Lacoste Eyewear introduces a matching sunglass style for adults and children. Lightweight and trendy, both models showcase the sporty yet elegant spirit and aesthetic the brand is known for.

Part of the brand’s sport-inspired collection, this modified rectangle sunglass style gives off a cool, contemporary vibe. The squared temples feature the Lacoste logo and striping in bold white.

Featured model: L966S

Distributed by Marchon: www.marchon.com

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