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March 29, 2019March 29, 2019

Vision Expo East 2019 Sees Increase in Overall Attendance and Optical Buyers

Vision Expo East 2019 was a great success with an overall attendance increase of 2.6% and a 5% rise in registration for optical buyers. Exhibitors saw increased buying as they previewed new collections, launched new products and showcased their latest innovations to over 14,800 eye care professionals from across the world. To date, the optical community has generated 31 million impressions with the hashtag #VisionExpo, a 15% increase over 2018.

Event Highlights

Debuting at the Show, Vision Expo’s inaugural EYE2EYE series packed new destination, the BRIDGE, with attendees during several events including an interview with award-winning artist, Common, moderated by multimedia personality, Lilliana Vasquez.

Additionally, as part of the EYE2EYE series, the founders of FUBU discussed the launch of their eyewear line, FUBU Legends Eyewear, as well as the rise and success of their brand.

Other event highlights from the Show included OptiCon @ Vision Expo’s new National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) Hoya College Bowl, eyewear trends presentations hosted by Eyecare Business Magazine, as well as fashion shows in the BLOCK. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear the perspectives of industry thought leaders during the Boutique Buyer Panel and Corporate Optometry Panel.

March 29, 2019March 29, 2019

Transitions Announces the Launch of Transitions® Signature® GEN 8™

Transitions Optical has announced details on the upcoming launch of the next generation of Transitions Signature lenses – Transitions Signature GEN 8. Transitions Signature GEN 8 lenses are engineered with new proprietary technology, that delivers the best overall photochromic lens performance.

The next generation of Transitions Signature lenses comes six years after the launch of Transitions^® Signature^® VII lenses with a new, breakthrough technology. The performance of photochromic lenses is linked to two components: the matrix in which the dyes reside and the photochromic dyes themselves. The Transitions Signature GEN 8 lens technology incorporates a fully reinvented system, including a reinvented matrix and new photochromic dyes, which has not been done since the launch of Transitions^® V lenses in 2005.

Technology

Transitions Signature GEN 8 lenses are the result of five years of research and development involving more than 100 people. Transitions Signature GEN 8 lenses were developed using new, breakthrough technology that combines a disruptive nanocomposite matrix and a new generation of ultra-agile photochromic dyes. The nano-composite matrix in Transitions Signature GEN 8 lenses is a nano-structured material which mimics a semi crystalline structure. This matrix creates free zones for improved dye mobility. Not only can the dyes move more freely, but it is also more stable and consistent in its performance.

Performance

The new Transitions Signature GEN 8 lens technology allows a new frontier of performance, without compromise. Not only are Transitions Signature GEN 8 lenses faster in activation and fadeback, they are even darker than previous generations. The lenses also block 100% UV and help protect from harmful blue light indoors and out. As a consequence, Transitions Signature GEN 8 lenses are the best overall photochromic lenses. A new multi-criteria methodology was developed to assess the overall performance of photochromic lenses. This methodology is based on market research done in the U.S. among 1,000 eyeglass wearers, defining the key criteria that matter most for consumers on photochromic lenses.

Transitions Signature GEN 8 lenses will launch in the U.S. in July 2019 and in the Fall in Canada.

Click HERE for the full press release.

March 29, 2019March 29, 2019

Visique Statement on Quebec’s 2019 Budget

FYidoctors | Visique is applauding the See for Success program unveiled last Thursday as part of Quebec’s 2019 Budget. The new program will see families receive a subsidy of $250 per child every 24 months to cover the cost of eyeglasses or contact lenses for children 17 and under.

“We are delighted to see the provincial government place an emphasis on health and social services with this year’s budget – particularly as it relates to eye care,” said Dr. Alan Ulsifer, Chairman & CEO of FYidoctors. “According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, over 25% of school age children have vision problems. Providing financial assistance to offset the costs associated with proper eye care is a great first step to addressing this issue.”

FYidoctors | Visique recognizes that vision is an integral component of a child’s education and has been providing similar support to Canadians through their Better Sights. Better Grades. program since 2014. Through the Better Sight. Better Grades. program, FYidoctors | Visique optometrists and staff work with local schools and community organizations to identify children (13 years or younger) who may be having vision problems and who could potentially need corrective lenses, but whose families may not have the means to afford them. Once identified, comprehensive eye exams are undertaken to create custom fittings for these young patients and complimentary eyeglasses are provided. In the last 14 months alone, FYidoctors | Visique has provided a total of 418 children in need with a pair of glasses and donated $212,815 worth of eyewear.

Although the provincial government has stated that their program will commence in September, FYidoctors | Visique will continue to donate $5 from every purchase of children’s eyewear towards their Better Sights. Better Grades. program and help even more children across the country.

Source: FYidoctors | Visique

March 28, 2019March 27, 2019

The 2019 Edition of the MIDO Eyewear Show Closes

The 49th MIDO ended in a display of continuity. It matched last year’s results but with a slight uptick that brought the number of visits over the three days of industry professionals from 159 countries to approx. 59,500.

“The extremely high quality of the products on display in all the pavilions was the thread that ran through MIDO 2019. Many exhibitors expressed their delight with the outcome of the fair, confirming that MIDO is still business-driven: effective for extending one’s network of contacts, making deals and talking trade”, remarked Giovanni Vitaloni, President of MIDO.

Many sports and entertainment celebrities were spotted in the halls, proving that MIDO also spells glamour and fashion – a must-attend on the calendars of those who want to rock the latest trends.

Digital media never slept: the wonder of MIDO was broadcast live on MIDOTV, which produced 130 videos this year, transmitted live on YouTube, garnering 100,000+ views just during the three days of the fair. Instagram and Facebook posts reached a million impressions as the excitement of exhibitors, visitors, bloggers and VIPs was captured with the hashtag #MIDO2019.

With MIDO 2019 over, work is already under way on the next edition, marking MIDO’s milestone 50th anniversary. “A packed calendar of events is in the works for 2020, designed to involve the entire industry – companies, opticians, buyers, the media and institutions – for a proper celebration of the Gold Edition”, concludes Vitaloni.

See you next year: February 29 – March 2, 2020

Click HERE for the full press release.

March 27, 2019May 20, 2026

OWP Ladies: Exclusive acetate with discreet highlights

Model 2183’s well-balanced, elegant square lens with vibrant fresh OWP signature acetates makes it the perfect accessory for every outfit. The lugs made of colour-coordinated acetates are decorative details providing muted highlights. Elegantly faceted stainless-steel temples with long acetate temple tips round off this feminine look.

The OWP ladies’ collection represents attention to detail and superb design. Whether they are feminine and vibrant or timelessly elegant – every one of our creations stands out thanks to its unique character and, as such, is the perfect statement piece for fashion-conscious women.

Distributed by Lanctôt: www.rlanctot.com

Vision Expo East 2019 Sees Increase in Overall Attendance and Optical Buyers

Transitions Announces the Launch of Transitions® Signature® GEN 8™

Visique Statement on Quebec’s 2019 Budget

The 2019 Edition of the MIDO Eyewear Show Closes

OWP Ladies: Exclusive acetate with discreet highlights

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