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Czech Businessman Michal Strnad Offers €30 Billion for Delfin, Parent of EssilorLuxottica Stakeholder Del Vecchio Family

Czech businessman Michal Strnad has offered €30 billion to acquire Delfin, the holding company controlled by the Del Vecchio family. Delfin holds a 32.4 percent stake in EssilorLuxottica, along with minority interests in Italian insurance and banking groups Generali, UniCredit, and Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena. The report, published on October 30, 2026, describes an offer rather than a completed transaction or confirmed acceptance.

Banuba Compares Pricing Models for Eight Shopify Virtual Try-On Apps in 2026

Banuba published a comparison of eight Shopify virtual try-on apps as of October 2026, noting monthly costs range from $14.99 to $1,299. The analysis distinguishes between three billing units: per-try-on generations (used by six apps), digitized products (Camweara), and free built-in media (Shopify). It highlights that entry-level plans often have higher per-unit costs at volume compared to premium tiers. Key findings include that four apps charge overage fees between $0.10 and $0.17 per extra try-on, while Banuba is the only app listed without auto-charged overages. The report also contrasts real-time AR solutions, such as Banuba and Camweara, with AI photo generation apps, advising retailers to match the technology to their product category, particularly for face-worn items like eyewear.

EU to impose two-euro handling fee on non-EU packages from November 1

Starting November 1, the European Union will levy a permanent two-euro handling fee on each type of item in packages sent directly to consumers from outside the bloc. This measure aims to curb the influx of low-value imports, particularly from China via platforms like AliExpress and Temu, and compensate customs authorities for increased workload. The fee applies regardless of parcel value and is separate from the temporary three-euro duty on small parcels introduced in July. While the EU states consumers will not pay this fee directly, online marketplaces and sellers are responsible for it and may pass costs to buyers through price adjustments. Officials note that imports have fallen by approximately 64 percent since the July duty was implemented, though they caution it is too early to draw firm conclusions.

EssilorLuxottica Reports €7.49 Billion Q3 Revenue Driven by DTC and Wearables Growth

EssilorLuxottica announced consolidated revenue of €7.49 billion for the third quarter of 2026, representing a 7.2 percent year-over-year increase at constant exchange rates. The Direct-to-Consumer division led expansion with €4.09 billion in revenue, growing 10.6 percent at constant exchange rates, while e-commerce contributed slightly positive results, accounting for 7 percent of total company revenue. Asia-Pacific recorded the strongest regional growth at 15.7 percent, reaching €979 million. Product categories showed momentum in wearables, which generated €486 million (up 20 percent), and myopia management solutions, which expanded 24 percent. North America and EMEA also reported growth, supported by high-single-digit gains in banners like LensCrafters and Sunglass Hut.

Ray-Ban Meta Launches Audio-Only Line and Gen 3 Smart Glasses with Expanded Optical Options

Ray-Ban Meta announced two new product families: Ray-Ban Meta Audio, which removes the camera to focus on open-ear speakers and Meta AI features, and Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3), featuring 3K Ultra HD cameras and six microphones. The Audio line debuts in Clubmaster and Burbank frames at €349 starting October 13, while Gen 3 includes Wayfarer, Aviator, and Zena designs priced from €449. Both lines offer extensive lens options, including prescription, Transitions®, polarized, and blue-light filtering variants. Availability is expanding to markets such as South Africa, Portugal, Poland, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Zealand. Additionally, the Meta Ray-Ban Display line will reach Canada and the UK on September 24, followed by Italy, France, and Germany on October 13.

Meta, Pinacoteca di Brera, and EssilorLuxottica Launch 'Sensing Art' Pilot for Visually Impaired Visitors

Meta, the Pinacoteca di Brera museum in Milan, and EssilorLuxottica have launched "Sensing Art," a pilot project using AI glasses to enhance art accessibility for blind and visually impaired visitors. The initiative integrates Meta and EssilorLuxottica's AI glasses with the museum's existing Grande Brera app, which features audio tours developed by sight loss charities ANS, UICI, and Fondazione Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano. Visitors can activate artwork recognition on eight selected pieces via the glasses, listening to descriptions through open-ear speakers. Additional tools include Meta AI for contextual questions and Be My Eyes for real-time volunteer support. The tour is available upon reservation Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Tech Print Industries Previews Standalone SaaS Platform TPI Studio at SILMO Paris

Tech Print Industries (TPI) previewed TPI Studio, its browser-based eyewear design platform, at SILMO Paris 2026. Originally built for internal production, TPI Studio is launching as a standalone SaaS product for designers, brands, optical retailers, and factories, with a beta program opening this fall. The platform features over 100 parametric sliders, an AI Texture Generator for plain-language finish creation, and Live Edit Virtual Try-On. It offers two editions: Quick Design for guided template work and Pro Design for full parametric control. Frames designed in the software are produced on TPI’s lines using HP Multi Jet Fusion in PA12 nylon at facilities in the Netherlands and the United States. This model eliminates mold costs and minimum order quantities, maintaining a three-week lead time from approved design to finished frame.

Hans Anders Suspends Sales of Meta Smart Glasses in Netherlands and Belgium Amid Privacy Backlash

Hans Anders, one of the Netherlands' largest optical chains, has immediately halted sales of Meta's AI-enabled smart glasses across all Dutch and Belgian stores and its online shop. The decision follows reports of unlawful covert filming and mounting political pressure, including a passed motion in the Dutch lower house calling for a ban. While Pearle Opticiens did not comment, other sectors like hospitals and the defence force are restricting device usage. Hans Anders stated the product might return later but cited serious societal concerns. This move underscores the regulatory and reputational challenges facing optical retailers stocking smart eyewear that blends vision correction with consumer electronics.

