Transitions Optical has released a new trends report that highlights five trends for the optical industry in 2023. The report and trends were curated based on research and insights that resulted from in-depth conversations with Transitions Pro Forum members in the United States and Canada.

The report from Transitions provides an overview of five optical industry trends that today’s eyecare professionals can leverage to enhance patient and staff engagement, improve overall satisfaction, and grow their practices.

The five trends are:

• Do more with every patient: understanding impacts of the pandemic.
• Keep employees engaged: addressing needs with a people-first approach.
• Focus on community: making a difference hyperlocally.
• Keep an eye on a sustainable future: offering products to meet demands hyperlocally.
• Embrace a hybrid approach: connecting with patients online and off.

“The optical industry has evolved significantly in recent years, as have the needs and desires of patients and employees,” said Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing and sales manager, Transitions Optical Canada. “The trends we identified, as well as the report that followed, were created to highlight actionable changes that eyecare professionals can implement to gain a competitive advantage in the future.”

To learn more about the five trends or view the report, visit Transitions.com/en-canadapro/education-product-knowledge.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Blue Point Capital Partners announces the acquisition of eyebobs, a market leader in premium reading glasses. The investment is part of the firm’s broader plan to build a unique eyewear platform designed for B2B and B2C growth.

eyebobs joins Blue Point’s newly formed eyewear holding company following the firm’s March 2023 platform investment in Europa Eyewear.

Recognized for its distinctive style and art-worthy eyewear, eyebobs was founded in 2001 to address the gap between inexpensive readers sold in the mass market and designer frames sold by optical retailers. eyebobs began with a mission to “create original readers for original people” and has since transformed into a successful omnichannel brand with an exceptional product design aesthetic and a highly engaged customer base.

“We see tremendous opportunity for growth in the eyewear market and could not be more pleased to have Europa and eyebobs as part of our portfolio. The combined strength of these well-established companies will allow us to unlock growth for both organizations by leveraging their proprietary brands, leading design capabilities and differentiated B2B and B2C models,” said Blue Point Partner John LeMay.

“Europa and eyebobs have highly complementary capabilities, as well as like- minded cultures and values, making this investment a natural next step in the development of our eyewear platform,” said Blue Point Operating Executive Holly Rush. “eyebobs’ distinct brand and value-proposition truly resonate with consumers. With the capabilities and strengths of Europa, we believe this is a powerful combination poised to expand the brand’s reach and capture significant growth opportunities.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

Marchon Eyewear and Paul Smith, Britain’s leading independent design company, announced that they have entered into an exclusive, long-term global licensing agreement.

Marchon was previously responsible for the distribution of Paul Smith eyewear in North America. Under this new partnership, Marchon now oversees the design, manufacturing, and global distribution of the brand’s eyewear collection since January 2023.

Paul Smith sun and optical styles are designed with a classic yet modern approach, with a focus on craft and attention to detail – featuring the distinct signature styling and the organic colour palette Paul Smith is known for.

“Marchon is very proud to partner with Paul Smith, an iconic brand with timeless styling,” said Thomas Burkhardt, President of Marchon Eyewear, Inc. “We look forward to contributing to the brand’s future growth around the world, while strengthening our offering within the luxury eyewear segment. The new collections will be offering new eyewear styles that will uniquely capture the essence and exceptional quality of the Paul Smith brand.”

“We are delighted to be embarking on a new global eyewear partnership with Marchon. Harnessing their expertise in manufacturing and distribution and bringing our own unique approach to design and creativity, we have every confidence it will be a prosperous collaboration.” Ashley Long, Managing Director, Paul Smith Ltd.

Click HERE for the full press release.