Hakim Group was recognised as one of the top-performing private businesses in the UK Best Managed Companies 2026 awards, announced on 29 September 2026. Led by Deloitte, the programme assesses companies across four pillars: strategy, culture and commitment, capabilities and innovation, and governance and financial performance. The initiative operates in more than 45 territories globally to highlight private companies' contributions to economic growth. Representatives from Hakim Group attended a celebratory evening at the V&A East Storehouse in London to receive their accolade alongside other 2026 winners. CEO Imran Hakim attributed the recognition to the strength of the company’s people, partnerships, and shared commitment to practices, patients, and communities.
EssilorLuxottica has announced ELevate, a new partnership programme designed to support independent eye care practitioners in the UK. Launched at an event in Birmingham on 10 September, the initiative consolidates existing Essilor and Luxottica loyalty schemes into a single portal offering rewards, training, business support, and clinical expertise. The programme features four pillars: Clinical excellence, Connect, Accelerate, and Differentiate, including access to brand accreditations like Ray-Ban Legends and Oakley Pro. It retains a three-tiered points system based on annual spend, ranging from Aspire (up to £12,000) to Advanced (over £96,000). Giona Riccetti, general manager for UK and Ireland, described it as a global first, aiming to help independents navigate rising costs and competition by providing dedicated account management and digital insights.
The 2026 ASEAN Int’l Optics Expo (WOF | Bangkok) is scheduled for October 9–11, 2026, at the IMPACT Exhibition Centre in Bangkok. Organisers have announced exclusive benefits for professional buyers, including up to three nights of complimentary hotel accommodation for non-Bangkok attendees who pre-register and submit applications with flight itineraries by specific deadlines. Pre-registered visitors can redeem free coffee vouchers on-site using personal QR codes during the show dates. Attendees also receive limited-edition customised eyewear cleaning cloths. On-site orders of USD 1,000 or more qualify for scratch cards to win prizes such as iPhones, iPads, Xiaomi watches, smart eyewear, and power banks, with a maximum of two cards per company. Foreign-currency orders are converted to USD or RMB for eligibility calculations.
MIDO has opened visitor registration for its 2027 edition, scheduled for February 6–8, 2027, at Fiera Milano Rho. Organizers describe the event as featuring continuous evolution, with returning exhibitors, new companies, and a strengthened international presence across the eyewear sector. The show continues to attract professionals from over 160 countries, including manufacturers, opticians, and buyers. Key features include dedicated spaces for Academy and Start Up, and The Vision Stage in Pavilion 1, which will host approximately 20 events over three days. For 2027, MIDO is expanding the visitor experience through My Fair Plus, a digital platform by Fondazione Fiera Milano allowing bookings for cultural activities throughout Milano. Special travel arrangements are organized for visitors from the United States, Canada, Latin America, Wenzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.
CooperVision announced the grand opening of The Vision Centre, its new global innovation hub located in Southampton, England. The facility spans 9,940 square meters and will house approximately 350 employees, combining research and development, clinical expertise, pilot manufacturing, and commercial capabilities to accelerate product development. During the event, CooperVision revealed six major product advancements planned for launch over the next several years, including the world’s first complete family of 1-day contact lenses for myopia control, novel premium 1-day silicone hydrogel technology, and advanced toric multifocal options. The company states these developments represent one of its most ambitious product pipelines to date, aiming to shorten the path from idea to market-ready solution using advanced modeling and AI-enabled tools.
MyEyeDr. has entered into an agreement with EyeCare Partners to acquire its optometry division, which comprises more than 300 offices operating under brands including Clarkson Eyecare, EyeCare Associates, EyeCare Center, Nationwide Vision, and The Eye Doctors. According to a press release from MyEyeDr., the transaction aims to expand patient service capabilities, strengthen its position in optometry, and support long-term investments in doctors and associates through shared best practices across a larger organization. The acquisition is expected to close in Q4 2026, contingent upon receiving required regulatory approvals.
