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December 15, 2021December 15, 2021

Work Continues as MIDO Prepares to Welcome Exhibitors and Visitors

Safety measures are being finalized for MIDO that will take place in-person at Fiera Milano Rho, February 12th to 14th, 2022.

Just two months before it opens, the layout has been confirmed and registration is open to visitors. This year, they will be able to take the trains provided by the organizers, with a stop at Rho Fiera. With a packed calendar of events already finalized, the needs of the fairgrounds have been aligned with the essential safety protocols in order to welcome exhibitors and visitors from around the world.

Rules regarding access to the show by exhibitors, buyers and visitors are those in effect in Italy for all public events: green pass, social distancing, compulsory use of masks, sanitization of meeting spaces and objects.

“Our main objective is to safeguard the health of workers and visitors and we are doing everything in our power because, compared to the past, shows are now possible,” explained MIDO President Giovanni Vitaloni, “The global eyewear industry needs events like ours, that has never looked back. Thanks to the backing of many partners, including the Ministry of Economic Development, Fiera Milano, Italy’s Ministry of Health, and ITA (Italian Trade & Investment Agency), we are able to confirm the traditional MIDO format and to reassure participants, anxious to meet again, that they will have hands-on access to products and materials, and have experiences that the virtual event cannot offer,” he continued.

Registration is open for the new in-person experience and many exhibitors have reserved their spaces. The program includes access to the exhibition halls of the entire supply chain, business opportunities, educational seminars and super events, with international guests and the traditional fashion runway with VIP endorsers.

Click HERE for the full press release.

December 15, 2021December 15, 2021

Record Revenue for Carl Zeiss Meditec in Fiscal Year 2020/21

Carl Zeiss Meditec generated revenue of approximately €1,647m in fiscal year 2020/21, corresponding to growth of +23.3% (adjusted for currency effects: +26.5%). Orders received increased even more significantly to approximately €1,731m (+29.1%, adjusted for currency effects: +32.6%). The EBIT margin was 22.7% (prior year: 13.3%).

Dr. Ludwin Monz, President and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG: “We remain on a clear growth trajectory; the economic effects of the pandemic are largely behind us. At the same time, we presented a number of major innovations to our customers at the end of the fiscal year – for example, in cataract surgery and digitization.”

Both strategic business units contribute to growth

Revenue in the strategic business unit (SBU) Ophthalmic Devices increased by +26.8% in fiscal year 2020/21 (adjusted for currency effects: +29.8%), to €1,256m (prior year: €991m). In particular the business with recurring revenue from consumables, implants and services made a significant contribution to this growth. The recovery of revenue continued in the strategic business unit Microsurgery; there was an acceleration in the second half of the fiscal year in particular. Revenue increased by +13.4% (adjusted for currency effects: +17.1%) to €391m (prior year: €345m).

Clear double-digit percentage growth rates in all reporting regions

Revenue in the Americas region increased by another +16.9% to €449m (prior year: €384m) due to the further acceleration of the U.S. business – adjusted for currency effects, revenue increased by +23.9%.

Positive outlook for new fiscal year 2021/22

Due to the positive development of business and the high volume of orders, the Company is looking ahead to fiscal year 2021/22 with some optimism. Revenue is expected to grow at least to the same extent as the market. The EBIT margin in fiscal year 2021/22 is expected to be between 19-21%. In the medium term, the EBIT margin is expected to settle at a level sustainably above 20%, with the growing proportion of recurring revenue making a positive contribution. At the same time, there continues to be a need for significant strategic investments in research & development and sales & marketing.

Click HERE for the full press release.

December 15, 2021December 15, 2021

ESSEC Business School, L’Oréal, EssilorLuxottica and Bouygues partner to Launch Global Circular Economy Chair

ESSEC Business School, L’Oréal, EssilorLuxottica and Bouygues jointly launched the first international chair devoted to the circular economy, the ‘Global Circular Economy Chair’. Dedicated to students of ESSEC’s Master in Management program, the chair’s first class is set to graduate in September 2022.

Making the circular economy a priority in value chains

With increasing pressure on raw materials, tightening of industry regulations and changing consumer behavior, companies are looking to rethink their business models in a radical way. The circular economy provides a clear and sustainable solution that can reduce global CO2 emissions by 45%.

