Objective

Ideally, the general public would be aware that they should go for an optometric eye examination if they experience vision problems at work, for example. Parents would know who to turn to if their schoolchildren have unexpected reading problems and vision-related headaches. The reality is currently different. Many of those affected do not even know that they or their children can possibly be helped. Or they consider their problems to be normal and cannot imagine that a different and better quality of vision would be possible. The possibilities of optometry to support the performance of accommodation and binocular cooperation by means of spectacle correction, visual training or contact lenses in order to reduce visual stress have not yet been sufficiently publicized. The visual problems mentioned here are not caused by diseases, allergies, strabismus or amblyopia, but occur in 30 % of all people with healthy eyes.

Even if optometry were already fully established as the first port of call for vision problems, there is another challenge: there is currently no nationwide supply of practices or specialist stores in Switzerland that specialize in solving binocular problems.

This results in two specific tasks that should be addressed one after the other:

1. Increase the number of specialist practices and stores as contacts for binocular problems through training and further education to ensure access to good care in Switzerland.
2. To inform the public about the prevalence of vision problems in school children (and adults) and to raise awareness of the possibilities of optometry.

Work on the first task has already been underway for two years, since a "Binocular Vision Round Table" was set up as a Zoom meeting. At the same time, a regular training program on binocular topics has been set up at the Institute of Optometry, which will focus on the topic of BTSO from 2024: www.btso.ch.

The second task cannot be solved by one FHNW institute alone, but requires good cooperation between many professional and further education organizations in the field of ophthalmic optics and optometry and beyond. If a large-scale study to determine the frequency of visual stress in primary school children in Switzerland can be financed, this would strengthen contacts with schools and prepare a campaign to inform the public. Because the well-being of schoolchildren is close to many people's hearts, they are sure to be enthusiastic about it.

Previous history

In 2018, under the leadership of Prof. Roger Crelier and Prof. Dr. Stephanie Jainta, a project was launched to advance training in optometry and also to have an impact on the profession in Switzerland. The field of binocular vision was chosen for this project partly due to the special expertise of the staff at the Institute of Optometry in Olten. The team had a considerable list of publications on topics such as binocular eye tracking, reading research and the application of binocular methods. The project, called "Binocular Test Sequence Olten" (BTSO), was funded by the Swiss Optics Foundation until the beginning of 2025 and had various project phases. The objectives were from the outset:

1. Overview and analysis of existing models that serve as the basis for a new binocular test sequence.
2. Working out the decisive binocular parameters in dialogue with ophthalmology, orthoptics and optometry/ophthalmic optics on which the new sequence will be based; workshops/lectures will be organized at the IO and external experts from the various professional groups will be invited to expand the team at the Institute of Optometry.
3. Development of corresponding measurement and test setups.
4. Development of an evidence-based and sequenced approach to determine binocular status that can be used to determine binocular correction or intervention.
5. The test forms and procedures are described clearly, in detail and comprehensibly.
6. With appropriate use and procedure, the designation " ... tested according to BTSO ... " can be used.
7. A systematic, multicenter, clinical trial of the procedure will follow.

Several meetings were held with experts from various professional groups in the first few years of the project to find out where there were overlaps and where there were additions. The outside perspective was particularly valuable in order to broaden one's own horizons. Literature research was carried out particularly intensively: In weekly meetings of the then six-person team at the institute, findings were collected and shared. The reference book "Perceiving in depth" (HOWARD, 2012) was the focus for a whole year. The research was then extended to include the current study situation. Another reference book, "Clinical Management of Binocular Vision" (SCHEIMAN; WICK, 2020), was an important guide for the entire project period. The contents of this book have influenced training and clinical practice in optometry worldwide on all continents.

In the second and third year of the project, the feasibility of an objective measuring device for the smallest to largest eye movements using SLO (Laser Scanning Opthalmoscope) was investigated. In collaboration with the "Laboratory for the Development of Lasers and Optical Systems FHNW" in Windisch and leading experts in Bonn and Erlangen (Germany), a model setup was realized with which structures in the center of the retina can also be made visible. At the end of 2021, important findings on the feasibility in principle were generated, but the biggest challenge was the stable, binocular centering of the patient's eyes. Although it would be technically possible for patients to wear prescription lenses or spectacles during a measurement, the exact viewing location would have to be maintained with extreme precision. In practical use, it would therefore be necessary to fix the patient in front of the device so firmly that even the smallest movements of the head would be made impossible. Ultimately, this approach to developing an objective measurement sequence was abandoned due to the expected high development costs.

Development of a learning app

From 2021, the available findings and experience were then summarized and reassessed. This was the actual start of the now well-known BTSO test sequence. In addition to other publications, the main impetus came from a series of studies published under the name "BAND 1-3" (HUSSAINDEEN 2017-2018). From the outset, the aim was to develop a simple and cost-effective test battery for accommodative and binocular abnormalities. To this end, the complete standard values of the most important measurements were determined in BAND 1, consisting of five accommodative and eleven binocular tests. 920 school children in South India aged between 6 and 17 years were examined, half from urban and half from rural areas. In BAND 2, the frequency and distribution of non-strabismic classes was analyzed (HUSSAINDEEN; RAKSHIT; et al., 2017). The classification used there was closely based on the established "integrative analysis" by Scheiman and Wick. Abnormalities were found in 30 % of the children examined (n=283). The minimal test battery is the result of the analyses of the BAND 3 study (HUSSAINDEEN; RAKSHIT et al., 2018). The accuracy of individual tests and test combinations was examined. The aim was to determine the most effective test or the most effective test battery. This test battery was optimized for the most frequently occurring classes: convergence insufficiency and accommodation inflexibility.

