Friday, February 6, 2026
2026 News Archive
Friday, February 6, 2026
Mido 2026 a Success, Highlights Global Eyewear Trends and Industry Engagement
Mido 2026 concluded in Milan with stable attendance and exhibitor participation, drawing roughly 42,000 visitors and 1,200 exhibitors from around the world. The show highlighted industry trends and cultural programming—including the Vision Stage sessions and design awards—while emphasizing global engagement across business, education, and innovation.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Eyecon Announces 2026 Brand Partners Ahead of Second Edition in New York
Eyecon has unveiled its 2026 brand partners ahead of its second edition, set for March 6-8 at The Glasshouse in New York City. The luxury-focused show will feature a mix of established and independent brands—including nearly one-third making their US debut—alongside panel discussions, interviews, and continuing education through Eyecon[versations] Live.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Vision Expo Marks 40th Anniversary With Community Retrospective Initiative
As Vision Expo marks its 40th anniversary, the show is opening its archives to the industry—inviting longtime attendees and exhibitors to help tell the story of 4 decades of connection, innovation, and impact. A commemorative retrospective will bring together photos, memories, and moments from Vision Expo’s past, both online and on the show floor.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Loft Eyewear Shows Returns to New York for 26th Edition
The Loft Eyewear Shows return to New York March 5-7, marking the event’s 26th year with expanded programming, dual venues, and more than 150 independent eyewear collections. As a key anchor of Eyewear Design Week, the boutique show continues to blend curated brand discovery with continuing education and citywide industry events.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Vision Expo Announces 4 Finalists for 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge
Vision Expo and VSP Vision have named 4 startups to the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, spotlighting emerging technologies aimed at advancing the eyecare experience. The finalists will participate in a virtual bootcamp before pitching live on the Innovation Stage at Vision Expo in Orlando this March.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Opti 2026 Records Growth in Exhibitors and Attendance
Opti 2026 wrapped in Munich with gains in both exhibitor participation and trade visitor attendance, underscoring the show’s role as an international hub for product launches, education, and industry exchange. The event highlighted cross-category innovation, design trends, and next-generation programming alongside expanded global participation.
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Contact Lens Institute Names 2026 Visionaries
The Contact Lens Institute has named its 2026 Visionaries, recognizing 17 eyecare professionals from across the US and Canada who are helping shape the future of soft contact lens care. Representing a wide range of practice settings and expertise, the group will contribute insights and education focused on advancing clinical practice, innovation, and peer-to-peer engagement in the year ahead.
Friday, January 30, 2026
Prevent Blindness Raises Alarm Over Cuts to CDC Vision Program
Congress’s finalized funding for fiscal year 2026 includes cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vision and Eye Health program, reducing its budget by nearly one-third, according to Prevent Blindness. The organization warns the reduction could limit community-based efforts to prevent vision loss, even as demand for eye health services continues to rise.
Friday, January 30, 2026
Industry Intel: Europa Eyewear, L’Amy America, Mondottica, WCO, Alcon, PECAA, and VSP Vision
Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from Europa Eyewear, L’Amy America, Mondottica Group, World Council of Optometry (WCO), Alcon, Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA), and VSP Vision.
Friday, January 30, 2026
Optometry’s Meeting 2026 to Feature 300+ Hours of Education, Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for Optometry’s Meeting and AOA+, taking place June 17–20 in Phoenix. The annual event will bring together eyecare professionals and students for continuing education, professional development, and networking, with more than 300 hours of programming planned across clinical, technological, and practice management topics.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Prevent Blindness Declares February as Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision Month
February marks Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Month, and Prevent Blindness is spotlighting the growing impact of AMD with free educational resources eyecare professionals can share with their patients.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Optical Industry Reaches $69.5 Billion Despite Declines in Product Volume + Eye Exams, says TVC
The US optical industry continued to grow in value in 2025, reaching an estimated $69.5 billion, even as fewer products were sold and fewer eye exams were performed, according to new data from The Vision Council. The latest Market inSights report reveals how higher prices, shifting consumer behavior, and resilient in-person sales are reshaping the market—and what those trends could mean for the year ahead.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
EssilorLuxottica Shares Clinical Performance Findings of Nuance Audio Glasses
EssilorLuxottica releases results from 2 clinical studies evaluating the performance of its Nuance Audio Glasses, an open-ear hearing solution integrated into smart eyewear for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
TVC + Optical Industry Leaders Raise Tariff Concerns During Capitol Hill Meetings
Industry leaders brought the real cost of tariffs on prescription eyewear to Capitol Hill, highlighting how rising expenses could affect both independent practices and patients. Their discussions explored ways to keep vision care accessible while supporting optical businesses in the United States.
Friday, January 23, 2026
NRF Forecasts Import Cargo Volumes Below Last-Year Levels Until Spring
U.S. import volumes are poised for a modest January rebound after months of decline, though shipments are expected to stay below last year’s pace until at least spring, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report. Trade policy uncertainty, shifting tariff strategies, and a seasonal shipping lull continue to shape the outlook for retailers and supply chains as 2026 begins.
Friday, January 23, 2026
Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award Names Top 10 Contenders for 2026
The Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award has revealed its top 10 contenders for 2026, chosen from a record 101 student submissions spanning the globe. Timed with Mido 2026 and the Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics, the finalist designs reimagine performance-driven, Olympic-inspired eyewear for winter sports and modern wear.
