From the desire of LVMH, World leader in luxury, to raise eyewear as an essential element of its Maison’s collections and a pristine expression of their creativity, Thélios was founded in 2017. Pioneering a new luxury experience in eyewear, Thélios masters each step of its value chain, from conception to distribution of luxury sunglasses and optical frames for LVMH Maisons. Through its state-of-the-art Manifattura, located in Longarone, Italy, Thélios stands for Alta Occhialeria: an advanced savoir-faire, combining outstanding creativity and manufacturing excellence. Moreover, Thélios operates a highly selective distribution network with a direct commercial presence in all major markets.
Investing in visual health means investing, first and foremost, in quality of life
In this issue we address a topic of growing importance in the field of optics and optometry: the prevention of vision problems in children. Myopic progression is an increasingly common phenomenon among young people. Recent studies suggest that an increasing number of children develop myopia at school age, with an increased risk of serious visual complications in adulthood. To prevent these problems, it is essential to take preventive measures from an early age. Adequate protection from blue light, proper visual hygiene, and regular optometric checkups are essential to monitor children’s eye health. In addition, it is important to promote healthy visual habits, such as limiting time spent in front of screens and encouraging outdoor activities, which have been shown to help reduce the progression of myopia. Technological innovation provides us with effective tools to protect our children’s vision. In this context, prevention remains the key to countering vision problems. Only through increased awareness and continued commitment to protecting the visual health can we ensure a better future for the next generation.
Isabella Morpurgo Publisher VEDERE International isabellamorpurgo@vedere.it
A hidden challenge
Dr. Maria Antonietta Stocchino, ophthalmologist
Low vision in children is a condition that is often misunderstood, because it does not manifest itself with striking signs or symptoms in all cases; thus, even today, the visual problem is noticed almost fortuitously, perhaps during an eye check-
up done as a precaution at the entrance to primary school, or because mum, dad or a sibling has to change their glasses and the little one at home is brought in for a check-up.
A parent, in fact, probably expects their
child to manifest a vision difficulty in some way with some attitude that could raise suspicion: think, for example, of a headache, a deviating eye or the head tilted excessively to one side while the child is drawing, or even expects the child to signal directly that he or she does not see well or that the educators notice some difficulty in the implementation of the educational activities in the nursery school.
Yet how many situations can be ‘invisible’, hidden, especially when only one eye is involved while the other has good visual acuity. Consider, for example, anisometropia resulting in monocular amblyopia.
Unilateral low vision in children presents a real challenge for parents and visual health professionals: children, adapting quickly to their condition, show no obvious signs of discomfort by predominantly using the healthy eye for daily activities.
This compensation mechanism, although effective in the short term, can lead to long-term consequences such as the loss of binocular vision and associated visual capabilities.
Hence, early detection of a visual problem is of paramount importance in order to take full advantage of the neuronal plasticity of the early years of life.
Early intervention, such as prescribing corrective glasses, orthoptic therapy or occlusion, can significantly correct the visual defect, promoting balanced visual development and preventing lazy eye.
All professionals who deal with sight and vision on a daily basis play a key role in recognising and addressing cases of low vision in children; opticians, optometrists and orthoptists, in synergy with pediatricians and ophthalmologists, play a key role in encouraging parents to have their children undergo regular visual checkups as early as the early years, to identify and treat any visual anomalies as early as possible.
Collaboration between the various pro-
fessionals and parental awareness are essential elements in ensuring the necessary assessments and interventions to guarantee a better quality of life for parents.
This includes orthoptic therapy, a key aspect of treatment, which aims to improve functions such as convergence and stereopsis; specific exercises can be used to stimulate the lazy eye, improve hand-eye coordination and depth perception, essential elements for proper visual development.
Still about procedures, the prescription of glasses is a process that goes far beyond the simple correction of a refractive defect but requires careful assessment and a personalised approach. This is where the optician/optometrist is an irreplaceable ally for the ophthalmologist, capable of carrying out a detailed analysis of the child’s visual needs, considering various factors such as interpupillary distance, facial morphology, the presence of anisometropia or significant astigmatism, not only suggesting suitable lenses, but also recommending the most suitable frames for the child’s activity.
Furthermore, the assessment and possible fitting of contact lenses, primarily in cases of congenital cataracts, becomes fundamental. These skills are crucial to ensure that each child receives the most comfortable and effective visual solution, thus enhancing medical intervention and ensuring the visual well-being of the young patient.
Collaboration between our professionals is, therefore, a pillar in the management of childhood low vision, joining forces for a common goal: safeguarding the sight of our children.
It is a commitment that requires dedication, but the result - ensuring that our children are able to see the world with both clear sight and confidence - is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding and fundamental goals in childhood visual health care.
An interesting initiative in Italy
@occhideibimbi = children’s eyes
By Enrica Ferrazzi
Amblyopia.
Until twenty minutes ago, I had never heard this word, but now it is buzzing in my head all the time.
Elisa’s right eye no longer communicates to the brain the information it receives from the outside world, and is therefore ‘switched off’, with no chance of recovery.
A double sentence: condemned my daughter to monocular blindness, condemned me as a mother, because I cannot absolve myself.
I did wrong: but when? Where? How did I not realise? Me, an always attentive and caring mother. Or so I thought.
I went on like that for months. Until a day I said to myself: do something so that what happened to you will not happen to other mothers.
That’s how the ‘PROGETTO ELISA’ (ELISA PROJECT) was born, which over the last few years has taken to social media under the name of @occhideibimbi (children’s eyes), to publicise and inform about how crucial it is for parents to take care of their children’s
But how could I possibly have understood it? What signals did I miss?
Just now, even the doctor, trying to reassure me, told me that it is very difficult for a parent to notice if their child has vision problems, because the child only knows one way of seeing, and therefore cannot understand on his/ her own that good vision is different.
So why didn’t anyone tell me that I should have my child’s eyesight checked by the age of three, or better by the age of one? Where was my paediatrician?
Questions, so many questions... and guilty feelings.
visual health from the birth.
I have created a network of professionals as part of the project. Not only ophthalmologists, orthoptists, opticians, optometrists, and contact lens specialists, the professionals most concerned with sight and vision, but also paediatricians, psychologists, psychotherapists, educators, neuropsychomotricists, nutritionists, and logopedists, because eyesight has important repercussions on
the ‘child system’, and I am convinced that it is only through an integrated approach that we can provide parents with the right support.
Twenty years passed since the late diagnosis of my daughter’s visual impairment: today, with Elisa, and thanks to the scientific support of many professionals in our team, we have created a series of publications to support parents in understanding and caring for their child’s visual system.
Other editorial products are directly dedicated to children: in some cases they are activity books that allow children to test themselves by enhancing their visual-spatial skills, important prerequisites to learning and personal autonomy, in a fun way (I GIOCOCCHI series). In other cases, they are illustrated books, which also contain valuable information for parents.
A separate series is dedicated to supporting children who have to undergo eyebandaging: these are the notebooks in the I BENDOCCHI series, designed to promote compliance with occlusion therapy so that the eye that sees less, the ‘lazy’ one, can become more visually active.
All our children’s books are not only about sight and vision, but also educate on the values of inclusion, so that people can discover the richness that can be hidden behind differences. There are many reasons that can lead a child to feel ‘different’: being tall or short, having floppy ears, unruly curly hair, white spots on the skin, wearing glasses or
an eye patch are small details that should not become reasons for mocking or exclusion.
