A new eyewear trade event, First Look London, is scheduled to debut in September 2027. The platform is dedicated exclusively to independent brands and emerging designers. Organizers describe the format as a tightly curated selection of labels presented in a clean, gallery-style environment. This setting aims to provide buyers with meaningful time to engage directly with designers, founders, and makers. As an announcement for a future date, the event has not yet launched. Specific details regarding exhibitor lists, pricing, or geographic availability beyond the London location are not provided in the source material.
FE-Group announced a unified vision integrating specialized brands across the optical and ophthalmic sectors. The group comprises Frastema Ophthalmics for Italian instrumentation and technical support, Easyopht for international software and disposable products, Easylac for specialty contact lenses, Fiso for refraction units, and Keratron for corneal topographers. This structure was strengthened in 2026 by the acquisition of assets from Frastema, a historic producer of ophthalmic examination chairs, reinforcing Made in Italy design and manufacturing capabilities. The company describes this ecosystem as offering professionals a single interlocutor spanning distribution, production, technology, and assistance, combining human expertise with technological innovation under one common strategic direction.
Effective October 1, 2026, Jesper Wiegandt was appointed CEO of Zeiss Vision Care. He assumes strategic and operational leadership while continuing to serve as acting Chief Commercial Officer. Wiegandt succeeds Sven Hermann, who remains CEO of Zeiss Consumer Markets and leads its Board of Management. Joined in 2022 as Chief Marketing Officer, Wiegandt became Chief Commercial Officer in January 2026. His background includes international leadership roles at Procter & Gamble and founding a strategy consultancy. Hermann cited Wiegandt’s contributions to brand strength and business growth as key factors for the appointment.
ZEISS Group appointed Jesper Wiegandt as CEO of ZEISS Vision Care, effective October 1. He succeeds Sven Hermann, who remains CEO of the ZEISS Consumer Markets segment and continues to head its board of management. Wiegandt will also stay on as acting chief commercial officer of ZEISS Vision Care.
Mido has opened registration for visitors and journalists attending its 2027 exhibition, scheduled for February 6–8 at Fiera Milano Rho. President Lorraine Berton stated the event will feature new developments and a strong international presence, with positive exhibitor responses including returning companies and new participants. The platform attracts professionals from over 160 countries, covering the entire eyewear supply chain. Key features include dedicated areas for emerging talent (Academy and Start Up) and The Vision Stage, which will host approximately 20 events in Pavilion 1. A new digital platform, My Fair Plus – Beyond the Exhibition, allows attendees to book cultural activities in Milan. Special travel deals are arranged for visitors from the United States, Canada, Latin America, and specific Chinese cities including Wenzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.
Silmo Paris 2026 attracted 32,108 visitors from nearly 150 countries, with 53% international attendance, featuring over 950 exhibitors across 80,000 square metres. The event emphasized connected optics, hosting the first international hackathon for health applications on smart glasses platforms like HTC and EverySight, won by Kimoo. The Silmo d'Or awards recognized innovations such as autofocus glasses and luxury smart eyewear. Sustainability was highlighted through the CSR Spot and Andy Wolf's Committed Company Award. Over 60 talks covered AI and healthcare trends, setting the stage for the industry's evolution ahead of the fair's 60th anniversary in 2027.
Oliver Bartsch GmbH, operating as Glasklar, is relocating its headquarters to a new facility in Troisdorf near Cologne. The move aims to consolidate production, warehousing, and administrative functions currently spread across multiple sites into one location. Renovation work is scheduled for October 2026, with the operational start at the new site planned for November 2026. According to the company, the transition will create additional capacity for future development, including larger areas for production and offices, as well as space for new machinery and products. Glasklar specializes in individual eyewear cleaning products and customer retention concepts.
Laurence “Larry” T. Roth, co-founder and former co-president of Marchon Eyewear, died at age 75 on September 27, 2026, following a battle with cancer. Born in Queens, New York, Roth established Marchon in 1983 alongside Al Berg and Jeff White, overseeing U.S. sales structures as the company grew into a global leader in licensed eyewear brands including Nike, Calvin Klein, Fendi, Coach, and Michael Kors. VSP Vision acquired Marchon in 2008. Afterward, Roth founded the racing and breeding operation LNJ Foxwoods with his wife Nanci and daughter Jaime. Industry colleagues, including VSP Vision’s Nicola Zotta and The Vision Council’s Mitch Barkley, issued tributes highlighting his analytical mind, sales strategies, and lasting impact on optical industry culture.