The Vision Council concluded its sold-out 2026 Lab Leadership Forum in Henderson, Nevada, from September 16–18, gathering over 200 optical laboratory leaders for networking and professional development. The agenda featured expert-led panels on lens design, equipment, and lab management systems, alongside updates on market research and regulatory issues. Brandon Butler, Founder and CEO of Artisan Lab Network, received the 2026 Goodfellow Award during a special dinner. Prior to the main forum, the association hosted the annual Emerging Optical Leaders (EOL) Retreat, offering participants leadership workshops and networking at Red Rock Canyon. Michael Vitale, Vice President of Membership, Government Relations & Technical Affairs, stated that attendees would implement changes inspired by these gatherings. Sponsors included Coburn Technologies, Hoya Vision Care, and Shamir.
Specsavers has been announced as the Presenting Partner for Vision Australia’s 2026 Carols by Candlelight, marking the first time the eyewear retailer supports this fundraising event. The partnership aims to raise funds for children who are blind or have low vision, addressing a significant annual funding gap for specialist early intervention services not fully covered by government funding. Vision Australia CEO David Williamson stated the collaboration hopes to achieve another record year of donations. Specsavers head of marketing Anri McHugh expressed pride in supporting the cause and integrating brand elements into the tradition. The event is scheduled for Christmas Eve, Thursday December 24, at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, with home viewing available via Channel 9 broadcast.
Seneca Polytechnic and CooperVision Canada have opened the CooperVision Contact Lens Centre of Excellence at Seneca’s Newnham Campus. This state-of-the-art training facility is designed to expand hands-on learning for Opticianry students by providing modern instrumentation for contact lens fitting, assessment, dispensing, and patient education. Beyond supporting the academic program, the Centre will host educational events, demonstrations, and collaborative programming to connect students, eye care professionals, and CooperVision teams with emerging technologies. Seneca President David Agnew noted that the partnership ensures students learn using tools identical to those in professional practice, while CooperVision Canada Country Manager Enrique Contreras emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in future professionals and advancing vision care across Canada.
Registration is now open for visitors and journalists attending Mido 2027, scheduled to take place February 6–8 at Fiera Milano Rho. The event, which has more than fifty years of history, is preparing for a new edition characterized by new developments and an increasingly strong international presence. Organizers reaffirm Mido's role as a leading platform for the entire eyewear industry.
On September 26, 2026, Silmo Paris hosted its 33rd Silmo d’Or Awards ceremony at Pavillon Dauphine. Hosted by president Amélie Morel, the event honored winners in 13 categories and three special awards. The International Opticians’ Association named Jessica Gowing, lead optician at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London, as International Optician of the Year. Other notable winners included Julbo for Sport eyewear, Mega Optic for Vision technology, and Victoria Beckham for Sunglasses Labels. The Jury’s Special Prize went to Paloceras, while Andy Wolf received the Responsible Company Award. Additionally, Sophia Denison won the optical design contest with “DreamScape,” and Aliénor Vienne-Jumeau secured the Silmo Academy grant.
Italian National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers (ANFAO) data reveals that Italian eyewear exports fell 2.7 percent in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. ANFAO attributes this decline primarily to a "sharp contraction" in the U.S. market driven by tariff policies and trade barriers. Total exports reached just over €2.7 billion, with frames down 1.1 percent to €830 million and sunglasses down 3.7 percent to €1.81 billion. Conversely, lens exports rose 6 percent to €68 million. Exports to the U.S. specifically dropped 25.1 percent, resulting in over €107 million in lost revenue. Despite the overall decline, monthly trends improved from -14.3 percent in January to +3.7 percent in June, supported by resilience in European markets.
Marchon Eyewear and Marcolin announced the passing of industry veteran Laurence “Larry” Roth on September 27, 2026, at age 75. A co-founder of Marchon in 1983 alongside Al Berg and Jeff White, Roth served as co-president and shaped US sales strategies until the company’s sale to VSP Vision in 2008. Nicola Zotta, president of eyewear at VSP Vision and managing director of Marchon and Marcolin, praised Roth’s analytical skills and lasting influence on the teams. After leaving Marchon, Roth founded the racing and breeding operation LNJ Foxwoods with his wife Nanci and daughter Jaime. He is survived by his wife, three children, and two grandchildren.
