Chrome Hearts eyewear is now available at Jiubida Optical stores in Tainan and Kaohsiung. The collection features the LGMA model (MLW/AG) priced at $80,350, characterized by polygonal geometric lines and an amber tea color with a metal mesh wind shield. Two SLUNTRADICTION models are also offered at $64,400 each: one in matte green (MDOL/GP) and another in black (BK/GP), both incorporating silver cross motifs on hinges and temple ends. These frames utilize materials such as 925 sterling silver, 18K gold, and acetate. Jiubida Optical, established in 1984, operates locations in Tainan’s West Central District and Kaohsiung’s Zuoying District, offering these luxury items alongside standard optical services.
William Morris London announced its "Three Decades. One Vision." collection to mark the brand's 30th anniversary, founded in 1996 by Robert Morris. The centerpiece is Royal, a limited-edition modernized acetate aviator designed by George Clarke for Design Eyewear Group. Inspired by London Underground seating fabrics, the frame comes in black, crystal, blue, and red, reinterpreting a design originally created for the brand’s 20th anniversary. The collection features new shapes and vibrant color combinations reflecting British character. These items were scheduled for discovery at SILMO Paris 2026 on Sunday, September 27. The source describes the event as an announcement of the collection rather than confirming a completed retail launch or specific availability dates beyond the trade show appearance.
EssilorLuxottica has initiated the rollout of Nuance Audio Plus, the next generation of its open-ear hearing glasses designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. The launch is currently limited to selected countries, notably France and Spain. This update follows a challenging first-generation launch, occurring as competitors begin to emerge in the space.
In its anniversary year, independent eyewear label Andy Wolf released the Chapter 20 collection. The line emphasizes subtle details, blending design sensibility with craftsmanship through a central theme of Havana tones applied to both acetate and metal frames. New color variations include white-silver for the metal collection and matte acetate finishes that highlight clean lines. Structural updates feature lower-set temples on models such as 4848 and 5166, while slim cat-eye shapes appear in model 4854. The accompanying Reading Club campaign frames reading as a symbol of curiosity and style reinterpretation. Founded in 2006 by Andreas Pirkheim and Wolfgang Scheucher, the brand is currently available in 69 countries worldwide.
On September 16, Snap began selling augmented-reality (AR) glasses to the public for the first time while simultaneously opening an enterprise sales channel. The consumer product, named Specs, marks the culmination of eleven years of development across five hardware generations, two of which were previously withheld from the public market. This dual launch expands Snap's reach from restricted developer access to both general consumers and business clients.
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.
Passau-based eyewear brand OWP has introduced a new collection titled "Designed for Character," which centers on individuality and the visibility of personality through design choices. The line features a broad variety of frame shapes and color palettes, ranging from clean, pared-back silhouettes to more distinctive designs with expressive accents. OWP positions color not as mere decoration but as a tool to highlight personal style, emphasizing refined details and thoughtful construction over exaggeration. Accompanying campaign imagery utilizes bold colors and modern interiors to showcase the frames within reduced compositions. The collection aims to demonstrate that characterful design can be subtle, relying on the interplay of form, color, and detail to create versatile, modern aesthetics without requiring loud visual statements.
LINDA FARROW announced its Spring/Summer 2027 "Room Service" collection, inspired by 1970s London five-star hotels. The frames are handcrafted in Japan using premium materials. Key design features include a reintroduced white lens logo on Janine, Kim, Stevie and Nana sunglasses; titanium eyelet details on Melba, Portia and Delmare models; sculpted titanium silhouettes for Jasmine and Stevie; and encased core wire aesthetics in Janine and Kim eyewear. Select Marcelo and Sadie sunglasses feature lenses plated with real precious metal, while Meret sunglasses incorporate photochromic lenses by Barberini that adapt to light conditions. The collection will be displayed at SILMO Paris in Hall 7, Booth C037.
Rokid has globally launched AIUI Studio, a browser-based agentic AI development platform for building spatial applications on its Rokid AI Glasses. Announced at IFA Berlin 2026, the platform offers an AI-native workflow from design to publishing, featuring built-in hardware simulation that allows developers to create and test apps without physical devices. It integrates the AIUI Skills Library and AIUI Code assistance to optimize latency, memory, and power consumption, enabling users to generate apps via plain language without coding experience. Rokid reports over 35,000 registered developers and more than 500 agents in its Agent Store. Concurrently, Rokid expanded its European retail presence with a new UK website and availability through Krys in Paris, Selfridges Tech Bar in the UK, and Coolblue in Germany and Benelux.
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.
