Optical companies can now apply for the Mido Awards 2027, which recognize sustainability and retail concepts. The awards include the CSE Award for sustainable eyewear frames, sunglasses, and cases; the CSE Corporate Award for company-level sustainability strategies; and the Best Store Award for innovative optical shops in design and innovation categories. Application deadlines vary by category: December 31, 2026, for the Best Store Award, and January 8, 2027, for both CSE Awards. Winners will be announced during the Mido trade fair held February 6–8, 2027, in Milan.
The Charmant Group has restructured its European sales and service organization, routing customer inquiries from German opticians through Charmant France since October. This change covers general queries, spare parts orders, and after-sales service, with a dedicated German-speaking contact managing coordination. Despite centralizing support in France, the company remains active in the German optical market. Concurrently, Charmant is developing a digital ordering platform for Germany, enabling opticians to purchase eyewear frames online starting in 2027.
The Schneider Optoshop showroom in Ried illustrates how optical retailers can integrate diagnostic technology into sales areas to enhance customer experience. Owner Alexander Schneider advocates separating measurement from consultation, suggesting that automated preliminary exams occur in visible retail spaces while tests requiring darkness remain in dedicated rooms. This approach aims to build trust by making results accessible on large screens during consultations. The display features Mediworks devices, including the AL550 for myopia management and the Scansys Pro Scheimpflug system for complex cornea situations. According to manufacturer claims, the Scansys Pro costs approximately 26,000 euros, including full software licenses without additional fees for multiple computers or updates. The article emphasizes planning considerations such as room layout, visibility, and future specialization needs rather than promoting specific product availability or pricing guarantees beyond the cited manufacturer data.
Transitions Optical has opened applications for the 2027 Transitions Change Agent program, accepting submissions through November 15, 2026. The initiative recruits eyecare professionals from the U.S. and Canada to join a peer-to-peer community focused on building awareness of Transitions lenses among peers, industry professionals, and patients. Members engage in thought leadership activities such as social media contributions, focus groups, speaking engagements, and interviews, while gaining potential access to product trials and technology testing. Applicants must submit an online form at TransitionsPRO.com/ChangeAgent detailing their motivations, goals, and social media profiles. Selected candidates will be notified in December 2026 and invited to participate during the 2027 calendar year.
Tech Print Industries (TPI) has transitioned its proprietary CAD software from an internal tool used for 3D printing frames into a standalone product. The company, which previously demonstrated the capability to produce custom frames using modified HP printers and this software at the 2024 Mido trade show in Milan, now offers the design platform independently. Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Marc Notenboom originally detailed the technology's ability to generate frames of any shape during the 2024 event. This move marks a shift from providing integrated manufacturing services to selling the underlying design software directly to users.
The Vision Council released its Consumer inSights Q3 2026 report, surveying over 12,000 U.S. adults to analyze optical category purchasing trends. Findings indicate stable market conditions with consumers shifting toward the $100–$199 price range, while spending under $100 or over $200 declined. The data reveals that in-person buyers reported higher average out-of-pocket costs than online shoppers, though 53% of online buyers purchased multiple pairs compared to 36% of in-person shoppers. Managed vision care coverage reached a five-quarter high at 72%. Smart eyewear adoption among recent purchasers fell three percentage points to 13%. Additionally, 59% of respondents spent less than $100 on contact lenses, the highest share in five quarters. Gen Z and Millennials drove increased eye exam rates, while Gen X reported the lowest.
Vuzix Corporation announced a distribution agreement with Commercial Electronics Systems (CES), a Denver-based value-added distributor serving Colorado, Texas, and Wyoming. CES has received and begun shipping against an initial six-figure order for Vuzix LX1 smart glasses. The partnership aims to expand Vuzix's enterprise sales channel by integrating smart glasses into CES's new Automation and Intelligent Infrastructure division, targeting commercial automation and workforce modernization markets. CES will leverage its experience in security and fire protection to introduce wearable technology for hands-free information access and remote support. Vuzix CEO Paul Travers noted that CES is building a broader automation business around customer needs rather than simply reselling hardware.