I have also written a book together with Maria Antonietta Stocchino, an ophthalmologist in Cagliari, entitled ‘Gli occhi dei bambini’ (Children’s eyes), a comprehensive guide to children’s visual health that aims to help parents by answering their questions regarding children’s eyesight, covering topics of widespread interest such as:
- The eye examination: how to prepare your child and ask the right questions to the doctor.
- The most common problems (myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, pseudostrabism, epicanthus, amblyopia, colour blindness).
- Glasses: how to choose them and wear them correctly.
- First aid and prevention: all good practices and useful tips for minor everyday accidents.
- The risks of digital devices and how to manage them with your little one.
Enrica Ferrazzi
World Sight Day 2024 to Prioritise Child Eye Health
World Sight Day, 10 October 2024, will highlight the critical importance of prioritising child eye health, and give children everywhere the opportunity to love their eyes.
Coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) under the Love Your Eyes campaign banner, World Sight Day 2024 is putting children at the centre of the campaign.
“We all know that in children an uncorrected vision impairment can severely impact their education. Research tells us that children with access to, and being prescribed spectacles can reduce failing rates by 44%. It is knowledge like this that has led us to make World Sight Day 2024 one for children around the world,” said Peter Holland, IAPB CEO.
IAPB, Love Your Eyes Global Partners
and IAPB Members are calling on parents, caregivers, and schools to pledge an eye test on behalf of a young person.
A child’s pledge to #LoveYourEyes will make an impact on the individual, as well as raise awareness of the 450 million children globally who have a sight condition that needs treatment.
IAPB has developed a series of opportunities to get involved in World Sight Day. Schools and organisations are encouraged to participate in the Global Challenge by screening the vision of children; carers and parents on behalf of
their children are invited to make a #LoveYourEyes pledge; teachers are asked to access World Sight Day resources that inspire children to take care of their eyes now, and long into the future.
“IAPB has proven that when we work together, we create noise and an enthusiasm that is hard to ignore. Therefore, I am
calling on everyone to work to ensure that children around the world have access to clear, healthy vision. We invite you to take ownership of the Love Your Eyes campaign, use our resources to be bold, have fun and create moments that cannot be overlooked,” encouraged Caroline Casey, President of IAPB.
After the World Sight Day 2023 success of Love Your Eyes at Work, IAPB together with the International Labour Organization will continue campaigning on the importance of prioritising eye care in the workplace.
World Sight Day is made possible with support from IAPB’s Love Your Eyes Global Partners; Abbvie, Amgen, Bayer, CBM, CooperVision, Johnson & Johnson Vision, National Vision, Roche, Safilo, Seva Foundation, and Sightsavers.
The Love Your Eyes campaign was launched as part of World Sight Day 2021, it is a year-round campaign to raise the profile of accessible, available and affordable eye health for all by 2030. Since the campaign launched, Love Your Eyes has gained significant global momentum. Over the last three years, the Love Your Eyes campaign has millions of individuals to pledge to #LoveYour Eyes, and garnered over 56,000 pieces of media, leading to almost one billion media impressions and nearly US$200 million in Advertising Value.
Hoya MiYOSMART Chameleon: valuable insight gained from patient data after the first year of the sun solution rollout
HOYA Vision Care last April released results of the Early Experience Program (EEP) research focusing on the experience of patients after wearing MiYOSMART sun solution Chameleon lenses. The photochromic lenses, released in April 2023, provide an all in-one solution to myopia management and protected outdoor activity by rapidly adapting to the level of sunlight, fading back to clear indoors in seconds. The goal of the Early Experience Program was to evaluate the acceptance of MiYOSMART Chameleon spectacle lenses, as well as gain insights into the wearers’ habits. HOYA Vision Care proactively collected and analyzed data from 100 patients, aged 3 to 20 years old, located across Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand1. The results of the EEP showed that the MiYOSMART Chameleon spectacle lenses allowed rapid adaptation, with almost 80% (n=65) of patients adapting within one day to their new lenses2. Of note, teenagers adapted to the new lenses as quickly as younger children3. Additionally, 100% (n=65) of Chameleon spectacle wearers, both new wearers and experienced wearers, were satisfied with their visual performance during both outdoor and indoor activities and were comfortable with the fade back to clear, regardless of geographic location.4
As part of the study, HOYA Vision Care collected data on the effect of MiYOSMART Chameleon on wearing time which showed significant wearing time, averaging 12 hours per day during weekdays, without the need to switch lenses when spending time outdoors5. This extended wearing time translates to a longer treatment duration, which in turn has the potential of maximizing the effectiveness of myopia management in children.
The EEP also demonstrated that wearing MiYOSMART Chameleon for two weeks significantly reduced light sensitivity in patients (n=12) receiving concurrent low-dose atropine treatment. (22% baseline; 50% after two weeks of wear)6. Although further research on a larger sample may be needed to draw conclusions, the results around combination treatment are promising.
References: 1. HOYA data on file: Post Market Surveillance “Early Experience Program of MiYOSMART sun spectacles.” 02/2024; 2. Ibid; 3. Ibid; 4. Ibid; 5. Ibid; 6. Ibid
Comoframe: new Cool Line
Comoframe‘s COOL collection celebrates colours with the carefree spirit of youth. Made from ‘vibrant’ acetates, it offers a wide range of colour combinations and stylish shapes for young people, representing Italian design at its best. The frames are functional, fashionable and equipped with a sturdy hinge with a flex mechanism, ensuring that the spectacles remain stable on the face. Special attention is paid to the durability of the acetates, while the variety of colours and shapes stands out as a strong point of the collection.
ST!NG XS: inspired by Modernity
De Rigo Vision dedicates a collection for real little trendsetters to children. Simple but modern lines combined with bright colours that alternate between solid and translucent variants for a young and fashionable effect. The new ST!NG XS eyewear collection, dedicated to the youngest, features contemporary shapes inspired by the trends most followed and appreciated by the new generations. The 8 models, including 4 sun and 4 prescriptions, are designed for a range of 4 to 12 years. VSJ 732 is a cat-eye shaped prescription model with fun plays of colour on the front for a dynamic and three-dimensional effect. The bold, geometric temples reveal the core and feature the iconic square symbol on both ends.
INVU “Two in One”: Smart solutions for Kids
Parents count on optical retailers to help them find the optimal solutions to protects the young ones from UV rays, especially for children who wear prescription glasses. The new INVU optical frame + magnetic clip children’s collection enables opticians to easily address this important need. The vibrant and fun loving frames are crafted in comfortable, ultra flexible Swiss TR 90 material. With a simple click, children can convert their prescription glasses into cool, highly effective sunglasses. The matching clips are anchored to the frame with four hidden magnets to ensure that the clips stay firmly in place. The ultra polarized clip from Swiss Eyewear Group offers state-of-the-art UV protection without the hassle of carrying around a second pair of glasses.
GUESS: not to be unnoticed
Space for fantasy for the ‘mini’ collection from the Marcolin eyewear line. The GU50142 prescription model from the Kids line features an oval frame, made unique and fun by the flower-shaped profile. The glasses come in bright, slightly translucent colours that allow a glimpse of the core of the temples. A contrast that enhances the collection’s new logo.
EMPORIO ARMANI: iconic mini-me
The EssilorLuxottica brand proposes the Pilot for the little ones as well. Light metal front with double bridge, nylon fibre temples and lenses both with 51% to 41% biobased carbon content. Adjustable rubber temple tips with 28% bio-based content and metal nose pads guarantee an excellent fit and a perfect fit. The model, featuring the Emporio Armani eagle logo, is available in four different colours.