Piper Eyewear introduced a new children's eyewear collection during the Expovisão trade show in Rio de Janeiro. The line features lightweight, ultrarresistant frames equipped with 360-degree temples designed for maximum flexibility and durability during active play. Available exclusively through distributor Prooptica Brasil, the collection offers round, square, and rounded shapes in vibrant colors including red, yellow, blue, green, coral, pink, orange, and turquoise. The brand emphasizes comfort and safety for young users, positioning the products as functional accessories that withstand daily wear while maintaining a playful aesthetic.
The Optical Women's Association published interviews with six Master Opticians addressing the profession's future. Participants, including Cira Collins, Danielle Crull, Diane F. Drake, Deborah Kotob, Carrie Wilson, and Christie Yee, emphasized that upholding standards requires continuous technical competency in evolving areas like myopia management and specialty lenses. They highlighted the importance of mentoring new professionals and prioritizing patient advocacy over self-serving agendas. The insights focus on adapting to technological changes and workforce challenges to ensure exceptional vision care. No specific product launches or financial data were included; the content consists solely of professional perspectives on education, ethics, and industry evolution within opticianry.
The legal dispute between the Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (ZVA) and Supervista AG, operator of Brillen.de, has concluded. A settlement reached before the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court clarifies that under German trade law, the physical branch where a customer undergoes measurement remains subject to registration requirements. This applies even when refraction procedures are conducted remotely. The agreement resolves the conflict regarding the regulatory status of Brillen.de’s operational model, establishing that remote execution does not exempt the local facility from handwerksrechtlich relevant obligations.
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.
According to a leak reported by The Information, Meta is developing a camera-free pair of smart glasses internally codenamed "Luna," which could ship as soon as October. Neither Meta nor its manufacturing and commercial partner EssilorLuxottica has commented on the report. The source article discusses the potential reasons for dropping the camera feature but notes that the timing, motive, and scope remain unconfirmed by the companies involved.
The source material for the "Market Survey: Automated Cosmetic Inspection" report contains no substantive news or data. Instead, it displays a placeholder message indicating that the actual content is hosted on Instagram and requires user interaction to view. This access method involves sharing data with third-party providers. Consequently, no factual details regarding the market survey, automated cosmetic inspection technologies, industry trends, or specific findings are available in the provided text. The entry serves solely as a notification of missing content rather than a report on optical or cosmetic industry developments.
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.
A MAFO magazine article from Issue 05/2026 argues that ophthalmic lens power is not an intrinsic property but depends on optical context. The text notes that while geometry and refractive index are invariant, effective power changes with the surrounding medium, illustrated by intraocular lenses dropping from approximately 60 diopters in air to 20 diopters when implanted. For eyewear, vertex distance adjustments compensate for positional differences, particularly in high-power prescriptions. Furthermore, central measurements fail to capture peripheral aberrations caused by oblique gaze angles, which introduce unwanted astigmatism and higher-order aberrations like coma. Although Tscherning’s ellipse describes base curves that minimize these effects, aesthetic and manufacturing constraints often prevent their use. Consequently, peripheral compensation technologies are necessary to align perceived power with prescribed values across the visual field.
US optical technology company Colorboost, expanding into Europe, has proposed two new metrics—the Color Resolution Factor (CRF) and the Color Accuracy Factor (CAF)—to objectively measure lens color performance. The initiative addresses a gap in industry standards where terms like “enhanced color” lack shared measurement methods, unlike established values such as Visible Light Transmission. Adapting display industry concepts, Colorboost maps pixel density to Spatial Cutoff Frequency to define these factors. CRF serves as the primary measure of color contrast, comparing a lens’s ability to resolve color differences against a clear reference. This approach aims to standardize how wavelength-filtering lenses are evaluated, moving beyond simple light blocking to quantifiable visual enhancement.
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.
Solabs has introduced Solar Defog Technology (SDT), a durable, PFAS-free coating that uses near-infrared sunlight to passively heat eyewear lenses and reduce fogging. Unlike surface-based solutions, SDT integrates a semicontinuous nanolayer inside standard anti-reflective or mirror coating stacks, protecting it from abrasion and ensuring compatibility with modern lens designs. The technology absorbs up to 70% of NIR radiation while maintaining up to 80% visible transparency. Laboratory and field tests indicate the coating can increase lens temperature by several degrees under sunlight, reducing defogging time by up to a factor of 10. The first commercial application is the Optray Sky SDT by Solabs, launched in collaboration with React Swiss Eyewear. Durability was validated with Bühler Leybold Optics, confirming suitability for industrial production.
Editorial relevance: The launch of a passive, sunlight-activated anti-fog coating addresses a persistent consumer pain point in eyewear, potentially driving demand for high-performance outdoor and safety lenses.
