Soar in Style: Meet Dragonfly, Where Art Meets Eyewear

Voila Optik September-October 2025 AYA Dragonfly

Introducing Dragonfly — a bold clubmaster frame infused with Jim Yellowhawk’s powerful Four Winds ledger art. Striking black, red, yellow, and white stripes symbolize unity and direction. This unisex, fashion-forward style merges cultural meaning with modern design for eyewear that truly makes a statement!

Distributed by Claudia Alan: www.claudiaalan.com

About AYA Optical:

Celebrate Indigenous Art with Us!

We believe that art is transformative, and that eyewear can be the canvas to share stories and art from around the world. AYA Eyewear was first launched in 2009 in collaboration with renowned First Nations Artist Corrine Hunt and has continued to flourish and grow every year.

We are committed to the details and realize that beautiful design takes time, precision, and attention, so we don’t cut corners. We stand by our product. We treat our artists as our partners and make sure that their stories and art are always shared in the most heartfelt authentic way.

We take pride in our service and seek opportunities to give back to the communities we serve and the artist’s charities of choice.

AYA Eyewear is truly a brand that stands out from the crowd and is loved by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike.

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September 24, 2025September 25, 2025

Specsavers Canada and Chris Hadfield Extend Partnership to Promote Eye Health

Specsavers Chris Hatfield image Sept 2025

Specsavers Canada has announced the continuation of its partnership with Canadian astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield in a new national campaign that emphasizes the importance of regular, comprehensive eye exams.

“Chris Hadfield’s rare perspective as an astronaut adds real depth to our message,” said Catherine Walsh, VP Marketing and PR at Specsavers Canada. “His trusted voice helps us encourage Canadians to protect their vision before problems develop.”

The campaign uses Specsavers’ trademark humour to connect the extraordinary demands of space travel with everyday vision challenges such as reading in low light and spending long hours on screens.

“I’ve been fortunate to see the world from outer space, and it reminds me how vital sight is in daily life,” said Hadfield. “That’s why I get a detailed eye exam every year, including OCT. Everyone should—your vision is precious.”

Specsavers underlines that many eye conditions progress without symptoms. That is why its optometrists use advanced tools such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), a 3D scan that can help detect conditions like diabetes, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration at an early stage. All Specsavers locations in Canada are equipped with OCT, offered as part of every comprehensive eye exam.

Source: Specsavers Canada

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September 24, 2025September 24, 2025

Boost Your Odds in the “Proudly Canadian” Contest — Refer a Friend!

We’re turning up the patriotic pride this fall with our new Optik “Proudly Canadian” Subscriber Contest — created exclusively for the Canadian eye care industry. Whether you’re in practice, on the road, or behind the scenes in the optical industry, this is your chance to win amazing prizes just for staying informed with Optik.

For over 20 years, Optik Magazine has been Canada’s most comprehensive B2B publication dedicated to eye care and eyewear. Published in English and French, we proudly cover all facets of the industry — from clinical care and continuing education to frames, fashion, and business trends.

Now, we want to celebrate the community that makes it all possible: you.

🎁 What You Can Win

We’re giving away a series of One4ALL Ultimate Virtual Gift Cards, redeemable at dozens of beloved Canadian retailers and services including Tim Hortons, A&W, Cineplex, Gap, Golf Town, Air Canada, and many more.

Here’s how the prizes break down:

Early Bird Prizes:
Five lucky winners who subscribe by September 30, 2025 will receive a $50 gift card each.
Bonus Prizes:
Three subscribers with the most creative answers to our bonus question will win $100 gift cards, selected by the Optik Editorial Team.
Final Draw Prizes:
Ten more gift cards valued at $25 will be drawn at random from all entries received by December 15, 2025.

✨ How to Enter:

Click Here to Enter

Optik is — and has always been — 100% Canadian-owned and operated. We’re committed to serving the needs of Canada’s optical professionals with original, industry-relevant, bilingual content tailored to your business, your practice, and your patients.

