Author Archives: Envision Magazine

Opto-Réseau Named Transitions Retailer of the Year for Canada

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Opto-ReseauTransitions Optical honoured Opto-Réseau as winner of the Transitions Retailer of the Year award for Canada during the 19th annual Transitions Academy event held in Orlando in late January. This was Opto-Réseau’s first year as a finalist, making its victory especially exciting.

“We are honoured to bring home the Retailer of the Year title. A nomination is an accomplishment in itself and a win is a bonus,” said Christine Breton, general manager, Opto-Réseau, who accepted the award on behalf of the retailer. “At Opto-Réseau, our mission is to offer exemplary eye care and provide products that best suit the needs and personalities of our patients. For us, that means offering the full family of Transitions® lens products. We are fortunate to have a dedicated team that is not only confident in recommending Transitions lenses to patients, but believes in them, as well.”

“Through innovative marketing initiatives and involving customers in hands-on product education, Opto-Réseau successfully communicates that Transitions lenses are a great first pair, and not just an option,” said Isabelle Tremblay-Dawson, marketing manager, Canada, Transitions Optical. “We congratulate the entire team for its successes in 2014 and thank them for serving as a strong Transitions partner.”

During the Transitions Academy, Transitions Retailer of the Year finalists Loblaw Optical and Lunetterie New Look Eyewear were also recognized for their commitment to growing their businesses with Transitions Optical’s family of products and programs throughout 2014.

Grady Lenski Joins Vision-Ease as VP of Sales, North America

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GradyVision-Ease has appointed optical industry veteran Grady Lenski as its new vice president of sales, North America. Lenski brings more than 30 years of business growth, sales and customer service management experience to the company.

In his new role, Lenski will lead sales teams in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with a focus on mid-size retail, wholesale and OEM customers, as well as lens consultants and inside sales. He will also lead Vision-Ease’s company-wide customer service initiatives.

“With a long career managing sales, customer service and marketing teams, Grady will help build and grow Vision-Ease’s North American business and customer relationships,” said Bill Krueger, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “His expertise in global business and brand development will strengthen our offerings and improve customer experience.”

Prior to joining Vision-Ease, Lenski worked at PPG Industries for 32 years, most recently serving as managing director of adjacencies for Transitions Optical. During his tenure at PPG, he started businesses in North America and Asia/Pacific regions; managed retail sales, marketing and customer service for the Transitions Optical North America business; and led global business development and the Canadian Transitions Optical business.

“I look forward to further establishing Vision-Ease as an industry leader in North American optical markets, by enhancing customer service initiatives and equipping our sales teams to build stronger relationships with customers,” Lenski said.

100% Optical Trade Show Brings Light to London

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100OpticalBy Paddy Kamen

The European optical tradeshow climate has taken a turn toward sunny, with the second iteration of 100% Optical. The show ran from Feb. 7-9 at London’s Olympic-famous ExCeL venue, which offers excellent transportation infrastructure for exhibitors and participants alike (not always easy in European capitals).

Organized in partnership with the London-based Association of Optometrists, 100% Optical is the largest audited trade show for eyecare professionals in the U.K. They are doing a lot of things right, judging from the huge – 25 per cent – increase in attendance for 2015. Over 6,000 visitors crossed the threshold to a world of 2,000 product launches and 100+ hours of seminars, featuring a wealth of thought-provoking content. Optometrists, dispensing opticians, contact lens practitioners and ophthalmologists attended the show and enthusiasm was high.

The Eyewear Design Competition offered great opportunities for young designers. Students from London’s Royal College of Art were invited to submit eyewear designs under the categories Couture and Ready to Wear. The winner, Hannah Evans, will go on to intern with Mondottica Eyewear. All of the short-listed entrants have been approached about job opportunities in the industry. Well done!

100OpticalCrowdTwelve fashion shows, celebrity appearances and lively debates during panel discussions rounded out a show that just keeps getting better, while still only two years old.

100% Optical’s Event Director, Nathan Garnett, says, “The addition of some key brands in the industry, as well as support from across the optical profession meant that we were able to improve the experience and deliver a trade event the industry can be proud of. We are now busy planning for next year, with lots of new ideas. Exhibitor bookings are up 50 per cent, and many new brands came to see how they could take part in 2016. 100% Optical in London is here to stay.”

100% Optical 2016 is scheduled to run from Feb. 6-8.

opti 2015: Getting a Glimpse of the Future

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opti15By JoAnne Sommers

As the first optical trade show of the new year, it is fitting that the theme of opti 2015 was “The Future of Vision.” The event, which ran from January 9-11 at the Messe Munich fairground, attracted almost 26,000 visitors with a rich mix of new products, the inaugural “Walk of Frame”, and an exciting preview of the future in the form of presentations on “Smart Glasses” and “Augmented Reality.”