SILMO Paris 2026, held at Paris Nord Villepinte from September 25 to 28, welcomed 32,108 professionals from nearly 150 countries. International attendees accounted for 53% of visitors. The event featured over 950 exhibitors and 1,500 brands across 80,000 m². Key highlights included the SILMO Next Tech Village, which focused on smart glasses and AI, hosting a hackathon where Kimoo won for its attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder assistance app. The Trends Forum showcased styles like FANCY and AURA. Awards recognized innovations such as Laclarée’s autofocus glasses and GETD & Marienfeld’s luxury smart eyewear. CSR initiatives highlighted Andy Wolf’s sustainable production, while the Optic Design Contest winner DREAMSCAPE addressed visual distortion.
MyEyeDr., a leading provider of comprehensive eyecare and eyewear solutions, announced an agreement to acquire EyeCare Partners' optometry division. The transaction involves more than 300 offices operating under brands including Clarkson Eyecare, EyeCare Associates, EyeCare Center, Nationwide Vision, and The Eye Doctors. MyEyeDr. stated the acquisition aims to expand its ability to serve patients, grow its position in optometry, and support long-term investment through shared best practices. EyeCare Partners CEO Chris Throckmorton described the move as a milestone for growing the profession and expanding access to neighborhood-based care. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Both companies were ranked among the top 10 in Vision Monday’s 2026 Top 50 U.S. Optical Retailers report.
Grosfilley France announced the signing of a long-term licensing agreement with Bentley Motors to develop and globally distribute Bentley Eyewear. Leveraging 75 years of eyewear expertise, Grosfilley will create collections that translate Bentley’s design language into frames and sunglasses, focusing on precision materials and construction. The first collection developed under this partnership is scheduled to debut at SILMO Paris 2027, preceding an exclusive launch to a selected international market. Marine Andruetan, President of Grosfilley France, described the agreement as a landmark moment aimed at establishing Bentley Eyewear as a recognized name internationally.
At SILMO Paris in Paris, Sunday’s programming focuses on broader industry shifts rather than immediate product launches. The event features discussions across SILMO NEXT, the Tech Village, the CSR Spot, SILMO Talks, and the Trends Forum regarding how smart glasses are redefining eyewear boundaries and the role of artificial intelligence in the profession. Additional topics include evolving retail models, health considerations, sustainability efforts, and changing consumer expectations. Organizers emphasize that these transformations will not affect all businesses equally, urging attendees to listen, question, and compare perspectives to understand emerging developments. A digital edition of Silmo Today is available for September 27, 2026.
Show organizers announced that registration is now open for visitors and press for Mido 2027, scheduled for Feb. 6-8, 2027, at Fiera Milano Rho. President Lorraine Berton stated the edition will feature an updated format with a strong international presence, attracting professionals from over 160 countries. The exhibition covers the entire eyewear supply chain, including dedicated areas for new talent like Academy and Start Up. A key component, The Vision Stage, will host approximately 20 events in Pavilion 1 to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Organizers also introduced "My Fair Plus – Beyond the Exhibition," a digital platform by Fondazione Fiera Milano allowing attendees to book cultural activities across Milan. Special travel deals are available for visitors from North America, Latin America, and specific Chinese cities.
Optik Matt GmbH announced the acquisition of the Vision System Store (VSS) group, effective October 1, 2026. The deal involves 16 VSS locations, primarily situated in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, aiming to strengthen Optik Matt’s presence in southern Germany. Existing VSS stores will continue operating as independent entities with their current teams retained. Maximilian Matt, who joined the executive board in 2024, will assume management of VSS from founder Christoph Reinhard on the acquisition date. Reinhard stated that the transition ensures long-term perspectives for employees and locations while preserving VSS values. Both parties emphasized shared commitments to high-quality consultation and product standards. This move supports Optik Matt’s long-term growth strategy as a third-generation family business with over 75 branches.
