Alternative Eyewear and East Optical have announced an exclusive agreement to distribute MyoPro myopia control lenses in Canada.
According to the companies, the partnership will make Alternative Eyewear the exclusive Canadian provider of MyoPro lenses, with the stated goal of expanding access to myopia management options for independent eye care practices.
The agreement brings together two family-owned companies that say they share a focus on supporting independent eye care professionals with alternative product offerings in a growing segment of the market.
As part of the arrangement, Alternative Eyewear says it will also incorporate MyoPro into its Indii Pro package, a frame-and-lens program designed for independent optical retailers. The package will include MyoPro alongside other lens products from East Optical.
“This partnership represents more than just distribution, it’s about empowering independent eye care professionals with meaningful options,” said Paul Storace, CEO at Alternative Eyewear. “We are proud to work with East Optical to bring MyoPro lenses to Canada and support practices dedicated to proactive myopia management.”
The companies describe the agreement as a step toward broadening the range of competitive products available to independent providers in Canada as demand for myopia control solutions continues to grow.
“Contact lenses are being increasingly prescribed to younger patients. They can positively impact the lives of many children who require vision correction by boosting their self-esteem, improving academic performance, and increasing engagement in extracurricular activities. The latest issue of Contact Lens Update helps practitioners more effectively discuss contact lens wear with children and their parents,” said Jill Woods, Head of Clinical Research at CORE.
Contact Lens Update Issue 89 Authors – Clockwise from Top Left: Sheila Morrison, Isabelle Jalbert, Debbie Jones, and Hiu Yan Lam.
Sheila Morrison, an optometrist in private practice at Mission Eye Care Center for Dry Eye and Corneal Disease in Alberta, Canada, shares her clinical expertise in the issue’s opening editorial. She examines important reasons for fitting children with contact lenses, their impact on quality of life and self-perception, and how lenses can benefit their sports-related performance. The overview also reminds practitioners of the importance of communication, optimizing compliance, and how to deal with potential ocular emergencies. Isabelle Jalbert is an optometrist and associate dean of Education Quality at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Her feature article centers on an investigation of the safety of pediatric contact lens use. The review includes data from 11,679 children (ages 6-18) across the world who were prescribed orthokeratology, soft contact lenses, or rigid gas-permeable lenses then followed for a maximum of 12 years.
Debbie Jones, clinical professor and lead clinical scientist at CORE, School of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of Waterloo, authors the clinical insight that describes a young, active, hyperopic child’s journey to successful contact lens wear. The case report covers her ocular history, from presenting at two years old with an intermittent esotropia, to her initial contact lens fit at six years old, and subsequent aftercare visits.
The conference highlight is contributed by Hiu Yan Lam, a PhD candidate at Aston University in the United Kingdom. Her work investigated young adults who began wearing myopia control lenses between the ages of 8 to 12 years old, averaging 11 years of use. Optical coherence tomography measured the overall corneal thickness and epithelial thickness, with results compared to an age-matched group of adults who had never worn contact lenses.
Canadian Optical Supply (COS) is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Founded in 1951, this family-owned company marks the milestone by highlighting a remarkable legacy built on service excellence, innovation and long-standing relationships with eye care professionals across Canada.
Through this anniversary, COS aims not only to honour its past, but also to reaffirm its commitment to the future of eyewear in Canada.
Three generations serving Canadian eye care professionals
When Fred and Judith Hochstadter started Canadian Optical Supply (COS) in 1951, in their kitchen in Montreal, they had no idea their company would be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026!
Robert, Judith and Fred Hochstadter: 1989
From its modest beginnings, Judith Hochstadter handled the company’s accounting, deliveries and customer service, while her husband, Fred, travelled across Quebec and, later, Canada, as a sales rep. In its early days, COS was the first independent distributor of eyeglasses in Quebec, in a market dominated by Imperial Optical that held a quasi-monopoly of eyeglass sales and optical laboratories.
Between 1951 and 1963, the couple stocked up on frames from the United States. At the time, eyeglasses were unattractive orthotic devices made of plastic and metal. At the end of the 1950s, their bank manager lent them money to buy Italian- and French-made eyeglasses.
