#FashionAlert #SpectacularSpectacles #NationalSunglassesDay #BeachyPeachy #SummerintheCity #SummerintheCountry The Vision Council Releases New Research on Sunglasses Non-Wearers, Supported by HOUSE of MODO

Focused inSights: Beyond UV Awareness reveals comfort, fit, and style are the keys to re-engaging millions of Americans who do not wear sunglasses

The Vision Council today released Focused inSights: Beyond UV Awareness, a new research report examining why 37% of U.S. adults, approximately 82 million people, do not wear sunglasses despite routine outdoor exposure and widespread familiarity with UV-related eye health risks. Its release comes in advance of National Sunglasses Day on June 27, the annual public reminder to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing proper eyewear. The report, supported by HOUSE of MODO, is based on a dedicated survey of 608 U.S. adults who do not currently wear sunglasses, conducted in April and May 2026.

The findings challenge a common industry assumption: that greater awareness of UV risk is the primary lever for expanding sunglass use. In fact, 65% of non-wearers are already familiar with the potential effects of UV exposure on the eyes, yet only 36% report being concerned enough to act, and just 7% say more health messaging would encourage more regular wear.

“This research reframes the conversation around sunglasses non-wearers,” said Kris Stevens, Vice President of Research at The Vision Council. “These are not consumers who are unaware of the product or indifferent to their eye health. They are largely former wearers who stepped away from the category for practical reasons, and that means the path back runs through better products, better access, and better fit.”

Key findings from the report:Most non-wearers are former wearers. The majority previously wore sunglasses and stopped — meaning the opportunity is largely one of reactivation, not first-time adoption.

The top barriers are practical. Forgetfulness, discomfort, and loss or breakage dominate the list of reasons people give for not wearing sunglasses.

Comfort is more complicated than it looks. Consumers who cite discomfort experience it across multiple dimensions at once, making it resistant to simple product fixes.

Three in four non-wearers feel the category wasn't designed for them. This perception which spans face shape, head size, skin tone, and personal style, reinforces other barriers and reduces motivation to shop.

Product and retail solutions lead the path back. When asked what would encourage more regular wear, consumers point consistently to comfort, cost, and style as the factors that would make a difference.

The report also finds that non-wearers are not necessarily avoiding sun exposure: 74% walk outside several times a week, 69% drive regularly, and 40% exercise or play sports outdoors — pointing to a meaningful and underserved market opportunity rooted in habit formation rather than first-time adoption.

“HOUSE of MODO is proud to support research that helps advance the industry’s understanding of who remains underserved by the sunglasses category and why,” said Rebecca Giefer, CEO, HOUSE of MODO Americas. “These findings reinforce our belief that great design starts with real people and real needs. They align closely with our commitment to purposeful innovation and creating eyewear that works for a broader range of consumers. We hope this report sparks meaningful conversations and helps move the industry forward.”

Focused inSights: Beyond UV Awareness is available for free download now. Members of The Vision Council can access the report in the Research Download Center, and non-members can download the full report here.

Celebrate National Sunglasses Day on June 27

The Vision Council Foundation’s 2026 National Sunglasses Day campaign has united trusted authorities in eye and skin health, as well as weather, to urge the public to practice complete UV protection all year round. Free promotional toolkits are available now and include social media graphics, fact sheets, and sample communications. Join in on the celebrations by sharing a sunglass selfie and tagging The Vision Council in posts or using #NationalSunglassesDay on social media this June 27.

Note from the Editor: Peachy always wears sunglasses, per her doctor. No, she is not imitating Anna Wintour. If anyone, it's Dale Earnhardt Senior!

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About The Vision Council

The Vision Council brings the power of sight to all through education, government relations, research, and technical standards. A leading advocate for the optical industry, the association positions its members to deliver the eyewear and eyecare people need to look and feel their best. Vital to health, independence, and safety, better vision leads to better lives.

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#SpectacularSpectacles #HealthyPeachy THE AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION PARTNERS WITH PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL PLAYER, KIKE HERNÁNDEZ, TO CHAMPION IN-PERSON EYE EXAMS THROUGH NATIONWIDE "EYE DESERVE MORE" CAMPAIGN

Hernández's compelling journey underscores the critical role doctors of optometry play in safeguarding overall health and well-being

The American Optometric Association (AOA), the nation's leading authority and advocate for quality eye health care, today announced its partnership with professional baseball player Kike Hernández to champion in-person comprehensive care from a doctor of optometry. The partnership is part of AOA's multi-year Eye Deserve More campaign that encourages Americans to prioritize maintaining their eye health as an essential part of their health and wellbeing.

"From the quality of our bats to the software we use to analyze our swing, athletes rely on the best tools to perform. But I learned the hard way that the most advanced equipment I own are my eyes," said Kike Hernández. "Last year in the first half of my season, I was struggling at the plate and trying everything to improve, I knew something wasn't right, but it was something I couldn't see. After being encouraged to see an optometrist in-person, I was diagnosed with astigmatism. After working with my optometrist, I was able to turn my season around and help my team win."

Hernández's story is a reminder that even elite athletes can miss critical signs of eye health and vision issues. Despite passing standard vision screenings, his astigmatism was impairing his ability to see the ball clearly. Astigmatism is a common vision condition that occurs due to an irregularly shaped cornea (the lens) that prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, which causes vision to be out of focus at any distance. Hernández also has pterygium, which is an abnormal growth of tissue caused from sun exposure. His diagnosis and treatment not only improved his performance but also transformed his perspective on eye health.

In today's tech-driven world, Americans are more likely to upgrade their devices than prioritize their eye health. According to recent surveys, 77% of Americans say having the latest technology is essential1, and nearly half feel compelled to install daily updates on their phones. Yet, the human eye—arguably the most sophisticated technology we possess—often goes neglected. To help educate Americans on the immense power within their own eyes, AOA developed The Eye, a conceptual product with impressive specs and an intricate design to convey the incredible complexity of our visual system. Even with all the advancements in modern tech, it's impossible to actually replicate the amazing things your eyes can do, which is another reason why it's so important to prioritize and maintain your eye health.

"It's time to refocus," said Dr. Emily Benson, Clinical Optometrist at University Hospitals and member of the AOA. "Your eyes are your most powerful technology. Whether you're at work, playing with your kids, driving, or stepping up to the plate in a major league game, ensuring your eyes are performing at their best starts with a comprehensive, in-person exam with an optometrist."

Doctors of optometry are America's frontline providers of eye and vision care, conducting more than two-thirds of primary eye health care in the U.S. A comprehensive eye exam can detect over 270 serious health conditions—including diabetes, high blood pressure, and even brain tumors—often before symptoms appear. Unlike online vision tests or screenings, in-person exams provide a complete picture of eye and overall health.

"Going through this really changed the way I think about eye health, especially with a daughter and new baby on the way, it's even more important that we take care of our eyes because they impact so much of our lives on and off the field," said Hernández. "Now when I see others struggling, I encourage them to get an in-person exam with an optometrist. I recently told a teammate to go and it turns out he also has an astigmatism that he got corrected."

