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Published through 2026-11-03 07:16 UTC · Automated cloud publishing.

#Industry News

Today 7 items
10-12Mon
  1. Eyewear Intelligence50

    Innovative Eyewear Reports 55% Year-Over-Year Increase in Preliminary Q3 Net Sales

    Innovative Eyewear, a US smart eyewear developer operating under the Lucyd, Lucyd Armor, Reebok, Nautica and Eddie Bauer brands, reported preliminary third quarter net sales of $1.04 million on October 11, 2026. This figure represents a 55 percent increase year-over-year and marks the company’s highest quarterly revenue to date. The report also notes that this performance continues a streak of 13 consecutive quarters of growth for the company.

  2. FréquenceOptic17

    French Optician Unions Announce Regional Meetings and 2027 Congress Dates

    The Rassemblement des opticiens de France (ROF) scheduled regional meetings for October 22 in Strasbourg, November 26 in Rennes, and December 3 in Toulouse. These events, open to all opticians regardless of membership, address OCAM relations, fraud, and regulatory changes. Separately, the Fédération nationale des opticiens de France will hold its general assembly and seminar on November 2 at Chateauform-La Manufacture in Issy-les-Moulineaux. This event includes the presentation of a "Manifeste pour la Santé Visuelle" with proposals for the 2027 presidential election. Additionally, registration for the 44th Congress of Optometry and Contactology, organized by the Association des optométristes de France, opened this afternoon. The congress is set for January 24–25, 2027, at Beffroi de Montrouge near Paris, featuring expert-led workshops on topics including contactology and sports vision.

  3. The Optical Journal50

    HKTDC Announces 34th Hong Kong International Optical Fair for November 2026

    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced the 34th edition of the Hong Kong International Optical Fair, scheduled for 4–6 November 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will utilize an EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, featuring the Click2Match online business platform from 28 October to 13 November. Key zones include the rebranded Designer Village, Innovation Hub, and Brand Name Gallery, alongside dedicated areas for smart eyewear, lenses, and diagnostic instruments. Co-organized with the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), the fair will host the 24th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium on 5 November and display entries from the 26th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition.

  4. The Optical Journal45

    SIOS Moves to September 2026 in Dallas; Author Visits De Rigo and TAVAT Ahead of SILMO

    The Southern Independent Optical Show (SIOS) moved its third annual event from March to September 11–12, 2026, in Dallas. This shift followed the cancellation of the end-of-summer Vision Expo, positioning SIOS as a standalone showcase for Spring/Summer 2027 eyewear models targeting North American buyers. Organizers reported record attendance and brand participation, establishing SIOS as a key regional trade show despite not being the largest independent optical exhibition. Attendees included optometrists and opticians from Washington, California, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Prior to attending SILMO 2027 in Paris, the author visited Italian manufacturers De Rigo and TAVAT. De Rigo, founded in 1978, operates 27 brands and over 1,500 retail locations across Europe and Türkiye. TAVAT remains a smaller, family-owned entity focused on independent retailers.

  5. eyebizz20

    Rudy Project signs Belgian triathlete Marten Van Riel through 2028

    Italian eyewear and helmet brand Rudy Project announced a partnership with Belgian triathlete Marten Van Riel, running until the end of 2028. The collaboration officially launched on October 10 at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, though Van Riel had independently used Rudy Project’s Wingdream aero-helmet in prior competitions. As part of the agreement, Van Riel will race using the brand’s equipment, including the Nytron training helmet, Astral X and Astral Sphere mirrored sunglasses for racing and training, and Based eyewear for leisure. The partnership aligns with Rudy Project’s “Performance Starts In Your Head” positioning, emphasizing detailed gear selection for sight, protection, fit, thermoregulation, and comfort.

  6. Vision Monday — Business65

    DIFF Eyewear Opens First Stand-Alone Store in Charleston, Plans National Omnichannel Expansion

    DIFF Eyewear opened its first stand-alone brick-and-mortar store in Charleston, S.C., on October 10, marking a strategic shift from its digital-first origins toward an omnichannel presence. The company plans to open 30 additional stores over the next three years, with a second location expected in Tampa Bay in spring 2027. Founded in 2014, DIFF has grown its e-commerce business by approximately 20 percent annually and expects its wholesale network to exceed 3,400 doors by 2027. Concurrently, the brand is expanding mass retail partnerships, including limited-edition collections in over 1,200 Target locations starting December 2026, and will launch its own optical wholesale channel servicing approximately 500 independent eyecare locations beginning January 2027.

