Generation Kioto by Kiotonakamura

Kiotonakamura, renowned for its colorful and confident designs, presents their new collection. This series is accompanied by a unique campaign that blends AI-generated images with creative craftsmanship, showcasing the brand’s innovative approach. This is the first time that brand has launched a line of sunglasses on the market alongside prescription frames. The new Generation Kioto campaign honors beauty at every age and celebrates individuality and uniqueness. The diverse models, that are bringing the photo campaign to life, and the equally diverse spectacles show that personal style knows no age limits.

September 2024

Etnia Barcelona x America’s Cup

Etnia Barcelona has crafted a limited-edition collection to celebrate the 37th America’s Cup, marking the first time this prestigious event is being hosted in Barcelona. The capsule includes 8 models, each drawing inspiration from the nautical world and the competitive spirit of sailing, with designs that echo the geometric shapes of sailboats, among other maritime elements. In celebration of the world’s most important sailing competition, the new sun capsule is engineered to deliver optimal visual clarity on the water, featuring cutting-edge polarized mineral lenses with HD technology.

September 2024

Theme Park by De Rigo

De Rigo Foundation, which is committed to supporting the health and education of young people, announces its involvement in the creation of the first inclusive theme park in Europe to be built within the City of Bologna park in the municipality of Belluno. The project promoted by Belluno Fire Brigade Recreational Club will be inaugurated in October 2024. Barbara De Rigo, President of the De Rigo Foundation said: “We imagined a place where every child would be able to play, explore and grow in a safe and welcoming environment.”

September 2024

New Retro Inspiration by Andy Wolf

The latest release from independent eyewear brand Andy Wolf highlights the essence of the label: retro-inspired designs, meticulous craftsmanship, and most notably, daring color selections. This season, the Austrian eyewear label comes up with numerous innovations in both optical glasses and sunglasses, featuring new frame styles, unique exclusive colors, and a premium luxury line. You can find the latest eyewear designs of independent brand Andy Wolf, which offer elegance and comfort, on the brand’s website.

September 2024

Elay Optik

ELAY OPTİK
Development Oriented

Silmo Istanbul, which we look forward to every year with great excitement, is a very important organization for us to come together with our colleagues and follow the sector.

Hello Ms. Elif. First of all, could you introduce yourself a little and tell us about how you started in the optical sector?

Hello, I was born in Bursa in 1999. I graduated from health vocational high school as a nurse in 2017. After working as an operating room nurse in the private sector for a while, I resigned and took the university exam and won the Bilgi University Opticianry department in 2019. I graduated two years later and started working as an intern in a store in Bursa. I learned the job in a very short time with the responsibilities given by my boss and colleagues. I would like to thank my boss Ergün Karaçanak, President of the Turkish Optician-Glasses Association, and his colleagues for teaching me our profession in the most accurate way and for their support.

When did you open Elay Optik? Could you briefly talk about the establishment story of your store?

We opened our first store, Elay Optik, in Nilüfer district of Bursa towards the end of 2022. The location of our store is on a busy street and close to the hospital. In our store, the most important point we have attached importance to since the installation phase has been that our customers feel safe, feel in a friendly environment and receive quality service.

What are the most sold optical and sunglasses brands in your store?

It is not an appropriate approach for us to make a distinction between the most sold brands in our store. Due to our location, we aim to reach the model and brand that is suitable for every budget, suitable for the person’s daily life, suitable for their own style, suitable for their face and comfortable, regardless of the brand. Therefore, we try to offer a wide range of lenses, contact lenses, optical frames and sunglasses.

Designer brands are very popular in recent years. Do you also receive such requests from your customers?

Yes, we also receive requests in this direction. Nowadays, designer brands have become quite popular. We try to keep design-oriented brands in our store as much as we can according to the demands of our customers.

What are your after sales services?

