Blog

March 13, 2020March 20, 2020

COVID-19 Disrupts Spring Meeting Events

On the heals of the deferral of large international exhibitions including MIDO and Vision Expo East, a number of industry events have announced cancellations due to rising concerns over the spread of COVID-19.

Here is a summary of the event cancellations and event changes:

Updated March 17

The Ontario Association of Optometrists Symposium and Infomart, schedule April 3-5 has been postponed. The AGM and town hall will be conducted as a virtual meeting. See statement here.

The Ontario Opticians Association’s Inside Optics 2020, will continue as a webcast event only. Scheduled Sunday April 19th. View details here.

Vision Expo East – will be rolled into Vision Expo West, regularly scheduled in Las Vegas September 23-26

Transitions Optical GEN 8 City Tour events – Events cancelled including March 16 (Calgary), 23 (Winnipeg) and 30 (Halifax). Read the press release from Transitions Canada.

The American Optometric Association annual meeting, “Optometry’s Meeting”, scheduled June 24-28, have posted a notice confirming that that event is “proceeding as planned”. Updates available here.

ARVO – (Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology) – May 3-7 in Baltimore Cancelled.

Please review the Optik Events Calendar to see status of upcoming meetings. Attendees and prospective registrants should check with meeting organizers for confirmation of status of events and plan accordingly.

March 11, 2020May 20, 2026

Cabana Cats

Kate Spade New York’s Audri/G is a beautiful soft cat eye-shaped combination frame with an acetate front and temple tips. Using a new Cabana dot pattern to perfection, it features a metal nose bridge and thin temples with a subtle metal spade logo on each
temple. Available in black, transparent beige, transparent pink and Havana.

Distributed by Safilo: www.safilo.com

March 11, 2020March 10, 2020

Safilo and Isabel Marant sign 10-Year Global Agreement

Safilo and Isabel Marant, known as one of the most influential brands among French designers, announce a new global ten-year license agreement for the design, manufacture and distribution of Isabel Marant sunglasses and optical frames. The first Isabel Marant collection will be launched with the Spring/Summer 2021 lines.

“We are pleased to welcome to our portfolio one of the coolest French designer brands whose unique expression and iconic style ensure it stands out within the advanced luxury design segment. This positioning between contemporary and traditional luxury allows design-driven, trend-setting brands, such as Isabel Marant, to captivate and engage Gen Z and Millennials with their originality, recognition and authenticity,” commented Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group.

“Safilo’s expertise and capabilities in the design, development and manufacturing of eyewear, as well as their qualitative and widespread distribution reach, are the critical factors that lead us to take this exciting challenge of entering into our first ever eyewear licensing agreement. We were looking for a partner capable of translating our idea of a sartorial interpretation into an accessory that is emblematic of present-day style,” stated Isabel Marant. “With Safilo we share the same creative energy and enthusiasm for experimenting and we are sure that together we will able to delight our clients in France and beyond.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

March 11, 2020March 11, 2020

Transitions Donates $40,000 to Eye Disease Foundation for AMD Research

Transitions Optical recently announced a commitment of $40,000 to the Eye Disease Foundation for research into age-related macular degeneration.

The Eye Disease Foundation seeks to fund research to help prevent eye diseases and blindness, providing researchers with the necessary financing to perform their research. The Eye Disease Foundation is the only one in Quebec that dedicates all its financial resources to research on eye disease. It is also officially recognized by the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ) and by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), two organizations that fund research in all medical fields in Quebec and Canada. Transitions has been a partner of the Foundation for over 10 years.

Isabelle Tremblay-Dawson, Transitions Optical and *Steeve Lachance, General Manager of the Eye Disease Foundation*

“The mission of the Eye Disease Foundation matches our ambition to provide photochromic lens technology that delivers the best possible performance, with hassle-free style and everyday eye protection,” said Patience Cook, director North America marketing, Transitions Optical. “We are proud to support to the Foundation’s goal of preventing serious eye conditions.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

March 10, 2020March 10, 2020

New Look Vision Completes Acquisition of Edward Beiner in Florida

New Look Vision Group announced that it has completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Miami based Coco Lunette Holding which carries on business principally under the Edward Beiner banner.

Based in Miami, Florida, the Edward Beiner Company has 12 locations across key premium markets in Florida. As previously reported on Optik NOW, its current annualized revenues are $15.5 million CAD and it will continue to operate as a stand-alone unit within New Look Vision.

Antoine Amiel, President and CEO of New Look Vision stated that: “We are pleased to announce the closing of the Edward Beiner Company transaction, following a period of strong cooperative effort by both New Look Vision and Edward Beiner Company management. We are very much looking forward to working with the Edward Beiner Company team to grow our presence in the U.S. retail optical market. This transaction brings our total store network to 394 locations across North America as we proceed to further implement our corporate strategy for growth and development.”

Click HERE for the full press release.