Safilo Group and Marc Jacobs announce the early renewal of their multi-year global licensing agreement for Marc Jacobs branded eyewear until December 2031.
Marc Jacobs Eyewear collection
“Since the beginning of our partnership in 2004 we have collaborated profitably to make Marc Jacobs an iconic landmark within the eyewear category, offering unique and highly distinctive models in every collection. During these 20 years the brand has grown to become one of the most emblematic brands of Safilo’s contemporary and premium offering, with a strong global appeal for both men and women, and with still many new opportunities for growth in its core US market as well as worldwide.”
Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group
Marc Jacobs International CEO, Eric Marechalle, states: “We look forward to the continued success of our partnership with Safilo. Working together to further the unique Marc Jacobs vision to the eyewear category, through new and exciting global opportunities remains our key objective.”
Introducing Izumi OS-9369, a captivating blend of bold elegance and playful charm. This dramatic cat-eye frame exudes a sense of allure and confidence with custom lamination that seamlessly merges solid and translucent patterned acetate, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow for a look that is sophisticated yet fun.
Established in 1961, WestGroupe is family operated with over 60 years of industry insight. Our mission has always been to provide unique and superior quality eyewear for the fashion-focused consumer. We are driven by our customer commitment to excellent service and exceptional product. WestGroupe is dedicated to defining future standards in the optical business by developing, creating, and supporting innovative products and services that allows our customers to succeed. WestGroupe offers a premium selection of globally recognized proprietary eyewear brands including KLiiK denmark, FYSH, EVATIK, Superflex® and OTP.
Myopia Profile, the globally recognized clinical myopia management information center for eye care professionals (ECPs), announced significant growth of traffic and engagement on its website, www.myopiaprofile.com. The 50% year-over-year increases signal widespread and accelerating interest in myopia etiology, prevention, interventions, and clinical practices.
Innovative features and expanded functionalities were added to the site last year to offer more comprehensive product and scientific information. The subsequent surge in usage reflects continued interest in ECP demand for myopia resources and educational materials for their practices, further advancing the myopia management category and positive patient outcomes.
“Revamping our website was a significant undertaking, and the payoff has been truly rewarding as we reviewed the year-end results. With over 200 countries seeking information on diverse topics in myopia and children’s vision care, it’s evident that there’s huge appetite for high quality and effective content. We’re delighted to offer invaluable and ever-expanding resources, aiding in the fight against the escalating myopia epidemic.”
Dr. Kate Gifford, co-founder, Myopia Profile
The top six countries accessing Myopia Profile’s free content were the United States, India, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Singapore, respectively. Users explored a diverse range of topics, encompassing axial length, myopia control spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and atropine; clinical techniques for children, and adult myopia management.
Notably, the site’s new search feature and world-first Myopia Control Product Compendium revealed significant interest in spectacle lenses such as Stellest® and MiYOSMART, as well as for MiSight® 1 day myopia control contact lenses. Searches related to atropine also demonstrated substantial growth.
In addition, Myopia Profile observed significant growth on www.mykidsvision.org, its consumer-facing website dedicated to providing parents with accessible, evidence-based information on myopia and its management at no cost. The platform aims to enhance awareness and education, with visitors soaring following extensive upgrades completed about 18 months ago. Here, orthokeratology and atropine emerged as the top-performing and fastest-growing search terms.
Additionally, there has been a rise in searches regarding axial length and screen time, suggesting a transfer of prevention and care information from ECPs to caregivers. The three most popular topics were screen time, atropine eye drops, and spectacles.
“We consistently engage with users to ensure we deliver the most relevant information tailored to their needs and practices,” said Dr. Gifford. “By listening to their feedback, in combination with keeping our eyes on the latest research, we can update our site with the most current information available. This ongoing process is rewarding because we understand that we are delivering precisely what ECPs need to assist their patients effectively.”
VuePoint IDS, the publisher of Optik, EyeCareBusiness Canada, and IMAGINEM Magazine, is pleased to announce the appointment of Louise Courville, a distinguished leader with an extensive background in both the optical and medical device sectors as well as in digital marketing, as Account Executive and Business Development Manager.
With over 25 years of dedicated experience, Louise has made significant contributions to the industry, demonstrating a deep commitment to excellence and innovation.
Louise’s professional journey is highlighted by her tenure at leading global optical device companies, where she utilized her expertise to foster growth, spearhead strategic initiatives, and guide teams towards notable achievements.
As a seasoned digital sales and marketing expert, Louise has excelled in full-cycle sales, adapting to the dynamic changes in marketing automation and AI. Her strategic insight and commitment to excellence have made her a trusted adviser in the industry.
Notably, as a regional sales manager for top ophthalmic device companies in the US, she led her teams to innovate marketing strategies and significantly influence the market. Louise has now returned to Canada, ready to apply her considerable experience and strategic vision to her new role at VuePoint.
Looking Ahead with Louise:
As Louise Courville steps into her new role, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success. Her extensive experience in the optical sector and with digital marketing positions her as a valuable asset to the VuePoint team.
“Louise’s strategic vision and leadership abilities are set to play a pivotal role in driving VuePoint’s growth and innovation, ensuring we continue to lead in the optical industry,” said David Pietrobon, President of VuePoint.
“The VuePoint family is excited about the expertise and passion she brings to the team and look forward to the contributions she will make towards our continued success.”