ClearVision Optical has announced the introduction of Dilli Dalli Virtual Try-On (VTO), a tool designed specifically for children’s facial structures to address fit issues common with adult-oriented try-on technologies. The VTO allows families to preview frame fits and styles from home, utilizing multiple pupil distance detection methods to guide accurate sizing. Unlike standard e-commerce solutions, this tool directs users to a retail locator to find dispensing practices carrying Dilli Dalli frames, ensuring purchases occur in-store with professional assistance. Steve Tripi, head of marketing at ClearVision, stated the goal is to streamline in-store selection and enable eye care professionals to present a broader assortment beyond their physical inventory. The system supports use cases such as pre-visit narrowing of choices and in-office exploration of additional colors or styles.
EssilorLuxottica reported a 24% increase in its myopia management portfolio for the third quarter of 2026. Group revenue reached €7.49 billion (AU$11.91 billion), up 7.2%, with Asia-Pacific leading regional growth at 15.7%. The company attributed this performance to demand for products like Stellest lenses and innovation in lens technologies. Chairman Francesco Milleri and Deputy CEO Paul du Saillant credited AI-enabled smart glasses and Nuance Audio Plus Hearing glasses for strengthening the wearable portfolio, which saw 20% revenue growth. In Australia and New Zealand, OPSM recorded low-single-digit comparable-store sales growth driven by lens premiumisation. Direct-to-Consumer revenue rose 10.6% to €4.09 billion, while Eyecare & Medtech grew 6.5%. The group expects solid average annual revenue growth over the next five years at constant exchange rates.
Kering Eyewear reported a 6% increase in third-quarter revenue to €373 million, with first-half nine-month revenue reaching €1.338 billion. The division attributed this growth to innovation and commercial execution across all regions, specifically citing the launch of Maui Jim’s Fall Winter 2026 collection and initiatives marking Lindberg’s 40th anniversary. This performance contrasts with a 3% comparable decline in the broader Kering Fashion & Leather Goods segment, driven by Gucci’s ongoing turnaround. Meanwhile, creative departures at Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen have raised questions about future eyewear design directions, though Kering Eyewear’s centralized teams are expected to maintain brand continuity for wholesale partners during the transition.
Balenciaga unveiled its Fall/Winter 2026 eyewear collection, revisiting familiar silhouettes with contemporary details. The lineup includes the NOVA, a cat-eye interpretation featuring smooth, elongated oblong frames, stepped temples, and side-placed BB logos that emphasize understated proportions over exaggerated angles. The COSMO model offers rectangular and rounded variations, distinguished by experimental hinge hardware where raised metal elements form a distorted Nano BB logo. This structural branding incorporates a concave section to add depth and sculptural appearance, transforming functional components into distinctive design features. The collection highlights how subtle changes in proportions and unexpected hardware can redefine recognizable styles, presenting two distinct perspectives on contemporary eyewear while maintaining the house’s visual identity.
Optical Prism Magazine reported that the identity of Blackfin Pacific is evolving through design. The source provides no further details regarding specific products, timelines, geographic scope, or the nature of the design changes.
J.F. REY has introduced SAKURA, a limited-edition sunglasses concept from its new experimental space, J.F. REY LAB. Inspired by cherry blossoms, the frame features a fine metal structure combined with 3D-printed acetate rings and Category 3 brown gradient polarized lenses with anti-reflective coating. Production is strictly limited to 350 numbered pieces. The project includes a collaboration with fragrance house ROBERTET, resulting in a bespoke Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette included with each frame in a Japanese-inspired coffret. This multisensory approach aims to extend eyewear design beyond visual aesthetics into olfactory experience, marking J.F. REY’s first collaboration of this kind.
