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February 12, 2021February 12, 2021

Transitions Shared “The Pulse” of the Optical Industry During Virtual Event

Transitions Optical gathered over 10,000 industry professionals from 98 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia online for a first of its kind, global virtual event—Transitions^® The Pulse. The event was broadcasted three times over two days and was translated into 13 different languages for eye care professionals around the world to join together and feel the love for eye care.

During the virtual summit attendees connected live on screen for the general sessions with Transitions Optical leadership and industry experts; listened to a keynote presentation on the latest retail strategies and future scenarios; heard from experts and educators during breakout sessions on the heartbeat of the industry; and learned from their peers and partners through the sharing of best practices. The event was filmed following safety protocols that allowed Transitions Optical to safely connect with partners around the world, while attendees could also engage and network with each other through the live chat feature and social wall.

As attendees tuned in early to prepare for the opening general session, they were surprised with a special DJ performance from Coco and Breezy, Transitions influencers and co-Founders of Coco and Breezy Eyewear, to build excitement before the start of the event.

To open the event, Chrystel Barranger, president Transitions Optical & Essilor Europe, welcomed attendees for a global overview of state of the industry in the Transitions Studio, a modern loft where she and others connected in-person and virtually with expert speakers from the optical industry. Transitions speakers Elise Bioche, vice president, Global Marketing; Charlotte Hamel, director Global Internal Communications, PR and Events; Brian O’Neill, vice president, Global Innovation, Technology and Operations; and others presented in dynamic environments that uniquely displayed related content around them for viewers. The speakers educated attendees on how eye protection has never been more at the center of patients’ needs and requests with more time spent at home and on digital devices, how eye style is getting even more crucial as a key territory for self-expression, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has modified the shopping behavior of consumers in many ways.

Transitions Optical shared more details on the upcoming launch of Transitions^® XTRActive^® Polarized^™, and announced the launch of a new generation of Transitions XTRActive lenses that are even darker and faster than the previous generation. To help ECPs style Transitions lenses, Transitions Optical created Transitions collections in collaboration with frame design partners that show the best combinations of frames and Transitions lenses based on the eyewear trends for Spring/Summer 2021. In early 2021 an updated version of the virtual try-on at Transitions.com will be available, as well as a new tool for consumers to book an appointment directly on the Transitions.com website.

Following the General Session, keynote speaker Doug Stephens, founder of Retail Prophet, shared his unique perspective on retailing, business and consumer behavior. After the keynote presentation, the virtual event concluded with a selection of breakout sessions.

“We always strive to be a light for the optical industry and a community builder,” said Patience Cook, director North America marketing, Transitions Optical. “And that was our motivation for hosting Transitions The Pulse. We’re in a unique position to partner with professionals in many industry verticals across the globe and we wanted to share the knowledge we gathered over the last year, the behavior changes we have seen happening, and the best practices we curated so we can all start the new year together strong.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

February 12, 2021February 12, 2021

February: IRIS Mundial Month for Fourteenth Year

IRIS Mundial announces that, for a fourteenth year, the organization will benefit from an annual fundraising campaign organized by IRIS, The Visual Group, its main partner. Founded in 2001 by Dr. Jean-Pierre Tchang, Optometrist, the organization aims to improve the visual health of disadvantaged people in developing countries giving them access to ophthalmic services.

The campaign will be held throughout the month of February in IRIS stores across Canada. For each pair of glasses sold during the month, $10 will be donated to the organization. The IRIS Ophthalmology Clinic also agreed to donate $25 per eye surgery performed.

IRIS Mundial also appeals to the public by giving them the chance to give a second life to their glasses; IRIS stores will give every pair of used glassed they receive from the public to IRIS Mundial. These efforts will enable disadvantaged individuals to obtain eye exams, eyeglasses and ocular surgeries. Since 2008, IRIS stores, with the participation of the IRIS Ophthalmology Clinic, have donated more than $1,126,490 to IRIS Mundial, including $81,670 in 2020. The goal for 2021 is to reach $85,000.

