While the comfort and the lightness are at the heart of Lightec’s philosophy, the design is never compromised. This model, part of the Omicron 69 concept, embodies the perfect alliance between the ease of wearing and the distinguished look, not only thanks to its refined lines and its fine acetate, but by its hinge without screw or welding.
In 2020, Fighting Blindness Canada awarded Dr. Elizabeth Simpson at the University of British Columbia a research grant of $297,000 to support the development of a potential gene therapy for the inherited eye disease, aniridia.
Aniridia is an inherited eye disease where the iris is partially or completely absent. Individuals with aniridia usually have low vision from birth and develop glaucoma and cataracts, which can lead to blindness. Most cases are caused by a mutation in the PAX6 gene. While current treatments may slow the progression, there are no cures or treatments.
With Fighting Blindness Canada funding, Dr. Simpson’s team has been developing a minimally invasive gene therapy for aniridia which they are testing in an animal model.
Most current gene therapies for inherited eye diseases deliver the new gene directly into the eye, often using a subretinal injection, a delicate process. Injecting the gene therapy into the eye, ensures that target cells in the eye receive a sufficient dose while also reducing the amount of gene therapy that reaches other parts of the body, hopefully reducing the potential for side effects.
Dr. Simpson is testing if gene therapy for an eye disease can be delivered without injections into the eye.
Dr. Simpson’s team tested an intravenous injection directly into the bloodstream to deliver the gene therapy. Not only is this less invasive than a subretinal injection, but because PAX6 mutations can impact other organs, a treatment may be able to improve symptoms in multiple parts of the body, including the eye.
Over the course of the research grant, Dr. Simpson’s team produced and tested multiple PAX6 gene therapies in an animal model to identify the optimized approach.
After testing different doses in animal studies, Dr. Simpson was excited to show that an intravenous injection delivering PAX6 gene therapy reached retinal cells and was still present after five months. Importantly, there was no “toxicity” from the treatment.
The team did not see any strong impact on vision after the gene therapy and they think that a greater number of cells will need to receive the gene therapy for improvement to occur. This research will continue and hopefully bring a new gene therapy to a human clinical trial in the future.
And here are the winners!
ETNIA BARCELONA with « BA-BAAAANG ! » SP
Introducing “Cartoons for Kids”, a fresh collection inspired by the comic world. « BA-BAAAANG ! » stands out with its explosive design while being environmentally conscious. Thanks to their innovative temple flex, « BA-BAAAANG ! » maintains high quality performance while reducing metal consumption by 20%. Additionally, the new flex system in the acetate temples cuts acetate usage by nearly 10%. In case of flex system breakage, easy replacement by the optician is possible. Enjoy unique style and durability!
MARCHON with « Flyfree » – Nike US
The Nike Flyfree sunglasses offer interchangeable lens options that latch securely into the frame to help you effortlessly adapt to any environment. Injected frame material is derived from at least 40% castor bean oil. The 4-base flat lens and slim profile provide everyday coverage, and the nose pad and temple arms are flexible and self-adjust to the shape of your face for a comfortable, personalized fit. Lenses with 100% UVA/UVB protection.
Santé visuel
ESSILORLUXOTTICA with « Varilux XR Series » FR
We live on the go, hyper connected, so it is crucial to have a very natural eye navigation. Varilux® XR Series is the 1st progressive lenses designed with behavioral artificial intelligence. It predicts wearer’s visual behavior for each unique prescription. Therefore Varilux® XR Series offers +49% volume of broadband vision vs Varilux X® series. It offers instant sharpness even in motion, with seamless ocular navigation between 30 cm and infinity.
Système optique
MORROW with « Morrow eProgressives » BE
Introducing eProgressives These glasses redefine comfort, using advanced lens-in-foil tech to mimic eye focus. A touch activates the lens with electric current, shifting light refraction in 0.6 seconds, up to 1D. The innovation reduces passive lens power, expanding distant and intermediate vision, corridor clarity, depth perception. Advantages include less blurriness, quick adaptation. In “on-mode,” the lens excels at precision and contrast. A revolutionary visual experience.
SAARGOS with « Quicksee Free » – Plenoptika US/FR
The QuickSee Free is the only portable refracto-keratometer to use wavefront aberrometry technology. It is by combining aberrometry and dynamic vision (through the device) controlled via AI, that it offers the most precise measurements (<=0.25d / ref Subj for 60-70% and of <=0.5d / subj ref for 90% of adult patients). Its design and intuitive conception make it the preferred tool for all practitioners thanks to its light weight and more than 5 hours of autonomy.
ODLM-SEAPORT with « CC1086 – VEDO » – Carven FR
The square shape offers a touch of timeless sophistication. The combination of two acetates, one crystal green and the other speckled green, is sure to captivate the eye. Golden details:The graphic nose with striations and the calisson on the temples add a subtle touch of luxury. The hinges are also worked with the calisson metal piece.
