Blog - Page 8 of 912

January 7, 2026January 6, 2026

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry Announce Licensing Partnership Renewal

EssilorLuxottica and Burberry announced the renewal of their licensing agreement for the development, production and global distribution of eyewear under the Burberry brand.

The existing agreement, expiring on December 31, 2025, has been extended through December 31, 2035.

Building on a shared legacy of creativity, craftsmanship and innovation, the renewal reinforces a long-standing partnership between the two companies that has flourished since 2006.

“We are delighted to extend our two-decade partnership with Burberry, a creative journey that has brought to life collections infused with Burberry’s timeless sophistication and uniquely British allure. As we look ahead to the next chapter of crafting Burberry-branded eyewear, EssilorLuxottica is thrilled to deepen its collaboration with one of the world’s most admired luxury houses”, commented Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica.

Joshua Schulman, CEO of Burberry, added “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with EssilorLuxottica, building on a relationship grounded in craftsmanship, design and innovation. Together, we will capture the spirit of our timeless British luxury brand expression as we bring more iconic Burberry eyewear collections to customers around the world.”

Click HERE for the press release.

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January 7, 2026January 6, 2026

Safilo and Pierre Cardin Renew Global Eyewear Licensing Agreement Through 2031

Safilo Group and Pierre Cardin have announced the renewal of their global eyewear licensing agreement, extending their partnership through 2031. The agreement covers the design, manufacturing, and worldwide distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses under the Pierre Cardin brand.

Safilo Group is a long-established player in the eyewear industry, operating across prescription frames, sunglasses, outdoor eyewear, goggles, and helmets. Pierre Cardin is one of Paris’s historic fashion houses, known for its legacy of innovation and distinctive design.

The renewal underscores a collaboration that began in 1991 with the launch of the first Pierre Cardin eyewear collection. More than three decades later, both companies point to the longevity of the partnership as evidence of shared strategic alignment and brand continuity.

Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group, said the agreement reinforces the company’s commitment to the Pierre Cardin brand within the eyewear category, particularly in optical frames. He noted Pierre Cardin’s recognizable market positioning, design innovation, and clearly defined audience as key factors in the continued collaboration.

Rodrigo Basilicati Cardin, CEO of Pierre Cardin, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two companies, citing mutual trust and respect as central to their ability to develop high-quality creative projects efficiently. He also pointed to the global reception of Pierre Cardin eyewear collections, including the Evolution line, which has gained visibility through international figures choosing the brand for public appearances.

Both companies indicated that the renewed agreement will support ongoing creative development and global distribution efforts for Pierre Cardin eyewear over the coming years.

Click HERE for the press release.

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January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

LensCrafters Continues Dedicated to Everyday Excellence Campaign in 2026 with Dr. Anisha Haji

LensCrafters has announced the continuation of its Dedicated to Everyday Excellence campaign into 2026, highlighting professionals whose expertise, innovation, and commitment help define their respective fields. The omnichannel campaign, which launched in spring 2025, is featured across LensCrafters stores, digital platforms, and marketing channels, combining storytelling with an overview of the brand’s eye care services and retail experience.

For the 2026 campaign, LensCrafters is collaborating with Dr. Anisha Haji, an independent optometrist affiliated with the brand. Dr. Haji is the founder of Atlanta Eye Group, which operates within six LensCrafters locations in the Atlanta area. Her practice has received multiple recognitions as Best in Georgia and Best Optometry Office, reflecting a strong emphasis on patient care and clinical excellence.

Dr. Haji earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Alberta and completed her Doctor of Optometry degree at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University. Her clinical interests include ocular disease management and specialty contact lens fittings.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Haji is active in professional leadership. She currently serves as President of the Greater Atlanta Optometric Association and holds leadership roles with both the Georgia Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. She is also involved in community outreach through her family’s nonprofit organization, the Gillani Volunteer Association, which supports hunger relief and underserved populations.

According to LensCrafters, the Dedicated to Everyday Excellence campaign is designed to spotlight professionals whose work reflects trust, expertise, and service, while also showcasing the LensCrafters approach to comprehensive eye exams, advanced technology, and premium prescription lenses.

Previous campaign participants have included individuals from a range of sectors, including winemaking, culinary arts, nonprofit leadership, and environmental advocacy. LensCrafters says the initiative will continue to evolve in 2026, with new stories and digital experiences planned throughout the year.

Click HERE for the press release.

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January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

The Vision Council Caps a Year of Growth, Innovation, and Industry Leadership

As the leading trade association for the optical industry, The Vision Council is closing 2025 with a year of measurable progress across research, government relations, industry standards, Foundation initiatives, and Vision Expo events. In a year marked by change and complexity, the organization provided the insight, advocacy, and industry leadership needed to serve its members and advance its mission of better vision for better lives.