To learn more about Hernández's story and how to protect your most advanced tech—your eyes—visit SeeTheEye.com.

About The American Optometric Association

The American Optometric Association (AOA) represents more than 50,000 doctors of optometry, students and professionals who provide the majority of eye health and vision care in over 10,000 U.S. communities. As the leading voice for quality eye care, the AOA advances the profession through cutting-edge education, practice-changing resources, singular advocacy, and public education about the profession, ensuring patients nationwide have trusted access to essential, in-person eye health and vision care with member doctors of optometry.

About Eye Deserve More

Eye Deserve More is a multi-faceted national campaign that takes the stand that every American deserves in-person comprehensive care from an AOA doctor of optometry as part of their eye health and overall health and wellbeing.

About The Eye

The Eye, designed by Sebastian Arrieta, a renowned product developer, is a conceptual prototype that serves as an educational tool to highlight the immense power of human eyes and the importance of eye health. The physical components of The Eye represent real capabilities of the human eye to demonstrate a level of sophistication that current technology cannot physically replicate. This underscores the need to prioritize and care for the most advanced technology we already have in our own bodies – our eyes.

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June is Cataract Month at Prevent Blindness, Providing Educational Resources on the Leading Cause of Vision Loss in the United States

Prevent Blindness offers free cataract resources including fact sheets, social media graphics, a dedicated web page, expert video and a listing of financial assistance for eye care.

 Prevent Blindness, the nation's leading non-profit patient advocacy organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight, has once again declared June as Cataract Month. The goal of the organization is to provide patients, care partners and allied health professionals with free educational resources on cataract, including facts sheets, shareable social media graphics, a dedicated webpage, a Focus on Eye Health Expert video, and a listing of financial assistance resources in English and Spanish.

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. The lens of the eye is located behind the pupil and the colored iris and is normally transparent. The lens helps to focus images onto the retina – which transmits the images to the brain. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the [leading cause of vision loss in the United States.

In fact, according to the [National Eye Institute, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataract or have had surgery to remove cataract. Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations in the United States.

In addition to aging, other factors may cause cataracts to form. Eye infections, some medicines (such as steroids), injuries or exposure to intense heat or radiation may cause cataracts. Too much exposure to non-visible sunlight (called UV or ultraviolet light) and various diseases, such as diabetes or metabolic disorders, may also contribute to cataract formation.

[Symptoms of cataract include: Vision is cloudy or blurry

Colors appear faded

Difficulty in seeing well at night

Lamps, sunlight, or headlights seem too bright

Halos appear around lights

Double vision (this sometimes goes away as the cataract gets bigger)

Frequent changes in the prescription of glasses or contact lenses

Prevent Blindness offers the Focus on Eye Health Expert Series episode "Understanding Cataract" featuring Albert Cheung, MD, Cataract, Cornea, Anterior Segment Specialist with Virginia Eye Consultants and Assistant Professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Department of Ophthalmology.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that during cataract surgery, an eye surgeon will remove the eye's cloudy natural lens. Then, he or she will replace it with an artificial lens. This new lens is called an intraocular lens (or IOL). For those who have had cataract surgery recommended by their eye doctors, Prevent Blindness offers the dedicated webpage, PreventBlindness.org/cataract-surgery, and the printable "Guide to Cataract Surgery."

"We know that with age, the likelihood of developing cataract increases," said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. "We encourage everyone to be proactive about their eye health, including getting regular eye care, and talking to your eye care professional about cataract risks and what steps you can take to protect your vision today and for tomorrow."

For free information on cataract or cataract surgery, please visit PreventBlindness.org/cataract. For a listing of vision care financial assistance programs in English and Spanish, visit PreventBlindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information/.

About Prevent Blindness

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at PreventBlindness.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

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#HealthyPeachy #SpectacularSpectacles #CharitablePeachy The Vision Council Foundation Announces Industry Partners and NYC Event for National Sunglasses Day 2025

There’s still time to be part of the vision

The Vision Council Foundation is proud to kick off the countdown to National Sunglasses Day 2025 with the announcement of an exciting event in New York City and a growing roster of industry sponsors. Celebrated on June 27, the campaign promotes sunglasses as essential tools for both eye health and personal style – underscoring the real risks of UV exposure and the simple steps people can take to protect their vision.

This year’s theme brings science and style together, inviting optical, fashion, wellness, and weather experts to spotlight the importance of daily UV eye protection for all ages.

Exclusive NYC Event on June 26

The Vision Council Foundation will host a dynamic celebration in New York City on Thursday, June 26, welcoming media, influencers, and industry leaders to explore the impact and innovation behind UV safety on the evening before National Sunglasses Day.

Event highlights include:Expert panel on UV risks, sunglass innovation, and sun-smart living

Curated sunwear displays and try-ons from leading brands

Seasonal refreshments, giveaways, and shareable photo moments

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Vision Council Foundation is proud to recognize its 2025 event sponsors:

GUESS Eyewear, Marcolin, Silhouette, evil eye, Marchon & Altair Eyewear, EssilorLuxottica, ZEISS, OGI Eyewear, Vera Wang (Kenmark Eyewear), MODO, Peepers, Vontélle Eyewear, and L’Amy America.

These partners are helping to elevate the message of everyday eye protection and bring National Sunglasses Day to life across the country.

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Open

There’s still time for brands to join the campaign and be part of this year’s NYC event. To learn more, contact partner@thevisioncouncil.org.

Free Toolkit for Eyecare Providers and Brands

To support and encourage campaign participation, The Vision Council Foundation offers a complimentary digital toolkit with everything eyecare providers, optical shops, and brands need to promote the day online and in-store. Access the toolkit here.

Toolkit includes:Customizable social media graphics and sample posts

UV education fact sheets and infographics

Printable posters and signage for retail and practice settings

Make an Impact

Every dollar donated to The Vision Council Foundation supports vision education, outreach programs, and career-building initiatives across the optical industry.

Supporters can make direct contributions online here and learn more at thevisioncouncilfoundation.org.

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About The Vision Council Foundation

As the philanthropic foundation of The Vision Council, The Vision Council Foundation empowers people everywhere to see and look their best through public eye health education and optical industry career training support. A 501c3 charitable nonprofit organization, the Foundation is dedicated to ensuring better vision for better lives.

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#SpectacularSpectacles #NationalSunglassesDay #SummerintheCity #SummerintheCountry June 27: Gear Up, Shades On for National Sunglasses Day

The Vision Council’s Annual Celebration Highlights Awareness Around UV Safety and Spotlights Sports Eyewear

What: National Sunglasses Day, a commemorative date held annually, celebrating the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

When: Thursday, June 27.

Who: The Vision Council, the leading advocate for the optical industry.

How: The Vision Council's “Gear Up, Shades On” campaign encourages people to protect their eyes from harmful UV radiation and stay safe while participating in their favorite sports or outdoor activities. Everyone can participate in National Sunglasses Day on Thursday, June 27 by sharing a photo of themselves wearing sunglasses on social media and including the hashtag #NationalSunglassesDay.