The Vision Council released its Consumer inSights Q3 2026 report, surveying over 12,000 U.S. adults on optical purchasing trends. The data indicates stable consumer behavior with a shift toward mid-range eyewear, as more buyers spent between $100 and $199 while shares of those spending under $100 or over $200 declined. Online eyewear buyers were more likely to purchase multiple pairs (53%) compared to in-person shoppers (36%), though in-person purchases reported higher average out-of-pocket costs. Smart eyewear adoption among recent buyers dropped three percentage points to 13%. Additionally, 72% of consumers reported having managed vision care coverage, the highest level in five quarters, and 59% spent less than $100 on contact lenses. The report is part of the organization's quarterly research program.
Following the announced closure of Charmant GmbH Europe in Munich by the end of 2026, Charmant Group has specified new operational procedures for the German market. Effective October 1, 2026, Charmant France took over customer service responsibilities for German opticians. This shift addresses general inquiries, spare parts orders, and after-sales support via contact@charmant.eu, with a German-speaking coordinator available to handle requests, including those from customers not previously registered in the French system. The company plans to launch an online ordering platform for eyewear frames in Germany in 2027. However, specific details regarding the exact start date and functional scope of this digital platform remain undisclosed. These changes concretize the previously announced transfer of European customer care operations to France.
Acuité reports that opticians should leverage social media to drive in-store visits rather than direct online sales. Citing an October 2026 Ifop study for Colissimo, the article notes that 15% of French consumers have purchased directly on social platforms, rising to 39% among those under 25, though these figures do not specifically cover eyewear. Carla Vivien, a social media coach for opticians, emphasizes maintaining client contact between typical two-year renewal cycles and fostering local proximity. She advises defining a clear content strategy aligned with store identity, utilizing video and stories to showcase team expertise, and prioritizing interaction over passive broadcasting. The goal is to enhance customer experience and loyalty, not merely accumulate followers or views.
Ray-Ban announced an official partnership with Art Basel Paris, following its debut at the Hong Kong edition. The collaboration features the "Impossible frames" project, a tactile installation located within the Grand Palais that challenges conventional eyewear design constraints. By inviting artists to reject traditional limitations regarding materials, technical structure and commercial viability, the brand aims to prioritize pure creative expression over functional utility. The physical installation contrasts industrial elements such as drywall, concrete, chrome, aluminum and brick walls wrapped in cables with neon lighting against the classical elegance of the venue. This activation positions impossibility as a method for authentic artistic identity rather than a boundary, reflecting Ray-Ban’s mission to support creative talent and shape the future of eyewear design through provocative visual culture.
The Vision Council released its Consumer inSights Q3 2026 report, analyzing optical purchasing behavior among over 12,000 U.S. adults surveyed between July 29 and September 12, 2026. Findings indicate consumer spending remained relatively flat compared to the previous quarter, though buyers shifted toward the mid-range $100–$199 price point, while those spending under $100 or over $200 declined. In-person eyeglasses purchasers reported higher average out-of-pocket costs than online buyers. Key data points include a five-quarter high for managed vision care coverage at 72%, increased eye exams among Gen Z and Millennials, and a three-percentage-point drop in smart eyewear purchases to 13%. Additionally, 59% of respondents spent less than $100 on contact lenses, marking another five-quarter high.
ZEISS Vision Care announced the launch of a new series of visual health video content on YouTube and TikTok. The initiative features five distinct formats tailored to each platform’s audience, aiming to make complex topics like myopia, astigmatism, and eye exams more accessible and entertaining. On YouTube, "Clearly Explained" offers educational insights from experts, while "Science Behind" connects innovation with real-world impact through interviews. On TikTok, short-form concepts include "Vision Answered," which addresses community questions; "Vision Revision," providing humorous classroom-style lessons; and "Make it ZEISS," using analogies from fashion or sports to simplify vision topics. This strategy responds to a ZEISS survey indicating that 85% of consumers expect lens brands to provide guidance beyond sales.
Atlant announced its new Autumn/Winter eyewear collection, The Observer, emphasizing a design philosophy centered on observation and simplicity. Shot in a 1970s brutalist setting to reflect the brand’s architectural language, the F/W 26 range features clean lines and balanced proportions across three distinct families. Horizon comprises seven optical styles focused on ultra-lightweight construction and slim silhouettes. Odyssey introduces contemporary optical frames and sunglasses with refined volumes, while Zénith offers optical and sun styles designed to transcend seasonal trends. The collection merges technical expertise with enduring appeal, positioning itself as an alternative to fast-moving visual culture by prioritizing thoughtful design over immediate impact.