The Chair aims to train future Chief Circular Economy Officers, to lead organizations towards a circular economy. Apart from leading and creating global strategies for circular transformation, students will learn how to work in various sectors and organizations, as well as have a positive impact on the entire value chains. The Chair will contribute to the emergence of an open and international ecosystem of companies, start‐ups, think tanks, academic institutions and government bodies that will contribute to the public debate for the introduction of future regulations in Europe and worldwide.

The works of the Chair will focus on launching circular economy experimental projects in close collaboration with its partners; creating innovative awareness raising tools (MOOCs, e‐books); and producing fundamental research to accelerate the transition from a linear to a circular economy.

This will include the definition of new business models, the creation of an observatory of circular economy skills and a reflection on possible links between available data and the circular economy.

A team of circular economy experts, supported by three international companies

The project was initiated and launched by Pierre‐Emmanuel Saint‐Esprit, Executive Director of the Chair, President of the ESSEC Alumni Entrepreneurs Club and co‐founder of ZACK, a start‐up specializing in the circular economy, which has been named the expert partner for the chair. Pierre‐ Emmanuel Saint‐Esprit has been deeply encouraged and supported by Stanislas de Quercize, former CEO of Cartier and circular economy advocate, who was a key stakeholder in the Chair birth.

He explained: “The circular economy could play a vital role in reducing up to 45% of our global CO2 emissions, as demonstrated by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. However, we are in dire need of adequately trained individuals who have a keen grasp of circular economy principles and are able to make it a tangible reality.”

The Chair is co‐led by Wilfried Sand, Professor of Economics, and Thierry Sibieude, a pioneer in social entrepreneurship for over 20 years. This duo oversees the academic coordination of the Chair, as well as some of its key courses.

EssilorLuxottica has announced an ambitious approach to sustainable development last July, called Eyes on the Planet. It features a dedicated “Eyes on Circularity” pillar.

“At EssilorLuxottica, we firmly believe in the power of collaboration. This is why we are honored to be partnering with highly‐esteemed organizations such as Essec Business School, L’Oréal and Bouygues.Through EssilorLuxottica’s global sustainability program ‐ ‘Eyes on the Planet’‐ we hope to address the world’s evolving vision needs and the demand of a growing industry in a responsible and sustainable way. This partnership will help us advance on ways to research, reduce, reuse and recycle,” said Francesco Milleri and Paul du Saillant, respectively CEO and Deputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica.

Click HERE for the full press release.

December 15, 2021December 15, 2021

Centennial Optical Announces Personnel Changes in Its Lens Division

After over 23 years with Centennial Optical, Mike Jones, Vice-President of Lens Sales has announced his decision to retire effective January 7th, 2022. Having joined the company in August 1998 as Director of Sales for Lenses, Mike has led a sales team of dedicated lens representatives in addition to directing the marketing, sales administration, purchasing and inventory control functions for the lens division.

“Mike has been a terrific leader for Centennial’s lens team, growing our business and developing many new product partnerships and sales opportunities for the company”, said Centennial President Allen Nightingale, adding, “although we can’t fully replace Mike, we are confident in the ability of the highly experienced lens team we have in place to take over the majority of his responsibilities.”

Paul André Desjardins, who been a lens sales manager with Centennial for over 30 years, has been promoted to the position of Director of Sales for Lenses and Lab Services. Paul’s new responsibilities will encompass the full range of the lens business, including marketing, sales strategies, product development and lab services.

“This is a well-earned opportunity for Paul André, he has been fortunate to be mentored by a great leader in Mike, and I have every confidence that he will be a key player in our continued growth”, says Nightingale.

Rick Leroux will continue as Director, Marketing & Communications with over 24 years in this role with Centennial’s lens division. With over 30 years’ experience with Centennial, Linda Mills continues as Sales Administration Manager for Lenses and Naina Mistry continues in her role as Purchasing and Inventory Control Supervisor with over 41 years with Centennial Optical.

Click HERE for the full press release.

December 14, 2021May 20, 2026

Lightec, Where the Lightness is Paramount

While the comfort and the lightness are at the heart of Lightec’s philosophy, the design is never compromised. This model, with delicate lines, embodies the perfect alliance between the ease of wearing and the distinguished look, not only thanks to its refined lines, but also by its fine acetate embellished by a soft gradient, offering a feminine colouring.

Featured model: LI30236L

Distributed by Morel Canada: morel-france.com