Based on these studies, the path for BTSO was rethought. One advantage of this minimal test battery is that it can be used for screening by both professionals and optometric laypersons. If a schoolchild or adult tests abnormally in the screening, there is a high probability of an accommodative or binocular abnormality. This result would then lead to a referral for a differentiated optometric examination.

The few tests in the minimal test battery also provide an important contribution to the data used to determine binocular status. The 9 most important binocular and accommodative classes are: Convergence and Divergence Insufficiency, Convergence and Divergence Excess, Basic Esophoria and Exophoria, Accommodative Insufficiency, Excess and Inflexibility. To determine their status, a grouping is usually made from the wealth of data. There are main signs, which must always be present, and secondary signs, which must support the findings. In all 9 classes, the test data of the minimal tests belong to the main signs. The BTSO team therefore raised the question of whether the minimal test battery could be used to screen not just a few classes, but whether all the important 9 classes could be found in the screening. An exciting development phase began, in which a decision logic was developed so that an app could be programmed. An external partner from the field of software development was found in order to strive for a professional solution right from the start. The subsequent development of a web-based learning app created one of the most important prerequisites for tackling the first objective: To make it easier for professionals to enter or re-enter the world of binocular vision and thus improve the care situation in Switzerland. How important it is to offer an aid when there are still uncertainties about the topic was revealed in a student survey in the final semester. Even if a specialist goes into practice well-trained, they ideally need an environment in which binocular assessments are already established. This is often not the case and it was stated several times that without practical support, there is too much uncertainty to work in this area on one's own.

The BTSO learning app was introduced at the Institute of Optometry in the "Binocular Vision 1" module in the fall semester 2023. All students will have free access to the learning app and can also use the tests and evaluations in the "Clinical Optometric Practical Course". A regular continuing education program for all interested professionals with a focus on binocular analysis and correction has been set up at the Institute. Attendance of at least one further training course was defined as mandatory in order to be able to activate the app. This is intended to ensure the professional quality of BTSO users. In addition, online meetings on binocular vision are offered, to which regular invitations are sent out. Even though the goal of comprehensive care is still a long way off, there are some encouraging signs of success: within a year, the estimated number of practices and stores in Switzerland specializing in binocular vision has doubled.

BTSO studies with adults

Part of the project objectives was to research the newly defined test sequence. To this end, two multi-center studies (four centers in German-speaking Switzerland) were conducted, each involving 150 people between the ages of 18 and 38, 100 of whom had visual complaints and 50 of whom were symptom-free. The validation study compares the results of the established, complete analysis of binocular status with those of the BTSO learning app. The anamnesis study looks for matches between the questions of the newly developed anamnesis and conspicuous functional measurements. The studies have not yet been completed, but all subject measurements have been finalized. The time required has turned out to be significantly greater than was foreseeable at the beginning. Due to illness in the team, the evaluation was also significantly delayed. The selection of test subjects was also very challenging because strict criteria had to be met. Many potential test subjects therefore had to be rejected because the existing correction values of the current glasses could only deviate slightly from the newly measured values.

The background to the study is the classification of anomalies of non-strabismic binocular vision still used today, which was proposed by A. Duane in 1896 (DUANE, 1896) and supplemented in 1915 by the accommodation classes (DUANE, 1915). High frequencies of non-strabismic abnormalities are found in randomized studies: 32 % in university students (GARCÍA-MUÑOZ; et al., 2016), 32 % in adult patients of an eye clinic (FRANCO et al., 2022) and 30 % in children and adolescents in South India (HUSSAINDEEN; RAKSHIT et al., 2017). The classes indicate whether the problems are caused by either binocular cooperation or accommodation. Over time, these classes have largely been retained and only slightly expanded, such as by Scheiman and Wick with their "Integrative Analysis". The division into 9 individual classes enables specific intervention if visual performance is reduced despite healthy eyes and daily visual tasks lead to subjective complaints. Possible interventions would then be, for example, corrective spectacles with near additions and prisms or visual training. However, the concept is also called into question, as people in each of these classes can also be symptom-free (CACHO-MARTÍNEZ; et al., 2014).

Our own study found a frequency of abnormalities approaching 17 % in the 100 symptomatic subjects. There are some challenges that we encountered during the evaluation: Errors can easily occur when transferring the measured values entered manually on test protocols into the data table. To ensure the accuracy of all data, we checked our data a total of three times at different times. In the evaluation, we take a path that has not yet been described in the literature: we program the evaluation logic for detailed status determination in order to avoid manual evaluation errors. The criteria required for this have been described quite well in some studies, but nowhere completely. This shows that the evaluation logic has not been thought through to the end in comparable studies. When evaluating manually, clinical experience in data grouping is important in order to obtain reliable results. At the same time, however, there is a susceptibility to error that can hardly be calculated. We are looking forward to our results and will try to finalize them in 2025. We will certainly report on this here.

Planned developments

In the binocular vision working group at the Institute of Optometry, we have already drawn up an initial plan for examining 700 primary school children for binocular and accommodative abnormalities in a large-scale study. An important goal is to find out the frequency of non-strabismic visual problems in schoolchildren in Switzerland. In addition, we can use the measurements of all important visual functions to determine our own standard values and calculate a very specific test battery, similar to the South Indian study. In our view, these scientific findings are a necessary basis for introducing screening for non-strabismic features at all elementary school. This would pave the way for schoolchildren with vision problems to be identified first and then sent to the right place for treatment. As a non-profit research institution, the Institute of Optometry is a credible player. The goal of informing and sensitizing the Swiss public mentioned at the beginning could thus be taken a big step forward. In particular, the frequently existing and rarely recognized vision problems of schoolchildren would receive special attention. Over time, more and more children will benefit from correction of their non-strabismic abnormalities. Many of these children can be spared the experience of frustration in reading and failure due to their visual impairment. When this point is reached, no one will be able to understand why so little has been done for decades to detect these visual problems.

