Rudy Project is already available in over 150 sales outlets in Switzerland - mainly in German-speaking Switzerland - and also serves customers via its own online store, which is available in German, French and Italian.

As the brand places particular emphasis on sports optics solutions, specialist opticians account for half of the sales outlets; the other half are sports stores.

Four area managers are responsible for the Swiss market: Simone Pozzi for Ticino and Italian-speaking Graubünden, Sven Biermann for German-speaking Switzerland and Pierre Bajeaux and Jean Christophe Lebey for French-speaking Switzerland.

Investments in the Swiss distribution network are planned in order to strengthen the brand presence and establish a more direct relationship with B2B customers. The main aim is to expand its presence in the French- and Italian-speaking regions.

„We would like to thank Intercycle for the excellent and successful 20-year partnership and the great results. We are convinced that Rudy Project will grow rapidly throughout Switzerland through direct sales - and that the brand will soon be as well known in French- and Italian-speaking Switzerland as it is in German-speaking Switzerland,“ commented Cristiano Barbazza, CEO of Rudy Project.

„We believe that we are an attractive partner for sports and optical retailers looking for quality brands. Thanks to this change, Swiss customers will have access to a much wider range of products as well as direct and specialized customer service from headquarters,“ he added.

Rudy Project closed 2024 with a global turnover of 17.5 million euros - a growth of 15 % compared to the previous year. The company employs over 60 people and offers around a thousand product variants in its catalog.

At the last Winter Olympics, over 40 medal winners competed with Rudy Project products - as did Klæbo with his six gold medals and Pellegrino with silver at the 2024 World Cross-Country Ski Championships in Trondheim.

The Italian brand is the official supplier of helmets and eyewear for the Bahrain Victorious cycling team as well as the technical partner of the America's Cup team American Magic and the majority of the national speed skating teams. Triathlete Danielle Lewis is also one of the prominent athletes supported by Rudy Project.

Many of the new products for 2025 will focus on mountain sports and the outdoor sector - new products are also planned for skiing.

You can meet Rudy Project at the Eiger Ultra Trail from July 16 to 20 and at the Ironman Switzerland Thun on August 24. For direct contact: info@rudyproject.com

Source: www.rudyproject.com

As Senior Principal Innovation Optics and Standardization, Dr Stephan Trumm works for the ophthalmic lens manufacturer Rodenstock at DIN (German Institute for Standardization) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization). He is regularly appointed to the committees that draw up requirements and documents, appointed head of standardization projects and elected chairman of higher-level committees.

As ophthalmic optics is a global industry, the standards that are important to Rodenstock are adopted at an international level. Standards are drawn up by recognized experts and adopted jointly by the various interest groups. In the process, different ideas and interests often have to be brought together. In addition to extensive technical expertise, this requires a high degree of diplomatic skill and the ability to find solutions that go beyond obvious demands.

As a leading global supplier of ophthalmic lenses, Rodenstock takes an innovative approach to development and offers products that are far ahead of their time and the state of the art. In its standardization work, Rodenstock can contribute its unique expertise to the international community and is committed to the highest quality standards.

Dr. Stephan Trumm was honored at a formal ceremony in Tokyo as part of an ISO conference. The laudatory speech particularly highlighted the impressive quality of Dr. Stephan Trumm's contributions and his extraordinary success in project management.

Source: www.rodenstock.com

The GMAC Myopia Awareness Toolkit was originally launched during Myopia Awareness Week 2025 and now includes ten key resources - with more to come. The new toolkit offers practical, ready-to-use materials to educate families and support counseling sessions, all available for free at myopiaawareness.org/toolkit can be downloaded.

