Blog - Page 30 of 868

April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

EssilorLuxottica and Meta Expand AI Glasses Portfolio with New Ray-Ban Meta Optical Styles

EssilorLuxottica and Meta have announced an expansion of their AI glasses portfolio with the introduction of new Ray-Ban Meta optical-first styles designed for prescription wearers. The move adds to a portfolio that already includes Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta HSTN, Oakley Meta Vanguard and Meta Ray-Ban Display.

Blayzer_Ray-Ban_Meta_Rectangle_Matte_Black_Clear_Generic — Ray-Ban Meta, Blayzer

Ray-Ban Meta GEN2_SS26_BlayzerMatte Black_Clear — Ray-Ban Meta, Blayzer

The new Ray-Ban Meta collection includes two optical-first models: Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics (Gen 2) and Scriber Optics (Gen 2). According to the companies, the frames feature a slimmer design, interchangeable nose pads, overextension hinges with an additional 10 degrees of rotation, adjustable temple tips and a dedicated action button for activating Meta AI and accessing shortcuts or capture functions.

Scriber Ray-Ban_Meta_Panthos_Transparent_Shiny_Stone_Beige_Clear_Capture_Generic — Ray-Ban Meta, Scriber

Ray-Ban Meta GEN2_SS26_ScriberShiny Black_Clear — Ray-Ban Meta, Scriber

EssilorLuxottica said both new styles are designed to support a wide range of prescriptions and can be paired with advanced single-vision lenses, progressive lenses or Transitions® lenses. The companies are also expanding lens options across Oakley Meta products, with Oakley Meta Vanguard now available with Transitions® lenses for the first time.

In addition to the new prescription-focused styles, the announcement includes limited-time seasonal colours for select Ray-Ban Meta frames, including Shiny Transparent Grey for Wayfarer, Shiny Transparent Peach for Skyler and Matte Transparent Peach for Headliner. EssilorLuxottica and Meta also said the AI glasses collection will expand later this year to new markets including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Chile, Peru and Colombia.

The companies are also broadening Meta AI functionality on their glasses platform. New and upcoming features include live translation in additional languages, hands-free food logging and nutrition tracking, and message summaries designed to help users recap missed conversations. Across the portfolio, the glasses also support functions such as photo and video capture, music and podcast playback, calling, messaging and real-time translation.

The new Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics and Scriber Optics models became available for pre-order in the United States on March 31, with broader retail availability beginning April 14 through Ray-Ban stores, Ray-Ban.com, Meta.com, select EssilorLuxottica optical retail banners and the company’s wholesale distribution network in multiple markets, including Canada.

Source: EssilorLuxottica / Meta

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April 1, 2026March 16, 2026

From Flats to Many Hats: A Life in Motion

By Suzanne Sendel

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Sarah Braida in Montreal. Securing time
with her felt like a small victory in itself; she is perpetually in motion, moving between cities,
ideas, and opportunities. That rare pause only deepened my admiration for the clarity,
courage, and instinct that have guided her professional journey for more than two decades.

A true road warrior with an unmistakable sense of style, Sarah travels tirelessly across Canada and abroad, navigating meetings, design development, trade fairs, and an ever-evolving calendar of industry events. Through it all, she remains anchored by vision, discipline, and remarkable tenacity.

Her radiant smile is ever-present, her energy magnetic. She speaks with joy and conviction, and behind her eyes lives just enough mystery to leave you wanting to know more. Sarah has a rare ability to captivate a room while intuitively sensing what lies ahead.

Always in creation mode, she has an innate understanding of trends, timing, and transformation. Curveballs are met with composure, challenges with confidence. At the heart of everything she does lies one unwavering priority: exceptional care for her clients. Whether on the road with her representatives, supporting trunk shows, or launching new collections, Sarah leads with presence and purpose. She spends close to 90 days a year traveling, while proudly calling Montreal home.

Alongside her demanding travel schedule and leadership role, Sarah is a single mother raising three beautiful children, embodying a modern femininity defined by resilience, grace, and the ability to hold many roles with confidence and purpose.

Fashion and sales are woven into her DNA. She spent several years running retail clothing stores, cultivating a deep appreciation for style, human connection, and the rhythm of commerce. At a pivotal moment in her life, she chose to step away from retail, guided by intuition and the quiet certainty that a new chapter was waiting to unfold.

Her introduction to the optical world came through curiosity and invitation. Attending SILMO for the first time proved transformative. Immersed in creativity, craftsmanship, and bold design, Sarah explored each floor with intention, drawn to the stories behind the collections and the people who brought them to life. She asked thoughtful questions, forged genuine connections, and left her contact details, unaware that this instinctive gesture was quietly laying the foundation for her future.

