Blog

March 21, 2016April 24, 2018

Dr. Jean-Louis Blanchard, Founder of Blanchard Labs, Passes Away

Sherbrooke, Canada – It is with profound sadness that Blanchard Contact Lens announces the passing of Dr. Jean-Louis Blanchard, co-founder of Blanchard Contact Lens, on February 18^th.

Passionate and devoted to his profession, Dr. Blanchard was one of the pioneers of “contactology” in Quebec. In 1963 his passion for the corneal lens gave rise to VERACON, the very first manufacturing laboratory of corneal lenses in Canada.

It was in 1975 that Blanchard Contact Lens was founded by its two long-time employees, Mr. Gilles Castonguay and Mr. Pierre Blanchard, son of Dr. Blanchard. Over the years Jean Castonguay and Jean Blanchard, the second son of Dr. Blanchard also joined the team at Blanchard. Throughout the evolution of Blanchard Laboratories, Jean-Louis was present, passing on his knowledge, values and passion. The influence of Dr. Blanchard led to the succession of Blanchard, with the third generation having joined the ranks. This includes Dr. Blanchard’s granddaughter Marie-Christine Blanchard, and Gilles Castonguay’s daughter, Julie Castonguay.

Passionate about his profession, Dr. Blanchard travelled the world to learn and share his knowledge of contact lenses: “I believed that I had the responsibility to share my knowledge with my peers, whether they were partners or competitors. What was important was that as many patients as possible could benefit,” recounts Dr. Blanchard, who took pleasure in sharing this passion during his career, especially during his time as an Optometry professor.

The contribution of Dr. Blanchard in the contact lens manufacturing industry has been recognized several times during his lifetime, including as a founder of the profession of optometry by the Optometry School of the University of Montreal. He also received the American Academy of Optometry Founder Award in the United States.

In honor of his desire to share and advance the science of contactology, The Jean-Louis Blanchard Foundation was founded. The mission of the foundation is to encourage students to develop their knowledge of specialty contact lenses, and to give the opportunity for a different student each year, by way of a scholarship, to travel and participate in specialty contact lens conventions.

Jean-Louis is the rock on which the company was built. Today,they are still committed to perpetuating his values and his passion. Jean-Louis will remain forever present.

VuePoint would like to extend our condolences to his family and friends as well as to the Blanchard Contact Lens team.

March 18, 2016April 24, 2018

Lacoste Launches Floatable Eyewear

A LACOSTE first – sunglasses with floating frames. This new style sports rectangular lenses in an innovative, wearable design that stands out from the crowd.

The frame is fabricated utilizing a new injection molding technique that allows these sunglasses to float. A perfect match between form and function, fusing all the croc brand’s core values: innovation and elegance.

The L816S Floatable is available in four colours: Blue, Green, Black and Yellow.

www.marchon.com

March 18, 2016April 24, 2018

IRIS Hires Louis Coté as Director of Legal Affairs

Laval, QC — IRIS The Visual Group is proud to announce the appointment of well known attorney, Louis Coté, as Director of Legal Affairs.

Mr. Coté, who also holds an MBA, brings to IRIS more than 35 years of experience in the industry. He started his career as a Legal Advisor before he became Deputy Director-General for the Order of Optometrists of Quebec.

Following his extensive experience at the OOQ, he joined Greiche & Staff as Vice-President of Franchise Operations and then moved to Vice-President of Legal Affairs and Human Resources. More recently, he was appointed Administrative Director at Optometric Services Inc.

Louis was also a lecturer at the University of Montreal’s Optometry School, where he taught legislation and professional regulations.

To read full press release, click HERE.

March 17, 2016April 24, 2018

SILMO 2016, Experience Optics in Focus

After a 2015 event characterised by an extremely positive business climate and a rise in visitor numbers, the “OPTICS INDUSTRY’S LARGEST FLAGSHIP STORE” announces that continuity will be the Silmo 2016’s theme. Organised even more effectively around four complementary categories – fashion, health, innovation and training –, the key will be to ensure synergy with optics and eyewear industry requirements. The goal is to combine business and creativity, constantly seeking to provide meaningful services for attending professionals, visitors and exhibitors alike.

The various exhibition areas represent the entire industry (optical frames, sunglasses, lenses, contact lenses, low vision, equipment, optical instruments, store layout etc.). They bring together 900 exhibitors from across the globe along with 1,350 designer brands divided into twelve clearly identified segments, enhanced by an updated setting.

Highlights of the 2016 exhibition:

Trends Pop-Up Store
Secret Store or Commerce 3.0
Silmo TV
Trends Mag by Silmo
Low Vision stand
Ab Fab Lab stand dedicated to new technologies
Silmo Academy on the theme of “READING”
Silmo d’Or Awards

From September 23 to 26 2016, the entire optics and eyewear world will be gathered in Paris, a unique experience for the development and international standing of the entire industry.

March 16, 2016April 24, 2018

Koali Dahlia: Pure and Colourful!

Sold as an ornamental flower, the dalhia comes in an impressive range of shapes and colours. The Koali designer has used it as a source of inspiration. The balance and harmony of the dahlia’s colours are replicated on the temples. Striking in its purity and realism, petals in semi-cylindrical shapes are overlaid to create a slim, pure temple in soft or contrasting colours.

The temple is made up of three separately coloured and overlaid stainless steel petals brought together at the end tip which leads into a multicolored, patterned temple of floral purity.

Systematically fitted with three-colour temples, the concept is offered in both pastel and bright shades that are easy to wear:

old rose/marron glacé/plum, ochre/olive/black, putty/strawberry/brown, coral/turquoise/anthracite gray, violet/electric blue/anthracite gray, violet/celadon green/pine green, etc., with the brightest colour being used for the front.

Available in 9 models (3 acetate, 3 rimmed metal, 3 semi-rimless metal), Dahlia comes in a wide range of sizes (50 to 55) and high and soft rectangular shapes.