• Myopia management at home (PDF)
• The benefits of playing outdoors (infographic)
• Declaration of consent for the treatment of myopia (form)
• Risk assessment for myopia (PDF & infographic)
• Why myopia management is important (brochure)
• Education about myopia and treatment options (social media)
• Understanding risk factors for myopia (social media)
• Set for Myopia Awareness Week (e-mail & social media)
• Modifiable e-mail templates (e-mail)
• Monthly series on myopia education (social media)

Wes Hamilton, Chair of the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Marketing Committee and Senior Global Brand Manager - Myopia Management, CooperVision says: „Every conversation sparked by this toolkit has the potential to change a child's future. It is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when industry and professional organizations come together for a common goal. By equipping optometrists with effective, accessible materials, we are helping to establish myopia management as a global standard of care - that's a legacy we can all be proud of.”

„This initiative reflects our shared commitment to raising awareness of myopia globally, and we are just getting started. By supporting optometrists and associations with clear, practical tools, we are helping them have more effective conversations that empower families to better understand and manage myopia, ultimately leading to improved vision for children worldwide,“ said Olga Prenat, Chair of the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition and Global Head of Medical and Professional Affairs, EssilorLuxottica.

In addition to this toolkit, the GMAC publishes videos on social media introducing the members of the Board and Advisory Council and showcasing the global reach, diversity and expertise of the initiative. In these videos, they describe why they joined GMAC and the role they believe GMAC can play in promoting myopia awareness worldwide.

GMAC is currently running a pilot project to increase the visibility and local use of the materials, providing co-branded versions to selected member associations. GMAC plans to replicate this approach globally to raise awareness of myopia in all countries and in many languages.

Source and further information on the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition at myopiaawareness.org

The atmosphere could not have been better. A pink-lit lawn glowed as darkness fell, a whole stadium just for opticians, optometrists and contact lens specialists. In addition to Optiswiss as the organizer, industry partners Appenzeller Kontaktlinsen, Von Hoff, Oculus, React Swiss Eyewear and epitop were also present.

The evening began with a tour of the stadium and ended with a lot of optimism and a positive balance for our industry thanks to the inspiring contribution of guest speaker Chris Kauffmann, the former managing director of FC Basel. In between: numerous discussions at eye level in the industry exhibition and high-caliber presentations.

Samuel Frei and Detlef Göttlich, CEO and CSO of Optiswiss, highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing the optical industry. David Kern from Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH showed what modern screening can achieve today and how optical devices support everyday working life. Dr. Amir Parasta from epitop made it clear that health promotion can be successfully digitalized with the right tools and the courage to work together. After half-time, Johannes Schubart from Optiswiss gave the 70-strong audience fascinating insights into current and future technologies for good vision. Those interested in myopia management received valuable anchor points and current study results on various methods from Dr. Martin Lörtscher from the Eye Institute for Optometry in Aarau. The combination of diverse lecture topics and the impressive stadium atmosphere made the evening in Basel an unforgettable experience.

«It was a very cool evening, very entertaining, presentations from different areas and a very interesting location - and I say that as a Zurich resident. Highly recommended.» Jonas Jenni, Optometrist B.Sc. ECOO, Augenkontakt Zurich.

And the Expo Days continue to tour: in 2026, the free events will take place in Munich and Frankfurt under the motto «Stay on the ball», naturally with a large portion of football fever, a stadium tour and exciting presentations.

Source: www.optiswiss.com

The content is written by opticians for opticians and focuses on the knowledge that really counts in day-to-day work. Whether building customer confidence, deepening product knowledge or optimizing the design of the salesroom - the offer provides practical solutions that can be applied immediately.

The Academy combines flexible digital learning - available via app or computer - with practical training courses conducted by Silhouette specialists. It is aimed at all employees of Silhouette partner companies and offers tailor-made training for the various tasks in sales. This means that every team member receives exactly the support they need to be successful - from newcomers to experienced specialists.

Another focus is on learning together with colleagues. Courses developed in collaboration with business partners and a wide range of opportunities to share experiences within the app strengthen a lively community in which knowledge is shared and further developed. Interactive challenges, quizzes and competitions provide additional motivation and turn learning into an experience.

With its growing international presence and new availability in the German-speaking markets, the Silhouette Group Academy is setting new standards for contemporary training in ophthalmic optics - innovative, practical and collaborative.

