CNIB Lake Joe, in collaboration with Canadian Blind Hockey, wrapped up an inspiring Camp Abilities Blind Hockey program. From July 1-6, 2024, youth ages 8-18 who are blind or have vision loss gathered at the camp to learn and play the sport of Blind Hockey, focusing on skill development and cultivating a love for the game.
The highlight of the week was the visit from Mark DeMontis, founder of Canadian Blind Hockey and the 2024 recipient of the NHL’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award. DeMontis joined the camp on July 3 and 4, sharing his journey and inspiring the young athletes. He spoke about the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, symbolizing what can be achieved through dedication and community support.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in activities designed to enhance their hockey skills and build confidence. On-ice sessions were held at Humphrey Arena in Parry Sound, ON, while off-ice activities took place at CNIB Lake Joe in MacTier, ON. Special ball hockey sessions, featuring National Team players as mentors, added excitement and learning opportunities.
Eugene Chong, General Manager of CNIB Lake Joe, expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support from Canadian Blind Hockey and the impact of the Camp Abilities Blind Hockey program. “Every child deserves the chance to experience the thrill of playing sports,” Chong stated. “This program not only teaches valuable skills but also instills confidence and fosters a sense of community among participants.”
Introduced at CNIB Lake Joe in 2022, the Camp Abilities Blind Hockey program has grown significantly, attracting more participants each year. The program’s success is due to the collaboration between CNIB and Canadian Blind Hockey, with dedicated staff and volunteers working together to create a supportive and accessible environment for all participants.
Mark DeMontis highlights the remarkable journey of camp participants, many of whom are experiencing Blind Hockey for the first time. “Some have never held a hockey stick before, yet they’re engaged, asking questions, and learning the game,” he shares. “The future of Blind Hockey hinges on the passion and determination of these youth. Supporting their development is my daily motivation. Winning the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award is a testament to our community’s dedication to advancing Blind Hockey as a Paralympic sport.”
The event concluded with a celebration of the participants’ achievements, highlighting the skills they developed and the friendships they formed. The Camp Abilities Blind Hockey program continues to pave the way for more inclusive sporting opportunities for youth with vision loss across Canada.
Opticians’ Educational Trip Highlights Innovation and Hospitality
by Shan Khan
In the evolving field of eyecare, continuous learning is vital. I recently joined 18 Canadian opticians on an educational trip to Alcon’s headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. Hosted by Alcon, the visit combined advanced learning and Texan hospitality.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Stacey Gavin, Director of Education and Professional Affaires, Priya Malik-Patel, Director of Marketing, and their team. Their hospitality set the tone for a week of intensive learning and camaraderie.
Focus on Multifocal Contact Lenses
The trip’s primary focus was on multifocal (MF) contact lenses, a growing area in optometry with significant potential for improving patient care and practice revenue. Leading the sessions were Dr. Shaun Moore from Ontario and Dr. Jessica Crooker from Massachusetts, both experts in the field. Dr. Moore provided a structured approach to fitting MF lenses, simplifying a complex process. Dr. Crooker emphasized clear communication with patients and managing their expectations, crucial for successful MF lens fittings.
Dr. Moore and Dr. Crooker highlighted how mastering MF lens fitting enhances patient satisfaction and drives practice growth. Offering solutions for presbyopic patients who want to avoid reading glasses can attract a broader client base and strengthen relationships with existing patients. Satisfied patients are likely to refer friends and family, aiding organic practice growth.
Hands-On Workshops and Demonstrations
A highlight of the trip was the live workshops, offering hands-on experience in fitting MF lenses. We learned effective chair time management and techniques for achieving optimal visual acuity. Troubleshooting and adjusting lens fits were also covered, providing valuable skills for our practices.
An unforgettable part of the trip was observing live cataract surgery demonstrations using pig eyes. Witnessing advanced surgical techniques up close deepened our appreciation for the precision required in eye surgeries.
Texas Hospitality
Beyond the learning, the trip was enriched by Texan hospitality. Stacey, Priya, and their team ensured our comfort, organizing everything with a personal touch. From accommodations to delicious local cuisine, their efforts made the experience memorable.
The trip to Alcon headquarters was not just about knowledge acquisition; it was about building professional and personal connections. It reinforced the idea that learning in the medical field never stops. The skills and insights gained in Fort Worth will enhance our practices and benefit our patients. Thanks to Alcon’s hospitality, we left Texas with new knowledge, fond memories, and renewed passion for our profession.