Registration is now open for visitors and journalists attending MIDO 2027, scheduled for February 6–8 at Fiera Milano Rho. President Lorraine Berton confirmed the edition will feature new exhibitors alongside returning companies, reinforcing its role as a platform for the global eyewear supply chain. The event includes The Vision Stage in Pavilion 1, hosting approximately 20 cultural and industry events over three days. New digital initiative My Fair Plus allows attendees to book city experiences beyond the exhibition halls. Special travel deals are arranged for professionals from the US, Canada, Latin America, and Chinese cities including Wenzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.
20/20 Europe and Jobson Optical Group celebrated the inaugural European edition of the “Most Influential Women in Optical” (MIWO) initiative during a luncheon at SILMO Paris on September 25, 2026. Originally launched in the United States by Vision Monday in 2003, the program recognized 26 women from across the European optical and eyewear industry. Honourees were acknowledged in five categories: Business Leaders, Mentors, Rising Stars, Founders, and Innovators. Lorraine Berton was among those honored for her leadership in the Italian optical industry and as the first woman to lead ANFAO. Approximately 160 guests attended the event, which brought together optical professionals, industry leaders, and sponsors including The Vision Council, READ ON, MIDO, and Go Eyewear Group.
At Meta Connect 2026, Mark Zuckerberg announced a strategic reversal for the company's hardware division. Previously built on the assumption that the metaverse would precede AI superintelligence, Meta is now prioritizing AI functionality first. This shift centers on 'Muse,' the company’s personal AI agent. The move signals an intent by Meta and partner EssilorLuxottica to occupy significant market share in the AI glasses sector by aligning product development with current AI capabilities rather than future metaverse promises.
British eyewear manufacturer Eyespace, founded in 2013 by sisters Jayne and Julie Abel, has been active in the German market since last year. The B-Corp certified company, headquartered in Worcestershire, operates as a family business with 55 employees and offers over 490 sustainable items across brands including Cocoa Mint and Arhlo. Eyespace claims to be the leading independent eyewear provider in the UK, with products available in 95 countries. The firm emphasizes sustainability through initiatives like solar power at its headquarters, electric vehicle charging, and shifting to sea freight. Recent accolades include being named one of the Sunday Times’ "Best Places to Work 2025" and winning multiple Optician Awards. The company aims to reduce CO2 emissions and eliminate single-use plastics from its supply chain, positioning itself as an industry leader in ethical manufacturing practices.
At Connect 2026, Meta announced plans to bring its personal AI agent, Muse, to its AI glasses in the coming months. The update enables users to ask about products on shelves or lists via voice mode. To enhance shopping capabilities, Meta added new connectors including Walmart, Best Buy, Sephora, and Ulta, alongside existing Shopify access. Additionally, Meta introduced Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses and Gen 3 models, and announced an FDA-cleared hearing enhancement feature launching in the US later this year for $149.99. These developments aim to integrate personal superintelligence into wearable devices.
Editorial relevance: The announcement expands Meta's AI commerce ecosystem by integrating Muse with major retail connectors and introducing new hardware features, directly impacting the smart eyewear market.
The Vision Council concluded its sold-out 2026 Lab Leadership Forum, held September 16–18 at the M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson, Nevada. Over 200 optical laboratory leaders attended the three-day event, which featured panel discussions on lens design, equipment, and lab management systems, alongside networking activities including a golf tournament. During a special dinner, the organization presented the 2026 Goodfellow Award to Brandon Butler, Founder and CEO of Artisan Lab Network, recognizing his outstanding leadership and contributions to independent optical laboratories over his 25-year career. Additionally, The Vision Council hosted the 2026 Emerging Optical Leaders Retreat prior to the forum, offering participants leadership development workshops and networking opportunities at Red Rock Canyon.
At Snapdragon Summit 2026, Qualcomm announced the Sound Elite Gen 2 chipset, designed to enhance voice input and neural processing for audio devices within its 'personal AI' ecosystem. The initiative aims to enable agentic AI workflows across a constellation of devices, including phones, watches, and glasses, by running models directly on silicon for efficient context-aware execution. Qualcomm confirmed that its Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 chip will power upcoming AI glasses from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, which are set to release later this year and compete with Ray-Ban Meta Smartglasses. Additionally, the company highlighted partnerships with Samsung and Google for Android XR devices and introduced the START program to lower barriers for eyewear manufacturers entering the AI glasses market.