Friday, January 23, 2026
CLI and UOA to Coproduce OptiCon ’26 Panel
The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) and the United Opticians Association (UOA) are collaborating to deliver consumer and professional insights to OptiCon ’26 @ Vision Expo, with an exclusive panel focused on opticianry’s impact on contact lens success. Backed by newly commissioned research, the sessions will explore how the evolving role of opticians can influence patient outcomes, education, and market growth.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
CooperVision’s Myopia Luminaries Forum Underscores ECPs’ Leadership in Shaping the Future of Myopia Care
CooperVision brought together leading US and Canadian eyecare professionals in Las Vegas to examine where myopia management is headed—through the lens of clinical evidence, FDA-approved therapies, and real-world outcomes.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
$12 Million Recovered for Doctors Through AOA Advocacy
Sustained advocacy by the American Optometric Association (AOA) has helped restore more than $12.1 million in reimbursement payments to member practices since 2023, underscoring the growing financial impact of claim denials, downcoding, and administrative burdens.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Art Optical Awards Specialty Contact Lens Travel Grants
Art Optical Contact Lens and Contamac have recognized a new group of optometry students and residents whose specialty lens work addresses complex patient needs, awarding travel grants to attend the recently concluded Global Specialty Lens Symposium.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
VSP Vision Launches Dr. Stephanie Kirschbaum Living in Purpose Program
VSP Vision has introduced the Dr. Stephanie Kirschbaum Living in Purpose Program, honoring the late optometrist’s legacy by supporting network doctors who want to expand access to care in their communities. The initiative pairs mobile VSP Eyes of Hope clinics with nonprofit partnerships and grant funding to help turn purpose-driven service into local impact.
Friday, January 16, 2026
WCO Sets Collaborative Focus for World Optometry Week 2026
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announced the theme for World Optometry Week 2026, highlighting collaboration in global eye care to expand access, quality, and sustainability of vision services worldwide.
Friday, January 16, 2026
Industry Intel: Orbis International, VSP Vision, Zeiss, and Hoya
Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from Orbis International, VSP Vision, Zeiss, and Hoya.
Friday, January 16, 2026
TVC Report Shows Stable Vision Care Trends, Rising Spending
The Vision Council (TVC) has released its Consumer inSights Q4 2025 report, outlining US adult vision care behaviors, benefit use, and spending trends across eye exams, prescription eyewear, reading glasses, and plano sunglasses.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
December Retail Sales Growth Brings 2025 Holiday Spending in Line With NRF Forecast
Retail sales increased sharply in December, bringing overall 2025 holiday season results in line with the National Retail Federation (NRF)’s forecast for record consumer spending, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor powered by Affinity Solutions.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
OWA Announces 2026 Award Honorees
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) announced its 2026 award honorees, recognizing individuals for leadership, service, and professional contributions within the optical industry.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Conexiant Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Eyecare Business
Conexiant is proud to announce the 40th anniversary of Eyecare Business, the optical industry’s leading source for business strategy, retail trends, and practice-building insights for optometrists, opticians, and optical retailers.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
PECAA Opens Registration for 2026 Annual Meeting in San Diego
Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) announced that registration is open for its 2026 Annual Meeting, scheduled for May 17-19 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego.
Friday, January 9, 2026
TVC Shares Key Updates From ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 Eye and Face Protection Standard Revision
The Vision Council (TVC) has announced the release of ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2025, a revised edition of the American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Industry Intel: Design Eyewear Group, VSP Vision, and Zyloware
Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from Design Eyewear Group and Zyloware.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
TVC to Address Emerging Optical Trends at Executive Summit
The Vision Council (TVC) has announced the panel topics that will anchor the upcoming Executive Summit agenda, which will include networking opportunities and discussions focused on issues shaping the optical industry.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
ClearVision Optical Launches Survey to Identify Top-Selling Eyewear Brands
ClearVision Optical has launched its annual Big Brand Survey, an industry research initiative aimed at identifying the top-selling eyewear brands across the United States at both national and regional levels.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
OWA Talks Podcast Features OWA President Megan Molony
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has released its January 2026 episode of “OWA Talks,” featuring Megan Molony, OWA president for the 2025–2027 term. The episode focuses on Molony’s professional background and her perspective on the organization’s direction in the coming year.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Vision Expo 2026 to Introduce Expanded, Streamlined Education Program
Vision Expo 2026 will mark the event’s 40th year with an expanded educational conference and a unified annual format. The event, produced by RX and The Vision Council, is scheduled for March 11–14 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida.
Friday, January 2, 2026
AAO Issues Call for Course Proposals for Academy 2026 Anaheim
The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) has opened its call for course proposals for the educational program at Academy 2026 Anaheim, inviting optometrists and educators to submit lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions for consideration.
Friday, January 2, 2026
Eyebuydirect Enables Vision Insurance Use at Online Checkout
Online eyewear retailer Eyebuydirect has expanded its direct-to-consumer offerings with a new feature that allows customers to apply benefits from select vision insurance providers at checkout—a move that could further shift prescription eyewear purchases away from independent eyecare practices.
Friday, January 2, 2026
Top 10 News Stories From 2025
Eyecare Business revisits 2025's biggest stories from the eyecare and optical industry.


