In accordance with the terms disclosed on March 14th, 2022, as reported on Optik NOW, and following clearance from the antitrust authorities, Kering Eyewear announced that it now holds more than 90% of the iconic sunglass brand Maui Jim, with the remaining shares expected to be acquired by year-end.
Maui Jim will be consolidated in Kering accounts starting from October 1st, 2022.
Click HERE for the full press release.
Lacoste Eyewear introduces a matching sunglass style for adults and children. Lightweight and trendy, both models showcase the sporty yet elegant spirit and aesthetic the brand is known for.
Part of the brand’s sport-inspired collection, this modified rectangle sunglass style gives off a cool, contemporary vibe. The squared temples feature the Lacoste logo and striping in bold white.
Featured model: L966S
Distributed by Marchon: www.marchon.com
A new report looking at 10 years of data, suggests that the AREDS2 formula is slightly more effective compared to the original AREDS formulation.
The original Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS) demonstrated that dietary supplements can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from moderate to late disease. However, other studies showed that individuals who smoked and took beta-carotene (which was a component of AREDS) had an increased risk of lung cancer. Therefore, a new formulation, AREDS2 that contained the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin instead of beta-carotene was tested. Five-year data from this study, published in 2013, showed that AREDS2 also reduced the risk of AMD progression and did not increase lung cancer risk.
In this new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, researchers looked at longer-term data. This data showed that indeed the “new” AREDS2 formulation did not increase the risk of lung cancer. Interestingly, there was also a small (20%) reduced risk of progression to late AMD compared to individuals who started the study taking the original AREDS formulation. This study confirms that AREDS2 is safe for smokers or those at higher risk of lung cancer. It also suggests that taking AREDS2 may offer a small added benefit over taking AREDS.
SWV Strategy with Vision, an independently owned Consultancy and Market Research Company, specializing in the eyewear and eye care business, routinely provides perspectives on major international trade shows. Below is their report on SILMO Paris. The report has been edited for length and relevance to the Canadian market.
DAY 1
In 2022, there was once again a village with exhibitors from China. The number of exhibitors in the Chinese village was, in our opinion, smaller than in 2019.
There was a competition for ophthalmic frame designs made by designers (Createurs). This was won by an Israeli designer. The winning frame is shown below.
The SILMO press conference was well attended. Highlights:
DAY 2
The Technological Innovation in Connected Products category was won by Skugga Technology AB. Short listed were Ray-Ban Stories and OBE.
The award ceremony took place near the Hippopotamus restaurant in Hall 6. It was well attended and open to all visitors. In the past the SILMO D’OR ceremony was by invitation only at a separate location.
DAY 3
IOT (part of the Younger Optical Group) announced the launch of a photochromic lens which they claim to be on a performance level like Transitions. The product has already been launched in the USA. They will be selling semi-finished photochromic lenses
EssilorLuxottica had a section on their stand showing the new mineral photochromic Transitions lens by Barberini.
A noticeable trend at SILMO is manufacturing equipment developed for Rx laboratories where a smaller footprint is needed. The Shamir Metaform manufacturing unit, which fits into a 40-foot container, was described on Day 2. Satisloh exhibited their Metro-Lab Film. The message is “manufacture your Freeform lenses with anti-reflection in less than one hour”. The unit has a 25 square meter footprint. Both companies were communicating on the sustainability of the green technology.
DAY 4
The last day of SILMO was well attended.
Fitting Box launched a new system to allow persons to try on a new frame in virtual reality. About 30% of persons carrying out an online virtual try-on of new frames cannot see clearly if they take their Rx spectacles off. The new developed Fitting Box can, in virtual reality, remove the real pair with correction and thus allow the customer to clearly see how the tried-on pair looks. Fitting Box mentioned that they have a lot of dedicated Internet sites of luxury sunglass manufacturers as customers.
Visionix have integrated a system in their VX 120 to calculate the level of dry eye of a patient. The new equipment is called VX120+ Dry Eye. Based on the result, patients with a score of 1 to 2 are recommended to be treated by eye drops or by nutritional supplements. Persons with a score of 3 or higher should visit an eye care professional.
Overall, it appears that SILMO exhibition has nearly returned back to 2019 pre-COVID levels, but there is still some way to go.
Doctors Eye Care Co-Op Ltd. (operating as Eye Recommend) and Digital ECP Inc. announced that Eye Recommend has acquired Digital ECP Inc. effective September 30, 2022.
