The General; the quintessential aviator from the company that originated the style, American Optical. Named for General Douglas MacArthur and a favourite of U.S. military pilots for more than 50 years, they’ve been engineered to rigid military specifications. They’re the only aviator you’ll need. The pictured frame, AO General in colour Gold, features AO SkyMaster True-Color Grey glass polarized lenses.
Distributed by Europa: www.europaeyewear.ca
The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) has awarded members of the Alcon Research and Development team – Erich Bauman, OD and Dr. John Pruitt – during the 2021 BCLA Awards ceremony for their outstanding contribution to the contact lens industry and profession. Their invention and development of water gradient technology, featured notably in DAILIES® TOTAL1® contact lenses, were recognised with the 2021 Industry Award.
More than 100 scientists, engineers and clinicians across two continents worked closely together over the course of 10 years to solve dozens of complex technical challenges. This work resulted in more than 100 patents during the development of water gradient technology, which is nearing its 10-year anniversary. Erich Bauman led the overall DAILIES TOTAL1 program that co-developed the chemistries and novel manufacturing process while Dr. John Pruitt led the team that developed the separate core and surface chemistries of water gradient technology.
Erich Bauman, Senior Director of Vision Care Development, Alcon, said, “We continually strive to foster a culture of innovation within our R&D community. Perhaps most rewarding for our team is knowing that an enormous number of contact lens wearers around the world wake up each day and insert a new pair of DAILIES TOTAL1 lenses, and their lives are better for it. I am both honoured and humbled to receive this award on behalf of the team who worked so passionately to bring this innovation to the eye care market.”
Dr. John Pruitt, Senior Director of Vision Care Research, Alcon, said, “I am proud of our chemistry and engineering teams that were able to optimize the surface and core materials separately to achieve both extremely high oxygen transmission and an ultra-soft, high water surface. These characteristics often work against each other, and the team overcame many difficult obstacles to achieve what was once considered unachievable.”
Click HERE for the full press release.
EssilorLuxottica and Coach announced the renewal of an exclusive license agreement for the design, production and worldwide distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses globally under the Coach Eyewear brand. The five-year agreement will come into effect on July 1, 2021 and run until June 30, 2026 with the potential for a five-year extension.
“EssilorLuxottica is delighted to renew and further develop its partnership with Coach, a leading design brand which represents authentic craftsmanship and luxury modern American style. Through our new branded eyewear collections, we continue to build loyalty and strengthen our emotional connection with Coach’s clients around the world,” commented Francesco Milleri, CEO of EssilorLuxottica.
“We are so pleased to renew our successful partnership with Luxottica,” said Todd Kahn, CEO and Brand President of Coach. “We are excited for the next chapter of our relationship, and are looking forward to continuing to create beautiful eyewear that is crafted to last.”
Source: EssilorLuxottica
DeepOptics, an Israeli start-up and developer of innovative electronic lenses technology, has launched 32°N, the first and only adaptive focus sunglasses. 32°N sunglasses enable a number of different reading prescriptions with a single pair of glasses. Together with Samsung, Essilor is an investor in the company, and has been involved in the conception of 32°N from an engineering and design perspective.
32°N is able to dynamically correct for reading while serving as functional sunglasses. The glasses mimic natural human vision, allowing users to seamlessly switch between “reading mode” for near vision and “scenic mode” for far distances. Reading mode offers 2 Diopters addition, on the bottom of the lens but also at the center or at the top. A boost of 4 Diopters is also provided when needed. 32°N addresses the needs of emmetropic people experiencing presbyopia.
To further leverage this product and its potential globally, a Kickstarter campaign has been launched from June 15, 2021 onwards.
Click HERE for the full press release.
Mirage and North Sails Apparel have signed a licensing agreement for the production and distribution of North Sails-branded sunglasses. Distribution has recently started on the Italian market through Mirage’s network of agents and will subsequently be extended to Europe and the rest of the world.
The partnership between the two companies is underpinned by shared values and a common entrepreneurial vision driven by an ethical and sustainable business culture, with investments in cutting-edge plants and energy-efficient processes that contribute to a reduced impact on the environment; continuous research and development of materials to produce sustainable and recycled eyewear; staff training to promote ethical behavior in the workplace.
