PUMA Eyewear collection focuses on sporty energy

The 2024 eyewear collection from PUMA is characterized by the sporty esprit and urban lifestyle of its wearers, which is reflected in the design-oriented and functional frames.

The glasses in the running line impress with new and fresh colors in edgy silhouettes. The mask sunglasses have been perfected to offer more comfort and stability for all activities, from marathons to mountain hikes. They feature flexible temples, non-slip surfaces, adjustable nose pads and HDR polycarbonate lenses that ensure a perfect fit and optimized vision.

The Sport Lifestyle line is increasingly focusing on trends: with faceted or engraved temples, they reflect the body's muscles and are versatile.

Russell Crowe - still rocking Blackfin

Still in Italy, still with Blackfin! Russell Crowe was also at the Teatro del Silenzio in Lajatico last week to applaud Andrea Bocelli. The event, which is part of the summer concert program that the famous tenor organizes every year in his hometown, attracted numerous celebrities, including the Oscar winner.

In a post on X, Crowe shared a selfie of himself wearing a Blackfin Horizon. And reported that he was on his way from Lajatico to Diamante in Calabria, where he would be performing with his band The Gentleman Barbers on another leg of his Italian tour.

This is not the first time that the Hollywood star has been photographed wearing Blackfin glasses: Last summer, the actor stepped onto the red carpet of the international film festival in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, also wearing Blackfin sunglasses.

The momentum of the present and future - SILMO 2024

SILMO Paris 2024 is ready to welcome all players in the optical industry from September 20 to 23. More than 900 exhibitors will take part in the event and 1,500 brands from 144 countries around the world will present their offerings.

This important event takes place over 75,000 m² (Halls 6 and 7) and provides a first-class platform for an in-depth look at the latest technological developments, product innovations and trends shaping the future of the optics industry worldwide.

The success of SILMO Paris is due to the breadth and depth of its offer, which covers all components of the sector: eyewear, lenses, machinery, POS layouts and stands, retail chains and central buying groups, training, etc. As an international hub for business, the fair also owes its success to the numerous tools for review and analysis, as well as the unique spaces for the exchange of ideas to better anticipate the future of the optical and eyewear industry, which are grouped under the SILMO NEXT banner. This concept explains the fair's intention to be at the forefront of the aesthetic and technological challenges of a sector that is firmly focused on the future.

Eric Lenoir, Director of SILMO trade shows, emphasizes the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the optical industry: "From intelligent, AI-equipped eyewear designs to revolutionary tools for opticians, the possibilities are many. Imagine eyewear that can instantly translate speech via an integrated camera, or mechanisms that proactively detect serious health problems such as heart attacks or Parkinson's disease. This rapid development requires professionals to adapt quickly, as AI could potentially replace traditional opticians without proper training."

At the same time, the development of new technologies such as in-store 3D printing will redefine eyewear manufacturing and increase automation, reducing the environmental impact. This transformation will allow opticians to focus on high value-added services and become true consultants for visual comfort and healthcare, even integrating features such as audio technology and fall prevention.

In this ever-evolving landscape, it is essential for opticians to understand these changes in order to remain relevant and successful. Meta has announced that in a few years, connected glasses will replace smartphones, which will change the traditional role of the optician. To remain relevant, professionals will need to reinvent the shopping experience, focus the offering on customer service and innovation, while overhauling the economic model to remain competitive in the coming decade.

SILMO PARIS 2024 continues to underline its intention to remain at the forefront of the aesthetic and technological challenges of a forward-looking industry. From September 20-23, the different areas of the show will offer the opportunity to discover the optical and eyewear industry of the future, reflecting this ambition to always be one step ahead.

Swiss Eyewear Group launches B2B online store for the INVU and Rip Curl brands

The Swiss Eyewear Group is pleased to announce the launch of its new B2B online store MY.SWISSEG. This digital platform is aimed in particular at optical retailers and stocks all collections from the renowned INVU and Rip Curl brands.