  7. Vision Monday — Business20

    Vision Monday Announces 2027 Leadership Summit in Las Vegas for March 10

    Jobson Optical Group announced that Vision Monday’s 2027 Leadership Summit will take place on Wednesday, March 10, in Las Vegas, just ahead of Vision Expo. The event marks the 20th anniversary of the gathering, which began in New York City in 2007. Titled “Rising Tide or Perfect Storm? Capital, Consolidation, and the Arrival of Big Tech,” the program addresses industry transformation driven by scale, technology, and consolidation. Anne Cooper, editorial director of Vision Monday and 20/20 magazine, stated the summit will explore disruption areas including smart eyewear, medical technologies, and artificial intelligence. The session runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Voltaire Las Vegas within the Venetian. Speaker details will be released via upcoming VMAIL announcements, while sponsorship inquiries are directed to Brett Schumacher.

  8. FOCUS Augenoptik25

    Visall Replaces 19-Year-Old Order Client with New Webshop and Updates Digital Contact Details

    Visall has introduced a new webshop to replace its previous order software, which had been in use for approximately 19 years. According to the company, the new platform became accessible via common operating systems and devices in early October. Key features include variable inset entry, submission of special requests, and production status tracking for ongoing orders. Concurrently, Visall updated its digital communication channels; customer contact is now handled via service@visall-group.com, and the corporate website is exclusively available at visall-group.com. These changes consolidate ordering, service, and communication processes onto a single digital platform.

  9. FOCUS Augenoptik50

    Silhouette Group opens first German store in Hamburg

    The Austrian eyewear manufacturer Silhouette Group opened its first "House of Silhouette" location in Germany in early October 2026, establishing a new retail presence in Hamburg. This site marks the second global branch of this specific store concept, following an existing location in Vienna. Spanning approximately 120 square meters, the Hamburg store features various eyewear brands and consultation services within a dedicated brand environment. Around 160 guests from media, culture, and entertainment sectors attended the opening event. FOCUS Augenoptik reported on the expansion and store concept in its October 2026 issue.

  10. Insight25

    Safilo wins 2026 Silmo d’Or for Victoria Beckham VB 7015/S sunglasses

    Safilo received the 2026 Silmo d’Or award in the Fashion Eyewear category for the Victoria Beckham VB 7015/S sunglasses. The ceremony took place in Paris on September 26, 2026. The winning frame belongs to the Fall/Winter 2026 eyewear collection developed by Safilo, which handles design, manufacturing, and global distribution. Recognized for its architectural shield design, the VB 7015/S features a bold metal structure across the upper section and sides, contrasted with a rimless lower lens area and sculptural acetate temples displaying the brand’s signature V logo. The broader collection includes sunglasses and optical frames characterized by clean lines, classic black, grey, and havana tones, metallic finishes, and brown or grey lenses. Safilo stated the range is designed for confident women, balancing strength and elegance.

  11. EyeSmart75

    SILMO Paris 2026 Showcases Smart Eyewear Integration into Optical Dispensaries

    At SILMO Paris 2026 (September 25-28), smart eyewear emerged as a legitimate category for the optical industry, with a focus on integrating AI and wearable tech into aesthetically viable frames. The GetD and Marienfeld partnership won the SILMO d’Or Smart Eyewear award for their 'Luxury AI Glasses,' which combine carbon fibre design with health monitoring and audio features. EssilorLuxottica showcased the Ray-Ban Meta Display, featuring lens-integrated displays and wrist controls. Other exhibitors included Even Realities, SOLOS, VONDER, EverySight, INMO Technology, ROKID, HTC VIVE, Lucyd, BleeqUp, SportConnect, iVision Tech, and Meta-Bounds. These companies emphasized prescription lens compatibility, privacy, and modular designs, signaling a shift toward an 'eyewear-first' philosophy. The event underscored the need for Australian eyecare professionals to upskill in discussing prescription compatibility, data privacy, and charging routines for connected eyewear.

