Today, Marchon Eyewear and Canada Goose announced that they have entered an exclusive, long-term global licensing agreement.
New sun and optical styles designed under this partnership, the first-ever Canada Goose eyewear collection, will roll out globally starting in North America beginning Spring 2025. Incorporating signature design elements and performance features, all eyewear styles will be crafted with sustainable* materials – an important commitment for both Marchon and Canada Goose.
Canada Goose
“In our ongoing effort to add world class partners to our portfolio of brands, we are excited to welcome Canada Goose and bring their performance luxury brand to consumers around the world. Canada Goose shares our dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and design, along with their commitment to using sustainable materials, we are confident their expansion into eyewear will add to the brand’s continued success.”
Thomas Burkhardt, President, Marchon Eyewear
“Our expansion into eyewear marks an exciting new chapter for our brand, emphasizing a commitment to creating a lifestyle of products and deepening our connection with consumers across all seasons. As with every product we create, we will deliver exceptional quality, craftsmanship and protection from the elements – and we know that our partners at Marchon share our vision.”
Dani Reiss, Chairman & CEO, Canada Goose
Canada Goose eyewear will be sold through select optical retailers, department stores, Canada Goose stores, and online at www.canadagoose.com and www.eyeconic.com in the US.
*Sustainable materials for this collection include Eastman Acetate Renew™ (a fully sustainable material produced via Eastman’s innovative carbon renewal technology), Plant-based resin (made from castor-bean oil, a cleaner alternative to petroleum-based plastics), and Titanium.
In a context of changing stakeholder expectations, the adoption of a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy is becoming essential to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of companies in the optical sector. To encourage these sustainable approaches, SILMO, in partnership with the HYSSOP agency, has launched the Responsible Company Prize 2024.
This prestigious prize rewards companies that take a global, responsible approach to ethical, environmental and social issues. It is aimed at companies that are actively working towards a more sustainable future, while at the same time being innovative.
A panel of experts met to analyse each entry in detail, taking the time to discuss and evaluate the initiatives carefully. The winner will be announced at the SILMO d’Or Gala on 21 September.
THE FINALISTS ARE:
Andy Wolf
Andy Wolf has put forward a number of strong initiatives, including a guarantee of up to 7 years for the AWearness collection, optimising packaging to reduce its impact and using acetate renew for its frames. The company also stood out from the other contenders with its strong commitment to biodiversity (minimal intervention on sites to ensure biodiversity and soil health), a pre-owned collection, the employment of disabled people in its own workforce, the provision of a sustainable development library for employees, etc.
Friendly Frenchy
For the second year running, Friendly Frenchy is one of the finalists for the Prix de l’entreprise Engagée 2024. The company has ESUS accreditation, a French legal system which certifies that the company’s main objective is to serve a social purpose, but also that it is an exemplary environmental company: Local raw materials derived from waste (recycled shellfish, acetate eyewear production waste), production tools pooled and shared with other economic operators to reduce the need to manufacture or purchase additional equipment, maximum elimination of packaging, repair service instead of sending spare parts, collection of gauges/defective parts and/or after-sales service parts during visits to the workshop so that they can be recycled, etc. The assessors and jury also praised the company’s approach to continuous improvement in relation to its 2023 application.
Opal Demetz
Its strengths include an in-house ideas incubator (La Fabrique), which has offered to work on projects related to the environment (suitcases, travel, second-hand activity), as well as an after-sales service site where customers can order spare parts free of charge (temples and face). The company has also launched a number of initiatives for its employees, including a gym with free classes, extra holidays, partnerships to provide a dry-cleaning service and delivery of personal parcels to the office, etc. As a key player in the eyewear industry, Opal Demetz has shown a real desire to move forward.
Skans
Skans, which has been awarded the BCorp label, has demonstrated that it takes all its impacts into account in order to act accordingly: single-material frames (100% recycled stainless steel, including nose pads, a material that has also been found to have the lowest impact in a life cycle assessment), on-demand production to avoid overstocking, timeless models and packaging to minimise the need for replacement, identical spare parts for all models, etc. The jury and assessors praised the systemic approach and innovative dimension of the company’s actions. Through the ‘Skans Academy’, the company also offers courses on sustainable development to its employees and beyond, as the platform is also open to opticians. In terms of social responsibility, the company goes beyond its already committed 1% for the Planet initiative by donating an additional 1% of its turnover to social causes.