With the new online store for specialist retailers, the Swiss Eyewear Group aims to simplify the shopping experience. The aim is to offer business partners an efficient and user-friendly platform where they can discover the latest collections and order directly.

Highlights of the new B2B online store

- Extensive range: Exclusive collections from INVU and Rip Curl, known for their innovative technology and stylish design.

- User-friendly interface: An intuitive and easy-to-use interface that simplifies the ordering process.

- Real-time availability check: up-to-date information on stock levels and delivery times.

- Personalized customer accounts: Customers can view their order history, save favorite products and conveniently place repeat orders.

- Exclusive offers: Access to special B2B discounts and promotions.

The Swiss Eyewear Group's new B2B online store is now available at my.swisseg.com available. Existing business customers were sent their login by e-mail on June 20. New partners are invited to register and discover the benefits of the new platform.

For further information please contact: Sandro Himmelberger, Sales Coordinater Swiss Eyewear Group, 044 533 48 71, sandro.himmelberger@swisseg.com

Swiss Eyewear Group (International) AG is a registered, privately owned company based in Zurich. INVU and EKKIU are registered trademarks of Swiss Eyewear Group (International) AG.

Silhouette celebrates the catwalk and the anniversary with Polimoda

This year, Silhouette is celebrating the iconic Titan Minimal Art design with a special 25th anniversary project: for the next generation of visionaries, the famous model has been reinterpreted in an avant-garde way by students from the Polimoda fashion school in Florence.

After an in-depth journey into the art of eyewear creation, accompanied by Silhouette head designer Roland Keplinger, the three fashion design students Ian Morris McDonald, Luca Polonio and Gabriela Marie Blake completed their training by learning how to transform a visual concept into a tangible product. This found its full expression at the Polimoda graduation show on June 12 in Florence. The newly interpreted Silhouette models appeared on the catwalk together with the students' collections.

When asked "What inspired you during the project?", the students answered as follows:

Ian Morris McDonald, USA

"I studied the shapes of old cycling glasses and then compared them with modern glasses. My aim was to combine the different characteristics of both worlds. I opted for a minimalist but edgy shape, combining ideas from the past and the present and also taking influence from the patterns and iconic style of Silhouette eyewear. I achieved the balance between tradition and innovation by creating a modern shape with streamlined cuts and sinuous lines."

Gabriela Marie Blake, Ecuador

"I have transformed swimming goggles into a wearable accessory. In doing so, I have retained the irony that characterizes my collections while focusing on the characteristic silhouette approach. I have used the simplicity of the glasses to create the illusion of a frame. I took inspiration from my grandmother's square glasses from the 70s and combined them with swimming goggles to create something unexpected."

Luca Polonio , Brazil

"For my collection, I was inspired by what gives an object its shape and studied Gothic architecture and the anatomy of living beings. My aim was to create sculptural garments with unique shapes. Combining this idea with Gothic architecture, I was mainly inspired by church ceilings when designing the sunglasses. I wanted to take the iconography of aviator glasses as a starting point, build a bridge here and find a way to combine it with the rectangular shapes inspired by the incisions in Gothic ceilings."

All photos ©Max Montingelli

Soccer team coach Murat Yakin wears a REYES from Götti's 3D print collection Dimension

The most exciting scenes during the European Football Championship usually take place on the pitch. Everyone cheers on the national team and hopes that the ball will be kicked into the right goal. But sometimes it's also worth taking a look at the sidelines. Where style and tactics meet.
Murat Yakin, coach of the Swiss men's national team, wears the REYES model from the Götti Dimension collection.

A pair of glasses with a strong character, produced using 3D printing in our own factory in Switzerland. Thanks to the oversized look and the extremely light and sturdy material, they are just the thing to keep an eye on things from the sidelines. Götti is therefore up close and personal and is keeping his fingers crossed for the "Nati".

REYES Additively manufactured in Switzerland.
COLORS: Ash and 14 other colors
SIZE 61-12

Myopia management included in MiGeL

What takes a long time can sometimes turn out really well. From July 1, myopia management in Switzerland will be included in the list of means and objects (MiGeL). This means that health insurance companies will cover costs of up to CHF 850 per year for myopia management lenses or contact lenses.