In a MAFO magazine interview, Li Jun, founder and CEO of Maat Optical, discussed the company’s strategy for photochromic lenses. Founded in China in 2000, Maat Optical produces over 20 million lenses annually with nearly 400 employees, including more than 30 in R&D. The company utilizes in-mass and spin-coating technologies to compete with international brands. Li highlighted recent additions of red and amber colors in the first half of 2026 and an annual pipeline of over three new products guided by their "8Q Strategy." He identified balancing thermal stability with photosensitivity as the primary technical challenge, noting that high temperatures limit darkening performance. Based in Danyang, a major ophthalmic manufacturing hub, Maat Optical aims to enhance light management and visual health protection globally.
LOOK has introduced the Nil-Tech 75400 series to its Premium segment, featuring four frames weighing seven grams each. The collection includes a panto, a rectangular double-bridge, and two squared silhouettes designed for both men and women. Constructed from LOOK’s patented NIL technopolymer front and titanium temples, the frames utilize an interlocking system instead of screws or adhesives. This design was tested over 16,000 opening and closing cycles to ensure stability. The NIL front is precision-milled using techniques derived from traditional acetate processing. Comfort features include elongated nose pads and increased side depth for a subtle wraparound effect that accommodates thicker prescription lenses. All frames are designed and manufactured entirely in Italy at LOOK’s own production facility.
OVVO has expanded its Ti2 Collection with three new titanium eyewear models: ATLAS, KRONOS, and TYPHON. Designed for strength, lightness, flexibility, and comfort, each style offers a distinct silhouette. ATLAS features an all-metal construction with angular lenses and a surface that shifts between matte and metallic finishes. KRONOS presents a bold, architectural rectangular frame with a raised bridge and pronounced browline. TYPHON, described as the most experimental of the trio, utilizes sculpted surfaces and unexpected geometry to create a three-dimensional profile, incorporating a keyhole bridge and integrated nose pads. These additions demonstrate the versatility of titanium as a design material while maintaining OVVO’s focus on technical precision and considered construction.
The US optical market reached $19.1 billion in the second quarter of 2026, an increase from $18.4 billion in the first quarter, according to The Vision Council’s latest Market inSights report. Despite this revenue growth, unit volumes dropped in every category, indicating that price increases are increasingly driving market value. The quarterly estimates rely on consumer retail credit card spending data, patient billing and payment data, and optical retail location information.
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.
ENGO has announced the engo3 Cyclist, a heads-up display (HUD) smart glass model designed specifically for road and gravel cyclists. Powered by ActiveLook technology, the glasses project over 40 data points into the rider's field of view, including real-time power zones, heart rate, and estimated watts. A key feature is the integration with Garmin-compatible bike radars (such as the Varia range), which displays alerts for approaching vehicles based on distance and speed to enhance safety. The device offers customizable screens via a companion app, double-tap controls, and compatibility with Garmin watches and Edge devices. ENGO states the glasses feature an IP55 rating, adjustable temples for helmet compatibility, and a battery life exceeding 20 hours. The standard version is priced at €349.95/$399.95/£299.95, while the photochromic version costs €399.95/$449.95/£349.95.
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.
Show organizers for Silmo Paris have announced the nominees for the 33rd Silmo d'Or Awards, an annual juried ceremony celebrating eyewear design and innovation. Joachim Froment, co-founder of Futurewave, will serve as jury president. The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on September 26, 2026, during the Silmo 2026 show scheduled for September 25–28 at Paris Nord Villepinte. Categories include children, sport, vision, materials, technological innovation, smart eyewear, optical frames, and sunwear. Notable nominees feature products from EssilorLuxottica (including Ray-Ban Meta Display), Oakley, Hoya Vision Care, and various independent designers across multiple segments.
SPECTR Magazine has released issue #48, focusing on contemporary eyewear through photography and editorial content. The cover features the Belgian brand theo with its Les pleins et les vides collection, accompanied by an exclusive interview. Collection shoots highlight LOOK, HOFFMANN NATURAL EYEWEAR, and DERIGO alongside PORSCHE DESIGN, CHOPARD, ROBERTO CAVALLI, PHILIPP PLEIN, and RODENSTOCK. Fashion shoots capture eyewear in urban settings across Berlin, London, Munich, and Barcelona. Editorial pages present new perspectives from ETNIA BARCELONA, DITA LANCIER, ROLF, EYEFLY, and OWP. A retail feature profiles BRILLENHAUS TOERSCHEN, while the Trend Special “Into The Season” examines key movements shaping the industry for Autumn/Winter 2026.
