Vision Expo has revealed the finalists for the 2026 NOW Awards, marking the first year the competition was open to the entire global eyewear community. Designers and brands were able to submit entries regardless of whether they were exhibiting at Vision Expo, with participation offered free of charge.
According to organizers, submissions were evaluated based on artistry, innovative design, functionality and overall contribution to advancing the eyewear industry.
The winners will be announced March 12 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the NOW Stage during Vision Expo 2026, taking place March 11–14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. All submitted designs, including finalists, will also be displayed in a dedicated NOW showcase at the show entrance.
“The idea behind NOW has always been to create a space where creativity leads and talent is celebrated,” said Nico Roseillier, creator and director of NOW by Vision Expo. “By opening the NOW Awards to the entire industry, we’re giving every designer, no matter where they are, the chance to showcase their work in a meaningful way.”
Finalists span several categories including Best Optical Style (Independent and Licensed), Best Sun Style (Independent and Licensed), Best Emerging Brand, Best Direct-to-Consumer Brand, and The Ultimate Accessory.
Participating brands include Silhouette Atelier, MOREL, Bruno Chaussignand, NINA MÛR, Vera Wang by Kenmark, Calvin Klein by Marchon, Prada by EssilorLuxottica, Paloceras, KARÜN, Thierry Larsy, Moncler by EssilorLuxottica, All Saints by WestGroupe, Sunday Somewhere by WestGroupe, PRESS Eyewear, Pair Eyewear, and others.
Entries were reviewed by a panel of industry leaders spanning design, retail, fashion and eyecare, including Gary Black, Christian Roth, Eric Domege, Selima Salaun, Victor Sanz, Bob Schulze, Dr. Jennifer Tsai, and Jeneene Allen.
Vision Expo organizers say the expanded awards program reflects the event’s role as a global platform highlighting innovation and creativity in eyewear design.
SightGlass Vision is presenting findings from two scientific studies on March 9 at the 2026 Netherlands Contact Lens Congress (NCC) to further reinforce prescriber confidence in its DOT™ spectacle lenses. Both focus on the power of contrast management for slowing myopia progression in children; one explores efficacy across diverse populations and the other investigates its relationship to astigmatism.
“Our contributions to this year’s NCC program add to the substantial body of evidence surrounding our innovative DOT spectacle lenses,” said Andrew Sedgwick, CEO of SightGlass Vision. “More than 1.5 million children have already worn these lenses worldwide, and we are committed to helping eye care professionals understand their immense potential through rigorous clinical science and experience.[1]”
Efficacy of Contrast Management Spectacle Lenses in North American and Chinese Children (Carta F, et al) analyzed 12-month data sets from two long-term, multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials. Despite the diverse participant ethnicity (North America: 75% Caucasian, 20% Black; China: 100% Chinese), both axial length (AL) progression and cycloplegic Spherical Equivalent Refraction (cSER) progression were significantly slower in children who wore DOT lenses compared to the control groups. The study was conducted in partnership with Indiana University.
Relationship Between Contrast Management Spectacle Lenses for Myopia Control and Refractive Astigmatism (Webley D, et al) explored if potential links between peripheral defocus spectacle lenses and increased astigmatism could extend to contrast management.[2] Investigators evaluated right eye refractive data from two long-term, multicenter clinical trials of DOT spectacle lenses in North America and China, noting astigmatism (>0.25DC) at baseline and 12 months. No significant change in astigmatism between the test and control groups infers that practitioners can prescribe DOT lenses with minimal concern of inducing this undesirable effect. The work was conducted with Aston University.
NCC takes place from March 8-9 at the NH Conference Centre Koningshof in Veldhoven, Netherlands, attracting clinicians, researchers, educators, and developers from across the ocular science and eye care spectrum.
DOT lenses are the first myopia management treatment specifically designed to reduce retinal contrast signalling through the incorporation of light scattering elements.[3] Children are spending more time indoors, studying, reading, and playing in modern, artificial environments, which may be linked to accelerated myopia progression.[4][5][6][7][8] The lenses mimic more natural contrast to counteract this.[9],[10] They have made their commercial debut in Canada, China, Israel, Spain, and the U.K. *
Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!
