Material matters

Frames: Welcome to the 60s

Gigi Studios has presented its 2021 collection with 18 models. The new silhouettes in the collection are inspired by the “opulent, oversized” shapes of the 1960s and 70s. Twelve of the frames – six optical and six sunglasses – have been designed and created completely from acetate. The ‘Kaia’ (pictured) features an over-sized, hexagonal design made from acetate with thick sides and a triangular metallic detail on the end piece.

The brand has also introduced new designs into its Gigi Studios Lab collection, with frames constructed from beta-titanium. ‘Lights’, ‘Arise’ and ‘Electric’ incorporate delicate rims in high density acetate with a touch of colour. ‘Detroit’ ‘Island’ and ‘Ashley’, meanwhile, are made solely in beta-titanium in rounded, square and hexagonal shapes.

Occluder: Hands-free visual assessment

Grafton Optical has launched the Optishield, a flexible optical occluder to help provide a hands-free approach to conducting the visual assessment. The occluder is CE-approved and made of a soft medical-grade silicone which fits onto the spectacle lens and is available in black or frosted white.

According to a formative usability study completed by the Medical Devices Technical Evaluation Centre at Birmingham University Hospitals, the product has a high level of acceptance from optometrists. The study recorded a full completion success rate, with participants seeing the device as a helpful aid for hands-free working and resulting in a positive impact to their usual clinical practice.

Frames: Simplicity and industrial twists

The independent Italian label, Tree Spectacles, has expanded its collections with two new series; the Light Series and Block Series. The Light Series features women’s models, ‘Eve,’ ‘Chimera,’ and ‘Grace,’ which are all crafted from Japanese titanium and aim to balance simplicity with material effects and a colour-enhancing shine.

The Block Series features the ‘Aubis’ (pictured), ‘Serse,’ and ‘Ramsete,’ unisex models that balance “technical sophistication and bold industrial design.” The frames feature block titanium with beta-titanium and acetate. The temple design features an external/internal titanium construction technique, while the acetate covering offers comfort. The brand shared that the designs required a deal of research, with details such as the milling of each design and two-tone coatings.  

Children: Secure fit

For 2021, the Michael Pachleitner Group has introduced Spect Eyewear’s first frame for children. The frame features the brand’s Wing DTS system, which comprises a subtle slider for extendable temples to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. The company suggests this technology guarantees the best grip when cycling, running, playing or at school. The ‘Blossom’ and ‘Brave’ models are available in five colours and are made of TR90 for a light-weight but robust structure.

Lens: Myopia solution

Hoya confirmed its plans to begin rolling-out its Miyosmart lens for myopia management in the UK from February. The spectacle lens features patent-protected Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments technology (D.I.M.S technology), which offers both sharp vision and a treatment effect for children. The lens has been shown to slow the progression of myopia on average by 60% based on the results from a two-year clinical trial, the company said. The lens has been made from an impact-resistant material with a specific anti reflection coating, and can be used in combination with any type of frame.

Drops: Multitasking dry eye relief

In January, Visufarma launched what it described as the first innovative multitasking eye drop for the relief of evaporative dry eye. The VisuEvo contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which the company suggests helps to reduce excessive evaporation of the tear film. The Omega-3, along with vitamin D and phospholipids within the VisuEvo, also help to protect the eye from a variety of conditions and aid in restoring the tear quality. The eye drop has a preservative-free formulation containing natural components, making it a contact lens-friendly option. The VisuEvo is available in a 10ml multidose bottle.

Frame: Evergreen frames

Stepper Eyewear marked 50 years by revisiting some of the brand’s earliest styles with a range of new colour options. In the Stepper Eyewear First Collection, the retro  ‘SI-20073’ style is now available in a selection of modern colour options, with founder, Hans Stepper, calling the frame “evergreen.”

Mr Stepper said: “Reopening the design book and approaching classic models with the accumulated knowledge, skills and advanced materials and manufacturing, presents an excellent opportunity not only to reinvent the past, but to make it even better.” The company can now draw on materials such as TX5, titanium and beta-titanium for its frames.