Hoya Vision Care announced two leadership appointments effective October 2026. Pamela Andrews joins as vice president of marketing for Hoya North America, overseeing product management, channel marketing, digital marketing, and brand communications across the U.S. and Canada. She brings over 20 years of vision care experience, including recent interim marketing leadership at Zeiss. Kellie Wesley returns to Hoya as national sales director for ECPs, leading the U.S. sales organization focused on independent eyecare professionals. Her background includes strategic account roles at ABB Optical Group, Euclid Vision, and STAAR Surgical. Steven Haifawi, SVP of U.S. Commercial, cited their industry expertise and customer relationship strengths in supporting these hires.
The opti 2027 trade fair announced its new theme, "See. Hear. Next.", focusing on emerging technologies, partnerships, and business opportunities in optics and hearing acoustics. A key addition is the "Smart Tech" special area, dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables, hearables, and connected technology. Director Cathleen Kabashi emphasized that this initiative aims to bridge technology providers with industry professionals to create concrete solutions rather than abstract visions. While positioned as an international event for optics and design, the core market remains the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Other highlighted areas include "opti Spheare," "Tomorrow Vision" for contact lenses, and expanded design stages. The strategy also incorporates support for startups, talent, and business succession through dedicated formats.
EssilorLuxottica convened over 200 eyecare professionals in Melbourne for its 2026 Clinical Conference. The event addressed myopia management, dry eye conditions, presbyopia, and the role of Ray Ban Meta AI glasses for low-vision patients. Dr Björn Drobe detailed 45 years of Essilor’s translational myopia research, noting a 1982 study where progressive lenses reduced refractive progression by 46% compared to controls. He highlighted current Highly Aspherical Lenslet technology and Essilor Stellest lenses, which now have seven-year clinical data. Dr Kate Gifford presented evidence from more than 80 papers supporting Stellest across various visual functions and patient demographics. Panel discussions focused on translating emerging scientific evidence into everyday clinical practice, including treatment selection and family engagement strategies.
TEF Magazine celebrated its tenth anniversary by launching "Club Bizarre," a theatrical exhibition at the BOLD XXL trade show. Rather than a traditional retrospective, the event transformed a decade of championing unconventional eyewear into an immersive physical experience featuring dark lighting, red cocktails, and themed displays. The exhibition highlighted brands that challenge commercial categories, including IMPURI Eyewear as the "Headliner" on a dedicated stage, showcasing experimental acetate, wood, carbon, and nylon frames designed by Goran Ilic. FUNK/SCHUSTER served as the "Featured Act," presenting bespoke pieces like the "BATWOMAN" frame handcrafted in Upper Bavaria. Additional displays included "Supporting Acts" and "Guest Appearances," emphasizing creative attitudes over standard product categorization.
Mido has opened applications for the Mido Awards 2027, an initiative recognizing companies, products and industry players in the optical sector. The awards specifically honor achievements in innovation, sustainability and the ability to interpret the evolution of the industry. Interested parties can access the official regulations and application forms through the Awards section of the Mido website. This announcement marks the start of the submission process for the upcoming cycle, distinct from any completed launch or award ceremony results.
CooperVision unveiled the grand opening of The Vision Centre, its new global innovation hub in Southampton, England, alongside six major product advancements planned for launch over the next several years. The facility, spanning 9,940 square meters and housing approximately 350 employees, integrates research, development, clinical expertise, and pilot manufacturing to accelerate commercialization. Key pipeline announcements include the world’s first complete family of 1-day myopia control lenses, novel premium 1-day silicone hydrogel technology, a next-generation monthly SiHy material, an entry-level 1-day SiHy innovation, an advanced 1-day SiHy toric multifocal lens, and a new toric 1-day experience for astigmatic patients. President Jerry Warner stated the initiative aims to define the next era of eye care through science-led innovation.
Gigi Studios held an event titled “La Soirée” in Paris. The source material confirms the occurrence of this gathering but provides no further details regarding specific attendees, product announcements, or business outcomes associated with the celebration.