As a company, we always value after-sales service and work completely customer satisfaction-oriented. Regardless of the product our customers buy, we offer all necessary services such as replacement and repair in case of damage.

Do you think the sales and training information provided within the sector is sufficient?

Frankly speaking, we do not find sectoral trainings sufficient. For this reason, we take care to closely follow the innovations in the optical sector. In this context, we constantly improve ourselves by participating in various online trainings and events.

Street stores or being located in a shopping mall? What is your preference and what are the reasons?

Our preference is of course the high street stores. Due to its location, our store is in a situation where everyone can easily reach by public transportation or personal vehicles without parking problems. Our aim is to create our own customer base and take our growth steps.

As one of the retailers, what are your views on the price competition between you and your colleagues?

As in every sector, price competition has an important place in the optical sector. As Elay Optik, we manage this situation by making a difference in our pre and after sales services. We ensure that our customers have a pleasant shopping experience by providing quality service.

Do you follow international optical fairs and sectoral developments abroad?

Yes, we follow and research the optical fairs organized abroad, especially on social media. In this way, we have the opportunity to see many different brands and models. It enables us to always offer the most up-to-date and trendy products to our customers. It is among our plans to participate in international fairs in the future.

How would you evaluate the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which will be held for the 11th time with its new and larger service area?

I think Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair is a very important organization for our industry. Silmo Istanbul offers us the opportunity to come together with many of our colleagues and exchange ideas and closely examine innovations on behalf of our industry. We follow it with great excitement every year and try to visit it.

Thank you very much for this precious interview. What are your thoughts about our magazine 4 your eyes, which has switched to digital publication for the last two years?

First of all, as Elay Optik family, thank you for including us in your magazine. We believe that 4 your eyes magazine is much more beneficial to be published digitally in terms of reaching more colleagues and renewing itself, and we follow each issue closely. Thank you for your contributions and efforts to our profession.

 September 2024

Optomod Optik

Optomod Optik

Experience in Eyewear

Silmo Istanbul has a structure that develops, grows and renews itself every year. I believe that the fair will be very fruitful for our business this year as in the past years. 

Hello Mr. Eli. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about how your journey in the optical industry started?

Hello, Mr. Eli. First of all, thank you for doing this interview with me. I have been in the optical sector since about 2012. We have been in the sector for more than ten years. However, I got all my experience from my father Hayim Yanarocak, the founder of our company. Even as a child, I always came to our company, so we can say that I grew up in the business. Even when I was studying at university in Italy, my only dream was to come back here and help my father. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to my success and for making it possible for me to achieve this success.

As Optomod Optik, you are marketing and distributing many brands. Could you tell us about your brands and their characteristics?

As everyone knows, if Optomod Optik exists, it is thanks to the Exess brand. Exess equals Optomod for me. However, unfortunately, due to today’s conditions, we cannot launch the Exess brand on the market. Of course, this does not mean that we will not. We continue to work on it. Another brand is Dutz, which is our most popular brand at the moment and we receive a lot of demand. It has only optical frames and has three series: acetate/metal/titanium. The acetates are made from Mazzuchelli acetate, the best acetate in Italy. In metals, laki material is used, which ensures that the steel part of i-phone phones is not scratched. Titanium is beta titanium. However, the most important feature is the originality of the colors of the raw material in the body. Therefore, there is no discoloration. Since these products are given these guarantees, the product changes 100% under all conditions. Another Group we work with is Oxibis. This company is French-based. Its products are produced in France. We have two brands from this company. Dilem and Exalto. Exalto is a more classic brand for men. Dilem is completely technological. It is colored. Each pair of glasses comes with 1 pair of extra temples. The temples of the glasses can change. The purpose here is the ability to buy 2 glasses for the price of 1 glasses. If desired, the variety can be increased by buying extra temples of other types.

You are also collaborating with Charmant Group. What would you like to say about Charmant Group brands?

