Mido 2022 meets expectations
The 50th edition of Mido ended on Monday amid enthusiasm and optimism. The appointment for all industry professionals is for next year, February 4-6, 2023, once again at Fiera Milano Rho. Plenty of innovations and a variety of experiences were offered to participants...
Schneider reveals 9th innovation: an automated dome loader
Schneider revealed their newest innovation number 9, the Automated Dome Loader (ADL). With the new machine Schneider automates batch coating for the medium-sized and larger lab, a process that used to be strictly manual. It loads, unloads and flips the lenses if both...
MIDO 2022: The world of eyewear is just around the corner
All set to go at Fiera Milano Rho – MIDO, the leading global eyewear show, returning April 30th to May 2nd. Packed with 650 exhibitors from 45 countries, the event, spread across 5 pavilions, will welcome buyers, opticians, designers and Italian and international...
100% Optical makes welcome return with record visitors
After an enforced break of over two years, 100% Optical made a welcome return to the ExCeL London, with a record-breaking 9,680 attendees flocking to the UK’s biggest optical event. The first chance for colleagues and customers to reconnect after the pandemic, the...
opti 2022: Spotlight on myopia management – Opticians, optometrists and eye specialists, all working together
The last two years also marked a boost to digitalisation in people’s private lives. Working from home and home schooling during the day, reading the news on smart phones or tablets and facetiming family and friends in the evenings. In these times of intensive use of...
Six-Year follow-up clinical study on HOYA Vision Care’s MiYOSMART Spectacle Lens to be presented at ARVO 2022
HOYA Vision Care announced that Professor Carly Lam from the Centre for Myopia Research at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University will present the findings of a six-year follow-up clinical study they conducted on the MiYOSMART spectacle lens with Defocus Incorporated...
Shamir optical will become shareholder in Blink
Shamir Optical will become a shareholder in Blink, a company that has developed a first-of-its-kind, AI-based, human eye tracking solution. As a new partner, Shamir will provide insight and expertise for sales development, customer service and R&D. “We use our...
Luxottica undertakes to acquire 90.9% of Fedon to enter the packaging and eyeglass cases industry
Luxottica Group S.p.A. announced that it has entered into a preliminary sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition of a total of no. 1,727,141 shares of the company Giorgio Fedon & Figli S.p.A., listed on Euronext Growth Milan, the market organized and managed by...
Vision Expo East 2022 concludes successful show in New York City
Vision Expo East 2022 concluded on Sunday, April 3. The four-day event, which took place March 31–April 3 at the Javits Center, marked Vision Expo’s first Show in New York City since 2019 and brought enthusiastic members of the vision care industry from the United...
SDC leadership transitions announced
SDC Technologies announced a newly appointed executive leadership transitions. Richard Chang has been appointed as President and CEO of SDC Technologies, Inc. He will focus on continuing SDC Technologies global leadership and growth of the company’s diversified...
EssilorLuxottica and GrandVision complete the transaction with ORIG BENE for the sale of stores in the Netherlands and Belgium
EssilorLuxottica, GrandVision and the Optic Retail International Group BENE, a member of MPG Austria (ORIG/MPG), announced today that the companies have completed the transaction for ORIG/MPG to acquire 142 EyeWish stores in the Netherlands and 35 GrandOptical stores...
Satisloh shifts coating paradigm with new technology
Satisloh announces the launch of its new film lamination technology. It is an alternative to conventional hard and AR coating that is 10 times faster, has significantly lower investment costs, and a footprint of only 5 m² (54 square feet). The new technology and...
Ocuco announces the company’s rebrand
Ocuco, a recognised leader in the optical software market, announced the company’s rebrand to a more contemporary, refined version of its original brand. It is an evolution that reflects the direction of the whole company which is moving from providing solely single...
Satisloh Celebrates 100 years of the “Art of Making Lenses”
Satisloh celebrated its 100-year anniversary. Founded in 1922 in Wetzlar, Germany by Wilhelm Loh, it is a global leader in ophthalmic and precision optics manufacturing machines. The organization has played a key role in bringing innovations and technologies to both...
Vision Expo+, a virtual extension of VEE, will be offered April 1–8
The Vision Council and RX, co-organizers of Vision Expo, announced that Vision Expo+, a complimentary digital extension of the Vision Expo experience, will be offered from Friday April 1 to Friday, April 8, 2022. Vision Expo+ will be delivered through ShopVISION,...
SIOF 2022 postponed
According to the relevant requirements of the national and local government for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic, the relevant municipal departments of Suzhou require SIOF2022, originally scheduled to be held at the Suzhou International Expo Center...
Eighth innovation revealed: the enhanced Modulo Control Center
Schneider presents 11 new innovations over 11 months and has now reveiled their eighth innovation. The Control Center, the brilliant mind inside to the Modulo Line, is now extended by three exciting new features. The Control Center now comes with: real-time cost...
SightGlass Vision joint venture begins operation
EssilorLuxottica and CooperCompanies are pleased to announce the finalization of their joint venture agreement for SightGlass Vision. This collaboration of two global vision care leaders accelerates the commercialization of novel spectacle lens technologies to expand...
Hoya Vision Care and International Myopia Institute announce partnership
Hoya Vision Care, a leader in optical technology innovation and the International Myopia Institute, announced a partnership to promote advocacy and educational efforts in the global fight to address and manage myopia. The goals of the enhanced relationship are to...
VEE: Show organizers release details on opening night party and other special events
The Vision Council and RX, co-organizers of Vision Expo, share details on the opening night party and other special events planned for Vision Expo East 2022, taking place March 31–April 3 at the Javits Center in New York City. “After a disruptive few years for the...
Lumus and Luxexcel demonstrate reflective waveguide embedded in a prescription lens demonstrator
Luxexcel, the technology leader for 3D printed prescription lenses and Lumus, the pioneering innovator of reflective waveguide displays for Augmented Reality (AR), have co-developed a demonstrator of an Augmented Reality prescription lens solution that enables OEMs to...
Kering Eyewear acquires Maui Jim
Kering Eyewear has signed an agreement to acquire the iconic U.S. eyewear brand Maui Jim, Inc. Founded in 1987, Maui Jim is the world’s largest independently owned high-end eyewear brand with a leading position in North America. Maui Jim is an authentic brand that...
Warby Parker partners with Eastman to launch new demo lens molecular recycling program
Warby Parker announced a new partnership with Eastman to pioneer a first-of-its-kind demo lens molecular recycling program. One of the greatest environmental impacts within the eyewear industry is the lack of a recycling solution for demo lenses — the clear plastic...
Mido 2022: 630 exhibitors arriving from 45 countries
From April 30 to May 2, 630 exhibitors from 45 countries will be at Mido to showcase their collections and products before an audience of Italian and international buyers, opticians, designers and journalists. “After two years of pandemic and in light of the...
SBS Ecoclean Group and VC999 Medical bundle competencies for cleaning and packaging worldwide
Manufacturers of medical technology products worldwide have to meet ever higher demands and stricter regulatory requirements of the FDA and MDR. Since the introduction of the MDR final cleaning and packaging have been critical elements of the product. This leads to a...
EssilorLuxottica: Strong sales growth and restriction of operations in Russia
The Board of Directors of EssilorLuxottica met on March 10, 2022 to approve the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021. Furthermore the company announced news about their activities in Russia. Restricting operations EssilorLuxoticca...
Vision Expo East update: COVID-19 vaccination and face coverings will not to be required
The Vision Council and RX, co-organizers of Vision Expo, today share that, in accordance with New York State and New York City guidelines and the updated requirements of the Javits Center, proof of COVID-19 vaccination and face coverings will not be required to attend...
Spectaris on the war in Ukraine
In light of the war in Ukraine, the German industry association SPECTARIS is calling on all parties to ensure that neither acts of war nor sanctions do not compromise the safe supply of medical and humanitarian goods wherever they are needed. "The events have deeply...
EssilorLuxottica and GrandVision complete the transaction with Vision Group for the sale of stores in Italy
EssilorLuxottica, GrandVision and Vision Group, one of the largest distribution networks for Italian opticians and a retail player under the VisionOttica banner, announced today that the companies have completed the transaction for Vision Group to acquire the VistaSì...
Zeiss invests in new digital platform for on-demand additive manufacturing services
Additive manufacturing is increasingly becoming a part of the industrial production chain in many different industries like medical technology, aerospace, energy or automotive. Zeiss supports this trend with quality assurance solutions across the complete additive...
EssilorLuxottica closes acquisition of Walman Optical
EssilorLuxottica announced yesterday the closing of its acquisition of U.S. based lab network Walman Optical, a leading lab partner to vision care practices around the country. First announced in March 2021, the acquisition will draw on EssilorLuxottica’s focus on...
Alpine and Shamir extend strategic partnership into Esports world
Shamir is delighted to announce a multi-year extension to its partnership with Alpine F1 Team, as its Optical Performance Partner. Shamir will become the optical performance partner of Alpine Esports Team, providing ophthalmic assessments, and improvement of gaming...
Discover the IOT new portfolio of lens designs
IOT offers advanced ophthalmic technology solutions from the initial design and development to the industrial manufacturing process. Their products create added value and offer a boost of innovation for any company or laboratory, regardless of size, announces the...
The power of two generators in one – Schneider reveals new innovation
Schneider has revaled their seventh innovation, a new one-of-a-kind generator that excels on every level. With an added performance of more than 50%, Schneider describes the HSC Modulo ONE as not just a little bit better but as a revolution: "It is virtually the power...
MEI expands its presence in Asia with a new branch in Japan
MEI announced with great pleasure the opening of a new MEI branch in Japan: "This step comes as part of our continuous efforts to serve our customers at best and make our products and services as widely available as possible." Starting from January 1st, 2022, Mr. Gian...
MIDO 2022 even more open to international mobility
The recent “Covid decree law”, issued by the Italian Government on green certifications and international mobility, confirms the organizers' far-sightedness in choosing to program MIDO 2022 in the spring (April 30 - May 2). Among other things, the decree provides for...
3.8 Million plastic bottles turned into eyeglasses
OKIA's commitment to a better world has reached a new milestone. With the RESHAPE project, the Hong Kong-based company launched the "One Million Bottle Challenge" in 2019 with the aim of recycling 1 million PET plastic bottles into frames. By the end of 2021, the...
Mido 2022 reigstration is open
Visitors to the international eyewear show ‒ buyers, designers, entrepreneurs, opticians, ophthalmologists, journalists and eyewear supply chain professionals ‒ can register now on the MIDO website www.mido.com for the forthcoming edition of the show, to be held April...
Dapper Dan announced as Keynote Speaker for Vision Expo East 2022
The organizers of Vision Expo, The Vision Council and RX, announced that fashion innovator and author Dapper Dan will headline Vision Expo’s EYE2EYE educational series. The series, which launched at Vision Expo East in 2019, features a line-up of modern luminaries,...
EssilorLuxottica announces launch of share buyback program
EssilorLuxottica announces the launch of a share buyback program reflecting the Group’s confidence in its value creation and long-term prospects. With a view to implementing this share buyback program, EssilorLuxottica has granted a mandate to aninvestment services...
The Vision Council concludes virtual Annual Business Meeting
The Vision Council hosted its Annual Business Meeting in a virtual format on Monday January 24. Presented under the banner of “It’s All Connected,” the meeting included a welcome address from Karen Roberts, The Vision Council’s Chair, followed by remarks from Ashley...
Essilor and Luxottica establish new learning platform for their more than 100,000 employees
Offering employees and customers a personalized learning journey with the latest digital solutions and best-in-class content: this is the objective of the Company’s online training platforms, Luxottica University and Essilor University. "We are proud to announce the...