Optical Prism published a post titled "Why this eyewear entrepreneur started paying herself differently." The source body indicates that the current page functions solely as a redirect, directing visitors to the original article hosted by Optical Prism Magazine. No specific details regarding the nature of the pay change, the identity of the entrepreneur, or the reasons behind the adjustment are provided in the available text.
Zadig&Voltaire Eyewear, in partnership with the De Rigo Group, has announced its Fall/Winter 2026 collection featuring model Lila Moss as the new face of the Maison. The campaign highlights a contemporary femininity blending vintage references from the 1970s and 1990s with a Parisian rock aesthetic. Key designs include oval optical frames like the VZV532 0752, square sunglasses such as the SZV519S 700H, and bold aviator styles exemplified by the SZV520 0700. The collection also features cat-eye shapes with jewelry-inspired details, including metallic studs and crystal-decorated Wings motifs on models like the SZV522V 0U17 and SZV516S 530G. These silhouettes combine classic lines with modern accents to position eyewear as a key style element.
Morgenthal Frederics launched its Fall/Winter 2026 eyewear collection on October 15, 2026. The debut line was designed by John Juniper and Jeff Solorio, co-founders of DITA Eyewear, marking their creative start at the New York heritage brand. The collection features handcrafted Japanese acetate frames with sculptural profiles and titanium designs with intricate metalwork, available in both optical and sunglasses styles. Signature purple temple tips and subtle brand symbols appear on selected lenses and nose pads. Retail prices range from $795 to $2,995. Antoine Amiel, President and CEO of New Look Vision Group, endorsed the appointment as a natural progression for the brand. A campaign titled "Heritage in Motion," photographed by Darren Gwynn, accompanies the launch.
Augsburg-based company Gronde Sehen & Hören has introduced "Grondinchen," a new integrated program combining optical and audiological services for children and adolescents. The initiative includes pediatric optometric screenings assessing color, contrast, and spatial vision, myopia management, visual training, and a glasses subscription offering regular eye tests, repairs, and annual frame exchanges. Hearing care components feature audiologists specialized in pediatric fittings. According to the company, the program targets various age groups, including children with disabilities, and involves investment in additional measurement technology. "Grondinchen" was presented to local physicians in the Augsburg region to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
MPO Brillenglas, part of MPG Austria, has announced a new marketing campaign centered on its approximately 200 employees involved in development and manufacturing. The initiative provides insights into the company's operations, noting that lens development occurs in Austria while production takes place at the Glücksburg facility in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The campaign also highlights the brand's existing glass portfolio tailored for various visual tasks. Key products mentioned include progressive lenses MPO Life Digital and MPO Life, the workplace lens MPO @Work, and the single-vision lens MPO Mono Relax 2.0. Additionally, the offering includes MPO BLC, an integrated blue-light filter designed for users frequently working with digital devices.
Eyewear brand Julbo and maritime firm MerConcept announced a collaboration to produce sunglasses using carbon from offshore racing sailboats. The partnership resulted in two limited-edition models, OFFSHORE KARBON and KEEN KARBON, featuring temples made from manufacturing offcuts and damaged boat parts. Designed for sailors, the glasses utilize bio-circular polycarbonate lenses with 60% plant-based content and SPECTRON HD technology offering 80% polarization. The announcement precedes the Route du Rhum race on November 1, 2026, where MerConcept skippers will wear the eyewear. Production involves handcrafted assembly by BYKARBON and includes recycled felt pouches. This initiative aims to reduce carbon footprints while maintaining performance standards for demanding sea conditions.
