NEWS
The National Academy of Opticianry announces its 2025 award winners
The National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) has proudly announced the recipients of its prestigious NAO Hall of Fame, NAO Educator of the Year, NAO Optician of the Year Award for 2025.
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.
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.
New study identifies ophthalmic optics as a key industry of the future
Ophthalmic optics is one of the most important future industries in the German economy. This is shown by a recent study conducted by the FutureManagementGroup in cooperation with the German industry association SPECTARIS.
Ram Narayanan becomes Vice President AMEA at Coburn Technologies
Coburn Technologies, a leading global provider of ophthalmic lens processing systems and ophthalmic instruments is proud to announce the promotion of Ram Narayanan from Executive Director, AMEA to Vice President, AMEA.
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
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
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
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
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
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
The eyewear industry has long relied on conventional methods for lens production and coating. In terms of coatings, the start-up flō 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
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
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.
Coburn Technologies celebrates their final shipment of the iconic SGX Pro lens generator
Coburn Technologies, on the heels of the company’s 70th anniversary, are announcing their final shipment of the renowned SGX Pro Surface Lens Generator in December of 2024, ending over 33 years of production.
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.
Mido announced changes in layout and digital tools
In 2025, the Mido exhibition layout and the digital tools will undergo significant changes to provide visitors with an even more engaging and innovative experience.
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
United Opticians Association announces Director of Education
The United Opticians Association (UOA) is excited to formally announce the appointment of Bob Alexander, ABOM, NCLEM as its Director of Education.
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.