By subscribing to Optik Digital, you’re staying ahead of the curve — and standing behind independent Canadian media created for and by members of your own professional community.

📬 Already subscribed?

You’re eligible too — just complete the contest form and bonus question to confirm your entry.

Let’s show the world what makes Canadian eye care truly great.
Enter today — and good luck!

👉 Read the full contest rules

September 24, 2025September 24, 2025

VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Winners Announced at Vision Expo West 2025

The winners of the 2025 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge were revealed live at Vision Expo West on September 18 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. Produced by RX and The Vision Council, in collaboration with VSP Vision™ and healthcare incubator MATTER, the competition highlighted emerging solutions designed to improve provider and patient experiences in eye care.

After a four-week startup bootcamp led by the VSP Global Innovation Center and MATTER, six finalists—three early-stage and three later-stage companies—pitched their innovations before a panel of industry judges and an audience of vision care professionals.

2025 Winners

Later-Stage Winner: Reyedar (Netherlands) – Eye tracking AI for early detection of glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s
Early-Stage Winner: Vitazi.ai (USA) – AI-powered decision support platform using retinal scans to detect diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders
Audience Choice Winner: Muse AI (USA) – AI eyewear recommendation tool helping independent optometrists and retailers deliver personalized shopping experiences

The winners were selected for their innovation, potential impact, and ability to enhance the overall eyecare experience.

Finalists

Other finalists included Remidio (AI-enabled remote care hardware and software), Vivid Vision (VR-based therapy for amblyopia and strabismus), and Soliddd (AR glasses for macular degeneration).

Judges and Industry Support

Judges represented a cross-section of the optical and investment communities, including Topcon, Sanitas, VSP Global Innovation Center, MATTER, Foundry, Nostalgic Eye Care, Revital Vision, and The Vision Council.

“Innovation in eye care is accelerating, which is why it’s crucial for the industry to actively participate,” said Will Flanagan, Head of VSP Global Innovation Center Program and Partnerships. “The Challenge demonstrates how collaboration among startups, healthcare incubators, and industry leaders can enhance access, promote equity, and improve the patient experience, all while keeping providers at the core of eye care.”

Innovation at Vision Expo

This year’s competition attracted 49 applicants from 12 countries and 18 U.S. states. Finalists took part in a startup bootcamp featuring industry workshops, strategy sessions, and mentorship, culminating with live pitches at Vision Expo West.

Alongside the challenge, Vision Expo debuted LaunchPad, a new technology showcase featuring more than 25 startups in AI, VR, AR, and diagnostics.

“Vision Expo has long been a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in the optical industry,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “This year’s VSP Vision Innovation Challenge elevated that tradition. The energy, ideas, and solutions from these startups illustrate the bright future of eyecare innovation.”

Source: Vision Expo

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September 24, 2025September 24, 2025

WestGroupe Extends Warranty on Nano Vista Collections to 5 Years

WestGroupe announces that the warranty period for all Nano Vista collections has been extended from three years to five years. This update highlights WestGroupe’s continued investment in product quality, customer satisfaction, and support for its retail partners across North America.

As the exclusive distributor of Nano Vista in North America, WestGroupe offers a full portfolio including Nano Indestructible, Nano Clip, Nano Glow, Nano Baby, Nano Sport, Nano Custom Fit, and Nano Sol. Known for their durability, flexibility, and child-friendly design, Nano Vista frames are a trusted solution for infants, toddlers, and children.

“The five-year warranty further strengthens Nano Vista’s position as the category leader in children’s eyewear,” said Beverly Suliteanu, VP of Product Development at WestGroupe. “This added assurance gives our retailers a stronger story to share with parents and reinforces WestGroupe’s commitment to long-term value.”

The extended coverage is designed to provide additional peace of mind for parents while giving retailers greater confidence and support when recommending Nano Vista eyewear.

Source: WestGroupe

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