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March 24, 2026March 10, 2026

One True Pair: Innovation and Trend-Forward Style

Optik mars-avril 2026 Voila WestGroupe OTP-222_S407

OTP-222 features a striking angular cat-eye silhouette. Crafted from Eastman Acetate Renew, this frame reflects One True Pair’s certified commitment to material innovation, featuring a component allocation linked to 27% bio-based and 27% recycled content through an ISCC-certified mass balance approach.

OTP-222 is available in Grey Gradient, Black Tortoise, and Indigo Gradient, offering a balanced palette of feminine, contemporary colourways.

Distributed by: www.westgroupe.com

About WestGroupe:

Established in 1961, WestGroupe is family operated with over 60 years of industry insight. Our mission has always been to provide unique and superior quality eyewear for the fashion-focused consumer. We are driven by our customer commitment to excellent service and exceptional product. WestGroupe is dedicated to defining future standards in the optical business by developing, creating, and supporting innovative products and services that allows our customers to succeed. WestGroupe offers a premium selection of globally recognized proprietary eyewear brands including KLiiK denmark, FYSH, EVATIK, Superflex® and OTP.

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March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

ic! berlin Marks 30 Years with Anniversary Capsule Collection

ic! berlin is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026 with a special capsule collection and a new campaign highlighting the brand’s Berlin roots.

Founded in 1996, the eyewear company has built its identity around minimalist design, cold-rolled stainless steel, and its signature screwless hinge technology. According to the brand, the anniversary collection brings together heritage and innovation through six styles: classic frames Leif, Wanda, Oli the 2nd, and Pina, alongside new designs Sodium and Xenon.

The collection also introduces Transformative Teal, a new blue-green shade paired with matching photochromic lenses. ic! berlin said the colour was chosen to express change and redirection, while reinforcing the collection’s modern, technical aesthetic.

The anniversary is also being marked by the I See Berlin campaign, a tribute to the city’s independent and experimental spirit. Shot by Berlin-based photographer Tarek Mawad, the campaign features a range of artists and cultural figures whose work reflects the creative identity of the German capital.

“For 30 years, ic! berlin has stood for uncompromising design, engineering and innovative premium eyewear made in Berlin. This anniversary honors our proud heritage and sets the stage for a new chapter of global growth, brand storytelling and modern, technical eyewear.” – Davide Lunghi, General Manager ic! berlin

Click HERE for the press release.

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March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

World Council of Optometry and Alcon Launch Dry Eye Management Map

World Council of Optometry and Alcon logos 2026

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Alcon have introduced the Dry Eye Management Map, a new online interactive tool designed to help optometrists evaluate and manage dry eye disease in clinical practice.

Launched as part of the organizations’ multi-year partnership supporting professional education, the tool is intended to guide optometrists through dry eye management using the latest TFOS DEWS III guidance. According to WCO and Alcon, the platform allows clinicians to select from three categories of underlying dry eye drivers — tear film deficiencies, eyelid anomalies, and ocular surface abnormalities — along with related sub-drivers to generate potential management options.

WCO Alcon Dry Eye Management Map web tool

The tool also includes standard and advanced testing options and produces a concise summary report outlining recommended and clinician-selected management pathways. A built-in email function allows the report to be shared for later review or added to patient records.

At launch, the Dry Eye Management Map is available in English, with additional languages expected in the coming months. The resource complements the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, a multilingual tool that follows a three-step approach to dry eye care: mitigation, measurement, and management.

WCO President Cindy Tromans said the tool will serve as a valuable resource for clinicians and educators worldwide, while Carla Mack of Alcon said it is designed to support evidence-based clinical decision-making and more personalized patient care.

WCO and Alcon said their dry eye education initiative is now in its fifth year and continues to expand its range of professional resources.

Click HERE for the press release.

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March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

AYA Optical Launches Horizon and Breeze Featuring Artwork by Donald Chrétien

AYA Optical has introduced two new lightweight optical styles, Horizon and Breeze, featuring artwork by acclaimed Ojibwe artist Donald Chrétien.

Part of the brand’s Spring/Summer collection, the new metal frames are designed to combine lightweight comfort with subtle cultural storytelling. According to AYA Optical, both styles showcase Chrétien’s distinctive visual language, shaped by his Ojibwe heritage and recognized for its flowing lines, symbolic forms, and spiritual depth.

To complement the launch, AYA has also created custom microfiber cleaning cloths featuring enlarged versions of Chrétien’s artwork, extending the visual impact of the designs beyond the frame itself.

Aya Horizon Spirit of the Story cloth — Horizon Spirit of the Story cloth

AYA Optical, Breeze Loon Clan Cloth — Horizon Spirit of the Story cloth

“Donald’s work carries powerful symbolism and an incredible use of colour,” said Carla D’Angelo, Founder and Creative Director of AYA Optical. “With Horizon and Breeze, we wanted to create frames that feel almost weightless while still carrying the strength and story of his art. These styles reflect both technical refinement and cultural depth.”

The launch comes during a notable year for Chrétien, who is set to unveil two major public art installations in Toronto. On April 30, 2026, he will reveal a large-scale work at the new Indigenous Building at the University of Toronto Scarborough. A second installation, measuring 3 feet by 65 feet, is scheduled for June 21, 2026, at Church of the Redeemer at Avenue Road and Bloor Street.

AYA Optical said the Horizon and Breeze styles are now available through select optical retailers in Canada and the United States, as well as online.

Click HERE for the press release.

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March 20, 2026March 20, 2026

Vision Expo 2026 Marks 40th Anniversary with Strong Orlando Showing

Vision Expo 2026 wrapped its milestone 40^th anniversary edition in Orlando, Florida, with strong attendance, expanded education programming, and a renewed focus on business, innovation, and industry connection.

Held March 11–14 at the Orange County Convention Center, the event marked the debut of a single annual Vision Expo format. Co-owned by RX and The Vision Council, the show welcomed more than 8,000 industry professionals from 92 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

Organizers said the event delivered more than 220 hours of accredited education, with conference attendance up 17% year over year. Participation in the Platinum Club program for multimillion-dollar practices and retailers also grew to more than 700 participants.

The 115,000-square-foot show floor featured more than 350 exhibitors, along with product launches, technology showcases, fashion presentations, and networking events. New features included the NOW Stage, the Innovation Center, and a 40th anniversary installation highlighting the event’s history and community.

“Vision Expo is unique because it is the only event that brings the full spectrum of the optical industry together,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council.

Attendee Dr. Sophia Visanji described the event as “quite possibly the most efficient way” to explore the latest eyewear, keep up with new technology, and network with industry peers.

Among the week’s highlights were the NOW Awards, the Vision Expo Eyewear Fashion Show, and the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, where Altris AI and Captify were recognized.

Vision Expo will return March 10–13, 2027, at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.

Source: Vision Council

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One True Pair: Innovation and Trend-Forward Style

Distributed by: www.westgroupe.com

About WestGroupe:

ic! berlin Marks 30 Years with Anniversary Capsule Collection

World Council of Optometry and Alcon Launch Dry Eye Management Map

AYA Optical Launches Horizon and Breeze Featuring Artwork by Donald Chrétien

Vision Expo 2026 Marks 40th Anniversary with Strong Orlando Showing

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