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ClearVision Optical is launching a new brand, Uncommon, for men who are confident in their purposeful approach to fashion. The attainably priced collection offers innovative designs, extraordinary attention to detail, and premium materials such as high-grade acetate, titanium, beta titanium, and stainless steel.
Introducing Uncommon Eyewear
Uncommon is an option for the men who choose the timeless over the temporary and the authentic over the generic, and who thoughtfully curate the various aspects of their lives. These men are intentional in selecting pieces in their wardrobe and their accessories, and in expressing themselves in understated yet unique ways.
“Our new collection fills a crucial gap in the market by catering to men aged 35 to 55 and beyond who seek fashion-forward eyewear distinct from the athleisure trend. We’ve designed this collection for men who appreciate detailed craftsmanship and are not swayed by brand names, but by details and individuality. We surveyed hundreds of eyecare professionals, and found a desire for larger frame sizes, premium materials, and attainable pricing. All are thoughtfully incorporated into this collection. When a man picks up one of our frames, he’ll immediately notice the superior finish, unique colors, and distinct character that make these frames truly Uncommon.”
David Friedfeld, co-owner and president, ClearVision Optical
Innovative Intent Meets Discoverable Details
From the ways neutral colors are made rich and vibrant with premium acetate to the unique designs of the hinges—some created exclusively for this collection—Uncommon took a purposeful approach to the subtle details that make the brand truly one-of-a-kind.
Even where shapes range from thicker modern fashion styles to retro-inspired fronts, the designs are unified in the ways they subtly incorporate elements. Dual Line embellishments, exclusive hinges, engraved Windsor rims, wood grain patterns—all these features and more speak to the thoughtful approach to the collection. One detail is found on every frame: A touch of textured olive colour inside the temple tips.
Uncommon collection- Classic
Larger Fitting Sizes Make Room for Every Fashionable Man
In 2023, ClearVision surveyed eyecare professionals to better understand how men buy eyewear and ensure that the company would serve the needs of both ECPs and their patients with the Uncommon collection. The data carried a strong message: Men want eyewear that fits comfortably and they’re having trouble finding it.
Nearly half of the survey respondents said larger sizes are the top need in men’s eyewear. Additionally, comfort and fit were rated as the two top factors influencing men’s buying decisions.
In addition to the regular XL Fit sizing found across ClearVision’s brand portfolio, Uncommon features an expanded XL selection with options up to an eye size of 62, and temple lengths up to 160 mm. This extended range ensures that, for every man looking to depart the ordinary, size isn’t a barrier.
Uncommon collection- Retro
Key Styles in the Uncommon Collection
The Uncommon collection features three design stories—Retro-Inspired, Classic, and Fashion—as well as an expanded size range for XL frames, up to size 62, that borrow from the Classic and Fashion design languages. Across all stories, the eyewear includes discoverable details, innovative components, and premium materials, for a distinct look and hand feel.
Independent eyewear brand Article One and performance-running brand Ciele Athletics debut the sophomore edition of the Article One x Ciele GTGlass performance sunglasses. Earning several accolades for technical design, the brands collaborated again with the GT Glass 2.0, boasting a refreshed vintage shape, performance material updates, and new colourways.
Established in 1997, we’re a design house first, an innovator with a proven record of setting industry standards, of working with top tier manufacturers and suppliers to create new eyewear designs that stay ahead of the trends.
Our releases are frequent, distinct, and tell a consistent story without overlapping existing styles across Brands. Each one of our Brands tells a unique story that identify and serve a captive audience. Think durable, handcrafted frames designed to appeal to a diverse range of lifestyles so your clients can connect with the perfect piece instead of feeling shoehorned into a more generalized look.
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The 2024 SILMO Paris trade fair is getting ready to welcome all of the players from the optics sector with more than 900 exhibitors participating in the event and 1,500 brands from 144 countries throughout the world on hand to showcase their offers. This key event will take place at a 75,000 m² venue (Halls 6 & 7), offering a top-tier platform for an in-depth look at the latest technological developments, product innovations and trends that are shaping the future of the optics industry on a global scale.