LOOKKINO FASHION: girly style + comfort
LOOK ‘s line dedicated to the world of kids presents the new models of the Fashion collection, four optical frames in which style and function come together with a fashionable touch designed for the youngest audience. The models, for girls aged between 6 and 11, are made of NIL, LOOK’s highly resistant and lightweight technopolymer. The integrated flexhinge and the hypoallergenic and adjustable soft touch temple tip ensure optimal comfort for extended wear. The new LOOKKINO glasses have a wide and modern front, from round to oval to a slightly butterfly shape. The colour study is also inspired by the purely feminine and trendy colours such as peach pink, violet, fuchsia or aqua green in glossy and semitransparent versions for a subtle touch of glam.
StileItaliano eyewear: at heart, the sight of every child
A 100% Italian product, made with the best Mazzucchelli acetate, combining traditional craftsmanship and innovative design to guarantee maximum comfort and style even for the smallest of children. Bright and cheerful collections with playful and original patterns: each pair of glasses is designed to reflect the curious and chameleon-like spirit of children and make them feel at their best at all times. Thanks to the Flex hinge, the energy of the little ones is indulged, guaranteeing stability and sturdiness. The play of glueing on the front and temple encapsulates the high value of craftsmanship and creativity of the manufacturers.
The Giò SI5021 model stands out for its original geometric design and the transparency of the acetate in a fluid alternation of colours.
Clip, an object of desire even for young people
ENOX TEENAGER enters the world of clips with the ET156 model. This proposal, with additional magnetic clip, is the solution designed by ENOX to guarantee even very young people the possibility of having, with a simple gesture, two glasses in a single model. To be used when needed, in full sunlight or not, thanks to the overlapping of the ultraslim clip equipped with polarised filters in various colours.
Particularly versatile, suitable for boys and girls, the shiny acetate glasses, with a panthos design with side frills and two-tone temples, are available in the variants black/red, black/blue, blue/white, blue/grey, light blue/red, red-black. Always extremely comfortable and practical, thanks also to the flex hinges, they are comfortable and light glasses, for a casual look that is attentive to trends.
Polaroid kids: the polarised spectacles for the
little ones
The unfailing bestseller in Safilo ‘s portfolio is practical, sporty, highly protective, with a classic design that never gets tired and with an always attractive price-quality ratio. The Polaroid kids collection offers rectangular polycarbonate sunglasses with temples personalised with the brand’s logo.
Stepper ‘New Generation’: kids glasses created by science
STEPPER Kids ‘New Generation’ frames are designed and manufactured using new empirical research into the developing facial characteristics of children. STEPPER EYEWEAR has collaborated with one of the world’s leading authorities in paediatric ophthalmology, Dr Alicia Thompson PhD BSc (Hons) FBDO R (Hons) SLD SMC(Tech), to create frames that can improve children’s eye care. With the use of 3D stereo photogrammetry, measurements were collected from 1,334 images of children’s faces, ranging from newborns to 16 years old and belonging to different ethnicities. This study provided an invaluable resource for frame design.
Alpha Fit features four fitting variants. The rapid facial development of children makes it necessary to take into account crest height, tilt, angle, head width and pupil distance. These adaptation variants have been identified as: 0 to 4 years, 4 to 6 years, 6 to 8 years, and 8 to 10 years.
STEPPER EYEWEAR’s high-tech TX5 injection moulding material allows the creation of complex elements, designed using CAD and produced in 3D. Each component leaves the mould already in its final shape. The result is a frame with a precise shape that retains its structure.
SmartLife Young: the new ZEISS range for the very young We Love Turtles
A response to the specific needs of the growing age of 6 to 19 years. Not all myopic youngsters need to be treated with a myopic progression control lens such as Myocare. This is why ZEISS has launched the SmartLife Young range, improving the Core Technology, i.e. the analysis of default gaze parameters, and developing the HV Core Technology (Horizontal+Vertical) which takes more oculomotor data into account. Through the use of eye-tracking systems, it was demonstrated that it is not sufficient to consider only one centre of rotation of the eye, but two: one for horizontal and one for vertical movements. SmartLife Young also takes into account anatomical and morphological data to optimise the vision of the young, accompanying their growth path. In fact, Dynamic Age Fit technology allows for the physical changes to which little ones are subjected as they grow, such as the evolution of facial anatomy, the shape of the face or nose, but above all the distance between the pupils, taken into account by ZEISS Luminance Design 2.0 Technology. SmartLife Young have been developed for the child’s distance and proximal vision, which is influenced not only by school and play activities but also by the use of digital devices.
Nano Vista presents a line with an unmistakable style signature
The company specialising in the kids segment is consolidating its collection with new models and colours, all of which feature the same technical characteristics. Specifically, a colour range inspired by the iconic ‘tortoise’ pattern has been developed: the ‘We Love Turtles’ line is dedicated to the symphony of shades that characterise the shells of sea turtles. This new series complements the more vibrant colours of the models in the collection.
MISSION QUALITY OF LIFE: INNOVATIVE SMARTGLASSES BY LIGHTHOUSE TECH DEDICATED TO VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND PEOPLE WILL BE LAUNCHED IN 2024. WE TALK ABOUT IT IN AN @MIDO INTERVIEW WITH PARALYMPIC ATHLETE AND SPORT ENTHUSIAST MATTEO FANCHINI.
By Manlio Valli
At MIDO 2024, we were guests at the booth of Lighthouse Tech, an innovative start-up from Canton Ticino, Switzerland. Lighthouse is developing “haptic” smart glasses capable of improving the ability of visually impaired and blind people to perceive the world around them. At the event, we had the opportunity to meet Matteo Fanchini, Paralympic super athlete, blind person, testimonial and Lighthouse tester. Matteo, a sports champion with a rich international curriculum in different disciplines, stronglybelieves in the role that sports can playin improving quality of life. The interview below was born from this meeting.
Passionate multi-athlete, Matteo lost his sight in 2002 in a car accident at the age of 30. This event led him to discover his unusual willpower and tenacity. He began experimenting and competing both with able-bodied athletes and in Paralympic disciplines. Water-skier, biathlete, surfer, parachutist, BMX practitioner, filmmaker (he told his story through a short movie), Matteo, in just a few minutes of conversation, effused joy of life, enthusiasm, and his ability to see the essence of things beyond sight. Thank you, Matteo!
VEDERE - Good morning, Matteo, where should we begin?
Matteo Fanchini
We can start from the observation that, for blind people, physical tools and electronic software devices are essential for autonomy in daily life and in sports. I’m an athlete. For many years, I have been involved in various Paralympic disciplines, including those such as surfing that were until recently not considered possible for people with visual impairments. When I started practicing this sport, there were no blind surfers. I had some heated arguments with people just to convince them that I should be allowed to do it! My passion and curiosity to try new things, to learn, brought me into contact with the start-up, Lighthouse Tech. In the last few years, I have experimented with technology I have created myself; I developed a GPS system to guide me while using a stand up paddle board (a board that is wider than the classic surfboard that you paddle in a standing position). The GPS system returned information to me through vibrations in my ankles. Conceptually, it had striking similarities to Lighthouse Tech’s smart glasses. However, this system was dependent on a GPS system: the accuracy and usability were not always guaranteed. In contrast, Lighthouse’s device gives me a high degree of security because it doesn’t rely on any external signals.
