Editor: Nicky Collinson BA (Hons) nicola.collinson@nationaleyecare.co.uk
Business Editor: Philip Mullins FBDO p.mullins@nationaleyecare.co.uk
Art Editor: Stacey Potter BA (Hons) info@spottcreative.co.uk
4 EssilorLuxottica and Meta expand AI glasses portfolio
7 New clinical data on Alcon lens
9 Campaign launches for DOT myopia control lenses
11 Safilo acquires Bollé brands
13 New Range Rover styles from Eyespace
15 Sector issues warning over CPD reforms
iDay 2026 Stand out from the
Bausch + Lomb advertorial
Editor’s comment
WThe potential for data to transform and advance eye health care and disease diagnostics has not gone unnoticed by the health tech and scientific communities – and is driving ambitious data-led projects such as Foresight, Insight, the UK Eye Care Data Hub, and the Topcon Healthcare Innovation Centre.
hat the innovators behind all these projects have in common is a shared goal to harvest as much eye health data as possible to improve clinical outcomes for patients, design smarter eyecare services, reduce avoidable sight loss and ease pressures on the secondary care sector.
In this month’s Developing Thoughts, Phil Mullins argues that eyecare professionals with a clinical focus are in the best position to be at the forefront of these developments – embracing all that AI-led technology has to offer in a collaborative and cohesive way.
Turn to page 17 for further thoughts on the role of eyes in the future of science and healthcare – and why not visit the Association of Optometrists’ new AI and Technology resource hub, designed to support eyecare practitioners in navigating emerging technologies.
For more day-to-day practice considerations, take a look at this month’s Independents Day and Specialist Club conference preview on page 19, which offers a range of CPD sessions on topics such as myopia management and dry eye as well as, for the first time, skills workshops for dispensing opticians.
We have a Style Spotlight on Gant Eyewear – the preppy American brand with a European aesthetic available from Marcolin – as well as all the latest news from NEG’s ever-growing roster of premium preferred suppliers. And if you haven’t yet booked your place on this year’s NEG Building for Success Conference – what are you waiting for?
Nicky Collinson Editor
EssilorLuxottica
EssilorLuxottica and Meta have expanded their AI glasses portfolio with the introduction of Ray-Ban Meta’s new line of prescription optical styles. The new collection includes two styles: Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics (Gen 2) and Scriber Optics (Gen 2). The new frames are designed to be more comfortable and customisable with a slimmer design. They feature interchangeable nose pads, overextension hinges offering an additional 10°of rotation, and adjustable temple tips that can be shaped to match the wearer’s head.
A new dedicated action button can activate Meta AI with a single press allowing users to access personalised shortcuts and capture content.
Both Blayzer Optics and Scriber Optics support a wide range of lens designs. New colourways have been released for all Oakley Meta products along with Oakley Meta Vanguard in Transitions lenses for the first time: Shiny Transparent Grey (Wayfarer), Shiny Transparent Peach (Skyler) and Matte Transparent Peach (Headliner).
Meta AI‘s capabilities on EssilorLuxottica’s AI glasses now include Live Translation in more languages, hands-free food logging, nutrition tracking, and message summarisation to recap missed conversations. “By pioneering AI glasses specially engineered for prescription wearers, adding Meta’s AI
Eyespace
Cocoa Mint Studio sun model, CMS2168, is a confident celebration of colour, shape and modern femininity. Designed by Eyespace’s award-winning team, the frame is crafted from premium crystal acetate. A rich translucent green eye front forms the foundation of the design, elevated by a vibrant pink topline that fades into zesty orange at the outer edges.
The bold 52mm eye front is retroinspired, while through the temples, adventurous colour-block laminations in emerald, hot pink and orange reinforce Cocoa Mint’s ‘relaxed glamour’ design
enhancements and expanding distribution, we are taking a significant leap forward, bringing the industry and millions of new
consumers with us,” said Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO, and Paul du Saillant, deputy CEO at EssilorLuxottica.
language. Sculpted contrast-colour tips are complemented by a German-engineered flex hinge to ensure adaptive movement and long-term durability. Polarised Cat 3 UV400
brown lenses deliver enhanced visual clarity and protection, marking Cocoa Mint’s first introduction of polarisation within its sunwear collection.
Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses portfolio expanded
Cocoa Mint CMS2168 puts colour front and centre
Go Eyewear
Go Eyewear is embracing the #WearTheCalm movement in its latest eyewear collections. Styles are designed to “arrive softly in the gentle wash of a cerulean sky, in the blush of a spring petal, in the translucent shimmer of a mint-green lens catching the afternoon light”.
Pastel tones are a key component across all of the company’s six brands – Ana Hickmann, Hickmann, Bulget, Bravewear, T-Charge and Trussardi. The “quiet power of pastel” is exemplified by Ana Hickmann model AH9528-H01 shown here. “Our spring/summer 2026 collections embrace pastel tones in both frames and lenses, offering a complete palette of calm for every personality, every lifestyle, every moment of your day,” said the company.
Alcon
Alcon presented new clinical data at the 2026 Netherlands Contact Lens Conference (NCC) adding to the growing evidence supporting the long-wear comfort, stability and visual performance of its Precision7 for Astigmatism contact lenses (serafilcon A).