10-11Sun
  1. MIXED57

    Micron Adds AR Glasses to Annual Report as Smart Eyewear Demand Driver

    Micron’s annual report for the fiscal year ending September 3, filed on October 9, explicitly lists smart glasses and AR glasses as emerging consumer products driving demand for low-power memory. This marks a change from the previous year’s filing, which contained no references to glasses. The company states that on-device AI features and cameras in wearables require memory fitting tight power constraints, expecting content per device to rise with adoption. However, Micron disclosed no specific revenue figures, customer names, or unit sales for glasses. The relevant Automotive and Embedded Business Unit reported $15.89 billion in revenue, a 234% increase attributed primarily to higher average selling prices and bit shipments rather than new categories. Overall DRAM and NAND prices rose approximately 180% and 200% respectively.

  2. EyeSmart70

    OptikosPrime Partners with Eyewa to Trial Smartphone-Based Refraction Technology in Middle East Retail Stores

    Vision technology company OptikosPrime announced a strategic partnership with Eyewa, a major Middle East omnichannel eyewear retailer, to develop and validate its Argus smartphone-based refraction technology. The trial aims to integrate objective refraction estimates (sphere, cylinder, axis) into Eyewa’s customer journey across GCC online and physical channels, targeting the prescription barrier that often causes digital purchase abandonment. Argus is described as being in development, distinct from OptikosPrime’s existing VisionCheck screening tool. The announcement did not specify timelines for commercial rollout, regulatory approvals, or clinical validation data for Argus. OptikosPrime positions the technology to support digital models in developed markets and basic vision care in underserved communities, while Eyewa’s Chief Optical Officer cited it as a solution to speed and simplicity hurdles.

  3. EyeSmart47

    MIDO 2027 Opens Visitor Registration and Accepts Award Entries for February Milan Show

    Organisers opened visitor and press registration on 25 September for MIDO 2027, scheduled for 6–8 February at Fiera Milano Rho. On 1 October, applications began for the show’s awards. The CSE Award and CSE Corporate Award close on 8 January; the latter is restricted to exhibitors. The Best Store Award, open to optical retailers worldwide including Australia, closes on 31 December. The Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award entries close on 30 November via Optyx. New digital platform My Fair Plus offers Milan cultural bookings. Travel deals extend from North America and Latin America to Chinese cities Wenzhou, Shenzhen and Shanghai, with no Asia-Pacific packages mentioned.

  4. EyeSmart80

    Hans Anders Suspends Sales of Meta Smart Glasses in Netherlands and Belgium Amid Privacy Backlash

    Hans Anders, one of the Netherlands' largest optical chains, has immediately halted sales of Meta's AI-enabled smart glasses across all Dutch and Belgian stores and its online shop. The decision follows reports of unlawful covert filming and mounting political pressure, including a passed motion in the Dutch lower house calling for a ban. While Pearle Opticiens did not comment, other sectors like hospitals and the defence force are restricting device usage. Hans Anders stated the product might return later but cited serious societal concerns. This move underscores the regulatory and reputational challenges facing optical retailers stocking smart eyewear that blends vision correction with consumer electronics.

    Editorial relevance: The removal of Meta smart glasses by a major optical chain highlights significant privacy-driven regulatory and reputational risks for eyewear retailers stocking camera-equipped devices.

  5. EyeSmart25

    Safilo Group Wins SILMO d’Or 2026 Sunglasses Award for Victoria Beckham VB 7015/S

    The Safilo Group won the "Sunglasses - Labels" category at the 33rd SILMO d'Or Awards during SILMO Paris 2026. The award recognized the Victoria Beckham VB 7015/S model, which features a 99mm oversize shield silhouette with a single-lens mask and half-rim metal front. Judges cited the frame's architectural precision and sophisticated aesthetic. The source notes that this win serves as a retail indicator for Australian independent optical practices, highlighting the balance of fashion innovation and craftsmanship. The Victoria Beckham brand targets discerning women seeking high-quality materials and aspirational luxury. While the article suggests the model will be a high-demand item in Australia’s upcoming spring and summer trading seasons, it does not confirm specific launch dates or availability outside the context of the award announcement.

