NEWS

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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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  Horizons Optical welcomes Kelly Rosemann to strengthen education and ECP partnerships across the U.S

  Horizons Optical announces the appointment of Kelly Rosemann as National Business Development Manager, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening professional education and strategic partnerships with Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) across the United States.

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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.

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  Laclarée appointed new CEO Franck Leclere

  Laclarée, a French pioneer in the development of electro-fluidic adaptive eyeglasses for presbyopes, announced the appointment of Franck Leclere as Chief Executive Officer. This appointment marks a key milestone in preparing for the commercial launch.

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FEATURED ARTICLES

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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.

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  Mido 2026: Agile and exciting

  The Mido trade fair reports stable visitor numbers once again for the show at the beginning of 2026. The fair attracted around 42,000 participants and 1,200 exhibitors. The participants came from 160 countries.

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  Laclarée: Fluid-autofocus eyeglasses

  Effectively correcting presbyopia requires a dynamic solution capable of restoring sharp vision at any viewing distance. However, most existing corrective solutions are static. For several years, Laclarée has been developing an adaptive eyeglass solution based on variable-focus lenses controlled by distance sensors.

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  MAFO – The Conference 2026

  130 spectacle lens experts gathered at the 24th MAFO – The Conference in Milan. Here, participants could learn everything about the latest technologies for lens manufacturing and other trends in the field of spectacle lenses and smart technologies.

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  IOT: Ready in three minutes – spectacle lenses from the printer

  The company IOT is currently piloting the first printer for spectacle lenses. Light-form is the name of the manufacturing process that produces lenses additively in just three minutes.

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  MAFO – The Conference 2026: Photo gallery

  Many thanks to all participants and speakers at the 24th MAFO – The Conference. Here you will find all photos from the event. Our special thanks go to our colleague Silke Sage, who captured the day in pictures.

NEWS

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  The Vision Council advocates against expanded tariffs on optical products and manufacturing equipment 

  The Vision Council has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce in response to two ongoing Section 232 national security investigations that could lead to new tariffs on key products used by the optical industry.

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  EssilorLuxottica acquires RetinAI

  EssilorLuxottica announces the acquisition of Ikerian AG, a health technology company, operating under the RetinAI brand, specializing in AI and data management in eyecare.

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  OWA celebrated global connection event at Silmo

  The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its Global Connection Event at Silmo Paris, “Seeing Beyond: The Power of Women in Optical Innovation”.

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  Rodenstock sets benchmarks in international standardisation

  Dr Stephan Trumm, who is responsible for standardisation work in the field of optics and devices at Rodenstock, has been honoured by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) with a special award – the ISO Award of Excellence.

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  EssilorLuxottica introduces vision innovation summit SWITCH

  EssilorLuxottica announced he launch of SWITCH: Vision Innovation Summit by EssilorLuxottica, a new industry wide event held before Vision Expo in Orlando and later in Monte-Carlo.

• Mirjam Rösch for leadership role at Spectaris confirmed

  Mirjam Rösch remains at the helm of the Consumer Optics Trade Association within the German industry association Spectaris

• 100% Optical announces first set of sessions for 2026 show 

  100% Optical, the UK’s largest optical show co-located with 100% Ophthalmology, has announced its first batch of CPD education sessions, with the second phase due to go live in the coming weeks. 

• GoodVision celebrates the delivery of its one millionth pair of glasses

  Good vision for all people. With this vision, Martin Aufmuth founded the association EinDollarBrille Germany (GoodVision) in 2012. Since its founding, the organization has distributed one million pairs of glasses worldwide.

• Silmo Paris 2025: Where innovation shapes the future of ophthalmic optics

  Silmo Paris once again proved to be the global stage for the optical industry’s future. From September 26 to 29, 2025, the event brought together 33,358 professionals — with 52% international visitors — marking a 6.5% increase in attendance.

• Zeiss invests in Ocumeda to advance tele-ophthalmology platform with Fielmann Group

  Zeiss Vision Care announced the acquisition of a 10% stake in Ocumeda AG (“Ocumeda”) from the Fielmann Group for €10 million.

• New CFO of the Rodenstock Group announced

  The Rodenstock Group, a global leader in eye health innovation and manufacturer of biometric lenses, will complete its Executive Management Team with the appointment of Dr Martina Bentele as CFO, effective February 1st, 2026.