Optical Prism - April 2026

THE COMPLEXION

EQUATION

Sunwear guidance

by complexion and

hair colour

SURGICAL

SUN CARE

Post-surgical sun

protection for

vulnerable eyes

NATIONAL

VISION

Canada moves toward

a more connected

model of care

AI MEETS UV

Smart UV tracking

shows promise

THE QUIET CLINIC

How sensory-smart clinics

are reshaping the eye

exam experience

Surreal

Appeal

Surreal silhouettes and

floating lenses redefine

modern sunwear

APRIL 2026 • VOL. 44 • NO. 4

The

SUN

Edit

Gold Standard

The ultimate place

to launch, grow, and

advance your career.

As Canada’s largest eye care provider, we are proudly majority doctor-owned,

entirely doctor-led, and professionally managed. Our commitment is to

exceptional patient care, with a proven track record of growth.

Re-invest in specialties such

as Myopia Management

and Dry Eye

Dedicated Home Office

support across IT, Payroll,

Recruitment and more

Step into mentorship —

whether you’re guiding or

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A P R I L 2 0 2 6 | O P T I C A L P R I S M 5

C O N T E N T S

April 2026

22

24

28

34

features

22 STYLE EYES

Surreal Appeal:

Playful contrasts and

floating lenses reshape

sunwear expectations.

By Suzanne Lacorte

24 FEATURE

The Complexion Equation

By Evra Taylor

30 OPTICAL INSIGHTS

Surgical Sun care:

Post-surgical sun wear

recommendations

By Evra Taylor

38 FEATURE

A National Vision: How

Canada's proposed strategy

could reshape vision health

By Nick Samson

Nature Inspired

eyewear

6 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6

APRIL 2026 • VOL. 44 • NO. 4

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Suzanne Lacorte 289.678.1523 x 1

slacorte@opticalprism.ca

Associate Publisher

Nick Samson 289.678.1523 x 2

nsamson@opticalprism.ca

Advertising Sales

Kathleen Irish 289.678.1523 x 5

kirish@opticalprism.ca

Copy Editor

Lamia Ghezal

lamia.ghezal@opticalprism.ca

Feature Writers

David Goldberg

dgoldberg@opticalprism.ca

Evra Taylor

evra.taylor@opticalprism.ca

Art Director

Cathryn Haynes

cat.haynes@opticalprism.ca

Digital Content Manager

Samantha Budd

sbudd@opticalprism.ca

Contributors

Wendy Buchanan, Robert Dalton,

Marketing4ECPs and Cleinman,

Dr. Fallon Patel, Dr. Allison Scott

Optical Prism (ISSN 0824-3441) is published

10 times a year by Quince Communications

Responsibility: Quince Communications

is not responsible for the opinions or

statements of its editors or contributors.

All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article,

photograph or artwork is strictly prohibited.

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Optical Prism are limited to optometrists,

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columns

20 SPOTLIGHT

Calvin Klein wins at Mido

By Suzanne Lacorte

34 LENS TECH

AI Meets UV

How AI is changing UV safety

By David Goldberg

40 OUTLOOK

Leaders in Training

By Dr. Allison Scott

41 OPTICIAN VISION

The Quiet Clinic: How sensory-

smart clinics are reshaping

the eye exam

By Robert Dalton

42 VIEWPOINTS

The Social Hire

By Marketing4ECPs and Cleinman

44 EXPERT EYE

Cultivating Confidence

By Dr. Fallon Patel

46 VISIBILITY

The Big Switch: Essilor Luxottica

Vision Innovation Summit

By Nick Samson

47 See and be Seen: Vision Expo East

By Suzanne Lacorte

on the cover

THE COMPLEXION

EQUATION

Sunwear guidance

by complexion and

hair colour

SURGICAL

SUN CARE

Post-surgical sun

protection for

vulnerable eyes

NATIONAL

VISION

Canada moves toward

a more connected

model of care

AI MEETS UV

Smart UV tracking

shows promise

THE QUIET CLINIC

How sensory-smart clinics

are reshaping the eye

exam experience

Surreal

Appeal

Surreal silhouettes and

floating lenses redefine

modern sunwear

APRIL 2026 • VOL. 44 • NO. 4

The

SUN

Edit

PHOTOGRAPHY: OTP by WestGroupe.