The most notable of the four accepted abstracts from Alcon, led by Lakshman Subbaraman, evaluated the performance and comfort of serafilcon A toric contact lenses after 16 hours of wear in habitual toric soft contact lens wearers. In this
Marchon
Calvin Klein Jeans Eyewear has unveiled its spring 2026 styles, a collection of bold new shapes featuring Color Shift technology. First launched in 2024, Color Shift styles are crafted from a novel UV-sensitive acetate that changes colour when exposed to direct sunlight. Aimed at a new generation embracing versatile personal style, these sun and optical styles are designed to make a statement.
Model CKJ26300S is crafted from UV-sensitive acetate that changes colour when exposed to light, this frame boasts a modified rectangular front, a
Studies highlights performance at 16 hours of wear
prospective, double-masked clinical study, participants reported “high visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings for comfort, vision and
overall impression after 16 hours, alongside excellent lens rotational stability and fitting outcomes at week one.
“Assessing comfort and visual performance late in the wearing day is critical, particularly for patients with long visual demands,” said Lakshman, who is director of global clinical research and development for the Vision Care Franchise at Alcon. “The results presented at the NCC show that serafilcon A toric lenses maintained stable performance and high wearer acceptance even at 16 hours, which is a key consideration in weekly lens selection.”
visible shiny metal core wire in the temples and the signature Calvin Klein Jeans logo. It is available in transparent grey to
dark grey, transparent honey to brown, transparent green to dark green (shown) and transparent azure to blue.
Ana Hickmann AH9528-H01
Calvin Klein Jeans model CKJ26300S
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SightGlass Vision
SightGlass Vision has launched a new global professional education campaign, titled Control the Contrast, to create greater understanding among eyecare professionals about the power of contrast management for myopia control. The initiative centres around the company’s DOT spectacle lenses, which have been shown to slow average myopia progression by up to 75 per cent after 12 months of wear across diverse populations.
Eyecare professionals are invited to explore the Control the Contrast website at sightglassvision.com/controlthecontrast, which provides a range of content. This includes details on how the contrast levels in various environments may lead to very different levels of eye growth, as well as downloadable DOT lens materials.
“More children are developing myopia at a younger age, making it even more crucial
Silhouette
for eyecare professionals to be aware of all the options at their disposal for early intervention,” said Andrew Sedgwick, CEO of SightGlass Vision. “By building awareness and understanding of the science behind contrast management and DOT lenses’ unique approach to controlling myopia, we hope more eyecare professionals will take action.
The Silhouette Group has appointed Christian Bachler as CEO and chairman of the executive board. An internationally experienced leader with a proven track record in the consumer goods and lifestyle industry, Christian most recently served as executive vice president at Fiskars Group. He also had a previous leadership role at Swarovski.
“With Christian Bachler, we are appointing a CEO who will further develop our brands, drive growth and consistently execute transformation – exactly the kind of leader we need for the next phase of our development,” stated Silhouette’s supervisory board. Immediate past CEO, Reinhard Mahr, will continue to support the company as CFO until his planned retirement.
Essilor
Essilor has launched a major new media campaign to promote its Varilux brand to over-40s experiencing the first signs of presbyopia. The campaign begins with a nationwide radio and Spotify burst, running until mid-May, alongside a paid social media campaign across Facebook and Instagram, which is expected to generate 122 million impressions overall.
Airing on Capital, Classic FM, Magic FM, Talk Sport and other leading UK stations, the advert is targeted at those struggling to read their phone or holding menus at arm’s length, highlighting how Varilux offers “instant sharpness at any distance, with smooth transitions from near to far – so no more switching glasses or straining eyes”.
Fredrik Jönsson, vice president of wholesale for North Europe at EssilorLuxottica, said: “Our approach for this campaign is
* The company also recently appointed David Webley as senior director, clinical, medical and professional affairs, and Fabio Carta as director, professional affairs. They will be focused on expanding SightGlass Vision’s relationships with the global eyecare community, providing increased support and education about DOT myopia control spectacle lenses.
to pinpoint the symptoms people start struggling with visually once they hit their 40s. Often, these can creep up gradually, so the messaging is all around recognising these symptoms, telling early presbyopes they’re not alone and signposting them to the store locator on Essilor.com, where they can
learn more about presbyopia and find their nearest optician.”
The Essilor.com landing page also promotes a Varilux multi-pair offer, as an extra drive to practice incentive. Visit ecp.essilor-pro.com/gb
New campaign for DOT myopia management lenses
Campaign to target early presbyopes
New CEO, Christian Bachler
Safilo
Safilo has signed an exclusivity agreement with Bollé Brands aimed at the acquisition of Spy+ and Serengeti, two iconic US brands operating in the sports/outdoor and high-end eyewear segments. Completion of the proposed transaction is subject to consultation with the competent bodies and customary closing conditions.
The transaction is in line with Safilo’s previously outlined strategy, focused on the selective acquisition of brands capable of strengthening the group’s presence in high-growth segments, further enhancing its home brands portfolio, which includes Smith, Carrera, Polaroid and Blenders.
SPY+, an authentic and well established brand in the world of sports and sunglasses, enjoys solid credibility among athletes and consumers, as well as a well-developed presence in the direct to consumer channel. Serengeti, building on decades of brand history, will represent a key asset for Safilo in the high end eyewear segment, standing out for the excellence of its mineral lenses and a strong American heritage. Together, Spy+ and Serengeti generated sales of approximately US$39m in 2025.
