The Right Optics by Silmo

Hosted by Silmo

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Oct 2026

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The Right Optics podcast is brought to you by Silmo, the leading eyewear and optics trade show. Now into its sixth series, ahead of Silmo 2025, broadcaster Nick Coffer interviews key personalities from the optics world. Hear their stories, their passion for optics and their insight into the industry. Please do follow this series in order to get notified of new episodes. Silmo runs from September 26-29, at Parc des Expositions, Villepinte, Paris. To find out more, and to book your ticket, head to www.silmoparis.com, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @silmoparis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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60 recent

October 14, 202631 min

SILMO Paris 2026 : Lunetterie artisanale, verres personnalisés et innovations basse vision

SILMO Paris 2026 : Lunetterie artisanale, verres personnalisés et innovations basse vision Dans cette édition spéciale de The Right Optics, enregistrée à SILMO Paris 2026, Nick Coffer rencontre quatre professionnels qui nous présentent leurs innovations et leurs parcours dans le monde de l'optique. Claire Fabre , fondatrice de Maison Lune , revient sur son SILMO d'Or remporté pour la monture Galet. Elle explique comment elle fabrique ses lunettes à la main dans son atelier de Montpellier, en utilisant des matériaux européens, et ce que cette récompense représente pour l'avenir de sa jeune entreprise. Vincent Chapier , directeur commercial de Mega Optic , présente Evosight VR , une technologie de personnalisation des verres progressifs utilisant un casque de réalité virtuelle et le suivi des mouvements oculaires. Il explique comment ces mesures permettent de mieux prendre en compte le comportement visuel de chaque porteur et de faciliter son adaptation aux verres. Aurélien Pedler , de LESA France , nous fait découvrir Claudia , une lampe spécialement conçue pour les personnes malvoyantes et nominée aux SILMO d'Or 2026. Il explique pourquoi un bon éclairage ne consiste pas simplement à augmenter la luminosité, mais aussi à mieux répartir la lumière pour limiter l'éblouissement et la fatigue visuelle. Enfin, Mathieu Lo , de Nalin Eyewear , nous présente sa jeune marque française et nous parle de son parcours, de ses choix et des défis liés au développement d'une entreprise dans le secteur de la lunetterie. Quatre entretiens enregistrés à Paris Nord Villepinte, au cœur de SILMO Paris. Présenté par Nick Coffer pour SILMO Paris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 13, 202629 min

SILMO Paris 2026: Autofocus Eyewear, Handmade Frames and the Future of Eye Examinations

SILMO Paris 2026: Autofocus Eyewear, Handmade Frames and the Future of Eye Examinations In this special edition of The Right Optics, recorded at SILMO Paris 2026, Nick Coffer explores four very different approaches to improving vision, from new optical technologies to traditional craftsmanship. Bruno Berge , founder of Laclarée , explains how his SILMO d'Or-winning autofocus glasses could offer an alternative to conventional progressive lenses. He discusses the technology, the results of wearer trials and how the glasses can be recalibrated as someone's prescription changes. In Rome, Miriam Possemato of Ottificio creates bespoke eyewear by hand. She tells Nick why every frame begins with a conversation, how she translates a customer's personality into a design and why she prefers traditional craftsmanship to automated production. Andronikos Chrysanthopoulos , a PhD researcher at the University of West Attica and recipient of the 2025 SILMO Academy Bursary, discusses his research into how young adults focus at close distances, the effects of modern visual habits and the importance of identifying problems that can otherwise go unnoticed. Finally, NIDEK introduces PHANTOM , its SILMO d'Or-winning binocular refraction system. Ten years in development, the equipment promises faster, more natural eye examinations. Nick explores what it could mean for opticians, optometrists and their patients. Four conversations recorded at Paris Nord Villepinte. Presented by Nick Coffer for SILMO Paris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 8, 202631 min