First cloud LDS which is able to create special lenses for treating myopia
The Italian startup Opto+ has developed the first cloud LDS which is able to create special lenses for treating myopia at the earliest stage. Myopia is the most common eye problem, affecting right now 1.5 billion people. Studies have been shown that in the future we...
More than 240 exhibitors commit to Vision Expo East 2022
The organizers of Vision Expo, The Vision Council and RX, shared that more than 240 exhibitors have committed to Vision Expo East to-date. Vision Expo East 2022 will take place from March 31–April 3 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. “We are looking forward...
EssilorLuxottica appoints new member to its Board of Directors
During its meeting held yesterday, EssilorLuxottica’s Board of Directors appointed Virginie Mercier Pitre as a new Director. This follows her recent nomination as the new President of Valoptec Association, the independent Association of EssilorLuxottica’s employee...
opti returns to Munich
opti 2023, the international trade show for optics & design, will once again be held in its usual spot at the start of the industry's year, from 27 to 29 January. The 2023 event will also mark the launch of its permanent home in Munich. T urbulent times also offer...
The World Council of Optometry and CooperVision team up to release a guide to managing children with myopia’
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and CooperVision have partnered to release “A Practical Guide to Managing Children with Myopia.” The professional article is authored by four experienced ocular health and science professionals from around the world. It complements...
Vuzix collaborates with European optical group Fielmann and TeamViewer
Vuzix Corporation, a leading supplier of Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) technology and products, announced a collaboration with the Fielmann Group, one of the largest optical groups worldwide and market leader in Central Europe, and TeamViewer, an AR...
In 2022 MAFO – The Conference becomes MAFO | Talks
The in-person event MAFO – The Conference 2022 has been cancelled, due to the postponement of Mido 2022 to April 30th to May 1st. But stay curious! MAFO – The Conference 2022 will, for one year, become MAFO | Talks, a new series of video presentations and panel...
Show organizers announce added benefits and deadline extension for the Vision Expo Global Talent Search
The organizers of Vision Expo, The Vision Council and RX, announced that the deadline to apply for the second annual Vision Expo Global Talent Search has been extended to Monday, January 17, 2022. Supported by the eyewear designers of the Council of Fashion Designers...
Okia won the Hong Kong Sustainability Award 2020/2021
Okia Optical was awarded for its green consciousness: the company won the Special Recognition for Outstanding Sustainability Initiative (Environmental Dimension) of the Hong Kong Sustainability Award 2020/21 organized by The Hong Kong Management Association. “This...
Mido 2022 postponed to April 30th – May 2nd
Mido 2022 goes back to the origins, taking place from Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May in Milano Rho Fiera: the decision to move the show was driven by the will to ensure exhibitors and visitors the best business conditions, even in this global pandemic situation...
Advancing Eyecare announces acquisition of Santinelli International
Advancing Eyecare, North America’s leading provider of ophthalmic instruments and portfolio company of Atlantic Street Capital (ASC), announced today the acquisition of Santinelli International, a respected leader and award-winning provider of optical finishing...
Study: Cataract surgery linked with lessened dementia risk
Cataracts affect most older adults at risk for dementia, and now researchers are finding strong evidence that cataract surgery is associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. The Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study is a long-standing, Seattle-based...
Ocuco invests in Ocumetra, data science solutions company for eyecare business
Ocuco has announced a minority investment in Ocumetra, a company that provides data science solutions for the eyecare industry. As a part of the equity deal, Leo Mac Canna, Ocuco’s CEO, joins Ocumetra’s board. In addition, Ocumetra’s machine learning tools will be...
3D-Micromac appoints Hartmut Schubert to Chief Technology Officer
The Management Board of 3D-Micromac has appointed Hartmut Schubert to the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) effective immediately. In this role, he is responsible for the strategic management of the company's technology division. After successfully completing...
Fitting heigh value not required: innovative multifocal NAL has been patented
Michael Walach, the President of Quest Vision Care Specialty Lab and the CEO of QLDS, a cloud based digital lens design global provider, holder of several US and international utility patents in the field of ophthalmic lenses and lens technology, has been granted a...
EssilorLuxottica and GrandVision sell stores in the Netherlands and Belgium
EssilorLuxottica, GrandVision and the Optic Retail International Group BENE, a member of MPG Austria (originally Michael Pachleitner Group), announced that they have entered into an agreement to acquire 142 EyeWish stores in the Netherlands and 35 GrandOptical stores...
Sixth innovation unveiled: a fully automated warehouse system
Schneider presents 11 new innovations over 11 months and has now reveiled their sixth innovation. With AWS Modulo One, the Modulo system is extended by a fully automated warehouse system for highly efficient and space saving storage and retrieval. It intelligently...
EssilorLuxottica and GrandVision enter into an agreement with Vision Group for the sale of stores in Italy
EssilorLuxottica, GrandVision and Vision Group, one of the largest distribution networks for Italian opticians and a retail player under the VisionOttica banner, announced that the companies have entered into an agreement for Vision Group to acquire the VistaSì chain...
Michael Bolle appointed designated Chairman of Carl Zeiss Supervisory Board
The Carl Zeiss AG shareholders' meeting has appointed Dr. Michael Bolle the new Supervisory Board member to represent the sole shareholder the Carl Zeiss Foundation. He will be elected Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss AG in January 2022. Dr. Bolle will...
Registration now open for Vision Expo East 2022 in New York
Registration is now open for Vision Expo East 2022, taking place at the Javits Center in New York City from March 31–April 3, 2022. The show organizers, The Vision Council and RX, are planning an extensive Show experience featuring a new neighborhood, several special...
Two months until Mido
Safety measures are being finalized for Mido, the leading global eyewear trade show, that will take place in-person at Fiera Milano Rho, February 12th to 14th, 2022. Just two months before it opens, the layout has been confirmed and registration is open to visitors....
Delisting of GrandVision on 10 January 2022
EssilorLuxottica S.A. (the “Offeror”) and GrandVision N.V. (“GrandVision”) jointly announce that, considering that the Offeror holds more than 95% of the issued and outstanding shares in GrandVision (the “Shares”), Euronext approved the delisting of the Shares from...
Zeiss achieved record results
The Zeiss Group ended fiscal year 2020/21 (end of reporting period: 30 September 2021) on an excellent note: its revenue rose by 20% to 7.529 billion euros (previous year: 6.297 billion euros). Over 90% of this sum was generated in markets outside Germany. Earnings...
Industry veterans Daniellot and Kiesselbach to join Rodenstock’s Advisory Board
The Rodenstock Group, a global leader in eye health innovation and manufacturer of biometric, ophthalmic lenses, today announced the appointment of two industry experts to its newly created Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is designed to provide senior advice and...
Steven Haifawi named President of HOYA Vision Care, Canada
Ophthalmic lens technology leader Hoya Vision Care announced that Steven Haifawi has been named President, Hoya Vision Care, Canada. In this position, Haifawi will be responsible for providing the vision for growth, short- and long-term company strategy, and...
Launch of the first international Global Circular Economy Chair
ESSEC Business School, L’Oréal, EssilorLuxottica and Bouygues jointly launched the first international chair devoted to the circular economy, the ‘Global Circular Economy Chair’. Dedicated to students of ESSEC’s Master in Management program, the chair’s first class is...
3D-Micromac appoints Marko Gerlach Chief Financial Officer
3D-Micromac, the industry leader in laser micromachining and roll-to-roll laser systems for the semiconductor, photovoltaic (PV), medical device and electronics markets, announces that its management board has appointed Marko Gerlach to the role of chief financial...
Mido to be held February 12 – 14, 2022 in Milan
Despite the unpredictability of our times, the situation in Italy is currently under control and the hosting of trade shows has not been compromised. Mido 2022 is set to open its doors February 12th to 14th at Fiera Milano Rho, as scheduled, announced the organizers....
opti 2022 postponed until May
The international trade show for optics & design, which was planned for 14 to 16 January 2022 at the Fairground Munich in Germany, will not take place at the beginning of the year. Uncontrolled rapidly increasing infection rates in the coronavirus pandemic, and...
J&J to spin off consumer products and focus on pharmaceuticals
Johnson & Johnson plans to spin off its consumer health division to focus on pharmaceuticals and medical devices in the biggest shake-up in the U.S. company's 135-year history. The company said it was aiming to complete the separation in 18 to 24 months at a cost of...
The Vision Council launches Advancing Diversity & Inclusion: A Cornell Certificate for Optical Professionals
The Vision Council announced the launch of Advancing Diversity & Inclusion: A Cornell Certificate for Optical Professionals, an online four-course and capstone certificate program customized specifically for members of the vision community by Cornell University’s...
bbase publishes the bow Index, a comparative tool for sustainable eyewear materials
Created to empower brands, manufacturers and designers, the bow Index is an industry-focused tool that overviews bbase’s comparative research into sustainable materials. With over 4 billion people wearing eyewear made from virgin materials, for bbase, a big factor in...
The Vision Council announces agenda details and keynote speaker line-up ahead of the 2022 Executive Summit
The Vision Council has announced agenda details and the keynote speaker line-up for the 2022 Executive Summit, taking place January 24–26, 2022 in Austin, Texas under the banner of “It’s All Connected.” Over the course of three days, the Executive Summit will focus on...
Coburn Technologies introduces Lynn Nichols as Digital Marketing and Trade Show Specialist
Coburn Technologiesis pleased to welcome Lynn Nichols to their marketing team as their new Digital Marketing and Trade Show Specialist. In this role, Nichols will develop and implement marketing campaigns and strategies to promote the Coburn Technologies, Inc. brand...
Schneider unveils new industrial cleaner LCU Modulo ONE
Revealed one by one, Schneider presents 11 new innovations over 11 months. On Friday the company uncoverred the fourth innovation: an industrial cleaner with small footprint. LCU Modulo ONE takes industrial cleaning to the next level, offering the same cleaning power...
EssilorLuxottica announced that consolidated revenue including GrandVision (consolidated since July 1, i.e. for the third quarter only) totalled Euro 14,241 million in the first nine months of the year. On a comparable basis, consolidated revenue amounted to Euro...
ShopVISION platform has seen a surge in buyer engagement
The Vision Council and RX, the organizers of Vision Expo announced that ShopVISION, the global digital sourcing platform for the vision care community, has doubled in size following its launch in June 2021 with over 4,600 products and 390 brands available on the...
Color blindness hinders learning in school
EnChroma – creators of glasses for color blindness – released the results of a landmark study that demonstrates the negative effect color blindness has on learning for millions of students. The data strongly indicates that schools are failing to identify color blind...
Craving MIDO, ready to restart and to transform the Wonder into a new beginning
Starting October 6 on the MIDO website , visitors to the international eyewear show ‒ buyers, designers, entrepreneurs, opticians, ophthalmologists and eyewear supply chain professionals ‒ can register for the forthcoming edition of the show, set to take place...
SILMO Paris 2021 successfully closed
The trade fair SILMO was eagerly awaited and, due to the corona pandemic, could not be organized without a certain amount of tension, but it took place and exceeded the expectations of the organizers: SILMO Paris brought together satisfied professionals who were happy...
Coburn Technologies introduces Diego Jimenez as new Sales Manager for Latin America
Coburn Technologies, Inc. is pleased to welcome Diego Jimenez to their sales team as their new Sales Manager for the Latin America market. Coburn Technologies, a leading provider of innovative, end-to-end customer solutions to the world’s ophthalmic lens processing...
Vision Expo West 2021 concludes Show in Las Vegas
Vision Expo West 2021 concluded on Saturday, September 25. The four-day event, which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Sept. 22–25 at The Venetian Convention Center & Expo, brought together thousands of members of the industry. Vision Expo West 2021 featured more...
