Starting September 27 and through November 27, all MIDO exhibitors can apply to participate in the Certified Sustainable Eyewear (CSE) Award, created by MIDO in partnership with ANFAO and Certottica, that assesses sustainability in the eyewear industry at an international level.
Recycled materials, reduced consumption in the production and distribution processes, maximization of the supply chain, elimination of waste, degree of recyclability, use of renewable resources and any certifications already achieved, are some of the criteria the jury will use to determine the winners of the award’s 2nd edition.
Winners will be announced during MIDO, February 3 – 5 at Fiera Milano Rho. The award is divided into six categories: CSE Award Sunglasses Europe, CSE Award Sunglasses Rest of the World, CSE Award Frames Europe, CSE Award Frames Rest of the World, CSE Award Cases Europe and CSE Award Cases Rest of the World.
To participate, entrants must complete the online form available in the “Take Part” section of the website www.mido.com.
Starting October 18, applications will also be open for the BeStore Award, in recognition of the best optical center in the world, and on October 26 registration will open for the Stand Up For Green award, which will be assigned to the most sustainable stand, based on its focus on environmental impact and use of materials.
The travel packages have also been activated for visitors from the United States, Central and South America and Canada https://www.mido.com/en/accommodation.
PPG announced an exclusive supplier agreement with Flō-Optics, a developer of digital manufacturing technology for the ophthalmic industry, for the application of PPG HI-GARD® scratch-resistant coatings using Flō’s proprietary digital printing technology.
The agreement will enable the first ever digitized lens coating solutions using additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, technology. The digitized process will enable ophthalmic labs to apply coatings to lenses with precision for a customizable production method that allows for lenses with unique performance capabilities. In addition to allowing lenses to be more functional, the process makes lens coating more efficient, reducing material consumption, lowering production energy requirements and offering faster turnaround times compared to traditional application methods.
“Since the inception of PPG Hi-Gard coatings, our approach has been to provide innovative, protective optical solutions that are on the cutting edge of technology,” said Zachary White, PPG global segment manager, new markets, Optical Monomers and Coatings. “PPG has a history of successfully collaborating with disruptive companies like Flō, leveraging technological and manufacturing know-how to introduce step-change advancements to the industry.”
Flō’s digital coatings technology is achieved through multimaterial and multilayering techniques that expand customization and automation options, reduce production complexity, increase scalability and deliver consistent quality.
PPG Hi-Gard lens coating solutions provide a durable, scratch-resistant coating on ophthalmic lenses made from plastic lens materials. The optical quality of plastic lenses is maintained, and lenses coated with Hi-Gard lens coating are four to six times more abrasion resistant than uncoated lenses.
New research previewed during Vision Expo West reveals that creating and maintaining a positive contact lens culture within eye care practices takes a multifactorial approach, offering several pathways for patient and business success. The Contact Lens Institute™—in partnership with The Vision Council—presented a sneak peek of its forthcoming report, “The Culture Calculation: Data-Backed Behaviors for Contact Lens Success,” from the conference’s Innovation Stage.
The organizations jointly surveyed 173 members of the U.S. eye care community, asking a range of questions regarding beliefs and behaviors when it comes to cultivating contact lens enthusiasm among their colleagues and patients. Responses included perspectives from optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists, and practice administrators.
“Since 2021, our See Tomorrow initiative has uncovered valuable consumer insights for the eye care community. The latest effort turned the lens inward, for the first time quantifying what’s involved to create, nurture, and expand positive contact lens cultures,” said Stan Rogaski, executive director of the Contact Lens Institute. “Unlocking this knowledge has the potential to inspire better patient satisfaction and practice management outcomes alike.”
Chief among the previewed findings is that 94% of respondents believe their practices already have a positive contact lens culture. 84% of practices encourage doctors and staff to recommend contact lenses, with the same percentage encouraging patients to consider this form of vision correction.
Those beliefs are in stark contrast to actual behaviors. The new data indicates that only 49% of practices discuss contact lenses with the majority of eligible, non-lens wearing patients. This validates prior See Tomorrow consumer research, in which more than two-thirds of patients did not recall contact lenses being discussed during their last two office visits. In a related survey earlier this year, 44% of glasses-only wearers expressed interest in contact lenses, but stated the possibility was never raised by their doctor or staff.
The research team also asked the eye care community to rate the importance of more than 20 factors that affect a positive contact lens culture. Product access and advancements topped the list, followed closely by elements over which a practice has more direct control, including education and training, in-office advocacy, and the emotional and professional benefits staff receive by prescribing contact lenses.