Jiubida Eyewear, established in 1984 with locations in Tainan and Kaohsiung, has selected three Chrome Hearts eyewear models for display. The featured frames include the BONE PRONE I (BK/SS) priced at $48,300, the BUBBA-A (AG-P) at $60,350, and the JUST IN-A (ARY) at $52,300. These pieces incorporate Chrome Hearts' signature gothic motifs such as crosses and daggers, utilizing materials like 925 sterling silver, 18K gold, and acetate. The selection highlights distinct design aesthetics ranging from geometric lines to vintage copper tones and olive green contours, emphasizing the brand's craftsmanship within the optical market.
Ringdahls Optik, located on Kungsholmen in Stockholm, is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Founded in 1946 by optician Sven Ringdahl, the store has operated continuously at this location. Current owners Mia Alvan and Petra Lind are honoring the milestone, which spans eight decades of business history. The shop retains original elements, including a well-known neon sign featuring the brand name, red eyeglass frames, and parts of the built-in interior design, all of which received extra care ahead of the jubilee. The business maintains a focus on optical craftsmanship and eyewear fashion. In 2021, Ringdahls Optik was named Store of the Year in a competition involving approximately one hundred independent Swedish optical shops.
Smarteyes opened its second store in Västerås, Sweden, on September 10. Located at Livli Västerås, the new outlet complements the chain’s existing presence in the city and follows Smarteyes’ updated store concept, which features an open environment focused on the retailer’s own range of eyeglass frames. The proprietary assortment is continuously developed with new shapes and colors, including various design collaborations. Linda Edholm, store manager at Smarteyes Erikslund, highlighted the location and generous opening hours as key factors for welcoming customers. Marielle Wernoltz, marketing manager at Smarteyes, stated that the expansion reflects the company’s ongoing investment in retail environments and product design, noting Västerås as a significant market where the new establishment brings the brand closer to its customers.
Optometridagarna 2026 took place in Gothenburg, attracting 630 participants compared to nearly 900 the previous year. Rune Brautaset, chair of the Swedish Association of Opticians, attributed the lower attendance to the non-Stockholm location and Synsam's decision to send only its exhibition rather than optician staff. Despite the drop, Brautaset expressed satisfaction with the event's atmosphere and increased focus on panel discussions regarding Nordic market structures and optician-ophthalmologist collaboration. Research presented by Tomas Bro indicated that cataract and glaucoma alone will increase total eye care needs by 19 percent by 2040 due to an aging population. Brautaset suggested this demographic shift may lead to a fragmented industry where optical retailers specialize in distinct market segments rather than competing for identical customers.
Organizers have opened visitor registration for the upcoming Optikmässan trade fair, scheduled to take place at the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre on January 15 and 16, 2027. The event will feature a mix of lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities, with the primary focus being an exhibition where suppliers present new products ranging from design innovations to modern technology. The venue is located adjacent to Stockholm Central Station and Cityterminalen, providing convenient access via train, bus, car, or flight. This announcement confirms the dates and location for the next edition of the Swedish optical industry gathering.
Swedish optical retailer Synsam has announced a partnership with singer Carola Häggkvist, naming her the company’s new brand ambassador. As part of this collaboration, Häggkvist will work with Synsam’s design team to develop an exclusive collection of prescription glasses and sunglasses. Design work begins in autumn 2026, with the collection scheduled for launch in early 2027 across Synsam’s Nordic stores and online platform. The initiative follows previous ambassadorships with athletes like Erling Haaland and aims to blend Häggkvist’s personal style with Scandinavian design aesthetics. Some pieces will be produced at Synsam Group’s innovation center on Frösön. Susanne Westford, Synsam’s marketing director, stated that these collaborations support their strategy of creating exclusive collections with profiled individuals.
Nine months after completing its acquisition of Marcolin, VSP Vision announced on September 21 a top management reshuffle for its combined Marcolin and Marchon operations. The new structure assigns joint leadership responsibility across both companies' operations in each key region. This move follows the integration of the two eyewear groups under VSP Vision's umbrella, aiming to streamline management across their respective brand portfolios and regional markets.
