Blog

June 2, 2016October 11, 2019

Update: Latest Canadian Optical Market Data now Available

The Q4 consumer panel data from VisionWatch Canada has been updated. The report now reflects a breakout of key measures by gender and by age category. Per cent use of vision correction devices, repurchase cycles, and average price paid for lenses and frames, are among the “demographic comparisons” provided.

As reported by VuePoint InfoClip in April, the data shows that the key measures from the initial Q2 study are confirmed, including 65% use of any vision correction device, 26% of the adult population having an eye examination in the last 6 months and a 2.5 year eyewear repurchase cycle. The report also adds consumer measures of Refractive Surgery, indicating that the percentage of Canadians having refractive surgery in the past 6 months as being considerably higher than in the US.

A Chicago Tribute article, published May 30 in the Toronto Star indicated that the number of LASIK procedures had fallen more than 50% form 2007 to 2015. No Canadian data was reported in the Star article.

The full Vision Watch Canada report can be viewed by clicking here.

June 1, 2016April 24, 2018

Mirta Sunglasses with a Glitter Touch

The eyewear collection for Spring/Summer 2016 introduces new sunglasses and optical frames inspired by Jimmy Choo’s signature glamour and high fashion aesthetic. Embellishment and luxurious detailing is de rigueur as the new eyewear introduces jeweled ornamentation, exotic leather inlays and bands of glitter that harmonize with the brands accessories collections.

Mirta, the futuristic round‐shaped sunglasses are accented with a sparkling diagonal band of glitter that continues through to the temple on one side. An optical half‐frame version with the same treatment is also available. These sunglasses are offered in black with black tonal glitter and grey flash shaded lenses, Havana with gold glitter stripe and brown flash shaded lenses, petrol with green glitter and grey shaded/aqua lenses, red with red glitter and grey shaded lenses, glitter black with black detail and dark grey shaded lenses.

www.safilo.com

May 31, 2016April 24, 2018

Opto-Réseau Changes Granby’s Landscape

Granby, QC – Dr. Alain Côté, Dr. Jean‑Yves Roy and Dr. Lisiane Tomassini, optometrists, were delighted to inaugurate their new Opto‑Réseau clinic in Granby, QC during a special event held May 25. The new concept for the 4,000-foot² clinic offers over 1,500 frames in a minimalist decor.

The clinic’s owners are fortunate to have a well-known team of optometrists from the community: Dr. Mélanie Beaudry, Dr. Gilbert Fortier and Dr. Marie-Michelle Clair. Dr. Fortier is also a columnist for Optik Magazine.

Clients will also benefit from the expertise of a team of three seasoned opticians and four assistants.

Dr. Marie-Michelle Clair, Dr. Mélanie Beaudry and Dr. Gilbert Fortier, Optometrists

May 30, 2016April 24, 2018

Safilo and Jimmy Choo Renew Licence Agreement Through 2023

Safilo Group and Jimmy Choo, the luxury fashion brand, announce the early renewal of their agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of the Jimmy Choo Eyewear collection.

The agreement has now been extended to December 31, 2023.

The new agreement also includes the launch of a Jimmy Choo men’s collection, with a first capsule edition to be presented in the brand’s boutiques and in a global selection of the most prestigious optical stores, starting from January 2018.

Click HERE for the full press release.

May 30, 2016April 24, 2018

Dr. Michael Chaiken is the New President of IRIS The Visual Group

IRIS The Visual Group appointed Dr. Michael Chaiken as president at a shareholders’ meeting held Friday, May 27, 2016.

The new president himself confirmed the news, of which he was informed the day before, in a phone interview with clipinfo.ca. Since the sudden death in July 2014 of Dr. Francis Jean, founder and president of the IRIS Group, the company was operating under the leadership of a committee of seven vice-presidents.

“I’m honoured by this appointment and intend to ensure that IRIS continues to grow according to the values that Dr. Jean believed in,” says Dr. Chaiken. “Our objective is to hold 20% of the market share in Canada, which is about 400 to 500 stores.” IRIS presently has about 150.

Dr. Michael Chaiken joined IRIS in 2008 and held the position of Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs. He is a former president of the Quebec Order of Optometrists and a former Chairman of the Canadian Optometric Regulatory Authorities (CORA), which he helped found in 1995.

For the full press release, click HERE.