What followed was not coincidence, but momentum built on passion, presence, and an unmistakable ability to recognize opportunity when it appears.

Upon her return to Montreal, Sarah was presented with an opportunity with Wescan Optical – Western Division, where she began representing several established collections. Over the next three years, she gained a strong command of the optical landscape, sharpening her understanding of sales, distribution, and brand positioning. That foundation proved pivotal and prepared her for a broader, more independent vision.

While attending a New York trade show shortly thereafter, Sarah found herself drawn instinctively to the world of independent designers. It was there that she encountered the bold creativity of J.F. REY. The colour, the energy, the audacity of the designs – it was an immediate connection. Conversations followed, then deeper exchanges.

Soon after, Sarah and Jean-François Rey met in Montreal. Over a glass of wine at Pizzadelic on St-Laurent Street, they exchanged ideas, vision, and perspective. It was a simple moment, rich in authenticity; one that marked the beginning of a lasting professional collaboration.

Today, Sarah serves as the exclusive agent for J.F. REY and Cazal across Canada. She has traveled the country coast to coast, often with seven sample bags in tow, and last year alone logged 59 flight segments with Air Canada: hence her signature preference for stylish flat shoes. From Vancouver to Paris, and across the United States, she collaborates on collection development, supports her clients, and stays attuned to emerging trends.

Her greatest passion remains unchanged: taking care of her customers and simply being there.

Like many driven leaders, Sarah acknowledges that balance is a continual work in progress. Her most recent resolution is to carve out more time for self-care; a commitment she honored with a restorative December by the sea, surrounded by her cherished and supportive family.

Sarah works with intensity and heart. She inspires others to trust both instinct and intellect, and she reminds us that believing in oneself is not optional, it is essential. That belief is what defines individuality and sets true visionaries apart.

About the Author:

Suzanne Sendel

Suzanne Sendel is an optical distributor who left the world of interior design and architectural sales management by falling in love with a pair of hand painted glasses, 11 years ago. Through her travels, Suzanne has inspired many with her independent collections, and her passion for optical fashion, and in sharing her stories and the many sales teams of “Road Warriors”, who have inspired the optical industry. Through her lens, Suzanne will share their journey and what has made them an integral part of the success of our industry. Reach her at suzannesendel@gmail.com.

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March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

World Council of Optometry President’s Statement Reflecting on World Optometry Week 2026

Dr. Cindy Tromans, WCO President

Dear Colleagues,

As World Optometry Week 2026 comes to a close, I extend my sincere appreciation to the optometrists, educators, students, professional associations, and partners who joined the World Council of Optometry (WCO) in celebrating our profession and advancing our theme, “A Shared Vision: Collaboration in Global Eye Care.”

Across the globe, optometry leaders and organizations have used this week to highlight the importance of stronger, more integrated eye care systems. From community outreach to national policy discussions, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to expanding access to quality vision care and strengthening the role of optometry within health systems.

This year’s World Optometry Week demonstrated how collaboration and innovation can advance clinical care and professional education. On World Optometry Day, WCO and Alcon launched the Dry Eye Management Map, a new interactive tool designed to help clinicians quickly link dry eye causes with evidence-based treatment strategies. WCO also premiered a global on-demand lecture exploring optometry’s role in the rehabilitation of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), highlighting how visual assessment, clinical tools, optical strategies, and interdisciplinary teamwork can improve patient outcomes.

Yet in many countries, optometrists remain underutilized in national health strategies. The evidence is clear: meaningful progress in reducing avoidable blindness and vision impairment will not be achieved without fully integrating optometry into primary and secondary health care systems.

Last year, WCO reinforced this vision through the updated Why Optometry document, which provides policymakers and health leaders with a clear roadmap for integrating optometry into healthcare systems through strengthened education, legislation, and workforce development. Fully embedding optometry within people-centred eye care, supported by strong referral pathways, collaborative care models, and modern technologies, will be essential to expanding access and reducing avoidable vision loss worldwide.

In 2024, WCO released the WCO Competency Framework for Optometry, outlining the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for optometrists to contribute effectively to the global eye care agenda. Developed to advance the profession in line with the WHO Eye Care Competency Framework (ECCF), this framework responds directly to the urgent need for a stronger, well-prepared eye care workforce as reported in the 2019 World Report on Vision.

Building on WCO’s commitment to strengthening leadership and advocacy within the profession, WCO has also introduced OPAL Advanced Practice in Advocacy, a short online course for graduates of the Optometry Program for Advocacy and Leadership (OPAL). With applicants now selected, the 2026 pilot course will run from May 4–25, bringing together optometrists from around the world to deepen their skills in stakeholder engagement through sessions on NGO collaboration, advanced stakeholder management, grant writing, and more, along with brief participant presentations on current or past advocacy projects.

