Feb. 9, 2024 — Mido, an international optical trade show, concluded its 52nd event, Feb. 3-5 in Milan, hosting more than 40,000 attendees (up 11% from last year) from 160 countries, and more than 1,200 exhibitors throughout seven pavilions.

Mido organizers describe the show’s atmosphere as “culture, cross-fertilization, exchange of views on the industry’s future,” citing discussions about beauty, design, and passion with guests like Diego Dalla Palma, Ico Migliore, and Ernst Knam for MIDday Talks, a series that will continue throughout the year. Sustainability and inclusion were also central topics of the show, highlighted by the Certified Sustainable Eyewear (CSE) program presentation and the Empowering Optical Women Leadership Program, respectively.

“Sustainability and inclusion are two topics dear to [the Italian Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers (ANFAO)], and we made that clear this year with the presentation of two key projects that highlight the actual, visible efforts of the association,” says Lorraine Berton, president of ANFAO, the organization behind the CSE and women leadership program. 

The event hosted three discussions focused on myopia and presbyopia, which led to a major joint agreement during the meeting titled, “Presbyopia and Multifocal Lens Prescription: The Patient's Ideal Path from the Eye Doctor to the Optical Center and Vice Versa.” A development program was presented that would enable opticians, in a situation that requires medical intervention, to relay information to ophthalmologists with the patient’s consent. 

Mido award winners were announced, honoring exhibitors and industry professionals who display commitment to improving themselves and their profession: 

• The Bestore Awards recognize optical centers that display excellence in design and innovation. The 2024 Bestore Design winner is Leneta, and the 2024 Bestore Innovation winner is Ótica Maxivisão.
• The Stand Up for Green award honors the most sustainably produced exhibition booth. This year’s winner is CSO Italia.
• The CSE Award honors exhibitors that produce eyewear with sustainability in mind. This year’s winners are Rolf and Longchamp in the sunglasses category, Tommy Hilfiger and Natura in the frames category, and Llexan Italia and Europe Exploris Asia Limited in the cases category. 

According to Mido organizers, approximately 400 accredited journalists attended the show, resulting in more than 150 articles published in a range of languages. Additionally, Mido’s social channels reached twice as many people compared to last year, and the Mido 2024 Digital Edition earned nearly 12,000 subscribers.

The 2025 event is set to take place Feb. 8-10 at the Fiera Milano in Italy.