CooperVision
CooperVision has launched a new global sustainability platform focused on smarter, more sustainable choices. As part of the company’s Made Better Promise initiative, which encompasses its plastic neutrality programme with Plastic Bank, the company is beginning by focusing on the packaging and manufacturing of its MyDay contact lenses.
Key elements of the initiative include: use of ISCC Plus-certified materials in the packaging of participating products, manufacturing processes designed to reduce carbon footprint through nextgeneration technologies and improved
Marchon
The Paul Smith spring/summer 2026 eyewear collection draws inspiration from British heritage and the brand’s most iconic design elements. Fresh interpretations of classic silhouettes have been expertly crafted in Italy, with bold shapes in the new sunglasses and optical frames showcasing contemporary colour palettes. Meanwhile, the brand’s most recognisable design elements — such as the iconic Signature Stripe — serve as unmistakable expressions of modernity and understated elegance.
Model PS26602S Pedley (shown in transparent honey) is crafted from premium acetate, and features a bold, unisex, rounded shape. Distinctive details include
resource efficiency, use of lower-carbon energy where possible across production operations, and manufacturing sites that recycle more than 90 per cent of waste, helping conserve natural resources.
“CooperVision’s sustainability progress begins with innovation – in materials, manufacturing, and the way we think about the full life cycle of our products,” said Aldo Zucaro, senior director of corporate responsibility, CooperCompanies. “Made Better Promise reflects how we are turning those innovations into real world impact through thoughtful choices that benefit both People + Planet. We’re off to
a strong start, delivering practitioners and their patients the same MyDay – just made with less carbon.”
a sun symbol on the temple tips – a unique artist’s mark accompanied by a note from the designer’s saying to ‘Look on the bright side’. Transparent finishes define its striking
silhouette, while the contrast between the lens tint and the frame colour adds a visual accent. Pedley is also available in black, khaki havana, and transparent burgundy.
Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo
New Paul Smith PS26602S Pedley
New sustainability initiative
Exclusively available to NEG members: buy 15 optical frames and receive 15 beautiful Radley tote bags.
Contact your Account Manager or our UK customer services team to arrange an appointment or buy. Offer ends 30 June 2026.
Eyespace
Range Rover’s ultra-luxurious spring/ summer 2026 sunwear selection from Eyespace comprises a curated edit of 18 polarised models, each embodying the brand’s commitment to “minimalist sophistication”. Precise lines, refined componentry and elevated material pairings create a considered expression of contemporary British style, offering practices a premium, impeccably engineered sunwear option, says Eyespace.
New model RRS319, shown here in grey crystal, is a Mazzucchelli M49 bio-based acetate featuring a new custom hinge with etched motif logo on interior plate. The sunglasses also feature a foil motif with
Silhouette
Silhouette announced on World Earth Day last month that it is fully phasing out fossil natural gas at its Linz site in Austria. By electrifying key production processes, eyewear manufacturing is now 100 per cent natural gas-free. This step, said the company, saves hundreds of megawatt-hours of natural gas and more than 100 tons of CO₂ each year.
Thomas Windischbauer, chief operating officer at the Silhouette Group, explained: “Decarbonising industry is one of the defining challenges of our time. By fully phasing out natural gas at our Linz production site, we are demonstrating that sustainable manufacturing is achievable – even in an industrial environment. Our ambition is to actively shape this transformation, both as a driver of innovation and as a role model for our industry.”
EssilorLuxottica
EssilorLuxottica brought together more than 1,200 eyecare professionals (ECPs) from across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia in the South of France last month to explore how vision care is being transformed – and “why ECPs must be the ones to lead it”. The Switch Monaco event highlighted three shifts the company says are “reshaping the industry”: the eye is becoming a window to overall health; glasses are becoming an intelligent interface to life; and care systems need a stronger frontline, closer to people.
Range Rover branding on exterior temples, dual-sided core wire with fluted texture and a five-barrel hinge with self-locking screw.
Also available in black, this model offers polarised Cat 3 UV400 lenses with an anti-reflective coating.
A major milestone was reached last year when in the company’s coating facility, the exhaust air purification system was converted from gas-fired after-burning to an electric solution powered entirely by renewable electricity – as much of it as possible generated on-site. This change,
said Silhouette, saves around 363 MWh of natural gas annually and reduces emissions by approximately 85 tons of CO₂. The final step is converting the last gas-heated warehouse – saving an additional 70 MWh of natural gas and around 18 tons of CO₂ per year.
Plenary sessions were delivered on a variety of related topics, such as AI, myopia management and wearables. Delegates were able to take an immersive journey into the future of eyewear in a ‘Switch your store’ experience featuring Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta and Nuance Audio. ECPs also experienced demo sessions of Light Modulation Low-level Light Therapy, Espansione’s patented photobiomodulation technology. A selection of recordings from the event will be available to view on the Leonardo learning platform.
New Range Rover model RRS319
Switch event hosts ECPs in Monaco
Silhouette COO, Thomas Windischbauer
Optical sector bodies
The UK’s main optical sector bodies have responded to the General Optical Council’s (GOC) consultation on proposed reforms to continuing professional development (CPD), warning that the current proposals could have implications for public protection if not carefully implemented – and may introduce uncertainty for registrants.
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians, the Association of Optometrists, the College of Optometrists and FODO (the Association for Eye Care Providers) have written to the regulator to set out shared concerns and principles that they believe must underpin any future CPD framework.
