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Luxottica Group and Tiffany & Co. announced the renewal of an exclusive license agreement for the development, production, and worldwide distribution of sunglasses and prescription frames under the Tiffany & Co. brand. The agreement marks a new era for eyewear at Tiffany, with creative direction overseen by its chief artistic officer, Reed Krakoff. The agreement is scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2027.

Marchon Eyewear, Inc., and designer lifestyle brand Karl Lagerfeld announced the multi-year renewal of their global eyewear licensing agreement for the exclusive worldwide design, development, production, and distribution of men’s and women’s ophthalmic and sunglass collections under the Karl Lagerfeld brand name.

Swarovski has renewed its global eyewear license with Marcolin Group. Marcolin Group will continue to design, produce, and distribute Swarovski- and Atelier Swarovski-branded sunglasses and optical frames through 2023.

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Modern Optical International hired Debora DeLong to the newly created position of national sales trainer. DeLong brings more than 23 years of training and optical experience to the role.

Smith announced the following promotions within its creative team: Andy McCabe has been promoted to creative director, Cara Shumate assumes the role of art manager, and Cody Browning has been appointed senior graphic designer.

National public awareness campaign Think About Your Eyes has created new roles to lead its advisory committee. Steven Loomis, O.D., of the American Optometric Association, was elected chairman of the committee, and Rick Weisbarth, O.D., of Alcon was elected vice chair, both for one-year terms.

WestGroupe announced the promotion of Christopher Mullen to national sales manager. Mullen joined WestGroupe in 2016 as central regional sales director, and he brings more than 19 years of experience to the job. The company also appointed Christopher Allen as Southeast regional sales manager. Allen brings more than 20 years of optical experience to his role in leading the Southeastern U.S. sales team.

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CooperVision, Inc., has acquired Paragon Vision Sciences, adding to its myopia management presence worldwide.

The Kentucky Eye Care Alliance and Illuma Care Connections have partnered to improve eye health and lower the risk of blindness among more than 15,000 diabetic patients throughout the state.

My Eyelab announced the signing of a three-location, multi-unit franchise agreement in Florida, extending operations for the first time to the Orlando area while expanding further in Fort Lauderdale.

RightEye, LLC, and Tobii have signed an agreement to partner on a new eye-tracking system for vision tests. The companies will co-develop new hardware solutions to complement RightEye vision tests and training games for customers in the vision, healthcare, and sports markets.

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Essilor was awarded the Grand Prix at the 13th edition of the French Grand Prix FAS (French Federation of Associations of Employee and Former Employee Shareholders) for its employee shareholding initiatives. Essilor recently announced employee shareholding worldwide surpassed 50%, exceeding the company’s goal of 35%, which was initially set for 2020.

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Classic Optical Laboratories, Inc., established an all-time company record for eyeglasses manufactured in a single year, as it delivered the millionth pair from its central laboratory in November 2017.

CooperVision, Inc., raised a total of $200,500 for Optometry Giving Sight in support of the 2017 World Sight Day Challenge. The figure represents the largest single donation made to the organization last year.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…

Zyloware Eyewear announced the passing of Robert (Bob) Shyer, its former chairman. Zyloware is the oldest family-owned and -operated frame company in the U.S. Shyer is best known for creating the first celebrity-branded eyewear line.

Luxottica Group simplified its governance structure following the departure of Massimo Vian, the CEO for product and operations. Luxottica consolidated executive responsibilities in the hands of Executive Chairman Leonardo Del Vecchio and Deputy Chairman Francesco Milleri, who now assumes the position of CEO. Stefano Grassi, CFO of the Group, has been appointed to Luxottica’s Board of Directors.

For these and other news stories, visit eyecarebusiness.com/news .

Vision Expo Brings the New to New York

Registration is now open for Vision Expo East 2018 at the Javits Center in New York City (education: March 15-18; exhibition: March 16-18).

“With a new creative campaign, website, and planning tools, visitors will get a taste of the new Vision Expo before even stepping foot in New York,” says Melissa Ashley, senior vice president of Reed Exhibitions. “The changes carry over to an evolving exhibit hall, ensuring an engaging and valuable show throughout all four days.”

Also coming to Vision Expo East is a new contest and special event, the “$10,000 Fast Pitch Challenge: Retail and Marketing Game Changers for Your Office.” The special session will take place on Saturday, March 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the new L1 Innovation Lounge, as 10 participants will pitch retail or marketing ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win a $10,000 prize.

TO REGISTER FOR VISION EXPO EAST: VISIONEXPOEAST.COM