Thélios announces the acquisition from NEO Investment Partners of Vuarnet, the French high-end outdoor sunglass brand.
It is Thélios’ first brand acquisition, which marks an important milestone in the development of the LVMH eyewear company, expanding its presence in the luxury eyewear industry through this proprietary brand.
Founded in 1957 by the optician Roger Pouilloux and French ski Olympic gold medallist Jean Vuarnet, the Vuarnet brand has established itself through its craftsmanship, fusing innovation, performance, and timeless style.
Vuarnet is renowned for its know-how, being one of the few eyewear brands to produce its own mineral lenses. Its manufacturing site located in Meaux, has been certified by the French government as “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (Living Heritage Company). Complementing Thélios’ Maisons in terms of brand positioning, Vuarnet’s best-in-class mineral lenses expertise will benefit Thélios to expand its know-how in this area.
“We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Vuarnet, becoming Thélios’ first proprietary brand” said Alessandro Zanardo, CEO of Thélios, “Vuarnet is a legendary brand, with a unique history that deserves to be preserved and perpetuated. Its iconic design, its unique know-how on mineral lenses and its strong brand values, are a perfect match with our ethos and positioning.”
Step into the world of innovative eyewear with Glossi’s latest collection! Crafted with surgical steel and a nylon insert, they offer a lightweight and stable fit. Impeccably constructed frames, coupled with playful colours will have your clients smiling.
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has announced its 2023 International Award winners, scheduled to be honored during the 4th World Congress of Optometry in Melbourne, Australia on September 8, 2023.
Leading the roster of distinguished professionals is Dr. Scott Mundle from Winnipeg, Canada, who will receive the highest accolade, the WCO Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Dr. Uduak Udom.
The WCO Distinguished Service Award is granted to individuals who have significantly advanced the vision and mission of the WCO. Dr. Mundle’s extensive leadership roles have cemented his legacy in optometry.
Serving as the President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists from 2002-2004 and of the World Council of Optometry from 2017-2019, he continues to impact the field in his current roles serving as a Board Member of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. He also sits on the Board for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
Dr. Mundle expressed his gratitude stating, “I am extremely surprised, humbled, yet honoured to be recognized in this manner by the World Council of Optometry, especially for an award named in memory of my colleague and friend Dr. Uduak Udom.”
Other Notable Awards and Highlights
Other professionals in the optometry field were also acknowledged. Dr. Ameer Abou Adela from Lebanon was named the recipient of the Young Leader Award, showcasing promise as a future leader in the optometry field.
Dr. Sajeesh Kumar Kamala Raghavan received the WCO International Optometrist Award for his extraordinary contributions to global optometry.
Additionally, Dr. Priya Morjaria will present the inaugural Memorial Lecture in Honor of Ms. Karen Sparrow. This lecture aims to commemorate Ms. Sparrow’s dedication to public health optometry and her ability to serve populations that often go unnoticed in eye care services.
Further Insights from Dr. Scott Mundle
For those interested in delving deeper into Dr. Mundle’s career and views on service in optometry, you can listen to him on the Eyes Wide Open podcast series by Eye Care Business Canada.
FBC announced $1.67 million in funding for two Transformative Research Awards which will push the boundaries of vision science.
Dr. Marius Ueffing (University of Tübingen) is developing a novel neuroprotective drug therapy to reduce photoreceptor death and slow vision loss in inherited retinal diseases (IRDs),
Dr. Luis Alarcon-Martinez (Center for Eye Research Australia) is using cutting edge imaging technology to understand how disrupted blood supply causes optic nerve damage in glaucoma. His team of collaborators also includes Dr. Adriana Di Polo (University of Montreal).
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has added a post-doctoral fellow to its Biosciences research team, as well as promoted three scientists to leadership roles.
Haile Darge
Haile Darge, Ph.D., has joined CORE as a post-doctoral fellow focused on developing biomaterials for ocular drug delivery and in vitro eye models using 3D printing technology. He earned an MSc in medicinal physiology from Addis Ababa University, School of Medicine and a Ph.D. from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech). His previous research explored the preparation of polymeric biomaterials for controlled drug delivery in cancer treatment, wound dressing and 3D cell culturing. He has authored more than two dozen peer-reviewed research articles in drug delivery for cancer treatment.
