NEWS
U.S. Optical Industry reaches $69.5 Billion
The U.S. optical industry grew in value in 2025 even as Americans purchased fewer optical products and underwent fewer eye exams, according to Market inSights 2025 with 2026 Forecast, released by The Vision Council.
European Patent for Colorboost lenses
The European Patent Office has granted ColorboostTM lenses the important European patent No. EP3721272, thereby fully validating it in all major European markets. This provides strong legal protection for the premium, color-enhancing, high-contrast lenses.
German optical industry exceeds €5 billion mark
At the international eyewear trade fair opti 2026, which took place in Munich from January 16 to 18, the German consumer optics industry took stock of the year 2025. According to preliminary calculations, the industry has achieved sales of over €5 billion for the first time, representing low single-digit growth.
Clinical results highlight hearing improvements with Nuance Audio
EssilorLuxottica announced new clinical findings from two studies evaluating the performance of Nuance Audio Glasses, the Group’s all-in-one open-ear hearing solution built into smart eyewear and intended for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
SpecCheck and Ocuco partner to transform order, live chat and payment processing
SpecCheck the leading digital ordering and communication platform for the optical industry, has announced a major new integration with Ocuco’s optical lab management system (LMS), Innovations.
ISSUE 01/2026
Overview
Special: Smart Eyewear and Processes // Go smart! | Part 1: Smart AI glasses // Go smart! | Part 2: Autofocus and hearing glasses // Smart Glasses – niche or mass trend? // Technology: Transforming lens manufacturing with UV cure monomers // Overcoming material barriers in myopia control lenses // Student Series: Basic ophthalmic optics instruction | Part 1 // Interview: The myth of night myopia – current research dispels misunderstandings // Survey: Industrial edging // Laser engraving systems
FEATURED ARTICLES
Smart glasses: Overview of autofocusing and hearing glasses
Autofocus glasses are a hot topic right now, but at the same time, it is no surprise if you have never heard of the products. Hardly any of the current technologies are ready for market – but that could change soon!
Smart glasses with AI from Europe – an overview
Smart glasses as a niche product for tech nerds? Data from a recent US study contradicts this preconception. This overview on smart AI glasses focuses specifically on European manufacturers. Some of these products are already on the market, while others are still in the development phase.
Smart glasses – niche or mass trend?
Smart glasses are becoming increasingly well known, yet are often classified as a niche product. But is that really true? What percentage of people are interested in this new smart product, and where are smart glasses actually being purchased?
The myth of night myopia – current research clarifies
For a long time, night myopia was considered the main cause of poor vision at dusk and at night. However, the studies on which this assumption is based are highly fragile and current research dispels misunderstandings.
Overcoming material barriers in myopia control lenses
The last decade has seen a surge in innovations designed to slow the progression of myopia. A broad spectrum of ophthalmic solutions – including defocus-incorporated multiple segments, concentric ring designs, and various progressive-like structures – has emerged, each offering a distinct approach to inducing peripheral myopic defocus.
Transforming lens manufacturing with UV cure monomers
Sustainability is a powerful trend in the chemical industry. The shift toward more sustainable materials and production processes is reshaping product development and purchasing behavior across industries. Furthermore, the use of sustainable technologies is often a growth-enabler on several levels.
Effectively managing remote projects
Remote and virtual project management has become part of everyday life in the optical industry. Teams work independently of location, but leadership remains a key challenge. This article shows how managers can effectively lead remote teams, clarify expectations, and make roles transparent.
NEWS
EssilorLuxottica introduces vision innovation summit SWITCH
EssilorLuxottica announced he launch of SWITCH: Vision Innovation Summit by EssilorLuxottica, a new industry wide event held before Vision Expo in Orlando and later in Monte-Carlo.
Mirjam Rösch for leadership role at Spectaris confirmed
Mirjam Rösch remains at the helm of the Consumer Optics Trade Association within the German industry association Spectaris
100% Optical announces first set of sessions for 2026 show
100% Optical, the UK’s largest optical show co-located with 100% Ophthalmology, has announced its first batch of CPD education sessions, with the second phase due to go live in the coming weeks.
GoodVision celebrates the delivery of its one millionth pair of glasses
Good vision for all people. With this vision, Martin Aufmuth founded the association EinDollarBrille Germany (GoodVision) in 2012. Since its founding, the organization has distributed one million pairs of glasses worldwide.
Silmo Paris 2025: Where innovation shapes the future of ophthalmic optics
Silmo Paris once again proved to be the global stage for the optical industry’s future. From September 26 to 29, 2025, the event brought together 33,358 professionals — with 52% international visitors — marking a 6.5% increase in attendance.
Zeiss invests in Ocumeda to advance tele-ophthalmology platform with Fielmann Group
Zeiss Vision Care announced the acquisition of a 10% stake in Ocumeda AG (“Ocumeda”) from the Fielmann Group for €10 million.
New CFO of the Rodenstock Group announced
The Rodenstock Group, a global leader in eye health innovation and manufacturer of biometric lenses, will complete its Executive Management Team with the appointment of Dr Martina Bentele as CFO, effective February 1st, 2026.
Essilor Stellest becomes first FDA-authorized spectacle lens to slow myopia progression
EssilorLuxottica announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted market authorization for its Essilor Stellest lens using the De Novo pathway.
Global gathering at Lensware: people, progress, and powerful new tools
This last summer the traditional yearly Lensware convention took place at the headquarters in Langen, Germany, welcoming all its consultants, arriving from all continents.
IXI unveils strategic moves to accelerate market entry of autofocus glasses
IXI, one pioneer behind innovative autofocus glasses, announced at Silmo two strategic moves to further its mission of building the future of eyewear by strengthening its production pipeline in Europe.
Optotech and Zeiss Vision Care announce new vacuum blocking technology for ophthalmic lenses
After several years of joint development, Optotech and Zeiss Vision Care are introducing an innovation in ophthalmic lens production: an eco-friendly manufacturing technology that replaces the conventional blocking process based on alloy or plastic adhesive.