33rd China International Optics Fair held in October
CIOF2021, the 33rd China International Optics Fair, shall continue the legend in making breakthroughs and presenting the latest array of worldwide and Chinese optical products and technologies to quench the thirst of buyers from all over China, the biggest optical...
MEI wins the SILMO d’OR award in Paris with the new EasyFit Trend
MEI, the global leader for lens edging machines, won the SILMO d’OR 2021 in the ‘Material / Equipment’ category with the new EasyFit Trend. In the ceremony, which took place in Paris during the international optical show, MEI received the prize awarded by a jury...
Vision Expo West content to be delivered through the ShopVISION Platform
The Vision Council and RX, the organizers of Vision Expo, today announce that Vision Expo+, a free digital extension of the Vision Expo experience that debuted at Vision Expo East 2021, will be offered next week following Vision Expo West from September 27 to October...
Fully automated cosmetic inspection: Schneider unveils the CSI Modulo ONE
At Silmo 2021 in Paris (France), Schneider unveiled the "next revolution in lens manufacturing", the new CSI Modulo ONE. For the first time, a system sees what only experts see: CSI Modulo ONE reliably detects cosmetic defects fully automatically and absolutely...
Essilor will present the two-year clinical trial results of its Stellest lens at WSPOS
Essilor will present the two-year clinical trial results of its Stellest lens at the ‘World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (WSPOS) Connect 2 the World’ virtual congress 2021 on 25 September. The session will provide an international platform to...
Craving for Mido!
After the first ever MIDO 2021 | Digital Edition, organized in June, the next in-person edition of MIDO 2022, the leading international trade fair in the eyewear sector, is finally set on 12-14 February in the pavilions of Fiera Milano, at Rho Exhibition Center. While...
Luneau Technology and Optovue announce merger
Luneau Technology and Optovue Inc. have announced the signing of a definitive agreement to merge. The newly merged company will continue to serve eyecare professionals as a major player with innovative product lines and a strong focus on its telehealth solution. The...
DaTE closes with a 55% increase in buyers
The 9th edition of DaTE, an event focused on the eyewear of the future, closed Monday at the Stazione Leopolda di Firenze. The organizers reported that almost 1.500 eyewear professionals and select buyers visited the show, exceeding their expectations and emphasizing...
DAC Technologies appoints new president and CEO
DAC Technologies names Will Daniels as their new President and CEO. A 26-year veteran of the optical industry, Will has served in various leadership roles in sales management, operations and joined DAC in August this year from his recent role as head of global...
EssilorLuxottica and Facebook introduce Ray-Ban Stories
Facebook, Inc. and Ray-Ban releases the next generation of smart glasses, Ray-Ban Stories. The highly anticipated collaboration brings forward a new way to seamlessly capture, share and listen through your most authentic moments. The announcement was made today by...
Optiswiss and Luxexcel announce cooperation for 3D printed smart eyewear
Optiswiss, a leading Swiss lens manufacturer with distribution throughout Europe, has partnered with Luxexcel to bring commercial 3D printed lenses to market for use in regular eyewear and smart glasses. Under the partnership, Luxexcel will provide its 3D printing...
Reimagine: Novel lens surfacing technology from Coburn Technologies
Coburn Technologies, a leading provider of end-to-end customer solutions to the world’s ophthalmic lens processing industries and eye care professionals, has officially launched the Reimagine Campaign to announce new technology advancements in lens processing. Coburn...
DaTE: The countdown of the 9th edition begins
The countdown has begun for the 9th edition of DaTE, the international exhibition dedicated to avant-garde eyewear, which will open at the Leopolda in Firenze on Saturday September 11 and will continue until Monday September 13. Over 120 exclusive national and...
100% Optical: Registration now live for first UK optical event in two years
The largest optical event in the UK, 100% Optical, is back, bigger and better than ever when it returns for its eighth edition in January 2022, with a host of new features and an even stronger focus on sustainability. Visitor registration for 100% Optical is now live;...
EssilorLuxottica announces launch of share buyback program
EssilorLuxottica announces the launch of a share buyback program reflecting the Group’s confidence in its value creation and long-term prospects. With a view to implementing this share buyback program, EssilorLuxottica has granted a mandate to an investment services...
Maxwell honors recipients of Opening Your Eyes Scholarship Fund
Last week, on Wednesday, August 25, three-time Grammy winner, and modern soul star, Maxwell, honored three recipients of the Opening Your Eyes: The Vision Council Scholarship Fund at the Times Square EDITION hotel. During the celebratory event, Maxwell, on behalf of...
Opti 2022 – at last a restart with emotions
Since 1 August this year, industries have once again been able to meet for live events at the site of leading international trade fairs in Munich Germany). This further increases anticipation for opti 2022, 14-16 January, because it focuses on what counts: real...
Hoya Vision Care welcomes Warren Modlin as VP, Technical Marketing
Ophthalmic lens technology leader Hoya Vision Care announced that Warren Modlin has joined the company as its Vice President of Technical Marketing. In his role, Modlin leads professional relations and innovation strategies for North America, in addition to...
Schneider introduces the power lab of the next decade
Digital, powerful, cost-efficient, sustainable, high quality. Groundbreaking new technology based on new philosophies and fresh concepts. This is what the Schneider team has been working tirelessly on and now the curtains will be drawn. The German pioneer in freeform...
Ocuco neutralizes carbon emissions
Ocuco Ltd announces the launch of a sustainability program. The first action of this plan is neutralizing the carbon emissions of its global headquarters until 2022. In March 2020, the optical software company joined the GoCarbonNeutral.ie initiative to offset its...
Program for Vision Expo West 2021 available
The organizers of Vision Expo, The Vision Council and RX, announced the schedule of programming and events set to take place at Vision Expo West 2021, taking place at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 22-25, 2021. The Show’s...
Silmo: New video interview online
In a new video Amélie Morel and Eric Lenoir answer the most important questions about the upcoming Silmo. Silmo takes place from 24. - 27. September in Paris, following the motto "Let's enjoy real contact again!" ...
More than 275 exhibiting companies commit to Vision Expo West 2021
The Vision Council and RX, co-organizers of Vision Expo, announced that more than 275 exhibiting companies have committed to Vision Expo West 2021, taking place September 22–25 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. To view the list of exhibiting...
Fabrizio Uguzzoni named President of Wholesale at EssilorLuxottica North America
EssilorLuxottica announced that it has named Fabrizio Uguzzoni as President of Wholesale at EssilorLuxottica North America. Uguzzoni, based in New York, will lead the Company’s unified wholesale business in North America. Rick Gadd, President of Essilor North America,...
Vision Health Alliance’s website and social media channels are now live
Vision Health Alliance, The Vision Council’s new consumer education initiative that champions eye health as an important part of overall health and eye health exams as essential components of healthcare, today announces that its website and social media channels are...
Shamir launches Metaform a new lens manufacturing technology
After years of research and co-development with Satisloh, Shamir is proud to present Metaform, its nano structure lens manufacturing technology that offers a new breed of compromise-free superpowered lenses with all the optical, physical features and coating built-in....
Registration is now open for DaTE
More than 120 brands will be on hand for the 9th edition of DaTE, the international trade show featuring avant-garde eyewear, set to take place at the centrally located Leopolda di Firenze, Saturday September 11 to Monday 13. The countdown has begun toward what will...
First United Nations resolution designed to tackle preventable sight loss
As a member of The United Nations Friends of Vision, The Vision Council shared that The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has on Friday, July 23, adopted Resolution A/75/L.108 committing the international community to eye care for the 1.1 billion people living...
The French Competition Authority (FCA) issued decision against Luxottica and other eyewear companies
EssilorLuxottica acknowledged yesterday that the French Competition Authority (FCA) issued a decision against several eyewear industry players, including Luxottica Group. The Authority imposes to Luxottica a Euro 125 million penalty for the group’s conduct which took...
Registration now open for Vision Expo West 2021
Registration is now open for Vision Expo West 2021, taking place September 22–25 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. With Las Vegas fully reopened, the Show organizers, The Vision Council and RX, are planning a robust Show experience featuring...
Luxexcel launched new manufacturing platform for prescription smart eyewear on-demand
Luxexcel announced its next-generation manufacturing platform, Luxexcel VisionPlatform™ 7, which makes it possible for businesses to integrate prescription lenses into the production of smartglasses in their manufacturing facilities. The new platform includes new...
HOYA Vision Care and Myopia Profile join forces to educate ECPs about myopia managment
HOYA Vision Care and Myopia Profile, a leading international myopia educational company, announced the roll out of a suite of co-created certified training courses to educate, inform and empower Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) to prescribe spectacle lenses for children...
EssilorLuxottica establishes smart eyewear innovation center in France
EssilorLuxottica announced the creation of a dedicated innovation center in France to reinforce its expertise and expand its capabilities in electrochromic and smart eyewear technologies. Leveraging more than ten years of research and development in this field, the...
40 million Euro investment in Ocuco
Ocuco Ltd, the leading provider of software to the eyecare industry worldwide, has announced today a €40 million refinancing including a €25 million term extension of its facilities with Wells Fargo Capital Finance (Technology Finance Division) and a €10 million...
Mimesys – a lens that adapts to the user
Mimesys, the latest innovation from Horizons Optical, was unveiled at the Mido digital trade show from 5 to 7 June. According to the company, Mimesys, an ecosystem of technologies, is a real revolution, transforming the whole concept of progressive lenses as we know...
Adaptive lens technology exceeded funding goal within hours
DeepOptics, the inventor of a novel adaptive lens technology, unveiled its new product 32°N, the first adaptive focus sunglasses, on Kickstarter, and already exceeded its funding goal within a few hours. The sunglasses enable a number of different reading...
All Schneider edgers come with built-in quality control
One investment, two machines – Schneider developed a proprietary quality inspection system, replacing the need for additional surface inspection units and exceeding the industry standard. Intelligently interlinked with the Modulo system, this integrated LMU lens...
Coburn Technologies announces the new Agility autodeblocker
Developed for large labs seeking speed and efficiency, Agility is the fastest automated deblocking system on the market, capable of deblocking over 200 lenses per hour. “The new Agility Autodeblocker completes our automated post-polishing product offering. When...
MES_360 Lite – Your introduction to Industry 4.0
Increasing transparency and visibility of Satisloh´s equipment performance is one of the key levers to optimizing lens manufacturing production and reducing costs. The new MES-360 Lite which comes pre-installed with every Satisloh Lab 4.0 ready machine, provides daily...
EssilorLuxottica acquires HAL’s 76.72% interest in GrandVision
On July 1, EssilorLuxottica announced that it has completed its acquisition of a 76.72% ownership interest in GrandVision from HAL Optical Investments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HAL Holding pursuant to the block trade agreement entered into with HAL on July...
DaTE returns to Florence September 11-13, 2021
DaTE, the international trade show featuring avant-garde eyewear is set to take place Saturday September 11th to Monday 13th. The appointment with Fall-Winter 2021-22 avant-garde eyewear returns to Florence, at the central and strategically located Stazione Leopolda,...
The Vision Council releases results of the 2020 Internet Influence Report
The Vision Council has released the results of the Internet Influence Report. Conducted in December 2020, the special interest consumer report examines the role of the Internet among consumers who recently purchased different types of eyewear. The Vision Council...
Top 10 countries whose residents spending the most time on the Internet during COVID-19
Millions of social media-obsessed millennials spend hours a day scrolling through an endless number of feeds and online resources. Many of us are guilty of this digital habit, but how does time spent staring at screens affect our overall health in the long term? A new...
Turkish Competition Authority (TCA) has cleared the proposed acquisition of GrandVision
Update on the proposed acquisition of GrandVision: EssilorLuxottica confirms that the Turkish Competition Authority (TCA) has cleared yesterday the proposed acquisition of GrandVision.The clearance was given after EssilorLuxottica made certain behavioral commitments...