Japanese optical technology company HOYA Vision Care served as a Platinum sponsor of the Myopia Action Month (MAM) 2026, a global awareness initiative promoted by Myopia Profile held throughout September 2026. The campaign aims to translate scientific knowledge into action for myopia management, particularly among children and adolescents. During this period, HOYA also highlighted its new MiYOSMART iQ lens platform, which combines D.I.M.S. technology with Triple Enhanced Design. A randomized clinical study conducted by HOYA in partnership with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, presented in 2026, reported that after 12 months, children aged 4 to 12 using MiYOSMART iQ showed an average absence of myopia progression. For children aged 7 to 12, nine out of ten did not exhibit clinically relevant progression, and axial elongation was reduced by 94% compared to single-vision lenses.
The United Opticians Association (UOA) was established in 2024 through the unification of the Opticians Association of America and the National Federation of Opticianry Schools. The organization states that it prohibits discrimination of any type or nature and asserts that all its decisions are made impartially. The provided source material consists solely of this organizational background and a standard footer containing social media links, privacy policy references, and contact information. It does not contain specific news events, product launches, financial data, or detailed answers to professional questions despite the original title's implication. Consequently, no further factual details regarding current activities, membership changes, or industry impacts are available from this text.
The ASEAN Int’l Optics Expo 2026, hosted in Thailand, announced exclusive benefits for pre-registered buyers to facilitate entry into the ASEAN market. Key incentives include free hotel accommodation for up to three nights for international buyers based outside Bangkok, subject to review. Participants may receive subsidies of up to 2,000 THB for buyer-supplier meetings, determined by exhibitor feedback. Additional perks include one complimentary coffee voucher per pre-registered buyer, limited by daily quotas, and a customised cleaning cloth for all on-site visitors while stocks last. Buyers placing qualifying orders can earn scratch-card draws, with up to two chances depending on order value. The event features optical product displays, smart eyewear showcases, and industry exchange meetings.
Revenio Group presented its new strategy and financial targets for 2027–2029 during its Capital Markets Day in Helsinki on September 15, 2026. This event marked the company’s first full presentation since agreeing to acquire French diagnostics group Visionix in April 2026 for €290 million. The announcement details Revenio's strategic direction following this significant acquisition, highlighting how the integration of Visionix will shape the company's operations and goals over the next three years.
DaTE 2026 concluded its three-day event at Salone Margherita in Napoli from September 12 to 14, exceeding expectations. The format attracted 1,000 unique industry professionals and over 1,080 attendances. International participation grew significantly, with 77 professionals from 18 countries attending—more than double the 2025 figure—and accounting for approximately 8% of total attendance compared to 3% last year. A delegation of around 20 European buyers visited through collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency. President Davide Degl’Incerti Tocci emphasized the event’s focus on dialogue over traditional trade fair mechanics. Following this success, organizers announced that DaTE will move to Bologna’s Paladozza venue for its next edition, scheduled for September 11 to 13, 2027.
Fielmann Group is consolidating its two Spanish optical chains, Óptica & Audiología Universitaria and Medical Óptica Audición, into a single brand under the Universitaria banner. The merger creates a combined network of 141 stores across 31 Spanish provinces. The rebranding process is scheduled to roll out progressively through the end of 2026. This move aims to strengthen Fielmann's position in the Spanish market.
The Accessories Council announced the finalists for its 2026 Design Excellence Awards, recognizing innovative products across the accessories industry. The awards include four eyewear categories split between independent brands and multi-brand companies, alongside segments for handbags, footwear, jewelry, sustainability, and technology. Notable optical finalists include Silhouette, Krewe, EssilorLuxottica, Marcolin, Safilo, and Barton Perreira. Winners will be revealed on November 2 at a New York City event. Public voting is currently open and remains available until October 26. Since the program’s inception in 2019, it has celebrated hundreds of brands. Accessories Council President Karen Giberson highlighted increased participation in the optical sector, noting eyewear’s growing role as an expression of personal style and design innovation within the broader accessories market.