and Provider inSights reports reveal a sector holding steady on value while underlying softness continues to build.
Life Italia adds a playful new dimension to children’s eyewear with the NI-157, combining bright gradient colours with durable TR-90 Grilamid, hypoallergenic rubber and flexible hinge technology.
Nikon launches Z Series Single Vision, a new portfolio of single vision lenses engineered with Asymmetric Z Contrast Technology to enhance binocular contrast and clarity.
