opti 2024 marks the beginning of a new era: the campaign visuals for the optical meeting place from January 12 to 14, 2024 in Munich show the faces of committed individuals in the industry. The cross-media campaign will start on 1 September 2023. 

The new campaign with real people instead of models stands for dynamism in communication. “If so many positive things are happening in the run-up to opti, we simply have to show this to the outside world! This is why we are venturing a new approach to communication with our extraordinary visitor campaign featuring real opti people,” says Cathleen Kabashi, head of opti in Munich, explaining the new campaign which will be continued successively throughout the year.

 
The Philosophy of the New opti Visualisation  
“WE ARE opti” is more than just a slogan or a hashtag. It revolves around the philosophy of opti in Munich as a response to the global industry challenges of our time: the big picture has so much more impact than the individual one!

The Faces of the First Campaign 

The mix shows opti’s spectrum: opticians, representatives of the trade press, association members and influencers. The following opti participants were present at the photo shoot in Munich in August 2023: 
 
Aziza Arbabzadeh, Senior Manager Consumer Optics at SPECTARIS 
Giovanni Graffweg, Master Optician & Owner of OPTIK BREIDERHOFF in Essen 
Sabrina Oberlander – Master Optician & Owner of BRILLENWERKE in Offingen, ambassador of the crafts 
Sertac Özenir, Master Optician & Owner of SEHWELT ELLER in Düsseldorf 
Sarah Schleicher, Optician & Influencer 
Dagmar Schwall, Object Manager eyebizz 
Frank Sonnenberg, Sustainability Interest Group, CSR Manager & Journalist 
 
#weareopti 
After the launch, the new visuals can be seen cross-medially on the opti website https://www.opti.de/en/weareopti as well as in print and digital media throughout Europe.

Year-round communication – continuous instalments to be continued 
What comes next? The kick-off will be followed by a second casting event for the next part of the campaign at opti in January 2024.

Click HERE for the full press release.

The urban vibe, for which Mexx is renowned, has been transposed into its junior collection. The model 5687, with its round shape, embellished by a gradient in feminine hues, offers a trendy aesthetic that will appeal to the youngest. For a return to class in style, look for Mexx Junior!

Distributed by Lanctôt: www.rlanctot.com

Aequus Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of Zimed^® PF, the first preservative-free multi-dose Bimatoprost for glaucoma patients in Canada.

“This marks a new growth phase for Aequus and the launch of a Preservative Free (PF) innovation that brings value to both physicians and patients in a large therapeutic eye category,” says Grant Larsen, Chief Commercial Officer for Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc. Canada.

“An exciting product innovation, launched in multiple countries around the world, this product will be available at pharmacies across Canada in the coming weeks.”

For more information, visit www.ZimedPF.ca.  

Click HERE for the full press release.

Introducing Pace, the latest eyewear sensation from AYA Optical. With its bold cat-eye style and stunning Cree ‘Horse in snow’ design by artist Michael Koby, Pace is the perfect statement piece for fashion enthusiasts. Available in vibrant purple and teal, it combines style with comfort for an unparalleled eyewear experience. Don’t miss out on this
extraordinary frame!

Distributed by Claudia Alan: www.claudiaalan.com

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the recipients of its international awards, which recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing optometry around the globe. These awards will be presented during the 4th World Congress of Optometry/O=MEGA 23 in Melbourne, Australia on September 8,  2023.

The WCO Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Dr. Uduak Udom

Dr. Scott Mundle, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, has been selected to receive the 2023 Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Dr. Uduak Udom. This award is the highest award that WCO can bestow and is given to an individual who, over time, has made outstanding contributions to the achievement of WCO’s Vision and Mission.

Dr. Mundle has held many leadership roles over his career, including his time as President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) from 2002-2004 and President of the World Council of Optometry from 2017-2019. Dr. Mundle currently serves as a Board Member of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, a role he has held since 2021 and currently serves on the Board for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Dr. Mundle stated, “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. As well, to be recognized along with previous recipients and optometric leaders and icons, such as Robert Chappell, my former Waterloo Professor, George Woo and one of my classmate and wife’s mentor, Brien Holden, is truly an honour.”

The Young Leader Award in Memory of Dr. Paul Berman

Dr. Ameer Abou Adela, from Lebanon, is the recipient of the Young Leader Award in Memory of Dr. Paul Berman. This award is given to an optometrist who has been in practice for less than 10 years and shows promise as a future leader of the profession as well as contributing to the vision and mission of WCO.

Currently completing his PhD studies in Optometry at KwaZulu Natal University, Dr. Adela founded the Vision Care Association (VCA) in Lebanon, a non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO), in 2017. Dr. Adela currently serves as VCA president. Since its founding, VCA has become a WCO Country Member organization, as well as a member of the Eastern Mediterranean Council of Optometry (EMCO).

He has also been instrumental in VCA launching five VCA advocacy programs—Eyecare, Education, Legislation, Environment, and Research and engaged in three workshops through WCO’s Education Mentor Grant program.

WCO International Optometrist Award

Dr. Sajeesh Kumar Kamala Raghavan, from India and the United States, is the recipient of the WCO International Optometrist Award for his extraordinary contributions and commitment to the development of the profession of optometry and vision care globally.

A tenured associate professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Dr. Kumar has worked as an optometrist in several countries across the globe and authored seven books in health sciences and informatics. His innovative use of informatics technology has had an influence on optometric education. His work in optometry informatics and tele-optometry services has also revolutionized the delivery of eye care services, particularly in traditionally underserved communities.

Dr. Kumar stated, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to WCO for acknowledging my global efforts in advancing optometry through informatics. This recognition strengthens my resolve to shape a technologically vibrant future for eye care on a global scale.”

Memorial Lecture in Honor of Ms. Karen Sparrow, 9 September 2023

Dr. Priya Morjaria was chosen as the inaugural speaker for the Memorial Lecture in Honour of Ms. Karen Sparrow. Ms. Sparrow was a public health optometrist who tirelessly worked to address the needs of populations that were often unable to advocate for themselves and in areas where eye care was sorely lacking. Ms. Sparrow, a longtime WCO volunteer, shared her spirit, passion, and dedication to public health optometry in a way that epitomized the mission of WCO.

A friend and colleague of Ms. Sparrow, Dr. Morjaria shares her late friend’s passion for public health and has worked with several eye care international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in low- and middle-income settings. Dr. Morjaria is the co-chair for the School Eye Health Working Group at the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and currently serves on the WCO Board of Directors as the Public Health Committee Chair.

Those attending the O=MEGA23/WCO4 in September are encouraged to attend this lecture on Saturday, 9 September 2023 (3:30 p.m. local time) at the Plenary Room, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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