fbpx

Eyes on SILMO – A First Hand Report from the Show Floor

Weren’t able to attend SILMO this year?

European-based eye care and eyewear consultants, Mark and Ingeborg Mackenzie from SWV Strategy With Vision, shared their first-hand observations from the SILMO exhibition floor with a day by day recap.

Here are SWV’s keen insights from each day of the show:

Day 1 – Who’s there, who’s not and the floor and press club vibe – see report

Day 2 – Focus on sustainability in eyewear and novel technology, such as lenses for dyslexic individuals – see report

Day 3 – SILMO Award winner (spoiler alert – Transitions® XTRActive® Polarized™) and biometric measurements creating interesting and novel eyewear in single vision, including “biometric intelligent glasses” profiled – see report

Day 4 – Interesting highlights from HOYA’s D.I.M.S technology, used in MiYOSMART lenses and Essilor’s subjective “virtual world” refraction technology, Vision-S 700. – see report

SWV concludes SILMO was a good show, well worth the visit.
Hopefully next year more Canadian visitor’s will be able to comfortably and safely make the cross-Atlantic trip to Paris.

About SWV Strategy with Vision
SWV is an independently owned Consultancy and Market Research Company, specialising in the eyewear and eye care business. Since its foundation in 2001 SWV has established an international team of consultants with solid senior line management experience in optical businesses and consumer goods marketing.

American Academy of Optometry Announces 2021 Award Recipients

AAO American Academy of Optometry logo

Each year the American Academy of Optometry recognizes distinguished individuals who have made countless important contributions to advancing the profession of optometry.

“The Academy’s awardees are nominated by Fellows with respect and affection, then considered by the Awards Committee with great care and diligence. In Boston, we once again have the opportunity to honor the astonishing lives and achievements of our awardees, in person.” John G. Flanagan, PhD, FCOptom, FAAO, Awards Committee Chair.

The Academy announces the 2021 award recipients:

Stephen A. Burns, PhD, FAAO
Charles F. Prentice Medal and Lecture Award

Konrad Pesudovs, OD, PhD, FAAO
Glenn A. Fry Award and Lecture
(American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award)

Bina J. Patel, OD, FAAO
AAO-Essilor Award for Outstanding
International Contributions to Optometry

Gang Luo, PhD
William Feinbloom Award

Robert E. Molter, Jr., OD, FAAO, and Kimberly S. Molter, OD
Brien Holden Humanitarian Award

Tawna L. Roberts, OD, PhD, FAAO
Irvin M. and Beatrice Borish Award

Raymond Kraker, MSPH
Carel C. Koch Memorial Medal Award

Hannah R. Gregory, OD, MS
Julius F. Neumueller Award in Optics
(American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award)

Paul Chamberlain, BSc (Hons), Sofia C. Peixoto-De-Matos, MSc, Nicola S. Logan, PhD, Cheryl Ngo, MBBS, MMed, Deborah Jones, BSc, FAAO, Graeme Young, PhD, FAAO
Garland W. Clay Award

Etty Bitton, OD, MSc, FAAO
Anne Mika Moy, OD, FAAO
Michael G. Harris Family Award for Excellence in Optometric Education
(American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award)
Awards of the Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses & Refractive Technologies

Carolyn G. Begley, OD, MS, FAAO
Max Schapero Memorial Lecture Award

Joseph T. Barr, OD, MS, FAAO
Founders’ Award
Awards of the Public Health and Environmental Vision Section

W. Howard McAlister, OD, MPH, FAAO
Henry B. Peters Award for Public Health and Environmental Vision
(American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award)

Click HERE for the full press release.

McLaren Vision: Nominated for a Silmo d’Or

Prisme Optical Group announces that McLaren Vision has been nominated for the Silmo d’Or 2021 with the Magnetic Serie.

True to the McLaren essence, championing innovation for ultimate performance, McLaren Vision pushes cutting-edge technologies to perfection.

That is the 3rd Silmo in a row that McLaren Vision has been nominated, illustrating the appeal and interest generated by their concepts.

