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GIGI STUDIOS Presents Black & White

The six models in the Black & White capsule collection reflect GIGI STUDIOS’ passion for visual harmony and the search for beauty in proportions and lines —black and white acetate laminations in a limited-edition collection that pays homage to Op-art and optical illusions.

The Black & White capsule collection comprises three sun and three optical designs, all crafted in the highest quality Italian acetate. The sunglasses are CONTRAST, square with an eye-catching front; VICEVERSA, a statement model with a cat-eye touch; and CHESS, an oversized geometric design. All sunglasses in the capsule collection have been created in three varieties of black and white with bold new combinations of black and white laminations.

CONTRAST

The new optical designs are the square-shaped EXTREME, the round-shaped ANALOG and the geometric ILLUSION. All three designs combine black and white in various ways: subtle and contrasting, symmetrical and asymmetrical. Each of these models is available in two combinations of the starring shades.

EXTREME

Click HERE for the full press release.

For more related content on Optik NOW, click HERE.

Eyewear Artwalk Unleashes Modern Learning for Optical Professionals

Eyewear Artwalk 2024 is set to redefine how eye care professionals (ECPs), including Opticians, Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, and Allied Health professionals, approach education. This avant-garde event not only offers CE and ABO-accredited courses but marks a historic shift as the first-ever online platform to earn credits in optical history.

Immersive Learning Redefined

Eyewear Artwalk 2024 introduces a fresh, art-centric approach to education, blending visual and immersive learning experiences. Each 45-minute lesson is crafted for maximum engagement, delivering bite-sized morsels of information with actionable insights.

Plus, attendees will immerse themselves in the latest optical innovations, test new trends to engage with consumers and be provided access to all educational materials in the first-ever global optical resource hub.

Meet the Visionaries of Change

Eyewear Artwalk will host global thought leaders and subject matter experts (SMEs) who work together to reinvigorate the optical industry. 

Led with innovation in mind, our Education Committee includes the biggest names in eye care.

IOT

IOT provides their partners with access to state-of-the-art technology and top-notch services and support. From production validation in the lab, to go-to-market strategy for product launch, IOT operates as an extension of your own business and will support you every step of the way.

Trudi Charest

Trudi is a Licensed Optician, best-selling author, serial entrepreneur, and business innovator. She brings a huge history of eyecare experience to her training and workshops. Trudi has worked in retail optical, corporate training, wholesale sales, and clinical consulting, and was the VP of Marketing & Training for an Optometry buying group before starting her marketing agency, Marketing4ECPs in 2015.  

Heather Harrington

Heather Harrington is an optical trailblazer serving as the Executive Board Secretary and Social Media Manager for the Opticians Association of Colorado, as well as proudly representing Studio Optyx, the 10th oldest optical company globally. Heather is a driving force behind optical education, strategic business consulting, professional networking, and career support for opticians. Heather’s continuing education courses are not only modern but also forward-thinking, designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between traditional optician practices and the rapidly evolving technological advancements in the industry. 

Lynn Lawrence

Lynn E. Lawrence is a nationally recognized lecturer and an ophthalmic technician for Mills Eye and Facial Plastic Surgery. In 2009 he retired from the USAF after 30 years of service, during which he was promoted to the top 1% to Chief Master Sergeant. He oversaw quality control for 133 optical stores worldwide before being appointed by the Air Force Surgeon General as the Ophthalmic Career Field Manager where he oversaw 540 Optometry/Ophthalmology technicians at 90 locations around the world. Lynn was 1 of 4 nationally recognized technicians selected to attend the Industry sponsored 2020 Summit where industry and optometry came together to target the hurdles within optometry to enhance the profession.

Patricia Barilla

Patricia Barilla is a seasoned eyewear professional with over two decades of experience in practice management and a commitment to enhancing the eyewear industry. As the President and Co-Founder of OrganEyes Inc., Patricia is disrupting traditional practices by providing a revolutionary inventory management solution that empowers eye care professionals and boosts their revenue. She combines her extensive expertise in inventory management, vendor relations, and eyewear sales with a forward-thinking vision for the future. With an MBA in Entrepreneurship in progress and her role in OrganEyes Inc., Patricia is positioned at the forefront of change, leveraging technology to drive industry transformation and redefine the future of eyewear.

Dr. Irina Yakubin

Dr. Irina Yakubin graduated from the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry in 2020 and has been involved with eye care and optical industries through her role in My Vision Show and The Optical Metaverse. She is currently practicing in Los Angeles with a focus on primary eye care, dry eye, and ocular disease. Dr. Yakubin has been published in several eye care publications, sharing scientific developments, industry news, and best practices from her unique perspective. She is a key innovation leader in her field and an advocate for eye care for all. 

Ryan Markey

Ryan Markey is a third generation in the optical industry, starting out in his family’s business assembling lenses in frames in the 70’s. His grandfather (Irv Greenberg) and father (Benton Markey) owned large laboratories, servicing 670 retail locations through Royal International Optical around the US. He then moved to Miami to work in our family’s frame manufacturing facility Styl-Rite. Shortly after his time in Miami Ryan returned to Dallas (1990) and opened 5 couture optical shops of his own. In 2000 Ryan was recruited to run the Texas State Optical Laboratory. This facility serviced over 100 associated retail stores as well as independent practitioners around the country. By 2010 the knowledge from the lens company put me on a path to work for the second largest lens manufacturer as their Technical Product Manager. 