Vanni
As the first Italian company in the eyewear industry to become a “Società Benefit” (the Italian equivalent of a “Mission Company”) in 2021, Vanni has demonstrated that it monitors its social, environmental and community performance in terms of figures and best practices. The company even goes so far as to ask its employees to evaluate its performance in various areas (through a survey). 100% of VANNI’s employees have received training modules on sustainable development (between 5 and 22 hours of training per employee). In 2023/2024, the company carried out an internal reorganisation under the guidance of an organisational psychologist in order to better define the roles and responsibilities of each person and to respond to the needs of employees. With strong local roots, Vanni supports many local organisations in Turin and Piedmont. A cradle-to-gate LCA has also enabled the company to make a number of adjustments to limit the environmental impact of its products.
CooperVision announced that Debbie Olive has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer. In her new role, Olive will oversee the company’s worldwide commercial functions, driving strategy and growth initiatives across the product portfolio. Succeeding Olive as President, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), is Rodolphe Rota, who has been promoted from his previous role.
Chief Commercial Officer
Debbie Olive
For over a decade, Olive has served in a variety of positions at CooperVision, from Vice President of Marketing for Europe to most recently President, EMEA.
Under her leadership, the company has achieved record revenues, operating income, and market share in the region.
Prior to joining CooperVision in 2013, Olive held senior sales and marketing roles at Novartis, Marks & Spencer, Kraft Jacob Suchard, and William Grant & Sons.
President, Europe, Middle East, and Africa
Rodolphe Rota
Since joining CooperVision as Vice President of Sales, EMEA, in 2022, Rota has leveraged his extensive commercial expertise to deliver outstanding performance across the region.
More recently, he has overseen management of the company’s France, Iberia, and Italy markets.
Rota previously spent nearly 30 years working in sales at Procter and Gamble, where he was named Vice President of European Sales, Oral Care.
Olive reports to Warner and succeeds Mark Harty, who will retire in early 2025. Rota reports to Olive.
“Both Debbie and Rodolphe have proven to be invaluable to CooperVision. Their strong leadership, depth of experience, and unwavering commitment to our mission of improving the way people see each day are critical to our success. I am confident that their contributions will help us continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers and partners around the world.”
Several straightforward, high-return actions by eye care practices have the potential to increase retention rates among new contact lens wearers, according to consumer data from the Contact Lens Institute (CLI). The association is previewing its latest research during this week’s Vision Expo West conference in Las Vegas, part of its multi-year See Tomorrow initiative.
CLI’s nationwide survey revealed that new (<2 years) and long-term (≥2 years) soft contact lens users share many similarities regarding factors that influence their decision to continue wear. Yet there are several differences that doctors and staff can lean into to help maintain satisfaction among more recently fit patients. This is particularly important when prior studies have shown that one in four wearers may drop out in the first year alone.
“Broadly speaking, we found that new wearers benefit from more personalized care to meet their lifestyle needs, more attention from the entire practice team, and more encouragement and training,” said Stan Rogaski, CLI’s executive director. “That translates into happy, healthy patients whose satisfaction ratings skyrocket once they cross the two-year mark, turning them into lifelong contact lens fans.”
A remarkable 86% of long-term contact lens patients characterized their overall satisfaction as high (8-10 on a 10-point scale), with 67% of new wearers stating the same. Among the long-term group, overall dissatisfaction was nearly non-existent, with a scant 2% providing a rating of 4 or less.
When asked about doctor and staff actions to promote continued wear, contact lens patients identified three as most influential. They included making sure that contact lens prescriptions are updated to adapt to lifestyle changes (69% new wearers, 57% long-term wearers), providing trial lenses for new prescriptions (69% new wearers, 66% long-term wearers), and making sure people understand contact lens care (67% new wearers, 51% long-term wearers).