[1] SGV data on file 2025: 2024/25 sales data and repeat purchase rates; reflects global usage across multiple regions.
[2] Xu et al. The Peripheral Defocus Designed Spectacle Lenses Might Increase Astigmatism in Myopic Children. Translational Vision Science and Technology 2025 14:3:8:2
[3] Rappon et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 12-month results of a randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study (CYPRESS). Br J Ophthalmol. 2023;107(11):1709–1715.
[4] Morgan IG, Wu PC, Ostrin LA, Tideman JWL, Yam JC, Lan W, Baraas RC, He X, Sankaridurg P, Saw SM, French AN, Rose KA, Guggenheim JA. IMI Risk Factors for Myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2021 Apr 28;62(5):3. doi: 10.1167/iovs.62.5.3. PMID: 33909035; PMCID: PMC8083079.
[5] Biswas S, El Kareh A, Qureshi M, Lee DMX, Sun CH, Lam JSH, Saw SM, Najjar RP. The influence of the environment and lifestyle on myopia. J Physiol Anthropol 2024;43(1):7.
[6] Flitcroft et al. The Spatial Frequency Content of Urban and Indoor Environments as a Potential Risk Factor for Myopia Development. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2020;61(11):42
[7] Guo Y, Liu LJ, Tang P, Lv YY, Feng Y, et al. (2017) Outdoor activity and myopia progression in 4-year follow-up of Chinese primary school children: The Beijing Children Eye Study. PLOS ONE 12(4): e0175921
[8] Li X, Li L, Qin W, et al. Urban Living Environment and Myopia in Children. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(12):e2346999. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.46999
[9] Laughton D, et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 4-year results of a multicentre randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study (CYPRESS): BMJ Open Ophthalmology 2024;9:e001790;
[10] Laughton et al. Control of myopia using contrast modulation spectacle lenses in a Chinese population: 12-month results. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2025;66(8):2815.
The inaugural Italian Eyewear Exhibition (IEE) New York, branded in the U.S. as Reflections, made its debut during New York Eyewear Design Week, bringing Italian eyewear design and craftsmanship to the heart of Manhattan.
Organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with ANFAO – the Italian Optical Goods Manufacturers’ Association, the event took place at the iconic IAC Building, the all-glass architectural landmark designed by Frank Gehry.
Sixteen Italian companies presented their latest collections to an audience that included more than 100 buyers from across the United States, supported by a hosted buyers program organized by ITA. In total, approximately 300 visitors attended the event, including buyers, media, influencers and industry professionals.
Participating brands included Aerial Vision International, Aru, Atmosphera, I.o.v.e.s., Italiana Design, L.G.R, La Giardiniera, Lara D, Logoproject Design, Mad in Italy, Manifattura Italiana Occhiali, Marcolin, Nannini Italian Quality, Original Vintage Sunglasses, Stilitaly and Vanni.
The exhibition was conceived as an immersive experience inspired by the theme “Reflections,” with mirrored installations and transparent surfaces highlighting eyewear as an intersection of design, craftsmanship and material innovation.
The program included a daytime session dedicated to business meetings followed by an evening reception featuring artistic performances and institutional remarks celebrating the connection between Italian eyewear and the U.S. market.
Participants included ANFAO President Lorraine Berton, ITA President Matteo Zoppas, Italian Consul General in New York Giuseppe Pastorelli, and ITA New York Director Erica Di Giovancarlo.
“Bringing the excellence of Italian eyewear to the heart of Manhattan and presenting it to such an authoritative group of industry professionals means not only promoting a product, but also telling our story, our know-how and our ability to innovate,” said Matteo Zoppas, President of the Italian Trade Agency.
ANFAO President Lorraine Berton highlighted the enduring strength of Italian eyewear design.
“Our sector has deep roots in history, but it also has an extraordinary ability to adapt and look to the future,” she said. “Italian eyewear succeeds because it is an emotion you can wear.”
