Blog

January 15, 2021January 15, 2021

Essilor and Luxottica Launch First Joint Product Offering in U.S.: “Ray-Ban Authentic”

EssilorLuxottica is launching the first commercial product leveraging the strength of the new Group by strategically combining the expertise of Essilor and Luxottica.

The latest edition of Ray-Ban Authentic represents the perfect match of Ray-Ban’s legendary style and Essilor’s expertise in sight and will capitalize on the assets of both to meet consumer needs with the aim of diversifying the single vision category as well as growing the prescription sun category for private practices. This latest edition will launch on January 19, 2021.

Ray-Ban’s history in the field of prescription lenses has witnessed many ground-breaking developments, but the combination of iconic frames and the latest generation of clear, gradient and sun lenses is a significant revolution made possible by the integration of Essilor and Luxottica.

There will be over 1,400 lens-frame combinations available to consumers, including those featuring Transitions technology with photochromic lenses and blue light filtering. The new range also includes a Special Edition, enhanced with Essilor’s best-known and most innovative lens solutions such as Varilux, Eyezen and Crizal.

“This is a product offering that will help shape the market for years to come,” said Fabrizio Uguzzoni, President of Luxottica Wholesale North America. “Consumers and patients – Ray-Ban lovers in particular – are hungry for a more complete branded experience. With Ray-Ban Authentic we will deliver that.”

“Private practices will now have an elevated and differentiated complete pair offering that taps into the deep-rooted passion and love of the Ray-Ban brand through Ray-Ban Authentic Essilor Special Edition,” said Rick Gadd, President, Essilor North America.

Click HERE for the full press release.

January 14, 2021October 26, 2020

Levi’s Launches Optical and Sunwear with Safilo

Levi’s, one of the world’s most recognized denim brands, launched eyewear in partnership with Safilo. The collection is designed with a fashion forward consumer in mind and features a wide range of functional yet stylish men’s, women’s and unisex
optical and sunwear styles evoking the effortless appeal of the California lifestyle.

Featured model: LV1000

Distributed by Safilo: www.safilo.com

January 13, 2021January 13, 2021

IMAGINEM Announces Canadian Advisory Council Members

IMAGINEM, the new global omni-channel media brand that celebrates Independent eyewear collections from around the world, is pleased to announce the first members of the IMAGINEM Advisory Council in North America.

Advisory Council members play a vital role in the evolution of the brand by providing guidance to the editorial and publishing team and sharing their experiences with their respective networks as IMAGINEM brand Ambassadors.

In Canada, Image consultant and Registered Optician, Wendy Buchanan, will take up the mantle of IMAGINEM Ambassador. Wendy is the creative force and founder of the BeSpectacular™ Image & Eyewear Styling program for eyewear fashionistas, helping practices differentiate their optical dispensaries and drive higher ROI through fashion-first multiple pair sales.

“The minute I learned of the IMAGINEM brand concept, I felt an immediate connection to who I am and what I do as an image consultant and optician. I absolutely love independent eyewear brands and look forward to sharing my expertise in collaboration with IMAGINEM”, said Wendy.

In another building block of the global omni-channel approach, IMAGINEM is pleased to announce a collaboration with OPTIK Magazine, Canada’s leading full-spectrum bilingual eyewear and eye care publication.

Shan Khan, Registered Optician, Editor in Chief, and Opticianry Instructor at Canada’s largest Opticianry program also joins the Advisory Council as a Media Partner.

In USA, Kristie Nguyen, OD, is a fast-rising social media star in the eyewear world. Dr. Nguyen is in private practice in in Orlando, Florida. Her fashion flare is a natural fit for the IMAGINEM brand and the collections which adorn its pages.

“IMAGINEM is such a natural fit with my interest in exquisite eyewear fashion. I enthusiastically look forward to sharing the insiders’ view and the stunning imagery of independent eyewear styles with my colleagues”, said Kristie.

A digital demo of IMAGINEM is available online. Readers are invited to view the magazine and request a complimentary subscription for the first issue.

Click HERE for the full press release.

LHON Study Finds Double the Impact

In a surprising finding, scientists have shown that injecting a gene therapy for Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) into one eye can improve the vision in a patient’s other eye.

LHON is a genetic eye disease which leads to degeneration of the optic nerve, which transmits light signals to the brain. This can lead to sudden irreversible central vision loss.

In this Phase 3 LHON clinical trial, sponsored by GenSight Biologics and published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, scientists injected a gene therapy into one eye of an individual who was recently diagnosed (less than 12 months ago) with LHON. The eye that didn’t receive the gene therapy injection acted as a “control” to ensure that any vision changes or safety issues that occurred were caused by the treatment itself and not by something else. Interestingly (and unexpectedly) 78% of the 37 treated patients experienced improved vision not only in the treated eye but in both eyes.

Further research showed that the gene therapy was likely being transferred to the other eye, but importantly was not going to other parts of the body. These are exciting results and the researchers are completing a few more studies. The hope is that if these studies show that the gene therapy is consistently safe and effective, it could be a new treatment for LHON helping to preserve and even restore vision.

Click HERE for Fighting Blindness Canada Research news.

January 13, 2021January 13, 2021

Scotiabank Funds Critical Virtual CNIB Programs

In May of 2020, CNIB received a transformational gift from Scotiabank to ensure the futures of youth with sight loss remain as bright as ever.

Scotiabank’s gift was crucial in allowing CNIB to quickly shift their services and develop a wide range of virtual programs to help young people with sight loss when they needed it most. Not only are these programs helping youth stay connected and engaged while warding off significant isolation during the pandemic, they’re also helping them build vital employment and leadership skills that will put them on the road to success in the future.

So far nearly 450 young Canadians with sight loss have participated in these life-changing programs. Now, more than ever, programs like these are essential in helping youth with sight loss achieve their educational and vocational goals.

Click HERE for the full press release.