Blog

December 3, 2014April 24, 2018

Luxottica and Intel both focused on smart eyewear

Luxottica and Intel Corporation have formed a multi-year alliance to fuse “smart” technology with luxury and sports eyewear.

The first product to come out of the collaboration is expected to launch in 2015. The two companies hope to create frames that integrate a limited number of apps, adding real value for the wearer, without having to compromise on design.

The engineers and developers will work in California, whereas all design will be done in Italy. Part of the projects will be completed in Asia.

The agreement in no way takes away from the partnership that exists between Luxottica and Google for the development of Google Glass, a new version of which will be released in 2015.

For further information: http://www.luxottica.com/en/Luxottica_intel_pressrelease

http://www.visionmonday.com/latest-news/article/luxottica-and-intel-announce-multiyear-collaboration-for-wearable-tech-and-smart-eyewear-development-1/

December 2, 2014April 24, 2018

REVO announces strategic partnership with Centennial Optical Canada

REVO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sequential Brands Group, Inc. announced that it has entered into a long-term distribution agreement with Centennial Optical for distribution of its performance eyewear in Canada for both optical and non-optical markets. This agreement will take effect in January 2015.

B. Robinson Optical of New York manufactures REVO sunglasses under an exclusive license agreement with Sequential Group.

“REVO essentially invented performance eyewear and our intention is to build upon this great heritage to help grow the brand throughout Canada.” Our company will work closely with REVO and we are very excited to have this opportunity to bring such an innovative sunglass brand to optical market and retailers,” added Allen Nightingale, Vice President of Centennial Optical.

For further details: https://www.optiknow.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/REVO-Canadian-press-release.pdf

December 1, 2014April 24, 2018

A space challenge for ophthalmology

Two American research organizations have launched the Vision for Mars challenge to ophthalmology companies.

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) and the Center for Space Medicine at Baylor University, in Texas, hope to identify and support progress in medical technologies for eye health in space. The Vision for Mars challenge is a collaborative research and funding program.

The main objective is to develop diagnostic solutions and devices that can operate in space. Scientists do not yet have a good understanding of the impacts that long periods in space have on vision, but have evidence that prolonged exposure to reduced gravity can affect vision in astronauts.

For further information: http://www.nsbriforum.org/Commercialization_Assistance/Vision_for_Mars/

December 1, 2014April 24, 2018

WestGroupe U.S.A. appoints new vice-president of sales

WestGroupe announced the appointment of Mr. Dennis Davis as the new vice-president of sales for WestGroupe U.S.A., commencing December 1, 2014 and reporting to the vice-president of North American sales, Mike Debono.

“I am excited to be able to share my 20 plus years of experience, knowledge, and insights in the optical industry with the WestGroupe team,” says Mr. Davis. “I’m looking forward to joining such a progressive and forward thinking organization, and can’t wait to get started.”

Mr. Davis began his career in the optical industry in 1991, as a sales representative with Optyl/Carrera. For the last ten years, he had held the position of vice-president of sales at Charmant Group Inc., U.S.A. He brings with him a great deal of knowledge, and established relationships that he has built up over the years with an outstanding network of people throughout the industry.

“I am confident that his contribution to our organization and to our customers will be tremendous,” says WestGroupe President, Michael Suliteanu. “He will surely help the company in continuing our servicing of the optical market globally.”

Source: WestGroupe

November 28, 2014April 24, 2018

Centennial Optical launches SPINE Eyewear

Centennial Optical introduces SPINE Eyewear, a revolution in performance, which will be available on the Canadian market in January 2015.

Inspired by the interaction between vertebrae, SPINE solves hinge limitations. Constructed with micro injected metal (MiM) hinges, SPINE Eyewear will morph to fit any face shape or head size with the lightest touch. Due to its dual springs and spun wire cable, SPINE temples also automatically retract when removed from the face – heightening its preservation capabilities. Designed for everyday wear, SPINE is a collection that features classic, minimal shapes.

“We are proud to collaborate with the teams at Mondottica and Rem Eyewear for the worldwide distribution of this patented technology,” said Allen Nightingale, VP of Centennial Optical Limited.

The introduction of SPINE is a unique global collaboration between Centennial Optical, REM Eyewear and Mondotticca – combining teams with decades of experience in every aspect of the eyewear industry. Through this international partnership, SPINE will be fully supported to achieve success in the Canadian, US, and global markets.

For further details: https://www.optiknow.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Spine-launch-press.pdf