At the beginning of May 2020, OptikSchweiz, the SBAO, the Swiss. Ophthalmological Society SOG and representatives of ocular implant manufacturers were invited to the FOPH to discuss the existing mandatory benefits under the Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG) in the area of visual aids. In addition to other proposed amendments - see the most important changes below - the SBAO and OPTIKSCHWEIZ had also proposed including myopia management products in the list.

A justified and sensible concern in view of the political situation - keywords: healthcare costs, volume expansion - but with slightly dampened hopes. As a result of this meeting, the effectiveness and suitability of all products had to be proven. The myopia management project group with Andy Dätwyler (head), Manuel Kovats, Kuno Cajacob, Pascal Blaser and Michael Bärtschi was particularly challenged here. It was not only necessary to fully document the methodology, effect and appropriateness with studies, it also required the support of the medical specialists. On behalf of everyone, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the project group for their prudent, demanding and time-consuming work: they have achieved a great deal for the profession and the industry!

The internal processes at the FOPH took time, but with the announcement of June 18, 2024, MiGel point 25 visual aids will now also be revised as of July 1. Almost all applications have been implemented . The only exception is the annual doctor's prescription for under-18s.

The most important changes from July 1, 2024

  • Contributions are now available for spectacles and no longer just for spectacle lenses. The view has been taken that spectacle frames are also medical devices and therefore cannot be excluded from reimbursement.
  • In the case of irregular astigmatism, corneal diseases or injuries, status after corneal surgery or iris defects, spectacles are now also eligible (in addition to contact lenses as before).
  • Myopia control as a new special case glasses/contact lenses: contribution per year CHF 850. (up to max. 21 years of age), the prerequisite is a specialist prescription with details of axial eye length, proof of progression and degree of myopia.



Medium and Object List (MiGeL)

Latest PolarizedPlus2 sunglasses collection from Maui Jim

Maui Jim launches the "Elua" collection, the second generation of its PolarizedPlus2 sunglasses under Kering Eyewear. "Elua" means "two" in Hawaiian. The collection is characterized by new shapes, colors and practical details. The vibrant colors ensure a good mood even on grey days, and the lenses with double-sided coating offer a perfect visual experience, ideal for sports and everyday life.

For the trend-conscious, there are the models from the Entry Metal Pure line, which impress with their colorful wave pattern, ultra-light design and high scratch and impact resistance. The SuperThin Glass novelties offer sharp optics and excellent eye protection in slim designs, ideal for urban and outdoor adventures.

Specially developed for anglers, the Wrap SuperThin Glass models are recommended with technical details such as mounting slots and ventilation openings that guarantee a secure fit and a clear view of the water.

The innovative PolarizedPlus2 lenses from Maui Jim ensure vivid and clear vision thanks to a polarized film with anti-glare, UV protection and colour-enhancing properties, while also providing an effective filter against harmful UV rays.

Accessorie that keeps on giving

Tinted glasses are currently the trend par excellence. Stylish and versatile, they can be worn both in daylight and at night without any problems. An accessory that keeps on giving.

LINDBERG Eyewear, known for its ultra-light titanium models that do away with screws and rivets, perfectly demonstrates with its Autumn/Winter 2024 collection how tinted lenses can be used stylishly in a wide variety of silhouettes and give classic glasses a surprising twist. The colors of the lenses range from soft pink tones to yellow, brown and blue.
Thanks to the unique Customizer, none of the models are set in stone: anyone who wants to can have any model customized. Not only in terms of the lenses, but also the colors of the frames and temples. There are no limits to the creativity of LINDBERG eyewear.

Blackfin returns to the beaches of Ibiza

Summer always means Ibiza for Blackfin! In the 2024 season, the Italian brand's titanium sunglasses will once again take center stage at the famous Blue Marlin Ibiza, the exclusive club that welcomes guests from all over the world who want to enjoy their vacations in the glamorous and trendy atmosphere of the beautiful Balearic island.

