VSP Vision™ announced it has completed the acquisition of Marcolin from PAI Partners and other minority shareholders.
“The acquisition of Marcolin marks another important milestone in our 70-year history of providing VSP members, clients, network doctors, owned retail locations and key customers with more value and choice,” said VSP Vision President and CEO Michael Guyette. “Marcolin’s portfolio of globally renowned brands, manufacturing expertise, and geographic presence greatly complement Marchon Eyewear’s brand portfolio and capabilities, further strengthening our ability to meet evolving customer needs throughout the world.”
Both Marcolin and Marchon will continue to operate as they do today.
Marcolin’s portfolio of luxury and lifestyle brands include Tom Ford, Zegna, Christian Louboutin, ic! berlin, Max Mara, Guess, and many more. Founded in Northern Italy in 1961, Marcolin distributes its eyewear collections in more than 125 countries.
CapM Advisors acted as the exclusive financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins acted as the legal advisor to the shareholders of Marcolin. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Chiomenti acted as legal advisors to VSP.
Independent optometry is at a pivotal moment. While marketing remains essential, many practice owners are discovering that their biggest challenges extend well beyond patient acquisition. Leadership, people management, operational systems, long-term planning, and burnout are increasingly shaping the future of independent practices.
Kevin Wilhelm, co-founder and CEO of Marketing4ECPs
That reality anchors the latest episode of Eye on the Industry, where hosts Isabelle Tremblay and Christine Zeggil sit down with Kevin Wilhelm, co-founder and CEO of Marketing4ECPs and the new owner of Cleinman Performance Partners. The conversation explores why sustainable growth now requires more than tactics, and why mindset, coaching, and operational discipline are becoming critical tools for eye care professionals.
Wilhelm explains that the decision to acquire Cleinman Performance Partners was driven by years of close collaboration with practice owners. While Marketing4ECPs was originally engaged to support marketing and growth, client conversations increasingly shifted toward deeper business concerns. Staffing challenges, leadership fatigue, unclear financial performance, and uncertainty about long-term direction were often top of mind.
Marketing, Wilhelm notes, can bring patients through the door, but it cannot fix broken systems, unclear roles, or exhausted owners. Left unaddressed, those issues ultimately cap growth, regardless of how effective marketing efforts may be. The acquisition was a strategic move to help practices address performance holistically.
Cleinman Performance Partners has long been respected for its work in benchmarking and practice consulting. Wilhelm’s longstanding relationship with founder Al Cleinman, grounded in shared values and mutual respect, created a natural alignment. Rather than reinventing the model, the goal was to preserve Cleinman’s legacy while expanding its reach and integrating it with modern marketing insight.
At the centre of this integration is the Cleinman Operating System, a structured framework designed to help owners step back and gain clarity. Practices begin by defining where they want to be in three, five, or ten years. From there, the focus shifts to aligning people in the right roles, identifying obstacles to growth, and connecting leadership, accountability, and marketing into a sustainable operating model.
Wilhelm outlines four core service pillars now available to independent practices: strategic consulting with ongoing accountability, peer-to-peer wisdom groups that reduce owner isolation, strategic HR services supporting people management and compliance, and M&A and succession planning that guides owners through transitions from start to finish.
Burnout emerges as a central theme throughout the discussion. Many owners find themselves working in the practice all day and on the practice at night. Wilhelm argues that with the right systems and support, owners can regain control, reduce dependency on themselves, and create options, whether that means scaling, transitioning ownership, or simply restoring balance.
The episode balances strategic insight with warmth and real-world perspective, reminding listeners that practice growth is ultimately about people, sustainability, and thoughtful leadership.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Eye on the Industry to hear Kevin Wilhelm’s perspective on where independent optometry is heading and how practice owners can position themselves for long-term success.
It’s not every day you sit down with an iconic eyewear designer who embodies true independence.
I was invited to conduct our interview at the head office of Lanctôt Optical in Montreal. There, I was greeted by the owners, whose affinity for business development, style and class set the tone. Upon meeting Frédéric, I was immediately struck by his generous smile and humble nature. Running both his FB Studio and Frédéric Beausoleil collections, he pays homage to vintage and unique design.
