Beyond darkening – the future of photochromic lenses

With more than 20 million photochromic lenses produced annually, over 400 employees, and a company history spanning more than 25 years, Maat Optical can look back on a remarkable journey. In a conversation with company founder and CEO Li Jun, MAFO wanted to know what requirements modern photochromic lenses must meet, how innovation shape the company’s strategy, and why some exciting chapters in the history of this technology may still lie ahead.

MAFO: When was Maat Optical founded?

Li: Maat Optical was founded in China in 2000. Since its establishment, we have focused on the niche field of photo­chromic lenses, and we continuously advance photochromic materials and manufacturing processes.

Today, we have mastered two core technology platforms: in-mass photochromic technology and spin-coating photochromic technology. Backed by our in-house Research and Development capabilities and more than two decades of technological expertise, Maat Optical has gradually broken the long-standing technological monopoly of international brands in this field.

MAFO: How many employees do you have in total, and how many work in research and development?

Li: Maat Optical currently has nearly 400 employees, with more than 30 working in Research and Development, accounting for approximately 8% of our total workforce. Since founding Maat Optical, I have always regarded product innovation and technological R&D as the foundation of our company. Our R&D team is responsible not only for developing new materials, manufacturing processes, and products, but also for continuously improving them based on consumer needs, product performance, and application scenarios.

We believe that only through long-term and consistent investment in R&D can a company build truly sustainable competitiveness in a rapidly changing market.

MAFO: What innovations are you currently working on in the field of photochromic lenses?

Li: Our innovation efforts are currently focused on three areas: performance enhancement, fashion, and light management.

In terms of color, Maat Optical has previously offered nine options; these include classic and colorful styles. In the first half of 2026, we also introduced two new colors, red and amber, to provide the market with a wider range of personalized choices.

For new product developments, we remain committed to addressing specific application scenarios and the real needs of everyday wearers. We develop more than three new products every year as part of our future product pipeline.

All of these development projects are guided by our 8Q Strategy. We use a coordinate system to understand product innovation: the vertical axis represents the continuous improvement of the key performance parameters of our lenses, as defined by 8Q, while the horizontal axis focuses on expanding our products in the areas of fashion and light management.

All of our R&D projects are carried out within this framework. Our ultimate goal is to better meet the practical needs of both our channel partners and consumers. We are also actively promoting the broader adoption of this standard across the industry.

MAFO: Where do you see the biggest technological challenges in photochromic lenses?

Li: At present, the biggest technological challenge is achieving a better balance between thermal stability and photosensitivity.

The performance of photochromic materials is influenced by ambient temperature. Particularly under high-temperature conditions, the darkening performance of photochromic lenses is still limited by the properties of the materials. Future technological breakthroughs will require a better balance among activation darkness, activation speed, fade-back efficiency, and stable performance across different temperatures.

This depends not only on the continuous advancement of formulations and material systems, but also on a company’s overall capability in process control and product consistency.

MAFO: What are you personally most proud of?

Li: What I am most proud of is that the Maat Optical team has truly turned photochromic lenses into a business worthy of long-term commitment. Through our collective efforts, our products have reached markets around the world, enabling consumers in different countries and regions to enjoy better light management and greater protection for their visual health in everyday wear. 

We have also witnessed and contributed to the growth of China’s photochromic lens brands. Today, photochromic lenses made in China are gaining increasing recognition in the global market, which is the result of our long-term commitment to specialization and entrepreneurial development.

For me, the value of a company is reflected not only in its size and performance, but more importantly in whether its products bring real and lasting improvements to consumers’ lives.

MAFO: Your company is based in a region that is internationally known for ophthalmic lens manufacturing. Does this also influence your daily work or your innovative strength?

Li: Maat Optical has been fortunate to grow in Danyang. As one of the world’s largest manufacturing hubs for ophthalmic lenses, Danyang is home to many outstanding companies, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, creating a complete and dynamic industrial ecosystem.

Being part of this environment allows us to maintain close communication and collaboration with our peers while also giving us timely access to first-hand information on technology, supply chains, and market developments. This industrial environment has been of great benefit to both my personal growth and the development of our company.