Blue Marlin Ibiza is one of the most famous and glamorous addresses on the island. Set on the white pebble beaches of Cala Jondal, many of the coastal restaurant's jet-set guests arrive by boat, and it's definitely the kind of place to see and be seen. Combining a carefully curated music program from world-class DJs with fine wines, expertly mixed cocktails and modern Mediterranean cuisine, it's an all-round glamorous experience.

An exclusive selection of Blackfin sunglasses will be available in the special area of the Blue Marlin Ibiza beach store. Blackfin, the perfect combination of elegance and Made in Italy.

GUESS and MARCIANO open luxury beach club in Ibiza

The exclusive GUESS Beach Clubs are setting new standards in 2024 and expanding their portfolio with exciting partnerships at luxurious destinations in Europe and around the world. Following last year's success, GUESS is now conquering glamorous hotspots such as London, Italy and Ibiza. Renowned partners such as Marcolin for GUESS Eyewear, Inter Parfums for the AMORE fragrance and Sequel for GUESS watches are also on board.

The thematically and stylistically inspired takeovers by GUESS and Marciano pick up on the tropical paisley patterns of the SS24 GUESS beachwear collection. MARCIANO by GUESS focuses on elegant monogram motifs that add a particularly sophisticated touch to any event.

The Blue Marlin Ibiza in Cala Jondal embodies island luxury and lifestyle. GUESS opened a pop-up store there, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the world of GUESS. As part of the bespoke concept, the GUESS store in the city was redesigned to match the beach theme to ensure the best possible experience for visitors.

Stylish through the summer with Adidas Originals

Summer, sun, sunglasses - the epitome of a perfect vacation! But how do different characters spend their vacations and which sunglasses suit their style? With its new collection, Adidas Originals Eyewear provides the ideal companion for four very different vacation types.

Sporty retro chic with OR0114: Here comes summer with a touch of retro. The wrap-around sunglasses with a subtle Trefoil logo embody the casual sporting spirit of days gone by. Perfect for the active vacation type: whether jogging along the beaches of Malibu in the morning, exploring the charming streets of historic cities in the midday sun or enjoying the sunset in style with an aperitif in the evening - these glasses complete the summer lifestyle. Available in black, ivory and horn.

Rimless designer shield with OR0118: For the style-conscious who like to stand out and appreciate a touch of extravagance. These rimless wraparound designer glasses stand out with their extra-wide temples and bold look, perfect for spending time in trendy cities such as New York or Tokyo. Whether shopping in the hippest boutiques or at a cocktail reception in a sky bar - the OR0118 makes a statement and is the stylish choice for fashionistas who want to enjoy summer in the city.

Easy-to-wear panto frame with OR0106: Inspired by the iconic adidas Stan Smith shoe sole, these sunglasses offer a sporty mix of comfort and style. Whether on a city trip through European metropolises, road trips along the coast of California, hikes in the Alps or a spontaneous tennis match - the OR0106 is always at the starting line. The innovative temple design and the profiled surfaces make them an absolute all-rounder. Available in four color combinations.

Practical, square, good with OR0110 (wide fit): For anyone who values classic elegance and wants to enjoy the summer to the full. These acetate sunglasses with their striking geometric profile add that certain something to any summer outfit. Ideal for the relaxation seeker who spends their days in elegant Miami pools or strolling along the magnificent Parisian boulevards. Small details such as the metal inserts on the hinges and the adidas Trefoil logo add a subtle fashion twist. Available in red, blue and horn.

"The dream duo for your lifestyle" Johnson & Johnson Vision launches new consumer campaign

Glasses or contact lenses: why not both? With the comprehensive multi-channel campaign "The dream duo for your lifestyle", Johnson & Johnson Vision supports opticians in getting spectacle wearers excited about contact lenses and turning them into dual wearers with strong sales.