38

C O N T E N T S

departments

8

EDITOR’S LETTER

10 FRESH LOOKS

28 IN THE FRAME

36 EYE LEVEL

48 EYEWEAR ASTROLOGY

50 LAST GLANCE

next issue

› Eye on Wellness

› The Diagnostic Eye

OTPS-2055 | OTPS-2058

| www.westgroupe.com | 1-800-361-6220

WITH THE BRAND’S FOCUS

ON SUSTAINABILITY, OTP OFFERS:

▪Biodegradable acetate, packaging and lens materials

▪Recyclable nose pads

▪Sustainably crafted cases

SUSTAiNABLY MADE

UNAPOLOGETiCALLY COOL

OTP is designed for the Millennial and Gen-Z consumer

with an appreciation for unique and environmentally

friendly eyewear at an affordable price point.

8 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6

E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E R

Shade Matters

SUZANNE LACORTE

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

“We don’t feel

UV damage as it

happens, but the

eye remembers.

Quietly, cumulatively,

it builds long before

the consequences

come into focus.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA WAUGH

here is something about sunglasses that invites a little

bit of mischief.

Maybe it is the way they transform a face. Or the

confidence they seem to carry. Unlike optical, sunwear

gives designers permission to have a little more fun,

and in this issue, we leaned all the way in.

Our Style Eyes pictorial explores surreal sunglasses with unexpected

shapes, floating lenses and playful contrasts. Some feel sculptural.

Others feel almost futuristic. All of them blur the line between eyewear

and art, and it was easily one of my favourite edits to pull together.

Of course, behind all that creativity is a much more serious conversation.

Sun protection sits at the core of this issue, starting with our main

feature exploring how complexion, hair colour and eye colour influ-

ence a patient’s sensitivity to sunlight. It is a topic that does not always

get the attention it deserves, yet it plays an important role in how

ECPs guide patients. The article offers practical insight to help eye care

professionals tailor their recommendations more thoughtfully.

Innovation is also shaping the future of sunwear. In Lens Tech, we

look at how AI-driven smart eyewear is beginning to intersect with

UV awareness. It is not hard to imagine a near future where frames

do more than shield the eyes. They could actively inform and adapt,

helping patients better understand their exposure in real time.

We also turn to post-surgical care in this month’s Optical Insights.

Protecting healing eyes after procedures such as cataract surgery or

LASIK is critical, and sunwear plays a meaningful role in that recovery.

March took us to Orlando for Essilor’s SWITCH event and Vision

Expo East. As always, it was a chance to reconnect with industry peers,

discover new ideas and see where the conversation is heading. You

will find a snapshot of those experiences on our Visibility pages.

What I love about this edit is how it captures both sides of sunwear.

The expressive and the essential. The art and the science.

As the days grow longer and the sun stronger, it feels like the right

moment to revisit not just what we wear in the sun, but how we guide

others to do the same.

And if that guidance comes with a little bit of style and personality,

even better.

MORE PERFORMANCE

with advanced material chemistry,

coupled with optimum contact

lens design,¹ to deliver unbeaten

comfort.*†‡²-4

MORE PARAMETERS

for more precise matches

to virtually every prescription

to fit more patients.5

MORE SUCCESS

because MyDay® helps drive

the profitability of your

contact lens business.6

* Vs. DAILIES TOTAL1® Multifocal and ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL. † Vs. ACUVUE® OASYS 1-Day for ASTIGMATISM, PRECISION1® for ASTIGMATISM and DAILIES TOTAL1® for Astigmatism. ‡ Vs. ACUVUE®

OASYS MAX 1-Day, PRECISION1®, INFUSE® One-Day (US)/ULTRA® ONE DAY (ex-US).

1. CVI data on file, 2024. 2. CVI data on file, 2021 & 2023. MyDay® multifocal compared to DAILIES TOTAL1® Multifocal n=59 & ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL n=56; no statistically significant

differences (p>0.05) on dispensing, days 6 and 13 on application and throughout the day on days 6 and 13. 3. CVI data 2017, 2021 & 2023. MyDay® toric compared to ACUVUE® OASYS 1-Day for ASTIGMATISM

n=20, PRECISION1® for Astigmatism n=47, DAILIES TOTAL1® for Astigmatism n=54; no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) at dispense & after 1-week daily wear on application and removal. 4. CVI data on

file, 2021 & 2023. MyDay® compared to PRECISION1® n=35 (dispense 9.1 vs 9.4 p=0.13, day 5 8.2 vs 8.4 p=0.39), INFUSE® One-Day/ULTRA® One-Day n=64 (dispense 9.3 vs 9.1 p=0.33, day 5 8.3 vs 8.7 p=0.13),

ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day n=68 (dispense 93 vs 95 p=0.18, day 6 88 vs 91 p=0.06). 5. CVI data on file, 2023. Based on prescription option combinations from available published sources (sph, cyl, axis,

ADD) available across all daily disposable soft lenses in sph, toric and MF from CVI, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Bausch + Lomb and Alcon in the US, July 2023. Cosmetic CLs not included. Multiple base curve

variants not included. 6. CVI data on file, 2025. Internal reports and estimates. n=6066. Practice profitability growth when ECP begins fitting MyDay® in concert with clariti® 1 day. ©2026 CooperVision SA*16902

LEARN MORE

ABOUT MYDAY

Sphere

Toric

Multifocal

F R E S H L O O K S

Keep your eyewear options fresh with the latest

models from these leading companies

GIGI STUDIOS

GIGI STUDIOS turns

up the personality for

Spring/Summer 2026

with its March capsule,

Portrait Series, where

eyewear becomes a

statement of charac-

ter. Sculptural shapes,

sharp lines and confi-

dent proportions define

the collection, while

fresh colour plays and

tricolour laminations

bring added depth and

intrigue. From compact

silhouettes to bolder,

more expressive forms,

each piece balances

artistry and wearability,

delivering a polished yet

playful take on modern,

design-driven eyewear.

For more information,

contact your GIGI

Studios sales represent-

ative or visit:

gigistudios.com

1 0 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6

A P R I L 2 0 2 6 | O P T I C A L P R I S M 1 1

F R E S H L O O K S

NINA MÛR

Nina Mûr’s Luminiers cap-

sule collection transforms

eyewear into art. Inspired

by 20th-century design

movements, from the bold

Memphis Group to the poetic

functionality of the Bauhaus,

each frame becomes a study

in facial architecture, blend-

ing geometry, vibrant colours

and clean lines. Crafted from

sustainable materials, the

glasses are designed to be

both worn and contemplated.

The Klee model, with square,

expressive lines, evokes the

lyrical abstraction of Paul

Klee, merging emotion, de-

sign and sculptural presence.

For more information,

contact your Nina Mûr

sales representative

or visit: ninamur.com/en/

RAG & BONE

rag & bone leans into its

laid-back New York attitude

for Spring/Summer 2026,

delivering eyewear that

feels equal parts effortless

and elevated. Think clean

silhouettes with just enough

edge, denim-inspired details

that nod to the brand’s

roots, and bold shapes that

never try too hard. Split

across Urban, City and

Casual moods, the collec-

tion plays with proportion,

texture and attitude, offering

modern, wear-everywhere

frames with a confident,

off-duty cool.

For more information,

contact your Marcolin

sales representative or

visit: marcolin.com

FERILLI

Rooted in the landscape

of Puglia, Ferilli Eyewear

expands its eco-conscious

offering with the Trame –

After Collection. The three

new models, RADIKA,

SPINAE and TERREA,

embed prickly pear cactus

fibres within translucent

cellulose acetate, creating

organic texture and subtle

colour variation. Lightweight,

durable and processed

through a pollutant-free

method, each style is offered

in Natural, Green and Black,

as optical or sunwear, blend-

ing material innovation with

Mediterranean soul.

For more information,

contact your Ferilli sales

representative or visit:

ferillieyewear.it/en/

RB00008 - Christine

RB00007 - Miley

Klee

Terrea

Spinae

1 2 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6

F R E S H L O O K S

F R E S H L O O K S

IC! BERLIN

ic! berlin celebrates 30 years

of creative engineering with

a capsule collection that re-

fines its iconic stainless-steel

aesthetic. Heritage silhou-

ettes meet new minimalist

designs, united by the purity

of polished metal and the in-

troduction of Transformative

Teal, a modern blue-green

tone paired with photochro-

mic lenses. Lightweight,

architectural and unmistak-

ably Berlin, the collection

balances technical precision

with expressive colour,

capturing the brand’s spirit

of independence, innovation

and enduring design clarity.

