Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award goes global - registrations for 2026 are open

Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award Expands Globally to the World’s Most Prestigious Eyewear Design Schools

Presented by the Ross Viva Family Foundation and MIDO | Milano Eyewear Show

Applications now open for 2026; $10,000 Grand Prize; Winners to be honored live at MIDO Exhibition in Milano

The Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award, presented by the Ross Viva Family Foundation in partnership with the MIDO Exhibition in Milano, is proud to announce its global expansion for 2026. Now open to the world’s most prestigious eyewear and fashion design schools, the award is a premier international platform exclusively dedicated to recognizing the next generation of visionary student designers in the optical space.

To apply: https://optyx.com/sergio-cereda-award-application/

While other design competitions highlight industry professionals or brands, the Sergio Cereda Award is one of the few global honors created specifically for emerging student designers, offering significant cash prizes, mentorship opportunities, and a live stage at the world’s leading eyewear trade show—MIDO | Milano Eyewear Show.

Celebrating Rising Stars in Eyewear Design

The award made its live debut at MIDO 2025, where Tea Rocco, a student at LABA School of Design in Italy, was named the first winner. The announcement was delivered in front of hundreds of attendees. The excitement was palpable as industry professionals from around the world witnessed her breakthrough moment. The award announcement, led by MIDO President Lorraine Berton, set a new tone for how the industry celebrates industry heritage along with fresh talent.

Later in 2025, Sophia Denison of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) earned the North American title during Vision Expo 2025.

2026 Awards: What to Expect

Eligibility: Students under age 30 enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited design program

Theme: “Eyewear in its pure form: Balance between proportions and harmony, innovation and breaking point.”

Prizes:

o 1st Place: $10,000 USD
o 2nd Place: $5,000 USD
o 3rd Place: $2,500 USD

Deadline: November 2025

Live Award Ceremony: MIDO 2026, Fiera Milano Rho, Milano, Italy

2026 International Jury

A globally respected jury will review all entries for design originality, technical execution, and vision:

Harvey Ross – Founder, Viva International Group; CEO, OPTYX New York and HMR Holdings

Stefania Cereda Oppermann – Design Consultant, EssilorLuxottica North AmericaProduct Team

Caterina Cereda – Freelance Consultant

Lorraine Berton – President, MIDO Exhibition

David Friedfeld – President, ClearVision Optical

Giovanni Vitaloni – Founder, VANNI Eyewear

Bruno Palmegiani – Eyewear Designer

Quotes

“Sergio Cereda was not only my business partner for decades—he was my best friend and creative soulmate,” said Harvey Ross, founder of the Ross Viva Family Foundation and co-creator of the award. ‘’This competition is my way of honoring his legacy and ensuring that his passion for bold, beautiful, forward-thinking design lives on. We’re proud to present this award alongside MIDO to elevate the future leaders of our industry.” “We are very enthusiastic about the 2026 edition! Our dad would be very honored to know that his work is inspiring the creative minds of the new generations. We encourage the participating students to enjoy this opportunity to the fullest, and we thank Harvey and MIDO for making this happen.” The Cereda family

“Presenting the first winner of the Cereda Award at MIDO 2025 was a truly meaningful moment for me – said Lorraine Berton, MIDO President. Sergio Cereda made an important contribution to our industry, and it is a pleasure to pay tribute to his memory. In a sector like eyewear, where tradition and innovation go hand in hand, preserving and celebrating the legacy of those who shaped it is essential. I was also particularly pleased that the award went to a young woman, and now I’m really looking forward to discovering the winners of the next edition”.