The eyewear sector remains a key pillar of Italy’s manufacturing economy, with 90% of production exported globally, more than 22,000 employees, and an estimated €5.6 billion industry value, much of it concentrated in the Belluno district.
Organizers say the strong participation from U.S. buyers and industry professionals signals continued interest in Made in Italy eyewear and suggests potential for future editions of the exhibition.
When I graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1978, fewer than 10 percent of practicing optometrists were women. Today, over 75 percent of new graduates are female—a dramatic shift that reflects both progress and new challenges in the profession. One of the most critical challenges—and often the least discussed—is succession planning.
Decisions That Shape a Career
Early in your career, you face a choice that will shape your professional life: Do you want to own a practice, work as an independent contractor, or remain an employee? It matters. Ownership comes with autonomy, responsibility, financial risk, and potential reward—but also long hours, staff management, and ongoing operational costs. Your decision will dictate not just the work you do, but the path your succession plan will take, and whether you leave a meaningful legacy.
Breaking Barriers in the Early Years
I learned these lessons the hard way. After graduating, I faced student debt and a profession dominated by men. Practices were reluctant to hire women, often citing pregnancy or family plans as “risks.” Interest rates for business loans were double digits and rising, and banks required co-signers simply because I was a woman.
But I was determined. With mentorship and support from a lab manager at American Optical, who “took a risk on me,” I began building my first practice in Regina, Saskatchewan. That experience taught me the importance of mentorship and giving back, values I carried throughout my career.
Forty Years of Growth and Grit
I worked tirelessly, travelling to five small towns in Saskatchewan, visiting nursing homes, opening Saturdays when others did not, lecturing at the University of Regina, running philanthropic programs like “Anna’s Vision,” and even examining patients in correctional facilities.
My husband, an engineer, supported our family and became a full-time house dad, allowing me to focus on the practices. Together, we shared a vision for success and commitment that spanned 40 years. Having the right people who see the same vision is essential for success, as it is never built alone.
In 1999, we moved to Calgary. I purchased a struggling practice and opened a second office closer to home, while continuing to travel regularly to Regina to maintain my original practice. For years, I managed these two Calgary locations and the Regina office simultaneously. With three full-time associates and a dedicated team who shared our vision, the practices thrived. I learned firsthand that success depends on people, preparation, and clarity of vision, not just clinical skill.
When Suddenly Everything Changes
Yet succession planning was always in the background. You work for decades developing a practice, making it a career, only to realize that life can change in an instant. On May 1, 2025, my husband passed away suddenly, leaving me to navigate family and business responsibilities alone. Circumstances had changed overnight. What I thought would be a gradual plan for reducing hours became an urgent need to secure the future of my practices.
This experience highlights a hard truth: succession cannot be postponed. Markets are volatile, costs rise, competition increases, and managed care can change the landscape of private practice. Owning a practice is a long-term commitment, and the most critical decision you can make is to plan your succession path early, knowing that a health event, diagnosis, or accident can occur in the blink of an eye.
Succession as a Professional Imperative
For today’s optometrists, there are valuable lessons: 1: Decide early on your career path. Will you own a practice, work independently, or be an employee? Each choice carries long-term implications. 2: Understand the actual cost of ownership. Beyond financial investment, consider time, energy, and emotional commitment. 3: Plan for succession from the start. Identify potential associates, mentorship opportunities, or partnership structures. Gradual buy-ins and shared ownership models can provide continuity and protect your legacy. 4: Expect the unexpected. Life can change rapidly. Your succession plan should account for health, family, and market volatility. 5: Build the right team and share the vision. Success depends on having people around you who understand, support, and share your professional values.
Passing the Torch with Purpose
Succession isn’t just about selling a practice; it’s about continuity, care, and legacy. Early planning allows you to maintain control, make strategic choices, and ensure that the life you’ve built in optometry continues to make an impact.
And finally, remember that succession is not an ending—it is the culmination of your work, vision, and sacrifice. It is the bridge between the career you’ve built and the legacy you leave behind. Start early. Plan well. And remember that the greatest reward in optometry is not just the patients you see, but the future you help create for the profession.
