Introducing the Superior: a striking eyewear piece with an oversized frame, designed in collaboration with Ojibwe artist Donald Chretien. Available in rich Havana brown and vibrant sapphire blue, it features the otter motif, symbolizing playfulness and adaptability. Impeccable craftsmanship and cultural significance make it a must-have fashion statement.

Disribution by www.claudiaalan.com

Specsavers announced its plan to expand into Manitoba in the summer of 2024. The expansion, following the successful launch in Ontario, Alberta and B.C., will provide opportunities for Manitoban eye care professionals to own and run their own business.

With over 90 locations open, Specsavers is now the fastest growing network of eye care professionals in Canada. The Company cited its strong business performance, consumer demand and interest from optometrists and opticians seeking ownership opportunities outside of its existing Canadian markets for its decision to begin opening stores in Manitoba.

“We are pleased to see Specsavers is being embraced by Canadians. Our expansion into Manitoba means more Canadians will have access to comprehensive eye care and quality, affordable eyewear, as well as more opportunities for independent optometrists and opticians to start their own practice,” said Bill Moir, Managing Director, Specsavers Canada. “We are proud to already have a network of more than 200 optometrists and 250 fully licensed opticians operating across Specsavers stores since launching in November 2021. The average location is caring for over 100 Canadians each week.”  

Specsavers stores are locally co-owned by an Optometry Partner, who is a practicing optometrist, and a Retail Partner, who is an optician or an experienced retail professional. 

Specsavers provides comprehensive business support from experts in areas like administration, marketing, accounting, payroll and supply chain. With multi-million-dollar marketing campaigns driving brand and eye health awareness, Specsavers locations are averaging over $1.5 million in revenue during their first twelve months of trading.

Independent clinics located within Specsavers are wholly owned and operated by the local Optometry Partner, who receives comprehensive clinical support allowing them to focus on patient care.  

“Through an optometrist-led steering group coupled with independently owned clinics with new, advanced clinical equipment, including optical coherence tomography, Specsavers gives optometrists the tools they need to be successful in delivering patient care and to excel as a business owner,” said Naomi Barber, Clinical Services Director, Specsavers Canada.

Since launching, Specsavers has covered 100 per cent of location start-up costs for optometrists and opticians to start their own Specsavers store in communities across Canada. This investment, which averages $500,000 per location, aims to boost business ownership by independent optometrists and opticians, and help them achieve success while remaining autonomous and patient care focused.

Moir added that while the immediate focus of the expansion is Manitoba, the Company has received interest from optometrists and opticians from across Canada, and openings in other Canadian provinces may be considered in the future.

Optometrists and opticians across Canada who are interested in partnership opportunities with Specsavers can register for an upcoming online information session – Register here: join.specsavers.com/ca/info-sessions.

Click HERE for the full press release.

For more related content on Optik NOW, click HERE.

Marcolin finalized the acquisition of ic! berlin GmbH, an independent eyewear manufacturer established in Berlin in 1996.

A multi-award-winning company for the design of its creations – including the SILMO d’Or award – ic! berlin carries out in-house design, prototyping, manufacturing and assembling of its luxury sunglasses and optical frames. Marcolin takes full control of the Company, integrating within its organization approximately 140 employees located at the Berlin headquarters, and manufacturing plant, and in two subsidiaries in Japan and United States.

The acquisition is part of Marcolin’s strategy of enhancing its expertise in metal manufacturing and broadening its luxury portfolio, a segment with huge potential, while also strengthening its market positioning in key areas, such as Asia and Europe.

ic! berlin officially becomes one of Marcolin’s house brands, along with WEB EYEWEAR, strengthening a strategic segment for the Company.

Click HERE for the full press release.

This new collection from lool is part of the Tectonic Series, a lightweight, comfortable, and functional collection with timeless designs. Taking inspiration from this current in contemporary art, lool plays with form and colour. Six new eyeglass models, three unisex, two for men, and one for women, for a minimalist and innovative collection.

Featured model: Span

Distributed by: www.looleyewear.com

Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) has announced that Sarah Burtner, M.A., has joined its staff as director of communications.

“We’re excited to welcome Sarah to our team,” said Lois Schoenbrun, executive director, OGS. “She brings a wealth of experience in communications, marketing, and public relations to the organization, and has served in the non-profit sector as a volunteer, board member, and senior staff member.”

“That, combined with her leadership experience and passion for mission-driven work, make her a great fit for OGS,” Schoenbrun adds.

In the role, Burtner is responsible for directing, implementing, and managing the flow of communication and information between OGS and various global audiences, including the ophthalmic press, optometric profession, ophthalmic industry, patients, and practices. She will work closely with staff in the U.S. and Canada offices to manage communications for all OGS programs, events, and campaigns.

Burtner comes to OGS from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, where she most recently served as director of the APCO Institute, the training division of APCO. Prior to that, she worked in marketing and public relations at organizations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in strategic communication and innovation from Texas Tech University.

Click HERE for the full press release.

For more related content on Optik NOW, click HERE.