ODLM-SEAPORT with « CC4091S NOVE » – Carven FR
Artistic combination of three acetates. Perfectly matched laminations on the face and sleeve create a striking, eye-catching aesthetic. The square shape, a timeless symbol of elegance, is enhanced by bevels cleverly designed to catch the light from every angle.Every detail is carefully crafted to perfection, and the openwork gilded metal calisson on the temple is the final touch that sets these glasses apart from any other pair on the market.
SBRUSSET&CO with « Meyro-nde OP » FR
innovate on both functions and form… A frame generated by artificial intelligence interpreting an HD scan, in order to create a unique frame that is completely tailor-made. Manufactured using 3D titanium printing in one piece, the Meyro-nde OP benefits from fully optimized volumes to provide both ultimate comfort and perfect lens fit, without screws, glue, or thread. Its shape pays tribute to the Meyrowitz opticians’ glasses and represents the combination of modernity and tradition.
ANDY WOLF with « Blossom col.05 » AT
The BLOSSOM sunglasses by Andy Wolf are a stylish, unique accessory. BLOSSOM is inspired by the wildflower meadow that surrounds the headquarters. Since 2022, the brand has been recultivating and preserving 1 square metre of wildflower meadow for every Andy Wolf frame sold. Handcrafted from exclusively developed Acetate Renew, BLOSSOM is equipped with a removable acetate inner ring in the shape of a 3-dimensional petal. The pastel shades of the triple gradient underline the femininity.
CUTLER AND GROSS with « 9126 Lunettes Cat-Eye » UK
An archive frame first worn by Cutler and Gross customer Elton John was reworked through a modern lens, resulting in the 9126 optical. The eccentric silhouette pairs a curved browline with angular lugs and chamfering. It’s sculpted with a split-layer construction that lightens the Black acetate with transparent temple-edges. Design details include Horizontal Oyster frontal pins, 5-barrel hinges, Compass Star temple pins Hazard core wire, Gold-foil logo inside temple Minimal temple tips.
LAFONT avec /with « Ouvrage » FR
Maison Lafont has teamed with Sekimoto to mark the occasion by creating a unique frame. Satoshi Sekimoto, Meilleur Ouvrier de France in Haute-Couture embroidery, and Thomas LAFONT, combined their passion and together created an exquisite, embroidered frame, Ouvrage. Based on an Haute Couture concept developed by Thomas Lafont, Satoshi Sekimoto has crafted onto these original medium embroidering pearls and embellishments ornamenting the frame like a dress.
VERONIKA WILDGRUBER with « LANE » DE
Brutalism meets elegance A raw aluminum bar fits perfectly onto its geometric acetate counterpart. The acetate is visible through skylights—two cutouts permitting the light to shine through. A straight line perfectly aligned with the aluminum not only separates the two colors of the acetate but also transparent from translucent, shiny from matte. This minimalist design crafts a sci-fi aesthetic, remarkably bold, undeniably audacious—a brutalist piece of eyewear with a tender soul.
Click HERE for the press release.
For more related content on Optik NOW, click HERE.
On Friday, September 22, Blackfin heartbreakingly and suddenly bereaved of Maria Luisa Pramaor. An elegant yet tenacious woman, she epitomized dedication, positivity, and hard work. Maria Luisa was instrumental in founding the company back in 1971. As the 18th employee of Luxottica, at a time when the leading eyewear multinational was but a nascent venture nestled within the Belluno mountains, she had the foresight and prowess to carve out a path that positioned her as one of the first female entrepreneurs of the region and the eyewear industry.
Life presented its fair share of challenges to Maria Luisa, yet she faced them with an unwavering optimism. She always stressed the importance of leading by example to both her collaborators and her family.
Those at Blackfin will remember her for her radiant smile, unwavering determination, and gracious courtesy which subtly hinted at a gentle yet firm conviction that nothing in life is random, and in all its forms, life is indeed beautiful.
“It is with profound sorrow that I announce the sudden passing of my mother, Maria Luisa Pramaor, the founder of our cherished company. She wasn’t just my wonderful and tender-hearted mother; she was a beacon of positivity, energy, and resolve, radiantly optimistic, deeply in love with life, and always envisioning the future. While such words might often be seen as cliché, those fortunate enough to have known her understand they genuinely capture her essence. We’ve lost our shining guiding light, the beacon that lit our way. Her legacy continues within us, and from this day forward, we commit to pouring even more passion and dedication into all we do, to honor her memory and unparalleled legacy. I know she’d want us to respond with strength and resolve, and so we shall. For you, Maria.” – Nicola Del Din, CEO.
Click HERE for the press release.