VEDERE – I’d say, even at the prototype stage, that this eyewear designed as an assistive tool for blind and visually impaired people, is also a beautiful object. It’s not a tool without appeal, but a trendy eyewear frame, beautiful to wear and extremely adaptable.
Matteo Fanchini
Exactly. The white cane identifies you as a blind person; this eyewear also contributes to inclusivity, which, by the way, is also very important in the working environment.
VEDERE - Speaking before this interview, you were saying that the white cane is sometimes not effective. You were telling us that even you, a highly trained practitioner of
LIGHTHOUSE TECH SA is a high-tech startup based in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Founded in 2020, its mission is to support blind and visually impaired people, their families, social networks, and society through the development of innovative devices for safe and independent mobility. The smart glasses presented at MIDO 2024 are the first outcome of Lighthouse Tech’s R&D efforts: a new type of tool to promote mobility, safety, and increased quality of life for people with low vision, blindness, and spatial perception disorders.
challenging sports, risk injury in some seemingly less complex situations, for instance, walking on the sidewalk. Is this true?
Matteo Fanchini
Yes! With some kinds of obstacles, the white cane fails to make a difference. Even in the home it is very easy to get hurt. Just think of walking into an open cabinet door, or tripping over a broom. Don’t forget that especially in a well-known home environment, it is easier to get hurt due to overconfidence. Another relevant limitation of the white cane is in new environments. Entering an unfamiliar hotel room or using public transportation, the white cane helps you to read the terrain and even estimate the size of objects. But, in new situations, a well-developed ability to interpret auditory and pressure signals are essential for assessing your environment. You can perceive the amount of air around you from the echo your voice makes or the sounds generated by those around you.
VEDERE - In other words, you use your other senses to perceive the size of the spaces around you.
Matteo Fanchini
Yes. I basically use haptics: the ability to
make contact with the external environment through a two-way mode of perception -- to “make sense through the senses.” We could say that Lighthouse’s eyewear frame is an extremely haptic device. Its ability to read your surroundings, its sensitivity is transferred through vibrations to make sense of your environment with another sense -- real haptic eyeglasses!
VEDERE
Is it therefore possible to say that, speaking of sensory perceptions, we are in the presence of a small revolution?
Matteo Fanchini
Yes, we could say that. We are still at the prototype stage, even if very advanced (Lighthouse Tech’s smart glasses are scheduled to be unveiled to the public at the end of 2024, ed.). But the results are very promising: the first tests I conducted convinced me to be here today, to talk about it.
VEDERE - The tests you are conducting could be called “extreme”. You are an athlete, inclined to push your body and the sports you play are challenging in every way! You must have highly developed sensitivity and reaction time...
Matteo Fanchini
Certainly. I also see the potential to use Lighthouse in the sports I play. We are reflecting on this aspect with the Lighthouse team. In offshore sailing I was a bit of a forerunner. I was hired by crews of able-bodied people with whom we won several competitions. Even today there are no offshore sailing competitions reserved for disabled people. Even in this challenging sport I moved at ease, in spaces where I had control. But often, paradoxically, I also wore a helmet while sleeping because in those moments, when I was less alert, obstacles could present a challenge.
In my lifetime, I have used a lot of tools to optimize the work I do with sighted guides. For example, while skiing we use various speakers and microphones. Even before my experience with Lighthouse, together with my ski guide, Andrea, we were contemplating using sensors to understand the distance between me and the guide. Currently, when I get very close to my guide I get an acoustic signal, but before I can properly perceive it there is a latency time that should be reduced as much as possible -- the speed of sound is different from what the reading speed of such an instrument can be and this will be an important aspect too.
We have also blazed a new trail with Olympic BMX racing. I cycle on the track alone and I see the potential of a technology like the one being developed by Lighthouse, which could be incorporated into trendy glasses -- as in the current prototypes -- or in other forms, such as a protective mask for more demanding sports.
VEDERE - We could say that, going forward, the potential developments of this technology are many...
Matteo Fanchini
Exactly. Already in the brainstorming we are doing with the developers, I can say that the potential project implementations are many and, above all, possible!
VEDERE - These developments are exciting, especially the contribution of Lighthouse Tech’s smart glasses to improve the quality of life of visually impaired and blind people. Matteo, what can we add to wrap up this interview?
Matteo Fanchini
Since my very first experiments with Lighthouse Tech’s smart glasses, I’ve understood them as a tool that requires learning. The perception of vibrations -- right, left, near, far -- requires a minimum of adaptation and training to make the best use of them. Users must correctly interpret the signals and understand what they mean for different types of obstacles, for example, what to expect in presence of a door. But let’s not forget that
even proper white cane technique requires much learning. Nothing is immediate and practice and training are essential. In orientation and mobility courses, we must learn to understand surfaces, steps, and edges, in addition to routes. However, the upper body, the torso, and the face remain exposed with traditional tools. In that sense, these glasses really help a significant amount.
My motto or mantra has always been, “it’s not possible for something to be impossible.” This new tool will make even more things possible for me.
VEDERE – An inspiring conclusion, which makes us hopeful for the success of this important project. Thank you Matteo; see you next time!
The human side of the people who make this industry unique
If words matter, people matter even more, much more. We are finally learning about a “modern humanism”, rediscovering the value of human capital and the importance of caring for this heritage in every economic and social reality. Sustainability and business also pass through the way of relating, of building and developing relationships between people: the contribution that a single individual can give to a company, a brand, an entire sector is invaluable, above all by acting to the maximum of its potential.
For this reason we believe that human beings represent the most interesting topic there is and we have created a column where, from time to time, people in the sector will answer some questions about their tastes, attitudes and values. The interview will not focus on business, the aim is not to contrast roles and companies but to spontaneously bring out the different personalities that make the world of optics and eyewear unique.
By Roberta Mella Simion
Rosario Toscano CEO Akoni Group
Amelié Morel Martin MOREL Communications Director
Rosario Toscano CEO Akoni Group
1. The reference icon
Nelson Mandela
2. The motivating motto
Never accept no for an answer
3. The must have Passion
4. The cult Eyewear
5. Favorite artist
Leonardo Da Vinci
6. The most fascinating historical period
Middle Ages
7. The most appreciable quality in a colleague
Positivity
8. The most unacceptable thing
Lying
9. One’s strengths and weaknesses
Resilience and impetuosity
10. The dream, the ambition
Creating high performing team
Amelié Morel Martin MOREL Communications Director
1. The reference icon
Marie Curie
2. The motivating motto Live everyday as if it’s your last!
3. The must have
A family and some good friends. Most important assets in life!
4. The cult
Many people inspire me, but I do not have any “cult”. After all, we are all human
5. Favorite artist
I love Jain and Etienne Daho. Two French pop icons!
6. The most fascinating historical period
I guess that most people of my generation have been deeply impacted by the 80’s. These years were crazy, looking back at them! As I was a teenager at this time, this period a lot of good vibrations and souvenirs
7. The most appreciable quality in a colleague Loyalty. I appreciate true, honest, and fair people
8. The most unacceptable thing
Lies, and lake of courage. Both go generally well together!
9. One’s strengths and weaknesses
We all have strengths and weaknesses, and everyone’s got to navigate in between... for me, the most important thing is to be fully dedicated to my mission, and still to have fun at work!