Reed Exhibitions evolved to RX with a refreshed visual identy
Reed Exhibitions announced its evolution to RX, with a refreshed visual identity and updated brand positioning. Building on its flagship events business, the company is leveraging its capabilities in data and technology to create all year-round communities that...
Silmo will open from 24 to 27 September 2021
Last Thursday, the French government announced a plan to progressively release the country’s lock-down measures. This officially confirms what the Silmo organizers have been anticipating: that trade fairs, conferences and exhibitions will be able to open. Beginning on...
MIDO digital edition has closed but B2N platform continues
The doors closed on MIDO 2021 | Digital Edition, the global eyewear event, in an online version - this year for the first time ever in the history of this trade show. At the same time the date is set for February 12, 2022 to finally gather again in person at MIDO in...
Vision Expo East: Show 2021 in Orlando concluded
Vision Expo East 2021 concluded on Saturday, June 5. The four-day event, which took place for the first time in Orlando, Florida, from June 2–5 at the Orange County Convention Center, marked the first large-scale, in-person trade show for the vision care community...
Satisloh: New leader for the aftermarket business announced
Satisloh has announced the retirement of Werner Kalb and - at the same time - the designation of Luca Cavadini as new leader for the aftermarket business. "It is with mixed feelings that today we announce the retirement of our much-appreciated Werner Kalb. For more...
MIDO 2021 | Digital edition opens tomorrow
MIDO 2021| Digital Edition will open tomorrow, June 5th. Until Monday June 7th , 30 events, 60 guests and over 400 showcase pages that will seize the international business opportunities of the new “immersive” format. To open the event, the official greetings of the...
New study identifies more people with vision loss and blindness than previously estimated
In a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology today, “Prevalence of Visual Acuity Loss or Blindness in the US,” researchers estimate permanent vision loss and blindness in Americans of all ages, including people younger than 40 years old, and adults in group quarters,...
Three-Day virtual extension of the Vision Expo East 2021 experience
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, the organizers of Vision Expo, announced Vision Expo+, a free digital extension of the Vision Expo East experience that will be offered from June 3–5 in conjunction with Vision Expo East 2021 through ShopVISION, a new global...
EssilorLuxottica presents its new Board of Directors
During EssilorLuxottica’s annual General Meeting shareholders approved all the names of the proposed directors who now sit on the new Board of Directors of the Company, including: Mr. Leonardo Del Vecchio, Mr. Francesco Milleri, Mr. Paul du Saillant, Mr. Romolo...
FDA has granted “Breakthrough Device” designation to Essilor´s Stellest spectacle lens
Essilor announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted “Breakthrough Device” designation to its Essilor Stellest spectacle lens, the Company’s new generation lens developed to correct myopia and slow down the progression of myopiain children....
Mido presents 2021 digital edition concept
Today, the Mido organizers presented the concept of the digital Mido 2021. It will take place from Saturday 5 to Monday 7 June. The international eyewear event goes on stage with an exceptional edition: a June appointment instead of the usual February dates and a...
Silmo Paris: Let´s enjoy real contact again!
The French government announced a plan to progressively release the country’s lock-down measures. This officially confirms what Silmo has anticipated: that trade fairs, conferences and exhibitions will be able to open. Beginning on June 30th, there will be no maximal...
Zeiss to acquire Capture 3D to extend its industry expertise in 3D measurement and inspection solutions
Zeiss plans to expand its national coverage in the US for its Industrial Quality & Research segment by acquiring Capture 3D. Headquartered in Santa Ana, California, Capture 3D is the leading US partner for GOM 3D non-contact measuring solutions. With this acquisition...
Vision Expo extends free registration
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, organizers of Vision Expo, announce that free registration for Vision Expo East 2021, taking place June 2–5 in Orlando, Florida, will be extended indefinitely. The decision to extend the free registration deadline is based on...
tooz DevKit, a pair of smart glasses for developers, is launched in Germany
After a successful introduction in China, the first tooz Smart Glasses for software developers are now available in Germany. Since its foundation in 2018, the joint venture tooz technologies has worked on the further enhancement of its optical system and the...
Satisloh launches new polishing machines: Multi-FLEX-2 and Multi-FLEX-2E
Satisloh launches its new generation of fully automated Rx-lens polishing machines. An excellent polishing process is integral to producing superior quality lenses. Because Satisloh continuously strives to help their customers reach peak efficiency and quality, they...
Virtual session: Opening Your Eyes! The First Look at the Industry’s DEI survey results
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, co-organizers of Vision Expo, announced the next Virtual EYE2EYE Series Session. Scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 6 from 7:30–9:00 pm EST, the session is titled Opening Your Eyes! The First Look at the Industry’s...
HOYA Vision Care releases results of three-year MiYOSMART spectacle lens follow-up study
HOYA Vision Care shared the results of a three-year follow-up clinical study on its award winning MiYOSMART spectacle lens with patented Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) Technology after releasing the information at the recent European Academy of...
Vision Expo East 2021 to host the Career Zone on Saturday, June 5
The organizers of Vision Expo, The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, announced that the Career Zone will return to Vision Expo East 2021 on Saturday, June 5 from 10 am to 5 pm EDT. The hub for students and young professionals will be hosted in The Seen (#TP1251), a...
Global Sight Alliance declares climate emergency and calls for urgent action
In recognition of Earth Day, on April 22, 2021, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has declared a Climate Emergency and released a Call to Action for Environmentally Sustainable Practices in the Eye Health Sector. The endorsement of a...
OptoTech developed FOG Protect coating process
Wearing a face mask, fast temperature changes, doing outside sports, opening the oven or the dishwasher - almost every wearer of spectacle lenses is facing the problem of foggy lenses. To solve this problem, OptoTech developed the new FOG Protect coating process. FOG...
Ocuco’s LMS is awarded best optical lab software for 2021
Ocuco’s Lab Management Software (LMS), has been awarded Best Optical Lab Software for 2021 by HealthCare Insights Magazine, which annually recognizes leading companies in the healthcare sector. Innovations is Ocuco’s flagship optical lab management software. Ocuco...
opti 2022: commercial driving force and platform for the future
The next opti, the international trade show for optics and design in Europe, will be held from 14th to 16th January 2022. Exhibitors can register for the trade show in Munich right away, doing so entirely free of risk but with the prospect of important and valuable...
The Vision Council Releases 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey Report
The Vision Council released the 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey Report. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the custom survey The Vision Council fielded to the vision care community in November 2020. The confidential survey, developed in...
Essilor will unveil clinical trial results of its Stellest lens
Essilor will unveil the pivotal two-year clinical trial results of its Stellest lens - its latest spectacle lens solution in the fight against myopia. The much-anticipated two-year results demonstrate that Essilor Stellest lenses slow down myopia progression by 67%...
EssilorLuxottica: Update on the proposed acquisition of GrandVision
EssilorLuxottica confirms that on April 9,2021 the Chilean market regulator FNE (Fiscalía Nacional Económica) cleared the acquisition of GrandVision following the commitment to divest GrandVision’s Chilean operations under the banner Rotter YKrauss.GrandVision’s...
Transitions academy 2021 cancelled
Transitions Optical announced that it is cancelling Transitions Academy 2021, scheduled for June 13 – 16, 2021 in Orlando, Fla. The annual meeting is one of the industry’s well-recognized educational events, bringing together independent eyecare professionals,...
The Vision Council announces the publication of ANSI Z80.1-2020, Prescription Ophthalmic Lenses – recommendations
The Vision Council is pleased to announce the publication by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) of the 2020 revision of Standard Z80.1, Prescription Ophthalmic Lenses – Recommendations. The standard applies to all prescription dress ophthalmic spectacle...
The professional Opticians of Florida commit to Vision Expo East 2021 as an official supporter
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, organizers of Vision Expo, announced that the Professional Opticians of Florida will join Vision Expo East 2021, taking place June 2–5 in Orlando, Florida, as an official supporter. Established in 1982, the Professional...
Zeiss opens High-Tech center in North America
Zeiss, the global optics and optoelectronics technology company, has completed construction of its new R&D, production, sales and customer service site in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bringing together hundreds of Zeiss employees and key functions under one roof,...
The EKFZ for Digital Health researches the use of smart glasses in everyday clinical practice with tooz technologies
The Else Kröner Fresenius Center (EKFZ) for Digital Health of the TU Dresden (Germany) and the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus (Germany) is researching the use of context-sensitive data glasses in everyday clinical practice in cooperation with tooz technologies....
SIOF 2021 postponed to May
The 20th China (Shanghai) International Optics Fair, scheduled to be held in Shanghai in February, has been relayed to May 6-8, 2021, at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC). The descision was taken in compliance to China State Council’s...
Apax Funds to acquire Rodenstock
Funds advised by Apax (the “Apax Funds”) have announced an agreement to acquire Rodenstock from Compass Partners. Founded in 1877, Rodenstock has been a global leader in prescription lenses for over 140 years. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Rodenstock employs...
EssilorLuxottica signs agreement to acquire Walman in the U.S.
EssilorLuxottica has entered into an agreement to acquire U.S. based lab network Walman. Walman, which has been a leading partner to vision care practices around the country for more than 100 years, will draw on EssilorLuxottica’s focus on product and service...
MIDO in-person edition moved forward to February 2022
Today the President of MIDO, Giovanni Vitaloni, met online all the stakeholders of the trade show to announce that, at the moment, the situation does not allow MIDO 2021 to go ahead as planned. From 5 to 7 June the event for the world eyewear industry will move...
Registration now open for Vision Expo East
The Vision Council, co-organizer of Vision Expo with Reed Exhibitions, announces that registration for Vision Expo East 2021, taking place June 2–5 in Orlando, Florida at the Orange County Convention Center, opens today, Monday, March 22 under the banner of ONE Vision...
Vision Expo updates safety guidelines for exhibitors
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, organizers of Vision Expo, have updated VisionSAFE, the comprehensive set of health and safety guidelines, policies and resources designed to support a safe experience at Vision Expo East 2021, with specific guidelines for...
The Vision Council releases results of eyecare provider insights survey
The Vision Council has released the results of the February 2021 Eyecare Provider Insights Survey. The Vision Council fielded the survey to the organization’s panel of more than 1,700 eyecare providers during the last week of February. The survey, which launched in...
EssilorLuxottica publishes financial statements for 2020
The Board of Directors of EssilorLuxottica met on March 11, 2021 to approve the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. These financial statements were audited by the Statutory Auditors whose certification report is in the process of...
Submission of new Drug Application for the treatment of presbyopia
Allergan, an AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) company, announced that it has submitted a New Drug Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for investigational AGN-190584 (pilocarpine 1.25%) ophthalmic solution for the treatment of presbyopia. The FDA is expected to act...
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions announce launch of VisionSAFE
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, organizers of Vision Expo, announced the launch of VisionSAFE, an initial comprehensive set of health and safety guidelines, policies and resources designed to support a safe experience at Vision Expo East 2021, which is...
Over 90% of vision loss could be prevented or treated, new report finds
A new report published in the Lancet Global Health reveals that over 90% of people living with vision loss globally could be treated with existing, highly cost-effective interventions.The Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health is the work of an...
German lens maker Rodenstock prepped for sale?
According to the international news agency Reuters the German ophthalmic lens and eyewear maker Rodenstock is being prepared for sale by its private equity owner in a potential 1.5 billion euro ($1.8 billion) deal, two people close to the matter told Reuters. Compass...