“Smart glasses are an important area in the field of wearable technology,” said Dieter Dohr, chairman of the management board of the GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH, which organized the show. “We wanted opticians to know about this visual revolution and to see the potential of the technologies and applications of smart glasses at a fairly early stage of their development.”

Exhibitors presented data glasses and 3D software technology that allows customers to try on spectacle frames virtually, while the lectures included one on 3-D printing in optics.

Another intriguing eyewear trend on display was eco-design. An estimated 70 companies worldwide, including some of opti’s exhibitors, now employ eco-design, which involves the use of natural materials, including cork, stone, leather, textiles, bamboo and paper, to create frames. A creative niche of this trend is called upcycling, in which existing products get a second life in the form of eyeglass frames. One company makes glasses from vinyl records and old films, while another uses the decks of discarded skateboards to create wooden glasses.

Quality is the foundation of opti’s success, said Dohr, adding that the Germany optical industry is 100 per cent behind the show. That commitment, added to the show’s timing and an incomparable atmosphere, make opti a can’t-miss event.

“This event accelerates the heartbeat of the industry because all the big names are here, competing for the attention of opticians. Taking part in opti is essential for anyone who has the desire to go on an expedition through the ophthalmic world.”

opti provides its audience with the full range of ophthalmic products, from frames, lenses, contact lenses and low vision to shop fittings and technical equipment. It is also a platform for product premieres from international market leaders and start-ups alike.

Product descriptions can promise a lot but it is far better to hold the actual product in your hands and personally interact with the manufacturer, Dohr said. “The opti is the best platform for this.”

The optical industry knows that the networking and contact opportunities provided by opti are unparalleled, he added. “This is also evidenced by the large number of first-time visitors to the show.”

Among opti’s 525 exhibitors from 36 countries were a number of new designers, including Victoria Beckham, Tom Rebl, RVS Eyewear from Turkey, Italy’s Apro Spectacles and Conservatoire International de Lunettes, iHuman from France and Germany’s Eric Lauer Brillenmanufaktur.

According to an independent survey, visitors placed orders for products worth over € 178 million (more than $250 million Canadian) during the three days of the show.

opti 2016 will be held from January 15-17, 2016 in Munich, Germany. Mark your calendars now for this exciting and innovative show in the heart of beautiful Bavaria.

Compete with Online Marketing by Relieving Customer Pain

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RelieveCustomerPainBy Grant Larsen

We’ve all heard the statistics on how bad news outsells good news every day of the week. Just turn on your local TV news or look at the front page of your daily paper. Those who rushed into social media to promote their businesses quickly learned that blasting your network with happy stories or self-serving promotions got you blocked or ignored by almost everyone. Digital consumers are so good at filtering advertising that they only listen to product messages that make them happy or solve a problem.

How did online eyewear marketers establish a strong position in the marketplace? Using tools available to all of us online, they discovered what optical consumers hate about bricks-and-mortar retailers and relieved their pain.

What Pains Does Online Shopping Address?

  • Don’t like pushy sales people? How about one easy price?
  • Hate the hassle of shopping? Here’s a quick app to help you pick out frames.
  • Afraid of buying from unknown online retailers? How about getting your first pair free?
  • Not sure if you’re getting the best price? Here’s out low price guarantee.

The Bricks-and-Mortar Response

Now that all of your online competition is highlighting the reasons consumers shouldn’t buy from you, it’s time to take action. Here are some solutions to break through to your optical customers and relieve their pains. Let’s start where consumers are searching for information on what eyewear to buy.

Your Website

For years optical website design has focused on showing off the ECP’s investment and telling visitors how great their service is. Instead, online messaging and design should focus on the following:

  • Tired of searching for frames online? Come here for our real-time, expert advice.
  • Love your glasses, but want to see better? We have the best in lens designs to match designer frames.
  • Fed up buying dated knockoffs from online retailers? We have the latest in trending eyewear from top designers.
  • Worried about how your complex vision needs will be met by non-experts working phone lines from overseas? Meet with your local licensed eyecare professional for the best possible vision outcome.

These messages can convert website visitors into appointments and in-store buyers. They capitalize on your competitors’ weaknesses and emphasize the problems and difficulties of shopping the Internet for eyewear. They make your business a solution for Internet shopping pains.

Social Marketing

There’s no question that 2-for-1 offers, 50-per-cent-off deals and free eye exams are common eyewear promises and they certainly have consumer-stopping power. But keep in mind that in today’s digital information age, consumers are skeptical of exaggerated promotional offers. The fear of poorly fitting eyewear, compromised vision and poor quality are often amplified when people are buying for their children or referring friends and relatives. Identifying problems such as these and the solutions you offer to them are great topics for email and word-of-mouth campaigns. Emphasizing the risks of buying online and making your business the solution is a good recipe for social sharing.