Source: www.silhouette.com

The Silmo d'Or, which has been honoring outstanding products and innovations from manufacturers and brands from all over the world since 1994, was awarded at the Silmo optical trade fair in Paris from 26 to 29 September 2025. The coveted Silmo d'Or recognizes the most innovative and creative new products in the industry, reflecting expertise in product quality.

At the Silmo d'Or Gala Night on September 27, 2025, a jury of international industry experts selected a winner from this year's 75 nominations for each of the 12 categories. In the "Vision" category, B.I.G. Exact Sensitive impressed the jury and secured Rodenstock the Silmo d'Or 2025 in this important category. After the German Innovation Award, Rodenstock now receives another important award for B.I.G. Exact Sensitive.

B.I.G. Exact Sensitive lenses win in the "Vision" category

With B.I.G. Vision, Rodenstock has developed a generation of individualized lenses based on the individual biometric eye model. The lenses are adapted to the individual biometry of each eye through precise measurement with the DNEye scanner. Rodenstock has now further developed biometric individualization and can also take into account the unique visual sensitivity of each person. This describes how strongly a person's visual perception reacts to disturbances in their field of vision.

With B.I.G. Exact Sensitive - the world's first lenses optimized for both individual sensitivity and biometrics - Rodenstock takes biometric individualization to the next level, offering eyeglass wearers unparalleled benefits: better reading flow, improved vision and better visual orientation.

"We are delighted to have won the Silmo d'Or 2025 Award in the "Vision" category for our B.I.G. Exact Sensitive lenses. This prestigious award recognizes true innovation in the optical industry and the commitment of all our departments to enable strong differentiation for our partner opticians," says Alexandre Bouin, General Manager Rodenstock France.

"Winning in an exceptionally competitive environment confirms our continuous commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in ophthalmic lenses. Because at Rodenstock, we strive to constantly set new standards," adds Dr. Dietmar Uttenweiler, Executive Vice President Research & Development and Innovation.

Source: www.rodenstock.de

The presentation could hardly have gone better. Shortly after the start of the fair, the stand was densely surrounded. There was a great deal of interest in the still relatively unknown profession of optometry, and many visitors took the opportunity to find out more about the course. The mixture of illustrative practice and a clear, friendly presentation proved to be a particular crowd-puller.

The "wow" moment

One highlight was undoubtedly the slit lamp that was brought along. Here, those interested were able to slip into the role of a budding optometrist themselves. Those who looked through the microscope were amazed: the iris with all its structures, colors and fine details was shown at 16x magnification. A spontaneous "Wow!" was heard again and again - a moment that many will probably remember.

To capture this experience, a photo of the iris was then taken and printed out. On the back, they received a QR code that led directly to the information page of the study program. This allowed them to take their impressions home with them - in digital and tangible form.

A small but original idea also attracted attention: instead of eyeballs, which would not have been very suitable as a give-away, the institute distributed fresh apples with a logo. The humorous reference could not be overlooked, and at the same time the fruit fitted in perfectly with the health claim of the profession. Many gratefully accepted the apple, often together with the photo - a coherent overall package that conveyed the message: optometry combines specialist knowledge with humanity and health awareness.

The discussions at the stand clearly showed how different the level of knowledge about the profession is. Some had never heard of optometry before, others had at least a rough idea of what it involved. Still others thought it was the classic optician's profession. This diversity made it clear how important it is to raise awareness of the course and the profession. The trade fair proved to be an ideal opportunity to break down inhibitions and convey the fascination of the profession in a tangible way.

At the end of the day, the Institute of Optometry was able to draw a very positive balance: The first trade fair appearance not only enabled numerous new contacts to be made, but also whetted the appetite for more - both among interested parties and representatives of the Institute.

The message was clear: optometry is a profession with a future. Anyone who has ever looked through the slit lamp will not forget this impression in a hurry.

