Blog

August 26, 2015May 20, 2026

Keep it Simple: New Mexx Junior Styles

It’s back to school season! Two new acetate styles, in four different colour options, are now available for boys and girls. The girls’ version (style 5649) has a front made from sheet acetate and wide metal temples with the Mexx logo cut out of them. Your children will look all grown up! The colour combinations will show this too – those who like to be flashy can choose frames in iridescent fuchsia-violet or turquoise-blue, though we also have a cool crystal black. The boys’ style (style 5650) has an uncomplicated acetate front, brushed surfaces with an imitation wood effect and plain acetate temples.

The new styles belong to the growing Mexx Junior range. Size, bridge fit and temple length are optimised for young and petite faces. Currently, the Mexx Junior Collection includes 18 corrective eyewear styles.

Distributed by Lanctôt: www.rlanctot.com

August 26, 2015April 24, 2018

Optical Giants Make Forbes 2015 Top Global Innovators List

Based on the value placed on expectations of future innovation (new products, services and markets), Forbes ranked Essilor and Luxottica #62 and #65 respectively on the 2015 edition of their annual list of top 100 innovative companies. Quebec based Valeant Pharmaceuticals, parent of Bausch & Lomb, ranked #31.

In order to make the list, companies had to reach $10 Billion market capitalization and have at least 2.5% of revenue spent on R&D. US-based TESLA Motors ranked #1.

Source:
http://www.forbes.com/innovative-companies/list/#tab:rank

August 25, 2015May 20, 2026

Via Spiga Introduces Two New Models

Zyloware’s Via Spiga launches Gianna, an elegant oval frame designed for the classic woman in mind; showcasing digitally etched python print on the temples to give this frame a modern flair. The model is designed in a double-layer zyl, black over white and burgundy over blue, adding both strength and beauty in its depth of colour.

Mirabella is a frame that every woman will love, beginning with its matte stainless steel front continuing on to its modern python etched zyl temple. The frame front is a stunning flat sheet metal top with a wire bottom that will allow the frame to showcase the individual’s eye creating an exceptional balance of presence on the wearer’s face.

Via Spiga is distributed by Infinity Optical: http://infinityoptical.ca

August 25, 2015May 19, 2026

Optical Lab Division Announces Directors’ Choice Award and 2015 Hall of Fame

Awards honor individuals who have had a direct hand in helping to move our industry forward.

Alexandria, VA – The Optical Lab Division of The Vision Council announced today the industry veterans who will be recognized during the Directors’ Choice Award and 16th Annual Optical Lab Division Hall of Fame banquet on Wednesday, September 16th in conjunction with the Optical Lab Division Meeting and International Vision Expo West.

The Division has named Thomas F. Puckett, Founder, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HPC Puckett & Company, as the 2015 recipient of the Directors’ Choice Award. Established in 1987 under the Optical Laboratories Association (OLA), now the Optical Lab Division of The Vision Council, this award honors individuals and companies that have made outstanding contributions to the ophthalmic industry. Now in its twenty-ninth year, the award is still recognized as one of the most prestigious honors in the industry.

“Tom has been selected to receive this award because of his passion for the optical industry,” said Drake McLean, Optical Lab Division Chair. “He has not only advised and represented hundreds of optical company owners as they navigate a rapidly changing industry, Tom has also given back to the industry by the inception of the Optical Lab Division Hall of Fame”.
Puckett will be recognized alongside this year’s Optical Lab Division Hall of Fame inductees.

“The Optical Lab Division Hall of Fame continues to celebrate the rich heritage of the optical lab industry and the individuals who have contributed to its success,” said Mike Daley, CEO of The Vision Council. “It is my pleasure to announce the names of the individuals who have had a direct hand in helping to move our industry forward.”

2015 Optical Lab Division Hall of Fame Inductees

Jim Grootegoed, Optical Lab Products
Jim Ryan, Lens Technology, Inc. (retired)
Gunter Schneider, Schneider Optical Machines
Rick Tinson, Hoya Vision
Daryl Meister (posthumously)

Nominations for candidates for the Hall of Fame are submitted by members of The Vision Council. The selection of the individuals for the Optical Lab Division Hall of Fame is made by an anonymous committee of industry veterans. Consideration is given for contributions to the optical laboratory industry, Optical Lab Division of The Vision Council, the candidate’s individual accomplishments, personal character, reputation, and length of time active in the industry.

All members of the vision community are invited to attend the banquet, recognizing those who have contributed to the establishment of the wholesale optical industry. Tickets are free to members of The Vision Council, with RSVP. To learn more about the Optical Lab Division meeting and the Hall of Fame, or to reserve tickets for the banquet, visit www.thevisioncouncil.org/labmeeting.

August 24, 2015April 24, 2018

Canadians Honoured at 1st World Congress of Optometry

Canada was well represented at the 1st World Congress of Optometry (WCO), held from August 14 to 16 in Medellín, Colombia.

The inaugural WCO was organized by the World Council of Optometry in partnership with the Colombian Federation of Optometrists and brought together specialists from over 40 countries.

Dr. George Woo, founder of the world-renowned Centre for Sight Enhancement in Waterloo, Ontario, received the Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the field of low vision rehabilitation.

Canadian optometrist Dr. Allan Jones was the recipient of a WCO International Optometrist Award for his contributions to the development of vision care in the developing world. Dr. Jones has worked with the charity Canadian Vision Care for over 25 years and founded the first optometry school in Malawi as well as SPECS Eyetrain, a vision clinic in Manila, Philippines, constructed out of antique train cars.

World Council of Optometry president, Canadian optometrist Dr. Susan Cooper, in her speech at the awards presentation, said, “Each and every one of these award winners has made a significant and lasting contribution to the promotion and furtherance of their profession, and to supporting the WCO in realising our vision of a world where optometry makes high quality eye health and vision care accessible to all people.”

The next WCO will be held in Hyderabad, India, in 2017.

Further information: http://www.worldoptometry.org/en/news/index.cfm/WCO%20announces%20international%20optometrists%20awards