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January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

VSP Vision Appoints Nicola Zotta to Lead Global Eyewear Operations

Nicola Zotta President of Eyewear and Managing Director of Marchon and Marcolin

VSP Vision has named Nicola Zotta President of Eyewear and Managing Director of both Marchon Eyewear and Marcolin, following VSP Vision’s recent acquisition of Marcolin. In his expanded role, Zotta will oversee the integration of the two global eyewear groups, uniting their design, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities.

Announcing the appointment, Michael Guyette, President and CEO of VSP Vision, highlighted Zotta’s international leadership background and industry experience, noting his ability to drive growth while aligning with VSP Vision’s long-term commitment to its customers and partners.

Zotta succeeds Fabrizio Curci, who stepped down after serving as CEO and General Manager of Marcolin since 2020. Curci will remain involved in an advisory capacity over the coming months to support a smooth leadership transition. During his tenure, Marcolin expanded its brand portfolio, strengthened operational efficiency, and sharpened its commercial focus.

Reporting directly to Guyette, Zotta returns to VSP Vision after serving as CEO of Artsana Group since 2022. He previously led Marchon as President from 2016 to 2022 and first joined the company in 2009 as Vice President and Managing Director for EMEA and APAC. Earlier in his career, Zotta held senior leadership roles with Safilo, bringing more than two decades of eyewear industry experience to his new mandate.

Commenting on his appointment, Zotta said the combined strengths of Marchon and Marcolin create a powerful global portfolio spanning luxury, lifestyle, and performance eyewear, positioning the organization for continued innovation and growth.

As part of the leadership transition, Thomas Burkhardt, who has served as President of Marchon since 2022, will step down from his role and continue as an advisor to Zotta, with a focus on supporting the integration of the two brand portfolios.

Source: VSP Vision

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January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Vision Expo 2026 Introduces a Redesigned Education Experience in Orlando

Vision Expo is marking its 40th anniversary with a significantly redesigned education experience aimed at improving access, flexibility, and real-world learning for vision care professionals. Produced by RX and The Vision Council, Vision Expo 2026 will bring together optometry, opticianry, allied health, and business education within a unified conference format.

The first fully unified annual Vision Expo will take place March 11–14, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida. All conference sessions, workshops, and show floor education will be housed on the same floor and within the same hall, allowing attendees to move seamlessly between education programming and the exhibition floor.

More than 220 hours of accredited continuing education will be offered, beginning March 11, with the exhibit hall opening March 12. Educational content will span clinical care, disease management, practice management, lens innovation, optical technology, digital health, and retail solutions.

Education Enhancements for 2026

Vision Expo 2026 introduces several updates designed to simplify participation and enhance learning outcomes across the eyecare team.

A streamlined registration model allows attendees to select either an Unlimited or Single Day education package, with courses available on a first-come, first-served basis. High-demand sessions encourage early arrival, while workshops remain capacity-limited. Optometry Workshops require a separate purchase, and Education badge scanning will be required for course entry.

The conference will also debut 10 exclusive hands-on courses not offered at any other optical event. These instructor-led sessions feature very limited capacity and focus on practical skills that can be applied immediately in clinical or retail practice.

Continuing education reporting has also been simplified. ABO–NCLE attendees may provide their certification number during registration, allowing credits to be reported automatically following the event. COPE–ARBO participants will enter their OE Tracker number at registration and scan a QR code at the conclusion of each approved course, enabling credits to sync directly to their OE Tracker account. Official CE attendance verification letters will be emailed several weeks after the conference.

“With Vision Expo 2026, we are redefining how education is delivered at an industry event,” said April Stackhouse, Event Vice President of Vision Expo. “This year’s programming was developed to deliver relevant optometry, opticianry, and business education across a broad range of subjects and help every member of the eyecare team succeed.”

Program Highlights

Highlighted optometric sessions include:

Top 5 Practice Problems & How to Avoid Them
Thursday, March 12, 9:45–10:45 a.m.
Jessilin Quint, OD, FAAO; Dave Kading, OD
Dry Eyes & Myopia Management – When Kids Win and Lose
Thursday, March 12, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Sheila Morrison, OD; Shalu Pal, OD
Putting the OD in AI
Friday, March 13, 2:45–4:45 p.m.
Moderated by Scot Morris, OD, with Selina McGee, OD, and Brianna Rhue, OD

OptiCon course highlights include:

Creating and Presenting Effective Continuing Education for Opticians
Thursday, March 12, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Encore Friday, March 13, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Pete Hanlin, ABOM
Explore the Floor: Technology Edition
Thursday, March 12, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Encore Friday, March 13, 9:45–10:45 a.m.
Cira Collins, MPH, ABOM, NCLEC, LDO
The Ins and Outs of Advanced Scleral Fitting
Friday, March 13, 3:45–4:45 p.m.
Encore Saturday, March 14, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Nicole Edwards, NCLE-AC

Expanded programming will also include the Myopia Control Program, Low Vision education, the New Technology Showcase, Hands-On Workshops, Vision Series sessions held over breakfast and lunch, and new one-hour Summits addressing priority issues in eye care.

More information on education packages and course offerings for Vision Expo 2026 is available at visionexpo.com.

Source: Vision Expo

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January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

CooperVision Partners with Canadian Sprint Canoe Athlete Nikita Ciudin on His Journey to Compete on the World Stage

CooperVision Canada announces its sponsorship and partnership with Nikita Ciudin, an elite sprint canoe paddler and dedicated MiSight® 1 day contact lens wearer, as he strives toward representing Team Canada at the world’s biggest sporting event.

