Eyewear innovation

Spectacles: Leader of the pack

Wolf Eyewear has released its latest collection of unique, bold frames, inspired by “colour; the more, the better.” The collection, available exclusively to independent opticians, introduces a growing range of materials and styles with colours chosen specifically to work well with a variety of skin tones and hair colours. The acetate used in the collection is made of a high-density laminate, selected to ensure the colour combinations are unique to the brand.

Spectacles: Manufactured menswear

Italian designer, Roveri Eyewear, has released a new concept frame for 2020, featuring a full carbon fibre structure, something the company says makes it the first of its kind in eyewear. The ‘CLM-7’ features a front in matte carbon fibre, with the marble pattern of a Roveri design. The frame is created from a multi-layered block of carbon fibre, taking approximately six hours of computer numerical control machining. Titanium temples and acetate temple tips are designed to offer a lightweight feel and enhance comfort. The design comes in two versions, with either polished or satin titanium temples.

Along for the ride

Performance eyewear brand, SunGod, has launched a new cycling-specific Pace Series. Comprised of two models, ‘SunGod Velans’ and ‘SunGod Vulcans,’ the sunglasses are made from high-quality, durable materials and feature the brand’s 8KO lens technology which it suggests offers clarity, strength and weight savings.

The two models are available in either a half frame or full frame design. ‘SunGod Vulcans’ features a larger cylindrical lens, which offers a 180 degree field of vision to increase spatial awareness. The ‘SunGod Velans’ uses a refined toric lens, which the brand suggests offers “optical precision” to help riders spot details on the road ahead. The frames are customisable at no additional cost, allowing riders to choose their lens, frame, icon and ear socks.

Sunglasses: Soft toned style

OWP has shared new statement sunglasses for Mexx. The new styles include a 70’s-inspired acetate model for women, available in soft tones including lavender, bordeaux and nude or black. The super fine metal temples also feature a small conical metal accent. The ‘2542’ model features a rounded frame in acetate along with simple metal arms and colours ranging from transparent bordeaux to nude or blue-violet to Havana.

Frames: Planet positive

Coral Eyewear is launching its collection of sustainable, infinitely recyclable, ‘planet positive’ eyewear – which each pair removing plastic and abandoned fishing nets from the ocean. The Endangered Collection features six ophthalmic designs, as well as a range of sunglasses, in four colourways; black, brown, blue and red. Each of the frames had been named to raise awareness of marine animals under threat of extinction.

Drops: Molecular innovation

Scope announced the launch of its new eye care product, Hycosan Shield. The unique eye drop brings a new molecule to the eye care category, making it the first to market in the UK containing the molecule. The product features a single ingredient, water-free, preservative-free and phosphate-free formulation. Scope also suggests the product has the ability to completely replace the lipid layer.

Contact lens: Smart Fitting

Menicon launched a new toric version of its Miru 1day Flat Pack contact lens in September. The lens features Smart Fit technology with a thin bi-aspheric toric design, created to match the natural contours of the eyelid and self-orient. The material also bonds with tears to lock-in moisture and allow for rapid lens rehydration when blinking. The Flat Pack packaging uses less raw materials and is recyclable, which Menicon suggests results in 80% less waste compared to conventional packaging.