Essilor mourns passing of Bernard Maitenaz, inventor of the first Varilux progressive lens
Essilor announced that Bernard Maitenaz, the inventor of the Varilux progressive lens that improved the lives of millions of presbyopes globally and redefined an entire industry, has passed away in his home city of Paris, at the age of 94. Bernard Maitenaz’s...
PSI celebrates 50 years!
Practical Systems, Inc. (PSI) is celebrating its 50th anniversary serving the optical industry. Founded by Bill Hernandez in 1971, PSI quickly established itself as a leader of innovative practical systems for labs. Firmly planted in the industry with the AlumaLap,...
100% Optical – trade show postponed, virtual event takes place
The organizers of 100% Optical announced the postponement of the 2021 trade show to January 2022. The 2021 event was scheduled for May 8-10 at ExCeL London, having already been pushed back from January 2021. 100% Optical will now take place from Jan. 29-31, 2022 at...
WaveOptics and Luxexcel demonstrate prescription eyewear for Augmented Reality smartglasses
Luxexcel, the technology leader in 3D printed prescription lenses, and WaveOptics, the foremost designer and manufacturer of waveguides and light engines, have collaborated to create an innovative module integrating three of the vital elements required for developing...
MIDO: Visitor registration opens
On 28. January MIDO has opened visitor registration. Buyers, designers, entrepreneurs, opticians, ophthalmologists and professionals in the global eyewear supply chain can register for the forthcoming edition of the show, slated for June 5 - 7, 2021 on the MIDO...
EssilorLuxottica expands employee shareholding reaching a record high
EssilorLuxottica announced the results of its 2020 international employee share ownership campaign (“Boost 2020”), increasing its employee shareholding to a record high of 44% at Company level. Recognizing its long-term commitment towards promoting employee...
Metamaterial acquires assets and IP of Swiss lens manufacturer Interglass
Metamaterial Inc. a developer of high-performance functional materials and nanocomposites, today announced it has acquired specialized lens casting production equipment and intellectual property, including more than 70 patents, from Interglass Technology AG...
PPG to invest $20 million by 2025 to advance racial equity
PPG and the PPG Foundation today announced a commitment to invest $20 million by 2025 to address systemic racism and advance racial equity in the U.S. by funding educational pathways for Black communities and people of color. The commitment strengthens PPG’s focus on...
The next destination for eyewear shows — Dubai
FourPlus Media has announced VisionPlus EXPO 2021, an international optical trade fair which aims to attract buyers from over 50 countries in their maiden edition. While global eyewear companies are still coming to terms with the ‘new normals’ in their respective...
EssilorLuxottica and CooperCompanies announce joint venture for acquisition of SightGlass Vision
EssilorLuxottica and CooperCompanies, two of the world’s leading vision care companies, have entered into an agreement to create a 50/50 joint venture for the acquisition of SightGlass Vision, a U.S. based life sciences company focused on developing innovative...
Vision Expo establishes Alan C. Ritter innovation award
Vision Expo has established the Alan C. Ritter Innovation Award. Inspired by Alan Ritter, a transformational leader in the vision care industry and one of the original founders of The Vision Council who passed away in July 2020, the annual award will bestow $10,000 to...
Changes in the Management Board of 3D-Micromac
3D-Micromac, the leading specialist in laser micromachining and roll-to-roll laser processing systems, is pleased to announce that as part of its successful strategic realignment, a consortium of US investors has acquired a majority stake in the company. The founder...
Vision Expo East 2021 will now take place June 2–5 in Orlando, Florida
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, organizers of Vision Expo, today announced that Vision Expo East 2021, originally scheduled to take place at the Javits Center in New York City from May 25–28, 2021, will now take place at the Orange County Convention Center in...
The Vision Council raises more than $150,000 for the Open Your Eyes scholarship program
The Vision Council is pleased to announce that, to-date, more than $150,000 has been raised for the Open Your Eyes Scholarship Program through a virtual auction, company pledges and individual donations. The Open Your Eyes Scholarship Program is a charity, created by...
The Vision Council announces Open Your Eyes Scholarship Program
The Vision Council, through the Better Vision Institute, is pleased to launch the Open Your Eyes Scholarship Program, a charity designed to support high school students in marginalized communities throughout the United States who have an interest in pursuing a career...
Coburn Technologies introduces Christopher Lentocha as new Director of Service
Coburn Technologies, Inc. is pleased to welcome Christopher Lentocha to their service team as their new Director of Service. Lentocha will lead and implement Coburn’s service plans for their United States and Latin America markets. This will include providing...
The Vision Council announces topics and speakers for the 2021 Executive Summit
The Vision Council shared details on the themed breakout sessions planned for the 2021 Executive Summit, taking place virtually from January 26–28, 2021. On Wednesday, January 27 and Thursday, January 28, The Vision Council will present three breakout sessions each...
tooz technologies launched smart glasses in China
tooz technologies has developed an optical platform which enables cost-effective, unobtrusive and turnkey smart glass solutions. In December 2020, the German start-up, a spin-off from Zeiss and today a Zeiss-Telekom joint-venture, launched its first smart glasses...
The Vision Council releases VisionWatch Q3 2020 Market Research Reports
The Vision Council has released its quarterly VisionWatch market research reports for Q3 of 2020, indicating a net increase of 1.2 million vision correction users year over year from September 2019 to September 2020 and $37.46 billion in retail revenues during the...
Optical Coating Entrepreneur, Jean Gehrig, dies at 79
Jean Gehrig, founder of SCL International, a cleaning and hard coating machine manufacturer based in France, passed away in November 2020. For all who met Jean, they will remember a gentleman, a professional, a real entrepreneur. He was an electrical engineer who...
IOT launches new personalized lens calculation technology
Digital Ray-Path 2 works in synergy with nature by harnessing the innate power of the human eye to create advanced lens designs. IOT has just launched the Digital Ray-Path 2 technology, an evolution of its predecessor, Digital Ray-Path. This new technology, in...
Schneider Anti Fog: Now available for most AR-coaters
The bad news: Wearing face masks will most likely remain for some time to come. The good news: Glasses will no longer fog up thanks to the Schneider Anti Fog Coating technology. All you need is one single consumable chip! Insert and go: No matter what equipment and...
Coburn Technologies announces new ProCoat hard lens coating
Coburn Technologies, Inc. is pleased to introduce ProCoat, their most robust and feature-rich hard coating for backside lens coaters. ProCoat is the “pro” when it comes to unsurpassed abrasion resistance, adhesion, tintability, clarity and stability. Expertly...
Vision Expo East: Launch of new online continuing education platform
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, co-owners of Vision Expo, are reimagining the Show’s continuing education offerings with the launch of VisionEd Direct, a new virtual continuing education platform offering on-demand accredited courses, and plans for a new...
Satisloh launches new AR coating to eliminate foggy lenses
Satisloh Fog-Free is the company’s solution to eliminating the annoying issue of foggy eyeglasses. Fog-Free consists of two elements: a new coating process for Satisloh vacuum box coaters and pre-treated consumer microfiber cloths, which activate the anti-fog...
Sagnières and Del Vecchio step down from their current positions at EssilorLuxottica
EssilorLuxottica has announced a major change in leadership. Hubert Sagnières leaves all his executive responsibilities at EssilorLuxottica and its subsidiaries and will remain as nonexecutive Vice-Chairman of the company. In order to preserve the equal powers...
Mojo Vision and Menicon announce joint development agreement on smart contact lens products
Mojo Vision, the Invisible Computing company, and the contact lens manufacturer Menicon announced that both companies have entered into a joint development agreement on September 21, 2020. Mojo Vision is developing Mojo Lens, the first true smart contact lens, a...
Luxexcel reaches next milestone in volume manufacturing
Luxexcel, the technology provider for 3D printed prescription lenses, reports that its manufacturing platforms in the US and Europe have reached a milestone in its production volume. Luxexcel’s VisionPlatforms™ have printed over 50,000 lenses for customers in the...
New partnership: MEI and B&S
MEI announces a new partnership with the traditional German wholesaler for optical equipment and eyewear B&S (Breitfeld & Schliekert) for the distribution of the dry cut lens edger EZFit in the German market. Breitfeld & Schliekert has successfully been serving the...
Coburn Technologies announces the new Agility Autodeblocker
Coburn Technologies, Inc. is pleased to introduce a new product category to their surfacing line of products with an automatic lens deblocker, the Agility Autodeblocker. Developed for large labs seeking speed and efficiency, Agility is the fastest automated deblocking...
Social Business is a job engine in developing countries – example OneDollarGlasses
Labour markets in developing countries are often characterised by informal and insecure employment; in view of demographic developments, the pressure on them will increase enormously in the coming years. Prominent organisations now also ascribe a great deal of...
The Vision Council concludes first all-member virtual meeting
The Vision Council hosted the organization’s first All-Member Virtual Meeting yesterday, Thursday, November 12. The meeting brought together more than 300 members of the vision care product and services community for an afternoon of engaging presentations from The...
MEI launches the new 4RacerTBA Swift
MEI launches the new 4RacerTBA Swift. The new lens edger features unparalleled automatic inspection abilities and fast self controlled edging process, with the smallest physical and environmental footprint of the market. With its new control unit and the new lens...
The Vision Council launches 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey
The Vision Council has announced the launch of the 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey. Developed in partnership with Nonprofit HR, one of the leading full-service human resources firms focused exclusively on the nonprofit sector with expertise in DEI...
Bruno Fischer will become CEO at Satisloh
After 5 years with Satisloh, first as Head of Region North America and for the last 2 years as President/CEO for the global Satisloh Group, Pete Lothes will take on a new leadership role within Essilor of America as SVP Operations and Supply Chain effective November...
Salem announces rebranding and restructure of the company
Salem Distributing Company, Inc. is excited to announce a major rebrand and divisional restructure. These changes reflect the company’s evolution and desire to serve its customers with a greater focus to better meet the changing needs of the fabrication industry.Salem...
Mitsui Chemicals acquires Cotec
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. announced that group company SDC Technologies, Inc. has acquired Cotec, an established innovator in the development and manufacture of high quality PVD (physical vapor deposition) and MLD (molecular layer deposition) materials for hydrophobic,...
DAC’s Virtual trade show booth
DAC Technologies launches a new digital experience with a virtual booth where customers can navigate and learn more about DAC's line of surfacing, cleaning and finishing equipment along their consumable lines. Customers can view equipment images rotate 360 degrees,...
Cancellation of opti 2021
A sad consequence of coronavirus-related developments: opti, the international trade show for optics and design, which was planned to take place from 8th to 10th of January 2021, has been cancelled due to the current volatile developments: This decision was a result...
MIDO postponed to June 5 – 7
MIDO 2021 drops its traditional February dates to schedule a June show. A sensible choice, driven by the aim to ensure exhibitors and visitors an exhibition offering peak international traffic potential and profitable business transactions. The show’s well-known...
Vision Expo East postponed to May 25 – 28
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, organizers of Vision Expo, today announce that Vision Expo East 2021, originally scheduled to take place from March 18–21, will now take place May 25–28, 2021 (Education: May 25–28; Exhibition: May 26–28) at the Javits Center...
Coburn Technologies introduces the new Acuity Max Soft Polisher
Coburn Technologies is pleased to introduce the latest technology in conventional lens processing that eliminates the need for traditional hard tools. Developed in conjunction with the CTL65 Compact Lens Generator which the company introduced several years ago,...
Luxexcel prepares for the next phase of growth in the smart glasses market
Luxexcel introduced its volume manufacturing solution to 3D print smart prescription lenses to the smart eyewear market, and has subsequently strengthened its leadership team to support this move. The company is now geared to enable high-tech companies to make a...
EssilorLuxottica cooperates with Facebook for smart glasses
EssilorLuxottica and Facebook announced a multi-year collaboration to develop the next generation of smart glasses. Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared the news during Facebook Connect, an annual conference held virtually from California. The partnership...