SILMO Paris 2026: Design, Innovation and the People Behind the Optics

SILMO Paris 2026: Design, Innovation and the People Behind the Optics In this special edition of The Right Optics, recorded at SILMO Paris 2026, Nick Coffer brings together four conversations spanning eyewear design, professional achievement, accessibility and the optical industry. Sophia Denison , winner of the 2026 SILMO Optical Design Contest, explains the thinking behind DREAMSCAPE, her unconventional eyewear collection designed to encourage daydreaming and challenge how we experience the world around us. Jessica Gowing , from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, joins Nick just moments after being named International Optician of the Year. She reflects on the award and her work developing a specialist optical service for children with complex needs. Christophe Boucher of Eschenbach Optik demonstrates the SILMO d’Or-winning optaro XL , which transforms an iPad into an electronic low-vision aid, helping people with visual impairments read, write and manage everyday tasks. And at the Optical Women's Association's first Start Strong event at SILMO, Nancy Gries and fellow guests discuss the organisation's international growth, the importance of professional networks and the opportunities for women across the optical industry. Four conversations recorded on the show floor at Paris Nord Villepinte. Presented by Nick Coffer for SILMO Paris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 8, 202630 min

SILMO Paris 2026 : Création, recherche et lunettes autofocus

Dans cette édition spéciale de The Right Optics, enregistrée à SILMO Paris 2026, Nick Coffer rencontre quatre invités qui nous parlent de création lunetière, de recherche scientifique et d'innovations dans le monde de l'optique. Caroline Abram , lauréate d'un SILMO d'Or pour sa monture Sakura, revient sur son processus créatif. Elle raconte notamment comment la musique, les voyages et un simple éventail ont inspiré l'une de ses créations, et explique pourquoi les lunettes doivent avant tout refléter la personnalité de celles qui les portent. Aliénor Jumeau , lauréate de la Bourse SILMO Academy 2026, présente ses recherches sur la rétine et la perception visuelle. Elle explique comment une meilleure compréhension des liens entre l'œil et le cerveau pourrait permettre d'améliorer le suivi des patients. Nous découvrons également Hallambyk , une jeune entreprise française, et son approche de l'innovation dans le secteur de l'optique. Enfin, Bruno Berge , fondateur de Laclarée , présente ses lunettes autofocus, récompensées par un SILMO d'Or. Il explique comment cette technologie adapte automatiquement la mise au point à la distance de vision, et les possibilités qu'elle ouvre pour les personnes presbytes. Quatre entretiens enregistrés à Paris Nord Villepinte, au cœur de SILMO Paris. Présenté par Nick Coffer pour SILMO Paris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 25, 202631 min

Adrien Kauffman // l’opticien face à la révolution technologique

Adrien Kauffman est opticien indépendant à Paris depuis plus de vingt ans. Passionné de sciences et de nouvelles technologies, il explore depuis longtemps les liens entre innovation et optique, jusqu’à développer et breveter des solutions permettant de créer des lunettes entièrement sur mesure grâce au scan 3D. Dans cet épisode de The Right Optics, il revient sur son parcours, son choix de rester avant tout opticien et sur l’importance de la relation humaine avec ses clients. Une philosophie qui peut sembler traditionnelle, mais qui nourrit aussi sa vision de l’avenir. Lunettes connectées, intelligence artificielle, personnalisation, données, nouvelles compétences : Adrien est convaincu que la technologie ne fera pas disparaître l’opticien. Elle pourrait au contraire lui donner un rôle encore plus important, celui d’un intermédiaire de confiance entre la technologie, la santé visuelle et le client. Membre du comité des experts SILMO Next, Adrien explique également pourquoi la formation des futurs opticiens doit évoluer dès aujourd’hui pour les préparer à une transformation du métier qu’il considère comme une véritable révolution. Plus d'infos: www.silmoparis.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 14, 202631 min

