NEWS

The future of optical lab technology

The future of optical lab technology

Ocuco’s Innovations User Group Meeting (UGM) 2025 convened more than 50 optical lab professionals representing labs from across the globe for a three-day event filled with insights, learning and networking opportunities.


Symbol picture: Foto von Edward He auf Unsplash

140,000 visitors at SIOF 2025

The 23rd China (Shanghai) International Optics Fair (SIOF2025) took place from February 20 to 22, 2025 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. 140,000 visitors came to the famous eyewear show.

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ISSUE 02/2025

Overview

Special: Smart Processes: The evolution of cosmetic inspection // Next generation centering devices // Live on Site: Experiencing the future of manufacturing in Milan // Between intelligent production in the lab and eyeglass lens science fiction // Spotlight: A strong future in Orlando? // 50 years of developments in ophthalmic lenses // A strong IT foundation is not just a necessity – it is a game-changer // Market Survey: Industrial edging


FEATURED ARTICLES

50 years of developments in ophthalmic lenses

50 years of developments in ophthalmic lenses

Without doubt, the most significant development in spectacle lens design is the change in the
manufacturing process from lapping to computer numerically controlled milling methods usually
referred to as freeform or digital surfacing. The first part of this paper is designed to remind you of the principles of design which have led to the modern personalized and optimized progressive power lens.

A strong IT foundation is not just a necessity – it is a game-changer

A strong IT foundation is not just a necessity – it is a game-changer

Data security is not just a buzzword, – it is a vital part of keeping modern businesses running smoothly. We have all seen real-world examples where data breaches caused massive headaches for companies that did not take their security seriously. But do not worry, we have got some positive news to balance that out! When data security is done right, it brings a ton of benefits.

Next generation centering devices

Next generation centering devices

The process of measuring the position of the spectacles frame in relation to a user’s face and pupils is called the centering process. Its purpose is to provide the optician with the necessary measurements to correctly order the lenses. For a long time, this process was carried out by hand, but there are now numerous digital methods and even technology using AI to improve the process.

The evolution of cosmetic inspection

The evolution of cosmetic inspection

AI has dramatically evolved across various industries, from gaming to manufacturing. A striking example is chess, where AI transitioned from rudimentary programs weaker than humans in the
1950’s to AlphaZero’s unprecedented dominance in 2017. This evolution mirrors the progress in cosmetic inspection of ophthalmic lenses, where machines are moving from simple assistance to eventual full automation.


Creal: A radically new way of subjective refraction

Creal: A radically new way of subjective refraction

What does the future of subjective refraction look like? A Swiss start-up has an answer: refraction should be digital, offer almost unlimited display options, and also be independently manageable by the customer. Subjective refraction with the help of light field displays would therefore change the traditional way of doing the subjective refraction with a phoropter or trial frame set tremendously. Even a “refraction automate” in a shopping center is theoretically conceivable in the future.

flo: Additive manufactured coatings

flo: Additive manufactured coatings

The eyewear industry has long relied on conventional methods for lens production and coating. In terms of coatings, the start-up flĹŤ Optics now wants to revolutionize this market. The first market-ready machine will soon be presented. Find out what’s behind the technology.

Morrow: Addition at the touch of a button

Morrow: Addition at the touch of a button

A Belgian start-up has a product that many people have long dreamed of: glasses with combined far and near correction, but with the comfort of a unifocal lens. The addition is done electronically and activated via touch of a button. The 3D-printed smart glasses are already on sale in some regions. MAFO visited the company to see the production process and test the smart glasses.

NEWS

New CEO of Hoya Vision Care

New CEO of Hoya Vision Care

Hoya Corporation (HOYA) announced the appointment of Mr. John Goltermann Lassen as the new CEO of Hoya Vision Care, its eyeglass lens division, effective January 1st, 2025.

Image by IfYouEnjoyLikeIt from Pixabay

New technical standard for eye protectors

The Vision Council announces the publication of an updated standard, ASTM F3164-24, that provides performance requirements for both plano and prescription eye protection devices.

Registration open for Vision Expo East in Orlando

Registration open for Vision Expo East in Orlando

Registration is now open for Vision Expo East 2025. Co-owned by RX and The Vision Council, this highly anticipated event will take place from February 19–22, 2025, at its new location: the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida


PPG announces industrial coatings leadership changes

PPG announced leadership changes within industrial coatings, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Juliane Hefel will become senior vice president of industrial coatings and Xiaobing Nie will expand her leadership responsibilities with industrial coatings.

MEI enlarges some of its international locations

The company MEI is undergoing significant expansion across its global locations, reflecting its commitment to growth and innvation. The group currently has 353 employees worldwide distributed across 6 branches

Contact lenses in spotlight at opti Munich 2025

Contact lenses in spotlight at opti Munich: How nine renowned contact lens manufacturers will jointly promote the contact lense by putting it in the spotlight with a special concept, they developed together.

Media 10 sells eyewear show 100% Optical to CloserStill

Media 10 announced the sale of 100% Optical to CloserStill Media. The deal is the second time that the privately-owned organiser has divested a large scale trade show, following the acquisition of Design Shanghai by Clarion in 2019.

Silmo Istanbul enters it´s 11th edition

Turkey’s only international optics trade show, Silmo Istanbul, takes place from November 20 to 23 at the Istanbul Expo Center (Halls 5-6-7), showcasing the Turkish optics industry alongside major international brands and Asian manufacturers.