Silmo reinforces its cooperation with
Who’s Next / Première Classe through the co-location of their respective
events. For fashion as for eyewear, Fashion Week is a key time for the two
communities to gather.
““A positive consequence of this
unprecedented crisis is the Silmo Hors Les Murs event in Paris, presented in
collaboration with Who’s Next, the fashion trade fair of reference. This marks
an important step in the partnership with Première Classe that we began five
years ago,” explains Amélie Morel, Chairwoman of Silmo.
For fashion as for eyewear, Fashion
Week is a key time for the two communities to gather. Stronger together, these
complementary worlds will bring a new experience to visitors, who are seeking
out solutions for 2021 now more than ever.
“During this exceedingly difficult
period for the business of our respective industries, we can draw on strength
in numbers. We are proud to welcome Silmo Hors Les Murs alongside our events at
Le Jardin des Tuileries,” explains Frédéric Maus, CEO of WSN.
At each regional happening, Who’s
Next and Première Classe will exhibit a selection from fashion and accessory
brands alongside the latest creations and innovations of the optical and
eyewear industry.
Of course, professionals from both spheres will enjoy access to the full
events.
Widespread use of face masks has been determined essential to combat COVID-19’s spread yet is giving rise to a new phenomenon: increased reports of dry, uncomfortable eyes. Experts from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) are advising eye care professionals (ECPs) on how to recognize mask-associated dry eye (MADE) and methods to mitigate the condition.
Reports of MADE have circulated since early summer and
a recent review concluded that eye dryness and irritation from mask wear may
become a problem for a large percentage of the population.
MADE: What, Why and Who’s at Risk?
Masks significantly reduce the outward spread of air.
However, exhaled air still needs to disperse; when a mask sits loosely against
the face the likely route is upwards. This forces a stream of air over the
surface of the eye, creating conditions that accelerate tear film evaporation,
leading to dry spots on the ocular surface and discomfort.
In addition to worsening symptoms in patients with
pre-existing dry eye disease, MADE can affect a wide-spectrum of others: the
elderly who typically have a poorer quality tear film, contact lens wearers,
and masked people working extended hours in air-conditioned settings and/or
while using digital screens.
Beyond discomfort, MADE may encourage people to rub
their eyes for temporary relief—raising the possibility of unwashed hands being
brought to the face. In turn, this increases the likelihood of coronavirus
infection through the mouth, nose, and to a lesser extent, the eye.
Guidance for Practitioners
CORE suggests that ECPs consider incorporating three
MADE-related actions into their examination lane protocols:
Consider the role of the face mask if there are worsening symptoms and signs in patients with confirmed dry eye disease, or if patients report dry, uncomfortable eyes or variable vision for the first time.
Routinely ask all patients how their eyes feel while wearing a mask, since many may not think to volunteer their experiences or associate their symptoms with mask use.
Provide advice on alleviating the symptoms, including using a new CORE-developed infographic to help show how a few simple steps can likely provide relief and minimize reoccurrence.
Don’t Ditch the Mask
Dr. Lyndon Jones, director of CORE, is adamant that
bringing more attention to MADE should not be used to support anti-mask
wearing sentiments.
“Responsibly wearing a mask, even when having to contend with eye dryness, is a critical part of overcoming the global pandemic. The good news is that we understand MADE and can address it—an opportunity for ECPs to further communicate their knowledge and ongoing value to patients at a time when sound, scientific guidance is needed more than ever,” he noted.
Nikon Optical Canada is announcing that Isabelle Mongeau has decided to
step down as President North America on August 31. Nicolas Barbier, President
of the Nikon Lenswear’s worldwide organisation, has appointed Matthieu Geoffray
as her successor.
Isabelle Mongeau
“I am privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Nikon Optical
over the past seven years. My daily life has been enriched by the quality of
our professional and human relationships with our clients, by inspiring and
passionate colleagues, and by exposure to a culture of unparalleled excellence
and innovation. It is with emotion, but a great deal of pride, that I leave my
position at the head of the organization to devote myself to other important
aspects of my life and career,” said Isabelle Mongeau. Isabelle will stay on to
support Matthieu until the end of 2020 to ensure an effective transition.
