Vuarnet sunglasses have made a powerful comeback in North America. Various shapes, from the cat-eye to the aviator, in addition to the brand’s typical clip-ons, are available. All the mineral lenses are category 3 or 4, provide 100% UV protection and absorb between 90% and 95% visible light, while providing between 82% and 98% infrared filtration. www.vuarnet.com
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
OKO by OKO Paris expands BIZ line
OKO by OKO Paris has expanded its BIZ line with two new models. For women, the BIZ 7 is a feline and glamorous butterfly-shaped frame. The BIZ 8, for men, has a dynamic shape that appears both casual and elegant. Satiny on one side and rough on the other, it has a solid, masculine appearance, yet maintains a refined look with temples that have been reworked and that are thinner for better adjustment during fitting. Distributed by Fame Optique. http://www.fameoptique.ca/
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/
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
