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Design Eyewear Group Acquires MENRAD Brand and Licensing Agreements with Jaguar, JOOP! and Morgan

Design Eyewear Group logo 2025

Design Eyewear Group has announced a significant expansion of its brand portfolio. As part of its ongoing strategy focused on innovation, creativity, and international growth, the company has secured new licensing agreements with Jaguar, JOOP!, and Morgan, and has acquired full proprietary ownership of the MENRAD brand, including all design rights and technical assets.

Design Eyewear Group menrad jaguar joop morgan logos

Formerly under the umbrella of the 125-year-old German eyewear manufacturer MENRAD, these brands each bring a distinctive identity, established customer base, and international recognition that align with our values and expertise in eyewear design and distribution.

With the addition of these brands, Design Eyewear Group (DEG) is strengthening their presence in especially Germany, and see major potential to expand in the US, Canada and other major eyewear markets globally.

Strategic Growth with Purpose

According to Lars Flyvholm, CEO of Design Eyewear Group, a key factor in the acquisition – carried out in the wake of MENRAD’s unfortunate insolvency – was DEG’s reputation as a stable, long-standing company with deep industry knowledge and strong customer relationships. Honouring MENRAD’s long- standing legacy, the acquisition represents a natural fit: both for the brands themselves and for Design Eyewear Group’s identity and values.

“This portfolio expansion reinforces our long-term strategy: to offer a diverse, high-quality selection of eyewear brands that resonate globally and reflect individual expression. The license owners have shown strong enthusiasm for partnering with us—not only because of our distinctive design profile and our ability to translate brand DNA into compelling eyewear collections, but also due to our solid track record, established market presence, and well- developed sales and distribution network in Europe and North America.”

Bringing New Life to Established Icons

The acquisition of the brand MENRAD marks a significant milestone. Not only is DEG taking over the entire inventory but also have full creative and commercial control of a brand with storing potential for revitalization and growth. MENRAD is known for its skilled craftmanship and technical innovation, and we look forward to shaping its next chapter under our roof.

A New Chapter Begins

“Entering the world of licensing marks an exciting new chapter for us. It’s a natural evolution of our design expertise and global presence—and it opens the door to fresh opportunities for growth. We’re committed to working closely with license owners, combining their deep brand knowledge with our strengths in product development and distribution. Each eyewear collection will be crafted in close alignment with the brand’s identity, ensuring every frame reflects the DNA that customers know and trust. We look forward to sharing more as development begins across these new lines,” Lars Flyvholm concludes.

Design Eyewear Group will take over the brands starting June 10, 2025.

Click HERE for the press release.

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Ray-Ban Kids Introduces Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Collection

Lilo and Stitch Ray Ban sun and optical frames

Just in time for the highly anticipated live-action reimagining of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch which crash landed in theaters May 23rd, Ray-Ban Kids is bringing the wonder of Disney to young fans with the launch of the Ray-Ban | Disney Lilo & Stitch Collection. Inspired by the mischievous fugitive alien Stitch and the heartwarming story of family and friendship, this collection blends iconic Ray-Ban craftsmanship with playful, kid-friendly design.

Featuring a vibrant purple and blue design, these sunglasses capture the essence of Stitch’s chaotic yet lovable personality. Built with bio-nylon frames, bio-rubber nose pads and temples, this style ensures all-day comfort and durability for little explorers. Adding a touch of Disney storytelling, prints of Stitch on both temple tips make these frames a must-have for young fans ready to experience the beloved classic in a new way.

The live action “Lilo & Stitch” is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. The new film is directed by Oscar® nominated, Dean Fleischer Camp and stars Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis.

Combining UV protection, comfort, and fun, the Ray-Ban | Disney Lilo & Stitch Collection is the ultimate accessory for kids looking to express their love for Disney while staying protected in the sun.

The collection is available at select retailers and throughout Ray-Ban and SunglassHut stores and channels with a SRP of $112.

SUN – RJ9077S:
Lightweight bio-based1 frame with a lovable Stitch print. Features bio- nylon G15 lenses, bio-rubber nose pads, and temple injections for comfort and a secure fit. Available in cute colorways, including Ray-Ban Kids’ best-selling purple.

Lilo and Stitch Ray Ban Kids
RJ9077S

OPTICAL – RY1631:
Lightweight bio-based2 optical frame with fun Stitch details on the temples. Features bio-rubber nose pads and temple injections for all-day comfort. A clip- on function transforms them into sleek sunglasses. Available in Ray-Ban Kids’ best-selling purple.

Lilo & Stitch Ray-Ban Kids
RY1631

1 *Lenses designed with bio-nylon containing 40% bio-based carbon content** (available only for classic sun lenses). Non metallic frames also feature bio-based frames with 57% bio-based carbon content**.

** tested according to ASTM D6866 standard

2 *Lenses designed with bio-nylon containing 40% bio-based carbon content** (available only for classic sun lenses). Non metallic frames also feature bio-based frames with 57% bio-based carbon content**.

** tested according to ASTM D6866 standard

Click HERE for the press release.

