Welcome to Eyewear Artwalk, three days of fusing eyewear, art, music, and fashion into one eclectic immersive experience. In this episode, Dr. Darryl Glover interviews the innovative vision of Charlene Nichols, a trailblazer in the eyewear industry. Nichols is renowned for her impactful work with The Vision Show, The Omniverse City, and Optical Near Me, and she takes us on a fascinating journey through the conception and evolution of the Eyewear ArtWalk.

This unique event, created in collaboration with Stephen Fournier and Roberto Camelli, reshapes how we perceive eyewear by integrating it with diverse cultural elements such as music and fashion. Join us as we explore groundbreaking lens technology that enhances gaming and sports performance, the inclusivity and affordability of these industry-altering events, and how the Eyewear Artwalk sets a new standard in the optical world.

• Charlene Nichols: Pioneering Change in the Eyewear Industry
• What is the Eyewear Artwalk?
• Hue Lens: Enhancing Gaming and Sports Performance
• Accessibility and Affordability of Eyewear Artwalk Events
• How do I Purchase tickets to the Eyewear Artwalk?

Dr. Darryl Glover:

Are you ready to elevate your fashion sense to the next level? Imagine eyewear that doesn’t just complement your look but actually engages in a dialogue with art. Are you prepared to be a game-changer? To uplift not just your practice but also your apparel and mindset?

Dr. Darryl Glover:
I’m curious to hear more about your journey. What’s new since our last meeting?

Charlene Nichols:

Thank you, Dr. Glover. That’s quite a question! Let me start here: we’ve engaged with nearly every key player in the industry – CEOs, VPs, and marketing heads of various brands. Most people know me through my work with Vision Show, Optical Near Me, and some from my earlier days at OptiSource. As part of Essilor, I gained unique insights into the industry, interacting with groups like VisionSource and PERC. Talking to hundreds of industry leaders and founders has given me a multifaceted view of our field, looking through various lenses, you might say.

Dr. Darryl Glover:

That’s fantastic – bridging the gap in such a dynamic industry. And speaking of bridging gaps, tell us about the exciting event you’re organizing: Eyewear Artwalk. The name itself is incredibly impactful. Could you delve into the concept behind it? What inspired this initiative? Let’s explore Eyewear Artwalk in more detail.

Charlene Nichols:

It’s vital for people to grasp the essence of Eyewear Artwalk. This concept was initially conceived by Stephen Fournier, the founder of Casanova Eyewear. Alongside him, Roberto Camelli, a revered figure in the Italian eyewear industry, plays a key advisory role, leveraging his extensive experience and financial acumen. Casanova Eyewear, a brand synonymous with exclusivity and luxury, has even graced the likes of celebrities like Lady Gaga. It’s designed by Kingdom Eyewear, known for their innovative frames.

Eyewear Artwalk, in its inception, was a physical extension of our virtual events during the pandemic. Even before the easing of social distancing, we initiated this unique concept. Collaborating with the Certified Opticians Association of Texas, we organized a tour across Texas, where opticians-turned-artists displayed their art in hotel hallways, transforming these spaces into vibrant shopping venues.

This initiative responded to the demand for physical interactions amidst the virtual shift. Post-pandemic, as the world returned to normalcy and trade shows resumed, we recognized the need to evolve. The rebirth of Eyewear Artwalk integrates our learnings about new consumer preferences, especially from the Gen Z and millennial demographic. Our approach is to blend eyewear with broader cultural elements like music, fashion, and art, opening up collaborative opportunities across industries.

Our brand’s renaissance coincides with major events like Coachella and Art Basel, positioning us at the forefront of innovation and coolness in the optical industry. It’s more than just a festival; it’s a movement reshaping perceptions and celebrating the confluence of eyewear, art, and culture.

Dr. Darryl Glover:

This is a remarkable opportunity. Could you delve a bit deeper into the brand itself, particularly the lens technology that you’ve been emphasizing? I’m eager to hear more about this aspect.

Charlene Nichols:

Lens technology is provided by Color Boost, which has collaborated with several industry leaders. In March last year, I hosted an event highlighting the need for specialized vision solutions for children and gamers. This event revealed a significant opportunity in the gaming sector, which was previously overlooked.

The lenses, designed by Hue Lens, utilize advanced color resolution technology, optimized through artificial intelligence. This technology is truly groundbreaking and has applications across various sectors, including the military and sports. Despite its widespread use, gaming was an untapped area for them. Currently, they are successfully addressing the needs of pickleball players with lenses specifically designed to enhance the visibility of the pink ball used in the game, which is crucial for players with diminishing contrast sensitivity and peripheral vision.

Similarly, this color resolution technology has been adapted for gaming lenses, particularly for games like League of Legends and Fortnite. While these lenses do include blue light filtration, their primary function is not protection but performance enhancement. The goal is to boost gamers’ performance by optimizing the gaming environment’s visual clarity and color distinction.

Regarding our expansion into different sectors, Danny has spearheaded the business development for our ‘Vampires’ project. Working with YDB, we initially considered designing a single frame and lens under the ‘Vampires’ brand. However, recognizing the diversity in consumer tastes and styles, we opted for a more flexible licensing model. This approach draws on our understanding of branding in the music industry, where an artist can be promoted through various channels and products. This strategy allows us to collaborate more effectively with opticians and optometrists and leverage the YDB brand, thereby creating a broader range of opportunities in the eyewear industry.

Dr. Darryl Glover:

With such an impressive lineup of events and the array of artists, doctors, opticians, entertainers, and even everyday people who will be attending, many might wonder about the cost. How affordable are these events for the general public and professionals alike?

Charlene Nichols:

We’ve been very conscious about making these events accessible to everyone. Considering these are regional events, the cost is kept surprisingly low. For instance, attending a local event in New York can easily cost a few thousand dollars, not including airfare. However, for our festival, the tickets are priced at only one dollar. This pricing strategy encourages attendees to invest more in the products and experiences offered at the festival.

We’ve also differentiated the experience for the general public and industry professionals. For our colleagues in the eyewear industry, there’s a private expo experience that includes continuing education (CE) and COPE sessions. Notable educators like Trevor, Trudi Charest, Dr. Vitto Mena, among others, will be contributing to these sessions. The ticket for this exclusive professional experience is priced at $350. Additionally, we offer group discounts through various organizations, providing a 15% savings.

There are various ticket options on the festival side, including a concert ticket for $250 and a Visionaries ticket, which includes a pair of Vampires glasses. Overall, the event is designed to be financially accessible to many attendees.

Dr. Darryl Glover:

That’s excellent! What’s the best way for those interested to sign up or get more information about these events?

Charlene Nichols:

Thank you for asking, Dr. Glover. Signing up is straightforward. Visit eyewearartwalk.com. Our team is incredibly responsive – one of the most common compliments we receive is about the quick follow-up, often within five minutes of an inquiry. This level of responsiveness applies to both brands and individuals seeking more information.