Marcolin and GANT announce the early renewal of their exclusive licensing agreement for the design, production and worldwide distribution of GANT sunglasses and eyeglasses.
The partnership has been extended through 2032, further strengthening the well-established relationship between the two companies. GANT is a brand rooted on the East Coast of the United States and developed in Europe, embodying elements of both cultures. Quality and innovation are the brand’s core values, with origins in traditional shirt-making.
Since 2013, GANT Eyewear has reflected the brand’s American Sportswear heritage along with its more refined European influences, offering sunglasses and optical frames that are contemporary while staying true to GANT’s iconic preppy style.
The GANT Eyewear collection stands out for its refined and timeless aesthetic, classic designs, and seasonal highlights – always striving for modernity without losing sight of its heritage.
The eyewear collections will be available at selected retailers and on gant.com.
This acquisition will enhance the company’s portfolio of myopia management solutions and further reinforce its leading global position in vision care by also integrating specialty contact lenses.
Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH announced today that it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Brighten Optix, listed on Taipei Exchange. Brighten Optix is a leading player in the field of orthokeratology (short: ortho-k)* and specialty contact lenses. The capability and products of Brighten Optix will now play an important role in ZEISS Vision Care’s long-term strategy and success. With this acquisition, ZEISS Vision Care is making a strong addition to its already successful myopia management portfolio.
Brighten Optix products are already widely available and successfully used by eye care professionals and eye clinics in Greater China and across Southeast Asia. Their proven and innovative portfolio of specialty contact lenses will complement ZEISS Vision Care’s existing myopia control offerings. Ortho-k lenses are used to manage progressive myopia in children; a condition which can lead to high myopia and even loss of sight. Brighten Optix offers some of the market’s most advanced products and brands such as myOK.
“Progressive myopia is one of the biggest vision care challenges we see in the world today. The topic is so important as the sight of children is at risk. We are already proud of our spectacle lens portfolio, which is clinically proven to significantly slow the progression of myopia. But at the same time, we also know that we need to offer even more options to our partners, the doctors and eye care professionals. That is why we are delighted to have found such a great partner. Our future partnership will allow us to meet exactly this need. We will broaden our portfolio and enable our customers to protect and improve the vision of many more children”, says Sven Hermann, CEO of ZEISS Vision Care and Member of the Executive Board of ZEISS. “Furthermore, Brighten Optix is known for its commitment to research and development. With ZEISS’ heritage of leading innovation, I am confident that this common strength will be of even greater advantage in our joint future”, Hermann concludes.
“We are excited to join a leading, worldwide and visionary company like ZEISS,” says Richard Wu, General Manager of Brighten Optix. “Our business has flourished thanks to pioneering, industry-leading products, and we’re eager to capitalize on this chance to help grow and shape the future of vision care and in particular contact lenses and myopia management. Personally, I am proud and thankful to everyone at Brighten Optix for their unwavering commitment and expertise in improving and protecting vision over the last 50 years since my father founded the company. And I am confident that the talented teams of Brighten Optix and ZEISS Vision Care will accomplish great things together”, Wu adds.
The acquisition is expected to close early 2026. The transaction remains subject to completion of certain conditions and all applicable regulatory approvals. Morgan Stanley served as exclusive financial advisor to ZEISS Vision Care in relation to this transaction.
*Orthokeratology in short Ortho-K: The patient wears form-stable contact lenses at night to change the curvature of the cornea, so the wearer can see well without glasses during the day. These lenses have been shown to reduce the progression of myopia.
Canadian to their roots, the Roots eyewear collection features classic,timeless designs, that are functional and stylish, yet comfortable and a great fit.Explore the Eco collection, that is made from recycled acetate and metal. Contact yourCentennial Optical representative to view the entire collection.
Centennial Optical is an independent, Canadian-owned company distributing ophthalmic frames and lenses, sunglasses, lab supplies, cases and accessories, nationally and internationally. Founded in 1967, Centennial sells optical goods and services to Eye Care Professionals (Optometrists, Opticians and Ophthalmologists), optical laboratories and optical retailers. Centennial is fully licensed by Health Canada to sell Class I and Class II medical devices. With corporate headquarters and central distribution located in Toronto, Centennial also has local customer service in Montreal and Vancouver.
Eyewear (Frames)
Centennial Optical began as a distributor of ophthalmic frames, selling its own exclusive brands. Today, in addition to being the Canadian distributor for several international designer brands of eyewear, such as Ann Taylor, BCBG MAXAZRIA, Ben Sherman, Champion, Christian Lacroix, FILA, Hackett, Jones New York, London Fog, Nicole Miller, Paradigm, Psycho Bunny, TLG and Vera Wang, Centennial works closely in developing and bringing to market Canadian fashion icons Alfred Sung, Roots and Beaver Canoe.
