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Specsavers Joins IAPB to Advocate for Better Eye Health

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) logo

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) welcomes Specsavers as a pivotal new member, joining the global alliance for the eye health sector in the fight against avoidable sight loss.

“For more than four decades, Specsavers has been driven by a singular vision: to change people’s lives through better sight and hearing,” said Dame Mary Perkins, who founded Specsavers with her husband Doug more than 40 years ago. “We believe everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves access to quality eye health services. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in initiatives like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans, allowing for early detection of conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma – directly aligning with IAPB’s mission to eliminate preventable blindness.”

One of the key pillars of Specsavers sustainability ambitions is to improve quality of life outcomes for disadvantaged members of society. “Our aim is to empower individuals and communities, so we are very pleased to be supporting IAPB as we continue to lobby for policy changes to remove barriers to eye health, ultimately contributing to a world where everyone can see their full potential.”

Peter Holland, CEO of IAPB, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Specsavers to IAPB as a Group A Member. They join a global alliance of over 250 organisations working towards a world where no one experiences unnecessary sight loss, and everyone can reach their full potential. Specsavers’ expertise in optometry and commitment to making a difference align with our mission and will strengthen our collective efforts to improve eye care accessibility globally.”

“We can learn an enormous amount from Specsavers’ innovative approaches, from diagnostic technology to community outreach,” Peter Holland added. “Their research and delivery of accessible care are vital in our shared mission. The rollout of OCT scans as a standard for all patients, is a game-changer in early detection and support our goal of reducing the burden of preventable blindness. Their mobile clinics and home visit services are reaching underserved populations, ensuring that no one is left behind. These initiatives not only improve individual lives but can also strengthen our collective advocacy efforts.”

The partnership between IAPB and Specsavers signifies a powerful step forward in the global fight for better eye health in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and beyond, promising to bring innovative solutions and increased access to care to those who need it most.

Click HERE for the press release.

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SILMO Paris 2025 – THE PLACE TO BE, TO SEE, TO FORESEE !

Silmo 2025 THE PLACE TO BE, TO SEE, TO FORESEE
Silmo 2025 THE PLACE TO BE, TO SEE, TO FORESEE

From September 26 to 29, 2025, Paris Nord Villepinte will become the beating heart of the international optics and eyewear industry.

SILMO Paris will be the main meeting place for the entire industry, where major trends are set, innovations are presented and synergies are created.

THE PLACE TO BE, where it all begins!

With 900 exhibitors, 1,500 brands and more than 32,000 visitors from 42 countries, SILMO Paris is more than just a trade show: it’s THE business and inspirational meeting place for the profession, a vibrant international scene where creativity, audacity and conviviality meet.

THE PLACE TO SEE, the best in optics right before your eyes!

New collections, cutting-edge technologies, visionary designs… SILMO Paris is the showcase for the latest nuggets that are shaping and reinventing the world of optics.

THE PLACE TO FORESEE, where the future takes shape!

SILMO Paris is a true incubator of ideas and reflection, anticipating changes in the sector. Innovations, technological challenges and prospects are revealed to help us im Translated with DeepL.com (free version

AT THE HEART OF THE EVENT

  • Experiences not to be missed!

Trends Forum – Decoding tomorrow’s inspirations and must-haves through a selection of the finest optical and sunglass collections at the show.

SILMO NEXT – The laboratory of the future: innovations, new technologies, visual experiences and 360° vision.

SILMO Talks & SILMO Academy – Dive into expertise with exceptional conferences led by renowned specialists.

Craftmanship Excellence – Spotlight on the « Meilleurs Ouvriers de France » and the Know-how of French eyewear manufacturers.

Journey through our heritage – The Oyonnax and Morez museums are invited to the show to retrace the history of an exceptional industry.

  • Highlights : Celebrating excellence

The SILMO d’Or – The ultimate award for creativity and innovation in the industry.

Optical Design Contest – A springboard for tomorrow’s talents.

Responsible Company Award – Recognizing the CSR initiatives of companies in the sector.

International Optician of the Year Award – Global excellence recognized with the IOA.

NEW FOR 2025! A Space Dedicated to CSR

Because the optics of tomorrow must be innovative and responsible, SILMO Paris unveils a new space dedicated to CSR initiatives.

SILMO SUPPORTS YOU THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

SILMO News – Your monthly show dedicated to the optical eyewear industry and the latest SILMO news.

Podcasts “The Right Optics by SILMO” – Inspiring conversations hosted by Nick Coffer, exploring the behind-the-scenes of the optical industry. Each episode unveils a success story and exceptional craftsmanship.

