French Optical Sector Advances Halloween Safety Guidance and October Rose Campaigns

Optician chain ALAIN AFFLELOU issued guidance on the responsible use of colored and fantasy contact lenses for Halloween costumes, emphasizing that these devices require direct eye contact and professional oversight. The company advises purchasing exclusively through specialized channels and consulting optometrists to ensure proper fit. Key safety protocols include washing hands before handling, respecting manufacturer wear times, avoiding water or cosmetic contamination, and never sharing lenses or sleeping in them. Lenses should be inserted before makeup application and removed prior to cleansing. Ana Díaz, an ALAIN AFFLELOU optometrist, warned that improper use can cause irritation, dryness, infections, or corneal injuries. The article highlights specific lens colors like Black Out, Red Vampire, White Out, Angelic White, Zombie Yellow, and Blue Walker as aesthetic options, while stressing that creativity must not compromise ocular health.

For the 2026 October Rose breast cancer awareness campaign, eyewear brands De Rigo and Morel announced specific solidarity initiatives. Morel is renewing its partnership with the Ruban Rose association, involving employees in the March Rose on October 3 in Champagnole and the Défi Rose on October 15 in Morbier. The company will also donate two euros to Ruban Rose for each pink frame purchased from a dedicated selection by optician clients. De Rigo France’s women’s brand Yalea is supporting Ruban Rose for the fourth consecutive year, featuring two models—one sun and one optical—marked with a Pink Ribbon symbol on the temple. Additionally, parent company De Rigo supports the Know Your Lemons Foundation, which promotes international breast screening awareness.

FréquenceOptic reported on October 6, 2026, three new eyewear collaborations. Nathalie Blanc partnered with lingerie brand Livy founder Lisa Chavy to create a limited-edition capsule featuring the Lili and Nathalie models, available from December 2026. Komono continued its collaboration with Belgian designer Sybrand Jansen, introducing an asymmetrical frame inspired by a crushed pair of sunglasses found in the street. J.F Rey teamed up with perfume house Robertet for Sakura, a conceptual model combining metal lace-like structures with 3D-printed acetate circles. This edition is limited to 350 numbered pieces and includes brown gradient category 3 polarized lenses with anti-reflective coating, packaged with a custom fragrance.

Acuitis continues its October Rose campaign, donating €20 per specific Kylie model to the RoseUp association. Alain Afflelou launched nine new Magic Connect eyewear models, including two for sports, which are compatible with previous generations. Krys Group announced an exclusive partnership with Chinese firm Rokid for smart glasses featuring real-time translation and AI; a Paris store is currently testing them, with expansion to ten stores planned by year-end. Krys also ranked sixth in the Great Place to Work For Women list. Optic 2000 initiated a regional marketing campaign highlighting its 1,200 stores and is conducting its third Low Vision Week until October 10, offering assessments at 230 specialized points.