By collaborating across professions, sectors, and borders, we can build stronger systems of care and move closer to a future where no one is left behind because of preventable – vision loss. When fully integrated into health systems, optometry strengthens prevention, enables earlier diagnosis, and supports timely referral and treatment.

As we conclude World Optometry Week, I encourage optometrists and their representative organizations everywhere to continue this momentum. Engage with your governments. Partner with other health professionals. Advocate for policies that recognize optometry as an essential part of integrated eye care.

Together, we can ensure that eye care is accessible, equitable, affordable, and effective for all.

With very best wishes,

Dr. Cindy Tromans _ WCO President — Dr. Cindy Tromans
President, World Council of Optometry

Source: World Council of Optometry

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March 27, 2026March 27, 2026

ClearVision Optical Collaborates with Drexel University on Eyewear Design Course

ClearVision Optical is partnering for a second time with Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design on Applied Human-Centered Design (PROD 345), a course focused on developing eyewear for diverse users through research-based, human-centered design methods.

Led by June He, assistant professor of product design and founding director of the Empathic CoDesign Lab, the course examines the physical, psychological, perceptual and behavioural factors that shape effective product development. This term, students are applying those principles directly to eyewear design.

The collaboration began with a virtual presentation from ClearVision Optical President and Co-Owner David Friedfeld and members of the ClearVision team, who introduced students to the project brief, Design Eyewear for Diverse Users. Throughout the term, students are conducting contextual research, qualitative interviews, facial structure analysis, affinity mapping and usability testing to develop inclusive eyewear concepts grounded in research.

“Advancements like 3D printing and digital modeling are expanding what’s possible in eyewear design,” said David Friedfeld, president and co-owner of ClearVision Optical. “ClearVision is proud to partner with Drexel University to help teach the next generation of eyewear designers, ensuring innovation starts with real people and real needs.”

According to the company, ClearVision designers are providing feedback throughout the term through virtual critiques and midterm reviews, giving students exposure to professional eyewear design processes. Students are also carrying out landscape analyses, interviewing experts and end users, analyzing qualitative data and developing concept prototypes based on user needs and human-factors principles.

The curriculum places a strong emphasis on participatory and empathic design practices. Students complete anthropometric assessments, refine their concepts through heuristic analysis and user testing, and produce both a process poster and a brand book documenting their research, development process and collection identity.

The course concludes with a final presentation and exhibition at Drexel University, where students present their work to a panel of industry professionals, including ClearVision leadership.

“I have had the pleasure of collaborating with CVO over the past two years in my roles as both an eyewear designer and a product design professor,” said June He. “The entire CVO team has been incredibly supportive of both our program and our students. They have generously provided thoughtful feedback and valuable resources on student design work and prototypes, helping foster a strong environment for learning and innovation.”

ClearVision said the partnership is intended to connect academia and industry while giving students exposure to real-world design challenges and professional critique.

Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design

Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design prototypes

Source: ClearVision Optical

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March 26, 2026March 26, 2026

Oakley Names Matthew M. Williams Creative Director for Apparel, Footwear and Accessories

Oakley- MATTHEW M. WILLIAMS and TRAVIS SCOTT March 2026

Oakley has named Matthew M. Williams as creative director of apparel, footwear and accessories, according to a company announcement.

The brand said Williams will work in close alignment with Travis Scott, who continues in Oakley’s role as Chief Visionary Officer. In his new position, Williams is expected to help lead the next chapter for Oakley’s apparel, footwear and accessories business across both sport and lifestyle categories.

MATTHEW M WILLIAMS_OAKLEY — MATTHEW M. WILLIAMS

According to the announcement, Williams will help define a new vision for the division’s future while drawing from Oakley’s existing brand DNA. The company said his design approach places a strong emphasis on form, materials and quality, and that under his direction, Oakley’s apparel, footwear and accessories collections will include both performance-driven and lifestyle products.

“Growing up in California, Oakley was part of my upbringing. I have always admired the brand’s technical and innovative intent, which greatly aligns with my own process and design language,” Williams said in the announcement. “Oakley has such a rich heritage, with history rooted in both performance sports and global culture. I am honored to join the company and look forward to working together with Travis and all Oakley teams to guide the brand into a new era.”

Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica, said the appointment comes at a key moment for the brand’s apparel, footwear and accessories collections.

“This is the ideal moment to welcome Matthew Williams to elevate Oakley’s AFA collections and expand the offering of one of the world’s most innovative brands. Sport performance, technology, and Oakley’s distinctive heritage will continue to shape the brand’s future collections with Matthew’s creative direction,” Milleri said.

Source: Oakley

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