NEWS
Walmart and Sam´s Club use Eyebot’s technology for eyeglass prescriptions
Walmart and Sam’s Club have introduced Eyebot automated vision-testing kiosks, offering eyeglass prescriptions in about 15 minutes, giving customers and members a faster, simpler option for eyeglass prescriptions.
Mido 2026 exhibitors list online
The constantly updated exhibitors list of Mido 2026, the 54th edition of the largest international eyewear event, scheduled from 31 January to 2 February 2026 at Fieramilano Rho, is now online. The show is preparing for an edition with great expectations, with a forecast of around 1,200 exhibitors from 50 countries, in line with last…
New research spotlighs optical market trends for third quarter of 2025
The Vision Council released new market data and analysis detailing the performance of the $17.5 billion optical industry in the third quarter of 2025.
Silmo Istanbul – at the crossroads of continents
True to its signature “Everything About Eyewear,” Silmo Istanbul established itself, from November 19 to 22, as the reference platform for the Eurasian optical industry.
EssilorLuxottica expands its myopia management platform with smart glasses and plano lenses
EssilorLuxottica announced the evolution of its Essilor Stellest platform at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. In the future, in addition to the latest version of Essilor Stellest 2.0 lenses, plano lenses and smart glasses for myopia management will also be released.
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
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
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.
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.
Horizons Optical appoints Lara Olivias as Chief Marketing Officer
Horizons Optical appoints Lara Olivas as its new Chief Marketing Officer. With 15+ years’ experience in optical, pharma, and consumer goods, she should lead global marketing to boost innovation, brand visibility, and transformative solutions for eye care professionals worldwide.
