Marcolin Partners with New York Institute of Technology to Explore the Future of Eyewear Design

Marcolin has launched a new collaboration with New York Institute of Technology (New York Tech) through a project titled “Vision Reframed: Designing Eyewear Beyond Boundaries.” The academic–industry initiative brings together design, technology, and healthcare students to rethink how eyewear can better support inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainability.

The program, which began in November 2025, engaged selected students from New York Tech’s Architecture, Interior Design, and Digital Art and Design departments, as well as participants from the university’s medical school. Working under the guidance of faculty leaders Jordan Keys and Prof. Alessandro Melis, and supported by Marcolin’s global design team, students were tasked with developing new eyewear concepts that blend aesthetics, ergonomics, and emerging technologies.

Workshops throughout the project focused on inclusive design, sustainable materials, artificial intelligence, and mixed reality—topics aimed at helping students explore how innovation and ethical responsibility intersect in modern eyewear development.

The initiative opened with a launch event attended by representatives from New York Tech and Marcolin Group. Among the speakers was Fabrizio Curci, CEO & General Manager of Marcolin, who emphasized the role of social responsibility and innovation in shaping the future of the eyewear industry. He was joined by Marco D’Acunzo, CEO of Marcolin North America, Lara Marogna, Group Style & Product Development Director, and Clara Magnanini, Group Communication & ESG Director, who spoke to the strategic value of collaboration between academia and industry.

The final presentations took place on November 12, 2025, where student concepts were evaluated by a jury composed of New York Tech representatives and Marcolin leadership. Top projects were recognized and may move forward to prototype development, with the possibility of mentorship opportunities and internships at Marcolin.

With “Vision Reframed,” Marcolin continues to invest in innovation and education, encouraging dialogue between institutions and supporting emerging talent within the eyewear sector.

Click HERE for the press release.

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November 25, 2025November 14, 2025

Lakota: A Bold New Expression of Ledger Art and Design

Optik Voilàs November-December 2025- Claudia Alan Lakota

Discover the Lakota frame, a powerful fusion of culture and craftsmanship. Crafted in premium acetate with rivet details and spring hinges for comfort, it features Jim Yellowhawk’s warrior design inspired by Plains ledger art. Available in gloss black
or striated brown with blue and crystal accents.

Distributed by Claudia Alan: www.claudiaalan.com

About AYA Optical:

Celebrate Indigenous Art with Us!

We believe that art is transformative, and that eyewear can be the canvas to share stories and art from around the world. AYA Eyewear was first launched in 2009 in collaboration with renowned First Nations Artist Corrine Hunt and has continued to flourish and grow every year.

We are committed to the details and realize that beautiful design takes time, precision, and attention, so we don’t cut corners. We stand by our product. We treat our artists as our partners and make sure that their stories and art are always shared in the most heartfelt authentic way.

We take pride in our service and seek opportunities to give back to the communities we serve and the artist’s charities of choice.

AYA Eyewear is truly a brand that stands out from the crowd and is loved by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike.

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November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

opti 2026 to Spotlight Innovation, Design, and New Industry Synergies

opti 2026 is preparing to open its doors with a refreshed format, strategically curated experience zones, and a content-first approach that places innovation, design, and professional growth at the forefront. This year’s event focuses on five core pillars—design, healthcare, hearing acoustics, emerging talent, and networking—positioning the international trade show as a key influence on the future of the optical sector.

Hearing Acoustics Takes Centre Stage: The Debut of opti SPHEARE

A major highlight of this year’s show will be the world premiere of opti SPHEARE, a new hub dedicated to hearing acoustics in Halls C3 and C4. Spanning more than 200 square metres, the space brings together leading companies including actric, Bellman & Symfon, Meditrend, Nuance Audio, Optimus Hearing, oton & friends, PROABO, and Sinfonia.

Designed as an interactive environment, opti SPHEARE showcases technologies, business models, and practical insights to help optical retailers enter or expand within the hearing category, an area increasingly recognized for its growth potential.

“Hearing acoustics and ophthalmic optics complement each other perfectly. With opti SPHEARE, we are broadening the scope of our trade show and highlighting a field with tremendous future potential,” says Cathleen Kabashi, Director of opti.