Sample Messages

  • We Make All Our Customers See Better with Just One Visit.
  • The #1 Learning Disability is Poor Vision: Book an Appointment Today.
  • Spending Hours Online Looking for Eyeglasses? Try Our 10-Minute Fit – 15 Minutes for Kids.

These messages might not fit your store or retail focus perfectly but they should give you a starting point for a new approach, one that emphasizes the value of meeting consumer needs. Whether you’re using social media, emails, outdoor signage, websites or Internet ads, breaking through to new customers and converting them to in-store shoppers requires a different strategy in today’s competitive optical market. Identifying your different clients and relieving each of their pains will set you on a path to new business growth.

The Dry Eye Detective

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DryEyeBy Shirley Ha, HBSc, OD, FCOVD

It is a little-known fact Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was an ophthalmologist before he gave Sherlock Holmes to the world. Doyle created a hero who was very adept at gathering evidence and using deductive reasoning and science to solve his cases. Like the greatest investigator in detective fiction history, eyecare professionals (ECPs) are detectives when caring for their patients’ eye and vision care needs, from organizing clinical data to diagnosing and managing conditions ranging from retinal diseases to contact lens-related dry eye symptoms.

Not all patients can wear contact lenses and not all contact lens wearers can wear them successfully. In fact, nearly 50 per cent of contact lens wearers drop out, citing discomfort as their primary reason1. According to Nichols et al., as many as 52 per cent of wearers encounter dry eye symptoms2. At its recent symposium, the International Society for Contact Lens Research (ISCLR) proposed meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) – both obvious and non-obvious – and lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) as major contributors to contact lens discomfort and discontinuance. Nevertheless, ECPs are resolved that a good diagnostic workup and early detection and management can build up wearing time and increase the biocompatibility between the contact lenses and the ocular environment.

In general, dry eye is a complex condition and diagnosing it is not as elementary as it might seem. Some patients have clinical signs without symptoms while others are symptomatic and have few or no clinical signs. Here are some key steps to follow when contact lens patients present with dry eye symptoms.

Background Check

A detailed patient history is crucial to determine whether an existing, concomitant dry eye condition that is not related to contact lens wear might be contributing to the patient’s discomfort.

The causes of dry eyes are numerous. They may include, but are not limited to, systemic diseases (acne rosacea, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome), medications (diuretics, antihistamines, oral contraceptives), the environment (humidity, sun, wind), age/gender (hormonal changes), poor diet and social habits (alcohol, smoking). Beginning or resuming contact lens wear without addressing these causative factors will exacerbate dry eye irritation and symptoms.

Formal Interviews

Use standardized dry eye questionnaires such as the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the McMonnies questionnaire or the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) to assess the severity of the symptoms when the lenses are in the eyes, taking into account LWE and MGD symptoms of itchiness and morning discharge, any reduction in the frequency of wearing the lenses and the impact on the patient’s daily life.

The Usual Suspects

Look for evidence of MGD and evert every upper palpebral conjunctiva for evidence of LWE before starting contact lens wear and during all progress checks.

Also rule out other conditions that are predictive of or can contribute to dry eye problems, such as exposure keratitis, corneal dystrophies, allergic conjunctivitis, Bitot’s spots, conjunctival parallel folds, abnormal blink pattern and rate, including allergic responses to the contact lens material, the lens care solution or lens surface biofilm.

Other contributors to dry eye problems include improper lens fit, lens design and material, poor hygiene, not adhering to the wearing schedule and non-compliance with the cleaning regime.

The Forensic Tools

All contact lenses disrupt the pre-corneal tear film and can become adverse ocular irritants, and any unstable or abnormal pre-corneal tear film can make contact lens wearing intolerable, leading to drop out.

In some patients, both the quality and quantity of this tear layer are crucial in determining whether contact lens wear will be successful or if it should be avoided altogether. Auxiliary testing procedures such as the Schirmer and the phenol red thread test measure the quantity/volume of tears produced. The quality of the tear film is assessed by observing the lipid layer, the tear break-up time (TBUT), and the amount of debris in the tear meniscus and its speed of travel.

Staining tests or strips such as sodium fluorescein, rose bengal or lissamine green provide information about the integrity of the pre-corneal, corneal and conjunctival surfaces. For moderate-to-severe dry-eye conditions, further workup such as tear film osmolarity, lysozyme activity assay and tear glucose tests can also be considered.