More importantly, the expertise accumulated by different companies and the exchange of ideas continuously inspire new thinking and help improve our innovation efficiency. We are also honored to work alongside many outstanding companies in Danyang to promote the development of China’s ophthalmic lens industry.

MAFO: Which markets are currently growing the fastest for your company?

Li: In recent years, our photochromic lenses have achieved particularly strong growth in Southeast Asia and North America, with sales increasing by more than 30% annually. In particular, our newly launched spin-coating photochromic lens series has received very positive feedback from customers.For us, sustained growth is certainly important. However, repeat orders from customers are an even stronger indication that our products have truly proven themselves in the market. They are also the most direct recognition of the product quality and supply capabilities.

MAFO: How is the global demand for photochromic lenses changing?

Li: Global demand for photochromic lenses is shifting from relatively simple functional requirements to more diverse and personalized preferences.

In addition to basic photochromic performance, consumers are placing increasing importance on color expression, fashion, and light management across different everyday scenarios. As a result, future photochromic products will become more specialized. They will need to satisfy different aesthetic preferences while also delivering more tailored solutions for commuting, outdoor activities, driving, and other everyday situations. We believe that personalization and scenario-based product development will be key drivers of the market’s continued growth.

MAFO: What distinguishes your photochromic lenses from the global market leader or further brands?

Li: Transitions is a globally leading photochromic brand that has played a leading role in the technological advancement and innovation of the industry for many years. We have great respect for the achievements of Transitions. As a Chinese manufacturer of photochromic lenses, Maat Optical has also made remarkable progress in recent years.

Our differentiation is not based on copying international brands, but on years of technological expertise and deep market insight. This enables us to respond more quickly to diverse demands for colors, application scenarios and distribution channels, while leveraging the synergies of local R&D, local manufacturing, and global supply capabilities.

In terms of product performance, we consistently follow both international standards and Chinese national standards. Our products have been tested and verified by independent third-party laboratories and testing institutions, including COLTS Laboratory, TÜV Rheinland, and the Chinese National Inspection and Testing Center for Ophthalmic Optics Products (CNOTC).

The test results show that the key performance of Maat Optical’s photochromic lenses is now broadly comparable to that of leading international products. We will continue to narrow the gap with an open and learning mindset while building the unique value of Maat Optical’s products.

MAFO: What market trends do you foresee over the next five years?

Li: Based on current global market performance, I believe that demand for photochromic lenses will continue to grow at a strong pace over the next five years. More importantly, photochromic lenses will enter a new stage of diversified development.

The industry will gradually move beyond focusing solely on improving individual performance parameters and instead continue to evolve in three key areas: first, establishing more standardized quality systems; second, advancing fashion and aesthetics; and third, providing more refined light management for a wider range of everyday scenarios.

As these capabilities continue to mature, photochromic lenses will no longer be viewed simply as functional products. Instead, they will increasingly become an integral part of comprehensive eye health solutions.

MAFO: If you had to describe the photochromic lenses of the future, what would they look like?

Li: The photochromic lenses of the future should first and foremost be good products that can meet the needs of consumers around the world in different usage scenarios.

They should deliver stable performance, provide comfortable wear, and also reflect individuality and aesthetics. On this basis, I hope they will become intelligent products.

With the development of AI and LLMs, future photochromic lenses will have the opportunity to better understand consumers’ needs in different environments and at different stages, and to connect with more smart devices and services, providing wearers with a more proactive and continuous light management experience, thereby supporting eye health management throughout the entire life cycle. This is a long-term vision, and it will also open up new possibilities for the industry.

MAFO: What motivates you personally every day?

Li: Remaining curious about the world is the driving force that keeps me learning and moving forward. At the same time, enabling consumers around the world to enjoy better light management products and giving them a more comfortable and better visual experience through a single pair of lenses is the goal that the Maat Optical team and I have always been committed.

As long as consumers’ needs continue to evolve and there are still challenges in the industry worth overcoming, we will always have a reason to keep moving forward. “Better Vision, Better Life” has always inspired everyone at Maat Optical.

MAFO: Thank you for the interview Mr. Li.