Plus local optical community leaders and speakers will be present from each location as we support the entire independent community by providing a platform for them to be heard.

Learnings Attendees Walk Away With

While secrets are kept under wraps, Eyewear Artwalk promises attendees will leave with tangible insights on elevating the customer experience for their patients.

Brands get an exclusive chance for 1:1 connections with eye care professionals, business owners, and consumers for in-person data verification.

Continuing Education in the Optical Metaverse

Eyewear Artwalk extends into the Optical Metaverse, an online portal curated by Charlene Nichols to keep ECPs engaged with the latest technologies and ongoing education efforts. Nichols ensures a seamless blend of the physical and virtual for an innovative learning experience.

Save the Date:

Unlock a new world of inspiration and aesthetic exploration as Eyewear Artwalk 2024 unfolds. Grab your tickets at EyewearArtwalk.com

Click HERE for the full press release.

For more related content on Optik NOW click HERE.

EssilorLuxottica : Q3/9M 2023 Revenue

EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica announced that consolidated revenue for the third quarter of 2023 totaled Euro 6,294 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.2% at constant exchange rates compared to the third quarter of 2022 (-1.6% at current exchange rates).

“We first would like to express our heartfelt solidarity with our colleagues in Israel and their families, as well as with all those suffering from the devastating situation.

Our Company, like our people, is incredibly resilient. This past quarter, every business and geography in our Group contributed to the sound growth, with recent launches like the Varilux XR series and Swarovski gaining traction. The bold and transformational approach we promised to take at EssilorLuxottica is being realized today through initiatives like Ray-Ban Meta, Nuance Audio and Helix – these moves will light the way for the industry for many years to come. We are doubling down on our strengths, including our operations footprint, with a new plant in Rayong, Thailand, that truly showcases the EssilorLuxottica vision with frames and lenses under the same roof. This is a significant step in our commitment to better address the growing global visual care needs while expanding and balancing our geographical footprint”, commented Francesco Milleri and Paul du Saillant, respectively Chairman and CEO and Deputy CEO at EssilorLuxottica.

Click HERE for the full press release.

For more related content on Optik Now, click HERE.

OGS Names Daniel McBride and Meng Meng Xu to Board of Directors

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) has announced the addition of Daniel McBride, executive vice president and chief operating officer of CooperCompanies, and Meng Meng Xu, OD, MPH, FAAO, to its board of directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome two new board members who are so highly regarded in the industry and profession,” said Lois Schoenbrun, executive director, OGS. “Mr. McBride has shown remarkable support for our mission over the years in his roles at CooperVision and CooperCompanies. Meanwhile, the combination of Dr. Xu’s experience in clinical optometry and international public health programs will bring valuable insight to OGS and our partners.”

CooperVision is the largest donor in OGS history, with a total contribution of more than $4 million. The company is a global platinum sponsor of the organization and provides additional support through employee fundraising activities with a company match, and a consumer rebate donation program.

McBride has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for CooperCompanies since 2013. He previously served as president of CooperVision from 2014 through 2021. His prior roles at CooperVision also include chief risk officer, general counsel, vice president, and senior counsel. Before joining CooperVision in 2005, McBride was an attorney with Latham & Watkins LLP. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Santa Clara University and a juris doctor from Stanford Law School.

Dr. Xu is an associate professor of clinical optometry and the director of eyecare services at South Boston Community Health Center. She also serves as coordinator of international programs at the New England College of Optometry, a role she has held for 10 years. Dr. Xu earned a master’s degree in public health from Harvard University and her doctorate in optometry from the University of Montreal.

Click HERE for the full press release.

For more related articles on Optik NOW, click HERE.

Vision Expo East Goes South Beginning in 2025! 

Breaking News

The Vision Council and RX Global announces that Vision Expo East 2025 will take place in Orlando, Florida at the Orange County Convention Center on February 19–22, 2025, after a long-standing residency in New York at the Javitz Center.

A Consultative Decision
The decision is based on extensive consultation and feedback from customers, sponsors, and allied organizations, and is in complete alignment with furthering customer wants and needs, according to the announcement

“Our industry has changed dramatically over the past few years, and as such, our shows and how we bring business together must also evolve. The opportunities for growth, centralization and community-building in Orlando are abundant, and we are confident that this future planning will better allow us to provide the vision care community with a world-class exhibition and educational program in a world-class venue and event destination for years to come”, says Rx Global and Vision Council Spokespersons.

“Vision Expo East will debut in Orlando in 2025 with a re-imagined show and new chances for exhibiting companies to engage with attendees in a more centralized environment. Show venues, hotels, meeting spaces and special events will all be located within a walkable area, ensuring a better connected and community-like experience.”

Thursday to Saturday Preferred
Mirroring the Vision Expo West date pattern, VEE Orlando will move to the preferred date pattern of Thursday–Saturday.

As a popular destination for conferences, Orlando is well-equipped to facilitate Vision Expo’s unique trade show logistics, ensuring a seamless transition​ for exhibitors and show attendees. We also anticipate that attendees will take advantage of the vacation and hospitality experiences in the area, enjoying the warmer weather and extending their trips to accommodate family and leisure travel.

The Vision Council and RX expressed their sincere gratitude to exhibitors, members, attendees, suppliers, and staff for their continued support and look forward to bringing the vision community together next March (2024) to celebrate nearly four decades of Vision Expo East in New York City.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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