The northern lights are one of the most astounding sights that can be viewed on this planet. That is, unless you’re one of the 1.6 million Canadians who have colour vision deficiency. While people with typical colour vision see over one million colours, people who experience colourblindness only see an estimated 10% of hues and shades. So Travel Yukon and EnChroma, a leading producer of glasses for colourblindness and low vision, came together to make the show-stopping northern lights more accessible than ever before for the colourblind, and provided one Canadian with the chance to see this natural phenomenon in full colour for the first time.

Russell Basilio experiences colourblindness. He sees colour in dull hues, especially red and green, which leaves him to interpret the beauty of the world through shapes and textures. In order to demonstrate the power of this new accessibility, Travel Yukon took Russell on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to experience the northern lights in their truest colourful form.

“Growing up colourblind I always knew I saw the world differently. My sister would describe things to me like the northern lights, but I never really understood what that meant,” said Russell Basilio. “To experience the northern lights in colour with my sister by my side was a gift.”

“With dynamic lights and fantastic hues of greens, purples and reds, the northern lights are one of Yukon’s most beautiful natural phenomena,” said Robin Anderson, Global Marketing Manager at Travel Yukon. “We are grateful for the opportunity to have worked with EnChroma to allow Russell to discover what makes the Yukon one of the best places in the world to experience incredible northern lights viewing.”

Special optical filters in EnChroma glasses expand the range of colours someone who is colourblind can see and make colours more vibrant, clear and distinct to help them experience more of life’s colourful moments and overcome challenges while travelling and in daily life. By coming together, EnChroma and Travel Yukon were able to provide Russell with a week of colourful moments that will last a lifetime.

Canadians looking to learn more about Russell’s adventure can watch his journey by visiting https://www.travelyukon.com/en/northern-lights-in-colour.

Source: Tourism Yukon

Here are the winners, by category:

CHILDREN: Odete Lunettes – « Cadet » (BEL)

SPORT:  OUT OF – « Bot with IRID lenses » (ITA) 

VISION:   SHAMIR – « Shamir Metaform» (ISR)

LOW VISION: VOXIWEB – « VoxiVision» (FRA)

OPTICAL FRAME “BRANDS & LABELS: DE RIGO – « Philipp Plein VPP081» (ITA)

SUNGLASSES “BRANDS & LABELS: ADCL – « CL5108 134 » – Christian Lacroix (FRA)

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN EYEWEAR: PHIBO EYEWEAR x SO’CLASS – « 1.618 O » (FRA)

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN CONNECTED PRODUCTS: SKUGGA TECHNOLOGY AB – « SKUGGA TECHNOLOGY » (SWE)

LUNETTES SOLAIRES “CREATEURS LUNETIER”: MASAHIRO MARUYAMA – « Kintsugi MM-0078 » (JPN)

OPTICAL FRAME “EYEWEAR DESIGNER”: Kirk & Kirk – « Thor in Citrus from the Centiles Collection » (GBR)

PREMIERE CLASSE AWARD: Karma -PARASITE DESIGN (FRA)

JURY AWARD: Xenon – NEUBAU Eyewear (AUT)

Click HERE for the full press release.

The Huron is a classic styling with a modern twist. This lightweight stainless-steel model has subtle detailing to make for a very professional yet creative looking frame.

Contrasting colour is engraved into the frame and compliments the amazing 4 Hills design by Donald Chretien. Even the temple tip showcases an intricate design detail.

Distributed by: www.claudiaalan.com

Vision Expo West 2022 concluded on Saturday, September 17. The four-day event, which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Sept. 14-17 at The Venetian Convention Center & Expo, brought together thousands of members of the industry.

“It was amazing to see the full scope of the vision care industry come together in Las Vegas last week, both on and off the Show Floor. From reconnecting at networking functions and parties to conducting business on the Show Floor and taking advantage of the brand-new CE program, there was so much energy and enthusiasm throughout the Show,” said Fran Pennella, Vice President, Visio Expo, at RX, co-organizer of Vision Expo. 

Vision Expo West 2022 featured more than 380 exhibiting companies across several distinct neighborhoods. Additionally, The Suites offered attendees access to established luxury fashion houses and the latest exclusive upmarket boutiques in an intimate and unparalleled buying experience.

Vision Expo’s all-new education program offered more than 320 hours of education, ranging from the latest business strategies and optical technology to patient care and innovations.  Returning to the Show, OptiCon®@Vision Expo offered an unmatched education program and Exhibit Hall experience for opticians, contact lens professionals, allied ophthalmic professionals, optical assistants and office managers, frame buyers and lab technicians.

This year, the Innovation Stage served as a main stage destination and a hub for collaborative learning and the host venue for the EYE2EYE Series panels, an educational series of interactive panels featuring industry experts in discussion on topics ranging from fashion trend forecasts to tactics for refining patient care. 

Vision Expo East 2023 will take place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from March 16–March 19, 2023. Details on registration will be released in the coming months.

Vision Expo West 2023 will take placeSeptember 27 -30, 2023. 

Click HERE for the full press release.

With the acquisition of William Morris London, Design Eyewear Group is expanding its portfolio of premium and mid-market eyewear for independent opticians all over the world, bringing the company closer to its goal of becoming one of the world’s leading multi-brand providers of designer eyeglass frames.

“I’m proud that Design Eyewear Group can today announce the takeover of such a reputable company with strong and exciting brands. With the acquisition of William Morris London, we’ve strengthened our position as a design brand house, and we’re pursuing our ambition to become one of the world’s leading multi-brand providers of design eyewear to independent opticians,” says Lars Flyvholm, CEO of Design Eyewear Group.

He continues: “William Morris London’s brands each have a unique story based on the British design philosophy. The brands’ DNA and position in the market fit perfectly with Design Eyewear Group’s growth strategy and product range.”

The founder of William Morris London is looking forward to the opportunity to grow further through Design Eyewear Group’s strong sales network. “I’m delighted that William Morris London is now joining a very professional and global company like Design Eyewear Group,” says Robert William Morris, who founded the company just north of London in 1996.

He continues: “I’m very proud of the development William Morris London has undergone since it all began more than 25 years ago. I’m also convinced that Design Eyewear Group is the right partner to grow the company further through their global sales network.”

Robert William Morris has agreed to continue in the new setup as Senior Brand Ambassador. In this role, he will ensure that both customers and employees worldwide gain an insight into the company’s DNA and the British design philosophy, while naturally ensuring that the design style is continued and further developed for all brands under the William Morris London portfolio.

Click HERE for the press release.