Amsterdam-based eyewear brand Ace & Tate reduced CO2 emissions from frame and lens production by 43 percent in 2025, falling from 2,030 to 1,155 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Total corporate footprint decreased 10.2 percent to 6,446 tonnes, while the average per-product footprint dropped 9 percent to 7.99 kilograms. These figures, calculated with Vaayu and verified by SGS, show 96.7 percent of emissions originate outside company stores. The brand replaced non-prescription sunglass lenses with Tritan Renew plastic containing up to 50 percent certified recycled material starting spring/summer 2025. Ace & Tate was recertified as a B Corp in July 2026 under stricter new standards introduced by B Lab in April 2025.
ZEISS has appointed Jesper Wiegandt as the new Chief Executive Officer of its Vision Care division. This leadership change affects ZEISS Vision Care, a business unit within the Consumer Markets segment that develops and manufactures solutions for ophthalmic optics, including eyeglass lenses, partner programs, instruments, and digital services. The appointment occurs against the backdrop of ZEISS Group’s recent financial performance, which reported annual revenue totaling almost 12 billion euros in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. As an internationally leading technology enterprise headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany, ZEISS operates globally with over 47,400 employees across approximately 50 countries. The company maintains significant investment in research and development, allocating 14 percent of its revenue to innovation efforts.
An opinion article published in eyebizz 5.2026 argues that the EUHA international hearing aid industry exhibition, held October 14–16 in Hannover as part of the 70th International Hearing Aid Congress, offers significant value to eyewear retailers. Organized by the Federal Association of Hearing System Industries (BVHI), the event features 52% German and 48% international exhibitors, including AI software providers and store design firms. The text notes growing synergies between optical and audiological sectors, citing 2025 data from biha and ZVA showing approximately 7,500 hearing aid shops and 10,700 optical businesses in Germany. It emphasizes shared challenges like labor shortages and digitalization, suggesting that holistic sensory health services define future retail success.
The Hall of Frames 2026 eyewear trade fair was held for the first time in Zurich, following four years in Lucerne. Organizers reported more than 60 exhibitors, a number increased by larger available floor space. However, attendance dropped to approximately 120 industry visitors from around 60 optical businesses, fewer than the previous year. Organizers attributed this decline partly to market caution, the new location, and late-summer weather. A notable trend was the extensive display of 3D-printed frames, described as the segment's largest presence ever. Exhibits also featured smart glasses with integrated hearing technology, minimalist designs, and natural materials like horn, wood, and stone. Additionally, organizers introduced the Swiss Future Prize for Optics, with applications open until the end of November.
MIDO has opened applications for the MIDO AWARDS 2027, recognizing innovation and sustainability in the optical industry. The CSE Award (5th edition) and CSE Corporate Award (2nd edition), promoted with ANFAO and Certottica, accept submissions until January 8, 2027; the latter is restricted to companies exhibiting at MIDO 2027. The Best Store Award (12th edition) remains open to global optical retailers until December 31. Additionally, applications for the Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award close on November 30. Winners will be announced during an official ceremony held at Fiera Milano Rho from February 6 to 8, 2027. Regulations and forms are available on www.mido.com.
Eyebizz published its biweekly video news update, "scharfgestellt!", on October 5, 2026. The episode highlights the winners of the SILMO d’Or awards and covers industry trade fair news. It also reports on the opening of the House of Silhouette in Hamburg. The source describes the content as relevant industry news that encourages further inquiry to reveal exclusive answers and detailed perspectives. No specific product launches, financial figures, or availability dates beyond the publication date are provided in the text.
Jobson Optical Research has released the 2026 Eyecare Industry Consolidation Index, a report analyzing market consolidation and private equity trends within the eyecare sector. The index functions as a directory covering more than 40 private equity acquisitions and corporate consolidations. For each company listed, the report provides data including the year formed, investor identity, corporate office location, key executives, and a comprehensive list of locations. The document is currently available for purchase at a price of $2,500.
Levitt-Safety has acquired Belco Safety Products, a Canadian provider of prescription and non-prescription safety eyewear with over 50 years of experience. The acquisition aims to strengthen Levitt-Safety’s optical capabilities while allowing Belco to access broader workplace safety resources. Belco continues operating under its own name with the same team and points of contact, ensuring existing contracts and services remain uninterrupted. Integration will occur gradually, with customers notified in advance of any changes. This move complements Levitt-Safety’s network of 17 locations across Canada, established since 1935, by adding specialized prescription eyewear expertise to its portfolio of safety products, training, and consulting services.