“This year was defined by real momentum and a shared commitment to the industry we serve,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “As our members navigated tariffs and economic uncertainty, The Vision Council served as a steady resource to deliver the research, advocacy, and leadership the industry needed. Everything we’ve accomplished this year, from sharing relevant data insights to meeting with decisionmakers on Capitol Hill, will help our members continue to provide the highest-quality products and services to their customers and the communities they serve.”

2025 Highlights and Accomplishments

• Advancing Data-Driven Insights for the Optical Industry – The Vision Council’s inSights Research program continued to expand its impact in 2025, providing members with timely, accessible, and actionable intelligence to better understand consumer behavior and market dynamics. Reports and supplements include quarterly consumer and market updates, eyecare provider surveys, product-specific data tables, optical retail location lists, and the highly regarded annual Market inSights report—reinforcing inSights as a trusted resource for strategic decision-making.

• Strengthening Advocacy and Trade Leadership – As global trade discussions and tariff developments created uncertainty across the industry, The Vision Council played a critical role in keeping members informed and prepared. The organization delivered practical resources, including an exclusive Tariff Dashboard, a real-time tariff developments webpage, and a series of educational webinars, while also engaging directly with officials at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to communicate the real-world impact of tariffs on the optical industry.

• Leading the Development of Industry Standards – The Vision Council continued its long-standing leadership in the development and maintenance of industry standards, supporting innovation while safeguarding product quality and consumer confidence. These efforts remain foundational to the industry’s continued growth, consistency, and integrity.

• Expanding Access to Vision Care and Education – Through its Foundation, The Vision Council expanded access to vision care and education through strategic partnerships and community-focused initiatives. Highlights included National Sunglasses Day celebrations with AccuWeather in New York City and giveaways at Fenway Park, vision screenings through 20/20 Onsite, and educational resources about eye health and optical careers in collaboration with EyeMed.

• Convening the Global Optical Marketplace – Vision Expo, the largest optical trade show in the Americas, successfully brought together the global vision community in Orlando and Las Vegas in 2025, ahead of its transition to one annual event in 2026. The shows once again served as a hub for innovation, connection, and professional growth, offering attendees more than 200 hours of accredited continuing education and the latest advancements shaping the future of eyecare and eyewear through showcases from 300+ exhibiting brands.

• Building Connection and Leadership Across the Industry – The Vision Council’s accomplishments throughout the year reflect the strength of its membership and the value of collaboration across the optical community. Through member-focused events such as the Executive Summit and Lab Leadership Forum, The Vision Council continued to foster dialogue, alignment, and leadership at every level of the industry.

Together, these efforts underscore The Vision Council’s role as the unifying voice of the optical industry. As The Vision Council prepares for the year ahead, it remains focused on delivering meaningful value to its members and cultivating collaboration that will shape the future of vision care.

To learn more about membership, contact Michael Vitale at mvitale@thevisioncouncil.org.

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January 6, 2026January 7, 2026

COS Urges Canadians to Prioritize Eye Exams During Glaucoma Awareness Month

As January marks Glaucoma Awareness Month, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is reminding Canadians of the critical importance of regular comprehensive eye exams for the early detection of glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible vision loss.

Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma typically develops without pain or noticeable symptoms. By the time changes in vision become apparent, permanent damage to the optic nerve may already have occurred. While treatments can slow or manage disease progression, vision loss caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed.

According to COS, more than 800,000 people in Canada are affected by glaucoma, and many are unaware they have the condition. Risk factors include advancing age, a family history of glaucoma, certain medical conditions such as diabetes, and higher prevalence among individuals of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent.

“Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, but when we detect it early, we can slow its progression and help patients preserve their vision,” said Dr. Hady Saheb, glaucoma and anterior segment surgeon at McGill University. “Because glaucoma rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, regular comprehensive eye exams are essential.”

COS encourages adults, particularly those over the age of 40 or with known risk factors, to speak with their eye care professional about appropriate screening intervals. Comprehensive eye exams typically include measurement of intraocular pressure and evaluation of the optic nerve, both key components in identifying glaucoma early.

“Regular eye exams are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your sight,” Dr. Saheb added. “Glaucoma is manageable, and early detection truly matters.”

Throughout Glaucoma Awareness Month, COS will share evidence-based information and educational resources aimed at improving public awareness and encouraging proactive eye health care.

For more information about glaucoma, visit the Canadian Ophthalmological Society’s public education site at See the Possibilities.

Learn more about Glaucoma at https://www.seethepossibilities.ca/eye-health/glaucoma/.

Source: Canadian Ophthalmological Society

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