Author

Xenia Knobel - Lecturer at the Institute of Optometry.

Dr. Martina Bentele joins Rodenstock from Siemens Energy AG. She has more than 20 years of international experience in strategic and operational financial management. For the last five years, Dr. Bentele was Chief Accounting Officer & Corporate Controller at Siemens Energy AG, where she successfully led the transformation of the accounting and controlling organization.

Marcus Desimoni, CEO of Rodenstock, says: "We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Bentele to the Rodenstock Executive Management Team. She brings extensive experience and first-class expertise in the areas of finance and corporate governance and will be a great asset to the team, enabling us to continue to drive short, medium and long-term growth and value creation strategies for the Rodenstock Group."

Dr. Martina Bentele adds: "I am very pleased to join the Rodenstock Group as CFO. Together with the Executive Management Team, I want to drive the ambitious growth strategy with a focus on financial excellence and efficient processes. I look forward to contributing to the continued success and innovative spirit of the company."

Source: www.rodenstock.de

The Silmo d'Or is one of the most important prizes in the optical industry. Every year, innovations that set standards are honored in thirteen categories. The winners are decided in a multi-stage process: first, a jury of industry experts selects the nominees. Media representatives and the jury then vote together. More than 100 jury members discuss for over 40 hours before the winners are chosen - clear evidence of the high relevance of this award.

The Speedsene impresses with innovative features such as a unique ventilation system that ensures clear vision at any speed, a new Lens-Lock system for lightning-fast filter changes and maximum adaptability to different head positions during sport. The Speedsene sets standards not only in terms of comfort, but also in terms of sustainability: the frame of the highly functional sports glasses from Linz is made from Eco PPX, a biocircular material based on organic waste such as tree bark and straw, which does not require any fossil fuels. Evil eye thus combines high performance with responsibility for the environment.

Winning the Silmo d'Or confirms Evil eye's brand philosophy: uncompromising functionality, clear design language and the highest manufacturing quality - "Made in Austria".

"We are delighted to have won the Silmo d'Or 2025 in the sports eyewear category. This award is a strong sign for us: it confirms our innovative strength and encourages us in our passion to continuously develop sports eyewear for athletes and sports enthusiasts." - Susanna Kumpfmüller, Brand Director Evil eye.

Source: www.evileye.com

In 2025, the trade fair welcomed 33,358 trade visitors, including 52 % international visitors and 48 % French participants, representing a net increase of 6.5 %. More than 900 companies presented their know-how and innovations on an exhibition area of 75,000 m².

More than just a meeting place, Silmo Paris has established itself as a catalyst for opportunity, where creative visions, cutting-edge technologies and lasting synergies come together to drive the industry forward.

Highlights of Silmo Paris 2025:

Exploring the future, understanding the present

This year, artificial intelligence was the central theme of Futurology and Village Tech. Whether generative, contextual or descriptive, AI is already transforming the optical industry: connected glasses, automated examinations, virtual reality, smart store management... Futurology was more than just an exhibition space, it embodied the bridge between research, technology and professional practice, inviting visitors to imagine the future of optics.

The Trends Forum - An immersive insight into the world of style

As the true style compass of the trade fair, the Trends Forum offered an impressive experience of breathtaking visual intensity. Its sophisticated scenography showcased the shapes, colors and materials that characterize contemporary eyewear fashion.

This issue highlighted:

• The return of reinvented icons
• The pursuit of lightness and serenity
• A charismatic and self-confident charisma
• The energy of explorative graphics

A curated selection of frames and sunglasses from the exhibitors' collections illustrated these stylistic directions and confirmed the Forum's role as an indispensable venue for capturing the zeitgeist and anticipating the aesthetics of tomorrow.

The Silmo d'Or Awards - 32nd edition

Chaired by visionary designer Olivier Lapidus, the Silmo d'Or Awards once again honored excellence, creativity and innovation.

A jury of passionate and dedicated experts, consisting of professionals and personalities from different backgrounds, recognized the most outstanding achievements, reflecting the dynamism of a constantly evolving industry.