On one of his trips to Europe in 1964, Fred Hochstadter met Anneliese and Arnold Schmied, the founders of Silhouette Eyewear. The Austrian couple, who spoke only German, was looking for a Canadian distributor for their new products. Fred and Judith Hochstadter spoke German fluently. In the same year, COS became their exclusive distributor in Canada.
The Silhouette adventure
The question in 1964 was how to convince eye care professionals that a pair of Austrian glasses twice as expensive as the ones sold on the market would be a lucrative venture and would revolutionize consumer habits. The design and look inspired by Austrian designer Dora Demmel, combined with quality materials and manufacturing, would become the cornerstone of their success back then, and to this day.
In fact, Silhouette is internationally renowned with over 12 million eyeglasses sold around the world, with COS doing its share in ensuring Silhouette’s success in Canada with its sales reps who were well trained by Fred Hochstadter, a highly skilled mentor for his sales team.
Silhouette was COS’s flagship product, but the Hochstadter family’s company never stopped offering other frame brands to satisfy its vast Canadian market of over 2000 customers.
Robert Hochstadter said, “Over time, we imported other brands like INFACE and NIFTIES and designed models for our in-house brands like Fitson to tap into the trends that the Silhouette brand didn’t touch.” The latest is Strak Amsterdam.
Intergenerational know-how
COS’s reputation was built on product quality, after-sales service and customer care. The current CEO, Robert Hochstadter, and his son Amir, Vice-President, both learned the ropes at COS by working in all aspects of sales, shipping, purchasing and customer service when they started.
In the 1980s, Robert introduced information technology to the company. During the 1990s, with the huge success of Silhouette’s rimless frames, Robert opened the COS Lab to ensure the highest quality in the mounting of Silhouette’s rimless frames.
In 2016, Robert also embraced e-commerce with its B2B website. Today, customers can place an order in a few seconds. The COS website has continued to grow, offering more and more services 24/7, including invoice and customer order tracking.
Next generation
Amir Hochstadter
Amir Hochstadter represents the third generation at the helm of COS. He joined the family business in 2012 to gain a deep understanding of its inner workings. In 2020, he was appointed Vice President, continuing a long-standing entrepreneurial tradition.
At COS, loyalty is more than a value, it is a legacy
For decades, dedicated sales representatives have shaped the company’s success, from Yann Leduc’s 28 years alongside his brother Simon’s 16 years, continuing their father’s tradition, to Paul Ponton’s remarkable (46 year) tenure, joined by Mario Di Carlo (43 years), Ardice Fenske (39 years) and Scott Valentine (33 years).
This same unwavering commitment also extends to several members of the customer service team, including Josée Boudreau, who has 39 years of service, and Sylvie Rosito, 36 years. Together, their experience and long-standing relationships remain the foundation of
COS — a legacy deeply valued and sincerely appreciated.
It took many years to build COS’s reputation, and the company intends to preserve it. As for the future, it looks extremely promising!
Source: Canadian Optical Supply
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Transitions has announced the May launch of Transitions® Color Touch™, a new lens offering subtle tint indoors and darker colour activation outdoors.
The product was first introduced at Transitions Academy 2025 and is being positioned as a fashion-forward addition to the dynamic lens category, combining light responsiveness with an always-on touch of colour.
According to the company, Transitions Color Touch is available in five colours — Ruby, Amber, Sapphire, Amethyst, and Emerald — and comes in both gradient and washed tint effects. Indoors, the lenses provide a soft tint intended for everyday wear, while outdoors they darken further when activated by light.
“Two years after the Gen S launched, the revolution continues with Transitions® Color Touch™,” said Tim Precious, General Manager UKI at EssilorLuxottica. “Where colour becomes a true signature: subtle indoors, vibrant outdoors, and always seamlessly on.”
Transitions says the new product is designed to appeal to consumers looking for eyewear that combines visual performance with personal style. The company cited internal research indicating that younger wearers in particular are seeking eyewear that is both functional and expressive.
In a second statement, Precious said the new lenses are intended to bring together style and performance through the company’s latest lens technology. According to Transitions, key features include rapid light adaptation, soft everyday tint, and protection from bright sunlight, UV rays and blue-violet light.