CooperVision (CVI) reported little change in revenue for the third quarter of its fiscal year 2026. This stability occurred despite a reduction in US channel inventory, which is expected to negatively impact results in the final quarter of the year. Separately, CooperCompanies, the medical device parent company encompassing both CVI and CooperSurgical, retained CooperSurgical. The source provides limited detail on specific financial figures or the strategic rationale behind the retention decision beyond these core facts.
opti Director Cathleen Kabashi announced that the 2027 trade fair will introduce a new special area, "opti Smart Tech," dedicated to smart eyewear, wearables, hearables, and connected technology. This initiative supports the broader "See. Hear. Next." campaign, aiming to bridge emerging technologies with optical and hearing-care practices. While opti’s core market remains the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Kabashi emphasized that this density of specialized innovation partners makes Munich a key entry point for international business models. The event also continues existing formats like "Spheare" and "Tomorrow Vision," focusing on tangible commercial opportunities rather than abstract future visions.
Mido announced the adoption of the "Eyewearland Milano" payoff as a new element defining its identity, positioning the event as an eyewear ecosystem rather than just a trade show. The 2027 edition is scheduled for February 6–8 at Fiera Milano Rho, featuring 1,200 exhibitors across eight areas in seven halls and attracting visitors from over 160 countries. Coinciding with Chinese New Year on the opening day, Mido arranged special travel deals for attendees from Wenzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, supplementing existing offers for visitors from the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Further initiatives are planned for announcement in coming months.
Masai Eyewear presented its new collection during Expovisão in Rio de Janeiro, showcasing designs described as inclusive, lightweight and multicultural. The line features thin-profile metal frames in square and geometric shapes with black, silver, rose and gold tones, alongside acetate models in blue, black, translucent gray and demi colors. Rounded and rectangular forms aim to balance comfort, lightness and style for daily use. Distributed exclusively by Prooptica Brasil, the collection is positioned for optical retailers seeking versatile, contemporary eyewear. The source highlights design aesthetics and brand identity but does not provide specific model names, prices or launch dates beyond the event presentation.
Paris-based independent luxury eyewear brand Ahlem has developed a new bronze frame construction after two-and-a-half years of R&D, including oxidation testing. The nickel-free alloy allows for architectural forms and shifts weight to the temples for better balance, while fronts retain plated metal. Nine new designs featuring bronze temples will debut at Silmo Paris (September 25–28). This launch accompanies Ahlem’s retail expansion: opening its largest US boutique in New York, a first Asian flagship in Tokyo, and a second Paris store in October. The brand expects eight boutiques by end-2026, following minority investment from 1686 Partners. Ahlem reports 35% year-on-year growth across approximately 900 wholesale doors.
McQueen Eyewear has released its latest collection, which combines bold shapes with refined craftsmanship. The range includes sharp cat-eye frames, narrow oval designs, and striking wraparound sunglasses. Constructed from lightweight acetate and metal, the frames feature subtle signature details and the McQueen logo to establish identity without overpowering the design. The collection aims to balance strength with elegance, offering contemporary yet timeless silhouettes intended for everyday luxury wear.
Yohji Yamamoto has introduced a new eyewear collection emphasizing lightweight titanium construction and refined metal detailing. The line includes the YY040 combination frames, which feature subtle 3D bevels on the top bar and are available in colorways such as black with brushed gun, tortoise brown with gold, and crystal grey with brushed silver. Additionally, the YYSUN504 sunglasses present a hexagonal shape with matte black titanium temples and signature gold screws. Both models incorporate distinctive Y-shaped end pieces along with comfortable titanium temples and nose pads. The collection aims to balance strong silhouettes with precise, light construction, reflecting the brand’s design philosophy of clean architecture and understated detailing.
INSPECS Group reported mixed financial results for the first half of 2026, highlighting challenges for its new ownership. The company achieved a slightly faster pace of revenue growth in H1 2026 compared to the full year of 2025. However, this acceleration was driven entirely by its Manufacturing division, a small OEM arm that is only recently turning a profit. In contrast, the Frames and Optics segment, which constitutes the larger portion of the group’s business, did not contribute to this pickup. The report underscores the divergent performance between the emerging profitable manufacturing unit and the historically significant frames and optics operations under new leadership.
Eyewear brand BLACKFIN has announced its Fall/Winter 2026 advertising campaign, titled "Urban Sync." The campaign is visually set against the architectural backdrop of Berlin. As an announcement of a new marketing initiative, this report confirms the launch of the creative direction and location for the upcoming season's promotional materials. No specific product details, pricing, or availability dates for eyewear items featured in the campaign were provided in the source material.