A Creative Journey Begins:
Frédéric Beausoleil perfectly encapsulates the meaning of icon. His journey began as a young man, inspired by his mother and shaped by a lifelong respect for architecture, design, fashion, elegance, and eyewear.
Born in 1960 into a family of optometry, Frédéric’s path was deeply influenced by his trailblazing mother. She founded two of the very first French boutiques dedicated to independent eyewear designers, a rarity at the time, particularly for a woman in optometry. By championing visionaries such as Alain Mikli, Jean-François Rey, and Lafont, she cultivated an elite clientele of discerning customers. Beyond her profession, she was also an accomplished violinist and sculptor, instilling in her son a deep appreciation for culture, artistry, and refinement.
Crafted by Hand: Sculpture to Opticianry
Growing up in such an environment, Frederic first imagined a career in sculpture and aspired to attend art school, but his mother urged him to pursue a “real” degree. He ultimately followed her advice and enrolled in Paris’s leading opticianry school. In his final year, he designed his first frame, a gift for his American girlfriend.
To bring his designs to life, he sought out a small Parisian workshop specializing in buffalo horn and tortoiseshell frames. The atelier, just 24 square meters in size, was lined with 40 years of prototypes and became his classroom. There, he apprenticed, learning to craft frames entirely by hand, inspired by 18th-century methods.
Forging a Brand with Elegance
With early success and a clear vision, he trademarked the name Frederic Beausoleil and established his own brand. His career became a seamless blend of heritage, craft, and creativity: the legacy of his mother’s pioneering spirit united with his own passion for design. “She became my muse,” he reflects. Though she had hoped he would succeed her in business, she ultimately supported his independent path, offering expertise that helped him grow into one of the world’s finest optical designers.
When asked about his inspiration for men’s frames, Frédéric is clear: always design with elegance. He focused on sustainability, craftsmanship, and creating refined products made with care. Eyewear, he believes, should complement the natural harmony of the face, never impose or overpower. In men’s eyewear design, he notes, cultural codes play a role: the cat-eye, for example, long rejected in Europe and America, found acceptance in Asia. His goal has always been to incorporate pure lines, balanced proportions, refined thicknesses, ecological materials, and subtle vintage references, all expressed through seamless design. Each individual is unique, and by respecting individuality, he consistently returns to simplicity as his guiding principle.
Material Innovations Come to Life
Faithful to his purist ideals, Frédéric has long worked with authentic acetate derived from cotton flower cellulose. He explored combinations with mother-of-pearl dust, carbon fiber, linen, wood, and even cocoa, recognizing its design potential through cellulose. He has created more than 100 exclusive colours in collaboration with Mazzucchelli.
To fully realize his vision, he built his own factory 35 years ago, pioneering exclusive acetate production in-house. He became the first eyewear maker in the world to produce acetates independently. His designs also incorporate titanium, surgical stainless steel, recycled steel, and even repurposed materials such as dishes. By blending these elements, he created high-fashion frames that answered the growing demand for the unique and extraordinary.
He designed for Cartier for five years and joined Louis Vuitton for another five. His styles remain undeniably authentic and original, much like his spirit. When asked which designers most inspired him, Frederic reverts to his early influences, his mother, Lafont, J.F Rey, Oliver Peoples, and Alain Mikli. As for lenses, he has recently embraced Transitions, now offered in vibrant colours, including ruby red, green, and blue.
A Family Grounded in Creativity and Unity
Beyond his career, Frédéric is a devoted family man. His wife was the artistic director of Marie Claire in Paris for 25 years before launching her own design and marketing agency. Together, they raised two sons in an entrepreneurial household. Early on, they agreed never to travel at the same time, recognizing the importance of family and mutual support.
For Frédéric, family values are as significant as professional success. The harmony of love and business has sustained the couple for 40 years, their respect and affection undeniable. Passing on to their children the values needed to succeed in life has been his greatest achievement, the foundation of a most wondrous life.
