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FC Barcelona and Etnia Barcelona Once Again Challenge the Rules of the Game with ‘A Match Between Art and Sport’

FC Barcelona and Etnia Barcelona are once again challenging the rules of the game with a new capsule collection that merges art and sport, paying homage to the city where they were born and raised: Barcelona.

Once again, the Catalan city stands as the epicenter of collaboration between FC Barcelona and Etnia Barcelona. Both brands highlight the city’s cultural and artistic tradi- tion and, of course, the passion for its football team. Art and sport intertwine in this collaboration to celebrate the sense of belonging to a city and shared values.

The campaign revisits the format of illustration to capture the epic nature of sports as an artistic expression that, in addition to reflecting the passion for one of the world’s best clubs, also embodies the essence of this collection. This second half of the match between FC Barcelona and Etnia Barcelona consists of two product drops.

The ‘EINDHOVEN’ sunglass model joins the “Colors of our history” collection, and the ‘1899 PREMIUM GOLD 24K’ sunglass model is a re-edition of the previous ‘1899 Gold’ model, now in its premium version.
The ‘EINDHOVEN’ sunglass model joins the “Colors of our history” collection, and the ‘1899 PREMIUM GOLD 24K’ sunglass model is a re-edition of the previous ‘1899 Gold’ model, now in its premium version.

‘EINDHOVEN’ joins the “Colors of our history” collection, celebrating historic moments of the Club, from Wembley 1992 and Paris 2006 to Rome 2009, Wembley 2011, Berlin 2015, Gothenburg 2021, and now also Eindhoven.

‘EINDHOVEN’

It is a feminine-style sunglass design that values the empowerment of women and champions their role in the world of sports. The model is inspired by the outfit worn by FC Barcelona’s Women’s team when they won the final of the Women’s Champions League 2023, held in the city of Eindhoven.

‘1899 PREMIUM GOLD 24K’ is a re-edition of the previous ‘1899 Gold’ model, now in its premium version. An exclusive limited edition sunglass design paying tribute to the Club’s founding year, recreating the anatomy of Barça’s crest and playing with deconstructing it to embed it in 24-karat gold.

‘1899 PREMIUM GOLD 24K’

Among the numerous details of this collector’s piece are the shield and ball in relief, coated in 24-karat gold on the temple; the temple tips finished in the silhouette of the shield, and the shield laser-engraved inside both temples, among others.

Both models feature HD polarized mineral lenses and 100% UV protection.

The FC Barcelona collection designed by Etnia Barcelona is now available on the Etnia Barcelona website, at their flagship store, and in selected optical retail outlets worldwide (check the shopfinder). It will also be available in selected Barça retail outlets.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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ClearVision Optical Celebrates 75th Anniversary

ClearVision Optical, a second-generation family-owned, independent leader in the eyewear industry, is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024.

“ClearVision Optical is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of its customers and community over the past 75 years. This year will be a special thank you to them. As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to the core values of innovation, quality, performance, respect, integrity, fun, and service our father instilled when he founded ClearVision.”

David and Peter Friedfeld, co-owners of ClearVision Optical, president and vice-president, respectively

It’s the company’s written responsibility to make each day better for someone else. That goal is the inspiration behind ClearVision’s tagline to kick off the next 75 years: “We go the extra smile.”

The responsibility to make each day better for someone else has always been ingrained in ClearVision’s culture. It’s exemplified by a line in a poem that hung in the Friedfeld family home when David and Peter were children: “A smile is something nice to see.”

“It has always been our goal to provide the best experience in the industry. It is our job to make the customer smile.” said David. “If, after interacting at every touch point and that experience is positive, the customer walks away smiling, that is what we are trying to achieve.”

Going the Extra Smile

In 2024, going the extra smile will mean a year of celebration hosted by ClearVision. One way the company will do this is by telling stories of its history, its values, and its future in special ways this year, providing a unique way to learn more about ClearVision, its one-of-a-kind culture, and its place in the industry.

To thank its customers for their support since the company’s founding in 1949, it’s planning a year-long celebration with giveaways, contests, special promotions, games, and more throughout the year. That includes Tuesday Trivia, where the company will put the eyecare community’s ClearVision knowledge to the test for the chance to win a $75 prize every Tuesday of the year on their Instagram and Facebook!