The Vision Council launches diversity, equity and inclusion task force
The Vision Council announced the launch of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. The task force launch is part of the organization’s larger brand reimagination focused on community-building and industry growth and follows The Vision Council’s recent unveiling...
The Vision Council launches new brand identity and website
The Vision Council has announced the launch of a new brand identity, including a reimagined logo and a new website designed to better serve and accommodate the needs of members and the vision care community at large. The rebrand and website launch represent the...
Changes at Board of Directors of Bühler Group
Stefan Scheiber, CEO of Bühler Group, was elected as a new Member of the Board of Directors of Bühler Holding AG at an extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting on August 28, 2020. The shareholders elected him unanimously as a new member of the Board of Directors of...
New OptoTech furnace series
OptoTech has announced the release of their new OCF furnace series for curing hardcoatings on ophthalmic lenses as well as curing blanks. The 2 available versions (OCF Premium 2 and OCF Premium Plus 3) have individually controlled modules and adjustable feedrate for...
Vision Expo to host virtual career event
Vision Expo has announced plans to host the Virtual Career Zone, a virtual networking event designed to connect young professionals and students with optical companies. Set to take place on Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 11-11:55 a.m. EDT, the virtual event is inspired by...
Update on legal proceedings of EssilorLuxottica against HAL and GrandVision
EssilorLuxottica acknowledges that yesterday a Dutch district court issued a judgment in the summary proceedings that were initiated by them. The company had announced in July that it had taken legal steps intended to assess the way GrandVision conducted its business...
Satisloh announces on-demand support with assisted reality technology
Satisloh expanded their technical support portfolio with the new Distance Step program, providing labs real-time help and information without a tech visit. “We’re excited about offering Distance Step – especially now with the uncertainty of travel. It gives our...
MAFO – The Conference 2021 confirmed
After the inevitable cancellation of MAFO - The Conference 2020 due to the corona crisis it is now certain: MAFO - The Conference 2021 will take place! The motto for the annual industry meeting ties in with 2020: Smart and Sustainable - reloaded. And the date is also...
Coburn Technologies introduces new express lens edger
Coburn Technologies has released the next generation in their lens edging technology, their fastest edger to-date, the HPE-910 Exxpert Express Lens Edger. The faster edging speed is the result of smart processing and quick mapping, completing a job in 80 seconds....
Safe Business Platform: opti 2021
From September 1st on, trade fairs may take place again in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. The upcoming opti, which will be held in Stuttgart from 8th to 10th of January 2021, will then be the first ophthalmic optics trade show within a year, where the industry can meet...
Silmo 2020 outside the walls
After announcing that the 2020 edition would not be held at Paris Nord Villepinte, from Oct, 2 to 5, Silmo Paris activated its plan B to address the expectation of the optical and eyewear industry and the anticipation of exhibitors and visitors hoping to reunite. This...
Schneider goes contact lenses and IOL
Schneider is entering the market for contact lens and IOL manufacturing technology with two new solutions for single-point diamond turning. The fully featured UPC 100 Vision is designed for the manufacturing of mold inserts with surface roughness values in the 1-2 nm...
Digital use has increased in corona times
A representative study among spectacle wearers shows how much digital use has increased in the times of corona. This also has an impact on our visual dynamics today. Whether video conferencing, e-mail, chat or video streaming: As a result of the corona crisis with...
Silmo 2020 cancelled
Organizers of Silmo 2020 announced today the cancellation of the event which had been scheduled at the Paris Nord Villepinte Centre, Oct, 2 to 5. In its statement, Amelie Morel, chairwoman of the Silmo Association, wrote, "Since the beginning of the worldwide health...
N-Tec Talks in the Rhine Valley
The high-tech congress N-Tec Talks will take place parallel to the fair W3 + Fair Rheintal on September 23 and 24, 2020 in Dornbirn, Austria. The event focuses on prospects, opportunities and ideas for the high-tech industry after the corona crisis. More than 35...
Vision Expo West 2020 cancelled
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions have announced the decision to cancel Vision Expo West 2020, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 23–26. Over the past several months, Reed Exhibitions’ Vision Expo team and The Vision Council worked...
W3+ Fair Rhine Valley 2020 firmly scheduled for September
After the gradual easing of the corona regulations in Austria, preparations for the 2nd high-tech trade fair W3+ Fair Rhine Valley are once again picking up full speed. With its event date in September, the fair will be the start of the second half of the business...
Coburn announces new spin coating system
Coburn Technologies is releasing the Velocity LTE Spin Coating System — a semi-automated spin coater that builds on the Velocity coating platform and provides the control and ease of use needed by small to mid-sized labs. It offers the same coating technology of the...
IOT has launched reactivation plan for partners
IOT has launched ‘IOT restart’, a personalized plan for customers to reactivate their operations and “return to normality”. The motto of the program is “more united than ever to achieve new successes”. The company sees teamwork, sharing information, knowledge and best...
The Vision Council honors Alan Ritter
The Vision Council is honoring the life and work of Alan Ritter, one of the founders of the organization who passed away last week. Ritter was one of the original founders of The Vision Council, serving as its first president in 1986, and a pivotal figure in the...
opti looks forward to 2021 edition
In the middle of the corona crisis, opti prepares for 2021. The entire industry is currently facing an immense challenge, and opti is also faced with new conditions due to the corona crisis and the upcoming move to Stuttgart in 2021. According to the organizers, the...
Silmo Paris 2020 is preparing to welcome the industry back
When the theme for the 2020 edition – #FUTURISSilmo – was first conceived, it was impossible to foresee that the current crisis would bring even more meaning to the subject. Now, it is as essential as ever to accompany the optical and eyewear industry to ensure that...
Vision Expo West 2020 is open for registration
Vision Expo West will return to the iconic city of Las Vegas, Nevada on September 23-26, 2020 under the banner of One Vision – One Focus – One Future. The much-anticipated Vision Expo West is where the optical industry will unite and get back to business. The Vision...
Changes of personnel at Buhler Group
Dieter Vögtli, member of the Buhler Executive Board, passed away on Friday, June 5, as a result of a short, serious illness. Dieter Vögtli headed the company's global Service & Sales (SAS) organization. Before that, he was responsible for Buhler's business in Asia....
Schneider offers new CMMS
In order to provide preventive maintenance and remote support in times of the new normal, Schneider has developed a computerized maintenance management system, CMMS. It enables labs to perform maintenance reliably like professionals. The system provides intelligence...
Schneider and Team Henrich & Krall now fully merged
Effective October 1st, 2020, Team Henrich & Krall GmbH (Team H&K), a member of the Schneider Group, will merge into the Schneider GmbH & Co. KG. The full range of products will be continue to be available through Schneider and existing customers will be fully...
Michael Vitale is new Lab Division Liaison
Following the retirement of Steve Sutherlin, the Lab Division Liaison responsibilities are taken on by Michael Vitale, The Vision Council’s Senior Technical Director, Lens Division Liaison, and Lens Processing & Technology Division Liaison. Vitale looks forward to...
Bühler gives first webinar
Bühler Leybold Optics has organized their first live webinar for the ophthalmic market. The webinar with the title "meeting market requirements from fast coating solutions to premium processes” will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. The current ophthalmic market...
SatislohLink: virtual booth
Wanting to stay connected with labs, but at their customers’ convenience, Satisloh has created their new virtual booth, SatislohLink. Responding to canceled trade shows around the world, the company built this new online tool to keep the ophthalmic market informed and...
Shamir announces program to support first responders
Shamir is collaborating with US optical laboratories nationwide, which produce their freeform or digital lenses, and have chosen to participate in the company’s #VisionFIRST initiative. The program was designed to provide complimentary prescription lens designs for...
IOT webinars for education during confinement
The research and development company in the field of optics says it wants to enliven the weeks of confinement with its own webinars that encourage to strengthen knowledge in a pleasant and productive way. IOT has decided to publish weekly different webinars that seek...
The Vision Council announces the publication of ANSI Z87.1–2020
The Vision Council has announced the revision of the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices. This standard sets criteria related to the general requirements, testing, permanent marking,...
California Lab Committee Announces Norm Kester as 2020 Goodfellow Award Recipient
The California Lab Committee has announced Norm Kester, President of ophthalmic coatings company Quantum Innovations, Inc., as the recipient of the 2020 Goodfellow award. The annual award recognizes a lab executive or business leader who actively contributes to the...
Schneider joins development project for ventilators to save lives of corona patients
Amidst the current global health crisis Schneider has teamed up with the Phillips-University of Marburg, Germany to refine, optimize and manufacture a scaled-down version of a ventilator that may serve as a last line of defense against the corona virus. Within a few...
Bühler appoints Irene Mark-Eisenring as new Chief HR Officer
Irene Mark-Eisenring will take charge of Bühler’s Executive Board function of Chief Human Resources Officer from Dipak Mane effective September 1, 2020. Dipak Mane is stepping out of this function to pursue other important management tasks within the organization,...
Steve Sutherlin to retire from The Vision Council
After five years with The Vision Council, Steve Sutherlin has announced his retirement as Lab Division Liaison. He held the position of President of the Optical Laboratories Association from 2005 to 2006, and was a member of the Association’s Board from 1998 to 2007....
Mido postponed to 2021
The Mido Management Board announced today that the the 50th edition of of the traide fair had to be postponed to 2021. They said the decision was difficult but unavoidable. “The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in Italy and its swift spread to the rest of the world, along...
Vision Expo Announces Virtual Connections Program
Vision Expo today announces Virtual Connections, a new program designed to encourage and facilitate conversations and virtual meetings for Vision Expo East 2020 exhibitors and attendees who had registered for the event that was postponed as a result of COVID-19....
MEI srl donates 500 thousand euros for the Coronavirus emergency
To face the Coronavirus emergency lens edging machines manufacturer MEI wanted to manifest its solidarity by contributing to the fundraising initiatives launched in the area of its Italian headquarters. Bergamo, Italy is one of the cities most affected by the Covid-19...
Essilor reorganizes itself to speed up its integration with Luxottica
In view of recent world changes, Essilor has decided to speed up its integration with Luxottica in order to build a more resilient, flexible and agile combined organization. To this end, Paul du Saillant, 61, is appointed CEO of Essilor. He succeeds Laurent Vacherot,...
MAFO team: business as usual (almost)
The MAFO editorial and commercial team is there for you as usual to ensure that you continue to be provided with the latest information from the industry. Even under the Covid-19 circumstances there are no restrictions on our work. MAFO - The Conference is also not...
Consolidation of Vision Expo East with Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, September 23–26
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, organizers of Vision Expo, today announce plans to consolidate Vision Expo East, due to be held March 26–29 in New York City, with Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, September 23–26. The decision is based on active and close...
Vitaloni explains the new dates for Mido
Following the evolution of the spreading of the Coronavirus, Mido 2020 was rescheduled for Sunday, 5 to Tuesday, 7 July 2020. Mido’s president, Giovanni Vitaloni, has explained the Board of Directors reasoning behind the new dates in Mido’s online magazine. “It is...
Hilary Halper steps down as co-CFO of EssilorLuxottica
EssilorLuxottica announced today that Hilary Halper has decided to step down as co-CFO of EssilorLuxottica.The Company is in the process of appointing a new co-CFO who will be announced shortly.
Mido 2020 rescheduled for 5-7 July
The Mido organizers announced the new dates to celebrate the fair’s 50th anniversary, which will now take place from Sunday, July 5 through Tuesday, July 7 2020, dates compatible with any coming provisions made by the competent authority for the health crisis and for...