With a degree in engineering from École Centrale Paris, and 13 years’
experience in the industry within the Essilor Group, Matthieu has, among other
things, held the positions of Key Account Manager, Director of Customer
Relations, and Director of Health Partnerships in France. He has developed
in-depth knowledge of expectations among eye-care professionals and consumers.
Matthieu shares with Isabelle a common vision for Nikon—excellence in
terms of service and quality geared towards its clients, along with the
superior quality of the brand’s products.
“I am honoured to be joining the Nikon family, a team fully committed to
the service our customers expect, supported by an innovative brand that
develops high-tech products. I thank Isabelle for her commitment and enthusiasm
in building a team that is tailored to our ambition.”
Opti 2021 will be the first optical trade fair of the new year and the
first within a year. Usually held in the Bavarian city of Munich, Opti
2021 will be held January 8-10 in Stuttgart, on the edge of the German
Black Forest area.
In collaboration with the
venue owner, and under the exacting guidelines of the state of
Baden-Wuerttemburg, the organizers have drawn up an extensive hygiene concept
for the event.
Event organizers are counting
on the event providing the industry with much needed momentum after the
economic downfall created by the COVID pandemic.
Jörn Holtmeier, Managing
Director of the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA) broadens
the perspective and confirms the measures: “Recently, the German trade
fair organisers have developed comprehensive hygiene and distance concepts in
coordination with the health authorities. They guarantee a very high level of
health protection for all persons participating in trade fairs in Germany in
the upcoming months”.
There are no restrictions for
Canadians travelling to Germany, but the Canadian Government continues to
advise against non-essential travel to the country. As of end of August,
the German government continues to deny entry to U.S. citizens traveling from
the United States, according to the US embassy page.
Optometry Giving Sight’s support of Ver
Bien in Mexico has helped many school
children receive the eye care they desperately need. Approximately 12% of public-school
children in Mexico suffer from a refractive error which can be corrected with
glasses.
Many of these children have no access to eye health services because
they live in rural communities in Mexico. Even when services are brought to
their towns, families often don’t have the resources to pay for them. Ver
Bien goes directly to public schools
with optometrists who perform eye exams to check for diseases and refractive
errors. When glasses are required, they are delivered at no cost.
Claudia (pictured) was one of the students helped through Optometry
Giving Sight’s support of Ver Bien.
Claudia’s
life with poor vision was very challenging. Seeing her schoolwork was difficult
and she was often afraid when walking the 3 kms along the river to school.
The day
she received a pair of glasses through the program, everything in her life
changed:
Today is the day she received her first ever pair of glasses.
A few months ago, Claudia’s school was invited to participate in a
school screening program implemented by Ver Bien and funded by Optometry Giving
Sight.
Having a comprehensive eye examination and the correctly prescribed
glasses is helping Claudia greatly improve the quality of her life. Her teacher
noticed the difference in Claudia’s behavior and feels happy for her student’s
new clear-sighted joy.
Click HERE to support the World Sight Day Challenge to help more children like Claudia.
Blackfin Vitra explores the transparent evolution of titanium eyewear, pairing a bold VitraCore™ front with aerospace titanium temples and components for strength, stability, and technical comfort.
Transitions has launched a new collaboration with Canadian artist AnnLo to mark the arrival of Color Touch lenses, bringing together optical innovation, colour and self-expression.
Blackfin Vitra explores the transparent evolution of titanium eyewear, pairing a bold VitraCore™ front with aerospace titanium temples and components for strength, stability, and technical comfort.
Transitions has launched a new collaboration with Canadian artist AnnLo to mark the arrival of Color Touch lenses, bringing together optical innovation, colour and self-expression.
Blackfin Vitra explores the transparent evolution of titanium eyewear, pairing a bold VitraCore™ front with aerospace titanium temples and components for strength, stability, and technical comfort.
Transitions has launched a new collaboration with Canadian artist AnnLo to mark the arrival of Color Touch lenses, bringing together optical innovation, colour and self-expression.
Blackfin Vitra explores the transparent evolution of titanium eyewear, pairing a bold VitraCore™ front with aerospace titanium temples and components for strength, stability, and technical comfort.
Transitions has launched a new collaboration with Canadian artist AnnLo to mark the arrival of Color Touch lenses, bringing together optical innovation, colour and self-expression.