Nikita’s story is one of vision—both literal and figurative. Diagnosed with myopia at a young age, Nikita has relied on MiSight® 1 day* contact lenses to slow the worsening of his myopia¹ while pursuing his passion for competitive paddling. Today, he is a rising star in Canadian sprint canoeing, combining athletic excellence with a commitment to inspiring youth to overcome challenges and chase their dreams.

“We are thrilled to support Nikita on his on journey to Los Angeles 2028,” said Kristine Churchward, Head of Marketing at CooperVision Canada. “His determination and resilience reflect the values we champion at CooperVision: empowering individuals to see beyond limitations and achieve their full potential.”

As part of this partnership, CooperVision and Nikita will collaborate on initiatives to raise awareness about myopia management and the importance of eye health for all young people who have a vision for their future. Through social media campaigns, community events, and educational outreach, the partnership aims to inspire families and practitioners to take proactive steps in managing myopia.

“MiSight® 1 day lenses have been a game-changer for me,” said Nikita Ciudin. “They allow me to focus on training and competition without worrying about my vision.^1-2*≠± I’m excited to work with CooperVision to share my story and encourage others to take care of their eyes while pursuing their goals.”

*USA Indications for use: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters (spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Canadian Indications for Use: MiSight (omafilcon A) Soft Contact Lenses for Myopia Control may reduce the rate of myopia progression in children (6-18) and correct ametropia. Reduction of myopia progression was observed in children with wearing time of 12 hours (8-16 hours) per day, 6.4 days (5-7) per week in a clinical study. Permanent myopia control after lens treatment is discontinued is not supported by clinical studies. MiSight (omafilcon A) Soft Contact Lenses for Myopia Control are indicated for single use daily disposable wear. When prescribed for daily disposable wear, the lens is to be discarded after each removal.

≠ActivControl® technology in MiSight® 1 day contact lenses slows axial length elongation and corrects refractive error for age-appropriate children.

±MiSight® 1 day shows sustained slowing of eye growth over time on average. While eyes are still growing; children fit ages 8-12 and followed for 6-years. n=40.

1. Chamberlain P et al A 3-year Randomized Clinical Trial of MiSight Lenses for Myopia Control. Optom Vis Sci 2019;96:556-567.

2. Chamberlain P et al. Long-Term Effect of Dual-Focus Contact Lenses on Myopia Progression in Children: A 6-year Multicenter Clinical Trial. Optom Vis Sci 2022 In Press.

Click HERE for the press release.

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January 7, 2026January 6, 2026

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry Announce Licensing Partnership Renewal

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry announced the renewal of their licensing agreement for the development, production and global distribution of eyewear under the Burberry brand.

The existing agreement, expiring on December 31, 2025, has been extended through December 31, 2035.

Building on a shared legacy of creativity, craftsmanship and innovation, the renewal reinforces a long-standing partnership between the two companies that has flourished since 2006.

“We are delighted to extend our two-decade partnership with Burberry, a creative journey that has brought to life collections infused with Burberry’s timeless sophistication and uniquely British allure. As we look ahead to the next chapter of crafting Burberry-branded eyewear, EssilorLuxottica is thrilled to deepen its collaboration with one of the world’s most admired luxury houses”, commented Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica.

Joshua Schulman, CEO of Burberry, added “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with EssilorLuxottica, building on a relationship grounded in craftsmanship, design and innovation. Together, we will capture the spirit of our timeless British luxury brand expression as we bring more iconic Burberry eyewear collections to customers around the world.”

Click HERE for the press release.

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January 7, 2026January 6, 2026

Safilo and Pierre Cardin Renew Global Eyewear Licensing Agreement Through 2031

Safilo Group and Pierre Cardin have announced the renewal of their global eyewear licensing agreement, extending their partnership through 2031. The agreement covers the design, manufacturing, and worldwide distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses under the Pierre Cardin brand.

Safilo Group is a long-established player in the eyewear industry, operating across prescription frames, sunglasses, outdoor eyewear, goggles, and helmets. Pierre Cardin is one of Paris’s historic fashion houses, known for its legacy of innovation and distinctive design.

The renewal underscores a collaboration that began in 1991 with the launch of the first Pierre Cardin eyewear collection. More than three decades later, both companies point to the longevity of the partnership as evidence of shared strategic alignment and brand continuity.

Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group, said the agreement reinforces the company’s commitment to the Pierre Cardin brand within the eyewear category, particularly in optical frames. He noted Pierre Cardin’s recognizable market positioning, design innovation, and clearly defined audience as key factors in the continued collaboration.

Rodrigo Basilicati Cardin, CEO of Pierre Cardin, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two companies, citing mutual trust and respect as central to their ability to develop high-quality creative projects efficiently. He also pointed to the global reception of Pierre Cardin eyewear collections, including the Evolution line, which has gained visibility through international figures choosing the brand for public appearances.

Both companies indicated that the renewed agreement will support ongoing creative development and global distribution efforts for Pierre Cardin eyewear over the coming years.

Click HERE for the press release.

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VSP Vision Appoints Nicola Zotta to Lead Global Eyewear Operations

Vision Expo 2026 Introduces a Redesigned Education Experience in Orlando

Education Enhancements for 2026

Program Highlights

Highlighted optometric sessions include:

OptiCon course highlights include:

CooperVision Partners with Canadian Sprint Canoe Athlete Nikita Ciudin on His Journey to Compete on the World Stage

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry Announce Licensing Partnership Renewal

Safilo and Pierre Cardin Renew Global Eyewear Licensing Agreement Through 2031

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