The Central Association of German Opticians (ZVA) is calling for more consistent market surveillance to ensure corrective spectacles imported directly from non-EU countries comply with European Medical Device Regulation (MDR). While local opticians face strict documentation and testing duties, the ZVA argues that international online platforms often bypass equivalent checks. Citing EU Commission data showing only 387,588 customs interventions against approximately 5.9 billion low-value e-commerce goods entering the EU in 2025, the association warns of significant control deficits. Although new EU customs rules took effect in July 2026 and mandatory product identifiers are scheduled for November, the ZVA insists these measures do not replace actual safety verification. The organization has submitted a position paper to political debates on MDR revision, advocating for targeted test purchases and better traceability to protect consumers and ensure fair competition.
A study commissioned by Krys and conducted by Discurv among 1,000 people reveals increasing visual and auditory discomfort among French video game players. The research, presented during the Paris Games Week held from October 22 to 25, 2026, found that 41% of gamers report eye issues such as dryness or blurred vision, a four-point increase from 37% in 2025. Among frequent players aged 18–34, this rate rises to 46%. Additionally, 22% of respondents experience hearing symptoms like tinnitus, up three points from the previous year. Smartphones are now the primary gaming device for 56% of French players, intensifying near-vision strain. The findings suggest opticians and audiologists should consider gaming habits during client consultations.
Ray-Ban has announced a co-branded collection with Marvel, featuring optical and sunglasses models inspired by Captain America, Spider-Man, Doctor Doom, and Deadpool. The line includes iconic styles such as Wayfarer and Aviator frames, designed for all ages. Specific design elements reflect each character, including spider-web motifs on logos, red-white-and-blue color accents referencing Captain America, and rubber temple tips evoking Deadpool’s costume. The source notes the collection is likely positioned for Christmas gifting but does not confirm specific launch dates, pricing, or immediate retail availability beyond the announcement itself.
Reebok smart glasses, developed with Lucyd, were named among Time magazine’s best inventions of 2026. Designed for athletes like runners and cyclists, the eyewear features open-ear air-conduction speakers in the temples, allowing users to listen to music, take calls, or receive voice instructions while remaining aware of ambient sounds. The frames weigh between 50 and 58 grams and include noise-reducing microphones, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and an announced battery life exceeding eight hours. Adjustable nose pads and temple tips enhance stability during exercise. The collection comprises six models starting at $149, offering polarized or photochromic lenses depending on the version. Notably, the Nitrous model supports prescription lenses. The companion Lucyd app provides real-time translation and a talkie-walkie mode for communication between athletes or coaches.
EyeFly, a brand under HOUSE of MODO, has announced three new smart audio eyewear styles: Axis, Nova, and Amp. These additions follow the debut style Drift. Each frame offers open-ear audio via Bluetooth-enabled Smart Tech Temples, which can be swapped for regular temples to convert the glasses into classic eyewear. The designs are available as prescription-ready optical frames with blue light filtering lenses or as ready-to-wear sunglasses. All models weigh 30 grams and integrate with apps for navigation, voice assistants, real-time translation, health tracking, and audio notes. Colorways range from Black, Blue, and Smoke to Olive, Burgundy, and Havana.
Eyestylist reports that the Blackfin One collection has introduced new styles, including the aviator model Hamilton and the frame Lanai, for the Autumn/Winter season. The Hamilton features a double bridge reinterpreted with a bi-level front milled from a single block of titanium. The collection emphasizes precision engineering and aesthetic balance, exploring colour combinations such as satin light gold paired with black or dark brown to highlight surface interplay and structural depth. These additions reflect the evolution of the Blackfin One line, focusing on material sophistication and design detail.
EssilorLuxottica announced on October 27, 2026, that S&P Global Ratings upgraded its long-term credit rating to A+ with a stable outlook. The agency cited the company’s organic growth trajectory, sound cash flow, and strong balance sheet as key factors supporting the decision. S&P also highlighted EssilorLuxottica’s strategic evolution from a consumer-centric entity into a leading eyecare and medtech company, identifying this shift as a primary driver for future growth and financial resilience. This announcement reflects an external assessment of the Group’s financial standing rather than internal operational changes or product launches.
