German ophthalmic industry remains stable
According to preliminary calculations by the German industry association Spectaris, German manufacturers of ophthalmic optics and consumer optics closed 2024 with nominal sales growth of around 1% to €4.96 billion. While domestic business was just above the zero mark, international business improved slightly. Foreign turnover accounts for around half of total turnover. The number of employees fell slightly by 1 percent to around 20,100.
Slight growth in exports
German ophthalmic optics exports rose by 0.8% between January and September 2024. Business within the European Union in particular saw an increase of 2.3%, while exports to Asia and North America declined slightly. By contrast, there was a significant double-digit decline in the Middle East, particularly in Israel (-21%). With a share of 66%, the EU remains the industry’s most important export market.
Focus on myopia management and individual solutions
Mirjam Rösch, Chairwoman of Consumer Optics at Spectaris and Managing Director of Hoya Lens Deutschland GmbH, emphasizes that ophthalmic optics remains an industry of the future despite a difficult market environment: “The increasing myopia across all age groups underlines the importance of myopia management. Parents are increasingly looking for long-term solutions to stabilize their children’s vision at an early stage. At the same time, highly individualized progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses and photochromic lenses that are easy on the eyes are becoming increasingly important.”
Multifaceted eyewear trends and technological innovations
At opti 2025, a wide variety of eyewear trends will be presented, ranging from bright colors and statement eyewear to minimalist designs and technological innovations such as smart glasses. These trends reflect the dynamism and creativity of the times and emphasize the role of eyewear as a fashion accessory.
Challenging market environment and looking ahead
Consumer restraint and persistent inflationary effects continue to pose challenges for the industry. In addition, the shortage of skilled workers is leading to increasing competition for talent. Nevertheless, Spectaris sees positive momentum for 2025: a slight recovery in domestic demand and international markets is expected, with sales growth of around 3% forecast. The growing importance of eye health, optometric services and technologies such as augmented reality glasses offer further potential.
Rösch summarizes: “Even in a challenging environment, the ophthalmic industry remains a driver of innovation and quality of life – be it through visual aids that promote comfort and health or through new technologies that will revolutionize our vision.”