Dr Waleed Al Ghamdi // SILMO Riyadh and the Future of Optometry in Saudi Arabia

In April 2027, SILMO arrives in Riyadh for the first time, bringing together the international optical industry, the Saudi optometry community and the World Congress of Optometry. Dr Waleed Al Ghamdi, President of the Saudi Society of Optometry, joins Nick Coffer to explore the much bigger story behind the event: the rapid development of optometry in Saudi Arabia and the ambition for the profession to play a greater role in primary eye care. Waleed reflects on his own journey from studying optometry in Saudi Arabia to six years in Sydney, and explains how his experience in Australia helped shape his thinking about what optometry could become back home. The conversation explores access to eye care, avoidable sight loss, diabetes and diabetic retinopathy, childhood vision, dry eye and the particular challenges of the Saudi environment. Waleed also discusses the work of Sight for All Saudi Arabia and why education and training remain central to expanding the profession. Finally, Nick and Waleed look ahead to SILMO Riyadh and the opportunity created by bringing clinical practice, research, education, fashion, technology and the optical industry together under one roof — not simply to bring international expertise into Saudi Arabia, but to show what Saudi optometry can contribute to the wider world. The Right Optics by SILMO is hosted by broadcaster turned optical enthusiast Nick Coffer. https://www.silmoparis.com/en/silmo-family/silmo-riyadh https://optivision.sa/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 24, 202637 min

International Optician of the Year 2026: The Finalists – Part Two

Nick Coffer meets the remaining three finalists for the 2026 International Optician of the Year Award. Karen Michaelson discusses the deeply personal story behind her work exploring vision and cognitive change; Martyn Howlett shares how SeeAbility is transforming eye care for children with learning disabilities; and Canada's Janine Santiago-Nagi explains how she's making professional eye care more accessible to the multicultural communities she serves. Together, they complete our introduction to the six opticians hoping to be named as International Optician of the Year at Silmo Paris. A conversation about dementia, learning disabilities, accessible eye care – and the many different ways great opticianry can change lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 16, 202645 min

International Optician of the Year 2026: The Finalists – Part One

In the first of two special episodes, Nick Coffer meets three of the six finalists for the 2026 International Optician of the Year Award. Jessica Gowing shares her remarkable work in specialist paediatric dispensing at Great Ormond Street Hospital; New Zealand's Steve Stenersen reflects on more than three decades of craftsmanship, teaching and patient care; and American Master Optician Cira Collins explains why she calls herself an “optical futurist”. Plus, Elaine Grisdale from the International Opticians Association talks about this year's shortlist and the remarkable diversity, passion and soul of all the nominees. A conversation about extraordinary dispensing, the craft and future of opticianry, and three very different careers united by a determination to make a difference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 10, 202643 min

André Leal // From Family Legacy to a New Vision for Optical Retail

In this episode of The Right Optics by SILMO , Nick Coffer meets André Leal , the second generation behind André Opticas, one of Portugal’s best-known independent optical businesses. André’s parents were just 19 and 20 when they took the extraordinary gamble of buying their first store in 1981 - only four months after André himself was born. What followed was 15 years without a holiday and a determination to seek out eyewear and ideas from across Europe that simply weren’t available in Portugal. André literally grew up in the business, eventually working his way through every department before taking on its leadership. Today, André Opticas has six stores and around 70 people, combining optometry with independent eyewear, restoration, bespoke frame-making and remarkable retail design. Nick and André talk about family, craftsmanship, the award-winning Chiado store, why eyewear can be a “functional sculpture”, and why André believes the future of independent optics lies not in competing with AI and automation, but in doubling down on expertise, experience and human connection. A warm and inspiring chat about family, ambition, beautiful eyewear, extraordinary spaces and the enduring power of human connection in optics. https://www.silmoparis.com/en Silmo Paris - 25th - 28th September, Paris Villepinte Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 17, 202632 min

Rebecca Thompson // Why Great Frames Don't Sell Themselves

Nick Coffer sits down with eyewear stylist, dispensing optician, consultant and writer Rebecca Thompson to explore one of the biggest missed opportunities in the optical industry: what happens after a frame reaches the practice. The industry invests huge amounts of time and money into sell-in - convincing practices to stock a brand. But Rebecca argues that the real opportunity lies in sell-through : helping practices tell compelling stories, build confidence and create meaningful connections between eyewear and the people who wear it. Together, they discuss: Why getting stocked is only half the battle. The power of storytelling over discounting. Why practices often recommend only a handful of the brands they stock. How behavioural science influences every eyewear purchase. Why confidence – in products, people and conversations – drives better outcomes. The opportunities hiding between suppliers, practices and customers. Drawing on experience across almost every part of the optical industry, Rebecca offers practical insights for brands, independent practices and anyone interested in how great products become great customer experiences. Find out more about Silmo 2026 at www.silmoparis.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.