The Road to Comfort

Eliminating contact lens-related dry eye symptoms poses many challenges. Every contact lens wearer will encounter dry eye symptoms at some point in their wearing lifetime. This is because patients are unique individuals with constantly changing ocular surfaces, depending on their work habits, environment, intrinsic issues (such as hormones, stress and lack of sleep), varying blink rates and tear chemistry. It is important to keep abreast of new research to better understand the dry eye disease and recognize the signs and symptoms of dry eyes in wearers in order to diagnose them accurately before they express contact lens intolerance and drop out.

  1. RUMPAKIS, J. “New Data on Contact Lens Dropouts: An International Perspective”, Review of Optometry, vol. 147, January 2010, p. 37-42
  2. NICHOLS J.J., ZIEGLER C., MITCHELL G.L., NICHOLS K.K. “Self-Reported Dry Eye Disease across Refractive of Modalities, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, vol. 46, June 2005, p. 1911-14.

Lenses for Men, By the Numbers

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LensesformenBy Brian P. Dunleavy

Since the book Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus was first published in 1992, much has been made of the differences between men and women with regard to sensibilities and personal needs, among other characteristics. Probably too much.

But as anyone who has worked in eye care knows, there are important distinctions between the genders when it comes to eyewear preferences. And, while it’s important not to generalize based on gender alone, having a better understanding of the vision needs and buying habits of men can only help to address them successfully at the dispensing table.

So how should you position lenses to your male clients? Consider these compelling findings:

The Brand’s the Thing

According to Toronto-based market research company NPD Group, the biggest preference for men when making a buying decision about apparel – and let’s face it, eyeglasses are the ultimate in apparel – is sticking with a brand with which they’ve had previous experience and/or success. They also prefer products that fit with their overall style (interestingly, contrary to stereotypes, men value style more than women, according to NPD), those that have the features and benefits they want, and that offer good value for the money. They also value comfort over affordability.

These tendencies shouldn’t necessarily influence the spectacle lens products you offer to men but they should impact how you position those products. For example, if you think a spectacle-wearing male client, who already wears standard progressives by Brand X, might benefit from an upgrade to a free-form lens, offer him Brand X’s free-form product – and make a point of mentioning that you are doing so.

In addition, remember that several lens manufacturers advertise their brands to consumers across Canada. Based on NPD’s findings, it makes sense to reinforce these advertising messages via the merchandising in your dispensary so that your clients recognize them and know that you carry them.

Fast and (Not So) Curious

A 2012 survey by Integer Canada revealed that when shopping, the majority of men (60 per cent of respondents) want to get in and get out of the store as quickly as possible. Keep this in mind when explaining the features and benefits of spectacle products to male clients. Yes, the technology can be complicated – particularly with free-form lenses or photochromics – but long-winded explanations may result in men leaving the dispensing table without making a purchase. Rehearse succinct sales pitches that focus on the most important features and benefits, but also be prepared to answer any questions your clients may have.

Mission Possible

In a similar vein, Hamilton, ON-based retail and marketing strategy firm Clulow & Associates notes that men view shopping as a “mission,” whereas women view it as a “social event.” As a result, men tend to shop alone while women often shop with friends. At the dispensing table, men may be prone to ask their partners for advice on frame purchasing decisions, but on lenses they’ll likely make the decisions themselves – so sell to them, not their partners.

The Price Is Right

The 2012 Integer Canada survey also found that men are less price-conscious than women – only 39 per cent of survey respondents said that they looked for fewer or cheaper items when shopping. This is good news for eyecare professionals who want to upsell to premium lens products and/or second-pair sales. Coupled with the NPD Group’s findings, it’s up to eyecare professionals to convince clients that premium lens products offer good value for the money.

Ultimately, eyecare professionals need to “read” the personalities of each client as well as their unique visual needs. A greater understanding of gender differences can only assist in this process, particularly when the product is as complex as spectacle lenses.

Randy Jackson Eyewear: from American Idol to Eyewear Icon

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RandyJacksonBy JoAnne Sommers

Randy Jackson believes that life is all about taking chances. That attitude guided him through a legendary career in the music industry and made him famous as the longest-serving judge on the TV show American Idol. And it continues to fuel his collaboration with Zyloware Eyewear, the New York-based company with which Jackson created his eponymous eyewear collection.

“As a noted style maker, Jackson was the perfect fit when Zyloware decided to create a new line of attractive, affordable men’s frames,” says President, Chris Shyer.

“In the early 2000s, as Randy was becoming widely known on American Idol, men were also getting more comfortable wearing bold, fashionable eyewear. However, the trend was limited to high-end, expensive brands. We noticed Randy’s affinity for eyewear and his unique style and thought he would be an ideal partner to help us create a bold, new line for the average man.”

RandyJackson1055The collection fills an important need for male consumers who want stylish ophthalmic eyewear and sunwear in on-trend shapes and colours at affordable prices. Shyer says the line is very fashionable and appeals to many different tastes.