Yes, we also work with the world-famous Japanese company Charmant Group. There are 4 brands in this group, Charmant, Minamoto, Esprit and Elle. Charmant brand is divided into 4 main groups. The Ad-Lib group is an optical frame consisting of colored titanium only, which is more mobile and appeals to a relatively young generation. Charmant TP group are optical frames consisting only of titanium, consisting of more classic glasses and appealing to the middle group in terms of price. Charmant XL, known in the market as Line Art, is a work of art as the name suggests. Its titanium feature is ‘Excellence Titanium’ which is patented only by Charmant Group. Charmant ZT, on the other hand, appeals to the upper group and men. It is a special titanium material consisting of a mixture of titanium and zircon. It stands out with its durability and robustness. Likewise, plaques and terminals have the feature used in Line Art models. Minamoto brand is the newest brand of Charmant Group. Its feature is that it is among the lightest glasses in the world. The material of the glasses is the same material used in Samurai swords. Titanium is added inside. Esprit and Elle are license brands of Charmant Group. They both appeal to the middle group. There are products suitable for all age groups. Esprit is a brand that can be worn more active and comfortable. The biggest feature of the Esprit brand is that it is the first brand in the world to produce Ultem material. Lightness and comfort are at the forefront. Elle is more elegant and appeals to women. It consists of acetate and metal frames. The 2025 sun collection of both brands will be brought.

With more than 35 years of experience, does Optomod Optik plan to add new portfolio to its brands or create its own brands?

J.F. Rey brand is our newest brand transfer. J.F. Rey, a French brand, is produced in France and Italy. It appeals to all kinds of segments. There is a very wide range of products from the most eccentric model to the most classic model. However, we will soon incorporate two new brands. We are looking forward to the first presentation of our new brands at Silmo Istanbul. But for now, we want their names to be a surprise. When it comes to creating our own brand, it really requires a separate organization and time. At the moment, these opportunities do not appear in the near future. But nothing is certain. Why not in the future?

Which promotion and marketing methods do you use to increase brand awareness?

We are a company that believes that our customers make the best advertisement. But of course, we have our activities. Our popular brand Dutz is currently beautifying the faces of many celebrities. The first names that come to my mind are Selçuk Yöntem, Armağan Çağlayan, Fatih Portakal. Apart from this, we aim to announce our brands to the wider society through your magazine 4 your eyes.

In the light of your experience in the sector, how would you evaluate the current state, development and near future of the Turkish optical sector?

Our sector continues to develop day by day. The only problem, in our opinion, is that people update themselves very slowly against innovation. However, we have started to accelerate in this regard. I hope that the development will be much faster with the new young generations joining our sector.

Do you follow international fairs and what are your thoughts on this subject?

There are 2 main international fairs for us. One is Mido and the other is Silmo Paris. Both are very important for the sector. We understand the new trends and what awaits us next year thanks to these fairs. It is a great pleasure for me to go to these fairs and learn something new every year.

As an exhibitor, how would you evaluate Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which will be held for the 11th time with its new and larger service area?

Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair has a structure that develops, grows and renews itself every year. I think it has a tremendous importance in terms of bringing together the dynamics of the sector. The fact that the fair has already taken the name Silmo is an indication that the organizers have set out with solid and big goals. We appreciate the seriousness and intensive labor in every sense. I believe that Silmo Istanbul will be very fruitful for our business this year as in the past years.

Thank you very much for this valuable interview. Finally, could we learn your views on the evolution of our magazine 4 your eyes into digital publishing?

I personally find it very important that your magazine 4 your eyes adapts to the times, because the internet has become an indispensable part of our business. In this way, accessing every issue online offers us great comfort. We wish success to your entire team and thank them for their efforts.

September 2024

Kaleos

Celebrating 10 Years

Kaleos, a design and shape-oriented eyewear brand, aims not only to stay up to date with its series but at the same time aims to lead the trends.