Beyond the trophy, the Silmo d'Or has developed into an international seal of quality, which the award winners proudly present on their trade fair stands and in their communications to emphasize their expertise and long-standing influence.

RSE Focus - A good eye for the planet

Because the optics of tomorrow must be both innovative and responsible, Silmo Paris, in collaboration with Hyssop, has inaugurated a new area dedicated to CSR initiatives.

The program included:

• Start-up presentations
• Exhibitions on environmentally friendly materials
• Exchange of best practices as part of the Committed Company Award
• Conferences and workshops led by experts

Award for committed companies

This award was created by Silmo Paris in collaboration with Hyssop and recognizes companies with ambitious and concrete CSR strategies.

It recognizes players who succeed in combining ethics, economic performance and social and ecological responsibility.

The winner of 2025: Friendly Frenchy

Optical design competition

Promoting young talent is one of the most important tasks of Silmo Paris. At its fourth edition, chaired by Michel Penneman, the design show invited design students to imagine "superhero" glasses: bold, visionary and innovative.

Winner 2025: GAIA, by Hélène Caffin-Pinon (École Design Saint-Étienne), a children's eyewear frame with plant recognition via augmented reality.

International Optician of the Year Award

This award is presented by the International Opticians Association (IOA) in collaboration with Silmo Paris and recognizes the commitment and vision of opticians who are advancing the profession.

Winner 2025: Blair Wong (USA)

Silmo Talks and Silmo Academy conferences

Researchers, experts and professionals shared their knowledge at inspiring and forward-looking conferences. A program designed to broaden skills, question practices and open up new horizons.

As part of the Silmo Academy, Andronikos Chrysanthopoulos was awarded a grant of 10,000 euros for his research project "The accommodation function in a healthy Caucasian population aged 18 to 28 years".

Museums of Oyonnax and Morez

A heritage-focused exhibition showcased a rare collection that traces two centuries of eyewear development. A journey through techniques, styles and the heritage of the two emblematic towns of Oyonnax and Morez.

Moi Aussi exhibition - Where art meets optics

With Moi Aussi, Silmo Paris presented an unprecedented artistic experience in which eyewear became a canvas for expression. 90 artists were invited to reinvent the object of eyewear: unconventional substrates, reused materials, reinterpreted functions... Each creation went beyond its traditional use and became a unique work of art.

This exhibition, conceived and supported by Etnia Barcelona, reflected the brand's deep commitment to art, color and quality. With this bold initiative, the company reaffirmed its commitment to using art as a pure source of inspiration and making its creative, forward-thinking mark on the industry.

Silmo will take place next year from September 25 to 28, 2026 in Paris Nord Villepinte.

Source: www.silmoparis.com

Known for pushing the boundaries of sport and combining high-tech innovation with cool design, Head is strengthening its leadership in performance eyewear through a new partnership with the Charmant Group. Together, these industry leaders bring decades of expertise and passion to a premium collection of sports and lifestyle sunglasses.

From sport to the street: contemporary new sunglasses with performance

Whether you are an ambitious professional or a passionate amateur - the new Head sunglasses collection offers a versatile selection of models that meet both performance and lifestyle requirements. Shield, wrap-around and square shapes combine high-quality materials and maximum UV protection in lightweight, comfortable and precisely fitting frames. Strikingly sporty models are equipped with high-performance details - ideal for running, winter sports or other activities. These include ventilation openings, non-slip temple tips and innovative lens coatings that reduce glare, repel water and maintain a clear view. Lifestyle models impress with a striking, trend-conscious look with a sporty touch. Perfect for being active yourself or cheering on from the sidelines.

HD42500

With these Head Shield sunglasses, everyone stays completely confident on fast descents and in demanding conditions. Equipped with numerous performance features, such as ventilation openings for optimal air circulation, rubberized elements for a secure grip and a design that fits comfortably under helmets, this model is ideal for winter sports. The carefully designed temples with special joints allow for individual adjustment. Thanks to oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings, the lenses repel water and dirt, are easy to clean and ensure clear vision. Available in black and white.