Source: Prisme Optical Group

Clear Vision for the Future of the Maison JEAN-FRANÇOIS REY

The Maison JEAN-FRANÇOIS REY is known as an artistic icon and innovative design house, with an individual handwriting and a great design team creating unique made in France products.

The company is successfully operating since decades on a worldwide level as an ambassador of French design culture.

Jean-François Rey has decided to hand over the responsibility and the control of the company into the hands of Walter Pirinoli, Dan Levi and Ralf Kmoch.

The three managers joined forces years ago, are highly experienced specialists in the eyewear business (Visibilia/Visioptis) and are seeing great potential in further developing the unique brands and preparing the company for all future challenges.

Their vision of maintaining the origins and structures of the Maison JEAN-FRANÇOIS REY embracing the core contents of design and quality driven approach as well as the international experience they represent, have been convincing Joëlle and Jean-François also on a personal level.

Joëlle and Jean-François Rey will continue to manage and support the design team, which is essential on the way to prepare the company for future challenges maintaining the iconic concept of design and colors and assuring continuity to the Maison JEAN-FRANÇOIS REY.

“I am deeply convinced that the steps undertaken will be the best to keep on writing the success story of the Maison JEAN-FRANÇOIS REY we have developed together in a way that my legacy and contribution will be substantial also for the years to come.” (Jean-François Rey – Honorary President)

Click HERE for the full press release.

High Levels of Caffeine May Increase the Risk of Glaucoma

Fighting Blindness Canada

A new study suggests that consuming large amounts of caffeine may increase the risk of glaucoma for individuals with high genetic predisposition towards higher eye pressure. This new study led by researchers at Mount Sinai in New York was published in the journal Ophthalmology.

In this study, researchers used data from a large databased called the UK Biobank, and analyzed records from over 120,000 participants. These records included DNA (genetic data) questionnaires about lifestyle, including caffeine intake and eye health records. Using this information, researchers found that for most people, higher caffeine
intake did not lead to an increased risk of glaucoma. However, for individuals with the strongest genetic risk for developing higher intraocular pressure, consuming three or more cups of coffee a day increased the risk of developing glaucoma.

It should be noted that this increased risk was only seen in individuals with high genetic risk and at high levels of caffeine intake. The study suggests that people who are at high risk may want to moderate their caffeine intake.

Featured Posts

JF Rey ARTY From Him to Her JF3160 JF3161 fall 2026

J.F. REY Brings Signature Metal Construction to Women’s Eyewear

JF REY's new From Him to Her campaign introduces the brand's iconic double-layered metal construction to women's eyewear through three exclusive frame designs.

Learn More
mens-eyewear-trends-fall-winter-2026

Beyond the Black Rectangle: Men’s Eyewear Trends for Fall/Winter 2026 

Explore Fall/Winter 2026 men's eyewear trends, including bold acetates, architectural titanium, and updated vintage shapes.

Read more
University of Waterloo

Dr. James Wolffsohn Joins Waterloo as Eye Health Research Chair

Dr. James Wolffsohn joined the University of Waterloo as the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Health Innovation. His research program will explore diagnostic technologies, AI and approaches to improving access to eye care.

Read more
Alcon logo

Alcon Expands Contact Lens Options for Canadians with Astigmatism

Alcon has expanded the parameter range of its PRECISION1, PRECISION7 and TOTAL30 for Astigmatism contact lenses in Canada, helping eye care professionals fit more astigmatic patients.

Read more
Optik Sept-Oct 2026 issue Voila Lanctot Optical Mexx

Small, Playful, and Right on Trend

Designed for young fashion lovers, Mexx style 2641 combines a compact oval shape, handcrafted acetate and signature XX metal accents on the temples.

Read more
JF Rey ARTY From Him to Her JF3160 JF3161 fall 2026

J.F. REY Brings Signature Metal Construction to Women’s Eyewear

JF REY's new From Him to Her campaign introduces the brand's iconic double-layered metal construction to women's eyewear through three exclusive frame designs.