10. The dream, the ambition
I have many dreams since they are the fuel to our lives. I am more cautious with the “ambition” concept since it sounds so much selfish to me. Nothing can be achieved alone in life, and I have the great chance to have a wonderful team around me, both at Silmo and within the MOREL company. So, I will just say that my ambition is to make my dreams come true...with my teams!
MEN’s COLLECTIONS
The latest men’s collections exhibit dynamic lines and performance, but with super luxury details
By Roberta Mella Simion
From aviators to panthos, from 90s and 2K aesthetics to bold lines, the men’s models in the new collections show a common denominator: a sporty flair. It is no secret that performance design is also a source of inspiration for the fashion and luxury segments, translating into dynamic yet refined and refined lines. Aviator/pilot/navigator shapes continue to dominate the seasons, as do 90s and 00s quotes, but with a step up: the introduction of precious elements in the former case and the study of unexpected details in the latter. In this way, timeless or vintage styles are not repetitive, and minimalist design moves away from the coldness that has often marked it. At the same time, bold lines are lightened through titanium work, transparent acetates, and reduced widths. Thicknesses are preserved but shapes are softer and more restrained, especially in favor of panthos.
Sport-Active: a market richer than Luxury
Philipp Plein celebrated the success achieved during the two-year partnership with De Rigo by launching the Plein Sport collection. Here’s how the German designer-entrepreneur explained to the press the philosophy and business objectives of the new products dedicated to the sports segment: “What we absolutely did NOT want to do is to create a second line,” Philipp Plein immediately pointed out, “because it is my opinion that second lines are counterproductive and go to cannibalize the main line. In fact, few consumers are able to distinguish the identity and value of the main line from the second lines. In the 1990s,” Plein continued, “many big brands decided to open up to mass distribution by launching easy-going second lines with a more affordable price; this choice caused an exodus of end customers to the cheaper products and consequent damage to the business of the first lines. Plein Sport, then, is not a second line, but a sports collection that travels on a different track in terms of functionality, materials, and distribution. I created Plein Sport not for the eyewear industry as a whole, but specifically for the Active segment which is a larger market with more opportunities than fashion and luxury. I have also studied this market for a long time in the U.S. and I think it is very interesting; therefore, I am happy that the De Rigo company shares our vision, our goals, and that it wants to go along this direction with us, meeting a new target.”
MEN’s COLLECTIONS
Chopard mod. SCHL31 Man Classic Racing
For fans of the automotive world, Racing models reflect Chopard ‘s passion for racing. Each pair of glasses encapsulates the spirit of sport through textural details that represent the union of aesthetics and performance. This metal, aviator-style sunglass with a double bridge is embellished with carbon or acetate elements and “racing” pattern engraved on the front profile. The “performance” temples are decorated with an acetate plate with lettering logo.
ARU Eyewear mod. Pan
The ARU collection is enriched with new models with modern shapes, bright colours and bold graphic lines that emphasise the brand’s refined dynamism and creative innovation. Harmonious tones and transparencies enhance the three-dimensional frames, characterised by the overlapping of acetate sheets of different colours, subsequently milled, which allow the underlying colour to emerge. This creates luminous plays and geometric shapes that allow natural light to refract at various angles.
Bayria Eyewear mod. Utinum.
An optical frame from the new Arts & Crafts collection, inspired by the famous artistic movement that breathed new life into the decorative arts and crafts in the late 19th century. Bayria Eyewear ‘s unmistakable “jagged” workmanship is applied to a round model, enriched with accessories and a gold core. The collection is characterised by fine, hand-painted materials, linear and geometric decorations and the inclusion of refined details reminiscent of the past.
MEN’s COLLECTIONS
Calvin Klein Jeans Color Shift SS24
The unusual and dynamic Color Shift capsule presents models made out of an innovative UV-reactive acetate that changes colour when exposed to sunlight. For a generation that wants to make its mark and express itself freely.
Immagine98 I-MAN collection
Eschenbach TITANFLEX
TITANFLEX stands for technology, design and perfect comfort. A line that combines fit with durability, low weight with modern design and style. Eschenbach focuses on improving people’s quality of life and well-being through optical products. It ranges from eyeglass and sunglass frames, binoculars and telescopic spectacles to magnifiers and specialized vision aids. When it comes to eyewear, Eschenbach has eight brands and no fewer than nine Red Dot Awards won in the past three years.
Immagine98 ‘s I-Man line offers a variety of eyewe ar styles characterized by elegant yet never dull li nes. The bold use of acetate ensures a firm, strong look while maintaining a modern touch. Attention to detail is key: I-Man is ideal for those looking for eyewear that expresses robustness, elegance and contemporaneity. A collection imbued with perso nality, where each model bears the name of a man, symbolizing the very essence of the collection de signed specifically for the man who selects only what he really likes.
MEN’s COLLECTIONS
Götti mod. CILLIAN
Expressive and lightweight, the CILLIAN model, despite its solid appearance, is a true lightweight eyewear. High-quality titanium meets 3D-printed polyamide; in this combination, the eyewear maintains an extraordinary lightness while combining it with a powerful aesthetic effect. The combination of materials also creates a chromatic symbiosis: black polyamide generates a fascinating contrast with silky matt titanium.
INVU mod. IB22410B
Design inspirations from the past are paired with the latest lenses. The new Rodeo Drive spring edition offers the latest in polarized lens technologymade by Swiss Eyewear Group. A vintage line that combines the fashion elements of the legendary 1960s: imposing frames, dark lenses, tortoise colors, and metallic embellishments on the front.
Jacques Durand mod. CURVA
A sculpture made by expert craftsmen’s hands in the Jacques Durand Atelier. The front is made from a 10-millimeter-thick sheet of Japanese acetate that is internally hand-carved like a sculpture until the desired ergonomic shape is achieved, with an extremely polished and smooth appearance. Gold-plated hinges complete the frame.
Lamarca POLICROMIE coll. Mod 153
MEN’s COLLECTIONS
La Martina mod. M24
A brand that represents the very embodiment of sport and competition through the game of Polo. The La Martina style is marked by a clever blend of technique, design and color. This combination of technology and fashion undoubtedly constitutes the secret of success. The color itself is not just a color selection, but a design choice that always proves to be a winning idea for La Martina eyewear.
The etymology of the word “polychromy” is “much” plus “color”: the multitude of colors is certainly an inescapable feature of the Lamarca collection. The term, which is commonly used in art and architecture to define a work enriched by the use of various shades, expresses the intrinsic value of the models featured in the POLICROMIE family. In fact, the design of this line really seems to be inspired by ancient art, where a perfect form was “decorated” and came to life precisely through color. In the case of POLICROMIE, as indeed in the entire Lamarca collection, color is not an additional decoration, but a structural portion of the frame.
Kingdom Eyewear mod. Grant
Kingdom Eyewear ‘s men’s collection was born from the meeting of a very special idea of classic design and a fashionable color palette. The frames are engraved with unique details and are produced in wide sizes specifically for men’s needs. The Grant model is available in four satin color combinations: Seahawk green/blue, Garnet/Black, Gold/Tortis, and Charcoal/ Gunmetal.
Key Optical Europe coll. Les Hommes mod. LH3S005
The brand, created and distributed by Key Optical Europe, redefines masculine appeal with boldly shaped creations for the contemporary man in constant pursuit of beauty and luxury without patterns. Geometric with bold lines, the metal frames are the epitome of avant-garde design where silver or gold tones play in contrast with spaces and black, Les Hommes’ signature color.