  6. National Vision10

    National Vision Announces Participation in March 2026 Investor Conferences

    National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) announced its participation in two upcoming investor conferences on February 24, 2026. The company will take part in the Citi 2026 Global Consumer & Retail Conference on March 9, 2026, featuring a fireside chat at 1:45pm ET and investor meetings. A live webcast of the fireside chat will be available in the Investors section of the company’s website, with an archive posted shortly after the event. Additionally, National Vision will attend the BofA 2026 Consumer & Retail Conference on March 10, 2026, for investor meetings.

  7. National Vision70

    National Vision Reports Fiscal 2025 Financial Results with Revenue Growth and Improved Margins

    National Vision Holdings, Inc. reported its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 financial results ended January 3, 2026. Net revenue from continuing operations for fiscal 2025 increased 9.0% to $1,987.5 million, driven by comparable store sales growth of 5.9% and new store openings. The company achieved a net income from continuing operations of $29.6 million, improving from a loss in the prior year. Adjusted Operating Income rose to $102.5 million, with margins expanding to 5.2%. For Q4 2025, net revenue grew 15.1% to $503.4 million, aided by an additional non-comparable week. National Vision also provided fiscal 2026 guidance, projecting net revenue between $2.033 billion and $2.091 billion and Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.85 to $1.09.

    Editorial relevance: National Vision's financial results highlight the impact of strategic transformation and cost discipline on profitability within the optical retail sector, providing key data points for industry analysis.

  8. National Vision7

    National Vision to Report Q1 2026 Results on May 13

    National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) announced it will release its first quarter 2026 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The company will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time that same day. Participants must pre-register via the Investors section of the corporate website to obtain dial-in details and passcodes. A live audio webcast with related materials will be available online, followed by a replay shortly after the broadcast. This announcement precedes the actual earnings release; no specific financial figures or performance metrics were disclosed in this notice.

  9. National Vision65

    National Vision Reports Q1 2026 Growth and Expands Military Retail Partnership

    National Vision Holdings, Inc. reported first quarter 2026 net revenue of $543.9 million, a 6.6% increase year-over-year. Comparable store sales grew 4.4%, driven by higher average ticket sizes and managed care strength, despite lower self-pay traffic. Net income rose to $31.2 million, with Adjusted Operating Income increasing 34.4% to $55.5 million. The company opened eight new America’s Best stores and closed four others, ending the quarter with 1,274 total stores. Notably, National Vision announced an expanded relationship with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), becoming the sole optical retail partner on AAFES bases in the U.S., effective April 1, 2026. This agreement adds 20 Military stores and expands presence into two additional states. The company reiterated its fiscal 2026 guidance for net revenue between $2.033 billion and $2.091 billion.

    Editorial relevance: National Vision's Q1 2026 results highlight profitability improvements and channel expansion, offering insight into the financial health of a major US optical retailer.

  10. National Vision10

    National Vision Announces Q2 2026 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) announced it will report its second quarter 2026 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The company will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day. Participants must pre-register via the Investors section of the company’s website to obtain dial-in details. A live audio webcast and related materials will be available online in the Investors section, with an audio replay accessible shortly after the broadcast. This announcement covers scheduling only; no specific financial figures or operational updates were included in this notice.

  11. National Vision62

    National Vision Reports Q2 2026 Financial Results with Increased Profitability and Updated Outlook

    National Vision Holdings, Inc. reported its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, ending July 4, 2026. Net revenue increased 2.5% to $498.8 million, driven by new store sales and adjusted comparable store sales growth of 2.2%. The company highlighted improved profitability, with Adjusted Operating Income rising to $31.6 million from $23.8 million in the prior year, and Adjusted Diluted EPS increasing to $0.25 from $0.18. CEO Alex Wilkes noted that completing the website replatform was a significant milestone, establishing a unified commerce foundation. National Vision raised its full-year Adjusted Operating Income guidance to $119–$139 million while tightening its Adjusted Comparable Store Sales Growth outlook to 3.0%–5.0%. The company ended the quarter with 1,281 stores after opening nine new America’s Best locations.

    Editorial relevance: National Vision's Q2 2026 results highlight a strategic shift toward higher-value transactions and managed care, impacting the optical retail sector's profitability models.