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Canadian New ODS Launch 2025 Workforce Report Backed by OSI Group

OSI Group logo

OSI Group (Optometric Services Inc.) announces the release of the 2025 Canadian New ODs Workforce Report. Developed in partnership with OSI Group, the publication was authored by Dr. Wynn Nguyen and Dr. Abraham Yuen from the Canadian New ODs community.

OSI Canadian New OD survey

This year’s Workforce Report offers a valuable snapshot of the current state of the optometric profession for recent graduates. Conducted between January and February 2025, the survey gathers data from ODs who graduated between 2013 and 2024.

The Report provides new Canadian graduates with insights into the current state of the optometric profession, helping them make informed career decisions. At the same time, it gives practice owners valuable information to enhance recruitment and retention in the industry’s evolving landscape.

Dr. Nguyen, who spearheaded the study, underscores OSI’s involvement, “OSI’s sponsorship was instrumental in the development, execution of the survey—including data gathering. Their commitment to emerging professionals highlights the power of collaboration in shaping a stronger future for our industry.”

OSI Group CEO Patrice Lacoste adds, “We are dedicated to supporting the next generation of ODs, and this report gives both clinic owners and new grads the context to connect, collaborate, and move forward with shared purpose.”

With the release of the 2025 Workforce Report, Canadian New ODs reaffirms its commitment to being a trusted voice for new professionals—advocating for transparency, education, and opportunity within the optometric field. The important initiative also aligns with OSI’s ongoing commitment to supporting independent optometry clinic owners and associate ODs across the country.

Click HERE for the press release.

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Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Announces Santen as Newest Member

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC), a coalition of leading ophthalmic companies and eye health associations, has announced the addition of Santen, an ophthalmic pharmaceutical company, as the newest member of its coalition. The partnership reflects GMAC’s ongoing efforts to unite global stakeholders in raising public awareness about childhood myopia and the importance of early intervention, according to the announcement. Santen, headquartered in Japan, with more than 130 years of expertise in eyecare, has a long-standing commitment to advancing eye health through science, innovation and collaboration, the announcement said.

Santen’s global research and development, manufacturing, and sales and marketing of eyecare pharmaceutical products align closely with GMAC’s mission to educate and equip families, caregivers and communities to manage myopia proactively, according to the announcement.

“We are delighted to welcome Santen to GMAC,” said Olga Prenat, board chair of GMAC. “Santen’s addition reflects the growing momentum behind our shared mission to address childhood myopia as a global priority. Each new member strengthens our ability to reach more communities, drive greater impact and speak with a unified voice on the importance of early action in protecting children’s vision.”

As a GMAC member, Santen will collaborate with other global organizations to support initiatives that promote regular eye exams, educate families about childhood myopia and encourage informed conversations between parents and eyecare professionals, the coalition noted.

“At Santen, our purpose is to protect vision and help people live happier, more fulfilling lives. Addressing childhood myopia is critical to that mission,” said Ioana Grobeiu, vice president, medical affairs EMEA at Santen. “We believe that myopia should not be a limiting factor in children’s lives and that they should have better chances to enjoy healthy vision. By joining GMAC, we are strengthening our commitment to early intervention, scientific leadership and meaningful cross-sector collaboration to protect children’s vision and support their well-being.”

GMAC announced its 2025 board of directors in February, as reported in Optik NOW.

Formed in 2019, GMAC is a coalition of eyecare companies and eye health associations with a mission to increase public awareness about the growing prevalence and consequences of myopia, especially in children. GMAC partners with professional associations and their members to provide eyecare professionals with the tools and resources needed to educate parents and children about myopia, its impact on vision, and the importance of early and regular eye exams.

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Eye Care Leaders Convene to Shape the Collaborative Future of the Professions

AOE Academy of Ophthalmic Education logo 2025

A new national initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration across the eye care profession was officially launched this week, uniting professionals and policymakers under a shared goal of advancing vision care in Canada.

The event, titled Shaping the Future of Eye Care Together, marked the beginning of a collaboration between the Academy of Ophthalmic Education (AOE) and the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). It brought together representatives from all three Os—opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists—as well as Members of Parliament and industry leaders.

Among the attendees was the Honourable Dawn Gallagher Murphy, who joined a broad cross-section of stakeholders for an evening focused on professional unity and sector advancement.

A central component of the evening was a panel discussion featuring a lineup of prominent voices in Canadian eye care:

  • Dr. Allan Ulsifer, CEO, FYi Health Group
  • Dr. Baseer Khan, Founder and Ophthalmologist, Clarity Eye Institute
  • Dr. Kerry Salsberg, OD and Founder, Eyes on Sheppard
  • Dr. Stan Woo, Director, University of Waterloo School of Optometry
  • Dr. Wes McCann, Founder, Doctors Vision Group

The panel was moderated by Urooj Faisal, Vice President – RBC Healthcare, and explored topics such as practice growth, innovation, interprofessional collaboration, and the evolving landscape of patient-centered care.

The gathering underscored growing momentum for interprofessional dialogue in the vision sector and highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.

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