Why: It's always important to protect your vision from UV rays, which can have damaging long and short-term impacts on vision and quality of life. It is just as critical to protect one’s eyes during sports or physical activities. According to The National Institute of Health’s National Eye Institute, 30,000 sports-related eye injuries in the United States each year require a trip to the emergency room—that is the equivalent of one serious eye injury every 13 minutes. Almost 90 percent of eye injuries are preventable with proper eye protection.

The right eyewear can significantly enhance performance in sports and activities by optimizing vision clarity, depth perception, and contrast sensitivity, and they can provide necessary protection from impact, weather, or debris. A variety of features unique to sports sunglasses and eyewear can help people take their game to the next level, all while ensuring they look and feel their best.

Learn more about consumers’ preferences and knowledge of sports sunglasses in The Vision Council’s recent Focused inSights: Sports Sunglasses Snapshot research report available here.

"By celebrating National Sunglasses Day, we can work together to amplify the message of eye health and safety for everyone who loves spending time outdoors," said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. "Our collective impact can ensure that more people are aware of the importance and benefits of UV protective eyewear, enabling them to enjoy outdoor activities with enhanced safety and comfort all year round. With support from the optical industry, eyecare providers, and sunglasses lovers everywhere, we hope to continue spreading awareness and providing access to quality sunglasses, making a meaningful difference in how people experience and enjoy the world around them."

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About The Vision Council

The Vision Council brings the power of sight to all through education, government relations, research, and technical standards. A leading advocate for the optical industry, the association positions its members to deliver the eyewear and eyecare people need to look and feel their best. Vital to health, independence, and safety, better vision leads to better lives. Learn more at thevisioncouncil.org.

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#HealthyPeachy ZEISS advances cataract and corneal refractive surgical care with new workflow innovations

ZEISS Medical Technology will showcase new ophthalmic innovations within the cataract and corneal refractive workflows at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS) annual conference from Sept. 8-12, 2023, in Vienna, Austria. As part of the ZEISS Medical Ecosystem, the following enhancements bolster ZEISS's leadership position in ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical workflow solutions, continuing the company's transformative progress toward more fully integrated, data-driven healthcare:

- ZEISS elevates the Cataract Workflow with the new AT ELANA® 841P trifocal intraocular lens.

- ZEISS Corneal Refractive Workflow to support presbyopia management.

- ZEISS demonstrates hyperopia indication for SMILE pro.

- New ZEISS ATLAS 500 combines corneal topography and dry eye assessment for improved decision making within the cataract and corneal refractive workflows.

- Refreshed ZEISS VISULAS portfolio offers new therapeutic laser enhancements and connectivity across retina, glaucoma, and cataract clinical workflows.

"Our long-proven legacy of innovation continues to meet the ever-evolving needs of healthcare providers and the billions of patients they serve around the world," said Euan S. Thomson, Ph.D., President of the Ophthalmology Strategic Business Unit and Head of the Digital Business Unit for ZEISS Medical Technology. "As we continue to extend our position in digital ophthalmic solutions, ZEISS is proud to unveil our latest workflow innovations that are helping to transform the way surgical care is practiced today. We'll continue to invest in data-driven solutions that enhance clinical decision making and help set new standards of care within the cataract and corneal refractive workflows."

Elevating the ZEISS Premium Cataract Workflow with a new trifocal IOL

Within the ZEISS Premium Cataract Workflow, cataract surgeons are now offered new cutting-edge technology to boost both clinical and commercial success. The new trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) AT ELANA® 841P is designed to maximize patient satisfaction by combining leading technologies, including the best of ZEISS trifocal technology on a glistening-free hydrophobic c-loop platform and a fully preloaded injector for a safe and reliable implantation. The ZEISS AT ELANA comes with premium services facilitating patient management and care.

"All my patients implanted with AT ELANA have been very satisfied with uncorrected visual acuity in all three distances," said Dr. Peter Mojžiš, Ph.D., FEBO, Assistant Professor, Third Faculty, Charles University, Prague. "The fully preloaded injector is very smooth, and the AT ELANA fits through a 2.2mm incision. The controlled unfolding of this new hydrophobic c-loop trifocal IOL and the stability in the capsular bag is excellent. I am very excited about this new addition to the ZEISS IOL portfolio."

ZEISS Corneal Refractive Workflow to support presbyopia management

At the ESCRS conference, ZEISS will showcase the complete ZEISS Corneal Refractive Workflow for presbyopia management, a condition impacting more than 2 billion people worldwide, highlighting the company's investment in individualized corneal based solutions. With its customized solutions, ZEISS PRESBYOND addresses individual needs and visual challenges for patients with presbyopia.

Expanding the indication of lenticule extraction with ZEISS SMILE pro for hyperopia with or without astigmatism

The Laser Vision Correction (LVC) portfolio from ZEISS extends the standard for refractive correction and allows surgeons to reach even more patients with a better range of services and the right solution for each individual refractive surgery. ZEISS, the pioneer of minimally invasive lenticule extraction, is expanding its LVC portfolio beyond treating myopia to cover hyperopia with or without astigmatism with ZEISS SMILE pro in the future. At ESCRS, ZEISS will demonstrate how surgeons can treat myopia using the digitally connected ZEISS VISUMAX 800 with smart robotics support, which realizes the minimally invasive procedure with ZEISS SMILE pro.1

ZEISS also reached a new milestone with more than 8 million eyes treated with Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE®) around the world to date. ZEISS SMILE is one of the key elements of the LVC portfolio from ZEISS, one of the most comprehensive portfolios in the industry.

1 CE-certification of ZEISS SMILE pro for hyperopic corrections is still in progress.

Combining corneal topography and dry eye assessment tools for more intelligent clinical decision making

ZEISS will showcase the new ZEISS ATLAS 500, a next-generation corneal topography system. The ATLAS® 500 from ZEISS is a state-of-the-art, multimodality solution for the anterior eye segment, and offers precise corneal topography, pupillometry, and dry eye assessment – all in a single device. It provides an integrated, intuitive, and well-organized interface for efficient operation and is designed to fit into any modern clinic or practice environment. The new ZEISS ATLAS 500 integrates into both the ZEISS corneal refractive and cataract workflows.

"I have been using ZEISS equipment in my practice for many years now. Therefore, I was very pleased when I got the opportunity to work with the ZEISS ATLAS 500," said Dr. Edward Boshnick, Specialist in the Non-Surgical Restoration of Quality Vision and Owner of Global Vision Rehabilitation Center, Florida, USA. "With the ATLAS 500 I can easily capture images of my patient's eye with amazing detail, and it helps me to understand my patient's dry eye disease."

Refreshed ZEISS VISULAS delivers therapeutic laser enhancements across clinical workflows

ZEISS has long been committed to the advancement of therapeutic laser technology and to supporting clinicians as they work to improve the quality of life for patients worldwide through the preservation and improvement of vision. Leveraging expertise in optics and laser technology, and long-term collaborations with ophthalmologists around the world, ZEISS has refreshed its ZEISS VISULAS therapeutic laser portfolio across clinical workflows to provide advanced capabilities for ensuring safe and effective treatment, promoting operator comfort, and optimizing the practice workflow to make it more efficient.