Optical Prism Magazine announced that applications for the MIDO AWARDS are now open. The source provides no further details regarding eligibility criteria, submission deadlines, award categories, or geographic scope.
Andy Wolf received the Responsible Company Prize at Silmo Paris, an award developed with Hyssop agency to recognize comprehensive responsible business practices. The brand demonstrated concrete actions from product carbon footprint assessments, including using Acetate Renew for 85% of acetate frames and replacing aluminium cases with cardboard and recycled materials. Between 2021 and 2024, Andy Wolf reduced its acetate frame product footprint by 53% and metal products by 38%. The company maintains a 100% European supply chain without air freight and offers lifespan-extending services like repairs, second-hand options, and a seven-year warranty on the AWearness collection. Socially, people with disabilities comprise 6% of its workforce, supported by four local work-integration organizations contributing to production activities such as keyrings, labelling, and displays.
Giorgio Armani’s heirs plan to meet LVMH, L’Oréal and EssilorLuxottica to discuss selling an initial 15% stake in the fashion group, following founder Giorgio Armani’s succession instructions. Chief Executive Giuseppe Marsocci stated the holding could be shared among investors, though terms remain undecided. The will prioritizes these three groups but allows for comparable buyers, with a deadline of March 2027 that may extend due to market conditions. A possible split would grant each party a 5% holding. Valuation gaps persist, with insiders suggesting €10 billion against investor estimates of €3–7 billion. EssilorLuxottica holds an eyewear agreement until 2038, while L’Oréal’s beauty licence runs through 2050. Further sales of 30% to 54.9% are planned over three to five years.
The XXVII Congreso Latinoamericano de Optometría y Óptica is scheduled to take place in October 2026. The event program includes workshops and features presentations by both national and international speakers. Specific dates, venue locations, or detailed agenda items are not provided in the source material.
The Milan-based Mido trade show has opened applications for its 2027 awards, recognizing innovation and sustainability in the optical industry. Three main categories are accepting entries: the fifth edition of the CSE Award (Certified Sustainable Eyewear), which evaluates products like frames and sunglasses on recycled material use and energy reduction; the second edition of the CSE Corporate Award, focusing on company-wide ESG integration; and the 12th Best Store Award, assessing retail design and customer experience globally. Applications for the CSE awards close January 8, 2027, while Best Store submissions end December 31, 2026. Winners will be announced during an official ceremony at Fiera Milano Rho from February 6 to 8, 2027. Additionally, the Sergio Cereda Design Award ceremony will take place at the event, with applications open until November 30.
Seneca Polytechnic and CooperVision Canada announced the opening of the CooperVision Contact Lens Centre of Excellence on October 2, 2026. The state-of-the-art training facility is designed to expand hands-on learning opportunities for opticianry students. Additionally, the centre aims to strengthen ties between education, industry, and patient care.
Zeiss Group appointed Axel Christian as president of Zeiss North America, effective October 1, 2026. This newly created role unites operations across the U.S. and Canada to strengthen regional integration and growth. Christian will lead initiatives spanning Medical Technology, Consumer Markets, Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, and Photonics & Optics. He will collaborate with Gary Rosenblum, named president and CEO of Zeiss Vision Care US in June 2025, on region-wide opportunities. Based at the Zeiss Innovation Center California in Dublin, Christian brings over 20 years of strategic management experience, having served as CFO of Zeiss Greater China and head of corporate finance at headquarters. The appointment reaffirms Zeiss’s long-term commitment to North America, where it employs more than 3,750 people across over 34 locations.
Nathan Garnett announced First Look London, a trade-only eyewear event scheduled for September 17, 2027, at the Town Hall in King’s Cross. Designed to showcase independent brands and emerging designers, the event will feature up to 50 curated labels, including early adopters such as Bird Eyewear, Kirk & Kirk, and Linda Farrow, with Nikon Lenswear UK serving as the official lens sponsor. The venue, designed by Tom Dixon, aims to provide buyers meaningful engagement time with makers. A high-profile advisory group will steer editorial direction through meetings and round tables beginning in early 2027. Industry leaders, including Dr Pretty Basra and Rob Barrow, endorsed the initiative, citing a need for focused, design-led spaces that support independent retail practices beyond traditional product displays.