Founded in 1957 by Lowell North, a US sailor and Olympic gold medalist, North Sails has established itself as the world’s leading sailmaker over the decades.
All models are made in Italy and are made of technical (including floating), eco-sustainable and recycled materials (such as fishing nets), with high-performance lenses. The packaging is also made from 100% recycled materials.
The urban-tech look of the collection combines Italian design and functional details in a line of men’s and women’s eyewear designed for extreme sports, but which can also be worn in a casual context. North Sails sunglasses will be available at selected opticians and in flagship stores worldwide.
Click HERE for the full press release.
Oakley introduces Shield Fusion, a new prescription technology bonded directly to shield lenses, eliminating bulky inserts and delivering high performance vision correction across the Sutro family.
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Learn why succession planning for optometry practices should start long before retirement, with cross-training, leadership development, ownership planning, and culture preservation.
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DaTE 2026 wrapped up in Napoli with attendance surpassing expectations and strong international growth. The itinerant event now looks ahead to Bologna, where the 2027 edition will take place at Paladozza from 11 to 13 September.
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The Accessories Council has announced the 2026 Design Excellence Awards finalists. Public voting across the awards’ accessory categories is open until October 26.
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SILMO Paris has announced the nominees for the 2026 SILMO d’Or awards. Approximately 50 exhibitors are competing across 13 categories spanning eyewear, lenses, equipment and technological innovation.
Read more
Oakley introduces Shield Fusion, a new prescription technology bonded directly to shield lenses, eliminating bulky inserts and delivering high performance vision correction across the Sutro family.
Learn More Learn why succession planning for optometry practices should start long before retirement, with cross-training, leadership development, ownership planning, and culture preservation.
Read More DaTE 2026 wrapped up in Napoli with attendance surpassing expectations and strong international growth. The itinerant event now looks ahead to Bologna, where the 2027 edition will take place at Paladozza from 11 to 13 September.
Read More The Accessories Council has announced the 2026 Design Excellence Awards finalists. Public voting across the awards’ accessory categories is open until October 26.
Read More SILMO Paris has announced the nominees for the 2026 SILMO d’Or awards. Approximately 50 exhibitors are competing across 13 categories spanning eyewear, lenses, equipment and technological innovation.
Read More
Oakley introduces Shield Fusion, a new prescription technology bonded directly to shield lenses, eliminating bulky inserts and delivering high performance vision correction across the Sutro family.
Learn More Learn why succession planning for optometry practices should start long before retirement, with cross-training, leadership development, ownership planning, and culture preservation.
Read more DaTE 2026 wrapped up in Napoli with attendance surpassing expectations and strong international growth. The itinerant event now looks ahead to Bologna, where the 2027 edition will take place at Paladozza from 11 to 13 September.
Read more The Accessories Council has announced the 2026 Design Excellence Awards finalists. Public voting across the awards’ accessory categories is open until October 26.
Read more SILMO Paris has announced the nominees for the 2026 SILMO d’Or awards. Approximately 50 exhibitors are competing across 13 categories spanning eyewear, lenses, equipment and technological innovation.
Read more Oakley introduces Shield Fusion, a new prescription technology bonded directly to shield lenses, eliminating bulky inserts and delivering high performance vision correction across the Sutro family.
Learn More Learn why succession planning for optometry practices should start long before retirement, with cross-training, leadership development, ownership planning, and culture preservation.
Read more DaTE 2026 wrapped up in Napoli with attendance surpassing expectations and strong international growth. The itinerant event now looks ahead to Bologna, where the 2027 edition will take place at Paladozza from 11 to 13 September.
Read more The Accessories Council has announced the 2026 Design Excellence Awards finalists. Public voting across the awards’ accessory categories is open until October 26.
Read more SILMO Paris has announced the nominees for the 2026 SILMO d’Or awards. Approximately 50 exhibitors are competing across 13 categories spanning eyewear, lenses, equipment and technological innovation.
Read more