The planned study would take two to three years and cost around CHF 250,000, with the earliest possible start date being 2026. Cooperation with experts from the universities of education and health research is essential for such a large-scale project. The automated evaluations of the adult study will be helpful because exactly the same measurements are also carried out on children. Our experience with optometric measurements and data management are further good prerequisites for the successful completion of this study. Discussions with foundations and key players in optometry in Switzerland are planned for funding. For possible support, suggestions and questions, please write to: volkhard.schroth@fhnw.ch.

Literature:

CACHO-MARTÍNEZ, P.; GARCÍA-MUÑOZ, Á.; RUIZ-CANTERO, M. T. Is there any evidence for the validity of diagnostic criteria used for accommodative and nonstrabismic binocular dysfunctions? J Optom, 7, n. 1, p. 2-21, 2014 Jan-Mar 2014.

DUANE, A. A new classification of the motor anomalies of the eye: based upon physiological principles, together with their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. New York: Vail, J.H., 1896.

DUANE, A. Anomalies of the Accommodation Clinically Considered. Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society, 14, n. Pt 1, 1915 1915.

FRANCO, S.; MOREIRA, A.; FERNANDES, A.; BAPTISTA, A. Accommodative and binocular vision dysfunctions in a Portuguese clinical population. Journal of Optometry, 15, n. 4, p. 271-277, 2022.

GARCÍA-MUÑOZ, Á.; CARBONELL-BONETE, S.; CANTÓ-CERDÁN, M.; CACHO-MARTÍNEZ, P. Accommodative and binocular dysfunctions: prevalence in a randomized sample of university students. Clinical & experimental optometry, 99, n. 4, 2016 Jul 2016.

HOWARD, I. P. Perceiving in Depth, Volume 1: Basic Mechanisms. New York: Oxford University Press, USA, 2012. 9780199764143.

HUSSAINDEEN, J. R.; RAKSHIT, A.; SINGH, N. K.; GEORGE, R. et al. Prevalence of non-strabismic anomalies of binocular vision in Tamil Nadu: report 2 of BAND study. Clin Exp Optom, 100, n. 6, p. 642-648, Nov 2017.

HUSSAINDEEN, J. R.; RAKSHIT, A.; SINGH, N. K.; SWAMINATHAN, M. et al. The minimum test battery to screen for binocular vision anomalies: report 3 of the BAND study. Clin Exp Optom, 101, n. 2, p. 281-287, Mar 2018.

HUSSAINDEEN, J. R. G., R; Swaminathan, M; et al. Binocular vision anomalies and normative data (BAND) in Tamil Nadu - study design and methods. Vis Dev Rehabil, 1, p. 260-271, 2015.

MAN, M.; WICK, B. Clinical Management of Binocular Vision. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. Lippincott Williams & Williams, 2020. 9781496399755.

They include well-known labels such as Ørgreen, Rolf, FEB31st, Moscot NYC, Paul & Joe, Woodys, Einstoffen and Nirvan Javan - as well as newcomers with a strong character and exciting niche brands. The spectrum ranges from sustainable design and technical innovation to colorful eccentricity. Marcus Marienfeld and Wollenweber Hornlinie, whose collections set the tone in the high-end segment - be it with exclusive materials or masterful craftsmanship - show luxury in its most beautiful form. Pontet Eyewear, an exciting newcomer from France, also enriches this year's line-up.

Nathanaël Wenger, founder and organizer of HOF, is delighted with the strong response: "The Hall of Frames is more than just a trade fair - it is a statement for independent ophthalmic optics. The large number of early registered brands shows that our industry is lively, creative and ready for new impulses."

HOF offers opticians and eyewear designers an uncomplicated, informal setting in which to exchange ideas, discover new collections and maintain personal contacts. The Lucerne Museum of Transport remains the ideal venue - central, inspiring and rated top marks by participants.

The Hall of Frames 2025 is once again supported by Nikon as the main partner. The partner companies Dynoptic, Beck Optikhandel, Studio Arenas and Contedi are also making an important contribution to the success of the HOF with their innovative strength and industry expertise.

The current line-up (as of the beginning of May):

Black Icon - Bollé - Brett - Carven - Catch London - Centrostyle Active - Coblens - Colibris - Didier Voirol - Einstoffen - Eleven Paris - FEB31ST - Feller - Headrix - Jooly - Look - Marcus Mariendfeld - McSwisseyewear - Milo & Me - Morel - Morgan Davies - MD1888 - Moscot NYC - New York Yankees - Nine Eyewear - Nirvan Javan - Oxibis - Ørgreen - Paul&Joe - Pontet Eyewear - Popcorn - Reykjavik Eyes - Rolf - Serengeti - Snob Milano - Tom Davies - Wollenweber Hornlinie - Woodys - You Mawo.

Source and further information: www.hallofframes.ch / contact@hallofframes.ch

Bold colors, three-dimensional shapes and a playful spirit define the Light Social collection. The iconic flex hinge ensures a flexible and comfortable fit, while the design emphasizes volume and proportion with a bold, expressive approach. The Emily model, available in three colorways, features a frame with a strong personality that is dynamic and light, brought to life by vibrant and captivating colors.

A new kind of elegance takes shape with Light Joy, a collection characterized by clean lines and defined by the characteristic 5-point hinge. The thin front profiles meet bold temples in a perfect balance between visual lightness and expressive strength. Astronomer features sculptural and clean lines paired with a more classic and elegant color palette. The model is available in three color variations and plays with tone-on-tone harmonies, sophisticated contrasts and subtle color accents on the nose pads.

The Light Stream collection was developed for those looking for a flowing and modern aesthetic. It reduces the material without sacrificing personality. The acetate frames are thin, flexible and available in reduced sizes to better fit smaller faces. Phoebe is a pair of glasses with a tapered profile, contrasting brow line, light and refined, guaranteeing an impeccable fit.