About the Author:
Suzanne Sendel
Suzanne Sendel is an optical distributor who left the world of interior design and architectural sales management by falling in love with a pair of hand painted glasses, 11 years ago. Through her travels, Suzanne has inspired many with her independent collections, and her passion for optical fashion, and in sharing her stories and the many sales teams of “Road Warriors”, who have inspired the optical industry. Through her lens, Suzanne will share their journey and what has made them an integral part of the success of our industry. Reach her at suzannesendel@gmail.com.
Want to see more articles like this? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazine and newsletters!
As a proudly Canadian publication, Optik is committed to celebrating the people, values, and professional excellence that define eye care in Canada.
Following the close of the Proudly Canadian Optik Subscriber Contest, our editorial team reviewed hundreds of thoughtful submissions from opticians, optometrists, industry professionals, and students across the country. The response was remarkable—personal, reflective, and deeply rooted in what it means to care for patients in a uniquely Canadian context.
In addition to our randomly selected gift card winners, we introduced a Proudly Canadian Bonus category to recognize entries that stood out for their insight, authenticity, and storytelling. After aggregating and equally weighting editorial ratings, clear winners emerged.
Beyond the winners, the contest generated a rich collection of verbatim reflections. These voices reinforce why Optik remains committed to Canadian stories, Canadian perspectives, and Canadian professionals—principles that are central to our Canadian Content Policy. (Learn more here: https://www.optiknow.ca/canadian-content-statement/ )
Below, we are pleased to share the Proudly Canadian Bonus winners, including original French submissions with English translations.
🏆 Proudly Canadian Bonus Winners
Wesley Chen, Optician, Richmond, BC
Wesley Chen, Student Optician
“I am proudly Canadian because my story, like so many others, began with a journey of vision. My father immigrated to Canada with determination and a craft. Through his work as an optician, he embodied the heart of Canadian service, exemplifying humility, integrity, and care for the community. As a diverse country, Canada was a place where we could interact with many cultures, languages, and stories.
My father described this as a mosaic of people whose differences don’t divide us but deepen our understanding of one another. It was through this that my father found belonging, and through his work as an optician, he served his community with care and respect for every individual. Growing up watching him serve patients from every walk of life taught me the values of working in the Canadian Eye Care industry. I’ve learned that this line of work isn’t just about lenses and prescriptions, but about seeing people and meeting them where they’re at.
It’s about inclusion, respect, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to see clearly and live fully. Now, as I continue in the same profession, I wish to carry forward that legacy shaped by my father’s work and the compassion, diversity, and opportunity we’ve experienced in Canada. I am proudly Canadian because this country didn’t just give my family a new home, but also the opportunity to bring clarity to such a diverse community.”
Dr. Henry Reis, MD, OD, MBA, Vancouver, BC
Dr Henry Reis, MD, OD, MBA
“I am proud to be part of Canadian eye care because this country treats vision care as a shared responsibility. Our industry brings together clinicians, researchers, and partners who genuinely care about patient wellbeing and work together to elevate the standard of care. Canada creates the kind of environment where people can build new ideas, raise clinical standards, and push technology forward because it truly makes a difference for patients. My own journey reflects that. I arrived here with a desire to contribute and found a profession that welcomed hard work, curiosity, and a drive to innovate. The projects I have led here, from advanced dry eye care to new diagnostic approaches, were only possible because Canada encourages clinicians to think bigger and serve with integrity. What makes me proudly Canadian is simple. In this country we take care of people the right way and we keep raising the bar for each other.”
“La qualité des fournisseurs et l’humain qui se retrouve derrière chaque compagnie fait partie des raisons pour lesquelles je suis une professionnelle ”Fièrement canadienne”. Nous travaillons étroitement avec des gens humains qui ont à cœur la santé de nos patients, de nos cliniques, de nos membres et qui nous permettent de se dépasser continuellement en étant à l’écoute de nos besoins et en nous offrant des solutions adaptées à notre clientèle. La qualité des professionnels dans le domaine nous permet de travaillons en communion afin d’offrir à la fois les meilleurs soins et les meilleures solutions aux diverses problématiques rencontrées par nos patients.”