Bulgari OCTO High End
The high-end model in the eyewear collection is inspired by the iconic Octo Roma line of watches with octagonal cases. A precious twist on the pilot shape: Thélios enriches the timeless design with goldplated frames and black onyx elements to celebrate Bulgari’s savoirfaire in jewelry, but also to add a more contemporary and luxurious look to a legendary pair of glasses.
A collection that confirms the bold and rock character of the brand: virile shapes enriched with studs, important logos and strong color contrasts on the temples, combined with crystalline transparencies. No less important is the careful selection of acetates; a crucial factor for the success of a balanced yet bold collection. As for the colors, in addition to the Havana sha de, black with incursions of gold and silver stand out in particular.
MEN’s COLLECTIONS
Lunor new M16 Collection
Lunor presents its latest version of the panthos shape, the faceted and thoroughly modern M16. The filigree stainless steel frame sits extremely lightly on the nose; mobile nose pads made of pure titanium and acetate-coated temples complete the comfort level.
Each frame undergoes an elaborate handpainting process that contributes to the exceptional durability of the coating. The M16 is available in special Lunor colors: satin gold, satin blackberry, satin blue, and satin black.
Lozza Arte VL 4352 ARPEGGIO 1
Acetate prescription frame in the classic panthos shape with key bridge. The faceted profiles in the front and temples create an interplay of lights, reflexes and contrasts, while the three-dimensional metal ‘L’ monogram in the front represents an element of prestige and brand recognition. The core inside the temple reveals a pattern created exclusively for this Lozza collection. The riveted five-jointed zip is an elegant detail embellished with the five-stripe motif.
MOREL Supernova
Morel has experimented with new shades and unique shapes, daring bold plays on transparency in the new SUPERNOVA collection. Revisiting the Pantos shape, the French company ventures into a new category of men’s frames where thickness becomes a key element. The imposing lines and richly colored temples are balanced by a transparent front that lightens the silhouette. The patented hinge, without screws or welding, gives lightness and comfort.
MEN’s COLLECTIONS
Celine mod. CL40281U
Neoclassical and elegant, this vintage-flavored oval pilot represents the first men’s model in the Triomphe Signature line, whose metallic logo is visible on the temples while the signature “Celine Paris” is laser-etched on the inside of the temples. Taken from the maison’s archives, this emblematic logo symbolizes the chain surrounding Place de l’Étoile in Paris.
Tag Heuer Coll. LINE mod TH50002U
Named after the sunglass series of the same name and designed for the best optical performance in all conditions, the “Line” family of glasses features a bold, cutting-edge design.
This oversized, rounded-shaped model features a double bridge and is made of super-advanced materials such as ultralight titanium and Dyneema®a synthetic textile fiber used in traction cables. The frame is made of bio-nylon mixed with carbon fiber. A nod to the Maison’s heritage, the shape is embellished with two tone-on-tone TAG HEUER laser-engraved shields on the front and a hidden emblem in red on the inner hinge.
Tom Ford Eyewear mod. FT1158
An evergreen revisited according to contemporary standards and brand codes. The pilotcut frame is made of metal, with thin temples in the iconic gold shade that identifies the brand’s exclusivity. The green lenses with an unconventional design emphasize a sporty yet vintage-chic character.
Ørgreen mod. Runaway
Orgreen’s vision of modern masculinity: a hexagonal panthos with ultra-light proportions that redefine comfort and an ultra-thin brow bar for a more sophisticated aesthetic. All declined in a vibrant and bold palette that highlights the stainless steel frames.
This model is part of the HAVN stainless steel collection. The collection’s name draws inspiration from the tranquil harbors and intricate canal networks surrounding Ørgreen’s Copenhagen headquarters.
OVVO Optics mod. 6048
An unusual interpretation of the classic navigator style, designed to offer functionality and high performance, this frame is made with engineering precision from a blend of ultralight steel and titanium and manufactured with a technology originally developed for military applications. This material has several qualities: light weight, durability, flexibility and hypoallergenic properties. The Surgical Steel & Titanium line offers a perfect balance between technique and fashion character.
SKAGA Stainless Steel Collection
The Swedish brand’s latest Stainless Steel collection is made of a very light stainless steel frame of only 0.7mm. The acetate temples
The palette draws inspiration from Swedish landscapes: forests, snow-capped mountains, the North Sea and polar light. Small touches of bright colours are added and harmonise perfectly, underlining the ‘Lagom’ philosophy, which in Swedish means ‘not too much, not too
Moschino mod. MOS637
The Moschino Eyewear collection presents men’s sunglasses and prescription frames for the first time: bold models that are the perfect accessory to express all the irreverent originality and boldness of the collection. Among the coolest proposals are the square-cut models, characterized by the Moschino logo in rubber trim on the temples and declined in pop colors.
MEN’s COLLECTIONS
Silhouette mod. Cosmic
The Cosmic model provides an excellent fit and, despite its width, is not too big or bulky thanks to its ultra-thin lens. It is a wraparound goggle that seems to hug the face in the eye area, with a soft curvature. Made of polyamide and matte high-tech titanium, like all the other goggles in Silhouette’s Titan Minimal Art family, Cosmic is ultralight, and the adjustable temples made of flexible titanium fit perfectly with the dynamic lifestyle.
Police SPLP 35 HORIZON 12
The new Police men’s collection features models with a bold style aligned with the brand’s identity and its origins. Some of the brand’s representative models from the 90s and early 00s are revisited with a contemporary twist. This sunglass with a rimless rectangular front is in line with the latest trends. The thin metal temples are distinguished by carved profiles and the iconic eagle symbol, while the transparent temple tips reveal the core decorated with a geometric motif.
Using definitions such as “green,” “eco,” “environmentally friendly,” or “zero impact” lightly will become risky for companies. Here’s why.
Dear sustainability, how much do you cost me?
By Roberta Mella Simion
In recent years there has been a lot of talk about sustainability, sometimes too much: over time the concept has been enriched with values (such as social responsibility) but in some cases it has been emptied of substance, veering into greenwashing. To stem the tide of greenwashing, the European Parliament has adopted a new law that effectively cracks down on the inordinate and superficial use of sustainability as a marketing lever. The new rules aim to make product labeling clearer and more reliable by banning the use of generic environmental claims such as “green,” “natural,” “biodegradable,” “environmentally friendly,” “climate neutral,” or “eco” if not supported by evidence. The use of sustainability labels will also be regulated, given the confusion caused by their proliferation and failure to use comparative data. Only sustainability labels based on approved certification schemes or created by public authorities will be allowed in the EU in the future. In addition, the directive will prohibit claims that suggest a neutral, reduced or positive impact on the environment by virtue of participation in emissions offset schemes.
A significant step change then in both approach and storytelling related to sustainability; we addressed this issue with Giordano Capuano, marketing director and head of ESG (Enviromental-SocialGovernance) for the Danish company Ørgreen Optics.
Giordano Capuano, Marketing Director and Head of ESG of Ørgreen Optics
First, what is your personal and professional relationship with sustainability?
“I have always been interested in the topic of sustainability, writing about it ever since I worked for Ansa in Sydney. Then, in London, working with Vivienne Westwood, I had the opportunity to meet people like James Lovelock and Anthony Giddens, who helped shape my thinking. In addition, I worked on several global sustainability initiatives with United Nations departments, international organizations, British government agencies and activist groups in which Vivienne was involved. In Copenhagen, I was part of the advisory group for the Global Fashion Summit, and here at Ørgreen Optics, I am the ESG area manager.”