While the sector bodies support the GOC’s ambition to move towards a more flexible, outcomes focused approach to CPD, they say the consultation does not yet provide sufficient confidence that the transition will be managed effectively or in line with the regulator’s statutory objectives.
In their joint letter, the organisations stress that any new CPD system must: maintain public protection as its core purpose; provide registrants with clear expectations about the CPD required to remain on the register; and
be grounded in evidence, including research into patient safety risks and the effectiveness of different forms of learning; be informed by a full assessment of costs, benefits and potential unintended consequences; and be capable of consistent application across the whole optical sector.
The bodies also expressed concern about proposals to place additional responsibilities on optical businesses, including oversight of personal development plans. They argue this would be challenging to implement
AN INDEPENDENT VIEW
AIO reacts to proposed CPD reforms
The General Optical Council (GOC) consultation on further reform to the CPD scheme closed on 17 April, and it is hoped that independents will have their voices heard during the review process.
The AIO has considered the consultation and agrees with the GOC’s objective of creating a policy that allows registrants freedom in their professional development, which can mirror the diversity of careers offered within optometry. This will allow self-direction and encourage registrants to develop their own individual career plans. While moving away from the longstanding points-based system would seem like a huge change, it is interesting to read the GOC’s view that the current system encourages a compliance
mindset rather than one of professional development and genuine learning. The assertion that this is demonstrated by most registrants uploading the majority of their points towards the end of the cycle, rather than through steady education throughout the three years, seems coherent.
The AIO’s view is that a move away from a points system must have a process for accountability, consistency and ensure appropriate uptake from registrants. With a move away from a prescriptive system, it is important to give clear guidance on what amount of CPD is acceptable, and examples of how to record progress. Further, registrants should be given time to adapt to the new system with help and support available for a reasonable period of time after rollout.
The GOC’s research into other healthcare
consistently, particularly given that not all registrants are employed by optical practices, and not all businesses are currently regulated by the GOC.
The organisations are calling on the GOC to work closely with the sector to ensure any reforms are workable, proportionate, and genuinely supportive of professional standards over the long-term.
Visit the optical body websites to read the joint letter in full, as well as individual responses and comments.
and non-healthcare professional regulators should be an important part of the policy development, as it looks at established and successful professional development policies.
It is important that any changes to requirements for businesses must be translatable and adaptable for large and small businesses alike, without causing excess work for those sole registrants in independent practices.
Ultimately, this is about treating registrants as the responsible clinical professionals that they are, which should be welcomed. Keval Sejpar BSc (Hons) MCOptom Chairman
Warning issued to GOC over CPD reforms
Time to saddle up to the future Developing thoughts
By Phil Mullins
It is still possible (just) to watch the news, read your social media feeds and have a business discussion without AI being mentioned. While some ‘doom and gloom merchants’ might say we are going to be overtaken by robots and our entire lives will be controlled by AI, there is a very good reason why the human species continues to survive and evolve: our innate ability to adapt. And that, I believe, is what will happen with AI.
At the moment, it feels a bit like the AI Wild West – with ‘good’ AI cowboys and ‘bad’ AI cowboys. Legislation is years behind developing technology, and no-one knows where it will all end up. But that’s what is exciting; we are in a time of massive change, for good or bad, but we need to embrace the change rather than put our heads in the sand and hope it will go away.
But where do AI and eyecare fit together?
The technology is already showing that we can offer remote testing, and machines can use OCT scans to diagnose an ever-growing list of conditions – but does that mean these machines will take over our jobs? Or do we, as optical professionals, need to adapt to the change? In fact, independent practices with a clinical focus are in the prime position to be at the forefront of these changes.
DRIVING AI EYE TECHNOLOGY
I recently had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of THINC (Topcon Healthcare Innovation Centre) in London. It’s fantastic that this new EMEA centre is based in the UK, as this shows a real commitment from Topcon to support UK technology and companies.
The idea behind THINC is collaboration and innovation. By drawing companies from across the globe to work together, it will drive innovation and enable greater data sharing. This, in turn, will speed up the process of bringing AI-led technologies to the market, all with healthcare driven from the eye. THINC is just a two minute walk from the new Moorfields and UCL Centre for Eye Health, due to open next summer, and a stone’s throw from the new Google headquarters, so is perfectly positioned to
maximise collaboration.
We all know that the eye offers a window into the human body and, for decades, we have been able to diagnose numerous conditions through the eye, but this ability is going to explode with new technologies. We already have NEG members sending in OCT scans to the Foresight project, which is using them to enhance the machine learning to enable diagnosis of diseases such as Parkinson’s and dementia years before the patient shows any of the traditional symptoms.
Now with the launch of THINC, the development of this type of technology will only speed up. The next step is to work with other healthcare providers to develop a pathway where healthcare begins with eyecare, which can pick up changes early and refer to different specialisms to enable patients to receive more timely interventions, allowing cures or at least treatments that will extend health and lives.
COLLABORATION IS ESSENTIAL
To enable this to happen, as an industry we need to convince governments and healthcare providers, which in the UK means the NHS. We need to show them that by investing in frontline primary eyecare, there will not only be an improved outcome for the patient, but
millions in savings in the long-term because patients will be treated sooner, with a reduced need for long hospital stays. The costs of premature deaths, from conditions we know are treatable if diagnosed early, will also be reduced.