Learn More
mens-eyewear-trends-fall-winter-2026

Beyond the Black Rectangle: Men’s Eyewear Trends for Fall/Winter 2026 

Explore Fall/Winter 2026 men's eyewear trends, including bold acetates, architectural titanium, and updated vintage shapes.

Read More
University of Waterloo

Dr. James Wolffsohn Joins Waterloo as Eye Health Research Chair

Dr. James Wolffsohn joined the University of Waterloo as the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Health Innovation. His research program will explore diagnostic technologies, AI and approaches to improving access to eye care.

Read More
Alcon logo

Alcon Expands Contact Lens Options for Canadians with Astigmatism

Alcon has expanded the parameter range of its PRECISION1, PRECISION7 and TOTAL30 for Astigmatism contact lenses in Canada, helping eye care professionals fit more astigmatic patients.

Read More
Optik Sept-Oct 2026 issue Voila Lanctot Optical Mexx

Small, Playful, and Right on Trend

Designed for young fashion lovers, Mexx style 2641 combines a compact oval shape, handcrafted acetate and signature XX metal accents on the temples.

Read More
JF Rey ARTY From Him to Her JF3160 JF3161 fall 2026

J.F. REY Brings Signature Metal Construction to Women’s Eyewear

JF REY's new From Him to Her campaign introduces the brand's iconic double-layered metal construction to women's eyewear through three exclusive frame designs.

Learn More
mens-eyewear-trends-fall-winter-2026

Beyond the Black Rectangle: Men’s Eyewear Trends for Fall/Winter 2026 

Explore Fall/Winter 2026 men's eyewear trends, including bold acetates, architectural titanium, and updated vintage shapes.

Read more
University of Waterloo

Dr. James Wolffsohn Joins Waterloo as Eye Health Research Chair

Dr. James Wolffsohn joined the University of Waterloo as the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Health Innovation. His research program will explore diagnostic technologies, AI and approaches to improving access to eye care.

Read more
Alcon logo

Alcon Expands Contact Lens Options for Canadians with Astigmatism

Alcon has expanded the parameter range of its PRECISION1, PRECISION7 and TOTAL30 for Astigmatism contact lenses in Canada, helping eye care professionals fit more astigmatic patients.

Read more
Optik Sept-Oct 2026 issue Voila Lanctot Optical Mexx

Small, Playful, and Right on Trend

Designed for young fashion lovers, Mexx style 2641 combines a compact oval shape, handcrafted acetate and signature XX metal accents on the temples.

Read more
JF Rey ARTY From Him to Her JF3160 JF3161 fall 2026

J.F. REY Brings Signature Metal Construction to Women’s Eyewear

JF REY's new From Him to Her campaign introduces the brand's iconic double-layered metal construction to women's eyewear through three exclusive frame designs.

Learn More
mens-eyewear-trends-fall-winter-2026

Beyond the Black Rectangle: Men’s Eyewear Trends for Fall/Winter 2026 

Explore Fall/Winter 2026 men's eyewear trends, including bold acetates, architectural titanium, and updated vintage shapes.

Read more
University of Waterloo

Dr. James Wolffsohn Joins Waterloo as Eye Health Research Chair

Dr. James Wolffsohn joined the University of Waterloo as the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair in Health Innovation. His research program will explore diagnostic technologies, AI and approaches to improving access to eye care.

Read more
Alcon logo

Alcon Expands Contact Lens Options for Canadians with Astigmatism

Alcon has expanded the parameter range of its PRECISION1, PRECISION7 and TOTAL30 for Astigmatism contact lenses in Canada, helping eye care professionals fit more astigmatic patients.

Read more
Optik Sept-Oct 2026 issue Voila Lanctot Optical Mexx

Small, Playful, and Right on Trend

Designed for young fashion lovers, Mexx style 2641 combines a compact oval shape, handcrafted acetate and signature XX metal accents on the temples.

Read more