“The optical industry needs a progressive buying group that is controlled by independents to protect the industry from consolidation and the degradation of eye health services for patients.” said Lee Raffey, Chief Executive Officer with Eye Recommend.
“Owning the [Digital ECP Inc.] billing software gives Eye Recommend control of a system that we can develop further for the industry, ensuring reliability for our members and improved service levels for both our supplier partners and members. Owning the [Digital ECP Inc.] buying group is a step into a new area for Eye Recommend and will allow Eye Recommend to provide buying leverage to customers that don’t fit into the full scope independent model that we currently service.”
“With the Eye Recommend business resources, support and large network within the Canadian marketplace, the Digital ECP Inc. members will continue to benefit.” Karen Ouellette, President with Digital ECP Inc. says.
As a leading network of independent optometrists across Canada, Eye Recommend provides business management and personal resources for members to grow and be successful.
The acquisition of Digital ECP provides a platform for Eye Recommend to expand their network, remain competitive and build a strategic path within the independent optometric landscape across Canada.
Click HERE for the press release.
This post is sponsored by Eye Recommend.
SightGlass Vision has released 24-month clinical data showing that its DOT lenses reduced myopia progression by more than 1.00 diopter on average in young Chinese children.
Learn More
Ming’s Optical has been named the exclusive Canadian optical industry distributor for Rokid smart glasses, introducing AI smart glasses with in-lens display technology to the Canadian market.
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The Canadian Association of Optometrists is marking Vision Health Month with its GetEyeWise campaign, encouraging Canadians to make regular comprehensive eye exams part of their health routine.
Read more
SILMO Paris says its 2026 edition will bring together international exhibitors, brands, and industry stakeholders as the optical sector continues to evolve through innovation and changing market dynamics.
Read more
Explore the challenges of managing multiple optometry practices across provinces. Learn strategies for financial oversight, delegating to trusted teams, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
Read more
SightGlass Vision has released 24-month clinical data showing that its DOT lenses reduced myopia progression by more than 1.00 diopter on average in young Chinese children.
Learn More Ming’s Optical has been named the exclusive Canadian optical industry distributor for Rokid smart glasses, introducing AI smart glasses with in-lens display technology to the Canadian market.
Read More The Canadian Association of Optometrists is marking Vision Health Month with its GetEyeWise campaign, encouraging Canadians to make regular comprehensive eye exams part of their health routine.
Read More SILMO Paris says its 2026 edition will bring together international exhibitors, brands, and industry stakeholders as the optical sector continues to evolve through innovation and changing market dynamics.
Read More Explore the challenges of managing multiple optometry practices across provinces. Learn strategies for financial oversight, delegating to trusted teams, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
Read More
SightGlass Vision has released 24-month clinical data showing that its DOT lenses reduced myopia progression by more than 1.00 diopter on average in young Chinese children.
Learn More Ming’s Optical has been named the exclusive Canadian optical industry distributor for Rokid smart glasses, introducing AI smart glasses with in-lens display technology to the Canadian market.
Read more The Canadian Association of Optometrists is marking Vision Health Month with its GetEyeWise campaign, encouraging Canadians to make regular comprehensive eye exams part of their health routine.
Read more SILMO Paris says its 2026 edition will bring together international exhibitors, brands, and industry stakeholders as the optical sector continues to evolve through innovation and changing market dynamics.
Read more Explore the challenges of managing multiple optometry practices across provinces. Learn strategies for financial oversight, delegating to trusted teams, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
Read more SightGlass Vision has released 24-month clinical data showing that its DOT lenses reduced myopia progression by more than 1.00 diopter on average in young Chinese children.
Learn More Ming’s Optical has been named the exclusive Canadian optical industry distributor for Rokid smart glasses, introducing AI smart glasses with in-lens display technology to the Canadian market.
Read more The Canadian Association of Optometrists is marking Vision Health Month with its GetEyeWise campaign, encouraging Canadians to make regular comprehensive eye exams part of their health routine.
Read more SILMO Paris says its 2026 edition will bring together international exhibitors, brands, and industry stakeholders as the optical sector continues to evolve through innovation and changing market dynamics.
Read more Explore the challenges of managing multiple optometry practices across provinces. Learn strategies for financial oversight, delegating to trusted teams, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
Read more