There is, of course, a moral element to all of this. Just because you can diagnose conditions or evaluate a person’s tendency for a condition, there is the question what you do with that information. This is why collaboration is an essential part of this changing world. Those developing diagnostics must work hand-in-hand with those creating cures and treatments, providing patients with a pathway to better health and a longer life.
To be part of this, we need to act now – whether it be investing in technology or being part of the data used for this development. We need to keep up-to-date with progress, and we need to educate our patients that eyecare is a central part of their healthcare journey.
In the coming months, we hope to be able to share more regarding progress with AI, but in the meantime if you would like to know more about joining the members already working with Foresight to share data, then please visit www.foresightresearch.org or email wenhwa.lee@foresightresearch.org ■
New frontiers in AI (image AI-generated naturally)
• PHOSPHATES
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Stand out from the crowd
This year’s Independents Day (iDay) – on Monday 6 July at the National Conference Centre, Solihull – concentrates on what independent practices can do to continue to make an impact on their High Street. The focus will be on the importance of independents differentiating their offering, and moving from what too often is just a transactional relationship to a more memorable and personalised experience.
Conference organiser, Nick Atkins, explains his thoughts on this year’s theme: “A cup of coffee, excellent service and great products are becoming less of a differentiator for independents. With good quality eyewear now available almost everywhere, independents need to think about new ways to differentiate. Upgrading the overall patient/customer experience is one way to truly stand out from the crowd. Independent practices need to become sought after as destinations, rather than simply places of retail transaction.”
SPECIALIST CLUB SUNDAY
Following the success of the two-day format last year, Sunday 5 July will once again offer
a day of CPD courtesy of Positive Impact’s Specialist Club at the same venue. The programme boasts a particularly impressive professorial speaker line-up and is split into a morning session dedicated to dry eye, with the afternoon session focusing on myopia management.
Opening proceedings in the first of two lectures, Professor James Wolffsohn will explain the key updates in the latest TFOS DEWS III Report and its implication on dry eye clinical practice. Dr Andrew Hopkinson, founder and chief scientific officer at NuVision Biotherapies, will then review the data for the management of dry eye disease with amniotic membrane.
As dry eye is a constantly evolving field, optometrist and dry eye practitioner Michelle Beach will bring delegates up-to-date with the latest diagnostics and treatment options, then discuss exciting new product developments.
Sunday afternoon turns its attention to an important and growing area of independent practice – myopia management. Chaired by Professor Philip Morgan, this session includes a panel discussion with independent
practitioners leading the charge against progressive myopia. Before that session, Professor Wolffsohn returns to the stage, followed by his Aston University colleague, Professor Nicola Logan, to discuss two interesting new therapies soon to be available in the UK – contrast managing spectacle lenses and low-dose atropine, respectively.
SOMETHING NEW FOR DOS
In addition to the lecture programme, this year’s Specialist Club conference sees the introduction of a parallel CPD workshop programme providing even more choice for delegates to personalise their professional development. For dispensing opticians (DOs) there’s a host of options this year, both on the main programme and in workshops.
Dr Alicia Thompson, director of research at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), reprises her paediatric dispensing lecture but as a skills workshop titled, ‘Making facial measurement a reality.’
With guidance based on Dr Thompson’s ABDO-funded research on children’s face shapes, delegates will get to make a cardboard frame to fit one of ABDO’s
Your mediflex® max 1 day contact lens family.
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paediatric model heads.
Fellow DO, Erin McNee, will deliver a session titled, ‘Colour analysis in optical practice: enhancing eyewear selection through personalised colour’. This discussion lecture explores how seasonal colour analysis can be integrated into the optical dispensing process to enhance both clinical outcomes and the overall client experience.
Delegates will be introduced to the principles of colour theory, colour psychology and the genetics characteristics that influence an individual’s natural colouring.
ROSTER OF INSPIRING SPEAKERS
On Monday, the iDay programme has the usual roster of thought leaders and experienced, inspirational speakers from the business and optometric worlds, “all ably hosted by the exceptional Sarah Morgan” – says Nick.
LEADING A STANDOUT BUSINESS
This year’s keynote speaker is Pete Morris, who for more than 20 years has worked as a coach, consultant and advisor for some of the world’s most high-profile brands and organisations. He coaches and develops leaders within business to make them more impactful, empathetic, responsible, brave, decisive and human.
Pertinent to the concept of differentiation in order to stand out, his talk examines why some of us have a fear of standing out.
Pete is supported in this session by optometrist Gavin Rebello, who now works primarily as a speaker and mentor, helping business owners, leaders and teams perform and grow without losing balance or perspective. His work centres on the practical skills of self-leadership, decision-making and energy management in demanding professional environments.
ADOPTING A RETAIL MINDSET
Lorna Robinson and Dean Waugh take centre stage for the second session of the day looking at the customer experience through the lens of retail. With a background in commerce and buying, Lorna has led buying teams in both the multiple and independent optical market. A passion for product, broad experience across all categories and a mastery of retail, positions her to expertly guide and advise independent practices.
“Widely regarded as one of the most influential buyers in the UK market, Lorna has a wealth of experience and insight to share with iDay delegates,” says Nick.
Dean is a retail designer with more than 20 years of industry experience, and is the owner and creative director behind Retail
Experience Design, a commercial interior design agency dedicated to transforming commercial spaces into visually striking and strategically effective environments. In his presentation, ‘Creating a valuable patient experience’, Dean will discuss generating a practice environment that reflects the practice and its brand.