For more information,

contact your Marcolin

sales representative

or visit: marcolin.com

J.F. REY

J.F. Rey’s SLEDGE series explores the mechanics of style through

architectural engineering and technical precision. A patented screw-

less Flex hinge, seamlessly integrated into the temple, becomes both

structural innovation and visual signature. Crafted from Grade 5 titani-

um, surgical stainless steel, carbon fibre and plant-based acetate, the

collection balances strength with lightness. Satin metallic finishes and

vibrant colour contrasts reinforce the industrial aesthetic, positioning

SLEDGE as a confident expression of performance-driven design.

For more information, contact your J.F. Rey sales representative or

visit: jfrey.fr/en/sledge-collection/

PALOCERAS

Paloceras earns top honours at the

Vision Expo NOW Awards, winning Best

Sunglasses Independent for the Pebble

Milky Blue RX. Defined by soft milky

tones and sculptural, inflated contours,

the design delivers a confident balance

of volume and refinement. The recogni-

tion signals growing momentum for the

emerging brand, whose distinctive aes-

thetic blends playful imagination with

disciplined design, positioning Paloceras

as a compelling new voice in independ-

ent eyewear.

For more information, contact your

Paloceras sales representative or visit:

paloceras.com

JF3135

JF3126

Pebble

Milky Blue

*Based on an average recommendation with quantitative research conducted in 8 countries (Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Italy, UK, and the US) among a representative

sample of 1560 Eye Care Professionals: 1047 opticians, 513 optometrists between January and June 2022. These 8 countries represent: 63% of total world in lens volume. †Twice the

power refers to two (or more) times the depth of volume of non-focused light (by design) compared to that of Essilor® Stellest® lenses, and is not associated with twice the lens

or lenslet power. Additionally, this does not imply a corresponding doubling of efficacy in slowing myopia progression. ‡Based on 12-month results from a prospective, randomized,

double-masked contralateral crossover clinical trial conducted in Singapore on 50 children, in which one eye was equipped with an Essilor® Stellest® lens and the other with Essilor®

Stellest® 2.0 lens. §Based on 12-month results from a prospective, randomized, double-masked contralateral crossover clinical trial conducted in Singapore on 50 myopic children.

The estimated cumulative 1-year axial length change (eye growth) was 0.228 mm with Essilor® Stellest® lenses and 0.121 mm with Essilor® Stellest® 2.0 lenses, corresponding to a

46% relative reduction. 1. Raveendran RN, Ong WS, Lim SY, Lim EW, Chua HR, Drobe B. Effect of increased power and asphericity of lenslets on myopia control efficacy: 6-month

interim results of a contralateral crossover clinical trial. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2025;66:5192 2. EssilorLuxottica data on file (2025). Effect of increased power and asphericity of

lenslets on myopia control efficacy: 12-month results of a contralateral crossover clinical trial.

© Essilor International — February 2026. Essilor®, Evolving Vision™ and Stellest® are trademarks of Essilor International

Essilor® Stellest® 2.0 lenses provide twice the signal,

slowing eye growth in myopic children by 1.88 times

than with the previous generation§

Twice the power,

higher efficacy

‡1,2

Essilor®

1 4 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6

F R E S H L O O K S

LONGCHAMP

Longchamp unveils LO799S, a bold shield

silhouette for Spring–Summer 2026. Crafted

from sustainable, plant-based resin, the

oversized design channels confident Parisian

style with a sculptural, avant-garde edge.

Exclusive hues, including Black and Brick,

enhance its strong lines, while the iconic

Horse emblem and refined temple branding

deliver unmistakable Maison signature in a

fashion-forward sun statement.

For more information, contact your Marchon

sales representative or visit: marchon.com

PRESS EYEWEAR

PRESS Eyewear introduces

I LOVE GOLD, a collector’s

limited-edition debuting at

Silmo Paris. Produced in just

50 numbered pieces, the

series reimagines signature

Streamline and Dreamers

silhouettes through a jew-

ellery-inspired lens, pairing

titanium construction with

a distinctive gold-leaf

effect achieved through an

exclusive triple-plating

technique. Deep matte

black contrasts with

luminous metallic detailing,

while Zeiss brown gold flare

lenses add warmth and

refinement. Handcrafted

in Japan, the collection

balances heirloom crafts-

manship with contem-

porary design, delivering

sculptural eyewear that

feels both luxurious and

highly personal.