Lenses and Lab Supplies
Centennial is the Canadian wholesale distributor for Rodenstock and Kodak Lenses, plus other ophthalmic lenses from Signet Armorlite, Vision Ease, NuPolar and other lenses by Younger Optics, and lens products from a number of other manufacturers. Centennial’s house lens brands, CHOICE and Centoptic, offer customers an exceptional combination of performance and value in a wide selection of materials and treatments. Centennial is also pleased to offer a full range of lab supplies from 3M, BPI, DAC Vision and other suppliers.
Sunwear
Centennial is proud to distribute Serengeti, Bollé, and REVO Sunwear, both plano and Rx, to Canadian ECPs. As the maker of the world’s finest driving sunglass, Serengeti utilizes only the latest technologies and premium materials. Bollé constantly refines their trademark combination of fit, fashion and comfort, for high quality performance and protection. REVO sunglasses blend sleek design, tailored fit and legendary lens protection.
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On Saturday, June 21, dozens of athletes and avid cyclists will be gearing up and riding together from Vaughan to Alliston and Collingwood, ON for EyeRide 2025. The second-annual cycling event raises vital funds for two small-but-mighty organizations: TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club and BALANCE for Blind Adults, with a goal of raising $100,000 for recreation and mental health programs benefitting the vision loss community in Ontario.
EyeRide was founded in 2024 with a mission to provide an uplifting experience to adventurous souls who share a common vision: making a difference in the lives of those who are blind or partially-sighted. With ride distance options ranging from 33km to 130km, EyeRide empowers individuals with vision loss, helping them to build connections and relationships forged by training and cycling together or alongside sighted participants. Whether cycling tandem – a bike made for two riders – or solo, participants ride with passion and purpose.
“The inaugural EyeRide raised $57,000 for programs that help promote mental and physical well-being for individuals with vision loss, while breaking down barriers by forging connections between the vision loss community and sighted individuals,” said Laura Feltz, Co-Chair, EyeRide 2025. “EyeRide creates a stigma-free world where members of the blind and partially-sighted community thrive as active participants in Canadian society and achieve their full potential.”
Participants can register for EyeRide via RaceRoster, with a flat fee of $53.67 for the Toronto to Alliston or Toronto to Collingwood rides. Riders will receive an official EyeRide jersey, snacks throughout the route, a catered lunch and much more. There is also a virtual option for those who wish to complete their own activity throughout the month of June.
Cycle, Connect, Change Lives: Together, we can make a difference for people living with vision loss.
Date and Time:Saturday, June 21, 2025, 8:00 a.m. (cyclists are asked to arrive at 7:15 a.m.)
Start Line: Hwy. 407 TTC Station Parking Lot, 7332 Jane St., Vaughan.
Finish Lines: PPG Park, 31 Tupper St. W., Alliston, or Collingwood Brewery, 10 Sandford Fleming Dr., Collingwood.
The second episode of the Eye on the Industry podcast dropped this week, and it made clear from the start: this won’t be your average industry talk show. Hosts Christine Zeggil and Isabelle Tremblay blend experience, advocacy, and wit as they dive into serious conversations—without taking themselves too seriously.
Broadcasting with coffee in hand, they welcomed longtime friend and optical changemaker Robert Dalton, Executive Director of the Opticians Association of Canada, for a deep and often moving conversation on children’s vision care, access to services, and the policy changes needed to make vision a national priority.
Why Children’s Vision Deserves a National Strategy
Dalton pulls no punches in describing the current state of children’s eye care in Canada: inconsistent, patchwork, and often inaccessible. While some provinces like Quebec and PEI have commendable programs, the lack of consistency across Canada means that access too often depends on where a child lives—or whether their parent can take a day off work.
“We need to stop expecting kids to come to care,” Dalton said. “We need to start bringing care to them.” Whether it’s school-based vision screening, mobile exams, or direct billing for glasses, Dalton makes the case that seeing clearly is not a luxury—it’s foundational to learning, development, and confidence.
Robert Dalton
From Myopia to Missed Opportunities
The conversation turned to the rising prevalence of myopia in Canadian children, with Dalton calling for a shift in mindset from simply correcting refractive errors to understanding and managing their root causes. He stressed the importance of outdoor time and early intervention, noting how kids as young as six are already showing prescriptions of -6.00 or higher.
Even more concerning? Many children in at-risk or underserved communities are missing exams altogether. “We’ve seen kids with a +6 or -4 who have never had a pair of glasses,” Dalton shared, calling those moments both heartbreaking and motivating.