From September 26 to 29, 2025, join us at Paris Nord Villepinte to experience SILMO!

Click HERE for the press release.

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Noemie: The Fineness in Colour Lamination

Voila March-April Optik 2025 Morel Noemie 4

Building on the success of the first launch of the Noemie concept, Morel released exquisite new additions this season. These timeless shapes feature a fine yet technical collage of three acetate colours, providing a detailed bevel that enhances the lamination work. The thinner design at the bottom of the front ensures comfortable wearing, while reiterating the refinement of the frame.

Distributed by Morel Canada: morel-france.com

About Morel:

Family-owned, independent and responsible, the company strives to transmit the authenticity of its expertise while developing a strong international distribution network. Today, we are present in over 90 countries!

Today, more than ever, MOREL is proud of our past and resolutely turned towards our future. Our sincere desire for improvement lies close to our hearts and has led us to embrace an environmentally and socially responsible initiative. MOREL strives to become a company that is committed to addressing the major global issues of our time.

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Geographic Atrophy: An Update on Two Clinical Trials

Fighting Blindness Canada

This month, Fighting Blindness Canada is sharing clinical trial updates on two potential treatments for geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There are currently no approved treatments for GA in Canada.

Alkeus announced the results from their Phase 3 Saga study of an oral drug called gildeuretinol acetate (ALK-001) for patients with GA. Patients taking the daily drug showed a reduction in growth of the GA lesion compared to a placebo. However, the difference wasn’t large enough to be considered significant. Despite this, the company is optimistic about the results, especially as this is the first oral drug to show any impact on GA. Alkeus will be talking to regulatory agencies (e.g. FDA) to determine if there is a path to bring the treatment to patients.

Galimedix announced the launch of a Phase 2 study (eDREAM), testing an eye drop (GAL-101) to treat GA. The trial will compare the effect of the GAL-101 eye drops with a placebo. The trial will enroll up to 110 patients and researchers will observe if the drops slow the growth of the GA lesion. GAL-101 is also being studied for treatment of glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease.

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WCO Launches Updated “Why Optometry” Document to Address Global Vision Crisis

World Council of Optometry

This World Optometry Day, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the release of its newly revised Why Optometry document, aimed at tackling the growing global vision crisis and reinforcing optometry’s role in public health. With at least 2.2 billion people worldwide affected by vision impairment— one billion of whom suffer from preventable or untreated conditions— this report provides a compelling roadmap for integrating optometry into healthcare systems worldwide.

A Call to Action for Eye Health Accessibility

Why Optometry outlines the urgent need for accessible eye care and the crucial role that optometrists play in addressing vision impairment. The document serves as a call to action for healthcare policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders to prioritize eye health as a fundamental component of universal healthcare by strengthening optometry education, legislation, and workforce expansion.

“With the release of the World Health Organization’s World Report on Vision in 2019, a spotlight was put on the global problem of visual impairment. The Why Optometry document showcases how optometrists have a primary role in eye care, in addition to the appropriate skills and clinical knowledge to address this global issue,” says Dr. Michelle Piotrowski, lead author of the Why Optometry document.

“The projected increase in devastating eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration means health systems need to integrate optometry effectively in order to enhance the accessibility and affordability of eye care worldwide.”

Bridging the Gap in Global Eye Care

The Why Optometry document highlights disparities in eye care access, particularly in low-income and rural communities, where a lack of trained professionals and financial barriers leave millions without essential services. With evidence-based strategies, WCO’s latest publication urges governments and organizations to enhance regulatory frameworks, invest in optometry education, and integrate optometrists into primary healthcare settings.

Key recommendations from Why Optometry include:

  • Expanding optometry education and competencies to strengthen the global workforce.
  • Advocating for legislative and regulatory advancements to support optometry’s role in healthcare systems.
  • Promoting optometry-led initiatives to improve early detection and treatment of common eye diseases.
  • Encouraging collaboration between private and public healthcare sectors to enhance service delivery.

“This document is an easy read for policymakers, regulators, and administrators to help them better understand the scope of what optometry does and the importance of being part of the healthcare team,” says Dr. Roger Jordan, WCO Legislation, Registration, and Standards (LRS) Committee Chair. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized vision care as a critical component of public health. The Why Optometry document aligns with WHO’s World Report on Vision and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing optometry’s essential role in achieving universal eye health coverage by 2030.

WCO invites policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public to engage with the insights of Why Optometry and advocate for the implementation of its recommendations. The full document is now available for download at worldcouncilofoptometry.info/resources.

Click HERE for the press release.

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