MIDO has opened applications for its 2027 awards, recognizing innovation and sustainability in the optical industry. Entries for the fifth CSE Award – Certified Sustainable Eyewear and the second CSE Corporate Award are accepted until 8 January 2027. The CSE Award evaluates eyewear frames, sunglasses, and cases using eco-friendly solutions, while the Corporate Award assesses ESG integration by exhibiting companies. Applications for the 12th Best Store Award remain open until 31 December 2026, targeting global optical stores judged on design and innovation. Additionally, submissions for the Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award close on 30 November 2026. Winners will be announced during an official ceremony at MIDO, held from 6 to 8 February 2027 at Fiera Milano Rho.
Optical Prism Magazine reported that the MIDO eyewear exhibition has opened registration for its upcoming event. Concurrently, ANFAO, the Italian association representing the optical industry, presented data covering the first half of 2026 regarding the Italian sector. The source text provides only these headline announcements and does not include specific figures, growth rates, or detailed market analysis within the provided excerpt. Consequently, the summary reflects the initiation of the registration process and the release of the statistical report without elaborating on the content of the data itself.
Kits Eyecare Ltd. (TSX: KITS) was ranked No. 221 overall and No. 25 in the Consumer category on The Globe and Mail’s 2026 Report on Business list of Canada’s Top Growing Companies. The Vancouver-based eyecare provider achieved this position through a reported three-year revenue growth of 121%. The editorial ranking, which recognizes innovative Canadian businesses based on revenue expansion, included 376 companies for the current year. Co-Founder and CEO Roger Hardy attributed the milestone to customer loyalty and accessible pricing models. The full list is available on The Globe and Mail’s website and in the October issue of Report on Business magazine.
The source material from Revista Ver+, titled "Marcas y Productos para Hacer Crecer tu Óptica," contains only a single sentence requesting the reader to ask for their wholesale catalog. No specific brands, products, market data, financial figures, or news events are reported in the provided text. Consequently, there are no factual details regarding optical market trends, company announcements, or product launches to summarize.
The source material provided by Revista Ver+ contains only the title "Conoce Nuestras Marcas" (Know Our Brands) and the body text "Un portafolio completo para cada estilo" (A complete portfolio for every style). There are no specific brand names, product launches, financial figures, dates, geographic details, or factual events described in this content. Consequently, no concrete news event regarding changes in the eyewear market, company actions, or product availability can be reported from this excerpt.
BlackDog Company holds the exclusive representation rights for Lacoste Eyewear and Peacock reading glasses. The source material identifies these two brands as being under this specific distribution arrangement but provides no further details regarding product launches, geographic availability, financial terms, or operational timelines.
Safilo has appointed Oscar Cera as its new Commercial Officer for Latin America to strengthen the company's regional presence. Cera, who has over 12 years of experience within the Safilo Group, previously served as Country Director North, overseeing the United Kingdom and Nordic countries. His career at Safilo began in Spain as Sales Director before moving to Italy for approximately five years in various commercial roles. In his new position, Cera will lead commercial development across Latin American markets, focusing on strengthening client relationships, supporting brand growth, and identifying new opportunities while aligning global strategies with local needs. The appointment reflects Safilo’s commitment to enhancing its commercial strategy in the region.
DaTE 2026 held September 12–14 at Salone Margherita in Naples attracted more than 1,080 attendees, including 77 international buyers from 18 countries—over double the 2025 figure. International participation rose to approximately 8% of total visitors, up from 3% previously, aided by a delegation of around 20 European buyers organized with the Italian Trade Agency. President Davide Degl’Incerti Tocci stated the move to Naples expanded reach into central and southern Italy while maintaining national attendance. The event’s roaming format aims to foster direct dialogue among manufacturers and professionals. DaTE 2027 is scheduled for September 11–13 at Paladozza in Bologna, selected for its central location and versatile venue suitable for industry networking.
The Silhouette Group opened its first German HOUSE OF SILHOUETTE location at the Kaisergalerien in Hamburg on October 1, following a successful launch in Vienna. The 120-square-meter store features ultra-lightweight Silhouette designs, urban-progressive NEUBAU styles, and evil eye performance eyewear, combining modern technology with personalized vision consultations. Designed by the Ippolito Fleitz Group, the space aims to redefine the premium eyewear experience. Approximately 160 guests from fashion, culture, and media attended the opening event, which included a live performance by The BossHoss and DJ sets. Michael Schmied, CSO of the Silhouette Group, stated that the store embodies their vision of eyewear as an expression of personality and quality.