A Call for Policy, Partnership—and People Power
Dalton highlighted a major recent win: Bill C-284, Canada’s new national vision strategy. Though it doesn’t come with funding yet, it mandates the development of a national plan. That, Dalton says, is an opportunity to get it right—with clear goals around access, prevention, and collaboration.
He also emphasized the critical role parents, educators, and industry stakeholders must play. From taking kids outside to asking tough questions at school or city hall, every action counts. “Everyone has a role,” he said, “and we need to act like it.”
Advocacy with a Smile
In between policy insights, the episode was peppered with the podcast’s signature levity. Dalton shared stories of his humble—and hilariously awkward—beginnings in optics, including the time he “proved” he was a licensed professional by presenting his motorcycle driver’s license during a job interview.
Rapid-fire questions closed out the show, including Dalton’s superhero alter ego (Superman, for the x-ray vision, naturally) and his optician-themed autobiography title: Grinding It Out: A Prismatic Journey.
What’s Next for the Podcast
With topics lined up ranging from smart lens tech to business growth strategies, Eye on the Industry is setting out to be a must-listen for anyone in eye care. But beyond information, Isabelle and Christine are aiming for impact—creating a space that informs, empowers, and yes, occasionally makes you laugh out loud.
Follow the podcast at eyeontheindustry.ca, or wherever you get your podcasts. And as the hosts say: stay sharp, stay stylish, and keep your eye on the industry.
SightGlass Vision has launched “Control the Contrast,” a global education campaign aimed at increasing awareness of contrast management in myopia control among eye care professionals.
Registration is now open for the American Academy of Optometry’s 2026 Myopia Summit, a one-day program focused on evidence-based strategies for myopia management.
Alternative Eyewear and East Optical have signed an exclusive agreement to distribute MyoPro myopia control lenses in Canada for independent eye care practices.
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education has published Issue 89 of Contact Lens Update, focusing on the benefits and clinical considerations of prescribing contact lenses for children.
Canadian Optical Supply is celebrating 75 years of service to the Canadian optical industry. Founded in Montreal in 1951, the family-owned company is marking the milestone by honouring its legacy of innovation, customer care and enduring partnerships with eye care professionals across Canada.
SightGlass Vision has launched “Control the Contrast,” a global education campaign aimed at increasing awareness of contrast management in myopia control among eye care professionals.
Registration is now open for the American Academy of Optometry’s 2026 Myopia Summit, a one-day program focused on evidence-based strategies for myopia management.
Alternative Eyewear and East Optical have signed an exclusive agreement to distribute MyoPro myopia control lenses in Canada for independent eye care practices.
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education has published Issue 89 of Contact Lens Update, focusing on the benefits and clinical considerations of prescribing contact lenses for children.
Canadian Optical Supply is celebrating 75 years of service to the Canadian optical industry. Founded in Montreal in 1951, the family-owned company is marking the milestone by honouring its legacy of innovation, customer care and enduring partnerships with eye care professionals across Canada.
SightGlass Vision has launched “Control the Contrast,” a global education campaign aimed at increasing awareness of contrast management in myopia control among eye care professionals.
Registration is now open for the American Academy of Optometry’s 2026 Myopia Summit, a one-day program focused on evidence-based strategies for myopia management.
Alternative Eyewear and East Optical have signed an exclusive agreement to distribute MyoPro myopia control lenses in Canada for independent eye care practices.
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education has published Issue 89 of Contact Lens Update, focusing on the benefits and clinical considerations of prescribing contact lenses for children.
Canadian Optical Supply is celebrating 75 years of service to the Canadian optical industry. Founded in Montreal in 1951, the family-owned company is marking the milestone by honouring its legacy of innovation, customer care and enduring partnerships with eye care professionals across Canada.
SightGlass Vision has launched “Control the Contrast,” a global education campaign aimed at increasing awareness of contrast management in myopia control among eye care professionals.
Registration is now open for the American Academy of Optometry’s 2026 Myopia Summit, a one-day program focused on evidence-based strategies for myopia management.
Alternative Eyewear and East Optical have signed an exclusive agreement to distribute MyoPro myopia control lenses in Canada for independent eye care practices.
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education has published Issue 89 of Contact Lens Update, focusing on the benefits and clinical considerations of prescribing contact lenses for children.
Canadian Optical Supply is celebrating 75 years of service to the Canadian optical industry. Founded in Montreal in 1951, the family-owned company is marking the milestone by honouring its legacy of innovation, customer care and enduring partnerships with eye care professionals across Canada.