The success of SILMO Paris resides in the extent and depth of its offer, which covers all components of the sector: eyewear, lenses, machines, point of sale layouts and stands, retail chains and central purchasing groups, training, etc. As an international crossroads for business, the trade fair also owes its success to the many tools for review and analysis as well as the unique spaces for exchanging ideas to better envision the future of the optics-eyewear industry, grouped together under the banner of SILMO NEXT. This concept explains the trade fair’s intention to be at the cutting edge of the aesthetic and technological challenges of a sector firmly focused on the future.
Silmo 2023 welcome squad
Eric Lenoir, Director of the SILMO trade fairs, underscores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the optics industry: “From smart, AI-equipped eyeglass design to revolutionary tools for opticians, the possibilities are wide reaching. Imagine eyewear that can instantly translate a language through an integrated camera or mechanisms that pre-emptively detect serious health issues such as heart attacks or Parkinson’s disease. This rapid development requires the rapid adaptation of professionals because without adequate training, AI could potentially replace traditional opticians.
At the same time, the emergence of technologies such as in-shop 3D printing are redefining eyewear fabrication with increased automation, thus reducing the impact on the environment. This transformation will enable opticians to focus on high added-value services, becoming genuine consultants for visual comfort and preventive healthcare, even integrating functions such as audio technology and fall prevention.
In this constantly developing landscape, it is vital for opticians to get a firm grasp on these changes so they can remain relevant and successful. In fact, Meta announced that connected glasses will replace smartphones in several years, transforming the optician’s traditional role. To remain essential players, professionals must reinvent the shop experience, re-centring the offer on customer service and innovation, while reworking the economic model in order to stay competitive in the coming decade.”
2024 SILMO PARIS continues to highlight its intention to remain at the fore of the aesthetic and technological challenges of an industry looking ahead into the future. From 20 to 23 September, the fair’s different dedicated spaces will offer the chance to discover the optics-eyewear industry of the future, reflecting this ambition to continually stay one step ahead.
FUTUROLOGY OPTICS IN 2035
Set up on different complementary areas, the FUTUROLOGY space invites visitors to take an immersive dive into the future of optics with exciting prospects for 2025 through 2035. Technological innovations and interactive experiences show the sector’s different future paths that visitors can discover as a range of test benches.
1. THE SHOP/WORKSHOP OF TOMORROW
The physical and virtual worlds now join together to explore new approaches in the design of points of sale with the aim of making the customer path more streamlined and intuitive.
Digital Experience: this space is for learning about how mobile technologies and AI are transforming traditional visual tests.
Vision Test & Personalised Measurements: virtual reality headsets simulate different lens solutions, while 3D scanners offer accurate measurements for optimal eyewear personalisation.
Virtual Fitting & Local Production: custom eyewear creation is possible using AI. A personalised avatar makes it easier to virtually fit frames and then the 3D print produces the eyewear in real time, complemented by on-site lens edging and mounting for 100% local, zero-kilometre production!
2. CENTRAL AREA: THE LATEST INNOVATIONS
At the core of Futurology, a space for learning and sharing showcases the latest innovations.
Pitches/Workshop: a circular stage with two-foot bridges set up for dynamic presentations, pitches from start-ups and interactive workshops.
Connected Products: 5 displays exhibit connected products while a special display unveils a connected eyewear concept, the result of the work of the Committee of Experts. These displays offer a glimpse into future trends and technologies that will transform daily life.
3. AR/VR/XR EXPERIMENTAL AREA
The real and virtual worlds are not just overlapping, but existing together to offer unique and surprising immersive experiences.
Virtual Experiences: a section devoted to RX experiences and raising awareness about vision impairment, created in cooperation with Arts et Métiers, to understand the challenges of low vision through immersive simulations.
Smart Product Demonstrations: Two pieces of smart eyewear, Meta and Pulse Audition, are put forward so visitors can experience these smart eyeglasses that integrate advanced features, combining comfort, design and technology.
TRENDS BY SILMO FORUM EXHIBITION
The FUTUROLOGY space that explores near and distant futures reflects the TRENDS EXHIBITION, which offers a look at the images, shapes, colours and materials of different eyewear, a comprehensive overview that sheds light on the best eyeglasses and sunglasses from the exhibitors at the trade fair. A stage design completed by an edition of TRENDS by SILMO constructed as a real trend book. The four identified trends to follow:
FREE COLORAMA
Single colour, two-colour, three-colour and multicoloured, the glasses present colour palettes that are not afraid to show bold colour combinations to chase away dark thoughts.