With the Lightbird collection, the spring season will be a very special experience! A distinctive element of the brand is the LighTag - a QR code attached to the end of the rod. Thanks to Lightbird's patented system, it creates a link between the company, the optician and the customer.

Source: www.lightbird.it

With clear, elegant lines and an innovative surface design, Mona and Myles combine characteristic features with timeless classics. Every bevel is in the right place. Highlighting the top edge ensures that the soft curves appear in an elegant silhouette, allowing the light to play across the frames in a gentle shimmer. Stylish and contemporary. Despite their striking and angular appearance, the two glasses radiate a pleasant softness and offer an extremely pleasant feel. The exciting look of the striking frames is rounded off with a new, wide temple. And although Mona and Myles look strong and expressive, they are remarkably lightweight. Made from the finest polyamide powder, these masterpieces are created using state-of-the-art 3D printing in our own factory in Switzerland.

The two all-rounders are available as sunglasses and optical frames. Thanks to the innovative custom-made function, the glasses can be individually adjusted to ensure an optimized fit and even more comfort. No wonder Mona and Myles will quickly become your new favorite glasses.

Source: www.gotti.ch

Since 1955, the Red Dot seal has been awarded to designs that push the boundaries of creativity, craftsmanship and innovation. Each of these award-winning pieces impressed the international jury with their vision, sustainability and refined aesthetics - and now joins the ranks of the world's best designs.

The centerpiece of Silhouette's Clear Sky Collection is a true design breakthrough: SPX Green+. Winner of the Red Dot Design Award 2025, this biocircular material is made from organic waste from agriculture, forestry and aquaculture. SPX Green+ is made from 100 % renewable energy and reduces carbon emissions by up to 50 % compared to conventional fossil-based materials. This ground-breaking design family from the market leader in optical innovation embodies the unstoppable progress of a society moving towards greener technologies.

Atelier Next: The future of luxury eyewear

The Red Dot jury also recognized the pioneering spirit of Atelier Next, Silhouette's exclusive design laboratory, where advanced materials meet visionary aesthetics. Two different sun models stood out for their refined craftsmanship, innovation and pioneering use of sustainable materials.

This new style of sunglasses combines sleek lines with precision and material innovation. The super-light, rimless frame features vegan leather inserts based on agricultural by-products. This material choice delivers exquisite properties in appearance and durability and is produced CO₂-neutral. The titanium frames offer a minimalist screwless hinge with full adjustability. The 90° folded temple reveals the beauty of the leather inlays at second glance and emphasizes the finesse and understatement of this design - clean and minimalistic. The addition of colored grooves on the lenses transforms the rimless look into a delicate full rim look and emphasizes the aviator shape.

These exquisite sunglasses combine craftsmanship with the latest 3D titanium printing technology. The matt titanium rings contrast with the 23 ct gold-plated temples, bridge and decorative trims. The innovative design is based on the idea of a "floating" glass. A rimless base is combined with accent rings that are printed in 3D. The parts can only be produced using this technique. The finishing process to get this smooth surface on the 3D printed metal parts takes time and experience. The result is a super light and stable frame. To achieve better sun protection, the rings on the side are enlarged. By adding recesses, the surface remains slightly rougher and shows the 3D-printed original surface. A minimalist, screwless and maintenance-free hinge as well as full adjustability characterize these sunglasses.

Source: www.silhouette.com

In this strategically important role, Andrea Marugg will drive forward the development and expansion of the Leica Eyecare brand in the Swiss specialist trade - with a clear focus on high-quality Leica Eyecare lenses.

Andrea is a trained master optician and can look back on a successful career in the optical industry. Her sound professional expertise, coupled with a keen sense for high-quality products, make her the ideal candidate for this responsible position. She knows the requirements and needs of the Swiss market inside out - and brings the necessary passion to anchor the Leica Eyecare brand with partners.

With Andrea Marugg, the team has not only gained a colleague with a wealth of expertise, but also a convincing personality who stands for quality, customer focus and innovation.

"Welcome on board, Andrea - we look forward to seeing you!" - The Leica Eyecare team is very much looking forward to working with Andrea and is convinced that she will make a decisive contribution to the further positioning of Leica Eyecare in Switzerland.

Source: www.prolens.ch

Alongside Marcus Desimoni (CEO & CFO ad interim), Roland Dimbath (COO), Dr. Dietmar Uttenweiler (EVP Innovation) and Catherine Stahl (EVP Marketing & Strategy), they complete the Executive Management Team of the Rodenstock Group and strengthen the clear market focus of the Sales division.

Laurent Saada has extensive leadership experience in global sales and business strategy in the medical device industry. In a career spanning more than two decades, Mr. Saada has held leadership positions at companies such as Sonova Group, Straumann Group and Johnson & Johnson. From May, he will assume sales responsibility for all European markets and Morocco.

Søren Østergaard has been with Rodenstock for four years. He has more than 35 years of professional experience in sales at international companies in the medical technology sector, including various senior sales positions at Sonova Holding AG, Origio A/S and GN Hearing. Most recently, he was Vice President and Head of International Sales at Rodenstock. From May, he will assume sales responsibility for all markets outside Europe as part of the Executive Management Team.

Marcus Desimoni, CEO of the Rodenstock Group, says: "We are delighted to welcome two outstanding industry experts to our Executive Management Team. With their in-depth expertise and forward-thinking mindset, they will, among other things, continue to drive the successful implementation of our B.I.G. Vision strategy. With these appointments, we are making our sales division more focused, agile and even more market-oriented in order to master the constantly growing challenges of the future."