For more information,

contact your Press Eye-

wear sales representative

or visit: presseyewear.com

GÖTTI SWITZERLAND

For Spring 2026, Götti

Switzerland introduces

AMALIA and AOSTA, two

ultra-light titanium frames

crafted in Japan. Flowing

butterfly silhouettes and

softly curved lines create a

confident yet refined state-

ment. A subtly wider front

adds presence, while matte

finishes and six understated

colourways highlight each

model’s sculptural shape.

Lightweight and precisely

engineered, both styles

balance technical expertise

with modern femininity for a

polished seasonal update.

For more information,

contact your Götti

sales representative

or visit: gotti.ch

LO799S

Amalia

Aosta

F R E S H L O O K S

ANDY WOLF

The new sunglasses

collection by independ-

ent eyewear brand ANDY

WOLF shows once again

the love for details of

the brand. From modern

aviator styles to classic

wayfarer shapes and

oversized Vintage frames

or round fashion shades

- there is a frame for every-

one! Sculptural silhouettes,

striking acetate tones,

and confident oversized

frames define this season’s

aesthetic and will start the

summer in the right way!

For more information,

contact your Andy Wolf

sales representative

or visit: andy-wolf.com

SPECTAFUL

Spectaful introduces ten new optical styles that

balance evolution with continuity. AURA marks

the brand’s first use of acetate temples, adding

colour and depth to its ultra-light constructions.

Five additional models refine Spectaful’s signa-

ture steel and technopolymer blend, maintaining

an average weight under 10 grams. Together, the

release reinforces the brand’s commitment to ex-

pressive minimalism and Made-in-Italy precision

For more information, contact your Spectaful

sales representative or visit: spectaful.com

AYA OPTICAL

AYA Optical’s Horizon and

Breeze bring a lighter touch

to statement eyewear. These

refined metal frames feel

nearly weightless yet carry

the expressive artwork of

Ojibwe artist Donald Chré-

tien. His signature flowing

lines and symbolic forms

unfold subtly across each

design, offering depth

without excess. The result

is eyewear that balances

comfort with meaning,

where cultural storytelling

is distilled into a quietly

striking, everyday essential.

For more information,

contact your AYA Optical

sales representative or visit:

claudiaalan.com/aya

1 6 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6

Quartz

Paris

Laurel

Dabbie

Horizon and

Breeze

W W W . L A F O N T . C O M

1 8 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6

F R E S H L O O K S

Lodi

Empoli

Alcamo

OGI

Red Rose by OGI’s 2026

collection proves that

restraint can still make a

statement. Think clean

lines, soft geometry and

just enough attitude to turn

heads without trying too

hard. Shot on the streets of

Paris by Anastasiia Ses, the

campaign feels effortless,

cool and completely

current. These are frames

with presence, polished,

wearable and quietly confi-

dent, giving optical profes-

sionals a collection that sells

on style, personality and that

elusive, hard-to-define edge.

For more information,

contact your OGI sales

representative or visit:

theopticalfoundry.com

MYKITA

MYKITA introduces STUDIO

15, a bold exploration of

reduction through its LESS-

RIM construction. Ultra-fine

stainless steel rims recede

into the lens groove, allow-

ing structural elements to

stand out in sharp, graphic

form. Models 15.1 and 15.2

reinterpret rectangular and

panto silhouettes in tonal

metallic finishes, delivering a

MOVITRA

MOVITRA unveils its

Spring/Summer 2026

campaign, Framing the

Future, spotlighting technical

innovation through dramatic,

AI-enhanced visuals. The

Trinitas collection introduces

a three-layer titanium

construction with preci-

sion-adjustable temples,

while the Phaenomenon

Titanium Mask highlights

CNC machining and the

brand’s signature MOTUS

rotation system. Bold,

futuristic and engineered

for performance, the cam-

paign positions MOVITRA

at the forefront of avant-

garde design.

For more information,

contact your Movitra

sales representative

or visit: movitra.com

high-fashion statement rooted

in precision and deconstruction.

For more information, contact

your Mykita sales representa-

tive or visit: mykita.com

NIKE

Nike Vision introduces

the ACG Vista Peak and

Vista Vert as part of the All

Conditions Gear relaunch.

Engineered for trail running

and mountain terrain, the

semi-rim Vista Peak maxi-

mizes sightlines, while the

full-frame Vista Vert delivers

reinforced durability. Built

for unpredictable conditions,

both styles combine rugged

performance with precision

optics for athletes who

thrive outdoors.