"The fact that one platform provides the ability to perform Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), iridotomy, iridoplasty, capsulotomy, and retina laser treatment has important practical advantages," said Dr. Kaweh Mansouri, Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Glaucoma Center, Swiss Visio, Montchoisi Clinic, Lausanne, Switzerland, and Adjoint Professor for the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado, Denver, USA.

ZEISS will showcase its latest offerings and new surgical innovations at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS) annual conference from Sept. 8-12, 2023, in Hall B, booth 401.

For more information, visit www.zeiss.com/med.

Not all products, services or offers are approved or offered in every market and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another. For country-specific product information, see the appropriate country website. Product specifications are subject to change in design and scope of delivery as a result of ongoing technical development.

Brief Profile

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (ISIN: DE0005313704) is one of the world's leading medical technology companies and is included in the German MDAX and TecDAX stock indices. The company supplies innovative technologies and application-oriented solutions designed to help doctors improve the quality of life of their patients. The company offers complete solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases – including implants and consumables. In the field of microsurgery, the company provides innovative visualization solutions. With 4,224 employees worldwide, the company generated revenue totaling €1,902.8 million in fiscal year 2021/22 (ended September 30, 2022).

The company is headquartered in Jena, Germany. It has subsidiaries in Germany and abroad; more than 50 percent of its employees are based in the United States, Japan, Spain and France. The Center for Application and Research (CARIn) in Bangalore, India, and the Carl Zeiss Innovations Center for Research and Development in Shanghai, China, enhance the company's profile in these rapidly developing economies. Around 41 percent of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG shares are in free float. The remaining approximately 59 percent are held by Carl Zeiss AG, one of the world's leading companies in the optical and optoelectronic industries.

For further information visit: www.zeiss.com/med

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#FashionAlert #SpectacularSpectacles #ItalyPeachy #DatEyewear DaTE 2022 CLOSES ITS DOORS ON THE 10TH EDITION, CONFIRMING LAST YEAR’S 1,500 VISITORS

New appointment on October 17TH in Milano with MEDD by DaTE

With approx. 1,500 industry professionals and buyers attending the Firenze show, 100 companies and 170 Italian and international brands, DaTE has indeed proven itself an essential event for the entire eyewear industry, which in Italy generates more than 4 billion euro in turnover and employs a workforce of 18,000.

“Before the show opened, we had hoped to match last year’s good performance, and we did,” acknowledged DaTE President Giovanni Vitaloni. We are pleased with the outcome and with the quality of the professionals ‒ both exhibitors and visitors ‒ who participated. Attendance by international buyers was also good, aided, in part, thanks to our partnership with ITA (Italian Trade Agency). Again this year, DaTE delivered the best our independent eyewear market has to offer, staying true to its mission as an exhibition of the avantgarde.”

The interest in the event was also confirmed through the social channels: more than 750,000 total users who followed DaTE, for a total of 2 million views and over 60,000 interactions with posts published on Facebook and Instagram.

This year, DaTE continues October 17th in Milan, with a special non-commercial event open to everyone. Known as MEDD by DaTE - Milano Eyewear Design Day, it caters not only to industry professionals and the press, but also to enthusiasts, designers and students ‒ a space for creative exchange and reflection on design, with an emphasis on eyewear. Experts have been invited to compare and contrast the various applications of design ‒ from fashion to architecture, by way of accessories and technology. Not by coincidence, event host is the ADI Design Museum of Milan, historic repository of all the objects that have received the Compasso D’Oro Award, conferred each year, in recognition of excellence in Italian design. “Interestingly, to date, eyewear has never received the Compasso D’Oro. Perhaps MEDD by DaTE could bode well that eyewear, too, might become part of the Museum’s collection,” mused Vitaloni.

The MEDD by DaTE calendar of events can be found at https://dateyewear.com/medd/. It includes an exhibit ‒ mounted in partnership with the Eyewear Museum of Pieve di Cadore – part of a collection of iconic eyewear that have “designed” the industry’s history. And two awards: the MEDD by DaTE award for the most innovative eyewear, selected by a jury of design and lifestyle experts from among the styles exhibited in Florence; and an award for the most visionary optical shop, chosen by the exhibitors at DaTE.

Updates are available at https://dateyewear.com/en/ and on the show’s official social channels:

www.instagram.com/dateyewear/

https://www.facebook.com/DateEyewearOfficial

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#SpectacularSpectacles #HealthyPeachy THE AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND SCREEN TIME ALLIANCE WITH GAMING INDUSTRY AS PART OF NATIONWIDE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, EYE DESERVE MORE

The Screen Time Alliance and partnership with Actor and Gamer Jordan Fisher aim to bring awareness to healthy screen time practices and encourage patients to be seen in person by an AOA doctor of optometry for quality eye care

The American Optometric Association (AOA), the leading authority on quality eye care and an advocate for our nation's health, launched today a first-of-its kind Screen Time Alliance, in partnership with the gaming industry, to educate Americans about the effects of prolonged time on digital devices and its impact on eye health. With the increase of online and app-based vision services, AOA's Eye Deserve More, national public awareness campaign takes a stand that every American deserves in-person comprehensive eye care from a doctor of optometry as part of their eye health and overall wellbeing. The Screen Time Alliance focuses on the rise of screen time – particularly among gamers – and shows how all gamers, streamers and scrollers can keep their eyes healthy.

The Eye Deserve More 2022 campaign features Jordan Fisher, an actor, singer, songwriter, producer, gamer and parent.

There are more than 227 million Americans who play video games1 and with gaming and screen time on the rise, so is the risk for long-term implications for people's eye health. AOA's 2022 Gamer Survey results revealed, the average gamer spends more than 8 hours a day on screens and has experienced various eye-related symptoms from gaming, including eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision. Many gamers are aware of the eye health implications for long-term screen time usage, but less than half (46%) visit a health care professional for a comprehensive eye exam every year.

The Screen Time Alliance is a collaboration between a professional eye health association and gaming industry companies to educate gamers, and all screen time users, about the importance of healthy screen time. Current members of the Alliance include Nerd Street Gamers, a national network of e-sports facilities, events and content, and Playcrafting, a game development company. The Alliance's goal is to encourage people to get their eyes checked offline by a doctor of optometry so they can do more of what they love online. Additionally, the AOA has developed Eye Health Guidance for Screen Time to provide actionable steps for gamers to adapt and optimize gaming experiences to improve their eye and overall health.

"The establishment of the Screen Time Alliance is an important collaboration for us, as the majority of Americans spend a significant amount of time on screens and playing video games," says James P. DeVleming, O.D., AOA President. "While there are many things we can do on our screens, getting a comprehensive eye exam is not one of them. Through in-person exams, doctors of optometry play a major role in an individual's overall wellbeing, by being able to spot vision and eye health issues, as well as early signs of systemic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases and cancers."

As part of this year's campaign, AOA is partnering with Jordan Fisher, an actor, singer, songwriter, producer, gamer and parent to educate fellow gamers and parents about the importance of taking care of their eye health and encouraging them to practice healthier screen time habits.

