J.LO GLOW

Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez recently sported Givenchy sunglass style GV 7117/S from Safilo while in New York City.

ALIENS, RETINAS, AND ROCK

Fans of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” add “Retina Boy” to your to-read list, a new, adventurous sci-fi story about a teenage boy born without retinas.

Penned by Ben Shaberman, senior director of scientific outreach and community engagement at the Foundation Fighting Blindness, this story pays homage to those growing up with physical disabilities—particularly retinal disease.

“The story was inspired by my work with kids and families with vision loss,” says Shaberman. “I am continually impressed by their courage and accomplishments.” “Retina Boy” is available on Amazon and Audible. —MADISON MESSICS

#GLASSES4WOMEN

The Vision Impact Institute (VII) is confronting “glasses stigma” with its new campaign, #Glasses4Women. The social media campaign was sparked by recent reports from Japan detailing workplace policies discouraging women—but not their male colleagues—from wearing glasses to work.

Japan is not alone in these stigmas. “While it may be hard to imagine that women in some countries around the world are discouraged from wearing glasses, this is the reality for many,” says Kristan Gross, VII’s global executive director.

With women making up 55% of the world’s vision impaired, VII believes keeping women from wearing their glasses prevents them from being their healthiest, most effective selves. “Our goal is to not only raise awareness, but also give women the confidence they need to wear their glasses, knowing that the impact they can make on their community is far bigger if they can see well,” says Gross.

Follow the Vision Impact Institute across social media and search for #Glasses4Women on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to join the campaign. —CAROLINE EDDY

TREND ONE: SMART SPECS.

“The demand for eyewear with high-quality, innovative designs and smart capabilities maintains its growth in the global market,” says HKTDC deputy executive director Benjamin Chau.

It’s no wonder that the show’s 17th Optometric Symposium focused on aviation optometry, sports vision, and the application of artificial intelligence in vision care. Plus, eyewear customization software company nuVision, which allows users to virtually “try on” a range of sunglasses, made its debut on the show floor.

TREND TWO: STARTUP CENTRAL.

According to research released from Coresight Research at a seminar at the show, startups are causing disruption in the traditional eyewear landscape—especially those that focus on sustainable materials, citing startups like Ochis, a Ukranian company that develops eyewear made from coffee grounds, and Australian brand Dresden Vision, which creates its collection from recycled shampoo bottles.

“This has created space for startups to develop products that differentiate themselves from their mass-market rivals,” says Albert Chan, head of the Hong Kong office for Coresight.

TREND THREE: FIERCE FASHION.

Several eyewear parades took place throughout the fair—as models showcased of-the-moment styles from companies exhibiting in the show’s international “Brand Name Gallery,” such as Etnia Barcelona, Pugnale & Nyleve, Matsuda, and more. —KERRI ANN RAIMO