In a world where workplace hazards and safety risks are all too common, quality eye protection is paramount. One company setting a new standard for safety eyewear, through a powerful combination of expertise and cutting-edge innovation, is Shamir Optical Industry Ltd.

mivision spoke to Dale Reeves, Shamir’s Safety Operations Manager, about the evolution of this company and how it’s helping optometric practices protect their patients’ eyes at work and at home.

For over 35 years, the Eyres Safety Optics brand has been a pioneering force in engineering high-performance protective eyewear that meets industry safety standards. In 2015, this legacy was supercharged when Shamir welcomed Eyres into its corporate family, fusing the latter’s vast experience with Shamir’s globally-renowned lens technologies and reputation for excellence.

This symbiotic pairing of Eyres’ optical engineering proficiency and Shamir’s lens innovation prowess created a new breed of advanced prescription safety eyewear solutions tailored for the most demanding workplace environments and applications.

UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE

When it comes to safety eyewear, there can be no compromises in quality or regulatory compliance. This understanding is deeply ingrained in Shamir’s product development philosophy and rigorous manufacturing processes.

“Our products undergo exhaustive independent testing to ensure they meet the most stringent Australian and international safety standards,” explained Mr Reeves.

“We firstly carry out advanced protocols like our inwards goods testing. A random sampling of at least three eye protectors from each frame model batch are impact tested to 45 m/s, before being accepted as production stock.”

This commitment to quality assurance continues through to mass manufacturing, with Shamir conducting ongoing routine testing at carefully calibrated ratios to identify any potential failures before products hit the market. It’s an approach that delivers true peace of mind – for the practices selling Shamir’s products, and for safety-conscious professionals and workplaces using them.

STRIKING THE PERFECT BALANCE

While paramount importance is placed on protection and compliance, Shamir also recognises that modern safety eyewear needs to be highly functional and stylish to encourage consistent use. By collaborating with a wide network of premium international frame manufacturers, it is able to craft sleek, ergonomic designs that marry robust protection with contemporary aesthetics.

“Fashion is increasingly becoming a major consideration in the safety eyewear space,” noted Mr Reeves. “Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed trends evolving rapidly between wrapped sporting styles and more conventional flat frames.

“Our goal is to provide protective eyewear solutions that meet those changing tastes without sacrificing on safety.”

The latest styles, capturing safety-conscious consumers’ attention, are streamlined flat frames rendered in versatile modern colours like transparents and the all-round favourite, matte black. But with Shamir’s ability to work with a diverse array of frame suppliers, the options for customised stylish safety eyewear are limitless.

LENS INNOVATION AT THE CUTTING-EDGE

At the core of Shamir’s safety eyewear solutions lies its world-renowned expertise in advanced lens design. Seamlessly melding optimum clarity with impact resistance, the company’s state-of-the-art lens technologies unlock a new level of visual performance and protection for people working in the trades, working on projects at home, and participating in competitive sports.

Beyond sheer visual acuity, Shamir provides a comprehensive selection of applicationspecific lens options to enhance vision and safety in any environment. These include:

• Polarised lenses to minimise blinding glare,

• Photochromic Transitions lenses that intelligently adapt tint for changing light conditions, and

• Occupational lenses that are optimised for specialised workplaces with specific visual tasks and safety requirements.

“Our premium prescription safety lenses are available in single vision, bifocal, and even our cutting-edge freeform progressive ophthalmic designs,” explained Mr Reeves. “We have solutions to provide optimal vision, comfort, and protection tailored for any workplace setting.”

From the construction site to medical facilities, from factories to DIY projects at home, Shamir empowers people to keep their eyes safely on the job at hand.

AN ENDURING LEGACY OF INNOVATION

Shamir’s best-in-class lens innovations haven’t gone unnoticed by the industry. The company’s research and development (R&D) teams have racked up numerous prestigious accolades over the years, including the European Innovation Award in the R&D category (2022), Five Stars Brand Award in Portugal (2024), and multiple products of the year honours from optical governing bodies across the globe.

With such a track record of pioneering breakthroughs, one can only imagine the new visionary safety eyewear technologies we can expect to see emerging from Shamir’s labs in the coming months.

“We’re continuously working on developing enhanced lens designs, protective coatings, and sourcing new fashionable frame options,” said Mr Reeves. “Our safety eyewear roadmap has some very exciting developments in the pipeline that will once again raise the bar for what’s possible in workplace eye protection. Eye care professionals and safety-conscious consumers should watch this space.”

With its potent melding of Eyres’ safety optics mastery with Shamir’s optical brilliance and inventiveness, this company is well-positioned to keep eyes protected and professionals productive, no matter what challenges lie ahead.

Visit: shamir.com/au.