HD42501

Clear vision and high wearing comfort from the first pedal stroke to the last sprint. Straight temples and rubberized ends give these Heaf-Shield sunglasses a secure, non-slip grip, making them the ideal companion for cycling, running, tennis and more. Air vents keep your head cool and reduce fogging, while advanced coatings repel water and dirt for clear, easy-to-clean lenses every time. The sporty design is available in three eye-catching color combinations: neon-inspired yellow, black with mirrored lenses and cool grey with light-adaptive photochromic lenses.

HD42502P

These versatile Head sunglasses are the perfect companion for winter sports, cycling and numerous other outdoor activities. The shield shape offers generous vision and reliable protection. Straight temples ensure a comfortable fit under helmets, while rubberized ends keep the sunglasses securely in place even during intense movement. Oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings on the lenses repel water and dirt and guarantee clear vision. Available in grey, black or white, all models are equipped with polarized, mirrored lenses.

HD42503P

With these head-wrap-around sunglasses, overheating and foggy lenses are a thing of the past. Straight temples with non-slip temple tips and adjustable nose pads ensure a secure yet comfortable fit. Ideal for running, tennis or all sports with a helmet. A ventilation system on the upper frame promotes air circulation, keeps the head cool and reduces fogging of the lenses. All colour variants have polarized, mirrored lenses with oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings that repel water and dirt. Available in trendy shades: gray, navy blue and aquamarine.

HD42504P

Secure fit and glare-free vision - even during intensive runs or bike rides. These sporty head-wrap-around sunglasses have two-tone rubber temples for a perfect fit and polarized lenses that reduce glare. Available in black, white and grey, the polarized, mirrored lenses give the sunglasses a particularly sporty look.

HD42508

These trendy Head sunglasses offer versatile sun protection with a special twist. The easy-to-wear square shape features removable shields that provide additional light protection on the sides and accentuate the striking design. Lightweight and comfortable, this cool model is available in black with polarized lenses and in blue and white with fashionable mirrored lenses.

HD42513

Effortlessly sporty and stylish at every summer tournament. This Head model with a square front combines metal and rubber temples with eye-catching color contrasts. Dark blue for elegant style, black with polarized lenses for glare-free performance or a transparent version with ice blue lenses as a real eye-catcher.

HD42517

These casual Head sunglasses perfectly combine style and performance. The aviator-style design combines a fashionable square shape with a trendy double bridge. The two-tone, rubberized plastic temples have a sporty 3D structure. Available in silver, gunmetal grey and black - all with maximum UV protection - the black model also has polarized lenses for even better glare reduction.

Source: www.charmant.com

With their successful graduation, they not only earned the title of Bachelor of Science, but also received the ECOO European Diploma in Optometry at the same time. This makes the optometry degree program unique, as the students received two diplomas that evening.

The European certificates were ceremoniously presented by the Past President of the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO), Dr. Peter Gumpelmayer. Prof. Stéphane Hinni, head of the course, also congratulated the graduates personally and presented them with their FHNW diplomas.

During the graduation ceremony, the commitment and determination of the students, who successfully completed their studies despite the high demands, was also recognized.

Special applause went to the two winners of the evening: Vanessa Siegfried and Corinne Gusmagg. Vanessa Siegfried achieved the best overall performance and was awarded the first prize, sponsored by OptikSchweiz - Corinne Gusmagg received the second prize for her outstanding performance, sponsored by the Optics Swiss Suppliers Association.

After the official part, the celebration continued with a convivial aperitif. Together with family members, friends and lecturers, they toasted the successes. In a relaxed atmosphere, there was an opportunity to look back on the past years of study and celebrate the goals achieved. The graduation ceremony made it clear how important the training of highly qualified specialists is for optometry. With their degree, the young optometrists now have a wide range of career paths open to them.