For more information,

contact your Marchon

sales representative

or visit: marchon.com

2315

10091619

10091622

© September 2023 Essilor Canada. All rights reserved. All trademarks and registered trademarks are and will remain the property of their respective owners and/or their subsidiaries in Canada.

*Quantitative research conducted among a representative sample of 958 independent ECPs by CSA in February 2019 - France, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, US, Canada, Brazil, China,

India. **Front and back side UV protection up to E-SPF 50TM index.

Long-lasting

protection for your

eyes and lenses.

**

2 0 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6

S P O T L I G H T

t MIDO, subtlety is currency.

The booths are bigger, the

launches louder, the silhouettes

sharper. So when a frame wins

attention for doing less, not

more, you know it is doing something right.

reduced consumption in production and

distribution, supply chain responsibility,

waste reduction and renewable energy use.

In other words, this is sustainability with

receipts.

For Marchon, the win builds on previous

CSE recognition in the Sunglasses and

Cases categories and reinforces its EYES

ON TOMORROW® platform. For the

industry, it signals something even more

compelling. Sustainability is no longer a

side story. It is baked into the blueprint.

For retailers and eye care professionals,

the appeal is obvious. You get a bold,

fashion-forward navigator with instant

brand recognition and a credible environ-

mental narrative that stands up to scrutiny.

At MIDO 2026, excess was everywhere.

The CK25548 chose restraint. And walked

away with the trophy. OP

Enter Marchon Eyewear and Calvin Klein

Eyewear’s CK25548, freshly crowned

winner of the 2026 CSE Award in the

Frames category. Translation: sustainability,

but make it chic.

Let’s talk attitude first. The CK25548 leans

into a navigator silhouette with a broad,

architectural brow and confident stance.

It has presence without theatrics. Think

sharp tailoring in eyewear form. Clean lines.

Controlled proportions. No fuss, no frills,

no apology.

But the real flex is what it is made of.

The frame is crafted from Acetate Renew,

a blend of bio-based and certified recycled

materials designed to reduce reliance on

virgin fossil-based inputs. It looks like pre-

mium acetate because it is premium acetate.

It just happens to carry a lighter footprint.

No sacrifice in polish. No compromise in

durability. Just smarter material choices

behind the scenes.

The temples add a little fashion whisper. A

newly developed design features an all over

monogram pattern, precisely lasered for tex-

ture and dimension. At the hinge, a square

CK emblem lands like a perfectly placed

period at the end of a sentence. Subtle

branding is the new status symbol.

Then there is colour. Alongside classic

Black, the style arrives in three transpar-

ent hues: Brown, Khaki and Blue. Each

translucent tone lets light filter through the

Green is the

New Black

Calvin Klein wins at MIDO, proving bold

navigators and bio-based acetate are the

ultimate power pairing.

The temples add

a little fashion

whisper...an all over

monogram pattern,

precisely lasered

for texture and

dimension.

2026

CSE

AWARD

WINNER

acetate, spotlighting its layered construc-

tion and adding a contemporary edge.

Transparent, but make it intentional.

The CSE Award, now in its fourth edition,

is not handed out lightly. An international

jury evaluates submissions using defined cri-

teria, including the use of recycled materials,

Adrien Brody

2 2 O P T I C A L P R I S M | A P R I L 2 0 2 6

Surreal

APPEAL

Unexpected shapes, floating lenses and playful contrasts

blur the line between art-object and sunwear.

BY SUZANNE LACORTE

S T Y L E E Y E S

A P R I L 2 0 2 6 | O P T I C A L P R I S M 2 3

S T Y L E E Y E S

TIP

Style

When I’m styling surreal

frames, I let them steal the

spotlight. Floating lenses

and unexpected shapes

deserve centre stage,

so I keep clothing

simple, tailored and free

of distractions. Clean lines

and calm colours create

balance. Then I fine-tune

the fit. When bold

design meets professional

precision, the result feels

fearless, flattering and

completely wearable.

— WENDY BUCHANAN,

Eyewear Image Expert

1. The Blaze - BZ4 by Vysen Eyewear 2. Kika by Linda Farrow

3. Pianeta Pink by Retrosuperfuture 4. 0A09508B by Alain Mikli

5. E16 SI by Kuboraum 6. Stanley Kubrick by Jacques Marie Mage

7. Be Seen Sun by Sabine Be 8. X5 Space Atlas by Kuboraum

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