VIRTUOUS SIMPLICITY
Quiet design makes an impression through minimalist style without embellishment, the height of clear design. Metal is out ahead, but acetate knows how to get in shape to make a place for itself in this quest for a streamlined design.
CLASSIC VARIATIONS
Long-standing staples, timeless and forever in fashion, classics possess an attractiveness that enables them to easily move through all periods and fads. And they can reinvent themselves without ever going around in circles!
FULL SUN
Sunglasses hold an increasingly important place in the eyewear sector (with or without sun!) They’ve become an accessory that is perfectly integrated into the collections of major luxury and fashion brands while long-standing or new creative eyewear manufacturers are making space for themselves in this sector with extensive offers.
2024 OPTICAL DESIGN CONTEST: REWARDING BOLDNESS
Now part of the large programme for enhancing the sector, the 2024 OPTICAL AND EYEWEAR DESIGN CONTEST is open to students from design schools around the world, and this year it places emphasis on the changing role of accessory eyewear, exploring the possibilities for new features and the resulting innovative uses. Overseen by renowned designer Olivier Jault, the competition encourages students to rethink eyeglasses beyond their traditional function, integrating unique characteristics that respond to the emerging needs of our modern society.
SILMO D’OR: REWARDING EXCELLENCE
The ultimate awards for the talent of the sector’s players, the SILMO d’OR prizes are decided by a jury of professionals. The festive and prestigious ceremony will be held in an exceptional venue in Paris and will mark the 30th anniversary of the SILMO d’OR awards.
All the nominated and winning products will be exhibited in Hall 7, providing an exceptional display for the innovations and talent found in our sector.
SILMO ACADEMY: SCIENCE BENEFITING OPTICS
SILMO ACADEMY is a top-tier scientific symposium that is vital in underscoring the progress, discussions and reflections occurring in the sector with a new format planned this year. A €10,000 grant will also be awarded to support a research project in vision and optical sciences.
2024 SILMO promises to be an important event for the entire optics sector, combining innovation, reflection and discussions to anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.
Save the date: September 20 to 23, 2024 at Paris Nord Villepinte.
As always, lool demonstrates its leadership in technology, offering a collection where luxury and details coexist with comfort, lightweight (8g), excellent flexible properties and high durability.
Embrace children's unique styles in eyewear selection with a custom approach, ensuring confidence, comfort, and individuality in their first pair of eyeglasses.
Each year the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) recognizes distinguished individuals who have made countless important contributions to advancing the profession of optometry.
Transitions® showcased Gen STM at the Festival d'été de Québec from July 4 to July 14. Located on Grande Allée, the booth featured an eye-catching setup that attracted festivalgoers eager to explore the offerings.
As always, lool demonstrates its leadership in technology, offering a collection where luxury and details coexist with comfort, lightweight (8g), excellent flexible properties and high durability.
Embrace children's unique styles in eyewear selection with a custom approach, ensuring confidence, comfort, and individuality in their first pair of eyeglasses.
Each year the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) recognizes distinguished individuals who have made countless important contributions to advancing the profession of optometry.
Transitions® showcased Gen STM at the Festival d'été de Québec from July 4 to July 14. Located on Grande Allée, the booth featured an eye-catching setup that attracted festivalgoers eager to explore the offerings.
As always, lool demonstrates its leadership in technology, offering a collection where luxury and details coexist with comfort, lightweight (8g), excellent flexible properties and high durability.
Embrace children's unique styles in eyewear selection with a custom approach, ensuring confidence, comfort, and individuality in their first pair of eyeglasses.
Each year the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) recognizes distinguished individuals who have made countless important contributions to advancing the profession of optometry.
Transitions® showcased Gen STM at the Festival d'été de Québec from July 4 to July 14. Located on Grande Allée, the booth featured an eye-catching setup that attracted festivalgoers eager to explore the offerings.
As always, lool demonstrates its leadership in technology, offering a collection where luxury and details coexist with comfort, lightweight (8g), excellent flexible properties and high durability.
Embrace children's unique styles in eyewear selection with a custom approach, ensuring confidence, comfort, and individuality in their first pair of eyeglasses.
Each year the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) recognizes distinguished individuals who have made countless important contributions to advancing the profession of optometry.
Transitions® showcased Gen STM at the Festival d'été de Québec from July 4 to July 14. Located on Grande Allée, the booth featured an eye-catching setup that attracted festivalgoers eager to explore the offerings.