Author

Tatjana Hug - Lecturer at the FHNW.

Part of the Götti Brand Store Lucerne, a world has been created in the historic premises that provides an insight into the production of rimless eyewear and displays the world's largest selection of the collection. A statement for Swiss craftsmanship and design culture.

It is the unmistakable signature of Götti Switzerland. Purist lines, minimalism and innovation. Aluminum cubes and plenty of transparency set the stage for the story behind the "Made in Switzerland" eyewear. Tradition and innovation merge. Exactly on the premises where the success story of the Swiss eyewear brand began 30 years ago.

The showroom provides an insight into the development and manufacturing process and provides background information on the Götti Perspective collection. Based on a system of just a few individual parts, the collection offers unlimited possibilities in terms of shapes, colors and style. As the world's first Götti Perspective showroom, you can browse through the entire collection and find your individual favorite pair of glasses. A unique experience! At the same time, the room is also a playground for creativity and innovation. In addition to highlights from the collection, the showroom displays exclusive, unique artistic pieces and limited edition models that can only be seen here. Design boundaries are crossed and utopias are visualized. A must for design and fashion enthusiasts from all over the world!

The showroom is open during the usual opening hours of the Brand Store Lucerne.

Source: www.gotti.ch

With the help of the Swiss company, IXI is pursuing the goal of developing smart glasses that dynamically ensure optimal vision in every situation. As an independent lens manufacturer in the heart of Europe, Optiswiss will play a central role in the development and production of the autofocus lenses.

Working at eye level with partners and customers, developing innovative ophthalmic lenses, manufacturing locally and always keeping an eye on the future: These are just some of the values to which Optiswiss has remained true for years. The latest innovations such as the biometric progressive lens Biometrics Horizon and close cooperation with partners, colleges and universities show that there is no standing still at Optiswiss. Optiswiss is already working today on the products of tomorrow. Strategic partnerships - such as the exclusive cooperation with IXI - make it clear that Optiswiss wants to play a key role in shaping the future of ophthalmic optics.

IXI has been pursuing the development of smart autofocus glasses since it was founded in Finland in 2021. Using state-of-the-art technologies, the glasses adapt intelligently to the wearer's eye movements and ensure sharp vision at any distance thanks to integrated autofocus. In addition to sensors, microcontrollers and an eye-tracking system, a liquid crystalline element in the lens is at the heart of the glasses, the implementation of which is being driven forward with the expertise of Optiswiss.

Samuel Frei, CEO of Optiswiss: "Optiswiss has stood for Swiss quality, precision and craftsmanship for decades - with one of the most modern production facilities in the heart of Europe. As an independent company, we are driven by innovation and are excited to partner with IXI, which has a truly forward-thinking approach. An approach that has the potential to have a lasting impact on the ophthalmic lens industry in the future."

Niko Eiden, CEO and co-founder of IXI: "For us, it is a conscious decision to establish our production base in Europe. This is where we have the deepest knowledge of optical precision and design, and we have brought together the best minds. These milestones are important steps on the way to making our technology available worldwide. Our mission is simple: to develop eyewear that changes the way people see without ever compromising on comfort or design."

One thing is certain: The introduction of autofocus spectacles could permanently change the market for spectacle lenses. With the innovative power and production strength of Optiswiss in Basel, IXI has a strong cooperation partner at its side to drive this pioneering technology forward.

Source: www.optiswiss.com

For the fourth and last time in a row, HOF took place in mid-September at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne and offered interested opticians an impressive platform to be inspired by the latest trends and innovations in the eyewear sector.

More visitors

Despite the beautiful late summer weather, HOF 2025 recorded significantly more visitors than last year. The quality of the opticians' stores was also high. This underlines the importance of HOF as a meeting place for the independent Swiss eyewear scene and as a platform for high-quality specialist stores.

Established and newcomers

Silhouette's Atelier label presented elegant highlights, including rimless glasses and luxurious gold models that impress with both restraint and exclusivity. A breath of fresh air was provided by French newcomer Pontet Eyewear, whose creative designs immediately attracted a great deal of attention.

