Marchon Eyewear and Converse Inc., the iconic American footwear and apparel brand, announced that they have entered into an exclusive, long-term global licensing agreement.

New sun and optical collections designed under this new partnership will roll out globally beginning January 2021. Taking cues from the brand’s legendary footwear, most notably the Chuck Taylor All Star and Pro Leather, eyewear styles will feature recognizable motifs and design elements such as the “All Star” patch and “Star Chevron” logo.

The eyewear assortment addresses adults and teens with 16 sunglasses and 43 optical styles at compelling price points. The brand targets all genders and ages 12 – 35.

“Marchon is thrilled to partner with Converse, an iconic brand that has a longstanding position in the footwear and apparel industry,” said Nicola Zotta, President and CEO of Marchon Eyewear. “We look forward to designing unique eyewear collections which will embody Converse’s style and authenticity, while also being a part of the brand’s growth and continued legacy.”

“We are excited to announce our partnership with Marchon Eyewear,” said Jon Tappan, VP/GM of Apparel & Accessories for Converse. “As we work to strengthen the Converse accessories business, we know that Marchon’s expertise in the eyewear space will complement and enhance our efforts to create products that serve the needs of our consumer, while enabling their individual style.”

The new eyewear line will be sold globally in select sun and optical retailers, as well as online at eyeconic.com.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Each year, Calgary-based Operation Eyesight celebrates World Sight Day to bring awareness to the importance of making global eye health a priority. In 2020, World Sight Day takes place on October 8, with a theme of “Hope in Sight”.

This year, Operation Eyesight will be taking social media followers to visit their country offices, partner hospitals, board locations and corporate partners. Starting in India, participants will travel to Nepal, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, the U.K. and North America.

“This event will give people a unique opportunity to see over the course of one day how Operation Eyesight is preventing blindness and restoring sight for entire communities in need,” says Aly Bandali, President and CEO of Operation Eyesight.

Avoidable blindness is a global issue that has been made even worse by the strain COVID-19 has put on health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To mitigate this strain in the countries where they work, in March of 2020, Operation Eyesight shifted priorities by applying the organization’s systems and experience in providing quality eye care to meet the immediate need, providing education and supplies that limited the spread of COVID-19 in these communities.

Operation Eyesight works with local partner hospitals and governments, bringing sustainable, quality care to both paying patients and to those who cannot afford to pay. Operation Eyesight-trained community health workers go door to door in vulnerable communities, screening people for vision problems, referring them for treatment, and educating them on eye health and general health. Operation Eyesight first launched its Hospital-Based Community Eye Health Model in India in 2009, and has since expanded it to Nepal, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia.

With support from donors in Canada and beyond, Operation Eyesight has restored sight and prevented blindness for millions of people.

Click HERE for the full press release.

FYidoctors | Visique announced the launch of its annual fundraising initiative by its foundation, FYidoctors | Visique Enhancing Life Foundation. The campaign will run during the month of October, coinciding with Enhancing Life Month and aim to raise $200,000 for a wide variety of Canadian registered charities.

“As a Canadian company with clinics operating from coast to coast, it’s incredibly important to us that we continue to support the communities we serve,” said Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO and Chairman of FYidoctors. “From organizations that support children and youth education, to a variety of health-related causes and diversity and inclusion initiatives – we’re incredibly proud to work alongside our clinics in fundraising for the causes they care about most.”

Founded in 2019, the Enhancing Life Foundation’s mission is to support, and fund causes that enhance the lives of Canadians. Operating year round, the foundation provides grants to a wide variety of Canadian charitable organizations with the support of FYidoctors | Visique’s doctors, staff, and patients. Last year, through a variety of fundraising activities clinic events, donations, and social media campaigns the foundation raised over $120,000 for over 45 local charities.

FYidoctors | Visique Enhancing Life Foundation’s annual fundraising campaign will run until October 31, 2020.

Click HERE for the full press release.

The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions announce that Vision Expo East 2021, originally scheduled to take place from March 18–21, will now take place May 25–28, 2021 at the Javits Center in New York City.

The date change reflects a proactive decision by the Show’s organizers in the interest of providing more time for companies to effectively plan their participation during this challenging period for the optical marketplace.

The decision to host Vision Expo East in May instead of March is the result of thoughtful communication with vision community members over the past few months.

The organizers learned that finalizing Q1 plans is proving to be a challenge for many members of the optical community. With this in mind, as well as the health and safety of the community, they made the decision to host the event in late May to give our members and exhibitors at Vision Expo the time they need to make their plans.

“While 2021 may look different than years past, we are energized by the resilience the industry has demonstrated in the face of COVID-19. Our community is only as strong as its friendships, associations, and business relationships, which is why we are working diligently to host a Vision Expo event where new relationships are forged and friends can meet face to face again”, according the The Vision Council release.

Additional details on Vision Expo East’s new neighborhoods, educational programming and special features will be announced in the coming months.

To learn more about Vision Expo East, click here.

Click Here to view The Vision Council Announcement.