Jackson collaborates with Zyloware’s design team on new ideas, colours, textures and materials, he notes. In addition, the company uses its 90-plus years of experience to create products with the styling, fit and quality its customers expect.

“Our team loves working with Randy because of his unique design viewpoint and his passion for eyewear. His enthusiasm, knowledge and dedication to bringing new and innovative ideas to the industry have been extremely valuable to us.”

Jackson, 58, says he loved wearing glasses from the first time he put on a pair at age 15. And he was inspired to develop his own line after struggling to find spectacles that fit properly.

“I love wearing glasses. It’s another way to tell you who I am. But there wasn’t much out there, particularly for men who needed a bigger fit, so I decided to create my own line.”

RandyJackson1042The collection includes plastic, metal and semi-rimless frames with features such as modern double bridges, two-tone colourations and extended-fit. All logos are positioned on the interior temple tip.

The Randy Jackson 3018 utilizes the vintage look of black-to-light-gray gradient on the front. The sporty temple is super-thin, extremely durable, handmade acetate. Model 1055 uses an innovative combination of stainless steel sheet metal and eyewire construction. The frame has the extended-fit feature, which makes fashion eyewear available to men who needs a larger fit. It is thin, yet creates a cool effect with a triple bar bridge. The Randy Jackson 1042 is inspired by vintage frames but uses metal and unique colorations for a frame that’s much lighter than earlier vintage products. It features a deep lens shape and multi-coloured front.

“The collection has enjoyed great success since its 2008 launch”, says Shyer. “We ve had resoundingly positive reviews for the combination of on-trend fashion and affordability. Our extended-fit frames are especially popular with men who have larger heads and our zyl frames with nosepads for people with unique facial features have been a big hit.”

Interestingly, 20 per cent of Randy Jackson eyewear consumers are women. “We believe this collection started a trend among some women who want to make a statement by wearing big, bold, fashion eyewear,” Shyer says.

RandyJackson3018Outside the U.S., the market for Randy Jackson Eyewear is excellent. That’s particularly true in Canada, where Jackson is well known from his time on American Idol. In other parts of the world, where people are less familiar with him, the line is also in demand because of its combination of style, comfort and affordability.

A native of Baton Rouge, LA, Jackson’s success in the eyewear field is the latest in a long line of outstanding accomplishments. In the late 1970s, he collaborated with jazz legends Jean-Luc Ponty and Herbie Hancock, then helped to create hit records for Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin and Madonna. Jackson recorded and performed with the likes of Bob Dylan, Journey, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana and Jerry Garcia. He has over 1,000 gold and platinum plaques to his name, with collective sales exceeding 200 million copies.

Today, he is also busy with charitable work, acting as Goodwill Ambassador for Save the Children U.S. and working with Ronald McDonald House Charities.

In 2004, Jackson published the best-selling book, “What’s Up, Dawg? How to Become a Superstar in the Music Business”. When asked for the best piece of advice in his book, Jackson says, “Figure out who you are, accept it and try and make the best of that.”

With everything he undertakes, Randy Jackson proves that the formula works.

Symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion

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VitreomacularBy Netan Choudhry, M.D, FRCSC and Jennifer George

As people age, the gel that fills the centre of their eyes, known as the vitreous, liquefies and loses shape. This change in the vitreous results in its separation from the macula, which is located in the back of the eye. The separation, called posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD, is a normal part of aging. Sometimes, however, separation of the vitreous is incomplete, with small portions of the vitreous remaining attached to the retina. If this attachment leads to the pulling of the retina, the resulting condition is known as symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (symptomatic VMA), which can lead to the distortion of a person’s vision, decreased vision and, in advanced cases, loss of central vision.

The retina is a thin layer of tissue making up the anterior lining of the inside of the eye. Located near the optic nerve, it receives light focused from the lens, which it then converts into neural signals to send to the brain. The macula, located in the centre of the retina, is the retina’s most sensitive region and is responsible for detailed central vision. Similar to posterior vitreous detachment, symptomatic VMA ordinarily occurs in individuals over the age of 50 and is most commonly seen in people over 70. It is also slightly more common in women and nearsighted individuals. However, the condition can occur in anyone, which makes regular appointments with an eyecare provider essential to catching symptomatic VMA in its early stage.

In individuals with symptomatic VMA, the shrinking vitreous gel moves away from the retina but remains partially attached. If the attached portions of the vitreous pull on the retina, it causes the appearance of flashing lights, stars or lightning streaks called flashes. Though the vitreous gel usually moves away from the retina without any problem, it sometimes pulls hard enough on the retina to cause a tear in one or more places. Fluid can then leak through the retinal tear, in which case the retina will lift off the back of the eye like a sticker peeling off paper. This is a serious condition known as retinal detachment.