EVER-POPULAR PANEL DISCUSSION
A regular and popular feature of iDay in recent years is its panel discussions. Once again, the panel will include practice owners who have ‘walked the talk’ when it comes to differentiating their practice offering from the run of the mill. This year’s panel represents an even more diverse range of speakers, most notably new speakers Erin McNee and Jack Ransome Lupton.
As previously mentioned, Erin is a qualified DO, professional colour consultant and co-owner of Occhiali Bespoke Eyewear Boutique in Cupar, Scotland. She is known for her style-led, highly personalised approach and for doing things differently within the optical industry.
Jack is an optometrist, and founder of Ransome in Hampstead, London, and 2025 winner of the Optician Awards Independent Practice of the Year. Interestingly, Jack is also a spectacle maker. As a lifelong spectacle wearer, Jack combines a deep respect for eye health with hands-on craftsmanship and a genuine love of eyewear as a tool for self-expression.
ELEVATING RETAIL EXPERIENCES
Following on from last year’s fascinating panel discussion on the future of independent eyewear, panellists Ed Bird and Rebecca Thompson return for the final session of the day, focused on how independents need to develop their customer experience to be unique, engaging and thoroughly memorable.
During this session Rebecca, a DO and industry consultant, and Ed, founder of Bird Eyewear, will discuss the importance of adopting a retail mindset and bridging the clinical-retail gap, as well as knowing your niche and catering to specific demographics and trends.
WHY NOT BRING THE TEAM?
“With much of the programme being multidisciplinary, we’re sure it will inspire and motivate your team and there is a special price for group bookings of two or more delegates,” explains Nick.
ISHOW EXHIBITION
As always, the iShow will be integral in bringing independent supporting suppliers
together with their customer base. There will be a vast array of new technologies for dry eye, myopia management, clinical diagnosis “and a whole lot more all under one roof” – Nick promises.
EXCELLENT CENTRAL VENUE
Once again the event will utilise the excellent facilities of the National Conference Centre near the NEC in Birmingham. Conveniently, it is just off junction 6 of the M42 and only 10 minutes from Birmingham International airport and railway station.
MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT
Whilst iDay and the Specialist Club conference can be booked separately, the organisers are hosting a summer barbeque on the Sunday night – meaning that, with the exception of a bed for the night, buying a two-day ticket covers everything (check the website for details).
Tier Two pricing, available until 29 May, is as follows (excluding VAT):
■ Two-day conference package: £199
■ Independents Day only: £159
■ Specialist Club annual conference only: £89
Nick concludes: “I’m excited about how this year’s two-day programme has come together. Sunday’s CPD programme dovetails nicely with iDay’s ‘standing out’ theme. I’m confident all of this year’s speakers will deliver on what it takes to truly stand out from the crowd.
Full event details are available at www.independentsday.co.uk ■
Keynote speaker, Pete Morris
Multifocal toric lenses: Success with the 40+ customer
Historically, presbyopic patients who also required toric correction have had limited contact lens options. With Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® Multifocal for Astigmatism, more presbyopic astigmats can now enjoy the freedom of clear vision at all distances— without glasses.1
As optometrists, we understand how central vision is to our patients’ daily lives. Presbyopia, the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to accommodate and maintain clear near vision, can be a challenge for individuals over 40. At the same time, uncorrected astigmatism can compromise visual comfort and performance, particularly for activities demanding sharp focus, such as driving or detailed closeup work.2
In 2025, Bausch + Lomb once again expanded the power range of Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® Multifocal for Astigmatism, allowing even more presbyopic individuals with refractive errors to experience freedom from glasses.
Presbyopia: Information is key
According to the BCLA Presbyopia Report, presbyopia occurs when the physiologically normal, age-related reduction in the eye’s focusing range reaches a point where, even with optimal distance correction, near vision clarity is no longer sufficient to meet an individual’s needs.3 Presbyopia is a natural part of aging, and while most people will experience related challenges over time, one study found that one in three are unaware that they will develop presbyopia.4
The need for information is clear: the same study revealed that 55% of respondents wanted more guidance from their optician, and 60% of pre-presbyopic individuals wanted their optician to inform them about presbyopia.4 Eye care professionals can play a key role in raising awareness and discussing the various correction options—even before symptoms appear.
Clear and stable vision at all distances
With a total of 6,068 power parameters now available for ULTRA® Multifocal for Astigmatism, eye care professionals can recommend contact lenses to even more presbyopic patients.
Bausch + Lomb’s 3-Zone ProgressiveTM Design, featuring a centre-near optical profile, enables wearers to see clearly at near, intermediate, and distance ranges.1 Visual stability is ensured through the OpticAlign™ Design—an optimised ballast design that, together with a thin lens edge minimising eyelid interaction, delivers a consistently stable visual experience. Upon insertion, 95% of lens wearers experience ≤5° rotation.6,12
Long hours, long days... prolonged visual sharpness and comfort1
The Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® Multifocal for Astigmatism lens material (samfilcon A) is produced using a patented two-phase manufacturing process that integrates aqueous PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) into a silicone hydrogel matrix. This process enhances water content, improves moisture retention, and provides exceptional surface wettability.7,8
The result is long-lasting comfort: 9 out of 10 users agree that Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® contact lenses feel as comfortable at the end of the day as they do at the beginning.1
Already a contact lens wearer? Keep going! Not yet? Now’s the time!
