Eyecare Business delivers the latest updates across the eyecare industry, from appointments to achievements and other notable news. This week includes updates from De Rigo Group, EssilorLuxottica, and The Vision Council (TVC).

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De Rigo Group has appointed Benjamin Colombara as president of its North American subsidiary, De Rigo REM. In the role, Colombara will oversee the company’s US operations and lead efforts to support growth, strengthen market positioning, and develop the organization’s commercial structure in North America. Colombara brings more than 20 years of international leadership experience across the eyewear, automotive, industrial, and manufacturing sectors. He most recently served as director LATAM at Thélios USA Inc. and has previously held senior positions with Safilo Group, Eyewear Designs Ltd., and Charmant USA.

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EssilorLuxottica and Applied Materials have entered into a long-term joint development agreement to accelerate the commercialization of optical technologies for augmented reality (AR) and AI-powered smart eyewear, combining EssilorLuxottica’s expertise in lenses, frames, and smart eyewear with Applied Materials’ capabilities in materials engineering and waveguide technologies. The companies will collaborate on the development of advanced optical systems, including adaptive lens technologies and new materials designed to support lightweight, high-performance AR experiences. Research and development activities will be conducted through a dedicated collaboration lab located at Applied Materials’ Silicon Valley campus.

The United Opticians Association (UOA) has joined The Vision Council, AccuWeather, and The Skin Cancer Foundation in the initiative to promote UV safety awareness, National Sunglasses Day, taking place on June 27. The partnership coincides with the One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference, taking place in Chicago from June 25-27. UOA Executive Director Gwen Cooper said, “Opticians are trusted guides in eye health, and National Sunglasses Day gives us the perfect opportunity to remind our patients and communities that protecting their vision from UV damage is a year-round priority, and your optician and eyecare provider can help you make this part of your everyday routine.”