"After injuring my cornea years ago, I did not realize how it would affect the rest of my body. With the amount of time I spend on screens – about 7 hours a day reading, producing, gaming, or taking video conference calls – it's key to practice healthy screen time habits as it can really take a toll on your eyes," says Fisher. "That's why getting an eye exam in person is so important, optometrists are able to look beyond your eyes into your whole body. I make eye health a priority for me and my family, so we won't miss any important life moments."

Optometrists like Dr. Jason Compton, AOA member and a gamer himself, say some patients may not make the connection between screens and their symptoms such as dry eyes and headaches.

"It's my job as an optometrist to get to know my patients' habits and behaviors to create tailored recommendations to keep their eyes and overall body healthy, especially since comprehensive eye health is not a one-size-fits-all approach," says Dr. Compton. "Whether you're a pro gamer, Twitch streamer, casual scroller, or someone who spends all day working at the computer – it's critical to see a doctor of optometry in person every year and adapt healthy gaming and screen time habits, like taking regular screen breaks and stopping any gaming activity at least one hour before bedtime."

To find Eye Health Guidance for Screen Time and to book an appointment with a local AOA doctor of optometry, visit AOA.org/EyeDeserveMore.

About The American Optometric Association (AOA)

The American Optometric Association (AOA) is the leading authority on and advocate for quality eye health care, representing more than 44,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and optometric professionals. As the sole primary eye care provider in many communities across America, doctors of optometry are often a patient's first entry point into the health care system, and have extensive, ongoing training to examine, diagnose, treat, and manage disorders, diseases, and injuries that affect the eye and visual system. Through a nationwide public health initiative, AOA's Eye Deserve More campaign is fostering awareness of the importance of eye health and vision care and the overall health benefits of in-person, comprehensive eye examinations with AOA doctors of optometry for all Americans.

About Jordan Fisher

Jordan Fisher's abilities as an actor, singer, songwriter, producer, and gamer whose work has spanned from TV to music, Broadway, and film. Jordan can be seen in Netflix's Work It and To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, The CW's The Flash, and — most recently — Netflix's Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between and HBO's The Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience. Jordan is an avid gamer and even commentated for the 2019 Fortnite World Cup. His additional accomplishments include being the first African American to portray the title character of 'Evan' in Dear Evan Hansen and 'Mark' in Fox's Emmy-nominated Rent: Live, as well as being named a breakout star by MTV and People Magazine for Fox's Emmy-winning broadcast Grease Live! Jordan also won ABC's 25th season of Dancing with the Stars and collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda, performing a duet with him for Disney's Moana soundtrack, as well as joined the cast of the Tony award-winning musical, Hamilton.

About Eye Deserve More & Screen Time Alliance

Eye Deserve More is a multi-faceted national campaign to take a stand that every American deserves in-person comprehensive care from an AOA doctor of optometry as part of their eye health and overall health and wellbeing. The Screen Time Alliance, a first-of-its-kind alliance between the American Optometric Association and gaming industry partners, is a call to action to prioritize eye health across screens, devices, and platforms. The Alliance aims to educate Americans about healthy screen time, especially the 227 million who play video games.

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#SpectacularSpectacles #FashionAlert #ItalyPeachy DaTE 2022: Browse through the exhibitors list and enjoy the previews of the special event in Milano

Opening in FEWER than two months, the 10th edition of DaTE – Shaping Avantgarde, the eyewear show focused on state-of-the-art eyewear, set to take place from Saturday, September 10 to Monday, September 12 at the Leopolda in Firenze.

To date, 90 exhibitors have confirmed their participation in the show, representing more than 150 brands (data constantly updated). Many international companies will be on hand again this year: from France, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland, just some of the leading countries of origin.

Follow this link for the list: https://dateyewear.com/en/exhibitors/

“DaTE marked the turning point for eyewear industry events in Italy, it was the first in-person eyewear show in 2020 and in 2021, despite the ongoing health crisis, it hosted more than 1,500 domestic and international eyewear professionals and 130 brands. This year, at the 10th edition, we hope to equal and even exceed this achievement - remarked DaTE President Giovanni Vitaloni – thanks to our partnership with ITA (Italian Trade Agency). We would really like to increase the number of hosted international buyers, specifically from neighboring countries”.

Also in the works is the schedule of the special event Milano Eyewear Design Day by DaTE, to be held at the ADI Museum on Monday, October 17. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the show, DaTE will celebrate with an event for companies, buyers, journalists, stakeholders, designers, experts, students and eyewear connoisseurs, an occasion to share, build upon and cultivate new ideas for the future of eyewear. The event will also be open to the public, who can choose to attend:

a design workshop that will host key industry players;

two ceremonies, one dedicated to the most avant-garde piece of eyewear (selected, by an authoritative jury, from among those displayed at the Firenze show) and the other to the most visionary optician (chosen by exhibitors at DaTE 2022);

a show where 30 pieces of eyewear that have “designed” the history of our industry are on display.

It will also be an opportunity to conduct business: in a dedicated area, companies that specifically request it can meet privately with buyers to showcase their products, collections and latest innovations.

Information and updates are available on the website at dateyewear.com, and on social media channels:

www.instagram.com/dateyewear/

https://it-it.facebook.com/DateEyewearOfficial/

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#SpectacularSpectacles #ItalyPeachy #FashionAlert #MIDO2022 #livethewonder @MIDOExhibition @mido_exhibition MIDO 2022: A LIVELY MELTING POT OF CONFERENCES, AWARDS AND INDUSTRY SURVEYS

Topics addressed at the eyewear show: omnichannel marketing with Federottica, the consumer of the future with WGSN and how customers purchase with GFK.

The Stand Up For Green award was presented to Good's, while the BeStore award went to Indice and Classic Vision

May 1, 2022. Wondering what the not-to-be-missed highlights of day 2 at MIDO 2022 were? The Otticlub space hosted a wealth of presentations. The high point was the conference organized by Federottica with MIDO in collaboration with the Bocconi University entitled "The new omni-channel scenarios and the challenges for opticians and manufacturers" that focused on the upcoming challenges that will affect optical centers and businesses alike in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world.

Also presented were the findings of WGSN's "Future Consumer 2023" survey, which outlines the current scenario, strongly impacted by the global experience of the last two years, and GFK's survey "Optics and online channels: Italy and the leading EU countries compared", which shows that such channels are growing, but the optical centers are a clear winner in the post-pandemic period as well.

Today the much-awaited award ceremonies of the BeStore and Stand Up for Green MIDO AWARDS were held in the Fashion District square. The BeStore Award, bestowed every year on those optical centers that stand out in the global eyewear industry, was presented this afternoon by MIDO President Giovanni Vitaloni in the Fashion District square. The winner of the award in the Design category is the Indice store, located in Cortina d’Ampezzo, also known as the "Queen of the Dolomites", which was selected for its exceptional concept and layout as well as for its careful design and furnishings that help bring to life an unforgettable environment.