Despite advancements in optical design, parameter range, and lens materials—as well as simplified fitting methods— research shows that the number of contact lens users declines with age and the onset of presbyopia.9,10 The most significant drop-out occurs between the ages of 45 and 54, coinciding with an increased need for near correction.10
Here, the eye care professional plays an essential role in addressing the reasons for drop-out—advising patients that there are modern options to stay in contact lenses— and encouraging new patients to experience the freedom lenses can offer.11
The addition of a Multifocal Toric to the proven ULTRA multifocal range is a game changer. I can now fit (and refit) more of my presbyopic patients easily using the simple fitting guide often in only two visits.”
Mike Cody FBDO.CL,Director, Colin Lee Opticians
SEAMLESS 1,5
3-Zone Progressive™ Design effortless vision at short, medium and long distances
STABLE 6,12
OpticAlign™ Design ≤5˚ rotation in 95% of customers
SIMPLE 13,14
Simple to fit13 In stock, ready to ship.
Photoelectron Spectroscopy analysis of samfilcon A of PVP gradientfrom surface to bulk. 2013. 8. R. Steffen, O.D., M.S., D. Hook Ph.D., J. Schafer, O.D., M.S., FAAO, I. Nunez, Ph.D., New Technology Yields Dehydration Resistance. 9. Naroo S, NagraM and Retallic N. Exploring contact lens opportunities for patients above the age of 40 years. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye 45 (2022). 10. EMEA Contact Lens Market. Vision Needs Monitor (2013). In syndication with Alcon &Johnson & Johnson. 11. Tichenor A et al; A review of Contact Lens Dropout; Clinical Optometry; 2020. 12. Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® Multifocal for Astigmatism Design Description. October 2019. 13. Results of an online survey with Eye Care Professionals who completed an evaluation programme for Bausch + Lomb ULTRA Multifocal for Astigmatism contact lenses and reported fitting 6 or more subjects (n=54). 14. Assessment of patient satisfaction after fitting with: Bausch+ Lomb ULTRA® Multifocal for Astigmatism. 2022.
1. Bausch + Lomb ULTRA Multifocal for Astigmatism Patient Evaluation. Rochester, 2020. 2. Read, S.A., Vincent, SJ., Collins, M.J. The visual and functional impacts of astigmatism and its clinical management. 2014. 3. BCLA CLEAR report Presbyopia: Epidemiology and impact. 2024. 4. Opinion Health Questionnaire. Presbyopia Population Survey, Dec 2018. 5. Review of Optometry; Early Clinical Experience with Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® Multifocal for Astigmatism. 2019. 6. Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® Multifocal for Astigmatism stabilization study. 2018. 7. Gradient of PVP from surface to bulk Bausch + Lomb X-ray
Authentic American style
Gant is a brand whose identity is deeply rooted in a transatlantic dialogue between the East Coast of the United States and Europe – a dual heritage that continues to shape its aesthetic and cultural relevance…
Founded in 1949 by Bernard Gantmacher, Gant originated as a shirtmaker in New Haven, Connecticut, quickly earning a reputation for craftsmanship, innovation and attention to detail. From its earliest days, the company distinguished itself through technical refinement – introducing features such as the locker loop, box pleat and button-down collar roll that would go on to define American sportswear shirting. These iconic elements, while subtle, spoke to a larger philosophy: garments should be both functional and expressive, embodying ease without sacrificing quality.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Gant became synonymous with Ivy League style, gaining traction across university campuses and embedding itself within the broader cultural fabric of American collegiate life. This period marked the brand’s emergence as what is now widely recognised as an ‘Original American Lifestyle Brand’ – a designation that reflects not only its historical influence but also its enduring relevance.
Over time, Gant expanded beyond its shirtmaking roots into a comprehensive lifestyle offering, encompassing ready-towear collections, accessories and, notably, eyewear. As the brand grew internationally,
particularly across Europe, it absorbed and reinterpreted continental sensibilities, resulting in a distinctive blend of relaxed American sportswear and refined European elegance.
The Gant eyewear category exemplifies this synthesis. Positioned as a natural extension of the brand’s broader lifestyle universe, the eyewear collections translate core values – quality, authenticity and innovation – into a product category that is both functional and expressive.
VERSATILE YET DISTINCTIVE
Eyewear, by its nature, occupies a unique space within fashion: it is at once a technical object requiring precision engineering and a stylistic accessory capable of defining personal identity. Gant approaches this duality with a clear vision, crafting sunglasses and optical frames that are contemporary yet rooted in heritage, versatile yet distinctive.
The design language of Gant Eyewear reflects the brand’s American sportswear origins, characterised by clean lines, practical construction and an understated aesthetic. At the same time, European influences introduce a layer of sophistication, evident in refined proportions, nuanced colour palettes, and
attention to finishing details. This interplay results in collections that resonate with a global audience, offering frames that are adaptable to diverse lifestyles and contexts. Whether worn in urban environments or leisure settings, Gant eyewear maintains a consistent identity: relaxed, confident and effortlessly polished.
From a product development perspective, the eyewear category has become increasingly significant within the broader fashion and accessories market. Consumers today seek items that combine durability, comfort and style, and eyewear brands are expected to meet high standards in both design and performance.
Gant responds to these expectations through a focus on material innovation, ergonomic design and visual coherence. Frames are engineered to provide a comfortable fit over extended periods, while lenses are selected to ensure clarity and protection. At the same time, aesthetic considerations remain central, with each collection reflecting seasonal trends without losing sight of the brand’s core identity.