TOMORROW VISION Returns with Expanded Collaboration

The second edition of TOMORROW VISION will once again unite major contact lens manufacturers under a joint platform in Hall C4. Under the theme “Play smart. Move free.” partners ALCON, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, HECHT Contactlinsen, Mark’ennovy, Menicon, MPG&E and the SEED Group will spotlight the freedom and lifestyle benefits of contact lenses—whether for sport or everyday comfort.

Kabashi notes that TOMORROW VISION “creates a shared space that pools expert knowledge while clearly demonstrating the economic importance of the contact lens sector.”

Future Technologies and Young Talent Take the Stage

The opti FUTURE VISION HUB (Hall C4) will highlight emerging technologies shaping patient care and practice management. Themes include healthcare advancements, myopia management, smart glasses, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and diagnostic innovations.

New companies working in software, AI, and clinical tools will be featured in the opti VISIONARY start-up area in Hall C3.

Next-generation professionals also have a dedicated space this year. The opti NEXT GENERATION HUB (Hall C3) offers content tailored to early-career development—entrepreneurship resources, speed-networking for job seekers and employers, and the opti CAMPUS zone with education and training partners.

Design Meets Craftsmanship in Halls C1 and C2

Design takes centre stage with more than 500 brands showcased in the YES AREA. The opti DESIGN STAGE will feature the finalists for the opti FRAME STAR audience award, trend insights, and panel conversations with renowned experts Francesca Valan and Angela Mrositzki, who explore eyewear as both a fashion element and cultural expression.

Trend specialist Selin Olmsted will unveil her 2027 trend report and lead curated TREND WALKS through the halls.

New and emerging labels will also be in focus through the opti BOXES and the opti BOX AWARD, celebrating innovation in frame design.

A Hub for Networking and Industry Connection

As the first major global optics event of the year, opti 2026 offers extensive networking opportunities across the opti RUNWAY BAR, opti BOX BAR, and YES LOUNGE. The show’s opening day traditionally concludes with the opti PARTY, an energetic event known for sparking new collaborations and partnerships.

With its expanded thematic structure and forward-looking programming, opti 2026 aims to deliver a dynamic environment where the industry’s visionaries, innovators, and emerging leaders come together to shape what’s next.

Opti Munich is held January 16 to 18, 2026.

Source: opti 2026: Innovation, inspiration, interaction

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November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

SightGlass Vision Names Natalia Trela-McDonald as Head of Research and Development

SightGlass Vision has appointed Natalia Trela-McDonald as Senior Director of R&D and Technology, bringing a wealth of experience in optical device design and commercialization to its leadership team. In her new role, Trela-McDonald is advancing the company’s work in contrast management and leading the development of next-generation lens designs and materials to further enhance the proven efficacy and performance of its DOT™ myopia control spectacle lenses.

Trela-McDonald spent nearly 14 years at PowerPhotonic, spearheading product development and overseeing the company’s U.K. business in advanced optical components for laser systems in medical devices, defense technologies, and industrial applications. She earned her master’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunication from Wrocław University of Science and Technology and her doctorate in Physics from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.

“Having experienced myopia myself, I understand the importance of early intervention,” said Trela-McDonald. “As both a scientist and a parent of young children, I’m inspired by SightGlass Vision’s mission to give every child access to this technology that can truly change the course of their eye health for the future. My goal is to build on the company’s already strong foundation to make DOT lenses even more effective and accessible, so that as many children as possible can benefit from them.”

DOT spectacle lenses are the first device designed to both correct vision and slow myopia progression by mimicking more natural contrast.1,2,3 To do this, the lenses include thousands of elements that softly scatter light before it hits the retina.4 DOT lenses offer unsurpassed visual acuity in the treatment zone and sharp all-around vision.5 After 12 months of wear, DOT lenses have been shown to slow myopia progression by up to 75% across diverse populations.*6,7

“Natalia’s passion for safeguarding children’s vision and her expert knowledge in optical technologies equip her wonderfully to head R&D at SightGlass Vision,” said Andrew Sedgwick, CEO of SightGlass Vision. “Alongside our team of ocular scientists, her leadership will be instrumental in our mission to bring effective myopia control to children around the world.”

SightGlass Vision’s patent-protected DOT lenses have made their commercial debut in several markets, including China, Israel, Canada, Spain, and the U.K., with over one million children having already worn the lenses.†,‡ Founded in 2016, the company now operates as a joint venture of CooperVision, Inc. and Essilor International.