Cleinman held its first Canadian-based Performance Network Meeting in Banff, Alberta, from October 14 to 16. Over 150 attendees, including practice owners and industry partners, gathered at Rimrock Resort and The Banff Centre. Founder Al Cleinman delivered his final keynote before retiring, announcing Annelies Calnan as Director of Practice Transitions. He presented the last Cleinman Founders Award to Amanda Van Voris. Sessions covered AI and innovation, while Dr. Landon Wallace received the inaugural Excellence Award in the People category. The next meeting is scheduled for April 7–9, 2027, in San Antonio, Texas.
Optician India and Pro-Kit 5 have announced the India Eyewear Access Forum (IEAF), scheduled for 9–11 January 2027 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event will take place within International OpticsFAIR India, providing a dedicated setting for independent international eyewear brands to present selected collections to Indian optical retailers, buyers, and distributors. Conceived by Moosi Kazmi following discussions with international brands at MIDO Milano 2026, the forum aims to address challenges in understanding regional retail markets and distribution coverage. Brands will showcase design narratives alongside product details, while Indian trade professionals can evaluate collections for retail suitability. Pro-Kit 5 manages brand liaison and execution, leveraging Optician India’s editorial relationships to facilitate informed commercial conversations between international designers and the local optical industry.
Carl Zeiss Meditec AG announced that Bronwyn Brophy O’Connor will assume the role of CEO effective December 1, 2026. Currently serving as CEO of Vitrolife Group in Sweden, O’Connor succeeds Andreas Pecher, who has held the interim position since January 1, 2026. The appointment, initially revealed in May 2026, also places her on the executive board of Carl Zeiss AG with responsibility for the medical technology segment. As of the start date, the management board of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG will consist of O’Connor and Chief Financial Officer Justus Wehmer. Supervisory board chairman Peter Kameritsch highlighted her international medtech experience and customer-focused approach.
CooperVision initiated a Class 2 device recall for Softmed Breathables Advanced Toric contact lenses on September 22, 2026, which the US FDA posted on October 22, 2026. The recall addresses incorrect carton packaging that stated “Indicated for Extended Wear,” despite the lenses being daily disposables not approved for extended use. Recall letters sent to customers on September 22 urged product checks. The FDA recommends patients stop wearing affected lots immediately and return them to distributors or eyecare professionals if they find the erroneous labeling. Specific lot numbers are listed in the official recall notice.
American luxury eyewear house T HENRI has secured a strategic investment from industry veteran Harvey Ross of Ross Holdings. The partnership aims to support international expansion while maintaining the brand’s exclusive, limited-production model. Founded by Tyler Henri Gelb in Detroit, T HENRI produces hypercar-inspired frames handcrafted in Sabae, Japan, with serialized batches typically limited to 199 pieces per style and colorway. Currently distributed through over 300 authorized retailers worldwide, the independent label seeks to strengthen its global presence without compromising rarity. Gelb will remain at the helm, overseeing creative direction and operations. Ross brings more than six decades of experience in eyewear manufacturing and retail, having founded Viva International Group and currently leading OPTYX New York.
Hickmann Eyewear has introduced the HI6434, an optical frame designed for women that emphasizes modern geometric lines and balanced proportions. The frame features a structured silhouette with softly angular contours and subtly elevated upper corners. Its temples incorporate stainless steel components and refined metallic accents, along with discreet branding. Available in versatile colors including classic black, warm tortoiseshell, modern olive green, and delicate neutral tones, the HI6434 is positioned as suitable for both professional settings and everyday wear. This release highlights the brand’s focus on contemporary design and sophisticated details, though specific pricing or retail availability dates were not provided in the source material.
Charmant USA announced the Aristar eyewear collection in October 2026, targeting fall and winter demand for affordable frames. The line features metal and acetate designs for men and women aged 18 to 70+, including rectangular, oval, and square styles with spring hinges and adjustable nose pads. Specific models include AR30748 for men and AR30835 through AR30837 for women, offered in various colors and sizes. The collection emphasizes durability, comfort, and inclusive fit. These frames are available exclusively at local eyecare practitioner stores across the United States.