Kaleos reinvents the concept of contemporary eyewear, bringing together design, fashion and luxury. Fashion, innovation and quality are the values that inspire and guide Kaleos, but it is its creative nature that makes the brand stand out and ensures its success. Thanks to her rich experience in fashion, Creative Director Claudia Brotons has all the knowledge, intuition and talent a luxury brand like Kaleos needs. In collaboration with the world’s leading manufacturers, Kaleos Studio’s engineering team designs parts, assemblies, unique transparencies and exclusive glass colors for the brand’s collections. We interview Creative Director Claudia Brotons, who has been instrumental in the success of the Barcelona-based eyewear brand, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, about Kaleos’ new collaboration, its new showroom and its commitment to the pursuit of innovation.

As Kaleos celebrates its 10th anniversary, how has the brand evolved in terms of style, identity, and innovation? What are some key milestones that have shaped its journey so far?

The design has undergone a significant transformation over these 10 years. As a contemporary company, we aim not only to stay current but also to lead. We continuously engage in research on design possibilities, trends, and innovative constructions to present an exceptionally forward-thinking product. Our unwavering focus on shape has remained constant over the years. Besides all the design matters we believe that the service we provide to the opticians and our close relationship between customers and customer service continuously play an important role in our growth. We believe that the combination of all these leads us to where we are today and definitely has shaped our journey so far.

What initially attracted Kaleos to collaborate with Hey, and how does this partnership align with the brand’s overarching philosophy of “The Beautiful Shape”?

We believe in different synergies and the added value and inspiration from two different sides. Hey is a creative studio specialising in graphic design and illustration that masters the art of visual language. They are known for their use of colour and irreverent visual code, and we thought their expertise on this would make a super nice addition to the development of our brand Dna “The Beautiful Shape”. Hey x Kaleos eyewear evokes the playful essence of Hey’s colourful drawings while being technically very complex. This collaboration perfectly incorporates the essence of both brands: focus on shape with an irreverent visual code.

In what ways does the new showroom reflect Kaleos’ commitment to innovation and creativity, beyond just the design of your eyewear collections?

Our new showroom is completely linked to our commitment to innovation, creativity, and our brand DNA. It’s fundamental to us to be surrounded by objects that breathe authenticity. Design objects with special shapes make part of our everyday lives. At home, at the office, at our showroom, everywhere. Design and shapes are our foundation and of course, this needed to be imperative when renovating our showroom.

As Kaleos continues to progress, what values and principles remain constant for the brand? How do these values influence the design process?

As I just mentioned earlier, design and shapes are our foundation. As a modern company, we also must keep up with the times. We are constantly on the lookout for design suggestions, trends, and new constructions to be able to offer innovative product designs always with a focus on shape.

What surprises are waiting for us in the near future regarding Kaleos? Are you thinking about new collaborations?

Yes, I can actually inform you that Kaleos has started preparations for a ‘super limited edition’ collection that we have never done before and that already excites us a lot. But unfortunately this is all I can say for now.

Source: 20/20 Europe

September 2024

Our Eyes Have Grown Old Too

The 21st century has brought humanity a longer and healthier life. However, elderly diseases have also increased.

Dr. Gülşah Tezcan said, “While the frequency of cataracts is 35% on average at the age of 60, over 80% cataracts are seen in the 80s. It is estimated that nearly 100 million people worldwide have decreased vision due to cataracts. The main cause of cataracts is aging, but in some cases cataracts are seen at an earlier age. These conditions include eye trauma, diabetes, some eye diseases such as uveitis (inflammation of the eye), prolonged use of cortisone-containing drugs, not protecting the eyes from the sun, and not paying attention to nutrition. The only treatment is a painless surgery that takes about 20 minutes. As in the world, the incidence of cataracts is increasing in our country as the population ages.” On the other hand it is possible to take some measures to prevent cataract and slow its progression.