Laurent Saada, Executive Vice President Sales Europe, adds: "I am delighted to be joining Rodenstock at a crucial time of growth, characterized by innovation, close customer relationships and a strong corporate culture. Europe is at the heart of Rodenstock's value creation strategy and with B.I.G. Exact Sensitive we are uniquely positioned to set a new standard for truly biometric lenses."

Søren Østergaard, Executive Vice President Sales International, adds: "I am very pleased to expand my responsibilities at Rodenstock and join the Executive Management Team. Given the dynamic changes and potential in the global markets, I look forward to continuing to lead the strong Sales International team as well as Thailand and Australia, in addition to fully managing the Latin American markets with our sales units in Chile, Brazil and Uruguay."

Source: www.rodenstock.com

With the new three-year basic training program, the number of apprentices has risen sharply. The course centers for ophthalmic optics have been expanded accordingly and also brought up to date in terms of infrastructure and optics. Following the opening of the new French-speaking CCO in Yverdon-les-Bains last autumn, the existing school in Starrkirch near Olten was also modernized.

On March 3, 2025, all those interested in vocational training in optometry were invited to take a look at the current status of this important place of learning in basic vocational training. For some of the numerous guests, it was their first time - for many, it was also a happy reunion with a place from years of apprenticeships long past.

After a brief welcome by VBAO President Roger Willhalm and an entertaining and informative introduction by KFA Director Nick Burkhardt, the extended classrooms were open to visitors. Instructors on site provided information about the way teaching is practiced today.

A third course center was opened in Trevano for Italian-speaking opticians in training. The open day took place on April 9, 2025. Report to follow!

Following the great success of the Opti Faces for the last two Optis, the We Are Opti 2025/2026 campaign is entering a third, newly designed round: Curtain up for the new brand ambassadors! Three women and three men from the optical industry are lending their charismatic and (as yet) unknown faces to Opti 2026. These six brand personalities are embedded in a lively, dynamic design with a bright, opti-mistic appeal.

This makes the Opti 2026 campaign an even clearer commitment to shaping Opti together, to the meeting place of the optical industry and its related sectors, to passion, with the clear statement: We can only be Opti together!

Cathleen Kabashi, Director Opti: "I am delighted with this impressive mix of strong personalities. Their passion for Opti and ophthalmic optics is infectious! No wonder: all six are inspiring representatives of our Opti community. As great ambassadors, they will accompany us on our way to Opti 2026, supported by the new, brighter, positive look and feel. This strengthens the sense of community in the industry - both in the run-up to and then, of course, at Opti!"

And these are the new, strong Opti personalities:

Reya Kons - Lecturer at TH Brandenburg and Berlin University of Applied Sciences:

"Opti is a highlight for me every year - meeting colleagues, great discussions, new impulses and ideas and lots of fun. It's the perfect mix of exchange, inspiration and enjoyment of our industry."

 

 Christian Metzler - Photographer and passionate collector of glasses, Pforzheim:

"Opti is a unique event for me - although I know what to expect, I am always surprised and happy at Opti. It's the innovations, the design and the annual reunion with people who share my enthusiasm for eyewear and who I see as friends. The best thing about it: there are more and more of them every year."

 

Fola Osu - Sales representative, Böblingen:

"Opti is a unique event of reconnection - this is where new collabs are created, fresh ideas flow and inspiration is shared. Away from business, it is a celebration of creativity, encounters and the true art of the eyewear and design world."

 

Tom Luis Platten - Student B.Sc. Ophthalmic Optics/Optometry, Munich University of Applied Sciences; Platten Optik & Akustik, Kastellaun:

"Opti combines trends in fashion and technology with fresh ideas for the future. For me, it is the ideal place to maintain contacts and find out about specific developments in the industry."

 

Daniela Steinkämper - Management Purchasing & Sales, Viehoff Group, Münster:

"Opti offers an incomparable platform for discovering the latest innovations and trends in the optics industry, as well as for exchanging ideas with industry colleagues and suppliers. For me, this makes it the most important event of the year - an unmissable event for professionals and opti(k) enthusiasts!"

 

Camilla Stramare. CEO Strato Eyewear, Quero Vas (BL), Italy:  

"The Opti is characterized by its ideal size and its inviting atmosphere. Both create the perfect setting for good contacts. As a representative of the industry, Opti allows me to put the spotlight on incredible craftsmen and women who rarely receive the recognition they deserve."

 

The upcoming Opti dates for your diary

Opti 2026: January 16-18, 2026

Opti 2027: January 29-31, 2027

Opti 2028: January 14-16, 2028

Source: www.opti.de

For Spring 2025, Blackfin Atlantic presents two new edgy frames: Knightsbridge with a straight and distinctive upper profile and Mayfair, which interprets a classic design with new elegance. The colors have a Silk Feel surface with a unique feel that gives these frames an exclusive touch. Both models are also available in the elegant Black Edition version and in the Sun Glasses version with colored lenses.

In all models, the temple and hinges merge to form a monobloc that has been skillfully machined to facilitate adjustment of the inclination angle. The combination of bridge supports and nose pads with an elegant shape and high functionality allows adjustment in all directions for a made-to-measure fitting, so that the fit of the glasses can be harmoniously adapted to any face shape.

Blackfin Atlantic stands for the company's commitment to creating authentic and high-quality eyewear, the value of which lies not only in the use of the highest quality materials and advanced technologies, but also in the commitment to production that takes place entirely in Italy at the sustainable Black Shelter headquarters.

Source: www.blackfin.eu

Nowadays, the desire for precise vision with frequent changes of gaze is particularly great. Adapted to modern visual habits, the latest progressive lens from Optiswiss provides the answer: BIOMETRICS HORIZON combines first-class technologies in a high-end progressive lens and is perfectly tailored to the individual visual needs of each person. Inspired by the horizon and its boundlessness, spectacle wearers experience natural vision, brilliance and distance.