Meta Platforms and EssilorLuxottica introduced their next generation of smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, during the annual Meta Connect event.
The new collection offers the first ever eyewear with live streaming and Meta AI built-in, higher quality camera, and improved audio and microphone systems paired with a redesigned, more intuitive app and charging case.
The livestreaming function allows content creators to broadcast their experiences and POV in real time, hands-free. It opens a new level of authenticity and relatability in the content that’s being created, sharing live from their eyes. The wearer can toggle between the glasses and phone camera to Instagram Live or Facebook Live for up to 30 minutes. The Meta AI offering is exclusive to the U.S. at launch, wearers will be able to use the voice prompt “Hey Meta” to dive deeper into a moment of creativity and control features on the glasses. As a commitment to privacy continues to be at the core of the product, the company has made the privacy LED light bigger and more noticeable.
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses collection has taken a leap forward in audio and camera quality. Its camera goes from 5 MP to an ultrawide 12 MP – which takes high-quality photos and immersive 1080p videos in portrait orientation. The discreet open-ear speakers now have increased bass response and noise suppression, enhancing the overall audio quality. Each pair can be found with five built-in microphones to support seamless switching between music and calls, while still allowing the wearer to hear the ambient sound of their surroundings and stay attuned to the world around them. The listening experience now includes bass response and noise suppression, enhancing the overall audio quality for a more complete audio experience – whether it’s for listening to a favorite album or reliving moments personally created.
“We’re incredibly proud to collaborate with Meta to build this nascent category from the ground up. The new Ray-Ban Meta collection is in a league of its own with features that have never fit inside a pair of glasses before. The world sees you in a pair of your favorite Wayfarer, perhaps with your own prescription and Transitions lenses that go from day to night, but you know you have this powerful universe of tech inside. Meta AI, live streaming, and insanely crisp audio and calling capabilities – all hands-free,” said Rocco Basilico, Chief Wearables Officer for EssilorLuxottica. “This is what we imagined when we first decided to enter this space. Truly wearable, life-enhancing technology. And it will only get better.”
The Ray-Ban | Meta collection is available for purchase on October 17th at Ray-Ban stores, Ray-Ban.com, Meta.com as well as select EssilorLuxottica retail stores LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, and through the company’s wholesale distribution network in Canada and other countries.
Click HERE for the full press release.
For more related content on Optik NOW, click HERE.
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
Learn More
Delve into the world of night vision technology. From thermal imaging to infrared systems, explore how these innovations improve our ability to see in the dark.
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Specsavers has been ranked 16th in the Fortune World’s 25 Best WorkplacesTM in 2024.
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Vision Expo East, organized by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, announces that submissions are now open for the highly anticipated NOW Trend Showcase and Awards at Vision Expo East 2025, taking place in Orlando, FL.
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The Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) will take the relevant legal measures to challenge the validity of the government’s ministerial order preventing optometrists in the province from exercising a right to which they are entitled: to opt out of the public health plan.
Read more
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
Learn More Delve into the world of night vision technology. From thermal imaging to infrared systems, explore how these innovations improve our ability to see in the dark.
Read More Specsavers has been ranked 16th in the Fortune World’s 25 Best WorkplacesTM in 2024.
Read More Vision Expo East, organized by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, announces that submissions are now open for the highly anticipated NOW Trend Showcase and Awards at Vision Expo East 2025, taking place in Orlando, FL.
Read More The Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) will take the relevant legal measures to challenge the validity of the government’s ministerial order preventing optometrists in the province from exercising a right to which they are entitled: to opt out of the public health plan.
Read More
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
Learn More Delve into the world of night vision technology. From thermal imaging to infrared systems, explore how these innovations improve our ability to see in the dark.
Read more Specsavers has been ranked 16th in the Fortune World’s 25 Best WorkplacesTM in 2024.
Read more Vision Expo East, organized by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, announces that submissions are now open for the highly anticipated NOW Trend Showcase and Awards at Vision Expo East 2025, taking place in Orlando, FL.
Read more The Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) will take the relevant legal measures to challenge the validity of the government’s ministerial order preventing optometrists in the province from exercising a right to which they are entitled: to opt out of the public health plan.
Read more K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
Learn More Delve into the world of night vision technology. From thermal imaging to infrared systems, explore how these innovations improve our ability to see in the dark.
Read more Specsavers has been ranked 16th in the Fortune World’s 25 Best WorkplacesTM in 2024.
Read more Vision Expo East, organized by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, announces that submissions are now open for the highly anticipated NOW Trend Showcase and Awards at Vision Expo East 2025, taking place in Orlando, FL.
Read more The Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) will take the relevant legal measures to challenge the validity of the government’s ministerial order preventing optometrists in the province from exercising a right to which they are entitled: to opt out of the public health plan.
Read more
