In late September, SILMO, the International Optics and Eyewear Exhibition, took place at the Paris-Villepinte Exhibition Center. This essential exhibition for the world of optics welcomes not only opticians but also orthoptists, ophthalmologists, and students from these disciplines.
SILMO hosted 900 exhibitors for some 34,000 visitors, predominantly opticians (60%), with 57% international and 43% French attendees. Among the exhibitors, three-quarters were international (mainly Chinese) and 25% French. Generally, visitors come to discover new products, see new trends, and meet suppliers.
All innovations are presented; it's an opportunity to discover, learn, exchange ideas about our profession as opticians, and expand our fields of action.
INNOVATION could summarize this exhibition: with 3D glasses, futuristic sports glasses, virtual glasses trials, frame manufacturing with 3D printers, low-vision aids... innovation is increasingly present, and opticians are realizing that they cannot ignore these new technologies.
SILMO offers a comprehensive overview of the entire profession:
- Training: optical schools like the Victor Bérard High School in Morez or the ICO in Bures-sur-Yvette are present.
- Certification laboratories such as ALUTEC in Morez.
- Shop equipment and optical material: Nidek edgers, for example.
- Sports glasses with specific products: Demetz, Nike...
- Major eyewear brands: Calvin Klein, CliC, Lacoste...
- Designers: KROM, JF Rey...
- Contactology, low-vision...
The big guest of this exhibition is BLUE LIGHT, present at all lens manufacturers: Tokai, Hoya, Nikon, BBGR... Essilor even won a SILMO d'Or with an anti-blue light lens. This SILMO represents a general awareness of the need to protect ourselves from this blue light emitted by our screens, LEDs...
SILMO also includes the Academy, a series of training sessions and conferences, this year on the theme of reading and led by various optical professionals. We had the chance to see and listen to Professor Yves Pouliquen, ophthalmologist and academician, Professor Resnikoff ophthalmologist, Langis Michaud, a Quebec optometrist...
The Varionet team was fortunate enough to participate in this exhibition and its various related events, and to meet a large number of professionals; we will share these experiences with you throughout the year...