MAFO – The Conference has been postponed
As was announced on Saturday, February 22, Mido won’t take place as scheduled due to the health crisis in Italy. We therefore have to postpone MAFO – The Conference accordingly. The situation is currently unpredictable. We will keep an eye on the developments and will...
Mido’s 50th edition has been postponed
Today, Saturday February 22, the Board of Directors of Mido met in order to set up and define a strategic response to the CoVID-19 emergency, in relation to the upcoming edition scheduled for February 29 to March 2. Mido’s organizers have announced that the board has...
Mido – digital platform for “Fair East” exhibitors
While the fiftieth edition of Mido will take place regularly, in compliance with the health regulations in force and by putting additional preventative measures in place, the “Fair East” area (pavilion 7), which traditionally hosts the Asian exhibitors, will not be...
A historical mark for the training at Bühler
70 apprentices started their professional training at Bühler in Switzerland in August 2019 - 10 women and 60 men. Together, they have already achieved a milestone for the company in their short professional career. Along with them, more than 8,000 young adults have...
Mido celebrates 50th anniversary
At the first edition of the Mido Eyeware show in 1970, there were 95 exhibitors (67 Italian and 28 from other countries) who displayed their products in 3.000 m2 of exhibit space. In 2019, more than 1.320 exhibitors and their wares occupied 7 pavilions and represented...
Nathan Troxell joins The Vision Council as Director of Industry Development, Think About Your Eyes
The Vision Council has appointed Nathan Troxell as Director, Industry Development for 'Think About Your Eyes. In this role, Troxell will help to grow the reputation of Think About Your Eyes among industry partners and expand participation and sponsorship of the...
Quantum Innovations inks strategic partnership with Optimal Technologies
Quantum Innovations, Inc. has completed a five-year agreement with UK-based Optimal Technologies last November. Optimal Technologies, best known for its ophthalmic hard coating and cleaning equipment, identified Quantum Innovations as the best solution for expanding...
Mido to take place as scheduled
Mido has confirmed that the 50th edition of the fair will take place as scheduled, in compliance with current health regulations. The organizers are carefully monitoring the situation surrounding the Coronavirus health warning, paying close attention to all the...
Change of ownership at MAFO
Petros Sioutis, Silke Sage and Efstathios Efthimiadis have taken over MAFO’s former Media Welt publishing house from founder Jörg Spangemacher in August of this year under the new name EYEPRESS Fachmedien GmbH. As former employees of the company, all three have many...
What the world looks like with eye diseases
In collaboration with optometrist Roshni Patel, Lenstore has used images to show how people with various eye diseases and visual impairments perceive everyday situations. More pictures on: www.lenstore.de/vc/durch-andere-augen-sehen ...
EssilorLuxottica – 2019 International Share Ownership Plan
EssilorLuxottica announced the results of its international share ownership plan (“Boost 2019”) with a subscription rate of over 67% of eligible employees. More than 56,000 employees now hold a financial stake in the company. In November this year, EssilorLuxottica...
Hoya celebrates 40 years in Germany
Hoya has been active in Germany since 1979. For many years, their German headquarters have been situated in Mönchengladbach. On November 23, 2019, a big anniversary party with more than 650 invited guests took place there with a top-class entertainment program with...
WHO publishes report on eye health
2.2 billion people worldwide have to live with visual impairment or blindness, with one billion of those cases being preventable or treatable. This is what the World Health Organization's (WHO) World Health Report (WHO) published for the first time. The most common...
DAC Technologies – New Latin America Sales Manager
DAC Technologies is pleased to welcome Nestor Paz as Latin America Sales Manager. Nestor will be responsible for supporting customers in Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to joining DAC, Nestor worked 15 years in the optical industry, most recently focused on...
A&R changes its ownership
With his retirement in view, the founder and main shareholder of Automation & Robotics (A&R), Christian Closset, created a plan for the future of the company that combines his own wishes and the strategy of the Walloon Regional Investment Company (SRIW), i.e. to...
Jörg Spangemacher honored for his life’s work
The traditional Vision Council Lab Division Hall of Fame Dinner is always a highlight of the Vision Expo West. At the Hall of Fame Dinner – in festive atmosphere with cocktails and a splendid buffet – people are honored for their outstanding contribution to the...
Lothes to expand role to President and CEO at Satisloh
Pete Lothes, who became Satisloh’s worldwide President at the beginning of 2019, has been named the company’s President and CEO effective September 1st. “Satisloh globally over the last eight months has been fast-paced and rewarding. I am excited to take on the CEO...
Coburn Technologies introduces the new Duality AR
Coburn Technologies, a provider of innovative, end-to-end customer solutions to the world's ophthalmic lens processing industries, introduces a new version of the Duality lens processing platform – the Duality AR. “The Duality AR expands the family of Duality,...
A Space Odyssey – farewell words by Jörg Spangemacher
An ophthalmic optician like me is not directly involved in the optical industry. He only needs to know that they make spectacle lenses. However, this all changed for me in 1979 when I attended a seminar in Amsterdam on the question of how to prevent scratches on the...
Satisloh names Luis Cerqueira Head of Region Latin America
Following the move of Christian Jakober to VP of Global Strategic Accounts, Luis Cerqueira takes over as Head of Region Latin America effective September 1, 2019. “Luis’ expertise in directing sales teams, running manufacturing facilities, and managing large...
New sustainable eyewear material
“BD8 – Bio Plastics” is a 100% bio-degradable plastics which can be naturally broken into carbon, water and bio mass. In a world where approximately 8 million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into the oceans every day, “BD8 – Bio Plastics” offers an...
The Vision Council announce the publication of new eye protection standard
The Vision Council is pleased to announce the publication by ASTM of a new eye protection standard, ASTM F3164-19 Standard Specification for Eye Protectors for Racket Sports (Racquetball, Squash, Tennis). This new standard replaces the previous requirements for racket...
The IOT website now speaks Chinese and Portuguese
IOT continues to update its website to make t he information and knowledge available for all customers to manufacture the best lenses. From now on, all that information is available in two new languages, Portuguese and Chinese, which are added to the English and...
Speed Dating at Vision Expo West
Vision Expo West is pleased to introduce The Next Generation of Retailers - Speed Dating event at this year’s Show. For the first time ever, new and potential business owners will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with some of the industry’s most successful...
Coburn Technologies introduces the new Spectrum Prismatic Lens Blocker
Coburn Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the newest innovation in Lens Blocking Systems, the Spectrum Prismatic Lens Blocker. Designed for compatibility with all common surfacing machines, the Spectrum Prismatic Lens Blocker provides extremely precise...
Replacing tape: Schneider’s new spin protection technology
Problems with wrinkles, bubbles, detaching, commonly known with tape, are a thing of the past thanks to the SPP Modulo. It replaces tape to optimally protect the lens during the surfacing process utilizing UV-curable liquid protection layers. Evenly distributed across...
opti to get a new home in 2021
Onwards to new horizons: in 2021, 2023 and 2025 opti will be held at the fairground “Messe Stuttgart”. The reason: in these odd years, fairground Munich is only able to give opti exhibitors a narrow window of time in which to construct their stands due to the “BAU”,...
EssilorLuxottica to acquire HAL’s 76.72% interest in GrandVision
EssilorLuxottica S.A. (“EssilorLuxottica”), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames and sunglasses today announces an agreement with Hal Optical Investments B.V. (“HAL”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of HAL Holding N.V,...
Hall of Fame Inductees 2019
The Vision Council is pleased to announce the Lab Division’s Directors’ Choice Award recipient and the industry veterans who have been selected to be inducted into the Lab Division Hall of Fame for 2019. The Division has named Steve Sutherlin, The Vision Council’s Lab...
EssilorLuxottica confirms discussions to purchase ownership interest in GrandVision
EssilorLuxottica confirms it is having discussions to purchase the 76.72% ownership interest in GrandVision N.V. of HAL Holding N.V. No agreement has yet been reached and no assurance can be provided that these discussions will lead to such an agreement. In addition,...
Vision Expo West provides diversified education content
New education at Vision Expo West 2019 will offer attendees a wide range of tracks, courses, workshops and competitions featuring the latest in leadership, marketing, patient care and more with real-time planning and interactive demonstrations. With over 300 hours of...
New building extension @ FISA Ultraschall – Kandel – Germany!
In order to improve services offers and to better meet the customer’s needs, FISA has extended their site in Germany. 150 sqm more for the benefit of their customers: new technical office for the after-sales team, new spare parts store as well as new FIMM Germany...
SCHNEIDERs Modulo Line wins German Innovation Award
On May 28th, 2019, SCHNEIDER was honored w ith the German Innovation Award by the German Design Council for the invention of the Module Line – the first fully automated Industry 4.0 ophthalmic lens production system. Following its nomination, SCHNEIDER was chosen by...
Coburn Technologies launches brand new Consumables E-Commerce Website
Coburn Technologies, Inc. has officially launched a brand new e-commerce website for optical consumables and spare parts: www.ShopCoburn.com. Digital Surfacing, Traditional Surfacing, Finishing, Coatings & Chemicals, Diagnostics and Spare Parts are the primary...
Refrigerant gases and vacuum pump parts available at DAC technologies Europe
DAC Technologies Europe offers a line of non-toxic and non-flammable refrigerant gases and vacuum pump parts. These refrigerant gases are more efficient and provide better performance while producing lower temperatures faster with less power consumption. They are...
Registration now open for Vision Expo West 2019
Registration is now open to all for Vision Expo West 2019. Returning to the Sands Expo Convention Center in the iconic city of Las Vegas on Sept. 18 - 21, this year’s Show will feature new destinations, education courses, empowering panels and more. “In this ever -...
Contour Fine Tooling appoints new VP of Sales & Marketing
Contour Fine Tooling, a global leader in single-point diamond cutting tool solutions, appointed Bob Cassin as new VP of Sales & Marketing North America and General Manager of its USA subsidiary. Bob Cassin has been appointed per June 17th, 2019 as the new Vice...
Successful Optical Innovation Summit
The Vision Council hosted the second of four events in their new Summit Series. The Optical Innovation Summit—held June 5–6 in Boulder, Colorado—gathered C-level executives and emerging companies in the vision care space to discuss the inevitable changes affecting...
Coburn Technologies’ Velocity Spin Coater wins award
Coburn Techologies, Inc.announced that their Velocity Spin Coater has been named “Best Value Enhancer (Lab)” by the CiO VisionPlus Awards.“We are thrilled and honored to receive this award for our Velocity Coater, especially considering our focus on developing...
The Vision Council introduces new summit series
The Vision Council is proud to introduce their new Summit Series for 2019, facilitated by Bart Foster, strategic advisor to The Vision Council. This series of exclusive events will help feed the growing desire to better the optical industry and individuals’ careers...
EssilorLuxottica and Delfin sign settlement agreement
EssilorLuxottica announced that EssilorLuxottica and Deflin S.à.r.l. agreed upon a settlement agreement to overcome the governance issues and set the basis for a renewed start of profound collaboration between Essilor and Luxottica. The agreement settles any existing...
The Vision Council announces:
President Trump to increase third list of China duties, remaining Chines-origin products threatened with additional tariffs. President Trump tweeted his intent to raise the China 301 duties from 10 percent to 25 percent, currently being assessed on approximately $200...
UN road safety week
Essilor and Groupe Renault pool expertise to better integrate visual specifications to improve drivers’ experience and promote the importance of good vision for road safety. On the occasion of the 5th United Nations Road Safety Week, Essilor and Groupe Renault...
EVOlens improves the user experience through data
IOT presents EVOlens, a system that objectively selects the ideal lens for each patient by considering previous patients’ lens feedback. Based on the satisfaction of previous patients, the system selects the lens that best suits your visual profile by searching among...