Click HERE for the full press release.

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Transitions Unveils Finalists for the 2023 Transitions® Innovation Awards

Transitions Optical has named the finalists for its annual Transitions® Innovation Awards program, which honors both individuals and organizations who have shown unparalleled commitment to innovating their business over the past year.

“The caliber of this year’s finalists underscores the remarkable strides being made across our industry. Their dedication to excellence aligns seamlessly with our core values of quality, education, service, and innovation, and we eagerly anticipate honoring their achievements at Transitions® Academy in February.”

Drew Smith, senior director, North America channels, Transitions Optical

Transitions® Healthy Sight Ambassador

The Transitions® Healthy Sight Ambassador award celebrates an individual who best showcases their dedication to being an influential healthy sight advocate by embodying one or more of Transitions’ values of quality, education, service, and innovation. The 2023 finalists include:         

Canada Eyecare Practice of the Year

The Canada Eyecare Practice of the Year title recognizes independent eyecare practices in Canada that are actively promoting healthy sight to their patients and within their local communities, and who have demonstrated excellence in supporting Transitions’ values. The 2023 finalists include:

Canada Retailer of the Year

The Canada Retailer of the Year title is awarded to a retailer in Canada for actively supporting Transitions’ values and demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the vision of their customers and communities. The 2023 finalists include:

Channel Partner of the Year

Channel Partner of the Year is awarded to an optical laboratory, Managed Vision Care company, lens manufacturer or buying group that are actively promoting healthy sight to their customers and within their local communities; and have demonstrated excellence in supporting Transitions’ values. The 2023 finalists include:

Best in Training

The Best in Training award celebrates an individual, company or educator that has shown creativity in developing or offering training and education opportunities that include dispensing photochromics. The 2023 finalists include:

The winners of the 2023 Transitions® Innovation Awards will be announced during Transitions® Academy 2024 in Orlando, FL.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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Transitions and the OAC Announce 2023 Students of Vision Scholarship Winners

Transitions Optical and the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) announce the winners of the 2023 Students of Vision Scholarship program: Jeremiah Hyslop, Victoria Cao and MyChan Mai. All three winners will receive an Evaluation Unit pair of Transitions® lenses and the first-place winner will also receive an invitation to Transitions Academy 2024 in Orlando, FL.

  • Jeremiah Hyslop, a student Optometrist at the University of Waterloo Optometry, will be awarded a grand prize scholarship of $2,000.
  • Victoria Cao, a student Optometrist at the University of Waterloo Optometry, will be awarded a scholarship of $1,500.
  • MyChan Mai, a student optician at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), will be awarded a scholarship of $1,000.

This year’s scholarship was inspired by recent research from Transitions Optical, conducted by Wakefield Research, demonstrating the need for further education surrounding eye health for diverse patients. Entrants were tasked with developing a project demonstrating how one would advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in order to help educate patients and protect their vision. Submissions were reviewed by a panel of judges based on the following criteria: creativity, strategic thinking and ethics.

Jeremiah created an engaging presentation to demonstrate his multi-step plan of action to increase inclusive, multicultural efforts in eyecare. Victoria presented her ‘Vision for All’ initiative which summarized how advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion will ensure that every patient receives the best possible ocular care. MyChan created a presentation to demonstrate why having a diversified team creates a more inclusive culture for staff and patients alike.

Grand prize winner Jeremiah shares the impressive steps he's already taken to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in the optical industry, in addition to the work he's committed to in the future.
Grand prize winner Jeremiah shares the impressive steps he’s already taken to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in the optical industry, in addition to the work he’s committed to in the future.

“At Transitions, we’re committed to nurturing the next generation of optical professionals to meet the complex eyecare needs of a diverse patient population and our communities. Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners, enacting positive change within the optical industry starts with you!”

Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing and sales manager, Transitions Optical Canada

“We were impressed by the passion and creativity exemplified in this year’s applicants,” said Robert Dalton, Executive Director, OAC. “We’re grateful to continue our partnership with Transitions Optical to empower students to develop tactical steps to be more inclusive in their future practice.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

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VEE 2024 to Unveil Eyewear and Eye Care Trends, Fashion-Forward Showcases, and Cutting-Edge Education

Vision Expo

Vision Expo East 2024, co-hosted by The Vision Council and RX, is on track to be a landmark event for the eye care and eyewear industry, with over 450 eyewear and eye care companies gearing up to display their latest products and technologies across 150,000 square feet of exhibit space for one final show in New York City before heading to the sunshine state.

Taking place from March 14 to 17 at the Javits Center, Vision Expo East 2024 holds particular significance as it will pay homage to its rich history in New York City before making its anticipated relocation to Orlando, Florida in 2025.

“We are excited about the growing enthusiasm for Vision Expo East 2024 among exhibitors, attendees, and conferees. This year’s show commemorates nearly four decades of uniting optical professionals, highlighting innovative trends and products, and promoting education in New York City.

We are organizing a spectacular final New York show that you will not want to miss. If you have not registered yet, now is the opportune moment to join us as we celebrate our past and toast to the future.”

Fran Pennella, Vice President of Vision Expo at RX

Show Highlights

Vision Expo East 2024 will offer many exciting new features, emphasizing the advancements and initiatives shaping the optical industry today.

Fashion & Trends

  • Flaunt the Frame,” a new fashion show series sponsored by IMAGINEM, will take place March 15 and 16 at The Bridge, Vision Expo East’s main stage. This series will offer a unique stage for independent eyewear designers to put their talents on display.
  • The Atelier neighborhood, boasting the largest collection of 85+ independent designers from around the globe, will allow show attendees to experience the industry’s finest independent designs and artistry, and act as the destination for eyewear buyers to source all their design needs under one umbrella. The Lookout @ Atelier will spotlight a small group of emerging independent designers ready to make their mark in the industry.
  • NOW by Vision Expo and the accompanying NOW Awards will return to spotlight industry trends with a curated collection of frames from exhibiting designers and brands. All Vision Expo East eyewear exhibitors are welcome to participate in NOW by Vision Expo by submitting a product for inclusion that aligns with the 2024 themes which range from NYC nostalgia to innovative materials and technologies. Learn more here.

Business & Technology

  • Visionaries Unveiled is a new complimentary educational series designed to inspire and disrupt the eyewear industry by showcasing innovative ideas, cutting-edge technologies, and game-changing business strategies that will shape the future of eyewear. Experts in sustainability, aesthetics, and hearing care will give engaging presentations and spark discussion at The Bridge.

Networking & Professional Development

  • The enhanced Career Zone programming, taking place on its new day, Sunday, March 17, will offer young professionals and students invaluable opportunities to network with industry leaders, engage in panel discussions, and enjoy exciting additions like professional headshots and chances to win prizes.

Conference Programming & Continuing Education

  • VisionEd, the accredited educational program of Vision Expo, will feature almost 200 sessions and 300 hours of education from 100 sought after speakers.
  • OptiCon at Vision Expo returns with an unmatched opticianry education program and exhibit hall experience for opticians, contact lens professionals, allied ophthalmic professionals, optical assistants, office managers, frame buyers, and lab technicians.

Special Events & Celebration

  • The official Vision Expo East Opening Night Party open to all attendees will feature Bad Habits “The EyeDocs of Rock,” the longtime rock band comprised of several practicing optometrists.
  • The 2024 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Dinner will take place on March 14 and honor Ed Buffington, president and CEO of GPN Technologies.
  • The Bridge, Vision Expo’s main exhibit floor stage, will host the NOW Awards presentation and discussion; the OptiCon General Session with Rebecca Alexander; and an exclusive performance and conversation with 90s star Sophie B Hawkins.
  • 20/20 Magazine will celebrate its 50th anniversary with an immersive installation demonstrating the evolution of the leading optical publication.

Vision Expo East 2024 will take place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from March 14-17, 2024. To secure your spot as an exhibitor, click here. To register as an attendee, click here. To register as media, click here.

For more related articles on Optik NOW, click HERE.

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