While previous CLI See Tomorrow research has illustrated the importance of engaging the entire practice staff in patient communication, the latest data reinforces the essential nature of taking an all-hands approach. Among long-term wearers, 59% say that their eye doctor extremely or greatly influences the decision to keep using contact lenses, with 52% reporting the same for their optician, 35% for exam staff technicians, 25% for optical staff, and 21% for administrative staff. Notably, these percentages soar for new wearers by double digits—74% for their eye doctor, 64% for the optician, 53% for exam staff, 53% for optical staff, and 44% for administrators such as receptionists.
Wearers also say the greater amount of time spent with the doctor and exam staff increases trust in their recommendations. This is more prominent among new wearers (74%), although still prevalent with long-term wearers (57%). The median opinion of what constituted “adequate” total exam time is 16-20 minutes for both groups.
Vision Expo West Events
On Thursday, September 19, at 10 a.m. PT, three CLI Visionaries—eye care professionals who exemplify outstanding contact lens prescribing practices—will discuss the preliminary research findings and implications on the Vision Expo West Innovation Stage. “Disrupting the Dropout Dilemma: Bold Moves to Keep Consumers in Contact Lenses” panelists include Jennifer Seymour Brusven, LDO, NCLE-AC, ABO-AC, Yesnick Vision Center; Janelle Davison, OD, Brilliant Eyes Vision Center; and Shalu Pal, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, FIAOMC, Dr. Shalu Pal & Associates. CLI Chairperson Carla Mack, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO, FBCLA, will moderate.
And after resoundingly positive feedback from their temporary transformation at Vision Expo East, the Bad Habits—the “EyeDocs of Rock”—will once again become the Good Habits during the Vision Expo East opening night event. With one iconic song, the group will put contact lens wearer retention center stage in a way that will have attendees singing along for days afterward. Showgoers can present their badge for admission at Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq Promenade, beginning at 9 p.m. PT.
“After spending the past several months discussing how the eye care community can attract new contact lens wearers, we’re excited to turn everyone’s attention to keeping current wearers enthusiastic. The data we’ll share at Vision Expo West is only a fraction of what’s to come in our comprehensive research report later this year,” said Rogaski.
The new research was commissioned by the Contact Lens Institute and conducted by Prodege from August 9-21, 2024, via an online survey. Respondents were U.S. residents ages 18-64 who reported wearing soft contact lenses at least once per week, inclusive of new wearers (n=200) and long-term wearers (n=201).
The Contact Lens Institute advances the latest innovations in safe and effective contact lens and lens care products and services that provide unique benefits to patients while satisfying the evolving needs of eye care professionals. CLI undertakes activities that properly assess, enhance, promote, and balance contact lens and lens care industry welfare and growth, including the safe use of products in the marketplace. Its members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision. For more information, visit contactlensinstitute.org.
A pillar of the Canadian optical industry, Judith Hochstadter, co-founder of Canadian Optical Supply (COS) together with her late husband, Fred, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Judith and Fred Hochstadter of Canadian Optical Supply
The COS family, now in its third generation, is proud of the legacy left by Mrs. Hochstadter and will strive to continue the family tradition of premium service and quality in an environment where each employee counts.
Madame, from the COS family, thank you for many good years together.
Amir Hochstadter.
in the name of Robert Hochstadter, management, reps and staff
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has appointed Joelle Walker as its new CEO, effective January 2026, succeeding François Couillard after more than 40 years of leadership.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released a new video featuring eye care professionals from around the world sharing how they use the Dry Eye Wheel to support dry eye diagnosis, education, and management.
Silhouette unveils SPX Illusion 2025, featuring two new lightweight shapes— including a striking geometric design—offered in five trend-forward colors like Canary Green Havana and Smokey Blossom. A refined, featherlight way to express personal style with elegance.
EssilorLuxottica will acquire Signifeye, adding 15 Belgian clinics to its growing ophthalmology network and strengthening its integrated medical eye-care strategy.
CORE has published issue 87 of Contact Lens Update, summarizing key findings from the TFOS DEWS III dry eye reports. Expert-authored content and downloadable PDFs provide clinicians with practical guidance on diagnosis, management, and evolving best practices.