English translation:
The quality of suppliers and the human values behind each company are among the reasons why I am a proudly Canadian eye care professional. We work closely with people who genuinely care about the health of our patients, our clinics, and our members. Their attentiveness to our needs and their ability to offer solutions adapted to our clientele allow us to continually push ourselves further. The high calibre of professionals in our field enables us to work together in true collaboration, delivering both the best care and the best solutions to the diverse challenges faced by our patients.
Honourable Mentions
Shreya Jain, Optometry Student (OD3 University of Waterloo)
“I am proud to be Canadian because our country offers us education, resources, and many privileges that are not afforded by others globally. As an optometry student, access to free healthcare is something that makes me incredibly proud to be Canadian and allows me to give back to communities, locally and globally, to support those who lack such resources. I love to volunteer for organizations such as VOSH and provide eye care to underserved communities across the world. Being Canadian is a privilege and I am looking forward to sharing my education and knowledge with those around the world through collaboration, advocacy, and personal connection.”
Kristel Bordeleau-Tassile, Marketing Director
Original French :
“Être une professionnelle fièrement canadienne dans l’industrie des soins de la vue, c’est pour moi incarner les valeurs de diversité, d’innovation et de proximité. Basée à Montréal, au cœur d’un siège social bilingue et inclusif, je contribue à faire rayonner une expertise locale à travers tout le pays. En collaborant étroitement avec les professionnels de la vue d’ici, je m’assure que notre approche marketing reflète les besoins uniques du marché canadien et de ses provinces, tout en mettant de l’avant des solutions conçues pour améliorer concrètement la santé visuelle de nos communautés. C’est cette fierté de servir, d’innover et de bâtir localement qui m’anime chaque jour.}
English translation:
“Being a proudly Canadian professional in the eye care industry means embodying the values of diversity, innovation, and connection. Based in Montreal, at the heart of a bilingual and inclusive head office, I help showcase local expertise across the country. By working closely with Canadian eye care professionals, I ensure that our marketing approach reflects the unique needs of the Canadian market and its provinces, while promoting solutions designed to meaningfully improve the visual health of our communities. This pride in serving, innovating, and building locally is what motivates me every day.“
Celebrating Canadian Voices
These submissions reflect the diversity, professionalism, and shared commitment that define eye care in Canada. From seasoned practitioners to students just beginning their journey, the common thread is clear: Canadian eye care is built on collaboration, compassion, and integrity.
At Optik, being proudly Canadian is more than a tagline—it is a responsibility.
Through editorial choices guided by our Canadian Content Policy, we remain committed to amplifying Canadian perspectives and supporting the professionals who shape vision care across the country.
More stories from this exceptional collection will be shared in upcoming features.
Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!
The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) has announced the appointment of Joelle Walker as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 19, 2026.
Walker will succeed François Couillard, who will retire at the end of 2025 following a distinguished career of more than 40 years, including a period of steady leadership at CAO marked by expanded advocacy and strengthened partnerships across Canada’s eye-care system.
A seasoned health-sector leader and advocate, Walker brings extensive experience in public policy, health-care strategy, and professional representation. She most recently served as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Operations at the Canadian Pharmacists Association, where she helped elevate the national profile of pharmacists and played a central role in advancing key policy initiatives, including student loan forgiveness and national responses to drug shortages.
Earlier in her career, Walker worked in government relations at the Canadian Cancer Society. She is a lawyer by training and holds both a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Bachelor of Political Science from the University of Ottawa. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Walker emphasizes clear communication and practical, outcomes-driven progress.
“I’m honoured to join the Canadian Association of Optometrists and to follow François Couillard’s exceptional leadership,” said Walker. “At a time when demand is rising, optometry’s role as primary eye-care providers is more important than ever. I look forward to working alongside optometrists across the country to strengthen access to timely, high-quality vision care and advance CAO’s strategic vision for better eye health for all Canadians.”
