NEWS
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.
Next Generation of AI glasses unveiled at global technology event
EssilorLuxottica and Meta Platforms showcased the evolution of their celebrated partnership at Meta Connect, where they unveiled the next generation of AI glasses.
Deepcove Optical and Optiswiss sign distribution agreement
The Swiss lens manufacturer Optiswiss and the UK-based lens company Deepcove Optical announced the signing of a long-term exclusive distribution agreement for the UK market, further strengthening their decade-long collaboration.
The Vision Council: new report on myopia treatment trends released
The Vision Council released a new two-part research report, Focused inSights 2025: Myopia Management, combining a global analysis of pediatric myopia treatment strategies with a survey of U.S. eyecare providers.
ISSUE 05/2025
Overview
Special: Go Green!: Paperless: The future of lens manufacturing // Interview: Sustainability in
ophthalmic optics // Technology: Optimizing lens hard coatings // Case study: Lens brush cleaning // Business: Do not take rejection or ghosting personally // History: Pioneer: Dr. Anna Estelle Glancy // Survey: Hard coating machines – spin and dip
FEATURED ARTICLES
Do not take rejectionor ghosting personally
Rejection and ghosting are not the exception in everyday sales, but rather the rule. Nevertheless, there is rarely any discussion about how to deal with these setbacks professionally. Yet it is precisely this ability, to view disappointments objectively and protect one’s self-esteem. This is a key prerequisite for long-term success in sales.
Case study: Lens brush cleaning
To meet high-quality standards, it is essential for operational managers to continuously review all process steps. In a well-known German company, the cleaning process was optimized by adopting a state-of-the-art aqueous cleaner.
The future of lens manufacturing
To lead the industry towards smarter, connected workflows, we have to constantly challenge conventions. One example is the paper job ticket. In an age defined by automation, IoT integration, and real-time data, it is time to rethink the paper ticket’s role and explore the digital alternatives.
Sustainability in ophthalmic optics
Complex, ambitious, and with some room for improvement. That is how one could describe the current state of sustainable measures in the optical industry. In this interview with Sylvi Claußnitzer, you can learn more about sustainability strategies and how the industry is already positioned in this area.
Optimizing lens hard coatings
Optical labs around the world are familiar with the options for hard coating lenses: spin coating or dip coating. Both have their advantages and varying levels of popularity and penetration in differing market segments. To dive deeper into the spin or dip inquiry, we must dig deeper into the advantages of each.
Five surprising sustainability facts
Did you think you already knew everything about sustainability? Then check this article to see if you are right. Here are five surprising facts about sustainability and ecology that you may not have known yet.
Autofocus glasses – a concept for the future?
Several companies are working on a smart alternative to progressive lenses. One of them is Finnish start-up IXI, which recently received a cash injection of US$36.5 million. An interview with CEO and Co-founder Niko Eiden.
NEWS
EssilorLuxottica and Meta launch Oakley Meta smart glasses
EssilorLuxottica and Meta Platforms announced the launch of Oakley Meta, a new category of Performance AI glasses that pair Meta’s industry-leading AI technology with Oakley’s pioneering design and PRIZM lenses to transform how consumers experience their biggest wins – on and off the field.
Vision Expo will become one unified event
From March 2026, there will only be one Vision Expo per year. Vision Expo West and Vision Expo East will therefore merge into one event that will take place at different venues but always in spring.
SDC Technologies invests in flō Optics
SDC Technologies (SDC), a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance specialty coatings, announced that it has entered into a strategic investment and collaboration agreement with flō Optics.
EssilorLuxottica plans to acquire A-Look, Seen and OWL retail stores in Malaysia
EssilorLuxottica announced the signing of an agreement for the acquisition of one of the largest optical companies in Malaysia operating over 90 stores under the A-Look, Seen and OWL banners.
In keeping with the new Disney/Pixar film “Elio” organizations provide free information about eye patches
Prevent Blindness and the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness (NCCVEH), are taking the opportunity to educate the public on a variety of children’s vision issues as excitement builds for the new Disney/Pixar film, “Elio.”
Hoya Vision Care acquires Centennial Optical
Hoya Vision Care proudly announced the acquisition of Centennial Optical, a Canadian distributor of ophthalmic frames, eyeglass lenses, sunglasses, lab supplies, and optical accessories.
EssilorLuxottica plans to acquire Optegra
EssilorLuxottica and MidEuropa announced that they entered into an agreement for EssilorLuxottica to acquire Optegra, a fast-growing and highly integrated ophthalmology platform operating in five key European markets: the UK, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and the Netherlands.
Rodenstock wins the German Innovation Award 2025
Rodenstock, an innovator in the field of ophthalmic lenses, has been honored with the German Innovation Award 2025 in the category “Excellence in Business to Consumer” for Medical Health for its new product B.I.G. EXACT® Sensitive.
President Emmanuel Macron inaugurates EssilorLuxottica’s laboratory in France
EssilorLuxottica’s Excellence Rx Laboratory (“Labex”) in the Grand Paris area (Wissous-91) was inaugurated by President Emmanuel Macron. This state-of-the-art industrial facility, a testament to the Company’s optical expertise, aims to enhance the production of made-to-measure ophthalmic lenses in France.
Optiswiss strengthens international expansion
The Swiss ophthalmic lens manufacturer Optiswiss is continuing to expand its international presence. Since the beginning of May 2025, Theresa Bunte has been responsible for collaboration with global distribution and franchise partners in her new role as Sale Operation Manager International.
Amazon-backed start-up IXI raises $36.5 Million for autofocus eyewear
Amazon-Backed nordic startup IXI raises $36.5 Million series A to develop autofocus eyewear that blends fashion-forward elegant design with advanced optic technology.