Top-class technologies

Thanks to decades of expertise in the high-end area of individual progressive lenses and in close collaboration with research partners, we have succeeded in developing a new ground-breaking calculation methodology. The SWISSVARIO® TECHNOLOGY combines exclusive features and improved digital optimization to provide the best possible solutions for all customer groups and visual requirements. These are characterized by excellent spontaneous comfort and optimal visual performance in all visual situations. OPTOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY ensures that individual visual requirements are perfectly met. The special feature: This patented, intelligent technology dynamically adapts the lens design to the individual's visual defect and age. Spectacle wearers benefit from the largest possible, user-relevant visual areas - in every perspective. The integration of precisely measured biometric parameters also results in a lens that is matched to the biometry of the eye with absolute precision thanks to BIOMETRICS TECHNOLOGY. BIOMETRICS HORIZON meets the unique requirements of every human eye by measuring the parameters of the eye's length, eye pivot point and pupil diameter with the Myopia Master® or the Pentacam® AXL Wave from premium partner OCULUS.

Seeing in a new dimension

Where conventional progressive lenses are based on standard values, vision with BIOMETRICS HORIZON gains in width and brilliant clarity. The new progressive lenses provide excellent spontaneous comfort, optimum visual performance in all visual situations and a new level of compatibility. A visual experience that spectacle wearers will feel, even under dynamic conditions. And it's not just the visual experience with BIOMETRICS HORIZON that is impressive, but also the overall biometric concept:

"The first impressions with the latest generation of BIOMETRICS HORIZON biometric lenses are extremely good. [...] Our customers have a great feeling with their glasses. For us, BIOMETRICS means exclusivity. We position ourselves with an honest and tangible measurement and analysis and a unique product whose benefits we integrate into the screening, consultation and sales process right from the start. It's simply fun to fit such advanced lenses," says Jean-Pierre Schwalb from Optik Schwalb in Nidda, Germany.

With BIOMETRICS HORIZON, spectacle wearers experience a completely new perspective and the harmony of precision, quality and innovation - 100 % Made in Switzerland.

www.optiswiss.com

Each piece is a masterful symbiosis of sophisticated aesthetics, sustainable innovation and ethical craftsmanship - reflecting the values of a conscious, future-oriented world. The collection brings together three visionary sub-collections that redefine technological boundaries while masterfully preserving the symbiosis of ethical luxury and timeless design.

Minimalist and innovative, the Aura Collection new standards in technical innovation. With a 23 carat gold coating and avant-garde 3D accents, the Titan Minimal Art of this series celebrates its debut with the exclusive "Golden Plate Edition", which gives a new meaning to luxurious lightness.

The Radiance collection The new "Color-Groove" eyewear line inspires with a sophisticated look: soft, vegan leather is combined with 23-carat gold-plated titanium and black "Color-Groove" lenses. The design line combines traditional textures with innovative materials. The pilot glasses in this series impress with their striking style and are guaranteed to radiate positive energy. 250 of the strictly limited edition sunglasses - inspired by Himalayan expeditions - were produced. The exclusive 3D-printed titanium frame is coated with 23 carat gold and combines exceptional strength with lightness. The angular temples provide further sun protection and epic glamor.

The Lumiere collection combines the highest level of craftsmanship with radiant elegance. They set standards with perfectly lab-grown diamonds and solid, recycled 18-carat gold. Like the optical collection, the solid gold and titanium sunglasses effortlessly achieve an even 10+ on the "wow" scale.

Sustainable materials: the game changer of the future

The Silhouette Gold impresses with its unmistakable 23 carat gold alloy. Made from recycled gold and refined with a touch of ruthenium, a brighter and nobler shade is achieved. Leather has been prized for thousands of years. While the look and feel of leather is compelling, it still comes from animals. Advances in material science make it possible for Silhouette to use a plant-based, cruelty-free and carbon neutral leather made from 100 % corn and produced in Italy.

Inspired by the wonders of nature, the sourced diamonds are grown responsibly in the laboratory. Perfect color and clarity are guaranteed. Ethical diamonds are CO₂-neutral, produce no waste and are indistinguishable from natural diamonds. Grown from a "seed", they are nourished with carbon vapor. Silhouette carefully selects these diamonds and places them by hand on each bail.

Using the latest technology, exclusive designs are 3D printed in limited quantities from titanium, surpassing traditional milling techniques. A revolutionary process fuses titanium dust using lasers and builds the frame layer by layer, without any waste. The result is outstanding industrial strength and exceptional durability.

Source: www.silhouette.com

This year's conference offered a varied program with top-class presentations in French, English and German on lenses, screening methods and the latest research findings. The practical case studies from experts in the fields of contact lens fitting and binocular vision were particularly valuable. An industry panel rounded off the event with a perspective on the future.

Will eye operations be performed by robots in the future?

The criteria for the optimal timing of cataract surgery are not clearly defined. In his presentation, Martin Kündig emphasized that patients accept the effects of treatment better if the operation is not performed too early.

The well-being of the patient is more important than the doctor's ego when it comes to interventions. In her presentation on glaucoma treatment, Dr. Ségolèene Roemer expressed her conviction that successful treatment is based on good interdisciplinary cooperation. She particularly emphasized the cooperation between ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Prof. Dr. Matthias Becker, founder of Ophthorobotics AG, has researched the possibilities of how robots could help with eye operations together with ETH Zurich. Today, the surgeons themselves still have full control over the operations. Only telerobotics is already being used, for example in Lasik. For operations on the front of the eye, manual surgical methods are so well developed that they are still preferred to robotics. One of the reasons for this is that today's robots are still too rough for the delicate eye. The only interesting exception here would be injection robotics. Automated injection systems could make it possible to treat several patients at the same time. A significant advantage of robots is their absolute stability of movement. As even the most experienced surgeons have natural hand tremors, special auxiliary instruments have already been developed to compensate for these tremors and ensure complete immobility. During the operation, the surgeon controls the robotic arm - the right hand for the right side, the left hand for the left side, while the forceps are operated by foot control. This innovative technique enables doctors to treat areas of the eye that are difficult to access and to change their own position while the surgical tool remains precise and stable in the eye.