Deborah Jones
Deborah Jones, B.Sc., FCOptom FAAO, FBCLA, has been promoted to lead clinical scientist at CORE. Jones is also clinical professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo. Her primary clinical focus is on pediatric optometry and her main area of research is in myopia control. She graduated from City University, London, and is a Fellow of the British College of Optometrists. She holds a UK Diplomate in Contact Lens Practice and is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the British Contact Lens Association.
Amir Moezzi
Amir Moezzi, B.Sc., Ph.D., FAAO, has been promoted to lead clinical scientist at CORE, researching ocular physiological responses to contact lens wear. He earned a B.Sc. in optometry in Iran, where he practiced optometry and worked as an instructor. He went on to work in the field of technical management for ophthalmic lens processing after training at LOH Optikmaschinen Germany. Moezzi completed his MSc in 1999 and later completed a Ph.D. in Vision Science both at the University of Waterloo. Moezzi is a registered member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, a member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
Alison Ng
Alison Ng, B.Sc.Ph.D., MCOptom, FAAO, has been promoted to lead clinical scientist at CORE. She is also an adjunct associate professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo. Her research interests including the ocular surface response to environmental factors, contact lenses, cosmetics, dry eye disease, nutrition, and corneal neuropathic pain. She joined CORE as a post-doctoral fellow in 2014. Previously, she was a practicing optometrist in the UK and earned a Ph.D. at Cardiff University. Ng serves as a TFOS Global Ambassador for Canada and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
“CORE’s capacity to serve a range of sponsors and collaborators continues to grow with more robust needs for biosciences, clinical study, and professional education expertise from the ophthalmology, optometry, vision science, and related communities,” said Lyndon Jones, CORE’s director. “We are incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many talented people, including Haile, Debbie, Amir, and Alison. Congratulations to each of them in their new roles.”
The Accessories Council has announced the 2026 Design Excellence Awards finalists. Public voting across the awards’ accessory categories is open until October 26.
SILMO Paris has announced the nominees for the 2026 SILMO d’Or awards. Approximately 50 exhibitors are competing across 13 categories spanning eyewear, lenses, equipment and technological innovation.
Silhouette’s Balanced Fusion collection pairs ultralight SPX® with S-Titanium™ in bold, sculptural eyewear designed for precision, comfort and confident everyday wear.
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.
The Accessories Council has announced the 2026 Design Excellence Awards finalists. Public voting across the awards’ accessory categories is open until October 26.
SILMO Paris has announced the nominees for the 2026 SILMO d’Or awards. Approximately 50 exhibitors are competing across 13 categories spanning eyewear, lenses, equipment and technological innovation.
Silhouette’s Balanced Fusion collection pairs ultralight SPX® with S-Titanium™ in bold, sculptural eyewear designed for precision, comfort and confident everyday wear.
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.
The Accessories Council has announced the 2026 Design Excellence Awards finalists. Public voting across the awards’ accessory categories is open until October 26.
SILMO Paris has announced the nominees for the 2026 SILMO d’Or awards. Approximately 50 exhibitors are competing across 13 categories spanning eyewear, lenses, equipment and technological innovation.
Silhouette’s Balanced Fusion collection pairs ultralight SPX® with S-Titanium™ in bold, sculptural eyewear designed for precision, comfort and confident everyday wear.
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.
The Accessories Council has announced the 2026 Design Excellence Awards finalists. Public voting across the awards’ accessory categories is open until October 26.
SILMO Paris has announced the nominees for the 2026 SILMO d’Or awards. Approximately 50 exhibitors are competing across 13 categories spanning eyewear, lenses, equipment and technological innovation.
Silhouette’s Balanced Fusion collection pairs ultralight SPX® with S-Titanium™ in bold, sculptural eyewear designed for precision, comfort and confident everyday wear.
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.