About the Author:
Dr. Diana M. Monea, OD, FAAO, MHRM
About: Dr. Diana M. Monea is an award-winning optometrist, author, and keynote speaker with more than four decades of leadership in clinical practice, business ownership, and professional education. Founder and former CEO of Eye Health Centres, she now focuses on consulting, mentorship, patient care, and public speaking.
Want to see more articles like this? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazine and newsletters!
Vision Expo returns March 11–14, 2026, to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, marking the event’s 40th anniversary and the debut of a unified annual show bringing together the global optical community.
Co-owned by RX and The Vision Council, the event will feature more than 220 hours of accredited continuing education and over 350 exhibitors presenting new eyewear collections, technologies and services.
New programming this year includes three dedicated show floor stages. The NOW Stage will focus on fashion and trend intelligence, including the NOW Awards and the Vision Expo Fashion Show. The Innovation Stage will spotlight artificial intelligence, smart eyewear and emerging care delivery models, while the Vision Stage will host accredited education and business programming.
The show will also highlight independent eyewear design through its Independent Design section, while the Innovation Center will showcase more than 20 companies presenting emerging technologies, including finalists from the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge.
Additional networking events, industry gatherings and special programming will take place throughout the week. To mark its 40th anniversary, Vision Expo will feature a dedicated installation celebrating the history of the event, along with a vintage eyewear display curated with the Optical Heritage Museum.
“Product innovation is accelerating, and the industry’s newest products, services and eyewear launches will debut at Vision Expo,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “With three new distinct stages, expanded continuing education and curated programming, the show is designed to feel focused, dynamic and highly relevant to every segment of the industry.”
More information and the full schedule are available on the Vision Expo website.
Woodys presents its SS26 collection through a fashion-forward reinterpretation of its Unique Bakery campaign, featuring 44 new models, premium European materials, and bold new expressions in optical and sunwear.
Optometry Giving Sight has announced the appointment of Karen Walsh, Senior Director of Global Professional Affairs at CooperVision, to its Board of Directors.
The winners of the 2026 NOW Awards by Vision Expo were revealed on March 12 in Orlando during Vision Expo 2026. Honouring excellence in eyewear design and innovation, the awards recognized leading brands, designers, and emerging talent across seven categories.
Woodys presents its SS26 collection through a fashion-forward reinterpretation of its Unique Bakery campaign, featuring 44 new models, premium European materials, and bold new expressions in optical and sunwear.
Optometry Giving Sight has announced the appointment of Karen Walsh, Senior Director of Global Professional Affairs at CooperVision, to its Board of Directors.
The winners of the 2026 NOW Awards by Vision Expo were revealed on March 12 in Orlando during Vision Expo 2026. Honouring excellence in eyewear design and innovation, the awards recognized leading brands, designers, and emerging talent across seven categories.
Woodys presents its SS26 collection through a fashion-forward reinterpretation of its Unique Bakery campaign, featuring 44 new models, premium European materials, and bold new expressions in optical and sunwear.
Optometry Giving Sight has announced the appointment of Karen Walsh, Senior Director of Global Professional Affairs at CooperVision, to its Board of Directors.
The winners of the 2026 NOW Awards by Vision Expo were revealed on March 12 in Orlando during Vision Expo 2026. Honouring excellence in eyewear design and innovation, the awards recognized leading brands, designers, and emerging talent across seven categories.
Woodys presents its SS26 collection through a fashion-forward reinterpretation of its Unique Bakery campaign, featuring 44 new models, premium European materials, and bold new expressions in optical and sunwear.
Optometry Giving Sight has announced the appointment of Karen Walsh, Senior Director of Global Professional Affairs at CooperVision, to its Board of Directors.
The winners of the 2026 NOW Awards by Vision Expo were revealed on March 12 in Orlando during Vision Expo 2026. Honouring excellence in eyewear design and innovation, the awards recognized leading brands, designers, and emerging talent across seven categories.