10-10Sat
  1. Optical Prism25

    The Vision Council Opens 2027 NOW Awards to Global Eyewear Brands with Free Entry Deadline February 5

    The Vision Council and RX have opened free submissions for the sixth annual 2027 NOW Awards, welcoming eyewear designers and brands worldwide. Entries close on February 5, 2027, with product samples required by February 10. Finalists will be announced in late February, and winners will be honored during the NOW Awards ceremony on March 11 at Vision Expo 2027, held March 10–13 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. A judging panel chaired by Nico Roseillier will evaluate entries across categories including Best Optical, Sunglass, Direct-to-Consumer, Emerging Designer, Wearable Technology, and NOW Design. Every submitting brand is guaranteed at least one frame display in the NOW Showcase on the show floor.

  2. MIXED30

    Meta Donates 1,000 Ray-Ban AI Glasses to Four Singapore Organizations with $30,000 Training Grant

    Meta announced on October 8 that it is donating 1,000 Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to four Singapore organizations serving people with disabilities: the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), Guide Dogs Singapore, the Singapore Disability Sports Council, and Gardens by the Bay. A US$30,000 grant accompanies the donation, allocated entirely to SAVH for developing a free accessibility curriculum focused on object identification, text reading, and voice commands. The announcement did not specify the glasses' generation, distribution among recipients, or delivery dates. While Gen 3 is the current product line, Meta confirmed no model details for these units. The initiative was unveiled at an accessibility showcase co-hosted with SDSC, emphasizing existing features like live translation and hands-free calls rather than custom-built technology.

  3. MIXED57

    Sony Transfers 419 XR Patents to Meta; 43 US Assignments Recorded

    Sony agreed in December 2025 to assign 419 XR patents worldwide to Meta. As of October 2026, 43 US patent transfers have been recorded with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, occurring in June (2), July (20), and September (21), with no records for August. The portfolio includes 180 US patents and 239 family filings in Japan, China, Korea, and Europe. Neither company has commented on the assignment or its implications for product lines. While some reports interpret this as Sony scaling back XR hardware, this remains an unconfirmed analysis. The agreement covers virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies. This patent movement does not directly impact current retail availability or product launches.

  4. The Eyewear Forum25

    Design Eyewear Group CEO Lars Flyvholm Discusses Post-Menrad Acquisition Synergy and Trade Show Future at SILMO Paris 2025

    At SILMO Paris 2025, Design Eyewear Group CEO Lars Flyvholm detailed how the Danish company’s international design teams collaborate across brands following the Menrad acquisition. The group, headquartered in Aarhus with studios in Europe and North America, distributes eyewear in over 100 countries. Its portfolio includes FACE A FACE, ProDesign Denmark, WOOW, Inface, Kilsgaard, Nifties, Alium, and the recently acquired Menrad labels. Flyvholm also shared perspectives on the future of optical trade shows. The interview highlights the integration of diverse styles, from bold to minimal, within the group’s curated family of brands.

  5. The Eyewear Forum15

    Vuarnet Brand Director Giulia Zanzi Discusses Heritage and Thélios Evolution at SILMO Paris 2025

    At SILMO Paris 2025, Vuarnet Brand Director Giulia Zanzi detailed the French performance eyewear brand's evolution under the Thélios banner. The interview highlighted Vuarnet’s integration of French craftsmanship, advanced materials, and lens technology to serve athletes and adventurers. Founded in 1957 and named after Olympic skier Jean Vuarnet, the brand distinguishes itself through exclusive use of mineral glass lenses handcrafted near Paris, offering superior clarity and protection against UV, blue light, and infrared radiation. Frames utilize noble materials such as bio-acetate, titanium, and stainless steel. Zanzi emphasized Vuarnet’s mission to combine technical excellence with authentic luxury, maintaining its heritage from alpine roots to global presence while continuing to innovate with sustainable materials and bold designs.