The new law passed by the European Parliament sets very strict limits to curb greenwashing and bans generic and superficial environmental statements. What changes for companies in the area of communication?
“It changes a lot, forcing everyone to look at the numbers and communicate the outcomes of the whole process, not just a part of it. Many companies were already doing this, but others must now adapt, abandoning operations and catchy names
to build, first, a path and a strategy for both product and communication, and then tell this path by breaking down the various steps as if they were paragraphs in a book. The goal is no longer to have to impress, but to educate about one’s product and offering, so that it is easier for consumers to make green purchasing choices. While this helps to suppress greenwashing, at the same time we must avoid ‘green hushing,’ or the fear of companies to communicate their small successes for fear of new regulations. It is therefore necessary to develop meaningful and achievable environmental goals to which the whole organization can commit. It is important to understand what your climate goals mean and how to achieve them effectively.”
How onerous is it today for an eyewear company to be “sustainable”?
“EU regulations will not go into effect tomorrow, so companies now have time to invest in order to make the right choices and figure out how to implement the transformation. The longer they wait, the more they will have to adapt to the standards set by others or they will have to make choices that will not necessarily be the most convenient. For example, if I import a product made from raw materials, is it worth paying a carbon
tax or reducing the CO2 impact by using renewable energy in the production process? This has to be calculated and it takes time. Currently, life cycle analyses (LCAs) are very expensive and imperfect because the models are not calibrated, but technology and AI are making great strides, databases are improving, and recently it was announced that a new online and open source calculator is being created, which should therefore lower the cost of LCAs. All of this initial work should lead to lower costs in the future and thus greater profitability. I often think back to digital transformation. In 2009, suddenly marketing budgets doubled because every brick-and-mortar (i.e., physical storebased, ed.) business had to have an online counterpart. For example, it was expensive to invest in servers, but then the servers became rentable and we could pay for them according to their use, lowering costs. After a phase of investment, once the technology evolved, a tipping point was reached. Now the online market has become a driving and ever-expanding engine, where many new realities, new roles, new perspectives have been born. All in a decade.”
Does it still make sense to talk about zero impact in the context of eyewear?
“Climate neutrality remains the EU’s goal for 2030, but through a circular economy. This is what the official plan states. So in our industry, we need to start introducing terms like extending the life of glasses, their use, their redistribution, recycling. We need to make a transition from the linear model to a regenerative one. We need to embark on a path of using fewer raw materials. We need to take many small
steps....”
Research by Yoodata shows that the main driver for buying sunglasses is design, while for prescription eyewear it is instore support, with sustainability being a secondary parameter for both products (see box).
“It fits: if you choose a restaurant, do you want to eat well before considering whether it is green or not? If we are referring to the eyewear business, it is right that we talk first about functionality, comfort, lightness, compactness, i.e., design. These factors ensure longevity of use, which is a good first step in sustainability. Opticians then offer repairs, a factor that has disappeared in other industries. And this is a second step. From here certainly there is ample room for improvement, achievable with an implementation plan. We need to provide the right communication tools for opticians to share our goal and to educate the consumer in their choices, as is happening with 3D. Up to 80 percent of the environmental impact of products is determined at the design stage. So if the consumer focus is there, that’s great for brands because it means implementing there where there is already a focus.”
Could this European directive change the situation, restoring the right dimension and necessary credibility to the issue of sustainability?
“The premises are there, but we need to fully understand the meaning of circular economy and speed up the transformation process by improving the technologies we need. It is no longer business as usual, but I still see pockets of resistance. Personally, I am skeptical about
the true contribution to the cause of some certifications, for example, or the fact that some companies rely on them because they lack thinking related to lifecycle improvement in product development. These certifications potentially attract economic resources that guarantee or preserve a status quo for a few years rather than accelerating toward change.”
Assuming that eco-responsibility is now to be considered an indispensable condition and an indispensable good
practice for doing business, what does it mean to be sustainable today?
“You have to be ready and open to make a change in mindset and look at the medium to long term. You have to want to see the opportunities rather than the difficulties. Reviewing products and services right from the design stage represents for our eyewear world and for our country a beautiful challenge that we are totally capable of handling and understanding, and that we absolutely must feel is ours.”
Talking about
sustainability
is not enough
What are the determining factors that drive customers to choose eyewear? A research carried out by Yoodata for MIDO 2024 - based on a survey conducted in Italy, France, Spain, Germany, UK, USA and China, with a total of more than 8 thousand interviews - has highlighted the behaviors of a specific target of consumers, namely those who have made an eyewear purchase in the last 2 years (or plan to do so in the next 12 months). This study shows that the main driver for choosing sunglasses is design, while for prescription eyewear it is in-store assistance. In second place we find “service” for sunglass frames and “quality” for prescription frames. On the third rung for sun models is quality, and for prescription, design. For both types of eyewear, information regarding production is placed in the last box of the purchase parameters. This driver includes items such as: product origin, materials used, and sustainability. This does not mean that these factors are not interesting to the customer, but that they are less decisive, less impactful than others at the time of the final decision. Hence the need to review the storytelling of sustainability, as Giordano Capuano points out in the interview.
The De Rigo Group and TOUS, a leading Spanish jewellery and accessories brand in the accessible luxury segment, have announced the early renewal of their licence agreement for the design, production and distribution of TOUS branded sunglasses and optical frames worldwide.
This continues the development of the long-term strategy for further growth and internationalisation of the brand, already a leader in Spain, Portugal and Latin America.
The TOUS Eyewear collections are distributed through the De Rigo Vision sales network, as well as the brand’s monobrand boutiques.
MOREL takes a new step in its international development with the launch of MOREL Baltic, its fourth subsidiary opened since the beginning of the year.
This nineteenth subsidiary strengthens its distribution network in Eastern Europe with an official presence in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
read on, the new Swiss super light reading glasses company by Sandra Kaufmann and Monika Fink, the cofounders of Sol Sol Ito, has appointed a new distribution partner for ‘read on light’ reading glasses in Switzerland and Austria, to advance market growth and expansion in Europe. Prolens AG, who will sell ‘read on light’ directly to Swiss and Austrian (via Bilosa) customers, are Switzerland’s premier supplier for opticians and ophthalmologists.
EssilorLuxottica signed an agreement to acquire an 80% stake in Heidelberg Engineering, a Germany-based company specializing in diagnostic solutions, digital surgical technologies and healthcare IT for clinical ophthalmology. in the med-tech space. This agreement represents a step forward in the Group’s strategy and its med-tech journey.
More, EssilorLuxottica and VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for EssilorLuxottica to acquire the Supreme® brand from VF for $1.5 billion in cash.
iVision Tech S.p.A., the new ‘Made in Italy’ manufacturing company and owner of the historic French ‘Henry Jullien’ brand, has announced many novelties in recent months:
- 14 May - Approved balance sheet figures as of 31 March 2024. Revenues at € 2.44 million (+9.9% compared to 2023) - Production value at € 3.23 million (+22.9%) - EBITDA at € 0.51 million (+10.4%)
- Net financial debt of € 3.46 million compared to € 2.71 million as of 31 December 2023.
- 24 May - The company obtained ISO 13485:2016 certification for the “Design, manufacture and marketing of frames, glasses and lenses (prescription and sunglasses) and technological glasses for the disabled (DM class 2)”. A milestone in the development of the iSee patent, the project to produce glasses for the visually impaired
- 27 May - Acquisition of 51% of the share capital of Teknoema Srl, also known as ‘Target’, specialized in the EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) market and developing customised electronic boards and equipment.