High-quality materials remain in demand

HOF is also a good place to find out which materials are in demand. In addition to established materials such as acetate, titanium and polyamide, eyewear made of carbon and horn was also on show. Brands such as Marcus Marienfeld or ic! berlin (carbon) or Wollenweber and Marcus Marienfeld (horn) confirmed the continuing demand for robust, lightweight yet elegant frames. This also includes the unmistakable wooden frames from Rolf.

The oversized models from Coblens with or without degradé lenses are still among the must-haves of the season, as are the striking and characterful shapes from Nirvan Javan, Moscot NYC and Ross & Brown.

Variety from sport to Switzerland

Sporty brands were also strongly represented in Lucerne. Out Of, Bollé and Evil Eye underlined the growing importance of functional eyewear. Swiss labels such as Didier Voirol, Einstoffen, Feller, Nirvan Javan and Marcus Marienfeld were also in the spotlight, demonstrating their commitment to the local eyewear scene.

Partner with commitment

Nikon - distributed by Reize Optik - as the main partner, as well as Dynoptic, Beck Optikhandel and Studio Arenas were also among the valued companions of the HOF in 2025. The trade magazine Schweizer Optiker was also present as an exhibitor for the first time. The magazine, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, contributed to the success of HOF 2025 with its own stand and a photo box.

Voices of the exhibitors

The exhibitor survey resulted in all-round positive feedback. All participants were satisfied with the organization of HOF. Fifty percent of exhibitors are already planning to return to Zurich in 2026.

Back to Zurich

HOF 2025 marks the end of the Lucerne Museum of Transport chapter, a location that has provided an inspiring platform since 2022. In 2026, HOF will take place in Zurich - in the Emil Frey Autocity Nord in Oerlikon. The concept of a regular change of scenery remains alive and promises new impetus for the independent eyewear scene in Switzerland.

Source: www.hallofframes.ch

Professors from the USA and Germany as well as ophthalmologists and other top-class experts passed on their knowledge. Over 80 graduates and students from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and numerous other countries outside of Europe took advantage of this opportunity to exchange the latest findings from research, science and clinical practice in the field of optometry. Due to the international orientation of the Aalen Master's program and the close cooperation with US-American universities, the event was held in English as always.

This year's lectures focused on current developments such as the role of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology (Prof. Dr. Dr. Norbert Schrage), retinal vessel analysis for the detection of systemic diseases (Prof. Dr. Konstantin Kotliar) and the growing importance of visual stress caused by digital screens (Prof. Scott Cooper). Other topics included vision in sport, modern approaches to glaucoma screening and ways to better support the treatment of amblyopia. The global problem of increasing short-sightedness in children and young people was also discussed in particular.

Background: In Germany, opticians and optometrists are primarily responsible for determining the values of spectacles and contact lenses and for examining visual functions. In their daily practice, however, they can also provide valuable information on possible abnormalities in the eye or in connection with general illnesses, which are then passed on to doctors for further clarification. In this way, they complement medical care and contribute to close interdisciplinary cooperation, which benefits patients.

Since 2012, optometry students and graduates have met once a year in Benediktbeuern for an English-language advanced training course at the highest level. This training course was initiated by the then course director Prof. Dr. h.c. Dietmar Kümmel from Aalen, who maintains close contact with Father Karl Geissinger SDB.

The advanced training at ZUK has established itself as a fixed meeting point for experts from science and practice in ophthalmic optics and optometry. In addition to professional training, the focus is also on personal exchange between graduates of Aalen University and guests and experts from all over the world. Prof. Dr. Anna Nagl, the course director of this very successful part-time optometry master's course, is pleased that the dates for 2026 and 2027 at ZUK are already firmly booked and can therefore be planned for all participants: September 26 and 27, 2026 and October 2 and 3, 2027.

Source: www.optometry-friends.com/de/