Safilo Group has announced the signing of an exclusivity agreement with Bollé Brands aimed at acquiring SPY+ and Serengeti, two U.S.-based eyewear brands positioned in the sports/outdoor and premium eyewear segments.
According to Safilo, completion of the proposed transaction remains subject to consultation with the relevant bodies and customary closing conditions.
The company said the move aligns with its previously stated strategy of selectively acquiring brands that can strengthen its presence in higher-growth categories and expand its portfolio of owned brands, which includes Smith, Carrera, Polaroid, and Blenders.
Safilo said SPY+ would add to its presence in the sport and outdoor channel, citing the brand’s complementarity with Smith as well as its credibility among athletes and consumers. The company also noted SPY+’s established direct-to-consumer presence.
With Serengeti, Safilo is looking to reinforce its position in the premium eyewear segment. The company described the brand as having a longstanding heritage and pointed to its mineral lens offering and American market identity as key differentiators.
Safilo said SPY+ and Serengeti together generated approximately US$39 million in sales in 2025.
Optik Magazine, in collaboration with the Opticians Association of Canada and the Contact Lens Institute, is inviting opticians across Canada to participate in a new survey on contact lenses and the evolving role of opticians in patient care and practice growth.
The survey is designed to gather new insights into how opticians engage with contact lenses in practice, including training, patient support, professional confidence, and the opportunities that contact lenses may present for both patient outcomes and business growth.
Soft contact lenses continue to represent meaningful potential for patients and practices alike. Yet in many settings, that opportunity may still be underrecognized. This survey aims to better understand current perspectives within the profession and identify areas where additional support, education, and engagement may be valuable.
Canadian opticians are invited to complete the survey and share their perspectives.
Top-line findings will be published through Optik and Eye Care Business Canada media. All individual responses will remain anonymous.
As a thank you for participating, respondents who complete the survey in full will be entered into a prize draw for a pool of five $20 e-gift cards, for a total prize value of $100.
Participation from opticians across Canada will help strengthen the value of the findings and contribute to a broader understanding of contact lens–related opportunities in today’s opticianry landscape.
Designed to enhance the face with elegance and ease, the L4015 celebrates femininity through refined details. A lightweight injected front ensures all-day comfort, while transparent acetate temples, accented with the iconic metal crocodile, add subtle distinction. Finished with a durable seven-barrel hinge and an RX-ready fit.
Working with leading brands to constantly push the envelope through distinct designs, innovative materials and clever constructions, Marchon Eyewear’s goal is to consistently design distinctive eyewear that offers accessible quality, style and value.
Marchon is proud of its diversified portfolio of brands, covering key demand segments in the premium end of the market.
Marchon Eyewear distributes its products through a global network of subsidiaries and distributors, serving over 80,000 accounts in more than 100 countries.
Whether helping people access quality care, supporting eye care providers in managing their practice, or partnering with local organizations to aid our communities, VSP Vision™ is there with a comprehensive portfolio of brands that keep health at the center of everything we do. As the first not-for-profit eye health company, care and compassion have led our growth for nearly 70 years. Today, our focus remains on helping those we serve bring their best vision to life.
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CooperVision Canada has announced a new partnership with Valérie Maltais, one of Canada’s most accomplished Olympic speed skaters, as she continues to compete internationally while pursuing her academic studies.
According to the company, Maltais uses MyDay Energys® contact lenses as she balances the visual demands of elite sport and online learning. CooperVision says the lens is designed to support comfort and visual performance for people who spend significant time on digital devices.
A five-time Olympian and multi-medalist, Maltais competes in a sport where precision and visual clarity are essential. CooperVision says the partnership is intended to highlight the role vision can play in supporting performance in both athletic and everyday settings.
“I put my lenses on in the morning. I feel that my eyes are fresh, my vision is simply clear,” said Valérie Maltais. “I’m also a student and most of my classes are online. I can focus on my schoolwork, looking at a screen and not feeling that my eyes are dry or my eyes are tired.”
CooperVision says MyDay Energys is made from a naturally wettable material and incorporates DigitalBoost™ technology, which the company says may help reduce eye strain associated with digital device use.
In a statement, Kristine Churchward, Head of Marketing at CooperVision Canada, said Maltais’ dual role as an elite athlete and student reflects the varied visual demands many Canadians face.
Through the partnership, CooperVision and Maltais say they plan to collaborate on initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the importance of vision and eye health in active and digitally connected lifestyles.
The largest optical show in the world, MIDO, filled six pavilions at Fiera Rho, in Milan, and this year the vibe was truly off the charts.
As I was leaving Montréal–Trudeau Airport, I was greeted at the departure gate with a full buffet of food and drinks, which were offered to everyone on our flight to Milan. The reason quickly became clear. We were travelling with the Canadian Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, and the mood was electric. Many ECPs heading to MIDO joined in, cheering as the team entered the gate area, waving flags and towels that were gifted by Air Canada. With all smiles, hope, and excitement, we cheered on our team. These women were impressive in every way and, yes, absolutely buff and much larger than me!