Reporting to the CAO Council, Walker will be responsible for advancing the Association’s strategic priorities, strengthening the national voice of optometry, and promoting optimal and timely access to vision care nationwide.
Dr. Allison Scott, President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, welcomed the appointment, noting Walker’s strong background in health advocacy and policy development. “Joelle brings passion, insight, and a fresh perspective, along with a proven record of leadership in health-care advocacy. She will play a key role in supporting the optometric community and raising public awareness of the importance of eye care.”
Walker steps into the role at a pivotal moment for eye care in Canada, as the country faces an aging population, rising rates of vision-threatening disease, and increasing pressure on hospitals and specialist care. With the continued development of the National Strategy for Eye Care, an initiative closely aligned with CAO’s long-standing advocacy efforts, her leadership is expected to further reinforce optometry’s role as a core component of Canada’s health-care system.
The CAO Council and staff also expressed their gratitude to François Couillard for his years of service. Under his leadership, the Association expanded its visibility and influence within the broader health-care community and strengthened collaboration across the eye-care sector. His tenure included the successful passage of Bill C-284, a milestone widely viewed as a lasting contribution to eye health advocacy in Canada.
Explore how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and charity transform eye care. Learn to build patient trust, reduce burnout, and strengthen your team dynamics.
The U.S. optical industry reached $69.5 billion in 2025 despite declines in product volume and eye exams, according to Market inSights from The Vision Council.
The Contact Lens Institute has named 17 optometrists and opticians from the U.S. and Canada as its 2026 Visionaries, recognizing leaders in contact lens education and best practices.
BonLook ranks first among eyewear retailers in the 2026 Léger WOW Study, earning top marks for customer experience and digital performance across Canada.
Launching February 2026, Ió:ken is a new eyewear collection created with Centennial Optical, featuring original artwork by Mohawk artist Bruce Boots and authentic Indigenous symbolism.
Explore how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and charity transform eye care. Learn to build patient trust, reduce burnout, and strengthen your team dynamics.
The U.S. optical industry reached $69.5 billion in 2025 despite declines in product volume and eye exams, according to Market inSights from The Vision Council.
The Contact Lens Institute has named 17 optometrists and opticians from the U.S. and Canada as its 2026 Visionaries, recognizing leaders in contact lens education and best practices.
BonLook ranks first among eyewear retailers in the 2026 Léger WOW Study, earning top marks for customer experience and digital performance across Canada.
Launching February 2026, Ió:ken is a new eyewear collection created with Centennial Optical, featuring original artwork by Mohawk artist Bruce Boots and authentic Indigenous symbolism.
Explore how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and charity transform eye care. Learn to build patient trust, reduce burnout, and strengthen your team dynamics.
The U.S. optical industry reached $69.5 billion in 2025 despite declines in product volume and eye exams, according to Market inSights from The Vision Council.
The Contact Lens Institute has named 17 optometrists and opticians from the U.S. and Canada as its 2026 Visionaries, recognizing leaders in contact lens education and best practices.
BonLook ranks first among eyewear retailers in the 2026 Léger WOW Study, earning top marks for customer experience and digital performance across Canada.
Launching February 2026, Ió:ken is a new eyewear collection created with Centennial Optical, featuring original artwork by Mohawk artist Bruce Boots and authentic Indigenous symbolism.
Explore how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and charity transform eye care. Learn to build patient trust, reduce burnout, and strengthen your team dynamics.
The U.S. optical industry reached $69.5 billion in 2025 despite declines in product volume and eye exams, according to Market inSights from The Vision Council.
The Contact Lens Institute has named 17 optometrists and opticians from the U.S. and Canada as its 2026 Visionaries, recognizing leaders in contact lens education and best practices.
BonLook ranks first among eyewear retailers in the 2026 Léger WOW Study, earning top marks for customer experience and digital performance across Canada.
Launching February 2026, Ió:ken is a new eyewear collection created with Centennial Optical, featuring original artwork by Mohawk artist Bruce Boots and authentic Indigenous symbolism.
