The Optical Journal

01/06/2026

Italian eyewear producer, Kador, will launch the brand new handcrafted eyewear capsule collection, OTH, on the occasion of opti Munich, taking place from 16th to 18th January 2026. Designed by Enzo Sopracolle and born from his professional journey and deep passion for Cadore, this timeless capsule is crafted by Kador’s highly experienced artisans, specialists in working with exclusive materials, and defined by exclusive details and refined workmanship, the result of a tradition that blends technique, passion, and uncompromising care. Enzo brings to this process his creative mindset: turning intuition into form, giving substance to emotion, and merging history with contemporary design, for a capsule that is truly unique and luxurious.

“Design is a slow emergence of the soul: every project is a fragment of life shaped into form, a bridge between memory, territory, and vision. OTH is its purest expression…..”

01/05/2026

A technical rigor in constant evolution, continually pushing beyond its own limits: eyewear that is ever lighter, ever more revolutionary, ever more exclusive.

The Blackfin Spring Summer 2026 collection moves toward a new concept of lightness, where titanium is shaped through highly advanced processes, fully respecting an urban, refined design language.

This collection represents the synthesis of the brand’s achieved maturity: engineering precision transformed into sophisticated aesthetics. Color palettes become increasingly refined, thicknesses are reduced to an absolute minimum, and experimentation reaches surprising results thanks to the artisanal craftsmanship carried out within the sustainable Black Shelter headquarters.

Lightness thus becomes the primary stylistic code — a value expressed through meticulously refined details, delivering a premium product of excellence that places titanium at the heart of every creative expression.

A technical rigor in constant evolution, continually pushing beyond its own limits: eyewear that is ever lighter, ever more revolutionary, ever more exclusive.

01/02/2026

Forged on the slopes and fine-tuned on the tennis court, HEAD is a global icon of high-performance athletic equipment and sportswear. Its DNA shows in a signature look that is streamlined, dynamic, and instantly recognizable. With their tech-driven edge and lightweight feel, HEAD products are built for life in motion. Now, in partnership with eyewear leader the CHARMANT Group, a new optical frame collection marks the next step of an exciting collaboration.

These latest men’s frames are beautifully balanced with performance and style. The collection features a range of square, rectangular, rounded, and geometric shapes with clean lines and balanced proportions to suit many face types. Lightweight materials like stainless steel, titanium, and sustainable plastic ensure comfort and durability. Technical details – such as ventilation slots and adjustable end tips – enhance ease of wear.

Forged on the slopes and fine-tuned on the tennis court, HEAD is a global icon of high-performance athletic equipment and sportswear. Its DNA shows in a signatu

01/02/2026

Converse Eyewear announces the launch of the All Star Collection, a vibrant reinterpretation of its best-selling frames. Inspired by the brand’s legacy of individuality and creative expression, All Star introduces bold new colorways that infuse timeless silhouettes with fresh seasonal energy.
The collection features standout styles, including the laid-back Chuck Patch (CV5064), the edgy Star Chevron (CV5067), and the graphic-forward Wordmark designs (CV5015 & CV5099Y). Each frame debuts in two new color options, carefully curated to add a pop of personality to everyday looks while staying true to Converse’s unmistakable DNA.
More than just eyewear, the All Star Collection is a celebration of self-expression and fearless style. It reflects the spirit of those who challenge convention, embrace the unexpected, and make their mark through bold choices—just as Converse has done for decades.

Converse Eyewear announces the launch of the All Star Collection, a vibrant reinterpretation of its best-selling frames. Inspired by the brand’s legacy of ind

12/31/2025

ProDesign introduces its Fall/Winter 2025 collection, where every line and cut is carefully considered. Fresh shapes refine old favourites, while innovative design languages push the limits of colour, comfort, and craftsmanship. Some frames are technical. Some playful. Some bold. All of them are unmistakably ProDesign.

New concepts such as FLAKE and PROFLEX T bring fresh energy to traditional stainless steel and titanium frames. Designed in Denmark. Worn everywhere. This is eyewear that speaks through detail and stands out in every dimension.

PROFLEX T

A sharp titanium front meets precision-cut beta titanium temples, each engraved with a distinctive diagonal facet — a technically advanced detail that amplifies the design’s dynamism. The angles continue into the end pieces, creating a clean, architectural transition between the front and the sides. An all-matte finish highlights the cuts, while deep IP-plated colourways give the frames a powerful, monochrome aesthetic.

ProDesign introduces its Fall/Winter 2025 collection, where every line and cut is carefully considered. Fresh shapes refine old favourites, while innovative de

12/30/2025

In 2026, the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) will usher the iconic Student Bowl into its next chapter: the AOA EyeQ Championship, presented by AOAExcel®.

For decades, the Student Bowl has electrified Optometry’s Meeting®—a beloved, high-energy tradition where students from across the country battle it out in a spirited, quiz-style showdown. With thousands of cheering classmates, alumni, and fans, it has become a nationally recognized celebration of knowledge, pride, and the future of the profession. Each year, a new winner takes the trophy—passed on from champion to champion.

“With this new chapter, we’re creating a competition shaped by student insight that delivers an exciting experience that reflects the next generation’s priorities, passion, and vision for the future of the profession.

In 2026, the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) will usher the iconic Student Bowl into its next chapt

12/29/2025

In a world filled with movement, UNSUIKYO’s SCION invites the wearer to slow down and reconnect with the stillness of the natural world. Each frame is a gentle reminder of the calm strength carried by the cedar, offering a moment of grounding in everyday life.

