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ClearVision Optical Announces New Strategic Account Leader

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ClearVision Jessica_DiCecca_Headshot

ClearVision Optical announces the hiring of Jessica DiCecca as its Strategic Accounts Manager, a role focused on deepening relationships with multi-location practices and key accounts. This strategic expansion reinforces ClearVision’s commitment to independent eyecare professionals (ECPs) by identifying ways to offer value, tailored solutions, and genuine partnerships to best meet their business goals.

As Strategic Accounts Manager, Jessica offers focused, unique solutions with her customer’s profitability in mind. As a business-minded professional, she understands the challenges these practices face, particularly from her experience successfully building a territory.

“Jessica has been positioned with a clear mission: to help multi-location practices maximize their partnership through the programs, products, and promotions ClearVision has designed for this important segment of the eyecare marketplace,” said Peter Friedfeld, Executive Vice President and co-owner at ClearVision Optical. “These businesses often have complex, evolving needs, and service plays a critical role in supporting their success. Having a dedicated expert who is skilled, attuned, and accountable can make a material difference.”

In her role, Jessica brings a broad perspective, observing patterns across regions to understand how needs vary and where targeted solutions can drive meaningful results—whether in managed vision care, growth, capture rate, or other key areas. This insight allows her to serve as both a resource and a guide, offering credible recommendations on merchandising strategies, program utilization, private label opportunities, and value-driven profitability. Her ability to translate what she sees in the field into actionable strategies makes her a trusted partner to the practices she supports.

Jessica’s responsibilities go beyond sales support. As she works in the field, engaging directly with buyers, she brings field intelligence to the organization, helping to provide customers with best practices with local impact. She also plays a key role in developing promotions, enhancing support around managed vision care, and mentoring her peers at ClearVision.

A lifelong member of the optical industry, Jessica comes from a multigenerational optical family that includes her father, uncle, and sister. She has also led training and store management at Coach, supported the launch of her husband’s tech consulting business, and holds a real estate license. Her return to ClearVision, after a brief time at another industry organization, reflects her strong cultural alignment with the company’s values: family, independence and a drive to serve customers with integrity.

“Jessica brings an energetic approach to building meaningful relationships and creating successful, value-driven solutions,” said Jennifer Trakhtenberg, Chief People Officer and co-COO. “Her tremendous work ethic, integrity, and alignment with our ClearVision values inspire those around her to learn, strive, and achieve. We’re excited to see the impact she’ll make in this role.”

As ClearVision continues to grow its presence and support in the field, the Strategic Accounts Manager role represents an investment in long-term partnership and scalable success. Jessica’s work will help shape this model for the future, ensuring even more practices across the country can benefit from ClearVision’s commitment to customer-first service.

Click HERE for the press release.

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Marcolin Secures Long-Term Eyewear License Renewal With GANT

Marcolin Eyewear

Marcolin and GANT announce the early renewal of their exclusive licensing agreement for the design, production and worldwide distribution of GANT sunglasses and eyeglasses.

The partnership has been extended through 2032, further strengthening the well-established relationship between the two companies. GANT is a brand rooted on the East Coast of the United States and developed in Europe, embodying elements of both cultures. Quality and innovation are the brand’s core values, with origins in traditional shirt-making.

Since 2013, GANT Eyewear has reflected the brand’s American Sportswear heritage along with its more refined European influences, offering sunglasses and optical frames that are contemporary while staying true to GANT’s iconic preppy style.

The GANT Eyewear collection stands out for its refined and timeless aesthetic, classic designs, and seasonal highlights – always striving for modernity without losing sight of its heritage.

The eyewear collections will be available at selected retailers and on gant.com.

Click HERE for the press release.

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Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH announces agreement to acquire Brighten Optix

ZEISS logo

This acquisition will enhance the company’s portfolio of myopia management solutions and further reinforce its leading global position in vision care by also integrating specialty contact lenses.

Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH announced today that it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Brighten Optix, listed on Taipei Exchange. Brighten Optix is a leading player in the field of orthokeratology (short: ortho-k)* and specialty contact lenses. The capability and products of Brighten Optix will now play an important role in ZEISS Vision Care’s long-term strategy and success. With this acquisition, ZEISS Vision Care is making a strong addition to its already successful myopia management portfolio.

Brighten Optix products are already widely available and successfully used by eye care professionals and eye clinics in Greater China and across Southeast Asia. Their proven and innovative portfolio of specialty contact lenses will complement ZEISS Vision Care’s existing myopia control offerings. Ortho-k lenses are used to manage progressive myopia in children; a condition which can lead to high myopia and even loss of sight. Brighten Optix offers some of the market’s most advanced products and brands such as myOK.

“Progressive myopia is one of the biggest vision care challenges we see in the world today. The topic is so important as the sight of children is at risk. We are already proud of our spectacle lens portfolio, which is clinically proven to significantly slow the progression of myopia. But at the same time, we also know that we need to offer even more options to our partners, the doctors and eye care professionals. That is why we are delighted to have found such a great partner. Our future partnership will allow us to meet exactly this need. We will broaden our portfolio and enable our customers to protect and improve the vision of many more children”, says Sven Hermann, CEO of ZEISS Vision Care and Member of the Executive Board of ZEISS. “Furthermore, Brighten Optix is known for its commitment to research and development. With ZEISS’ heritage of leading innovation, I am confident that this common strength will be of even greater advantage in our joint future”, Hermann concludes.

