NEWS

  • Mido presents new show identy “Eyewear Milano”

    Following the launch of the Welcome to Eyewearland communication campaign, Mido takes another step forward in the evolution of its identity, introducing a new element that will define the show in the years to come: the “Eyewearland Milano” payoff.

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ISSUE 04/2026

Overview

Special: Eyewear Worldwide: Five facts about eyeglasses around the world // GoodVision: “The world would be a good deal fairer and better” // Transitions: Breaking out of the niche // Live on Site: DigiCON 2026: Schneider explores the future of autonomous manufacturing // Technology: Empowering labs // Interview: Oculomics: “Eye health is general health” // Business: The customer is not a data point // Survey: Spin hard coating // Dip hard coating

FEATURED ARTICLES

  • Rethinking lens power

    Why geometry alone does not define what the wearer perceives: From surrounding media and vertex distance to tilt, gaze angle and peripheral aberration compensation – the optical effect of an ophthalmic lens is always shaped by context.

  • Putting a number on color

    Words such as “enhanced color” and “high contrast” appear on many lens products, but there is no shared way to measure what they mean. However, by using a reimagined model for evaluating color performance, a company aims to describe color performance as objectively as light transmission and UV protection are described today.

  • Using sunlight to keep eyewear clear – Part 1

    A new coating technology uses the near-infrared part of sunlight to passively heat eyewear lenses and reduce fogging. Unlike conventional solutions against fog, the new PFAS-free coating technology is protected inside the coating stack, making it durable, maintenance-free and compatible with modern lens designs.

  • Slowdown in orders?

    When orders dry up, many companies start looking for explanations. The economy is slowing down, or competition is driving down prices. That may be true, but weaker demand does not mean there are no more orders in the market. Often, the winners are those who follow up earlier, and more consistently. Now, it becomes clear whether a sales team is actively working or merely reacting to demand.

  • Beyond darkening – the future of photochromic lenses

    For more than 25 years, Maat Optical has been shaping the future of photochromic lenses. In an interview with founder and CEO Li Jun, we discuss innovation, evolving market demands, and why some exciting developments in photochromic technology may still be ahead.

  • Transitions: Breaking out of the niche

    Over the past years, Transitions Optical has undergone a significant product and brand evolution. Over the course of five years, the company produced approximately 450 prototypes and conducted more than 100,000 tests to lay a solid foundation for the next generation of Transitions lenses. Today, they come in many vibrant colors and even with dynamic polarization. This required not just a manufacturing facility, but an innovation center – which MAFO visited in Ireland.

  • Empowering labs

    Until recently, block-less free-form lens production was widely perceived as a technology reserved for innovators – an advanced but not yet universally trusted alternative to traditional alloy-based processes. However, as recently pointed out by several market players, 2026 marks a decisive turning point. Will the future of lens production be block-free?

NEWS

  • 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…

  • President for Silmo d’Or announced

    For this new edition of the Silmo d’Or, Silmo Paris has entrusted the presidency of its jury to Joachim Froment, an industrial designer and creative director based in Brussels.

  • NAO members approve initial steps toward UOA merger

    The National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) and the United Opticians Association (UOA)
    announced that the NAO Fellow Members, and the UOA Board of Directors, each voted to
    authorize the beginning of the formal merger or asset-transfer process between the two organizations.

  • Obituary: Dr. Mo Jalie

    It is with deep sadness that we must announce the passing of our long-time author, Dr. Mo Jalie. For decades, Mo shaped the optical industry and education– as an professor, author, consultant, and speaker.

  • Scott Jens appointed to the Board of Ocuco

    Ocuco announced the appointment of Scott Jens, OD, FAAO to its Board of Directors. The announcement comes as the company accelerates its strategic focus on expanding within the United States eyecare market