The Mumbai-based Classic Vision store was awarded the BeStore Innovation award, for its cutting-edge customer service and interaction, but also for its communication skills, professional ethics, human values and emotional intelligence. Classic Vision is an optical center capable of catering to a broad range of diverse customer needs and is focused on inclusiveness and advanced technological tools.

MIDO also hosts an absolute novelty this year: the first Stand Up For Green award ceremony. The winner is Good's, a Italian exhibitor who stood out for the best store construction in terms of reusable structural elements and materials meant to minimize its environmental impact. Indeed, recycled materials from restoration sites and plexiglass elements that will be recovered and reused have been used to build the stand.

"In 2019, MIDO initiated the ISO 20121 certification process. ISO 20121 is an internationally recognized standard that certifies the sustainability of events based on three key factors: their environmental, social and economic impact. Shows like MIDO, which regularly draw crowds of attendees, have a social, economic and environmental impact. As show organizers, we have both the opportunity and the duty to reduce our carbon footprint by increasing the awareness of our exhibitors, suppliers and visitors and turn them into sustainability ambassadors," as President Giovanni Vitaloni said.

All updates are available online on the event website www.mido.com and on the official social channels: Instagram (@mido_exhibition), Facebook (@MIDOExhibition), Twitter (@MIDOExhibition) and Linkedin.

#MIDO2022 #livethewonder

THE WGSN AND GFK SURVEYS

1. Future Consumer 2023: WGSN presents key new consumer profiles and what it takes to win minds and market shares

The consumer of 2023? Heavily impacted by the pandemic and cautiously ready to regain a sense of normalcy. The survey analyzes the landscape in which potential eyewear buyers move and outlines certain behaviors based on their global experience over the past two years. First and foremost, a strongly emotional approach emerges on the part of consumers looking at the market today: after having lived through two years of isolation, overburdened by emotions and disruptions, they look at the present and the past with a fresh set of eyes and some elements of a scenario that influences spending behaviors emerge.

Against this backdrop, four types of consumers can be identified: the anticipators, the new romantics, the impossible, and the leaders.

In the different sectors of commerce, each profile requires a bespoke strategy to be conquered. The initial input is to reset strategies so that consumer purchases regain momentum, after two years in which 7 out of 10 consumers have strongly modified their purchasing habits, often freezing the propensity to spend.

2. Optics and online channels: a comparison between Italy and the leading EU countries by GfK

Eyewear purchasing has been strongly impacted by the pandemic, at different levels. The survey was conducted on a sample of 4,000 individuals who purchased eyewear in the last year; in particular, the new approach to purchasing was investigated with a view to identifying sales channel preferences.

A key finding of the survey is that 60% of respondents reported spending less time in stores. In addition, the e-commerce growth has not come to a standstill with the pandemic conditions improving worldwide: rather, online purchases were up 17% in 2021 - even more than during the lockdown periods of 2020. Despite this, optical centers are still the leading sales channel, across all countries surveyed.

There’s no doubt as to the decisive factors for choosing eyewear: quality of the lenses, design and weight of the frame. Less influential, on the other hand, are elements such as advertising, the choice of celebrities, product placement on TV and series. Still, 37% of consumers who buy online reported paying attention to influencers, up by 9% over 2020.

Consumer behaviors vary across countries to form a “mosaic” of preferences and open spaces for a diverse market. Italians, for example, are big websurfers, but they buy in-store and are very brand-sensitive, as well as big spenders. Amazon plays a major role, not least because Italians tend to be thrifty. They buy mostly butterfly-shaped or cat-eye frames, with a preference for combined materials.

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#FashionAlert #SpectacularSpectacles #ItalyPeachy #MIDO2022 #livethewonder @MIDOExhibition MIDO 2022 BEGINS WITH A NEW SONG BY ENNIO MORRICONE

Rho Fiera Milano, from today to May 2: fashion, business, awards, events and plenty of guests

MIDO 2022 BEGINS WITH A NEW SONG BY ENNIO MORRICONE

Beauty on display: art, music, entertainment and future at the opening ceremony of the new edition of the world's leading eyewear event.

Vitaloni: "Welcome to a new experience of emotions."

Dargen D'Amico energizes the audience with the rhythm of his song "Dove si balla" (Where we dance).

"Sharing engenders new energies, new ideas to face future challenges. So welcome to MIDO 2022, a new experience of emotions!". With these words, MIDO President Giovanni Vitaloni opened the new edition of the eyewear show, at Fiera Milano Rho from today to May 2. "We are ready to amaze you and ourselves - he added - thanks to this iconic object that is part of the daily life of each of us: eyewear. Through it, we narrate customs, tradition, innovation, culture, style, design, but also a technological focus": this, in a nutshell, is the leading international eyewear event - fashion, business and health.

A guest at the Opening Ceremony was Italian journalist, essayist and columnist Paolo Mieli, who said: "We expect positive surprises for the future, despite the current situation. We foresee a recovery in consumption and, in particular, in eyewear, which has always been a symbol of modernity, an extraordinary accessory of style and design, a glimpse of the future. We can expect a lot from Italy, which has made a strong comeback and is fully prepared to restore its credibility around the world."

"Passion and style, creativity, tradition, innovation and diversity: these are the six values of the National Branding Be IT campaign, which are also the values of these 50 years of MIDO and underpin the success of the eyewear sector in Italy," said ITA President Carlo Ferro.

This is the 50th in-person edition of MIDO: for this important comeback, the organizers wanted to welcome more than 660 exhibitors from 45 countries, buyers, opticians, designers, journalists with an extraordinary opening event, which was just a taste of the many innovations and emotions in store at the 2022 edition.

In fact, the event was opened by the world premiere of "Infinite Visioni", a piece written by Maestro Ennio Morricone for the 50th anniversary of MIDO, in 2020, to the notes of which Nnamdi Nwagwu and Sofia Macinanti danced. "A precious gift, a great privilege for all of us," said journalist Costanza Calabrese, who conducted the event. After the emotions, there was also a reflection on current events for the sector and the economy together with the President of Fiera Milano Enrico Pazzali and the Councilor for Economic Development and Labour Policies of the Municipality of Milan Alessia Cappello.

Another emotional moment, with a "dive" into the past, was the celebration of the protagonists of MIDO: the Past Presidents and the 10 long-term participating companies of MIDO. "Key actors who have made history" this is how the predecessors of Vitaloni were defined: Mario Lozza, enlightened President of Anfao who in 1970 decided to establish the event, and then Leonardo Del Vecchio, Francesco Caporossi, Callisto Fedon and Giuliano Tabacchi, Ennio De Martin, Paolo Cannicci, Vittorio Tabacchi, Cirillo Marcolin, all received the award. Also celebrated were the companies that have played a leading role at the fair since 1970: FEDON 1919, LOZZA, MARCOLIN, MAZZUCCHELLI 1849, NEOSTYLE, OTTICA ITALIANA, POLYOFTALMICA NEW, SAFILO SORDELLI FRANCO, VEDERE.

The event drew to a close with the presenter's invitation to put on the glasses that the audience received at the entrance: the MIDO 50 glasses (produced in limited edition by the young Italian brand Spectaful for the Yugaav collection, following a contest among the players in the sector for an iconic pair of glasses to represent the anniversary). By surprise, the pressing notes of "Dove si Balla", a song sung by the artist Dargen D'Amico, resounded throughout the Auditorium and enlivened the audience.