When asked about their dreams for the future, the OSO industry partners present expressed their ideas on stage. At the forefront were digital AI-controlled spectacle lenses and contact lenses as well as a spectacle cleaning and pad changing machine. Present from right to left were Stephan Kettler from Zeiss, Patrica Dallinger from Alcon, Enrico Giarrusso from Optiswiss AG, Mischa Wolf from CooperVision, Yves Bargetzi from Rodenstock, Samuel Schaub from Hoya and Marc von der Burg from Essilor. The panel was chaired by SBAO President Manuel Kovats, far right.

Scleral lens

The Monday morning of the conference was devoted entirely to the scleral lens. In the first lecture, Alex Ziörjen dealt with possible troubleshooting when fitting these large lenses. According to the speaker, a lot depends on the care product. In the case of reddened eyes or intolerances, he would certainly change the storage medium first. If there are problems with the fit, the practitioner will then also change to a freeform lens, which solves many of the fit problems. However, it is important to always bear in mind that visual acuity 1.0 does not always mean that the customer really has 1.0 vision. It is often possible to guess an aperture with a visual acuity in blurred vision.

A few years ago, scleral lens specialist Brian Tompkins rode onto the stage on a Harley Davidson as a speaker at a specialist conference. As a tribute to his follow-up speaker, Philippe Seira took to the stage at the current conference on a scooter. In his presentation, he compared various recipes for lenses and demonstrated the different options for contact lens fitting. His presentation focused on the fight against drop-outs. Verbal and written information is essential in order to provide customers with good information and support. To this end, they have many information leaflets available in their practice. Most of them are developed by them and include explanatory photos and drawings. Optometrists are able to convey the joy of lens wear to people. According to the Vaud native, follow-up check-ups should be in the middle of the village again, just like the church. A follow-up check should cost money, but it should also be used to show professionalism, provide information about new products and ensure good customer loyalty.

Brian Tompkins from the UK calls himself an optometrist entertainer and lives it to the full. For him, all fitters are superheroes and should reflect on their superpowers. Because optometrists and lens fitters can't sense people or read minds, they have to become super detectives. It is important to listen carefully and read between the lines. He also recommends questionnaires and, above all, paying attention to customers' unspoken fears. In their practice, Brian and his Super Optometrist team have introduced a subscription system. He called it the "Netflix system". They run subscriptions for different lenses and needs and they all have everything included. Customers don't have to pay for anything extra. His statement was: embrace your superpower, fly to your clinic and be sparkled. And do it with Sparkle and be happy. Have fun.

Red or blue light for myopia control

Prof. Dr. Dr. Frank Schaeffel, a biophysicist from the University Hospital Tübingen and IOP Basel, has presented important findings on myopia control. His research focuses on the effect of different colored light sources on the development of myopia. It has long been established that being active outdoors can inhibit the development of myopia more than genetic factors. Studies have compared the effects of daylight lamps and natural outdoor light. The best results were achieved with a light intensity of 20,000 lux, whereby it made no difference whether the light was artificial or natural. 20,000 lux corresponds to daylight without direct sunlight. Interestingly, UV therapies, which are successful in some animals, are not effective in humans, as UV light does not reach the retina at all. An experiment with chickens was particularly revealing: despite spending time outside, they developed short-sightedness when given dopamine blockers. This clearly shows that it is not image sharpness alone that is decisive, but that the interaction between dopamine and melanin plays a central role. Research suggests that different colors of light elicit different responses and that a combination of different colors may be necessary to trigger a predictable response in the eye.

The symposium offered a successful mix of science, practical relevance and inspiration - and once again underlined the importance of interdisciplinary exchange in modern ophthalmic optics.

The next OSO meetings are the newly launched congresses in French-speaking Switzerland on May 18 in Alpha Palmiers, Lausanne and in Ticino in Bellinzona on October 12. The OPTX will take place in Baden again this year, on September 21, and for the next spring conference it's "Bye and see you next year."

Regulated succession

Christian Krüsi, the former long-standing Managing Director of Galifa Contactlinsen AG, who has sold his majority stake in the long-established Eastern Swiss company to Medical Vision AG - a company with an equally rich tradition in Eastern Switzerland - is delighted: "I am delighted to have found a partner in Medical Vision AG with whom Galifa Contactlinsen AG - my life's work - is in good hands. The Medical Vision Group has all the resources to make Galifa even more fit for the future."

Galifa Contactlinsen AG will continue to operate at its existing location as an independent company within the Medical Vision Group. The high level of expertise, product quality and outstanding contact lens production of Galifa Contactlinsen AG expands the existing portfolio of companies within the Medical Vision Group and opens up new opportunities for optimal customer care and new services.

Added value in customer service and market presence

A particular advantage of this cooperation lies in the area of customer care. The subsidiaries of Medical Vision AG, in particular Mediconsult AG and Pharma Medica AG, already serve customers in the same segment as Galifa Contactlinsen AG. The cooperation within the Medical Vision Group will make the market presence more efficient and provide customers with an even broader and integrated range of high-quality products and services.

New possibilities by combining diagnostics and production

The combination of Galifa Contactlinsen AG's strengths in manufacturing and Medical Vision AG's expertise in diagnostics opens up new possibilities. The collaboration enables the optimization of important process steps such as ordering, fitting and individual production of contact lenses.