For many people, glasses are a daily companion. With additional contact lenses, they gain more freedom and flexibility: go to the office with glasses in the morning, go to the gym with contact lenses in the afternoon and choose glasses for a striking style or contact lenses for a natural look when going out in the evening. Under the slogan "The dream duo for your lifestyle", Johnson & Johnson Vision's current consumer campaign focuses on the benefits of ACUVUE daily disposable lenses as the perfect complement to glasses. This helps opticians to exploit the enormous market potential of high-turnover dual wearers.

The figures speak for themselves

Dual wearers, who wear both glasses and contact lenses, are an attractive target group with high growth potential. After all, 4.2 million people in Switzerland need vision correction. 48% of them only wear glasses, but 59% of them are open to contact lenses. What's more, contact lens wearers are more loyal customers than pure spectacle wearers: 90 percent of them intend to buy from the same store in the next twelve months. And last but not least, dual wearers increase sales by up to 42 percent.

The perfect partner for glasses? ACUVUE daily disposable lenses!

It is therefore worth offering spectacle wearers suitable contact lenses, whether during a consultation, when choosing a frame or when collecting their glasses.

"Glasses and contact lenses? For us, this is not an either-or question, but a both-and question. We want to specifically encourage spectacle wearers to test ACUVUE daily disposable lenses - and thus have even more freedom to use the vision correction that suits them best in every situation," emphasizes Katja Schmelzing, General Manager D-A-CH Johnson&Johnson Vision. "Every spectacle wearer is a potential part-time contact lens wearer! With this campaign, we are drawing attention to the willingness of specialist retailers to fit daily disposable lenses and encouraging people to try them out. Our ACUVUE daily disposable lens portfolio with EYE INSPIRED INNOVATIONS offers the right solution for every need. And our partners benefit twice over: from satisfied customers and increased sales."

Now available from specialist retailers

The campaign "Glasses & daily lenses. The dream duo for your lifestyle" is now being played out in specialist stores and digitally. Johnson&Johnson Vision has put together a comprehensive, eye-catching advertising package for participating stores to successfully address the target group: Displays, a consumer brochure, online banners as well as posts and stories for social media channels invite customers to try out the dream duo of glasses and contact lenses. For new wearers, there is a starter kit that quickly makes putting on and taking off the lenses a routine.

Interested opticians can obtain further information from their ACUVUE Account Manager and at www.jnjvisioncare.ch.

MyopiaX - Clinical study on targeted light biomodulation for progressive myopia

Dopavision, a pioneer in the advancement of pediatric ophthalmology, announced the first results of its MyopiaX-1 clinical trial (NCT04967287) on June 3. The 6-month results of the randomized, controlled trial demonstrate the safety and tolerability of MyopiaX.

The results add to the growing body of scientific evidence confirming the mechanism of action of MyopiaX and its potential therapeutic suitability for slowing the progression of myopia.

MyopiaX works by targeting light biomodulation to the eye with the aim of limiting the progression of myopia in children. It is the first targeted intervention of its kind that uses light from a smartphone app to non-invasively stimulate targeted photoreceptors in the eye, regulating innate dopamine signaling pathways and slowing the progression of myopia. MyopiaX is applied via an intuitive and child-friendly digital platform that seamlessly integrates myopia treatment into everyday life using consumer electronics such as smartphones. This non-invasive, globally accessible approach aims to tackle the root cause of the growing global problem of myopia. According to forecasts, almost half of the world's population will be short-sighted by 2050.

In the study conducted in six European countries, 124 short-sighted children were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to either MyopiaX or a control group. Over a six-month period, treatment with MyopiaX showed signs of a clinical effect on the rate of progression of myopia. MyopiaX proved to be safe and tolerable during the six-month trial period and no adverse events were reported, confirming that MyopiaX is a low-risk procedure.

"The six-month results represent a significant step forward in the clinical development of MyopiaX," said Prof. Dr. Ian Flitcroft, Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and principal investigator of the MyopiaX-1 study. "The results are an important addition to the existing evidence for the mechanism of action of MyopiaX light stimulation."

