This past fall, in a special giving-back initiative, Eschenbach Optik of America sponsored two visually impaired students to attend the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCVIS). The SCIVIS camp was held in September 2022 at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL and was a 5-day/night educational adventure for those students who had the opportunity to attend.

Throughout the week, students were immersed in astronaut training techniques using equipment adapted from NASA’s actual astronaut program. They learned about space hardware, experienced space flight simulations such as a 1/6^th Gravity Chair, and conducted a spaceflight mission, all while learning about aerospace career opportunities. They even got to speak live with a NASA astronaut on the International Space Station!

Eschenbach’s sponsored students not only had their tuition paid in full, but they also received a care package that included a video magnifier they could use at camp and keep for themselves afterwards. The scholarship winners were Joey P. from Cheyenne, WY (8^th Grade) and Samuel F. from Tiffin, OH (10^th grade).

Due to the impact the space camp has on visually impaired students, Eschenbach has decided to again sponsor two students in 2023. Information about Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students can be found HERE.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Morel launches its Malba concept, under the Koali collection, and pushes it at the top of sophistication. Both comfortable and trendy, this frame combines the cosmopolitan style of Koali with the legendary screwless hinge of Omicron, from the Lightec collections. This frame offers glamour that has character and is easy to wear.

Distributed by Morel Canada: morel-france.com

New year, new trends and new highlights. From January 13 to 15, 2023, opti, the international trade fair for optics & design, will open its doors at the fairground Munich. Behind those: upcoming trends, brand-new innovations, strong content, as well as surprising formats.

36 new exhibitors are taking part this year. With exhibitors from a total of 28 nations, opti 2023 is once again proving itself to be an international meeting place for the industry, albeit this year concentrated in three halls due to continuing economic uncertainties in the markets.

The opti SUSTAINBILITY HUB

The topic of sustainability has long since arrived in the industry. The opti SUSTAINABILITY HUB will be there for the first time. In Hall C3, experts will inform visitors at stand C3.350 about new ways to save energy, recycle sustainably, filter grinding water successfully and more in keynote lectures on Friday as well as on Saturday at noon and 3 p.m. and on Sunday at noon. Afterwards, visitors and exhibitors will come together in a fishbowl discussion and interactively discuss the individual challenges and solutions already in practice.

The Push for Social Media

Opticians and interested trade visitors who would like to receive professional advice on their social media presence can do so at the consultation hours in the opti CAFÉ powered by ZVA. There, experts offer 20-minute quick courses on all days of the trade fair. The experts: Sarah Schleicher, German optician and eyewear blogger (19,000 Instagram followers) and French optician Anne-Sophie Lapetitte (100,000 Instagram fans) from AnSoStyle.

Tours on Key Topics in Ophthalmic Optics

On the opti 2023 website, interested visitors can register for exhibitor tours, in cooperation with and organised by epitop GmbH. On this occasion, various key topics in ophthalmic optics will be addressed. On Friday, Jan. 13 at 2:30 p.m., the first tour will take place on the topic of “Smart imaging in ophthalmic screening”. The second tour, on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 11:30 a.m., will focus on “Best practice measurement methods and management concepts in myopia management”. The concluding tour “‘Enthusiastic’ is the new ‘Satisfied’ when it comes to customer marketing” is held on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 2:30 p.m.

opti MYOPIA HUB

opti 2023 will be interactive: visitors will be invited to participate in lively exchanges and discussions. The opti MYOPIA HUB in Hall C3, is just one of the many focus areas dedicated to the topic of myopia management. Various approaches will be discussed in expert panels, lectures and one-on-one meetings with representatives of well-known exhibitors at the opti MYOPIA Hub powered by HOYA.

The Chance for Young Designers

At opti 2023, young designers will have the chance to present their products and prove why their innovations will set the trends in ophthalmic optics in the future. The best start-up will be chosen by an international jury of experts who will judge according to the new criteria of “innovation”, “design & function” and “sustainability”. The start-up will receive the opti BOX-AWARD and a credit towards the opti stand rental in 2023 and 2024 worth 1,000 euros each, as well as marketing PR support in the four-digit range from partners eyebizz and Ebner Media Group.

Click HERE for the full press release.

ECO is all about seeing things in a new light. That’s why we use recycled and renewable materials in our ECO frames and packaging. Because by being conscious of what really matters, we can make a big impact, one frame at a time.

Plus, ECO works with Trees for the Future to plant a tree for every frame purchased.
We’ve planted over 2.9 million trees so far – and that number just keeps growing!

Featured model: Bonaire

Distributed by Modo: www.modo.com

Transitions Optical and the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) announce the winners of the 2022 Students of Vision Scholarship program: Samiha Reza, Kallisha Burk and Anil Adhikari.

• Samiha Reza, a student Optometrist at the University of Waterloo Optometry, will be awarded a grand prize scholarship of $2,500.
• Kallisha Burk, a student optician at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Opticianry, will be awarded a scholarship of $1,500.
• Anil Adhikari, a student optician at Georgian College Opticianry, will be awarded a scholarship of $500.

This year’s scholarship was inspired by research from Transitions Optical demonstrating the need for further education surrounding eye health for diverse patients. Entrants were tasks with developing a project about how they would advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in order to help educate patients and protect their vision. Submissions were reviewed by a panel of judges based on their demonstration of creativity, strategic thinking and ethics.

Samiha used spoken word as a catalyst to underline the pillars she feels are most important to increase multicultural efforts in eye care: learning, communication, education and community. Kallisha created an engaging presentation on cultural competence where she explained the existing medical bias in the optical industry and what solutions exist to create a more diverse, inclusive environment. Anil also created a presentation on relevant and tactical steps to better serve a diverse patient base.

“This year’s winners of the Students of Vision scholarship demonstrated an acute understanding of the different risks and eye health needs of the three largest and fastest-growing Black, Indigenous and people of colours (BIPOC) populations in Canada,” said Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing and sales manager, Transitions Optical Canada. “At Transitions, we’re proud to support young eyecare professionals passionate about individualized and inclusive care.”

“We’re grateful to partner with Transitions Optical to support the next generation of optical professionals in hopes to create a more welcoming and understanding environment for patients from all backgrounds,” said Robert Dalton, Executive Director, OAC. “Congratulations to the scholarship winners and thank you to all who applied, your passion and creativity was certainly impressive!”

Click HERE for the full press release.