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Morel Bergen: Creativity & Technicality

Voila November-December 2024 Lanctôt Optical Morel Canada Bergen

A standout engraved eyebrow bar from MOREL also makes its mark in the men’s collection with the Bergen model. This concept perfectly combines style and comfort, thanks to a captivating contrast between its transparency and amber patterns. The screwless
and weldless hinge, signature of the brand, guarantees quality and reliability under all conditions.

Distributed by Morel Canada: morel-france.com

About Morel:

Family-owned, independent and responsible, the company strives to transmit the authenticity of its expertise while developing a strong international distribution network. Today, we are present in over 90 countries!

Today, more than ever, MOREL is proud of our past and resolutely turned towards our future. Our sincere desire for improvement lies close to our hearts and has led us to embrace an environmentally and socially responsible initiative. MOREL strives to become a company that is committed to addressing the major global issues of our time.

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In 2025 DaTE Opens at the Cocoricò Pyramid in Riccione

DaTE Redefinign Boundaries logo 2025

Don’t underestimate the sound of silence: the concept shared on social media in September. During these months of seeming stillness, we have designed a different, unconventional kind of DaTE. Prepare to be amazed. We began by changing the location, the first step in an entirely re-imagined perspective. Followed by the news that DaTE is becoming a traveling event, one to be experienced together in many different (but not only) Italian cities, like Naples, Rome, Milan and Bologna.

And, finally, it’s official. The location of the next edition of DaTE is the legendary Cocoricò in Riccione. From 13th to 15th September 2025, the iconic pyramid will host exhibitors and visitors in a truly unique setting, ideal for celebrating avant-garde and innovation. As previously noted, the format for the event has been completely re-imagined with an eye to reflecting the new challenges and developments in an industry that is constantly changing.

The choice of this location seemed almost a foregone conclusion: we share the concept of artistic avant-garde”, explained DaTE President Davide Degl’Incerti Tocci along with founding partners Cristina Frasca and Dante Caretti. “This iconic disco was the birthplace of the concept of a nightclub/theater, transforming a dancefloor into a platform for individual, creative, provocative, freedom of expression. Like DaTE, poised to introduce a superstar – eyewear – to that stage, where it can express its maximum potential,” he concluded.

The Cocoricò was established in 1989 and immediately morphed into a temple for passionate fans of techno. The 1990s were punctuated by its legendary nights, famous also abroad, with countless stories happening inside and thousands of revelers who chose it every Saturday (and not only) as their personal destination to proclaim their true selves and finally feel “at home”. Despite some dark times, in the end, this pyramid again lights up the night on the Riccione hillside.

Dressed to complement the new DaTE is the “Every Line Tells A Story” communication campaign curated by Cristina Frasca. Its lines, like a universal language that intersects many faces, call forth multiple meanings: emotions, life stories, creative journeys. Every design feature and innovation encapsulates a unique narrative and the traces left on faces are not simply decorations – they become symbols of connections, experiences, individual and collective evolutions. Through the eloquent design of the images, the campaign aims to celebrate the expressivity, creativity and innovation that characterize DaTE, repositioning it as the point of confluence where art, fashion and avant-garde flow together in the world of eyewear. The images invite the public to discover not only the aesthetics of eyewear, but also the deeper meaning that each creation carries within.

Even the event’s payoff has been updated – “Redefining Boundaries” positions DaTE as an ongoing laboratory of innovation, in which the boundaries between art, fashion and design are constantly being challenged to create something daring and new. Each line of the campaign symbolizes a reinterpretation of boundaries, just as DaTE sees itself as redefining the world of eyewear, defying the limitations of traditional design.

Be ready to experience an immersive journey amid creativity, technology and design, where eyewear is the absolute star player. From September 13th to 15th, Riccione will become the perfect “hot spot” to celebrate the fusion of tradition and experimentation. Don’t miss out: DaTE invites you to write the next chapter in contemporary eyewear together.

Admission to DaTE is free of charge, open only to eyewear industry professionals, opticians, buyers and journalists.

Click HERE for the press release.

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The Vision Stage: MIDO Announces the Renaming of the Historic Otticlub Area

MIDO logo

The Vision Stage: this is the new name of the area featuring MIDO workshops, seminars, conferences, events and round tables. Its renaming signifies a new phase of evolution and growth, and marks a pivotal shift in positioning, intended to reflect the expansion of its activities and to emphasize the core essence of this space as a place of dialog and discovery.

The origins: from “Health and Innovation” to Otticlub

Otticlub’s history dates back to 2011, with the establishment of “Health and Innovation”, a place to hold workshops and conferences of interest to the companies in the ‘lenses’ pavilion, powered by ANFAO.

In 2012, the internationalization of MIDO and the need to engage Italian visitors led to the creation of a new area focused primarily on Italian opticians: and Otticlub was born. With expanded capacity and a lounge added for networking, Otticlub quickly became a hub for all visitors, trade journals and associations, hosting training events and continuing education.

Mido 2025 Otticlub press release photo

Transformation of the area and its conversion to The Vision Stage

In the years that followed, Otticlub continued to evolve, becoming an authentic all-encompassing container of ideas, diversifying its target and including an ever-increasing number of exhibitors and stakeholders.

The topics became increasingly varied and broad, with medically-oriented events (myopia, presbyopia, amblyopia, protection of the eyes, nanotechnologies, contact lenses, progressive lenses, the role of screening in prevention of vision disabilities, and discussions on the most innovative medical technologies and treatments), in-depth analyses of the market and consumption trends, design and sales techniques. Over the years, many high-profile non-industry guests have diversified the program: Barbara Serra, Massimo Bottura, Albert Watson, Paolo Ferrarini, Antonio Mancinelli, Ernst Knam, Ico Migliore, Chiara Tagliaferri, Diego Dalla Palma, Nick Cerioni, and many others.