  6. The Eyewear Forum15

    TAG Heuer Eyewear Art Director Discusses Performance Design Legacy at SILMO Paris 2025

    At SILMO Paris 2025, Renato Montagner, Art Director of TAG Heuer Eyewear, detailed the brand’s evolution from Jack Heuer’s Formula 1 collaborations to modern performance design. The discussion highlighted how partnerships with racing icons like Niki Lauda and Ayrton Senna established a philosophy where real performance stems from real racers. Today, this approach continues through ambassador Patrick Dempsey, whose input as a Porsche Motorsport competitor influences frame aerodynamics and ergonomics. Operated in collaboration with Thélios, the LVMH eyewear division, the relaunched Swiss luxury sport brand emphasizes precision engineering and athlete-driven development. The current collection features wraparound shields, lightweight frames, and reinforced cable temples, targeting active lifestyles with tech-forward sport-luxury aesthetics.

  7. The Eyewear Forum25

    Design Eyewear Group CEO Lars Flyvholm Discusses Menrad Acquisition and Global Strategy at SILMO Paris

    At SILMO Paris, Design Eyewear Group CEO Lars Flyvholm detailed the company’s expansion into German markets via the Menrad acquisition. He highlighted plans to reignite Menrad’s heritage through a new design office in Berlin, marking DEG’s growth from boutique roots to a global house of Danish, French, British, and German brands. Flyvholm emphasized that while product design is central, success requires supporting independent opticians with staff training, sell-through assistance, and quick delivery to counter retail consolidation. Drawing on his background at Bang & Olufsen, he stressed maintaining distinct brand DNA across the portfolio while fostering an international, people-first corporate culture.

  8. The Eyewear Forum47

    SILMO Paris 2026 Announces September Dates and Expanded Tech Programme

    Organizers announced that the international eyewear trade show SILMO Paris will take place from September 25 to 28, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte. The event expects approximately 900 exhibitors, 1,500 brands, and over 33,000 visitors. Beyond traditional design showcases like the SILMO d’Or Awards and Trends Forum, the 2026 programme emphasizes technology integration. A dedicated SILMO NEXT area and Tech Village will feature demonstrations of smart glasses, AI-assisted eye examinations, and virtual environments. Additionally, more than 60 conferences across four spaces will address artificial intelligence, preventive healthcare, retail evolution, and sustainability. A 160-square-meter CSR Area will highlight responsible industry practices. Visitor registration is currently open for this professional optical market event.

  9. The Eyewear Forum42

    BOLD Optical Fair Announces 10th Anniversary XXL Edition in Netherlands

    BOLD Optical Fair announced its tenth-anniversary "BOLD XXL" edition for September 6–7, 2026, at the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. The event features more than 420 participating brands across eyewear, lenses, and technology, targeting opticians and optometrists. Admission is free for registered professionals during opening hours of 09:30 to 18:00. New elements include a Knowledge Square offering presentations with potential accreditation points and an anniversary lottery supporting Oogfonds and Brillenbus charities. This expansion marks growth from the fair’s origins in Nijkerk, positioning it as a major meeting point for the Dutch optical market.

  10. The Eyewear Forum45

    SILMO d’Or 2026 Nominees Announced for 33rd International Eyewear Awards

    The nominees for the 33rd SILMO d’Or have been revealed ahead of SILMO Paris 2026, which takes place from September 25–28 at Paris Nord Villepinte. The official shortlist spans 13 categories, including independent eyewear design, smart eyewear, low vision solutions, and technological innovation. Recognized as one of the industry’s most prestigious distinctions since its creation in 1994, the award celebrates excellence in craftsmanship and vision technology. Nominees will now undergo an extensive judging process involving optical professionals, designers, and international press members. Winners will be announced during the trade fair. TEF Magazine noted that this year marks ten years of their participation on the jury, with Editor-in-Chief Maarten Weidema serving since 2019.

  11. The Eyewear Forum35

    BOLD Optical Fair Closes 10th Anniversary Edition with 3,219 Visitors

    BOLD Optical Fair concluded its tenth-anniversary edition, BOLD XXL 2026, at the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch. The two-day event attracted 3,219 registered optical professionals, including opticians and students. Approximately 75% of attendees traveled from the Netherlands, while 14% came from Germany, 7% from Belgium, and 4% from other countries. The fair featured eyewear collections, technology providers, and educational sessions on the Kennisplein platform. A special anniversary lottery and the Club Bizarre showcase by TEF Magazine highlighted independent brands. Organizers stated the event strengthened community ties and international reach. The next iteration, BOLD Light, is scheduled for March 1, 2027, at the same venue as a focused one-day trade event.