Coburn Technologies welcomes Jason Frank
Coburn Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Frank as their new Sales Manager for the Latin America market. Jason will replace Pedro Parra, who is currently in the role and will be retiring after more than 38 years with Coburn. Parra will...
A great success: MAFO – The Conference 2019
The 20th ‘MAFO – The Conference’ was held in Milan on February 22, 2019. More than 60 participants gathered at the NH Hotel, just outside the Mido, to enjoy an exciting day with interesting lectures and discussions. Under the motto, “Future Technologies”, 13 speakers...
Coburn Technologies introduces new spin coater with dual-coating technology
Coburn Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the newest innovation in lens coating equipment, the Velocity 2D. Velocity 2D is the next generation of the current Velocity Automated Spin Coater, now designed with dual-coating technology. Derived from the existing...
Schoolchildren receive free pair of eyeglasses with 3D printed lenses
Luxexcel, developer of 3D lens print technology and IFB Solutions a North Carolina based nonprofit, celebrate one year of partnership. To mark the anniversary, nearly 20 local schoolchildren received a free pair of eyeglasses and a comprehensive eye exam. The...
Luxexcel advances 3D printing technology for ophthalmic lenses
Luxexcel, the pioneer in 3D printed ophthalmic lenses, announces that its proprietary 3D printing technology has advanced from the pilot phase to printing commercial lenses. Over the past 12 months, 5000 lenses have been printed on several VisionPlatforms™ installed...
Satisloh to donate 50,000€ to Light for the World by holding an auction at MIDO
Satisloh will mark the production of their 1,000th VFT-orbit generator at MIDO 2019 in Milan by holding an auction on February 23rd at 2:30 pm, The company will donate 50,000€ of the winning bid to global vision disability and development charity, Light for the World...
Essilor International completed four transactions: Brille24, Union Optic, Indulentes, Metalizado Optico Argentino
Essilor International, an EssilorLuxottica subsidiary, is actively pursuing its acquisition and partnership strategy with the completion of four transactions worldwide, representing combined full-year revenue of around €48million. Essilor further strengthens its...
Coburn Technologies promotes David Kilfoil to marketing manager
Coburn Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of David Kilfoil as the new Marketing Manager for the company. Kilfoil has been with Coburn for more than three years now as the Marketing Specialist, with primary responsibilities including the full...
MEI to debut new solutions at MIDO for lens edging
MEI returns to MIDO again this year, confirming its now-traditional dual presence: once again, the institutional stand, targeting the industrial sector, will be joined by an exhibit space given over entirely to EZFit, the compact edger dedicated to retail users....
Bühler appoints Mark Macus as new CFO effective September 1, 2019
Andreas Herzog (61), who has held the CFO position for 17 years, will retire for age reasons effective September 1, 2019. His successor is Mark Macus (47), who was employed at Bühler before for five years and who currently serves as CFO of the Vitra Group. Andreas...
The Vision Council releases Annual Report
The Vision Council is proud to release its 2018 Annual Report, highlighting the organization’s many accomplishments throughout the year. In 2018, The Vision Council welcomed 54 new member companies and saw the success of the first year of the Optical Retail Division...
Interactive and creative education available at Vision Expo East 2019
Vision Expo East 2019 will introduce new and widely-requested education courses to this year’s Show. Various business- and healthcare-focused programs have been specifically designed to fit every professional agenda to afford attendees the complete education...
Richard Hughes named President Satisloh North America
Following the move of Pete Lothes to President and CTO of Satisloh globally, Richard Hughes takes over as President Satisloh North America, effective January 1. Hughes began his 22 year optical industry career as Director of Sales and Service for ophthalmic...
Coburn Technologies welcomes Al Bednar as new director of laboratory sales
Coburn Technologies is pleased to announce the appointment of Al Bednar as their new Director of Laboratory Sales for the United States and Canadian markets.“Al is a seasoned veteran in the optical industry, and his vast experience extends from ophthalmic lens process...
SIOF 2019 is going to shine again in the Pearl of the Orient
SIOF is pleased to announce that the 19th China (Shanghai) International Optics Fair enjoys a giant leap forward with a bigger number of participants. The annual event is scheduled to take place on 21- 23 February 2019 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition &...
Satisloh: Two optical industry veterans make career moves
After 19 successful years with Satisloh, first at the helm of North America and for the last 4 years as global President and Group CTO, Larry Clarke takes the opportunity to pursue a new leadership role within Essilor of America. Clarke will become...
Lensware International will celebrate 10 years aniversary at opti Munich 2019
A unique seminar will be organized on Saturday 26th of January in the conference room of the exhibition center - Conference room C51 - from 09h30 to 11h00, with the purpose to invite our partners and friends to join our commemoration. The...
Countdown to Vision Expo East 2019
Vision Expo East 2019 is gearing up to take over the Javits Center (Education: March 21 – 24; Exhibit Hall: March 22 – 24) with a Show everyone can count on to meet their professional needs. Vision Expo East 2019 will feature the latest in fashion, technology and...
DAC Vision to become DAC Technologies
DAC Vision in Europe will be renamed DAC Technologies for its operations throughout Europe, Africa as well as the Middle East, effective January 2019. DAC Technologies, the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of supplies, changed its...
Vision Expo Presents “7 Days of Giveaways”
Alexandria, VA – Dec. 4, 2018 – Vision Expo has announced the first-ever “7 Days of Giveaways” holiday contest. In collaboration with various merchandise and exhibiting companies, Vision Expo will reveal a new giveaway item on Instagram for seven days beginning on...
EssilorLuxottica held first combined Shareholders’ Meeting
Charenton-Le-Pont (November 29, 2018 – 8:00 pm) EssilorLuxottica held its first Combined General Meeting today at the Espace Grande Arche at La Défense, chaired by Leonardo Del Vecchio, Executive Chairman, and Hubert Sagnières, Executive Vice-Chairman, of...
Schunk Group acquires stake in OptoTech
Corporate succession is a significant topic of today. The sustainable protection and continuation of business operations for shareholders, customers, suppliers and employees are thus in the foreground. This question also arose for OptoTech as to what should happen in...
Essilor appoints Professor Kovin Naidoo Senior Vice President of Inclusive Business, Philanthropy and Social Impact
Essilor is proud to announce Professor Kovin Naidoo has been appointed Senior Vice President of Inclusive Business, Philanthropy and Social Impact. In this newly created position, Professor Naidoo will lead the Group’s efforts to reach the 2.5billion people living...
Jean-Claude Hache, a man of commitment
Silmo announced news of the death of Professor Jean-Claude Hache with a great deal of sorrow. A doctor of science, neuro-ophthalmologist and professor in ophthalmology, he was the first in France to develop a visual function exploration department at the CHRU of...
Essilor and Delfin successfully complete the combination of Essilor and Luxottica
Luxembourg and Charenton-le-Pont, France (October 1, 2018) - Delfin S.à.r.l (“Delfin”), the majority shareholder of Luxottica Group S.p.A. (“Luxottica”) and Essilor International (Compagnie Générale d’Optique) (“Essilor”), announced the successful completion of the...
SILMO Paris 2018: A trade fair that keeps its promises
The 52nd edition of the International Optical Fair demonstrated its appeal on this rather dynamic global market with a satisfying turnover. Over four days, more than 37,000* professional visitors (56% of international) were able to admire the creativity of the 965...
Vision Expo West 2018 breaks records
Alexandria, VA – October 3, 2018 – Vision Expo West’s 30th anniversary was a sweeping success, with the overall Show experiencing a nearly double digit increase in attendance compared to 2017. Pre-audited results show close to 13,000 eyecare professionals from across...
The Vision Council releases Tariff Impact Report: Potential Industry impact from Eyewear Tariffs
The Vision Council’s research team released a first-of-its-kind report in September, which attempts to gauge how potential U.S. tariffs on Chinese eyewear could impact consumer buying habits, intentions and spending. Through a questionnaire to recent eyewear buyers...
Luxexcel opens Customer Demonstration Lab in Atlanta, GA.
Luxexcel announced yesterday the opening of the new US-based Customer Demonstration Lab in Alpharetta, GA (greater Atlanta area). The facility will house a full Luxexcel VisionPlatform™ system and supports the Luxexcel customer base. Luxexcel Customer Demonstration...
IOT has a new corporate look
IOT is dedicated to innovation in optical technology. As a result, the company is in a constant state of growth and evolution. IOT’s change in brand identity is part of an overall strategy to better communicate its unique culture, values and approach to market. The...
Luxexcel breaks into the next phase
Luxexcel, the pioneer in 3D printing of ophthalmic lenses, announced today the appointment of Fabio Esposito as Chief Executive Officer to lead the company in its next growth phase. Fabio brings to the company a strong track record of transforming businesses from...
Transforming lives through the gift of vision
WestGroupe is a proud supporter of Optometry Giving Sight. The company offers in Canada a complete frames & lens package with the Superflex collection in partnership with Zeiss lenses. Together they have raised over $20,000 to date. From every package sold, WestGroupe...
DaTE 2018 – The exhibitors
MOSCOT introduced five new frames for Fall 2018 at DaTE with a nod to some of the brand’s most memorable characters from years past. Zack Moscot, 5th Generation, Chief Creative Officer, drew inspiration from the brand’s 103-year old archives, adding intellectual flare...
The Vision Council comments on third list of Chinese Tariffs – United State Trade Representative
On Sept. 6th, The Vision Council, on behalf of its members and the U.S. optical industry at large, submitted comprehensive comments to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) opposing the proposed imposition of a 25 percent tariff on imports from China through...
“Trip to L.A.” – Contest, EyeInnovate 2018 Ticket Giveaways, Randy Jackson Keynote and More…
Calgary, Alberta, Can.—Marketing4ECPs, the organizers and hosts of EyeInnovate 2018, have just announced some great, new developments to create even more excitement about the November 6, 2018 one-day conference event. - Win a “Trip to L.A.” for two to attend...
Programs aimed at millennial ECPs drive attendance growth at Vision Expo West
Alexandria, VA – September 10, 2018 – As of three weeks pre-show, Vision Expo West pre-registration for young professionals is trending strongly ahead of 2017. Vision Expo West (Education: September 26–29; Exhibit Hall: September 27–29) will feature various programs...
The Vision Council announces updated Data Communications Standard
Alexandria, VA – The Vision Council’s Lens Processing and Technology (LPT) Division is pleased to announce that the Data Communications Standard Committee—with Robert Shanbaum of Ocuco Inc. as chair—approved version 3.12 of the Data Communication Standard. The Data...
Laila Ali promotes annual eye exams on Hello Giggles, She Knows and More
Think About Your Eyes partnered with pro-athlete and lifestyle expert Laila Ali to promote annual eye exams to parents during the back-to-school season. Ali herself knows the importance of annual eye exams at a young age: she started wearing glasses at age 11 and her...
Coburn Technologies welcomes Marina Vaynberger as new International Regional Sales Manager
Coburn Technologies, Inc. announced the appointment of Marina Vaynberger as their new International Regional Sales Manager for the Russia, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa regions. “We are very excited to have Marina on board with us. She has extensive...
The Vision Council Lab Division announces Directors’ Choice Award Recipient and 2018 Hall of Fame Inductees
Alexandria, VA (August 3, 2018) –The Lab Division of The Vision Council announced the industry veterans who will be recognized during the Directors’ Choice Award and 19th Annual Lab Division Hall of Fame celebration on Wednesday, September 26, in conjunction with the...
Established and emerging Panelists announced for independent luxury eyewear panel
Alexandria, VA – August 29, 2018 – Vision Expo continues to deliver high value content and create unique networking opportunities for attendees in the Exhibit Hall. Building on its past success, the Boutique Buyer Panel at Vision Expo West 2018 will feature panelists...