SWV Strategy with Vision, an independently owned Consultancy and Market Research Company, specializing in the eyewear and eye care business, routinely provides perspectives on major international trade shows. Below is their report on SILMO Paris. The report has been edited for length and relevance to the Canadian market.

DAY 1
In 2022, there was once again a village with exhibitors from China. The number of exhibitors in the Chinese village was, in our opinion, smaller than in 2019.

There was a competition for ophthalmic frame designs made by designers (Createurs). This was won by an Israeli designer. The winning frame is shown below.

The SILMO press conference was well attended. Highlights:

1. SILMO 2022 had a similar number of exhibitors as in 2019.
2. Pre-registration of visitors had been at the same level as in 2019.
3. In April of 2023, there will be a new SILMO exhibition in Singapore. This in addition to the SILMO exhibition in Istanbul.

DAY 2
The Technological Innovation in Connected Products category was won by Skugga Technology AB. Short listed were Ray-Ban Stories and OBE.

The award ceremony took place near the Hippopotamus restaurant in Hall 6. It was well attended and open to all visitors. In the past the SILMO D’OR ceremony was by invitation only at a separate location.

DAY 3
IOT (part of the Younger Optical Group) announced the launch of a photochromic lens which they claim to be on a performance level like Transitions. The product has already been launched in the USA. They will be selling semi-finished photochromic lenses

EssilorLuxottica had a section on their stand showing the new mineral photochromic Transitions lens by  Barberini.

A noticeable trend at SILMO is manufacturing equipment developed for Rx laboratories where a smaller footprint is needed. The Shamir Metaform manufacturing unit, which fits into a 40-foot container, was described on Day 2. Satisloh exhibited their Metro-Lab Film. The message is “manufacture your Freeform lenses with anti-reflection in less than one hour”. The unit has a 25 square meter footprint. Both companies were communicating on the sustainability of the green technology.

DAY 4
The last day of SILMO was well attended.

Fitting Box launched a new system to allow persons to try on a new frame in virtual reality. About 30% of persons carrying out an online virtual try-on of new frames cannot see clearly if they take their Rx spectacles off.   The new developed Fitting Box can, in virtual reality, remove the real pair with correction and thus allow the customer to clearly see how the tried-on pair looks.   Fitting Box mentioned that they have a lot of dedicated Internet sites of luxury sunglass manufacturers as customers.

Visionix have integrated a system in their VX 120 to calculate the level of dry eye of a patient. The new equipment is called VX120+ Dry Eye. Based on the result, patients with a score of 1 to 2 are recommended to be treated by eye drops or by nutritional supplements. Persons with a score of 3 or higher should visit an eye care professional.

Overall, it appears that SILMO exhibition has nearly returned back to 2019 pre-COVID levels, but there is still some way to go.

Doctors Eye Care Co-Op Ltd. (operating as Eye Recommend) and Digital ECP Inc. announced that Eye Recommend has acquired Digital ECP Inc. effective September 30, 2022.

“The optical industry needs a progressive buying group that is controlled by independents to protect the industry from consolidation and the degradation of eye health services for patients.” said Lee Raffey, Chief Executive Officer with Eye Recommend.

“Owning the [Digital ECP Inc.] billing software gives Eye Recommend control of a system that we can develop further for the industry, ensuring reliability for our members and improved service levels for both our supplier partners and members. Owning the [Digital ECP Inc.] buying group is a step into a new area for Eye Recommend and will allow Eye Recommend to provide buying leverage to customers that don’t fit into the full scope independent model that we currently service.”

“With the Eye Recommend business resources, support and large network within the Canadian marketplace, the Digital ECP Inc. members will continue to benefit.” Karen Ouellette, President with Digital ECP Inc. says.

As a leading network of independent optometrists across Canada, Eye Recommend provides business management and personal resources for members to grow and be successful.

The acquisition of Digital ECP provides a platform for Eye Recommend to expand their network, remain competitive and build a strategic path within the independent optometric landscape across Canada.

Click HERE for the press release.

This post is sponsored by Eye Recommend.

Introduced in the Acetate Hybrid Collection launched in March from ic! berlin, the Geoffrey frame reintroduces the vintage square style we all love with bold new colourways. The acetate used is biodegradable and is sourced from a premium provider with a rich legacy.

The Geoffrey is very reminiscent of its cousin Mr. Yang. George is the brother of
Geoffrey with nose pads.

Distributed by ic! berlin: www.ic-berlin.de

Starting September 23, visitors can register on the MIDO website for the forthcoming edition of the international eyewear show.

February 4-6, the world of optics will meet at MIDO 2023, where the best the industry has to offer in terms of trends, innovation, design, sustainability and creativity will be on display, in a setting where deals are made, and sales closed. 

MIDO 2023 opens with a fresh look and a new claim: “The Eyewear State of the Art”. Both epitomize the values that, for more than 50 years, have set this show apart – contemporaneity, culture, fashion and beauty. 

“We are hard at work on the 2023 show, after the April 2022 edition (the first post-pandemic show) exceeded all expectations, drawing the participation of 22,000 professionals and 670 exhibiting companies,” noted President Giovanni Vitaloni.

 Data confirm that, thanks to its strong international orientation, eyewear is among the sectors most successful in responding to recent adversities. In the first quarter of 2022, exports from January to March surged by 32.3% compared to the same period in 2019 and grew 35.3% over 2021. 

 MIDO will take place at Fiera Milano, February 4-6, 2023. 

Click HERE for the full press release.

FYidoctors announces it has been named one of Canada’s Top Growing companies on the 2022 Report on Business annual ranking, unveiled this week. The organization earned its place on the prestigious list by generating a three-year growth rate of more than 65%. Moreover, it is the only company in the optical and eye care industry to make this year’s ranking.

One of the main growth drivers of FYidoctors and its Quebec-based banner, Visique, is its unique approach: doctor-led, professionally managed, and patient focused. Since its inception in 2008, the organization concentrates on delivering outstanding eye care along with patient-centric products and services. FYihealth group has grown to 400 locations in North America, with close to 700 Optometrist Doctors leading the evolution of eye care and eye health. FYidoctors ranked 399^th of a total 430 companies named to the 2022 list.

“We are so proud to be named to the list of Canada’s Top Growing Companies this year,” said Dr. Alan Ulsifer, Chair and CEO of FYihealth group. “We are excited for this achievement and the growth we have been able to achieve given the pandemic and the hyper-competitive environment of our industry. Our teams, whether at the home office or clinic levels, have shown incredible commitment, loyalty, resilience, motivation, and hard work—all of which has been instrumental to our success.”

Canada’s Top Growing Companies is an editorial ranking that was launched in 2019. It aims to celebrate the boldest entrepreneurial achievement by identifying and bringing the accomplishments of innovative businesses in Canada to the forefront. To qualify for this voluntary program; companies had to complete an in-depth application process and fulfill requirements.

The full list of 2022 companies along with editorial coverage is published in the October issue of Report on Business magazine. The list is out now and online here.

Click HERE for the press release.