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.
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;
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.
Rappon et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 12-month results of a randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study. Br J Ophthalmol 2023;107:1709-1715.1.
Rani et al. Treatment zone visual acuity with myopia control spectacle lenses. ARVO 2024 presentation.
Rappon et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 12-month results of a randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study. Br J Ophthalmol. 2023;107:1709-1715
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.

Click HERE for the press release.

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November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

The Vision Council Meets with U.S. Trade Officials to Address Tariff Pressures on Eyewear Manufacturing

Last week, The Vision Council and several U.S. eyewear manufacturers met with senior officials at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to discuss how current tariffs are affecting the competitiveness of American optical businesses and increasing costs for patients.

Representatives from USTR included Marshall Stallings, Director for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, and Sarah Short, Director for Industrial Trade Policy. The Vision Council delegation featured CEO Ashley Mills; Senior Manager of Government Relations Omar Elkhatib; Modern Optical owners Ken and Paula Weissman; and Thema Optical North America CEO Giulia Valmassoi.

Ashley Mills noted that tariffs continue to place pressure across the supply chain, from manufacturers to labs to retailers, suppressing growth and raising costs for consumers. “We are committed to working with federal partners to create policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce costs for patients, and ensure that all Americans have access to high-quality vision care,” she said.

Industry Leaders Outline Tariff Impacts

During the meeting, participating companies detailed how tariffs on raw materials, parts, and finished goods are limiting expansion, hiring, and product development. The added costs, they noted, are particularly challenging for small and family-owned manufacturers competing in a global marketplace.

The Vision Council highlighted the strong potential of U.S. eyewear production to support job creation, export growth, and sustainable manufacturing, especially as more companies integrate AI-driven technologies to enhance production efficiency. The group also advocated for improvements to “Made in USA” labeling policies to better support companies that invest in domestic manufacturing.

Key Issues Discussed

• Rising patient costs: Out-of-pocket eyewear expenses have increased by approximately 10% this year, pushing consumers toward lower-cost offshore online retailers.

• Health impacts of delayed care: With more than 61% of Americans relying on prescription eyewear, rising prices risk delaying essential corrective care linked to diabetes, hypertension, depression, and fall risk.

• Effects on vulnerable groups: Seniors, children, and Medicaid beneficiaries face the greatest challenges as higher costs strain programs serving low-income or medically fragile populations.

• Regulatory inconsistencies: Uneven tariff treatment across Class I medical devices has created uncertainty and added cost burdens for manufacturers.

• Strengthening domestic production: Companies investing in U.S. manufacturing emphasized how tariff relief could accelerate onshoring efforts and improve supply-chain resilience.

The Vision Council also requested guidance on federal tools that could support long-term industry growth and workforce development.

Giulia Valmassoi commented on the constructive dialogue: “I truly appreciated how open and receptive the USTR representatives were during our discussion. I’m grateful to The Vision Council for ensuring that the voices of American manufacturers are heard.”

Resources for Members Navigating Tariffs

The Vision Council offers several supports for companies affected by tariffs, including:

• Regulatory and tariff guidance
• Federal policy and advocacy assistance
• Member alerts and issue briefings
• Research and economic-impact data
• Direct support for assessing tariff exposure

The organization continues to advocate for policies that strengthen access to vision care and the competitiveness of the domestic optical industry. More information is available at thevisioncouncil.org.

Source : The Vision Council

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Marcolin Partners with New York Institute of Technology to Explore the Future of Eyewear Design

Lakota: A Bold New Expression of Ledger Art and Design

About AYA Optical:

opti 2026 to Spotlight Innovation, Design, and New Industry Synergies

Hearing Acoustics Takes Centre Stage: The Debut of opti SPHEARE

TOMORROW VISION Returns with Expanded Collaboration

Future Technologies and Young Talent Take the Stage

Design Meets Craftsmanship in Halls C1 and C2

A Hub for Networking and Industry Connection

SightGlass Vision Names Natalia Trela-McDonald as Head of Research and Development

The Vision Council Meets with U.S. Trade Officials to Address Tariff Pressures on Eyewear Manufacturing

Industry Leaders Outline Tariff Impacts

Key Issues Discussed

Resources for Members Navigating Tariffs

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