Dr. Mark Wuttke, CEO of Dopavision, adds: "The initial results of the MyopiaX-1 study after six months are a great success for Dopavision. Our goal with MyopiaX is to improve the treatment of millions of children worldwide by providing them with a safe, non-invasive and responsive alternative that helps young people build a healthier and brighter future." The ongoing MyopiaX-1 clinical trial is expected to be completed in September 2024. Dopavision is currently in discussions with regulatory authorities to clarify the necessary steps for further development and approval of MyopiaX.

Further information is available here: www.dopavision.com

Young, active, short-sighted?

CooperVision has been concerned with the eye health of young wearers for many years and has developed a contact lens program that is precisely tailored to teenagers and young adults.

50 million young adults between the ages of 16 and 25 need vision correction in Europe.158 percent of contact lens wearers are under the age of 251when they wear contact lenses for the first time. These figures show that it can be worthwhile for opticians to talk to young adults about contact lenses as an alternative to glasses and to attract young people who wear glasses to contact lenses. The Singles® by CooperVision disposable contact lens program aims to help opticians attract a young customer base, talk to young people about contact lenses, retain them in contact lenses and thereby prevent drop-outs in the long term.

According to a study conducted by CooperVision in 2021*, eleven percent of young people under the age of 12 start wearing contact lenses, 44 percent between the ages of 13 and 16, 34 percent between the ages of 17 and 20 and only ten percent between the ages of 21 and 24.1This shows that it is important to talk to adolescents about contact lenses when they are in their teens.

"For many, the age of 16 marks the beginning of an important stage in their lives, when wearing contact lenses can give them self-confidence. It is important for us that retailers recognize that the target group of 16 to 24-year-olds offers great sales potential. This turnover needs to be tapped into. However, this can only be achieved if you know the young target group and their wishes and needs. This is the aim of our Singles® disposable contact lens program for young adults. It is about empowering optical professionals to get young people excited about contact lenses. That's why our program offers support for the optimal approach, consultation and fitting," explains Dr. Ole Rossbach, Head of Marketing DACH at CooperVision. With the Singles® disposable contact lens portfolio, including the Live®, clariti® 1 day and MyDay® brands, retailers are able to offer young adults versatile care options that enable a high level of customer loyalty across all life cycles.

Interested contact lens specialists can find many more interesting facts about contact lenses and young adults on the landing pagewww.coopervision.de/young-wearers. An interactive quiz provides optical professionals with interesting facts about the potential target group in a fun way.

CooperVision also supports specialist retailers with analog and digital advertising materials, including end user flyers and social media templates that can be downloaded via the CooperVision extranet. An e-learning course is offered via the in-house training platform, which prepares specialist retailers for targeting young end consumers.

* Source: Young People's Motivations for Contact Lenses EMEA, 16-24s, Verve, August 2021

1. source: CVI data on file 2018.Vision Needs Monitor 2018. 58,485 consumers aged 15+, Kynetec, September 2018. Europe inc. Russia and https://www.populationpyramid.net/europe/2018/

Successful retail design for opticians

WSB Ladenbau, a company based in the Netherlands with a branch in Switzerland, focuses on the conception and realization of commercially successful retail design. Through shopfitting design, WSB confirms and reinforces the brand experience in a creative way, thereby differentiating itself.

WSB supplies turnkey store fittings from a single source. WSB's strength lies in its conceptual strategy, inspiring shopfitting, streamlined project support and effective results.

"It is a real pleasure to work with WSB. A company that was able to fulfill our wishes with great professionalism. Adherence to deadlines and costs. We will not hesitate to work with them on future projects," says Christian Schmutz, owner of Schmutz Opticiens in Fribourg (CH).

WSB is a national and international leader in the furnishing of stores, chain stores, showrooms, global brands and practice rooms. The industrial production process enables competitive prices and a high-quality finish. WSB works with its own professional team of architects, draughtsmen, project managers, furniture makers, painters, veneer makers and fitters.

Do you have renovation plans as an optician? Get in touch with WSB. We look forward to brainstorming with you about strategy, store design, budget control and renovation: WSB Ladenbau, Schanzenstrasse 4a, 3008 Bern, phone +41 (0)31 561 16 71, info@wsbdesign.com

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