VM’s Trends to Watch in 2020

NEW YORK—Let the vision symbolism begin! The year 2020 holds promise and opportunity for those in the eyecare and optical world to share information and ideas to raise the profile of vision care. There is much of the upside to inform patients, caretakers, other health care providers and consumers about the role of comprehensive eye exams and the eye as the window to a range of concerning health care conditions.

The Vision Council Notes That U.S.-China Trade Agreement Will Result in Tariff Reductions on Certain Optical Products

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council announced Thursday that the U.S. and China have signed a phase one trade deal that requires structural reforms to China’s economic and trade regimes. The agreement also will lead to a modification of a portion of the existing Section 301 China tariffs. This modification is “a point of interest” to association members who import Chinese-origin product, The Vision Council noted. The overall reforms will be seen in the areas of intellectual property, forced technology transfers, financial services, agriculture, and currency and financial exchanges. In addition, China has agreed to purchase substantial quantities of U.S. origin goods and services in the coming years.

Innovative Vision Tech Abounds at CES 2020

LAS VEGAS—Innovative vision technology is becoming more and more visible every year at CES, the annual mega meeting and trade show which drew more than 180,000 attendees here last week. From the latest mixed reality glasses for gamers to a tiny clip-on device that enables blind people to navigate their surrounds more easily, the full scope of vision tech was on display.

Luxottica Wholesale N.A. Invests in Independent Optical Sales Division to Focus on Brands

NEW YORK—Luxottica Wholesale N.A. said it is investing in the evolution of its independent optical sales division, which accounts for the largest component of the company’s overall sales force. The independent optical sales division is made up of approximately 300 salespeople who serve ECPs throughout North America with Luxottica’s brands. "These changes will strengthen Luxottica’s consultative approach to ECPs by putting greater focus on brands and customer support," a company spokesperson told VMAIL, adding, "the evolution is designed to empower Luxottica’s talent and rally them together as part of one family. The primary change will be a greater focus on brands."

Opti 2020 Welcomes 28,000 Visitors, 605 Exhibitors

MUNICH, Germany—From Jan. 10 to 12 2020, Munich, Germany was once again a hub for the eyewear and eyecare industries as opti 2020 took place. This year, opti welcomed 28,000 visitors from 93 countries, who came to explore the 605 exhibitors across the show’s six halls. The show featured both industry veterans and brand new companies and designers—including the opti BOXES, which were home to recently launched, up-and-coming brands—and gave a special platform to industry influencers through the Blogger Spectacle program.