NEWS
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Silmo establishes new show in Riyadh
Silmo is further advancing its international expansion with the inaugural edition of Silmo Riyadh, set to take place from April 2 to 4, 2027, at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC)
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EssilorLuxottica to start wearable production in Italy
EssilorLuxottica will start first wearable production lines in Italy, starting from the second half of the year.
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Meta expands retail footprint with in-store labs at Best Buy
Meta is set to expand its physical retail presence through a new partnership with Best Buy, introducing dedicated “Meta Lab” spaces within more than 50 stores across the United States and Canada.
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New section 301 tariffs loom for the optical industry
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s February decision limiting presidential authority under IEEPA, Section 122 duties have been in effect, but are set to expire July 24, 2026. Now, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced proposed new tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, citing forced labor concerns across more than 60…
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Stephan Schenk to head the Consumer Optics Trade Association at Spectaris
Stephan Schenk will take over as head of the Consumer Optics Trade Association at the German industry association SPECTARIS effective July 15, 2026
ISSUE 03/2026
Overview
Special: Children’s vision: Smart glasses and digital twins in myopia management // Do children use myopia control lenses as expected? // Technology: Basic ophthalmic optics instruction | Part 3 // Interview: 40 years of Vision Expo – and the first unified show // How IXI glasses merge adaptive optics, eye tracking, and optician-led distribution // Business: From the fruit basket to human capital 3.0 // Survey: Cleaning machinery
FEATURED ARTICLES
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How IXI glasses merge adaptive optics, eye tracking, and optician-led distribution
Progressive lenses completely reimagined: Finnish start-up IXI is working on electronically controlled glasses that dynamically switch between near, intermediate and far ranges – without any visible external mechanics or cameras. Together with a large French optician group, preparations are now underway for market entry.
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Do children use myopia control lenses as expected?
Over the past ten years, a variety of new optical approaches have been developed to slow down myopia progression. However, despite the widespread clinical use of myopia control lenses, very limited attention has been paid to how these designs are used by children during everyday visual tasks.
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Smart glasses and digital twins in myopia management
Why does one myopia management solution works brilliantly for most children – but not equally well for everyone? In this interview, Arnaud Ribadeau Dumas sheds light on unanswered questions, the role of biomarkers, and how smart glasses could unlock real‑world insights into light exposure and near‑vision behavior.
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From the fruit basket to human capital 3.0
When the term “health management” comes up in companies, it usually conjures up a very specific image: a dusty fruit basket at the reception desk, a discounted gym membership that no one uses, and perhaps an annual “health day” featuring back exercises. That is nice. It is well-intentioned. But considering the challenges of the modern workplace, it is about as effective as a Band-Aid on a broken bone.
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40 years of Vision Expo – and the first unified show
This March, Vision Expo celebrated both its 40th anniversary and its first unified trade show. From now on, Vision Expo will be held every spring, rotating between Orlando, Las Vegas, and New York. MAFO has spoken with Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, about her impressions of this first unified trade show, key trends, and the future of the show.
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IXI glasses: adaptive optics and a new optician‑led distribution model
Progressive lenses completely reimagined: Finnish start-up IXI is working on electronically controlled glasses that dynamically switch between near, intermediate and far ranges. Together with a large French optician group, preparations are now underway for market entry.
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Horizons: Brave new virtual world
VR glasses are not only an exciting gadget for gaming but also serve as a new tool for collecting measurement data and for visualizing complex relationships. This can also be used profitably in ophthalmic optics.
NEWS
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The Vision Council appoints Kris Stevens as Vice President of Research
The Vision Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Kris Stevens as the organization’s new Vice President of Research
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Silmo Paris: International convergence and future perspectives
Paris will once again become the meeting point for the international optics and eyewear industry in 2026, as Silmo Paris prepares for its next edition.
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Horizons Optical expands its educational footprint with first-time presence at SECO 2026
Horizons Optical marked its first participation at the Southeastern Congress of Optometry (SECO) this year, reinforcing its commitment to professional education and meaningful engagement with Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) across the United States.
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Coburn Technologies announces key leadership changes
Coburn Technologies, a leading global provider of ophthalmic lens processing systems and ophthalmic instruments, has announced several personnel changes within key leadership positions spanning sales, engineering, product strategy, and human resources.
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Silmo Paris unveils new brand identity for 2026 edition
From 25 to 28 September 2026, the international optical trade fair Silmo Paris will return to Paris Nord Villepinte, presenting a renewed expression of its brand identity.
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Rodenstock’s B.I.G. EXACTSensitive wins further awards
Rodenstock wins further awards. With the prestigious TOP OPTA Award (Czech Republic) and the Belgoptic Award (Belgium), Rodenstock is receiving more recognition for its innovative B.I.G. EXACT Sensitive lens technology
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EssilorLuxottica acquires a stake in Top Charoen
EssilorLuxottica and Top Charoen announced that they have closed a transaction for EssilorLuxottica to become the partner of Top Charoen through the acquisition of a meaningful stake.
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Lab Leadership Forum 2026 scheduled for September in Nevada
The Vision Council has announced that its annual Lab Leadership Forum will take place from September 16–18, 2026, at the M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas (Henderson), Nevada.
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The National Academy of Opticianry announces its 2026 award winners
The National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) is proud to announce the recipients of its prestigious NAO Hall of Fame, NAO Optician of the Year, and NAO Educator of the Year Awards for 2026.
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Research from The Vision Council: Eyecare providers adapt to tariffs and inflation
The Vision Council announced the publication of its latest research report, Provider inSights Q3–Q4 2025. Findings show that eyecare providers experienced meaningful revenue improvements in the second half of 2025, even as tariffs, inflation, and staffing challenges continued to strain day-to-day operations.
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The Vision Council offers guidance after Supreme Court ruling on IEEPA tariffs
In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision limiting presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), The Vision Council hosted a timely industry webinar to brief members on the implications of the ruling and the immediate shift in U.S. tariff policy.