BY  JILLIAN URCELAY

Silhouette International Launches New House Brand… For the first time in 50 years, Silhouette announces the launch of a new house brand, neubau eyewear, inspired by the hip district in Vienna filled with contemporary culture, art and music. Product will be shown during Vision Expo East in April during its soft launch and will be available to the public in July.

The Vision Council Announces Publication of ANSI Z80.3-2015, Nonprescription Sunglasses and Fashion Eyewear Requirements… The Vision Council has announced the publication by ANSI of the 2015 revision of Standard Z80.3, Nonprescription Sunglasses and Fashion Eyewear Requirements, which properly explains and clarifies concepts and principles, along with closely aligning requirements of this standard with related applicable provisions in existing U.S. and international standards.

Reptile Sun Announces New Consumer Protection Policy… Reptile Sun has announced a new protection policy that offers a replacement for any stolen or lost plano Reptile sunglass during the first year of ownership. Within the first 30 days of purchasing a frame, consumers must register their sunglasses online, and if the frames go missing, they will only be responsible for shipping costs.

Eponym Partners with DITTO to Launch 3D Virtual Try-On Technology… The eyewear licensing company eponym has partnered with DITTO to launch an innovative, advanced virtual try-on technology. This technology is now available on its eyewear brands Classic Specs’ and Steven Alan Optical’s e-commerce websites.

The Vision Council Releases New Report at the 2016 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)… The Vision Council has released its latest report examining the effect of digital media on vision health, “Eyes Overexposed: Digital Device Dilemma.” During its release at CES, The Vision Council connected with attendees to educate them on the benefits of computer glasses and coatings, along with the latest in computer eyewear technology.

Bard Optical Donates Eyeglasses to Students In Need… Bard Optical has announced its “75 Pairs for 75 Years” program, which donates eyeglasses to public school students in need, within the communities the company serves. The program will run throughout 2016 and plans to deliver up to 75 pairs of glasses per neighborhood. Marchon Eyewear has also generously donated 1,000 pairs of children’s frames to this cause.

Caviar Becomes an Ingredient Branding Partner with Swarovski… Ultra Palm Optical has announced that Caviar eyewear is now officially an Ingredient Branding partner with Swarovski, formally certifying Caviar’s use of exclusively Swarovski crystals within its products.

Marchon Eyewear Announces Columbia Sportswear License… Marchon Eyewear has signed an exclusive global licensing agreement with Columbia Sportswear, to manufacture and distribute Columbia-branded sun and ophthalmic collections.