I had the chance to chat briefly with the team captain, Marie-Philip Poulin. She commented on my colourful frames, which instantly put a huge smile on my face. Coming from a diehard hockey family, I could not resist snapping a photo of the two of us together, which brought great joy to my family at home.
Upon arrival in Milan, the city itself was buzzing. Olympic fever was everywhere, amplifying the already high energy surrounding the show. MIDO was heavily attended by professionals from across the globe, and the momentum carried through every pavilion. For three straight days, time on the show floor flew by. There was simply too much to captivate you, pulling you in to stay longer, connect deeper, and learn more about the latest in technology and design. Emerging companies and designers boldly staked their claim, reinforcing exactly what is needed to keep the independent movement thriving. I was both pleased and inspired to see so many established ECPs, alongside a strong showing of newcomers.
What inspired me most was the influx of new designers sharing their work. From all corners of the world, these creatives brought fresh perspectives on sustainability, design, and innovation. The floors were packed, and attendees showcased some of the most incredible frames imaginable. Simply standing back, you could spend hours watching faces beautifully framed by exceptional eyewear. It was a spectacle in itself.
Two award ceremonies took place. One we all know well, and another dedicated to future designers and students. This second celebration focused on Olympic sports-inspired designs, exploring the concept of movement.
The prestigious Sergio Cereda Legacy Award highlighted the next generation of creative talent across three categories. The grand prize of $10,000 was awarded to Giada Osana from the Libera Accademia di Belle Arti di Brescia in Italy. The second prize of $5,000 went to Elisa Albertini, also from LABA, while the third prize of $2,500 was awarded to Mahra Mustafa, rounding out an impressive showing for the institution.
Each student presented original designs that powerfully conveyed movement, energy, and forward-thinking creativity, leaving little doubt about the strength and promise of the future of eyewear.
At the MIDO Awards ceremony, the Best Store Design honour was awarded to AndreOpticas Chiado in Lisbon, Portugal. The Best Store Innovation award also went to Lisbon, recognizing Optocentro for its forward-looking retail approach. Additional Certified Sustainable Eyewear winners included Marchon Italia for Frames, Silhouette for Sunglasses, and Llexan Italia for Cases. A newly introduced featured award was presented to Safilo, recognizing the company for integrating deeply embedded ESG principles into its overall strategy.
The show itself was a rich blend of cultures, equipment, treatment, and design. With the right pair of shoes, you could spend hours walking the aisles. An equal delight was the food. Italy feeds your appetite in every way. My final hours in the city were spent shopping and bringing home Olympic merchandise and delectable foods to share with my family upon my return. The memories of this very special trip will last a lifetime, and I was especially proud of the strong Canadian contingent in attendance this year.
Thank you to MIDO and its team for welcoming Optik Magazine and for sharing the most exquisite entries from around the world. There is nothing like being there, and I hope to return next year and see you all again.
About the Author:
Suzanne Sendel
Suzanne Sendel is an optical distributor who left the world of interior design and architectural sales management by falling in love with a pair of hand painted glasses, 11 years ago. Through her travels, Suzanne has inspired many with her independent collections, and her passion for optical fashion, and in sharing her stories and the many sales teams of “Road Warriors”, who have inspired the optical industry. Through her lens, Suzanne will share their journey and what has made them an integral part of the success of our industry. Reach her at suzannesendel@gmail.com.
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The Canadian Association of Optometrists says optimizing optometric scope of practice is key to improving access to safe, timely eye care across Canada.
Warby Parker has launched Warby Parker Sport, a new performance eyewear category featuring sport-focused frames and polarized lenses for active lifestyles.
Alcon and ARVO are continuing their partnership on the 2026 Eye Pitch event, which will showcase early- and mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists says optimizing optometric scope of practice is key to improving access to safe, timely eye care across Canada.
Warby Parker has launched Warby Parker Sport, a new performance eyewear category featuring sport-focused frames and polarized lenses for active lifestyles.
Alcon and ARVO are continuing their partnership on the 2026 Eye Pitch event, which will showcase early- and mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists says optimizing optometric scope of practice is key to improving access to safe, timely eye care across Canada.
Warby Parker has launched Warby Parker Sport, a new performance eyewear category featuring sport-focused frames and polarized lenses for active lifestyles.
Alcon and ARVO are continuing their partnership on the 2026 Eye Pitch event, which will showcase early- and mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists says optimizing optometric scope of practice is key to improving access to safe, timely eye care across Canada.
Warby Parker has launched Warby Parker Sport, a new performance eyewear category featuring sport-focused frames and polarized lenses for active lifestyles.
Alcon and ARVO are continuing their partnership on the 2026 Eye Pitch event, which will showcase early- and mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
