REVIEW – 100% OPTICAL NICKY COLLINSON
So much to SEE
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co-conscious products, advances in diagnostics technology, assistive technology for the visually impaired, contact lens innovations and bold and beautiful eyewear were amongst the product portfolios on display at 100% Optical 2022. Being able to see so much innovation under one roof was just one of the reasons the show saw pre-pandemic levels of visitors numbers. As the first major UK trade show since January 2020, the three-day event reunited eyecare professionals from all walks of practice – with UK and international suppliers, designers and business partners to try, buy and catch up on hot optical topics. As immediate past president of ABDO, Jo Holmes, remarked after the show: "100% Optical provided a much welcome opportunity to see the latest innovations and eyewear trends, giving us all renewed enthusiasm for our products back in practice."
May issue of Dispensing Optics, made its first outing at a UK trade show to showcase its eyewear made from 100 per cent recycled fishing net plastic with polarised, mineral glass lenses. Exclusive Sennen optical frame is made from 100 per cent recycled monofilament nylon fishing nets, sourced from Cornwall. Launched on the Coti Vision stand was Eden, part of a new reading glasses collection with frames made from Italian developed hexetate, an environmentallyfriendly patented acrylic. Sea2See, which recently achieved carbon negative status, discussed how it has twice eliminates its carbon footprint over the
The latest iteration of Lid Vision's eyewear for motorcyclists drew visitors to its stand. Each optical frame and sunglass can be attached to the company's articulated helmet arms, elasticated straps or skull-fit sides, transforming them into sports and leisure specific eyewear. The product is now patented globally. With an exclusive optical collection on the way, Fauna audio glasses comes complete with a case that doubles as a charger. Each integrated audio module includes a MEMS microspeaker, an electrodynamic speaker, a touchpad, associated electronics and a battery.
SUSTAINABILITY IN DESIGN In the arena of sustainability, Eyespace had a whole host of eco-friendly eyewear on display – including three new Basebox Slimology models composed of recycled ocean plastic, recycled stainless steel and bio-acetate. The styles sat alongside a new Range Rover optical collection of 12 ultrapremium Japanese beta-titanium, and the latest styles from Cocoa Mint, Aspinal of London, Rock Star and more. On the Millmead stand, visitors heard about the group's new collaboration with optical sustainability designer, Yair Neuman, to highlight the problem of lens waste. Millmead has commissioned Yair to design and build a sculpture made out of its factory’s own lens swarf and discarded demo lenses from the frames it supplies. Visitors caught up with the team at David Green Eyewear to review the company's handcrafted, biodegradable eyewear made with fallen tree leaves that are dried, dyed and then set inside a natural, cotton-based acetate. Cornwall-based social enterprise Waterhaul, featured on the front cover of the
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DISPENSING OPTICS J U N E 2 0 2 2
SCOTCH AND SODA EYEWEAR ON THE CATWALK
whole life cycle of its optical glasses and sunglasses. The company’s products are made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, recovered from the sea, are 86 per cent less contaminating than cellulose acetate, 79 per cent less than TR90 grilamid frames and 61 per cent less than virgin nylon, according to sustainability experts Dcycle. Independent eyewear designers were out in force – from Kirk & Kirk with its latest acrylic designs, to hand-made Austrian frames from Johann von Goisern, along with glamorous lamination designs from British brand Caron Eyewear. Feb 31st Eyewear showcased a new collaboration with Manchester United footballer Jesse Lingard – FEB Shades – part of an exclusive collection called 'Hold the vision trust the process'.
YAIR NEWMAN FRAMES MADE FROM DUMMY LENSES
Additionally, two microphones are integrated into the right side. The Italian acetate frames and sunglasses can be glazed to prescription, with blue light filtering lenses of sun lenses. Mondottica shone a spotlight on its Scotch & Soda eyewear collection – new to the UK market – on both its stand and on the catwalk. Following a successful reception in Europe, the range joins the company's established portfolio of contemporary brands including Ted Baker, Hackett Bespoke and Joules.
TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES There were demonstrations of the latest equipment and technologies from suppliers including Heidelberg Engineering, Topcon,