“Thanks to the constant support of the public and IRIS The Visual Group, we can continue to offer quality visual care to the most disadvantaged through our projects. Thank you so much for helping to change their lives!”, says Johanne de Champlain, chairwoman of IRIS Mundial.

The donations collected to date have resulted in the establishment of two Programs for the Prevention and Fight against Blindness (PPFB) in Labrousse and Limbe in Haiti. This initiative has provided nearly 34,500 adults and children access to a quality eye care system from 2010 to 2018. A new program was launched in January 2019 in Saint-Louis in Senegal, thanks to the funding provided by the Quebec International Development Program (PQDI) of the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie (MRIF) of Quebec. IRIS Mundial has contributed to the construction of the community ophthalmology center, has provided the equipment needed for its operation and has trained the employees at three training missions and recently through online training.

In addition to its three permanent programs, IRIS Mundial has completed 24 one-time projects around the world. Typically, some 30 Canadian volunteers (optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists and others) participate in these one-time projects and work with local professionals to provide visual care to 2,000 people.

Click HERE for the full press release.

February 11, 2021February 11, 2021

MIDO 2021: Visitor Registration Is Now Open

On the MIDO website, visitors to the international eyewear show – buyers, designers, entrepreneurs, opticians, optometrists and global eyewear supply chain professionals – can now register for the forthcoming edition of the show, slated for June 5 – 7, 2021.

For months MIDO has been busy organizing the next edition of the show, coordinating constantly with the Foreign Ministry and ITA (Italian Trade&Investment Agency) to develop and implement solutions that ensure the utmost safety for the event. These include rapid testing, temperature checks and the so-called “green corridors”, crucial to securing a bilateral agreement for business travelers inbound and outbound from non-EU countries, like the USA.

“MIDO is a necessity – stated MIDO President Giovanni Vitaloni. It is not ‘simply’ the leading global eyewear industry trade show, it has also come to symbolize the much-needed relaunch businesses are thirsting for. In light of the evolving health crisis, and especially the immunization campaign – which we are watching closely and with a bit of apprehension – we are taking all the measures in our control to open the doors to MIDO on June 5th. We are a tool at the service of the eyewear industry, and the industry is asking us for a sign that will restore hope to the marketplace.”

This does not shift the focus from the virtual show: the new digital platform will soon be launched and will welcome exhibitors and buyers who cannot be present at the event.

Click HERE for the full press release.

OWP Women’s Spring Collection

Spring is going to be exciting. Made of stainless steel, OWP style 1453 features an airy design with ultra-thin rims. The upper edge with overlapping outlines act as a subtle eye-catcher. A three-dimensional temple design with cut-outs emphasizes the frame’s lightweight appearance. The style is available in three colorways that promise both delicate surface designs and muted color shades. The OWP women’s collection represents attention to detail and superb design. Whether they are feminine and vibrant or timelessly elegant – every one of OWP’s creations stands out thanks to its unique character and, as such, is the perfect statement piece for fashion-conscious women.

www.rlanctot.com

February 9, 2021February 9, 2021

Fighting Blindness Canada Challenges You to Turn Off Your Screens for 24 hours on March 20

Canadians spend a lot of time looking at screens: Computer, phone, gaming and television.

According to Statistics Canada in a survey completed in 2020, Canadians have dramatically increased their time on screens because of the COVID-19 pandemic:

• 68% more time on internet

• 63% more time watching TV

• 22% more time playing video games

Screens Off for Sight means giving your eyes a break from screens. It can be a helpful rest for your eyes too. On March 20 at 6 a.m., join the challenge and turn off your screens for 24 hours.

Challenge yourself and others to find things to do OFF your screen and raise funds for Fighting Blindness Canada at the same time!

Take advantage of the free time you’ll have by going for a hike, playing family board games, reading (or listening to) a book, dancing around your house, knitting a blanket, putting your baking skills to the test … there are endless activities that you can have fun doing all while giving your eyes a rest and raising funds for vision research.

For more information, visit fbcscreensoff.ca.