With this performance, MIDO 2022 launches its rich and renewed schedule, in which the traditional appointments and the B2B digital platform are confirmed, in addition to the business spaces. https://www.mido.com/en/ and on the official social channels: Instagram (@mido_exhibition), Facebook (@MIDOExhibition), Twitter (@MIDOExhibition) and Linkedin.

#MIDO2022 #livethewonder

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#FashionAlert #SpectacularSpectacles #ItalyPeachy #MIDO2022 #livethewonder @MIDOExhibition @MIDOExhibition @mido_exhibition MIDO 2022: 630 EXHIBITORS ARRIVING FROM 45 COUNTRIES

Vitaloni: “New energies grow out of meeting and exchanging ideas

to deal with future challenges”

“Craving MIDO” is also a craving to participate: nominations for the BeStore and Stand Up For Green awards open until March 31

Milan, 15 March 2022 – From April 30 to May 2, 630 exhibitors from 45 countries will be at MIDO to showcase their collections and products before an audience of Italian and international buyers, opticians, designers and journalists.

“After two years of pandemic and in light of the complexities of the current extremely unsettling geopolitical situation – first and foremost from the human standpoint – industry firms have an urgent need to gather, in order to share information and exchange ideas to glean the energy needed to cope with challenges in the coming months – stated Giovanni Vitaloni, President of MIDO. On April 2, we will be at Vision Expo East in New York to meet with buyers, exhibitors and media at the US trade show and to re-establish relations that until now have been maintained only at a distance.”

The entire eyewear supply chain, from the large brands to the smaller companies focused on innovation and experimentation, will be on display in the 5 MIDO pavilions at Rho Fiera and in the Fashion District, Lenses, Design Lab, More!, FAiR East, Lab Academy, Start Up and Tech exhibit areas. Among the trends at MIDO will be: gender-neutral eyewear, vintage with a return to the 1970s, greater sustainability in the materials used in packaging and in processes, the transformation of classic styles like the cat-eye with softer lines and also in mini or round shapes, with new colors that can also be found in the other styles: neon, flamboyant, almost psychedelic, shimmering, as well as pastel hues.

In fact, color will be the focus of the preview webinar that MIDO will hold on March 29, in partnership with WGSN and Coloro, on the digital platform created for the 2021 edition and open to the entire MIDO community. The power of color in design, with an eye to the S/S 2023 season, will be discussed during the webinar. The topic will appear again inside the OttiClub space in pavilion 15, with continuing education and retail-focused marketing events and opportunities for industry professionals to share their latest news. The complete calendar will be available in the coming weeks at www.mido.com.

MIDO will also be the place to take stock of industry trends and to assess the extent to which geopolitical events will impact not only global eyewear but also the entire economic system. “The Italian eyewear industry demonstrated its responsiveness to the pandemic – remarked President Vitaloni. 2021 closed in the black and we recovered all of the losses caused by the health crisis, repositioning the sector with modest growth of 1- 2% with regard to production value and exports. On April 30, opening day of MIDO, we will present the integrated data for 2021 and the forecasts for 2022.”

“Craving MIDO” is also a craving to participate. Applications to compete for the BeStore and Stand Up For Green awards can be submitted through March 31. The former recognizes optical centers that offer an outstanding shopping experience, layout of the retail space, materials and furnishings (Design category), and their customer services, external communications, as well as the history of the store and its human and emotional qualities (Innovation category). To enter, go to https://www.mido.com/bestore-award. The latter acknowledges the stands that exercised outstanding environmental awareness, for example, by employing reusable modules, recycled materials or raw materials with low environmental impact.

The utmost care will be taken to comply with anti-contagion safety protocols. The rules governing access to MIDO will be those in effect in Italy for public events. They currently call for a Super Green Pass, social distancing, compulsory use of masks and sanitization of meeting spaces and objects. With the “Covid decree-law”, issued by the Government in February, MIDO 2022 will be open to international travel; foreign visitors will have free access with a negative rapid swab or molecular antigen test, even if vaccinated with vaccines not authorized or not recognized as equivalent by Italy. The provisions will be constantly updated and available at https://www.mido.com/visita-in-sicurezza.

Given its success in June of last year, buyers and exhibitors already have access to the digital platform that allows them to respond swiftly and tangibly to the number-1 goal of initiating business opportunities. A useful tool for participants on hand but even more so for those who, due to health restrictions and the current political situation, are unable to travel.

All updates will be available on line on the event website www.mido.com and on the official social channels: Instagram (@mido_exhibition), Facebook (@MIDOExhibition), Twitter (@MIDOExhibition) and Linkedin.

#MIDO2022 #livethewonder

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#SpectacularSpectacles #FashionAlert FIRST HALF OF 2021 EYEWEAR DATA: FORECAST IMPROVED, APPROACHING 2019 LEVELS

The first half of 2021 has raised the confidence of Italian eyewear players: ANFAO data from the January-June period improve expectations and anticipate a complete return to 2019 levels as early as year’s end.

Key features:

- Above all optical frames for exports and ophthalmic lenses in the domestic market are leading the recovery.

- The main export markets for Italian eyewear are all showing revival. For some of these, eyewear sales have already returned to pre-covid levels.


DATA



2021 is likely to be crucial for the recovery for global economies, also due to the massive influx of Covid vaccines.

China and the United States were able to react immediately to the crisis and were the first to meet the recovery head on, as early as last year.

In terms of infections and resumption of business as usual, the vaccine has certainly played a key role in Italy. Confidence among households has taken a positive turn while spending levels have also risen. Investments, production and exports, especially in the manufacturing sector, have shown fast reaction times and are on their way to a strong recovery. Even the outlook for public accounts appears to be better than expected.



Nonetheless, there are still some critical factors that could undermine this general recovery, starting with the substantial uncertainty instilled by variants of the virus and by the course of the pandemic and vaccination campaigns.

In Italy, inflation trends and the announced increases in energy prices, the boost to the recovery given by the construction sector (will this be sustainable over the medium- to long-term?) and, above all, compliance with the conditions imposed by Europe for Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, will all require close monitoring.



In this general setting, Italian eyewear is also following this track, with a recovery that appears to be exceeding forecasts for early 2021.



“2020 was an extremely challenging year for the sector and for our entire ANFAO System - both for the Association and for our industry-leading trade fair: MIDO,” stated President Giovanni Vitaloni. “We had anticipated that 2021 would be a somewhat subdued transition year, as we waited to see a recovery of pre-Covid values only in 2022. The first half year’s data, from both domestic consumption and above all from exports, have instead allowed us to adjust our forecasts for the better, to the point of believing we might just reach 2019 levels by the end of this year.

Even at the trade fairs that are finally popping up again on the markets: take for example, DaTE or SILMO, held just a few days ago, where there were clear signs of recovery and a strong desire to start back anew. From this standpoint, I am viewing the next MIDO with great optimism. Even though there is still an atmosphere of having to coexist with the pandemic, this trade fair truly offers an invaluable opportunity for relaunch.”