EASING INTO SPRING/SUMMER
For spring/summer 2026, Gant Eyewear presents a collection defined by contemporary ease – an approach that aligns with evolving consumer preferences for versatility and authenticity.
The new styles are rooted in heritage yet designed for modern life, reflecting an understanding of how individuals move through different environments and social contexts. The collection emphasises adaptability, with frames that transition seamlessly from casual daytime settings to more refined occasions. This flexibility is achieved through a careful balance of form and function, as well as a thoughtful approach to colour and material.
A key visual theme within the
Modern designs rooted in heritage
GA 00038: a reinterpretation of 1990s styling
spring/summer 2026 collection is the reinterpretation of 1990s eyewear aesthetics. This influence is expressed not through direct replication, but through subtle references – calibrated volumes, softened angles, and a measured use of contrast.
Frames feature streamlined silhouettes that evoke the minimalism of the era, while updated proportions and finishes ensure a contemporary feel. The interplay between matte and glossy surfaces adds depth and dimension, creating visual interest without overwhelming the overall design.
A perfect example of the reinterpretation of the 1990s is the style GA 00038, featured in the current advertising campaign: slim, baguette-shaped sunglasses with a contemporary silhouette that reinterprets a heritage fashion icon with understated modernity. The streamlined temples featuring the striped Gant lettering logo add a distinctive, graphic signature.
Colour plays a significant role in defining the collection’s identity. Rather than relying on bold or overtly seasonal nuances, Gant opts for a palette that reflects its American heritage: classic tones such as navy, tortoiseshell and black are complemented by softer neutrals and occasional accents – as in the style GA 50095, a squarish optical frame defined by bold yet harmonious colour combinations.
Crafted from rich acetate blends for a lightweight feel, the slim temples reveal a
visible metal core and are finished with the Gant lettering logo for a clean, premium aesthetic. This restrained approach on colours allows the frames to remain versatile, appealing to consumers who value longevity and timelessness in their accessories. At the same time, subtle variations in tone and finish provide opportunities for individual expression.
The temples serve as the primary graphic signature across the collection, functioning as both a structural component and a key branding element. Through distinctive design details, the temples articulate the identity of each line within the broader collection. This focus on a single, recognisable feature aligns with contemporary branding strategies, where subtlety and consistency are often more effective than overt logos or embellishments.
THREE KEY COLLECTIONS
Within the collection, three main lines – Heritage, High-Tech Performance and Modern Sportswear – offer distinct interpretations of the Gant aesthetic, catering to different consumer needs and preferences.
The Heritage line draws directly from the brand’s archival references, channeling a bold, collegiate attitude that recalls its Ivy League origins. Frames in this line incorporate classic shapes and detailing, with elements such as the iconic shield logo serving as a visual link to Gant’s history.
The use of traditional materials and finishes reinforces this connection, while updated construction techniques ensure modern comfort and durability. The result is a collection that feels both nostalgic and relevant, appealing to consumers who appreciate authenticity and continuity.
In contrast, the High-Tech Performance line explores a more technical dimension, reflecting broader trends within the eyewear industry toward innovation and functionality. Frames in this line are crafted from premium materials, including ultralight titanium, which offers a combination of strength, flexibility, and reduced weight.
This focus on material performance enhances wearer comfort, particularly for individuals who rely on eyewear throughout the day. Design elements are streamlined and purposeful, with an emphasis on precision and efficiency. Despite its technical orientation, the HighTech Performance line remains consistent with the Gant aesthetic, integrating performance features within a cohesive visual framework.
The Modern Sportswear line occupies a middle ground, embodying the brand’s relaxed yet polished approach to contemporary fashion. Frames in this category are defined by sleek silhouettes and subtle detailing, making them suitable for a wide range of occasions. This versatility is a key selling point, as consumers increasingly seek products that can adapt to different aspects of their lives.
The design language is understated, with an emphasis on proportion and balance rather than overt decoration. This restraint allows the frames to complement a variety of personal styles, reinforcing their appeal as everyday essentials.
MEETING EVERY EXPECTATION
Across all three lines, the emphasis on comfort and wearability is evident. Ergonomic considerations are integrated into every stage of the design process, from the curvature of the frames to the placement of hinges and nose pads. This attention to detail ensures that the eyewear not only looks good but also performs effectively in daily use. In an increasingly competitive market, such considerations can be decisive factors in consumer choice.
The broader context of the eyewear industry also informs Gant’s approach. As eyewear continues to evolve from a purely functional necessity into a key fashion accessory, brands are required to navigate a complex landscape of trends, technologies and consumer expectations.
Sustainability, for example, has become an important consideration, with many companies exploring alternative materials and production methods. While Gant’s spring/ summer 2026 collection focuses primarily on design and performance, the brand’s broader commitment to quality and longevity aligns with the principles of responsible consumption.
Gant Eyewear represents a coherent extension of the brand’s identity, translating its American heritage into a product category that is both technically sophisticated and stylistically relevant. The spring/summer 2026 collection exemplifies this approach, offering frames that are contemporary yet rooted in tradition, versatile yet distinctive. Through a careful balance of design, material innovation and brand storytelling, Gant continues to position itself as a significant player within the global eyewear market – one that remains true to its origins while adapting to the demands of modern life.
Article supplied by NEG preferred supplier of Gant Eyewear, Marcolin. ■
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