The final data set within the preview focused on the financial upsides of contact lenses. Surprisingly, only 47% of respondents indicated their practices quantify the business impacts of contact lens patients compared to patients who rely on other forms of vision correction. Of those that do perform some type of assessment, 56% report that contact lens patients are more profitable. This raises several questions regarding tracking and analysis methodologies, the under-utilization of strategies such as prescribing glasses to current contact lens patients, and myths that may color perspectives on the topic.
“The golden thread across our culture research findings is opportunity—opportunity to have more patient conversations, opportunity to enhance certain practice elements to motivate colleagues, and opportunity to better measure the substantial economic value of contact lenses to the eye care community,” said Rogaski.
The expert panel at the Venetian Convention & Expo Center was moderated by Charissa Lee, OD, FAAO, a member of the Contact Lens Institute Board. Joining her were Alysse Henkel, senior director, Market Research & Analytics for The Vision Council, as well as 2023 Contact Lens Institute Visionaries Shelby Brogdon, OD, McFarland Eye Care, Little Rock; Sabrina Gaan, OD, Eyes on Plainville, Plainville, Mass.; and Lisa Hornick, OD, FAAO, Stanford Ranch Optometry, Rocklin, Calif.
The comprehensive “The Culture Calculation: Data-Backed Behaviors for Contact Lens Success” report with additional reporting categories and analysis will be published in mid-October 2023.
Safilo and New York luxury footwear brand Stuart Weitzman announce a new exclusive global licensing agreement that runs through June 2029, for the design, manufacturing and distribution of Stuart Weitzman branded sunglasses and optical eyewear collections.
The first eyewear collection, which includes both sunglasses and optical frames, will be presented in North America for the Fall/Winter 2024 season.
“Building on our long history and successful collaboration with Tapestry, Inc. we are very proud to start this new partnership with Stuart Weitzman. As this agreement marks the coveted footwear brand’s entry into eyewear, we are excited to introduce to the market a distinctively designed launch collection,” says Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group.
“Stuart Weitzman is known for creating stylish, comfortable, high-quality shoes that inspire confidence — and just like footwear, eyewear is an emotional, everyday accessory,” says Giorgio Sarné, Stuart Weitzman CEO & Brand President. “Our goal is to infuse our signature values into eyewear and create accessories that help our consumers look and feel their best.”
The Board of Directors of the World Council of Optometry (WCO) announce the installation of Dr. Sandra S. Block (United States) as President for the 2023-2025 term.
Dr. Sandra S. Block
Dr. Block has served in various positions on the WCO Board since 2015 and is a Professor Emeritus at Illinois College of Optometry. Her past leadership roles include service as co-chair of the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health and as a Global Clinical Advisor to the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program from 1995-2022. She has authored numerous publications and conducted presentations worldwide. Women in Optometry recently announced Dr. Block as a 2023 Theia Award of Excellence winner for her leadership in the field.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as the President of the World Council of Optometry for the next two years following Professor Hendicott’s and his predecessors’ great leadership,” she states, “WCO is stronger than ever, leading the profession to be a part of the solution to effect change and improve access to quality, affordable, and equitable eye care.”
Prof. Peter Hendicott
Following the presidential medal transfer during the 4th World Congress of Optometry in Melbourne, Australia, Professor Peter Hendicott (Australia) completed his term as WCO President. He will continue to serve the WCO Board of Directors for the next two years as the Immediate Past President.
“It has been an honour to serve as President of the World Council of Optometry over the past two years, and I would like to sincerely thank all my colleagues in optometry worldwide for entrusting me with the role,” shares Hendicott, “Particular thanks must go to Professor Sandy Block for her valued teamwork, input, and support. I look forward to WCO’s continued success under her presidency.”
Dr. Cindy Tromans
Dr. Cindy Tromans (United Kingdom) has been elected to the position of WCO President-Elect for the 2023-2025 term. Dr. Tromans was WCO Legislation, Registration, & Standards (LRS) Committee Chair from 2019-2023 and has twice served as the President of the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO), from 2018-2020 and 2021-2022.
Dr. Tromans states, “My vision is that optometrists worldwide will contribute to reduce the burden of eye conditions and vision loss by building on the foundations laid by the World Health Organization and by including optometry in universal health systems.”
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
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.
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.
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.
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
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.
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.
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.
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
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.
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.
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.
K-774’s retro-inspired look features patterned base acetate and custom lamination on the temple, creating a striking look where colours blend seamlessly.
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.
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.
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.
