From the editor
Canadians buy about 7.2 million pairs of optical frames a year , according to a recent MarketWatch report by The Vision Council .
And in the 12 months ending June 2016 , Canadians spent nearly $ 1.4 billion on new frames and another $ 1.4 billion on new lenses . Another $ 621 million was spent on plano sunglasses .
These numbers illustrate just how robust the eyewear industry is in Canada and there are indications the market is continuing to grow . With this in mind , 2017 is sure to be an exciting year for the eyewear and eyecare industry in Canada .
Many companies have already revealed some of the products they plan to release in the first part of the new year . There is an overwhelming array of fashion-forward frames that will soon hit the market . Many take advantage of leading-edge technologies to boost both comfort and design . New lens technologies are always being developed to improve the way people see .
In this issue of Optical Prism magazine – our January edition – we take a look at what industry experts anticipate will be the hot trends for eyewear in 2017 . Included within these pages are stories on the latest and greatest in lens technologies as well as a look at what is trending in the world of frames for both men and women .
Also included is an eye-catching pictorial on quirky eyewear , something The Vision Council ' s Eyecessorize report says are in demand right now .
Keeping with the theme of looking ahead , this issue also includes the latest on Dr . Ben Thompson ' s journey to developing a new treatment option for adults with amblyopia .
And this wouldn ' t be a “ new year ” Editor ’ s Note without including our New Year ' s resolution for 2017 .
This year , like in years past , we promise to continue bringing you the latest in eyewear news , trends and events .
This includes continuing to beef up our presence on social media by taking advantage of the various platforms available , including Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .
You can also find the latest news at www . opticalprism . ca . Have a safe , happy and prosperous 2017 !
Don ’ t forget to check us out on social media and subscribe to us online to get the latest eyecare and eyewear information .
Denis Langlois , Editor .
06 Optical Prism | January 2017