Eyecare providers are now able to detect symptomatic VMA by performing a complete dilated eye examination and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination. The OCT will provide images of the vitreous and the retina, allowing for the accurate diagnosis of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion.

OCTCurrent treatment options for symptomatic VMA include a period of watchful waiting, surgical removal of the vitreous gel known as vitrectomy, and the intraocular injection of medication. During vitrectomy, an ophthalmologist uses a small, combined cutting/suction tool in order to remove part of the vitreous gel, thus relieving the adhesion between the vitreous and retina. The removed vitreous gel is then replaced with fluid or a temporary gas bubble. Vitrectomy is only performed when patients are at risk of severe visual impairment or loss of central vision.

In recent years, a great deal of progress has been made in the treatment of age-related eye conditions but the key is still early detection. Regular visits to an eyecare provider remain essential to the prevention of severe cases of symptomatic VMA, macular holes and retinal detachment.

Men’s Eyewear Fashion is Right on Trend

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FeatureMenBy Paddy Kamen

Men’s fashion is hot like never before, with three weeks in January set aside for men’s-only fashion weeks in London, Paris, Milan and Florence. Not to be outdone, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver have their own men’s fashion weeks later in the year. The London show, which starts the season, is only six years old, confirming the trend as a relatively new one.

Nic Screws (correct spelling) is the style director at www.bloomberg.com. She spent January jetting around to the various shows and reporting on the trends she found. Keep in mind that these shows feature designer apparel, not eyewear. However, Screws noted that accessories are very hot for men this year. In one of her key ‘take-aways’ she writes: “Luxurious basics can make a statement just as strongly as weird conceptual items.”  And further: “Four-word summary of the entire journey: Buy a big scarf.”1 She also showed pictures of trending footware from the streets of Paris in bold, saturated colours – again supporting her statement about luxury basics.

Eyewear is the ultimate accessory because the face is the first point of contact in interpersonal interactions. When, as Screws points out, “dressing down to dress up,” is the new aesthetic, eyewear can bring a note of distinction, elegance and identity that speaks volumes about the man. Smart eyewear retailers are noticing and taking advantage of this trend.

Amin Mamdani, owner and founder of Squint Eyewear, a high-end optical retailer with stores in Toronto and Oakville, caters to urban professionals with a largely artisanal selection of frames. He says that whereas eyeglasses used to be mainly about fit and function they have become part of a man’s wardrobe. “Men are taking more time selecting eyewear. They look at it as more of an accessory and fashion item than they did in the past and they’re much more open to colour and different shapes.”

This change seems to be an extension of trends for men in grooming and apparel, Mamdani says, “Men are definitely taking greater care of their personal needs in grooming, styling and appearance, and are generally much more particular than ever before. I see it as an urban thing. More products are available for them and they absorb them into their lives and the change becomes part of their thinking.

Val Weide agrees. Weide is an optician and the practice manager for Village Optical, a large optometric office in Winnipeg with a family orientation. “I see many more interesting options for men in apparel these days. I recently saw a men’s apparel ad with the subject wearing a silver metallic suit – not for everyone, certainly! Shirts have colourful accents and different prints. The changes in eyewear are definitely an extension of those trends.”

Weide sees an enticing change in colour options for men’s frames: “We’re not just getting the basic browns and blacks but beautiful dark greens, and matte finishes. There is a fine line between having a frame that is stylish and one that’s outlandish. We find our male patients gravitating to colour accents on the temples or tops of the frames as opposed to a vivid colour for the whole frame. Multilayered acrylics are also very popular.”

Weide’s best-selling collections for men are Evatik from Westgroupe, Rebel and Lightec from Lanctôt, and Ray-Ban.

Mamdani sees olive, sky blue, midnight blue, chocolate and slate grey as the leading colours for men right now. “We’re also starting to see frames made of metal or plastic inmidnight black with a bit of gold embellishment. It’s a very urban look.” His best-selling collections are DITA (“An incredibly strong line for men, designed in Europe and made in Japan.”); Mykita and Mykita Mylon (“German-made, high-tech with great comfort in blues, greys, greens, and they’re adding more colours.”); Bevel (“Great titanium, split colours and very well-fitted.”); and Lindberg, a leading Danish framemaker.

Are men more technically inclined than women when it comes to frames? “Definitely, yes,” says Weide. “I’ve heard of men taking their glasses home to weigh them because they want the lightest possible pair.” Men are also more goal-driven when it comes to selection in Weide’s experience. “We find that most men like to have three or four pairs to choose from, and to get in and out of the dispensary quickly.”