Transitions® GEN S™, the ultra-responsive to light lens from TransitionsOptical has launched in Canada. The launch marks a technological revolution, inviting wearers on a journey of innovation. Through randomized controlled clinical trials, some of the world’s leading, independent vision experts have demonstrated that Transitions GEN S provides better vision quality, faster1.
“People want more from their eyeglasses than just correction, and Transitions GEN S delivers, going above and beyond their expectations. Our research and development team created a revolutionary lens that is not only intuitive and smart but allows for an elevated experience of complete pairing opportunities through a large colour palette that enables wearers to personalize their looks with vibrant colours to match any frame.”
Arnaud Rajchenbach, Marketing and Sales Manager, Transitions Optical in Canada
Revealed in February at Transitions Academy in Orlando, Florida, Transitions GEN S, has already been receiving spectacular feedback from wearers. “… they are quick. That speed to me is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before,” commented one wearer.
Watch the full video on wearer’s reactions and feedback to the new lens:
“Patients deserve the best vision care we can offer, and light management is key. To achieve its mission, Transitions Optical offers a solution for comprehensive vision that goes beyond traditional correction. Today, we have a real opportunity to improve patients’ vision care with Transitions GEN S lenses. We call it HD vision at the speed of your life: see well in all light conditions, dynamic, intuitive, and adaptive, with better vision quality, faster1. It is set to become a key recommendation for eyecare professionals,” said Rajchenbach. “Why prescribe a traditional, static lens when wearers can have Transitions GEN S ultra-dynamic lenses that fit their lifestyle?”
Transitions GEN S delivers unparalleled performances with a unique vision: to embrace the synergy of speed, darkness and colour without sacrificing any other performance aspect.
Transitions New Genius GEN S
GEN SPEED™: Ultra-responsive to Light
Transitions GEN S is the fastest dark lens2 in the clear to dark photochromic category. It is fully clear indoors and darkens in seconds3 outdoors. It is ultra-responsive to light, reaching category three levels of darkness in 25 seconds4* and fading back in less than two minutes5*. In fact, when asked 88% of wearers agreed that Transitions GEN S lenses adapted so fast to light that they didn’t or barely noticed the change6*.
GEN STYLE™: Spectacular Colour Palette
Transitions GEN S is available in eight exclusive colours, including a brand-new addition: Transitions GEN S ruby. All colours have been optimised to be true to tone at all stages, offering vibrant tints in any light. While being fully clear indoors, and beautifully coloured outdoors, Transitions GEN S provides endless possibilities of pairing to complement any look.
GEN SMART™: HD Vision at the Speed of Your Life
Transitions GEN S offers better vision quality, faster to ensure a continuous visual experience7A* versus clear lenses. During fade back, tests have shown a 39.5% improvement in contrast sensitivity7B* and 40% faster vision recovery 7B* versus the previous generation.
Moreover, Transitions GEN S provides ultimate light protection, darkening outdoors, blocking 100 percent UVA & UVB rays and filtering up to 32 percent of blue violet light in the clear state and up to 85 percent when activated8.
Transitions GEN S innovation elevates the vision experience from a must wear to a ‘love wear’ experience that follows the ever-changing rhythm of life.
*Tests carried out on grey lenses. Photochromic performance may vary across colours and lens materials and is influenced by temperature and UV exposure.
REFERENCES
1. Vision quality improved in challenging light conditions, notably when moving from a bright to a darker environment (source B, Transitions® GEN S™ compared to Transitions Signature GEN 8), in bright to very bright light situations (source A, Transitions® GEN S™ compared to clear lenses) and in low light with peaky stray light (source A, Transitions® GEN S™ compared to clear lenses).
2. For gray lenses in the clear to dark (category 3) photochromic category. Transitions® GEN S™ lenses fade back faster to 70% transmission while achieving less than 14% transmission when activated at @ 23°C.
3. For polycarbonate & CR39 lenses across colors achieving 18% transmission at 23°C.
5. For gray polycarbonate & CR39 lenses with a premium anti-reflective coating fading back to 70% transmission @ 23°C.
6. Source: Wearers Test conducted by an external market research agency in the US in Q1, 2023 with 135 prescription lens wearers wearing 1.67 index lenses with a premium AR coating in gray Transitions® GEN S™.
7. A: Subject-masked cross-over randomized controlled investigation performed in 2023 on 30 healthy participants (19.2 ± 1.3 years). Testing light stress (discomfort and disability glare, photostress recovery) with the clear and darkest states of gray Transitions® GEN S™ 1.6 index lenses with a premium anti-reflective coating compared to clear 1.6 index lenses with a premium anti-reflective coating. Principal Investigator Prof Billy R. Hammond.
7. B: Subject-masked cross-over randomized controlled investigation performed in 2023 on 10 healthy pre-trained participants (29.5 ± 4.0 years). Testing contrast sensitivity during fade back with gray Transitions® GEN S™ 1.6 index lenses with a premium anti-reflective coating compared to gray Transitions Signature GEN 8 1.6 index lenses with a premium anti-reflective coating. Principal Investigator Prof Pablo Artal. Accepted abstract at ARVO 2024. Duarte-Toledo R, Mompeán J et al., A new photochromic lens improves contrast sensitivity during fade back.
8. For polycarbonate and CR39 lenses across colors. Blue-violet light is measured between 400nm and 455nm (ISO TR 20772:2018).
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.
