January / February
The Changing Face of Eyewear Shopping

How are eyewear companies responding to the growing popularity of online optical retail? How has this channel changed the face of the industry in Canada? Is it a threat or an opportunity? We look at how shopping for eyewear is increasingly a hybrid experience and how savvy retailers can best respond.

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March / April
Sunglass Trends for 2023: Looking to the Future and the Past

Consumers are searching for the best ways to shine beautifully under the sun this summer. Nostalgia, otherwise known as “the new retro,” will nod to the ‘70s with red, orange and yellow hues. In contrast, also look for futuristic, angular shapes with oversized, tinted and flat lenses. Eco-friendly eyewear in shades of green, and made of wood, coffee, cork and bio-acetate, will be huge for 2023. This story will also cover advances in protective lens technologies that enhance sunglass functionality.

May / June
Eyewear as Fashion: Creative Collaborations

Eyewear is more than vision correction – it’s also high fashion. This feature will highlight important collaborations between well-known fashion designers and those who create eyewear. How do professionals from the two industries work together successfully? What does the creative process involve? What is the value of adding an eyewear line to a high-profile fashion house? This feature provides the answers.

July / August
Meeting Children’s Optical Needs

Fitting kids with eyeglass frames and lenses requires special consideration of each child’s particular needs. As the back-to-school season approaches, ECPs need to brush up on the best ways to work effectively with children. Kids’ frames need to well-priced and durable, while featuring generous warranties. It’s also important to recognize the problems that can affect a child’s vision, including amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus, and other conditions. Here’s a look at what the burgeoning children’s eyewear market has to offer for 2023-24.

September / October
Annual Lens Issue

Innovations in lens science continue to advance rapidly, thanks to continuing technological breakthroughs. In response to wearers’ increasing use of digital devices and the postural and vision challenges they create, some lens manufacturers have developed new products that correct for each reading distance. Others believe that the future of ophthalmic lenses lies in the field of neuroscience, while some industry experts feel that smart lenses hold the key to the future. We look at the latest improvements and advances in this exciting field.

November / December
Diverse Features, Different Solutions

The features of certain populations – Asians, African-Americans, Indigenous people and others – include flatter nose bridges that can present a challenge when it comes to fitting glasses. How do eyewear manufacturers accommodate this and provide an ideal fit for these clients? Are there manufacturers who specialize in this?