VEW 2014 on the Theme of the Latest Technology

VisionExpo_4C_LV_tealAs wearable technology continues to invigorate the world of eye care through both form and function, Vision Expo West, International Vision Expo & Conference has introduced a targeted new continuing education track dedicated to educating attendees on what this technology means for the industry’s future, and how to maximize its business potential.

The six-hour Wearable Tech track, held Friday, Sept. 19 at Vision Expo West 2014, highlighted everything from Google Glass to augmented reality goggles to GPS and Bluetooth-enabled frames.:

• The Glass Class: a one-hour group discussion about Google Glass and other wearable technologies that relate to eyecare;

• The Future of Digital Vision and Wearable Technology: need-to-know information about smart glasses and other wearable technology innovations, and how to effectively market these solutions;

• Technology Within the Blink of an Eye: a look at how the next generation of GPS and Bluetooth heads-up display technology is integrated into unique frame designs to maximize field of view;

• Eye2: What you Need to Know About Eyewear and Eyecare’s Pivotal New Role in Wearable Technology: a discussion and demonstration of the latest developments in wearable optical technology, from smart glasses and contact lenses to augmented and virtual reality systems and low vision devices, and how these technologies are benefitting patients;

• Wired and Blurry!: an overview of products designed to increase contrast, comfort and focus for the digital generation.

In recognition of the ways new technology is changing the practice and business of eyecare, Vision Expo West offered more than 38 hours of continuing education on how professionals can integrate technology into every aspect of practice for improved patient outcomes and profitability. Additionally, the popular 10-hour Spectacle Lens Expert track returned this year to educate attendees on the latest lens technology, trends in freeform lens processing and digital eyestrain.

Silmo 2014 Ready for Action

Silmo_ENJust a few days to go until the start of the 2014 Silmo show – the major international gathering of the optics industry.This year’s event promises to be dynamic and diverse with a string of new exhibitors, an improved layout, a relevant program of events and, as usual, a warm welcome.

Around 1,000 companies are expected to attend. One hundred are returning or exhibiting for the first time, including Marchon, De Rigo Vision, Schneider, Stepper, Satisloh, Bushnell Outdoor Products, Budri, and Kirk & Kirk. According to the organizers, the growth in the number of Italian companies exhibiting is remarkable, as is the continued presence of Korean designers. Silmo has also revamped and enhanced its website, with a wealth of information on markets, trends and news about the trade fair.

Not to be missed are new exhibition zones and an improved layout designed to facilitate the attendees’ experience. Stimulating events will further enhance the visitors’ knowledge. These events include:
• SILMO ACADEMY, providing training to opticians,
• FASHION STYLE, dedicated to fashion brands,
• TRENDS FORUM, this year devoted to colour.

New pop-up catering areas have been tailored to suit individual requirements, including vegetarian, halal, kosher and Japanese cuisine.

Mido 2015 Looks Ahead

Mido2015Mido – the must-see international showcase in the eyewear industry – will be on stage at the Fieramilano pavilions in Rho-Pero from February 28 to March 2, 2015.

Last year’s thre-day Mido event attracted more than 45,000 visitors (20,000 from Italy and 25,000 from outside the country) and counted 1,100 exhibitors from 49 countries, representing all five continents.

“Over the years, Mido has succeeded in keeping itself up-to-date without losing sight of the importance of its networking value and on-the-field experience,” stated Cirillo Marcolin, president of Mido and Anfao (the Italian Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers) A fundamntal part of last year’s success and positive feedback from participants rested on the reworking of the exhibition layout. That project, initiated in 2014, will continue in the coming years.

Mido’s organisers are working on the next edition and the 2015 show promises to be amazing.

Take part in the Silmo Academy

SilmoThe fifth edition of the SilmoAcademy will be held as part of Silmo Paris, a major international trade show. The theme of this event, scheduled for September 28, 2014 and September 29 in the morning, will be eyestrain.

Posters and written communications will be on display throughout the exhibition in order to maximise exposure. Anyone wishing to share their work on any topic may register before April 30, 2014, by sending the title of their poster to silmoacademy@silmoparis.com.

Introduced in 2010, the SilmoAcademy provides information and training to opticians on the latest scientific developments in the optical field. This event aims to broaden eyecare professionals’ knowledge to meet their clients’ visual requirements more effectively.

Secure Your Tickets for opti 2014 and Be Perfectly Prepared

optiEven at this early stage, opti 2014 is ensuring on a complete range of services for its participants. From discounts for those traveling to Munich to luggage service for Lufthansa passengers; from the online catalogue to the opti app, the international trade show for optics and design gives trade visitors several ways to be perfectly prepared. Online tickets for opti from 10 to 12 January 2014 are now available at www.opti.de/en/tickets.

opti takes place annually at the beginning of the year and is held at fairground Messe München. As the international trade show for optics and design, it presents the entire spectrum of optics ranging from frames, ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses and low-vision products to shop set-up, technical equipment and devices.

opti exhibitors and visitors can enjoy special fares for their flights to Munich. For example, Lufthansa is offering discounts of up to 10 per cent on airfare (additional information at www.opti.de/en/lufthansa) as well as a special extra service at the show’s Lufthansa counter. On the day of their departure, the airline’s guests can go to the counter to check their luggage, which will then be taken directly to their plane. As in the past, passengers of all airlines can take advantage of free shuttle-bus service from the airport to the fairground. Buses depart from the Munich airport and from Entrance North of the fairground Messe München every 30 minutes. Incidentally, the Munich airport offers the best connections to destinations throughout Europe and beyond. Approximately 100 airlines provide regular service to more than 240 destinations in 68 countries.

SILMO 2011, A Global Experience

From September 29 to October 2, 2011, SILMO will host visitors at the same spacious Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre than last year, with a dual presidency now in place : Guy Charlot as president of the SILMO Association and Philippe Lafont as exhibition president.

SILMO brings together professionals from the entire international optics and eyewear sector, offering a highly effective business platform in a relaxed and informal environment and deploying innovative solutions to promote networking, provide information and training and showcase products.

The virtual network LINK BY SILMO, launched last year, links up professionals wishing to exchange ideas, acquire information and debate issues, enabling them to prolong the trade fair experience throughout the whole year.

For the second year running, SILMO ACADEMY will host a scientific symposium on September 29 and 30, 2011, intended for all opticians wishing to broaden their knowledge in the fields of vision and optics and meet the visual needs of their clients more effectively.

And to reward expertise, talent, creativity and innovation, the SILMO D’OR awards recognise the achievements of the most outstanding companies in an evening of celebration.

Mido Unveils the dates of its 2012 Show

The 42nd edition of Mido, the International Optical, Optometry and Ophthalmology Exhibition and the main international event dedicated to that sector, will take placeMarch 11-13, 2012. “To meet the wishes of many exhibitors and visitors, the event dates will include two week days,” stated Cirillo Marcolin, vice president delegate of Mido.

“The decision on the dates is the result of discussion and negotiation designed to respond to many requests. Other considerations were the availability of participants such as Fieramilano, the other exhibitions hosted at the centre in Rho-Pero and Mido exhibitors, and the wishes of visitors fromItalyand abroad,” he says.

“We came up with what we consider a very good solution: the show will run on a Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Monday is a day on which stores are closed in many regions of Italy and in other European countries. We think this will meet the needs of our audience and help it decide to visit our exhibition