17 June - six-year agreement for the exclusive distribution in Italy of Henry Jullien brand glasses with Filab Srl, founded in 1993 and specialised in the production of ophthalmic lenses.
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) announced that Astellas, a leading global pharmaceutical company, has joined as a Band A Member. This partnership strengthens the collective efforts of the eye health community to tackle the global burden of avoidable sight loss. Astellas brings its expertise in developing innovative treatments and its commitment to patient-centred care to this collaboration.
In the photo: left Stefano Fulchir CEO iVision Tech - right Andrea Bernardini CEO Filab Lenti Italiane
HUGO Eyewear, designed, produced and distributed by Safilo Group SpA, announced last April its partnership with the Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) Formula One™ Team.
Leveraging the global appeal of F1TM, HUGO Eyewear will be the Official Eyewear Partner of the VCARB team and will be represented in official images starring the drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda
The HUGO Eyewear collection includes the Authentic line and the Contemporary line.
Global player in sustainable optics, Sea2see and the Portuguese retail group, Optivisão – in collaboration with Sea Shepherd, have launched a new partnership marked by a special event, held in Troia, Portugal. In Portugal, the Sea2see collection will be on sale exclusively at all Optivisão opticians and will contribute to Ghost Network Setúbal’s intervention in the conservation of the Portuguese ocean coast.
The process of non-physiological myopia in children is far from being fully understood: in order to understand its causes, evolution and management, it is necessary to facilitate relationships, to create a network of contacts that facilitates the sharing of information. ZEISS in this regard has announced the establishment of an Advisory Board, a committee of professionals, academic institutions and clinics chaired by Prof. Padmaja Sankaridurg, and a portal, open to all, called MYOPIA HUB.
Daniel Ricciardo in Hugo Eyewear
Prof. Padmaja Sankaridurg, President of the Zeiss Advisory Board
Trip to Paris to discover DiorCannage
Christian Dior - his genius and his having been able to “twist” haute couture in the postwar period of the last century - Thélios gave VEDERE the opportunity to immerse itself in the world of Dior and thus be able to understand the history and the artistic and creative path that, over the decades, also led to the birth of the eyewear collection, now crowned by the launch of the new DiorCannage
It was a very intense 24 hours in Paris, and the discovery of the Galerie Dior, a wonder for the eyes and mind, concretized what Dior himself said, “The designer is one of the last remaining guardians of wonders. In a way, he is a dream-maker...”
At the end of this “enchanted” journey we
came to touch on the new DiorCannage sunglasses collection by Thélios
At the Maison’s birth in 1947, the graphic cannage motif adorned the Napoleon III chairs in Christian Dior’s haute couture salons at 30 rue Montaigne. This essential emblem seduced the couturier and became part of Dior’s heritage, an iconic code of the Maison. This motif is now engraved on the temples of DiorCannage sunglasses, intertwined with the initials CD.
DIORCANNAGE S1U is square and the polished gold frame has lenses that are either solid blue (B0B0) or shaded from purple to pink (B0G2).
DIORCANNAGE A1U is a pilot also gold-plated and available with blue (B0B0) or shaded purple to brick (B0G2) lenses.
FAIRS & EVENTS
Hong Kong International Optical Fair 2024
At the last MIDO in Milan, our publisher met Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Development Council (HKTDC), the government organisation in charge of foreign trade in Hong Kong.
What are the HKTDC’s next plans? How is the Hong Kong market and the Asian market in general currently?
Sophia Chong
We were the last country in the Far East to reopen its borders after the Pandemic, officially on 1 March 2023, with no more restrictions. Despite this, we have ‘recovered’ very quickly, in just a few months we organised 27 international shows with almost half a million exhibitors and visitors from more than 200 countries worldwide. We are at 70 % of the level we were at pre-pandemic, which is an extraordinary result and a testament to the resilience of the HKTDC.
The Asian market is definitely growing, consumers and their spending power are increasing. According to Statista, a statistical research firm, the Asian optical/eyewear market is expected to generate a turnover of more than USD 44 billion and a growth rate of more than 6% between 2024 and 2028. The fastest growing segment is ophthalmic lenses, which is expected to reach US$ 16 billion in 2024. It is estimated that almost 30% of the world’s population is nearsighted, with even higher
percentages in children, especially in Asian countries where the percentage could reach 50% by 2050. Therefore, the optical market in Asia is likely to become the largest in the world and, therefore, of great attractiveness for eyewear and lens brands.
The HKTDC Hong Kong International Optical Fair returns as this remarkable trade exhibition showcases visionary style and expertise, providing exhibitors with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with elite buyers from across the globe. Building on the extraordinary achievements in 2023, with an impressive turnout of over 13,000 buyers from 92 countries and regions engaging with 700 exhibitors, the Fair is set to continue its tradition of delivering spectacular vision in the dynamic field of the optical industry.
The upcoming Fair will take place during 6-8 November 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
The Brand Name Gallery is a dedicated thematic section which exclusively highlights stylish frames and eyewear with fashion or designer brands.
Other exhibit categories in the Fair include contact lenses & accessories, frames & parts, eyewear accessories, kids’ eyewear & accessories, lenses, reading glasses, smart eyewear, sporting & professional eyewear, diagnostic instruments, shopping fittings, optometric instruments, equipment and machinery and IT solutions for optical industry.
The fair is held under EHIBITION+, a hybrid model together with the Click2Match smart business matching platform and the Scan2Match function, exhibitors and buyers from around the world can stay connected online before and after the physical fair.
From left: Gianluca Mirante, HKTDC Director for Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Malta, Mrs Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director and Isabella Morpurgo VEDERE’s publisher
News from Fairs
The 11th edition of SILMO Istanbul will take place from 20 to 23 November 2024. This event is a common platform for exhibitors and visitors from the optical industry in Turkey, the Near and Middle East, Central Asia, the Balkans, Russia, Arab countries and North Africa.
The tenth edition, in 2023, had flattering results with more than 500 exhibitors and brands and a record number of 13,385 visitors (+13% compared to 2022), 80% from Turkey and the remaining 20% from 93 countries.
In 2024 the initiatives and events that were so successful in the previous edition will also be back: Trend Forum - Futurology area - Training with SILMO Academy - SILMO Istanbul Awards.
At the heart of the Dutch optical scene, BOLD XXL is always evolving, and this year is no exception, with an array of 360 brands and 147 exhibitors.
The upcoming event, on 8th and 9th September 2024, has found a new home at the Brabanthallen, a venue known for its size and central location. This location is ideal for accommodating guests from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. With a massive hall spanning over 9,000 m2, the Brabanthallen ensures ample space for displays, eliminating the heat issues experienced last year.
The fair will be buzzing with activities such as the spectacular dance show on the Bold Stage, presented by Annaliese Dayes, a renowned London radio presenter and fashion blogger. In collaboration with Maarten Weidema from TEF Magazine, she will conduct live interviews with attendees and exhibitors.
The organisers of DaTE - the event dedicated to cutting-edge eyewear, scheduled for 7 and 8 September 2024 at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence, Italy, announced that the show will not take place this year. Due to dates that cannot be changed due to contractual constraints and are not favourable to some of the event’s target companies, the event has been postponed to 2025.
& EVENTS
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