“We are excited to join a leading, worldwide and visionary company like ZEISS,” says Richard Wu, General Manager of Brighten Optix. “Our business has flourished thanks to pioneering, industry-leading products, and we’re eager to capitalize on this chance to help grow and shape the future of vision care and in particular contact lenses and myopia management. Personally, I am proud and thankful to everyone at Brighten Optix for their unwavering commitment and expertise in improving and protecting vision over the last 50 years since my father founded the company. And I am confident that the talented teams of Brighten Optix and ZEISS Vision Care will accomplish great things together”, Wu adds.

The acquisition is expected to close early 2026. The transaction remains subject to completion of certain conditions and all applicable regulatory approvals. Morgan Stanley served as exclusive financial advisor to ZEISS Vision Care in relation to this transaction.


*Orthokeratology in short Ortho-K: The patient wears form-stable contact lenses at night to change the curvature of the cornea, so the wearer can see well without glasses during the day. These lenses have been shown to reduce the progression of myopia.

Source: ZEISS

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Roots Eyewear – Inspired by the Great Canadian Outdoors

Optik Voila May-June 2025 Centennial Roots 940

Canadian to their roots, the Roots eyewear collection features classic,timeless designs, that are functional and stylish, yet comfortable and a great fit.Explore the Eco collection, that is made from recycled acetate and metal. Contact yourCentennial Optical representative to view the entire collection.

Featured model: Roots, RT940

Distributed by Centennial Optical: www.centennialoptical.com   

About Centennial Optical

Centennial Optical is an independent, Canadian-owned company distributing ophthalmic frames and lenses, sunglasses, lab supplies, cases and accessories, nationally and internationally. Founded in 1967, Centennial sells optical goods and services to Eye Care Professionals (Optometrists, Opticians and Ophthalmologists), optical laboratories and optical retailers. Centennial is fully licensed by Health Canada to sell Class I and Class II medical devices. With corporate headquarters and central distribution located in Toronto, Centennial also has local customer service in Montreal and Vancouver.

Eyewear (Frames)

Centennial Optical began as a distributor of ophthalmic frames, selling its own exclusive brands. Today, in addition to being the Canadian distributor for several international designer brands of eyewear, such as Ann Taylor, BCBG MAXAZRIA, Ben Sherman, Champion, Christian Lacroix, FILA, Hackett, Jones New York, London Fog, Nicole Miller, Paradigm, Psycho Bunny, TLG and Vera Wang, Centennial works closely in developing and bringing to market Canadian fashion icons Alfred Sung, Roots and Beaver Canoe.

Lenses and Lab Supplies

Centennial is the Canadian wholesale distributor for Rodenstock and Kodak Lenses, plus other ophthalmic lenses from Signet Armorlite, Vision Ease, NuPolar and other lenses by Younger Optics, and lens products from a number of other manufacturers. Centennial’s house lens brands, CHOICE and Centoptic, offer customers an exceptional combination of performance and value in a wide selection of materials and treatments. Centennial is also pleased to offer a full range of lab supplies from 3M, BPI, DAC Vision and other suppliers.

Sunwear

Centennial is proud to distribute Serengeti, Bollé, and REVO Sunwear, both plano and Rx, to Canadian ECPs. As the maker of the world’s finest driving sunglass, Serengeti utilizes only the latest technologies and premium materials. Bollé constantly refines their trademark combination of fit, fashion and comfort, for high quality performance and protection. REVO sunglasses blend sleek design, tailored fit and legendary lens protection.

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EyeRide Aims to Raise $100K to Empower the GTA’s Vision Loss Community

EyeRide event logo 2025

On Saturday, June 21, dozens of athletes and avid cyclists will be gearing up and riding together from Vaughan to Alliston and Collingwood, ON for EyeRide 2025. The second-annual cycling event raises vital funds for two small-but-mighty organizations: TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club and BALANCE for Blind Adults, with a goal of raising $100,000 for recreation and mental health programs benefitting the vision loss community in Ontario.

EyeRide was founded in 2024 with a mission to provide an uplifting experience to adventurous souls who share a common vision: making a difference in the lives of those who are blind or partially-sighted. With ride distance options ranging from 33km to 130km, EyeRide empowers individuals with vision loss, helping them to build connections and relationships forged by training and cycling together or alongside sighted participants. Whether cycling tandem – a bike made for two riders – or solo, participants ride with passion and purpose.

“The inaugural EyeRide raised $57,000 for programs that help promote mental and physical well-being for individuals with vision loss, while breaking down barriers by forging connections between the vision loss community and sighted individuals,” said Laura Feltz, Co-Chair, EyeRide 2025. “EyeRide creates a stigma-free world where members of the blind and partially-sighted community thrive as active participants in Canadian society and achieve their full potential.”

Participants can register for EyeRide via RaceRoster, with a flat fee of $53.67 for the Toronto to Alliston or Toronto to Collingwood rides. Riders will receive an official EyeRide jersey, snacks throughout the route, a catered lunch and much more. There is also a virtual option for those who wish to complete their own activity throughout the month of June.

Cycle, Connect, Change Lives: Together, we can make a difference for people living with vision loss.

Date and Time: Saturday, June 21, 2025, 8:00 a.m. (cyclists are asked to arrive at 7:15 a.m.)

Start Line: Hwy. 407 TTC Station Parking Lot, 7332 Jane St., Vaughan.

Finish Lines: PPG Park, 31 Tupper St. W., Alliston, or Collingwood Brewery, 10 Sandford Fleming Dr., Collingwood.

Choice of distances: 65km or 130km

Register, or sign-up to volunteer at eyeride.ca!

Click HERE for the press release.

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