  • Protecting from the sun by wearing UV-coated glasses or sunglasses.
  • Being careful about cortisone use and avoiding it as much as possible.
  • Keeping blood sugar levels at a low level for diabetics.
  • Eating foods rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and carotenoids (bell peppers, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, oranges, spinach, tomatoes, watermelon).
  • Not smoking and not drinking too much alcohol.

September 2024

Danger of a Blindness Epidemic in Gen Z

Experts warned against the increasing risk of “blindness epidemic” in Gen Z as they don’t go out as much as before. Constantly looking at the screens of technological devices and staying away from daylight can trigger a wave of blindness.

Increased screen time means Gen Z is missing out on natural light, which is vital during their formative years. This has the potential to have a devastating long-term impact on their eyesight. The UK, where the research was conducted, has seen a 46 percent increase in cases over the last 30 years, while cases of myopia are on the rise worldwide. But the figures have reached “epidemic levels” with eye surgeons warning that the situation will get worse.

Children Are Not Getting Enough Dopamine

Experts say that children who stay indoors on computers during adolescence do not get enough dopamine, which damages their eyes. Another factor that can trigger this epidemic is the amount of time spent looking at phones and tablets held inches away from the face. This can cause myopia, or nearsightedness. Myopia does not just mean wearing glasses. Severe cases can lead to blindness.

Research suggests that bad cases of myopia in young people increase the likelihood of developing macular degeneration by 41 percent. One type of age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness.

September 2024

Age-related Eyebrow and Eye Ptosis

Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Ufuk Askeroğlu explained for us what is curious about eyebrow and eye ptosis, which is the problem of many people today.

Eyebrow and eye ptosis has become a problem experienced by many people today. This drooping can be seen in one or both eyes. In some cases, a slight sagging occurs, and in some cases, the sagging of the eyebrows or eyelids can fall down to the level of the pupils. In these and similar cases, vision is restricted and patients may experience vision loss. Eyebrow tissue is very soft and can weaken. Weak eyebrows can cause a tired appearance. In addition to appearance, it can also cause visual discomfort.

Various brow lift methods can make you look younger and more energetic. Eyebrows have a great effect on facial expressions. Asymmetrical and drooping eyebrows can reduce expression and cause self-confidence problems.

There may be more than one cause of droopy eyelids. Eyelid drooping occurs with the weakening of the eyelid muscles. As we age, the muscles that lift and hold the eyelids open weaken. Weak muscles become heavier and come under the influence of gravity. In some cases, the disorder can be congenital. During development in the womb, the muscles that open the eyelids may be underdeveloped.

How to treat droopy eyelids and the accompanying problems?

In the Bella Eyes procedure, the eyebrows are lifted by pulling them up and the eyes appear more slanted than they are. This procedure; It is preferred by people who have started to fall from the edges of the eyes, crow’s feet and eyelids. Thanks to the application, people can get rid of these problems and achieve the vibrant and youthful appearance they want. Trinity Lift surgery is also frequently performed in combination with Bella Eyes. Since both are performed through the same incision, both mid-face and brow lift are achieved at the same time. Since it is a surgical procedure, it must be performed by an expert plastic surgeon. The biggest advantage is that it leaves no scars and the incision remains completely in the scalp. The operation can be performed in the hospital overnight and the patient can return to normal life within 7 days on average.

Pay attention to these after the procedure!

Some conditions must be taken into consideration for a fast and completely scarless recovery after Bella Eyes application. Since this procedure is not a very long and difficult surgical intervention, patients are not expected to experience serious complications, but faster recovery can be achieved by paying attention to certain points.

  • It is recommended not to lie face down for about a week.
  • Doctor’s recommendations and warnings must be followed.
  • Ice should continue to be applied on the first day. It helps to remove swelling and bruises in the area.
  • Swelling on the face after surgery will naturally disappear in about 1 week.
  • The surgical scars formed during the surgery should be protected from sunlight and sunbathing for 2-3 months.

September 2024