For 2025, there is a definite need to emphasize and validate the significant change to this area that led to the renaming. Otticlub will metamorphose into The Vision Stage at the next edition of MIDO.

The 2025 calendar and forthcoming innovations

The next edition will boast a calendar full of events designed to offer participants many opportunities for professional development and personal growth. Topics like digitization, innovation, social responsibility, Made in Italy, sustainability, empowerment of women, and market trends will be at the heart of the seminars and workshops, with the aim of providing valuable resources for professionals. The complete schedule of events will soon be available on the website www.mido.com, with content accessible only to those who register in the dedicated section and for ANFAO members. All of the conferences and meetings will be available for viewing all year long in the private area of the website.

Why The Vision Stage?

“Stage”refers to the theater stage, the place where innovations and ideas take shape and are shared with the audience. “Vision” is not only the main theme of the show but above all is a forward-looking tribute – an overview that looks to the future of eyewear, embracing topics like innovation, sustainability and Made in Italy. “The” lends a more authoritative tone, accentuating the role as a central stage that, in MIDO, finds its natural positioning as the indisputable industry leader.

Click HERE for the press release.

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Canadian Designer and Specsavers Collaborate for New Eyewear Line.

Specsavers Hayley Elsaesser eyewear designer

Specsavers announces the launch of their collaboration with Hayley Elsaesser, a Canadian designer known for rebellious colour combinations, pop-art inspired prints and the bold character of her designs.

 The collection centres around self-expression without limitation, offering a variety of frame styles, from timeless cat-eye in statement colours, to chunky geometric shapes, to oversized delicate metal frames. With stunning prints, candy colours, stylish silhouettes, and to-die-for details, these designer glasses will have wearers looking and feeling their best.

“Eyewear can define an entire look. The right frames can be the perfect finishing touch. Working with Specsavers allowed me to create a collection that combines high quality and exquisite details at an accessible price point.”

Hayley Elsaesser

“Collaborating with Hayley was an obvious choice,” said Sarah West, Head of Product, Specsavers Canada.  “Hayley’s approach to style, which celebrates inclusion and individuality, aligns perfectly with our brand and our desire to empower our customers to have access to the right style for them.”

“I’m extremely proud of this collection. It takes confidence to move through life expressing joy and having fun with your style,” added Elsaesser. “Those who do create joy for others. You become a billboard for happiness.”

Click HERE for the press release.

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Waterloo Eye Institute Event Showcases Cutting-Edge CE and Visionary Lectures

Waterloo Eye Institute

From November 15 to November 17, the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI) hosted an exceptional event in Markham, Ontario, offering an engaging mix of continuing education (CE) and industry networking opportunities for optometric professionals. Over three days, attendees participated in 20 hours of COPE-accredited CE sessions for optometrists and 6 hours of tailored CE programming for optometric assistants.

The event also included a three-hour trade show on Saturday, featuring more than 30 industry-leading exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in eye care products and technologies.

Highlights from the Distinguished Lecture Series

WEI- Dr. Etty Bitton
Dr. Etty Bitton

Dr. Etty Bitton: On Friday, Dr. Etty Bitton delivered the prestigious Woodruff Distinguished Lecture, presenting on the differential diagnosis of anterior blepharitis.  

A celebrated expert in tear film physiology and dry eye, Dr. Bitton holds a Doctorate in Optometry from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s in Physiological Optics from the Université de Montréal. Currently a full professor and director of the Dry Eye Clinic at the École d’optométrie, she has been a leader in dry eye research and a contributor to global initiatives like TFOS DEWS II. Her presentation was a tribute to Dr. Emerson Woodruff’s legacy, whose contributions helped shape optometry education and research at the University of Waterloo.

WEI - Dr. Donald Hood
Dr. Donald Hood

Dr. Donald Hood: On Saturday, Dr. Donald Hood took the stage to deliver the 33rd Bobier Distinguished Lecture, titled “A Novel Approach to Identifying Glaucoma Based on a Large Real-World OCT Database from Optometry Cases.”

Dr. Hood, Professor Emeritus at Columbia University, is a renowned figure in retinal and optic nerve disease research, with nearly 400 publications and numerous accolades, including an honorary degree from SUNY College of Optometry. His lecture honored Dr. Clair Bobier’s pioneering vision for integrating scientific research into optometry education, further solidifying the importance of evidence-based practice in the profession.

Networking and Innovation at the Trade Show

Saturday’s trade show provided a bustling platform for attendees to explore cutting-edge technologies and services from over 30 exhibitors. This interactive session fostered connections between practitioners and industry leaders, further supporting the WEI’s mission of advancing patient care and optometric education.

NextGEN OD Student Ambassadors, Sara Baig and Shreya Jain, supported Clinical & Refractive Optometry during the 3-hour trade show.
NextGEN OD Student Ambassadors, Sara Baig and Shreya Jain, supported Clinical & Refractive Optometry during the 3-hour trade show.

Engaging Panel Discussions

The event concluded on Sunday with a dynamic “Rapid Fire Panel Discussion” on advanced scleral imaging and specialty contact lens technology. Moderated by Drs. Chelsea Bray, Shalu Pal, and Vishakha Thakrar, the panel provided practical insights and innovative approaches to enhancing patient outcomes through emerging lens technologies.

Looking Ahead

The success of the WEI’s November event underscores its commitment to fostering collaboration, education, and innovation within the optometric community. With initiatives like these, the WEI continues to pave the way for advancements in vision science and patient care, benefitting practitioners and patients alike across Canada.

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