Crafted with precision in Japan, every SCION frame features unique metal textures inspired by cedar and decorative temple accents drawn from traditional samurai attire. The collection also introduces UNSUIKYO’s three-stage adjustable temple tips, offering a new level of customisable comfort while remaining true to the brand’s natural, quietly refined aesthetic.

A Dialogue Between Cedar and Craft

SCION captures the tactile poetry of cedar through metal temples, echoing the rugged lines and intricate textures of Jomonsugi’s bark. These patterns are paired with a Japanese design element inspired by the decorative pins once worn on a samurai’s ceremonial attire.

In a world filled with movement, UNSUIKYO’s SCION invites the wearer to slow down and reconnect with the stillness of the natural world. Each frame is a gentl

12/29/2025

Following its successful premiere at SILMO 2025, NIRVAN JAVAN presents the key highlights of the new ZURICH collection. Accompanied by new visuals, the collection’s distinctive design language, materiality, and depth are now revealed in full clarity.
The collection opens a new chapter in design, made possible through advanced 3D printing technology (SLS). It enables forms and concepts that are nearly impossible to achieve using acetate or metal.

Key highlights of the first five models include:
 Complex groove structures, formed directly through the printing process as integral elements
 A screwless hinge system, both structurally and functionally innovative, engineered in Switzerland
 High-quality stainless-steel temples with PVD coating and anti-fingerprint finish
 Custom cellulose-based temple tips

The unmistakable and elegant design language of NIRVAN JAVAN remains at the core of the ZURICH collection, now refined through a new material approach.

Following its successful premiere at SILMO 2025, NIRVAN JAVAN presents the key highlights of the new ZURICH collection. Accompanied by new visuals, the collecti

12/26/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we want to thank each of you for spending some of your valuable time with The Optical Journal. We truly appreciate every one of you and look forward to serving you with even more and better content in 2026. As always, please feel free to forward any questions or suggestions to info@opticaljournal.com at any time.

We want to reshare the top ten podcasts from 2025, based on the number of listens across all the various podcast platforms. Did you catch them all? If not, here is your chance. We look forward to sharing even more fun podcasts with you in the new year. Thank you for listening and for sharing!

10. Lars Malmsten and Jan Vana - Vasuma Eyewear

9. Camilla Stramare – STRATO Eyewear

8. Opti 2026

7. Lars Flyvholm – Design Eyewear Group

6. Root & Steel Eyewear

5. Ashley Mills – Vision Expo West 2025

4. SILMO Istanbul 2025

3. Gisela and Gustavo Assis - LAPIMA Eyewear

2. Rick & Cindy Taylor – Forall Frameworks

1. SILMO Paris 2025




&Steel

As 2025 comes to a close, we want to thank each of you for spending some of your valuable time with The Optical Journal. We truly appreciate every one of you an

12/26/2025

Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-quality magnification and vision-enhancing solutions for the visually impaired, has introduced the new Optaro® XL iPad Video Magnifier. This innovative new product turns an iPad into a full-featured video magnifier and mobile screen reader - perfect for use at home, school, and at work. It’s the smart solution to help those with vision loss read and write more easily.

Optaro® XL is a stand, camera, and app that work together with a user’s iPad to project a magnified image onto an iPad screen. The stand can be set at two different height positions for maximum ergonomic comfort, and the integrated HD camera produces a superior, clear image. The proprietary app includes many customizable features typical of a video magnifier, such as variable magnification (2.5 - 22x), adjustable illumination, 14 color contrast modes, and underline & blinds.

12/24/2025

Following the successful launch of its optical line, Sunday Somewhere proudly announces the arrival of its acclaimed sun collection in the United States and Canada, offered exclusively through WestGroupe. Featuring 18 distinctive designs, the collection captures the brand’s unmistakable aesthetic, blending bold, expressive identity with 70s-inspired craftsmanship.

Rooted in the design heritage of its optical line, each sun frame carries forward signature details, including the iconic palm tree logo on the temple tips and durable hinges for lasting stability and comfort. Branded accents further elevate each frame, with the SS monogram elegantly featured on the lenses. Expertly crafted from premium acetate and stainless steel, the collection showcases striking vintage silhouettes, ranging from oversized squares to structured cat-eyes and softly contoured shapes, for style visionaries who view eyewear as an extension of their identity.

Following the successful launch of its optical line, Sunday Somewhere proudly announces the arrival of its acclaimed sun collection in the United States and Ca

12/24/2025

Through their use of high-quality materials, rigorous testing, and a comfort-first design philosophy, MOREL has set the standard for exceptional eyewear. The company’s latest men’s release, TROMSO, is crafted in strong titanium and a masculine color palette.

TROMSO has several defining features that grant each frame a confident spirit. Tinted inner brow lines add depth to the otherwise thin titanium fronts, most notable in the gray/orange and blue/brown styles. The temples are tapered near the endtips for a sleek appearance. This same visual effect can be seen on TROMSO’s slightly indented bridge; a subtle aesthetic choice that brings the design full circle. MOREL’s patented screwless, springless flex hinge grants optimal comfort while offering a striking, textured touch in stainless steel. For a finishing touch, TROMSO’s endtips are made from matte or transparent acetate, depending on the model.

Through their use of high-quality materials, rigorous testing, and a comfort-first design philosophy, MOREL has set the standard for exceptional eyewear. The co