The companies are very confident about their joint future and look forward to ensuring sustainable corporate growth through the merger.

Source: www.galifa.swiss

The result is an aesthetically pleasing, highly functional pair of Shield sports goggles with personalized prescription that always offers optimum vision and protection in all light and weather conditions.

The combination that makes the difference

In the past, if spectacle wearers wanted to use an evil eye Shield model with self-tinting Vario filter technology, this was only possible using a clip-in system, which was practical but visually less discreet. The new Vario Shield adapter overcomes these limitations: It seamlessly integrates the optical glazing and ensures a consistent, elegant appearance. This solution therefore offers an attractive alternative for anyone looking for aesthetically pleasing yet high-performance Shield sports eyewear.

More than just a visual aid - the advantages of the Varion Shield adapter

• Unlimited field of vision: The Vario Shield adapter ensures that the field of vision always remains wide and unrestricted.
• Perfect for sport: The photochromatic Vario filters adapt automatically and continuously to changing light and weather conditions.
• Constantly sharp vision: The combination of shield design with optical glazing ensures maximum protection and comfort.
• Outstanding aesthetics: The perfect coordination of materials and design ensures that the optical glazing is barely noticeable.

High-tech materials for top performance

The design of the Vario Shield adapter is based on two different, perfectly coordinated materials. Polyamide provides the necessary stability and flexibility of the adapter, while polycarbonate makes the optical filters light and scratch-resistant. This combination not only guarantees excellent performance, but also a high-quality appearance that meets the demands of athletes.

Sustainability and efficiency combined

Another advantage of the Vario Shield adapter is its sustainable design. The ability to replace only the optical filters when changing prescription reduces waste and resource consumption and ensures that the model can be worn for longer without having to replace the entire pair of glasses. This feature underlines evil eye's commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable production.

The solution for every moment

The Vario Shield Adapter combines innovative technology, sustainable production and a clear vision: to offer athletes unrestricted vision and maximum flexibility. Whether on the running track or on the mountain - with the Vario Shield adapter from evil eye, the focus always remains where it should be: on the target.

The new Vario Shield Adapter is available from our partner opticians for the traileye pro, traileye ng pro, vistair-x and vistair-d models in the following Vario versions:

• Vario clear
• LST Vario purple M
• LST Vario blue-green M
• LST blue light Vario M

Source: www.evileye.com

The service is free of charge and is aimed at visually impaired people and their relatives. An initial assessment has already been made.

So far, 30 people seeking advice have received information and initial consultations about a visual impairment. During the discussions, the specialists explained the options for improving their visual and reading ability or provided information on social insurance benefits. It was established that there is a great need for information on the use and handling of aids and support options. Some people just wanted to get a replacement part for their cane or a new reading device. The majority of those seeking advice were female and over 70 years old. They were made aware of or referred to the mobile advice service by ophthalmologists, retirement homes, opticians, print and social media. For in-depth and further individual clarifications and social consultations, the mobile advice service staff referred the people to specialized professionals at advice centres.

The mobile counseling specialists provided those seeking advice with an initial overview of the following topics:

• Low vision (assessment of visual potential, advice and training in the use of optical and electronic aids)
• Orientation & mobility (teaching techniques for safe locomotion, such as the use of a long cane or orientation aids)
• Practical life skills (assessments, advice and support in teaching techniques for coping with everyday tasks such as cooking, personal hygiene, housekeeping and communication)
• Aids to improve reading and visual acuity
• Offers and services of the SBV (course offers)
• Social counseling (advice on social insurance issues, information on companions and Spitex services, information on aids, support with administrative issues).

Mobile contact and advice service

In an interview with Urs von Gunten, the project manager of this pilot project, we found out about the idea behind this project, how it all started and whether it will soon be possible to obtain this type of advice in other cantons in Switzerland.

Mr. von Gunten, how did you get started with the "Mobile Advice" service?

Good, I'm satisfied. So far, we've received two to three inquiries a week. That's a good start, especially as we haven't advertised the service heavily yet. Demand is sure to increase, as ophthalmologists and retirement homes will refer clients to us.

What issues can I contact the mobile advice service about?

Basically with all issues relating to living with a visual impairment. Many people turn to us with questions about social insurance benefits, such as supplementary benefits, helplessness allowance and the assistance contribution. It is important that people with visual impairments know what they are entitled to. They often live on a modest pension of CHF 2,000 to 2,400 per month. We can provide an initial overview. For more in-depth, individual social counseling, we can refer you to an appropriate counseling center.

What are other concerns?

Get to know and try out aids. We always have a selection with us so that you can get a feel for it. Some people just want a spare part for their cane or information about SBC's services. The requests are many and varied.

What can mobile consulting cover?

We carry out detailed consultations and then refer clients to specialists for a specific assessment/training. Due to demand, we are currently clarifying whether we can offer extended advice in the area of low vision.

Who is the mobile advice service aimed at?

To all people with a visual impairment in the canton of Berne. So far, it has mainly been women aged 70 and over. They have either contacted us directly, been referred by relatives or by opticians. The service is free of charge and is also aimed at relatives. All those seeking advice are welcome on our advice bus.

Are there also plans to expand the service in other cantons?

Mobile counseling is a pilot project. We incorporate our findings and feedback into the design of the service on an ongoing basis and adapt the service to the needs of clients as far as possible. The test phase will run from August 2024 to August 2026, after which the project will be evaluated and a decision made on whether to expand it.

Is the advisory bus used for other purposes?

We also use the bus for awareness-raising events for specialists and companies. It is also ideal for trade fair appearances, such as recently at the Neuland trade fair in Thun, where we were present together with the Bernese Oberland section.

For further information and advice, please contact "Mobile Beratung" on 031 390 88 90 or mobile-beratung@sbv-fsa.ch.