Mamdani cautions retailers to keep an open mind when selling to men. “Be aware that they don’t all need or want the same thing and don’t pigeonhole them as wanting basic, functional eyewear. Educate them about different shapes and colours and how these factors change their look and show them everything you have that is current.”

But how many frames are available for men? Weide notes that for every man’s frame in a sales rep’s case there are still four or five for women. Thankfully, that’s beginning to change, with designers and manufacturers stepping up to the plate with collections aimed squarely at this growing, fashion-oriented market.

KliikWestgroupe is a case in point. Creative Director and Vice President of Product Development Beverly Suliteanu says that while their Kliik and Bertelli collections have been 85 per cent oriented to women, they are now working towards placing more emphasis on the men’s segment. “For Westgroupe, the men’s category is our fastest-growing segment. We have greatly expanded our Evatik men’s-only collection with a focus on more colour and intricate detailing. Our best-selling models tend to be those that have a bold accent colour or design feature like an orange temple stripe or a green or blue inlay.”

Is a focus on men part of a trend toward distinct products for the sexes and away from unisex? Suliteanu says, “While unisex models are still available, most current eyewear styles are designed for either men or women. The unisex styles tend to be much more basic, both in shape, detail and colour. The need for a distinct men’s offering is what caused us to create Evatik. Rather than designing a few men’s frames within the Fysh collection, we created a collection designed for and marketed to men. We are constantly monitoring men’s fashion trends, in order to quickly capitalize on new colour and design details that resonate with today’s man.”

MarcOPoloRonor Brand Manager and Communications Director Jenny Tzelardonis, says, “Men are wearing a lot more nicely tailored clothes made specifically to fit a man’s body. Anything that is designed with a purpose will inevitably fit and feel better. The added comfort is something men seek, and that includes eyewear! Smart companies have understood this and are dedicating designs exclusively to male wearers.”

Ronor’s Marc O’Polo collection was created exclusively for men by the design team at Eschenbach’s headquarters in Nuremberg, Germany. “Marc O’Polo is exclusively masculine with a customized fit for the male wearer. This means the ultimate in comfort,” says Tzelardonis. “The designs are pure, reduced to the essentials, with a great emphasis on fine materials and finishes.”

 

Headline_StaagPaul Storace, president of Plan “B” Eyewear, knows what makes men tick: “All it takes is one pretty girl to tell a guy she likes his glasses and he will never be without them. Men are like that.”

Plan “B” is moving more seriously into the men’s market with Staag Spectacles, a luxury brand made from block and beta titanium and Mazzucchelli® cured acetates to ensure outstanding quality. Storace assures us that they are not trendy, “but super-classic with an ’over built’ philosophy that includes the best-quality hinges and superior paint. They appeal to men who know what’s what.” This bold, unique and masculine collection features colour techniques and finishes that are among the most advanced in the industry.

Headlines is another men’s collection from Plan “B”. The new HL 253 model in an acetate and titanium combination makes a strong statement in a cool, light blue that looks great against all skin tones and with all eye colours.

MichaelRyenKnowing that men come in all shapes and sizes, CENOCO offers the Michael Ryen collection in an extensive size range. “We designed the original collection in 2008 to satisfy the need for larger-than-average men’s frames that don’t sacrifice style for size,” says spokesperson Tyler Soloway. “Since then we’ve expanded to meet the needs of all men, including pieces that are much smaller. We use high-quality metal and plastics in both modern and vintage styles and we’ve been successful with the contemporary market, as well as with men who prefer a more traditional look.”

The Michael Ryen collection reinvents iconic looks and classic shapes and boasts high-end details in materials such as titanium and Mazzucchelli acetates. Every frame boasts spring hinges to ensure a comfortable fit.

 

FaconnableFaçonnable has become one of the world’s most celebrated apparel brands and Prisme Optical Group is proud to carry their men’s eyewear collections. “The brand is not about ostentation,” notes Prisme President Richard Stortini, “but rather about instinct, authenticity and elegance.”

There are three lines within the Façonnable collection: the vibrant, trendy and affordable Jeans, aimed at those 18-35 who enjoy casual living; New Vintage, which reinterprets the past with authentic detailing; and Progress, with a modern chic and neo-traditional look. Stortini loves Façonnable because it is classic but stylish, and features impeccable quality. “This is a designer label, but less well known than some other designer brands that you find everywhere.  It gives eyecare professionals an alternative because we have a more selective distribution.”

RJX114Zyloware Eyewear launched the Randy Jackson frame collection to give every man a stylish and masculine look. On-trend shapes and colours in sun and ophthalmic wear are key features of this collection. The Randy Jackson Limited Edition X114 is a full-rim zyl with a masculine cat’s-eye shape with attractive rivets on the front and temples. Colours include a deep olive and tortoise combination, and black over crystal. Another excellent choice is the Randy Jackson Sun S922P, which features metal nose pad arms and snap-in nose pads to accommodate a variety of patients. (See the Randy Jackson designer story on page XX of this issue.)

