Sept. 5, 2024 — From Sept. 20-23, the Silmo Paris international optical trade show will bring together professionals from the eyecare industry at the Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition center. With over 900 exhibitors and 1,500 brands across 75,000 square meters, the event will provide a platform for exchanging ideas, exploring trends, and discussing the future of the optics industry.

Silmo Paris highlights additional features of the upcoming show:

• Showcasing trends and craftsmanship: Visitors can explore the latest eyewear trends in the Trends Forum, which will showcase “the best optical and sunglasses frames” from exhibitors. Additionally, the Best Craftsmen of France workshops will feature the expertise of French artisans will demonstrate techniques such as custom frame design and hand-shaping. Separately, the Design Challenge will feature innovative eyewear made from plant-based materials, created by design students and interns as part of the team-based competition that paired design students with interns from the École de Lunetterie de Morez.
• The OPTympics: The OPTympics is a competition that tests the practical and theoretical skills of opticians. Participants will engage in a series of tests focusing on specific aspects of their profession, including evaluating lenses, measuring frames, and fitting skills. These challenges are designed to assess technical knowledge and provide opportunities for professional development. Opticians are welcome to participate in the challenges multiple times during the event, which runs from Friday to Sunday. Each participant’s scores will contribute to the final country rankings.
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Silmo Paris will offer guides that help companies integrate sustainable and ethical practices, such as eco-friendly sourcing and packaging. These resources aim to reduce the ecological impact of optical businesses and promote diversity and transparency in the supply chain.
• Education + professional development: Presented by the International Opticians Association, the International Optician of the Year Award will recognize outstanding professionals for their vision and commitment to opticianry. Separately, Silmo Job is a recruitment initiative that will help connect employers and job seekers in the industry. Registration is open here for opticians and companies.

For more of what Silmo Paris has to offer, click here.