The company says Transitions Color Touch is designed to deliver vision correction, light protection and a more style-driven eyewear option for wearers navigating changing light conditions.
Safilo Group has announced the signing of an exclusivity agreement with Bollé Brands aimed at acquiring SPY+ and Serengeti, two U.S.-based eyewear brands positioned in the sports/outdoor and premium eyewear segments.
According to Safilo, completion of the proposed transaction remains subject to consultation with the relevant bodies and customary closing conditions.
The company said the move aligns with its previously stated strategy of selectively acquiring brands that can strengthen its presence in higher-growth categories and expand its portfolio of owned brands, which includes Smith, Carrera, Polaroid, and Blenders.
Safilo said SPY+ would add to its presence in the sport and outdoor channel, citing the brand’s complementarity with Smith as well as its credibility among athletes and consumers. The company also noted SPY+’s established direct-to-consumer presence.
With Serengeti, Safilo is looking to reinforce its position in the premium eyewear segment. The company described the brand as having a longstanding heritage and pointed to its mineral lens offering and American market identity as key differentiators.
Safilo said SPY+ and Serengeti together generated approximately US$39 million in sales in 2025.
J.F. REY is highlighting SLEDGE, a collection that combines titanium, acetate, carbon fibre and a patented screwless hinge system in an architectural approach to eyewear design.
HOYA Vision Care Canada has announced the availability of Sensity 3, Sensity Colours and Sensity Shine, expanding its light-adaptive lens portfolio for eye care professionals across Canada.
The American Academy of Optometry has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders in optometry, vision science, education, research, clinical care and service.
J.F. REY has introduced IMAGINE, its 2026 kids eyewear collection designed for children aged 4 to 12, with frames emphasizing colour, transparency, comfort and durability.
Toulch Rimless has signed a Canadian distribution agreement with Audace Lunettes, which will represent the Montreal-based brand and its Phi collection across Canada.
J.F. REY is highlighting SLEDGE, a collection that combines titanium, acetate, carbon fibre and a patented screwless hinge system in an architectural approach to eyewear design.
HOYA Vision Care Canada has announced the availability of Sensity 3, Sensity Colours and Sensity Shine, expanding its light-adaptive lens portfolio for eye care professionals across Canada.
The American Academy of Optometry has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders in optometry, vision science, education, research, clinical care and service.
J.F. REY has introduced IMAGINE, its 2026 kids eyewear collection designed for children aged 4 to 12, with frames emphasizing colour, transparency, comfort and durability.
Toulch Rimless has signed a Canadian distribution agreement with Audace Lunettes, which will represent the Montreal-based brand and its Phi collection across Canada.
J.F. REY is highlighting SLEDGE, a collection that combines titanium, acetate, carbon fibre and a patented screwless hinge system in an architectural approach to eyewear design.
HOYA Vision Care Canada has announced the availability of Sensity 3, Sensity Colours and Sensity Shine, expanding its light-adaptive lens portfolio for eye care professionals across Canada.
The American Academy of Optometry has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders in optometry, vision science, education, research, clinical care and service.
J.F. REY has introduced IMAGINE, its 2026 kids eyewear collection designed for children aged 4 to 12, with frames emphasizing colour, transparency, comfort and durability.
Toulch Rimless has signed a Canadian distribution agreement with Audace Lunettes, which will represent the Montreal-based brand and its Phi collection across Canada.
J.F. REY is highlighting SLEDGE, a collection that combines titanium, acetate, carbon fibre and a patented screwless hinge system in an architectural approach to eyewear design.
HOYA Vision Care Canada has announced the availability of Sensity 3, Sensity Colours and Sensity Shine, expanding its light-adaptive lens portfolio for eye care professionals across Canada.
The American Academy of Optometry has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders in optometry, vision science, education, research, clinical care and service.
J.F. REY has introduced IMAGINE, its 2026 kids eyewear collection designed for children aged 4 to 12, with frames emphasizing colour, transparency, comfort and durability.
Toulch Rimless has signed a Canadian distribution agreement with Audace Lunettes, which will represent the Montreal-based brand and its Phi collection across Canada.