Everyone recognizes the iconic Stetson hat, a symbol of rugged masculinity, created in 1865 by John B. Stetson. Zyloware brings Stetson’s emphasis on comfort, durability and individuality to life in the Stetson eyewear collection for men. There is  a wide array of styles and sizes, including the thin profile Stetson Slim 316. This is a full-rim, contemporary rectangular frame with stylish zyl temples, metal rivets and a stainless steel core wire for maximum comfort. This style easily accommodates progressive lenses.

ZegnaErmenegildo Zegna, a leader in luxury men’s clothing and accessories, has joined forces with Marcolin to present the first Ermenegildo Zegna Eyewear collection. Launched late last year in Milan, this Made-in-Italy collection is distinguished by craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Ermenegildo Zegna is aimed at sophisticated men who value distinctive styling and the highest quality. In the optical collection, the rectangular-shaped EZ5005 stands out, with contrasting lines and varying levels of transparency. Sunglass knockouts include the easy-to-wear, geometrically oriented EZ0009, with a variety of temple choices, including tapestry effects, leather inserts or wood detailing. The EZ5005 is an intelligent-looking, rounded frame with transparent, coloured temples on which the brand’s chevron logo can be seen. Materials include titanium, leather and wood, with nuanced colour schemes and exquisite detailing in every piece.

RetroSpectacle Eyeworks created the RETRO collection for men who like to make fashion part of their look. “I don’t think the older generation identifies with a frame as much as the younger or young-at-heart man does,” notes Mehran Baghaie, director and chief designer. “Whereas the ‘hipster’ guy understands that glasses are part of his look and identity, the older generation grew up not wanting to wear glasses at all, let alone making them part of his look!”

Baghaie, who was nominated for Silmo d’Or awards in 2002 and 2003, doesn’t hesitate to take design risks, while still creating frames that men love to wear. He recently introduced four new models to RETRO, in designs that keep the geek-chic trend very much alive. The new models – Harvey, Mac, Marcello and Sandra – are cool and confident, while also fitting men at different ends of the size spectrum.

“I wanted to bring a fresh, new perspective on the geek-chic look and design and was inspired to create new, more funky shapes and colours,” says Baghaie. The result is colours that are rich without being intrusive.  “Dimension, not distraction,” is RETRO’s philosophy and each evocative new design is available in six colours.

RudgerThe Robert RÜDGER brand was created in 1989, making it an early leader in the men’s-only market, especially in Germany, Holland and Switzerland. The brand is making a comeback on the international stage, thanks to an agreement with Italian eyewear company Area98.

The new collection of 15 styles includes a re-imagined key design from the 1990s, the RR001. Attention to detail is imperative, with materials that include titanium, horn and wood. Model RR001, for example, combines titanium and wood for lightness and style, with a vintage front featuring two off-centre circular lenses joined by a single metal bridge, and completed by adjustable temples in beta-titanium with a wood sublimation coating. Understated, elegant and full of personality, Robert RÜDGER is now establishing a presence in North America.

JFReyMen are very much part of the aesthetic at JF Rey, always a company for its creative edge. New frames offer wave-inspired styling for men in exclusive Mazzucchelli acetate. Beta-titanium hinges give the temples a natural flex, which easily adapts to the curve of the face. Colours are creative and very masculine. Watch out for the JF 1267, 1268, 1269 and 1270!

 

CremieuxMood Eyewear acquired Canadian distribution of the Crémieux collection at Mido 2014. “I wanted a masculine collection with a preppy look and when I saw Crémieux I knew I had found what I was looking for,” says President André Bélanger. “I strongly believe this is the look that men will embrace for years to come.”

Bélanger adds: “The Crémieux design style has a Harvard look but with French refinement and the eyewear collection reflects that: it is bold but classic, with rich, warm acetate that is refined and elegant. The collection will appeal to men with very different aspirations and interests, including the man who has a vintage frame but wants to replace it with something bolder to make a statement or the gentleman who feels more at ease in a more seductive/intellectual style. Men are embracing fashion but it needs to be functional and practical and I think Crémieux knows how to satisfy their needs and aspirations.”

Men’s eyewear is hot, colourful, cool and in demand. Now is the time to upgrade your collections to include the latest design and colour trends for your male clientele. And keep in mind the words of Paul Storace: “All it takes is one pretty girl to tell a guy she likes his glasses and he will never be without them. Men are like that.”

  1. Read Screws summary of the shows at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-28/men-s-fashion-month-recap-photos-and-style-analysis-from-europe.