  12. The Eyewear Forum20

    Alessandra Salimbene to Define Independent Optician Identity at SILMO Paris 2026

    Marketing consultant Alessandra Salimbene will present a talk titled "What Really Defines an Independent Optician?" at SILMO Paris 2026 on Saturday, September 26, from 14:00 to 15:00. The session challenges the traditional definition of independence as merely being "not a chain," arguing instead for identity based on character and recognizability. Salimbene will introduce a marketing framework focusing on positioning, communication, and customer experience rather than store size or ownership structure. Drawing on her work between Italy and the United Kingdom, she emphasizes that independent opticians must look beyond domestic markets due to cross-border influences in design and consumer behavior. Additionally, Salimbene plans to reveal a new project developed specifically for Europe’s independent opticians, with details kept confidential until the presentation.

  13. The Eyewear Forum30

    SILMO Paris 2026 Highlights Albert I’mStein, KACI, DERAPAGE and ZEN Collections

    The Eyewear Forum identified four eyewear brands to watch at SILMO Paris 2026. Albert I’mStein presents new frames inspired by architecture and art, including the GIWA and BETONA models. KACI Paris will offer the first public preview of its CELESTE collection, crafted in Japan, alongside its Re-Explore line. DERAPAGE returns to the show with Vector and Drift sunglasses, featuring automotive-inspired mechanical details, ahead of a larger reveal on September 26. ZEN introduces its Life in Symphony F/W 2026 collection, emphasizing harmony through layered colour and acetate work. These highlights focus on design concepts and craftsmanship rather than commercial metrics or availability status.

  14. Eyestylist15

    Lunettes Selection Marks 20 Years with Three Berlin Stores and Film Industry Services

    Founded by Uta Geyer in 2006, independent eyewear retailer Lunettes Selection celebrates its 20th anniversary. The business operates three stores in Berlin, offering an in-house brand named Lunettes Kollektion alongside sourced vintage pieces and dead stock. Beyond retail, the company has established itself as a specialist consultant for television and film productions. Its archive supports international costume designers, supplying frames for projects including Wes Anderson’s *The French Dispatch* and the series *4 Blocks*. Lunettes Selection also provides specialized lens solutions, such as anti-reflection coatings for *Conclave* and custom blood-red lenses for the upcoming film *Blutgräfin*, starring Isabelle Huppert. The house brand, launched in 2011, features handcrafted frames produced in Northern Italy.

  15. INVISION30

    MIDO 2027 Visitor Registration Opens for February Event in Milan

    Registration is now open for visitors and journalists attending MIDO 2027, scheduled for February 6–8 at Fiera Milano Rho. President Lorraine Berton stated the edition will feature new developments and a strong international presence, with returning and new exhibitors confirmed. The event attracts professionals from over 160 countries, covering the entire eyewear supply chain. Key features include dedicated Academy and Start Up areas, and The Vision Stage in Pavilion 1, which will host approximately 20 events. 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 US, Canada, Latin America, and specific Chinese cities including Wenzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.

  16. INVISION62

    SILMO Paris 2026 Concludes with Focus on Smart Eyewear, AI Health Applications and Sustainable Innovation

    SILMO Paris 2026 concluded at Paris Nord Villepinte, welcoming 32,108 professionals from nearly 150 countries. The event featured over 950 exhibitors showcasing innovations across 80,000 m². Key highlights included the SILMO Next Tech Village, which demonstrated smart glasses and AI-driven health applications, and hosted the first international hackathon for smart glasses health apps, won by Kimoo. The SILMO d’Or awards recognized technological advancements such as autofocus glasses and luxury smart eyewear. Sustainability was emphasized through the CSR Spot and the Committed Company Award given to Andy Wolf for its reduced carbon footprint and use of Acetate Renew. Emerging talent was supported via the Optic Design Contest, while the International Optician of the Year award honored Jessica Gowing for her work with children’s craniofacial anomalies.

  17. INVISION20

    MIDO Opens Applications for 2027 Optical Industry Awards

    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 by MIDO with ANFAO and Certottica, accept entries until January 8, 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 at Fiera Milano Rho from February 6 to 8, 2027. Regulations are available on mido.com.