EXPORTS



Exports, which we should recall make up around 90% of the sector’s production, stood at €2,034 million, up over 52% against the same period in 2020, and only 4 percentage points below 2019 levels.



This acceleration was more markedly observed in the frames segment, whose exports in the January-June 2021 period surpassed the levels of the same period in 2019.

Less enthusiastic were the exports of sunglasses, which recovered nicely over 2020, but which still remained negative compared to 2019 (-6.7%).







Encouraging data come from the monthly export trends for the first half of 2021 that were actually very similar to those from 2019 and even exceeded those levels in April and June.







However, by far the most interesting and encouraging analysis for Italian eyewear is by geographical region and country.

Exports recovered nicely in all geographical areas compared to 2020.

The most significant figure, however, was the result in value achieved compared to the same period in 2019 for exports to Europe and America, which together claim well over 80% of the sector's total exports:

- exports to Europe +55.6%

- exports to America -4%.







Even greater optimism arose from the export analysis to individual countries , which shows that among the main markets for Italian eyewear the gap compared to 2019 was either partly or totally closed, except for Spain.







THE DOMESTIC MARKET



In the first half of 2021 there were encouraging signs even on the domestic market for Italian eyewear.



Though the recovery was clear compared to 2020, where sales in the eyeglass channel for the first half of 2021 grew by more than 30 percentage points, they were still about 4% below the levels of the same period in 2019.



This dynamic seems to be following the general Italian eyeglass market trend from recent years: growth propelled by ophthalmic lenses (and within that, moved by the segment with the highest added value - progressive lenses) and partly by frames. Sunglasses, which recovered well from 2020, remained somewhat sluggish and still far from 2019 levels.



In this context, it will also be necessary to monitor the online channels, which are seeing significant growth for the sunglass sector, also due to advanced digitalization, greater familiarity with digital tools and almost immediate availability.



2021 FORECAST

Based on the first half year’s results, ANFAO revised its forecasts for 2021 upwards. If the trends were to remain constant, the sector would close the year at a slightly higher value (between 0.5% and 1%) than in 2019, both for exports and for production.

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#FashionAlert #ItalyPeachy @MIDOExhibition #SpectacularSpectacles #MIDO2022 #livethewonder CRAVING MIDO, ready to restart and to transform the Wonder into a new beginning

Starting today, Wednesday, October 6th, buyers, designers, entrepreneurs, opticians, ophthalmologists and all eyewear supply chain professionals can reserve their places at the 2022 edition of the most highly anticipated eyewear show

Starting today, on the MIDO website https://www.mido.com/, visitors to the international eyewear show ‒ buyers, designers, entrepreneurs, opticians, ophthalmologists and eyewear supply chain professionals ‒ can register for the forthcoming edition of the show, set to take place February 12-14, 2022.

The premier global B2B eyewear show is coming back, with in-person participation in complete safety at Fiera Milano Rho, for a not-to-be-missed industry event.

New trends, materials, sustainability, innovation and the future will be the foremost topics of interest. MIDO is not just a special platform and international hub for design, fashion, culture and business, it is also a primary resource that narrates an entire industry, a strategic segment for the Italian economy, a place to reflect upon and reconsider eyewear in all its aspects and meanings, a showcase certain to dazzle the end-user audience.

The 2022 edition will be distinctive and unforgettable for everyone who participates in the event. There will be encounters with distinguished guests, awards, honors and previews in the pursuit of “craving a new beginning”. The event will also be complemented by the MIDO 2022 I DIGITAL EDITION, the digital platform launched in June 2021 that helps boost a beneficial connection between the physical and digital worlds.

The craving for renewal and creativity begins with the new 2022 campaign ‒ dynamic, interactive and in real time, complete with augmented reality, employed for the first time by an eyewear trade show ‒ based on the “CRAVING MIDO” claim. It is divided into 4 volumes. Just scan the QR code to view the star players and their stories.

“We crave a restart and we want to do it looking each other in the eyes,” exclaimed President Giovanni Vitaloni. “We want to rebuild, innovate, demonstrate what we are made of – to forge new relationships, strengthen existing ones and get back to making our businesses prosper. First half data on industry performance raised our hopes for the future but we are even more impressed by the robust participation in industry trade shows that are finally popping up in various markets, like DaTE, where the spirit of recovery was in the air,” he concluded.

In honor of MIDO 2022, WMIDO magazine is already on line on the show’s website. Redesigned to provide detailed information, it is dense with content that ranges across the universe of eyewear while also taking a closer look, open to the parallel worlds of fashion and design.

All updates will be available on line on the MIDO website www.mido.com and on the official social channels: Instagram (@mido_exhibition), Facebook (@MIDOExhibition), Twitter (@MIDOExhibition) and Linkedin.

#MIDO2022 #livethewonder

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#FashionAlert #ItalyPeachy #SpectacularSpectacles THE 9TH EDITION OF DaTE CLOSES WITH A 55% INCREASE IN BUYERS AND 130 ITALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL BRANDS ON HAND

Sharp increase in attendance, compared to the previous edition,

denotes widespread participation and confirms industry restart

The 9th edition of DaTE, an event focused on the eyewear of the future, closed yesterday at the Stazione Leopolda di Firenze.

Almost 1.500 eyewear professionals and select buyers visited the show, exceeding expectations and emphasizing the importance of in-person events for the industry. And, with 130 Italian and international brands, the event reconfirmed itself as a key resource for the entire eyewear industry which, in Italy, brings in about 4 billion euro in turnover, and employs a workforce of 18,000.

Strictly in compliance with the anti-Covid measures in effect, the event attracted a substantial turnout this year from across Italy and the world, for a 55 % increase in attendance. The number of exhibitors rose by 50%, compared to last year. Of the 130 brands participating, 45% were international. Crucial internationalization activities, conducted in support of the event by ITA (Italian Trade&Investment Agency), brought in international buyers particularly from Spain, France and Poland. This foreshadows an increasingly international future for DaTE.

“This year, more than ever, DaTE was a pivotal driver for the industry, as well as the place where in-person meetings, sharing and business was possible. For 3 days, we were surrounded by keen interest and a craving to invest in the future and in new projects. We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this edition - stated Giovanni Vitaloni, President of the event. The last 2 years were unbelievably complex and DaTE 2021, which actually never suffered a slowdown, finally put the industry machine back into motion. The extraordinary motivation demonstrated by the exhibitors and the determination of the companies and visitors made it possible to place beauty, craftsmanship and design ingenuity at the core of the supply chain. The hard work and participation of everyone made this possible. Together, we can continue to work hard to bring renewed driving force to the industry and to shape the future of eyewear.”

Online interaction by users also yielded excellent results. Through social media messaging, FB and IG combined reached 513.353 users and a total of 14.877 interactions, confirming extremely compelling engagement. Video content was viewed more than 15.000 times.

Arrivederci at DaTE 2022!

Official site: https://dateyewear.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dateyewear/

Facebook: https://it-it.facebook.com/DateEyewearOfficial/

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