Raymond Lanctôt Ltd officially announces that it has acquired the Prisme Optical Group. The aim of the acquisition is to broaden its portfolio of high-quality European eyewear and extend its market share throughout Canada.

In business for over 70 years, Raymond Lanctôt Ltd, a family-owned distribution company, has become the reference for quality European eyewear on the Canadian market with its optical division, Lanctôt Optique.

Prisme Optical, a leading distributor of exclusive European designer frames since 1994, represents an impressive line-up of European eyewear with a focus on unique and original pieces. The acquisition unites two key players in the optical business to ultimately offer opticians and optometrists across Canada the most complete line-up of exquisite European eyewear. 

Diane Lanctôt, President of Raymond Lanctôt Ltd., is very excited about the addition of the Prisme collections, adding that “the Prisme portfolio is beautiful and will greatly enhance our current offering while also appealing to the needs of a wider market spectrum.”

The Prisme collections will be represented by the current Prisme Sales Team.  

Click HERE for the full press release.

In just under two months, we will see opti, the international trade show for optics & design, return to its traditional pole position at the start of the year. From January 13 to 15, 2023, the ophthalmic family will meet at the Munich Exhibition Centre to find out about new products and trends in the industry and place orders spanning the entire range of ophthalmic goods.

The space set aside for the opti CAFÉ powered by ZVA in Hall C3 will provide plenty of room and opportunity for exchanging ideas and listening to talks by experts. Also, for the first time, trade visitors will have the chance to seek advice on their social media presence in short 20-minute slots.

The social media consultations will be held in German, English and French every day of the trade fair. The experts are Sarah Schleicher, German optician and eyewear blogger with just under 19,000 followers on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sarah_schleicher_/) and Anne-Sophie Lapetite of AnSoStyle (https://www.instagram.com/ansostyle/), who is from Antibes, is also an optician and an international Instagram star with 100,000 followers.

Newcomers and strong brands

Myopia management is the key focus of opti 2023, as it was at the special May event. Sustainability in optics is also a key issue, once again reinforced by the start-ups in the opti BOXES.

The opti FORUM XT webinar series will fill the time until the live event. Next event: November 17, 2022, at 7:30 pm on the subject of “Myopia – what is all the hype about?”

Click HERE for the full press release.

Make a statement in OTP-150, a chunky tortoise frame that is just as eco-friendly as it is fashion-forward. Its trendy rectangular shape and bevelling along the top rim will intrigue the most stylish of wearers. Simultaneously, the frame is made of biodegradable acetate, appealing to the eco-conscious consumer. OTP-150 is available in Periwinkle, Rose Tort and Tortoise.

Distributed by: www.westgroupe.com

A new podcast designed for non-medical listeners explains the reasons behind the global childhood myopia epidemic and what that means for Canadian families. Featuring Dr. Debbie Jones, from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) and internationally known myopia expert, the 22-minute discussion is part of the Don’t Lose Sight interview series from the Canadian Association of Optometrists.

The episode is available on the series website, as well as through major podcast platforms including Spotify and Amazon Music.

Dr. Jones defines myopia and how it can worsen as a child grows. Speaking with podcast host Denise Balch from Connex Health, she describes the associated risks for more severe vision impairment later in life as a potential consequence.

Dr. Jones notes that recent work showed a 30% prevalence among 11- to 13-year-olds in the Waterloo-Kitchener region. Remarkably, one-third of those children’s caregivers were unaware of the problem until the research project uncovered the condition. 

Far from being insurmountable, preventing or delaying the onset of myopia is possible, says Dr. Jones. She recommends that group benefits administrators and wellness coordinators help their employees consider outdoor time and screen time plans for their children. She also describes a range of therapies that are available to slow myopia progression, including specialized contact lenses and eyeglasses, as well as eye drops.

Dr. Jones concentrates her clinical work in pediatric optometry and research in myopia control.

Click HERE for the full press release.