National Vision Reports Fiscal 2025 Financial Results with Revenue Growth and Improved Margins

National Vision Holdings, Inc. reported its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 financial results ended January 3, 2026. Net revenue from continuing operations for fiscal 2025 increased 9.0% to $1,987.5 million, driven by comparable store sales growth of 5.9% and new store openings. The company achieved a net income from continuing operations of $29.6 million, improving from a loss in the prior year. Adjusted Operating Income rose to $102.5 million, with margins expanding to 5.2%. For Q4 2025, net revenue grew 15.1% to $503.4 million, aided by an additional non-comparable week. National Vision also provided fiscal 2026 guidance, projecting net revenue between $2.033 billion and $2.091 billion and Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.85 to $1.09.

National Vision Reports Q1 2026 Growth and Expands Military Retail Partnership

National Vision Holdings, Inc. reported first quarter 2026 net revenue of $543.9 million, a 6.6% increase year-over-year. Comparable store sales grew 4.4%, driven by higher average ticket sizes and managed care strength, despite lower self-pay traffic. Net income rose to $31.2 million, with Adjusted Operating Income increasing 34.4% to $55.5 million. The company opened eight new America’s Best stores and closed four others, ending the quarter with 1,274 total stores. Notably, National Vision announced an expanded relationship with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), becoming the sole optical retail partner on AAFES bases in the U.S., effective April 1, 2026. This agreement adds 20 Military stores and expands presence into two additional states. The company reiterated its fiscal 2026 guidance for net revenue between $2.033 billion and $2.091 billion.

National Vision Reports Q2 2026 Financial Results with Increased Profitability and Updated Outlook

National Vision Holdings, Inc. reported its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, ending July 4, 2026. Net revenue increased 2.5% to $498.8 million, driven by new store sales and adjusted comparable store sales growth of 2.2%. The company highlighted improved profitability, with Adjusted Operating Income rising to $31.6 million from $23.8 million in the prior year, and Adjusted Diluted EPS increasing to $0.25 from $0.18. CEO Alex Wilkes noted that completing the website replatform was a significant milestone, establishing a unified commerce foundation. National Vision raised its full-year Adjusted Operating Income guidance to $119–$139 million while tightening its Adjusted Comparable Store Sales Growth outlook to 3.0%–5.0%. The company ended the quarter with 1,281 stores after opening nine new America’s Best locations.

XREAL and ASUS ROG Announce Partnership and Unveil ROG XREAL R1 AR Gaming Glasses at CES 2026

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, XREAL announced a strategic partnership with ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) and unveiled the ROG XREAL R1 AR Gaming Glasses. Described as the world’s first 240Hz micro-OLED FHD (1920 x 1080) gaming glasses, the R1 features an exclusive ROG Control Dock for connectivity with PCs and consoles via DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0. The device weighs 91 grams and offers a 57° field of view, 3DoF spatial anchoring, electrochromic tinting, and Sound by Bose audio. Powered by XREAL’s X1 chip and patented X-Prism Optical Engine, it delivers a 171-inch virtual screen experience with 3ms motion-to-photon latency. The glasses are expected to ship globally in the first half of 2026.

Synsam Launches Exclusive Partnership with Erling Haaland and Enters International E-Commerce Markets

Synsam Group announced an exclusive partnership with football star Erling Haaland, launching a collection of 64 eyewear frames for women, men, and youth. The collection will be available in Synsam’s core Nordic markets (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark) via stores and online, while simultaneously entering international e-commerce through synsam.com in Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland. CEO Håkan Lundstedt described this as a major investment in trying new sales channels internationally. Additionally, a limited edition of 999 gold-colored sports glasses will release on June 9 ahead of the FIFA World Cup, available in selected stores and online across all core markets.

Latest development10-9 23:31Synsam Group reports record earnings for 2025

Synsam Group Reports 770,000 Subscribers for Lifestyle Model Ten Years After Launch

Ten years after its 2016 launch in Sweden, Synsam Group’s subscription service, Synsam Lifestyle, has reached approximately 770,000 customers across the Nordic region. The company states that this model now accounts for more than half of Synsam Group’s total revenue. Initially piloted to challenge traditional eyewear purchase cycles, the service includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, sports eyewear, and eye examinations under a predictable monthly cost. Growth milestones show subscriber numbers rising from roughly 193,000 in 2019 to 511,000 in 2022, and 756,000 in 2025. The offering has expanded to include solutions for children, seniors, contact lens users, second-hand collections, smart glasses, and corporate clients. Available in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and the Faroe Islands, the subscription is described by CEO Håkan Lundstedt as a key driver transforming customer behavior toward ongoing eye health management.

Latest development10-9 23:31Synsam Group Reports Improved Q1 Profitability and Announces

Accel-KKR Invests €60 Million in Ocuco to Drive Global Expansion and Omnichannel Software Growth

Ocuco announced a €60 million growth equity investment from Accel-KKR to fuel global expansion and meet rising omnichannel demand in the eyecare industry. The capital will support the scaling of Acuitas 3 OmniChannel Edition, a cloud-based solution designed to integrate online and in-store retail and clinical systems for over 6,750 locations across 88 countries. Additionally, the partnership aims to capitalize on strategic M&A opportunities. This announcement follows Ocuco’s recognition as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies for the eighth time in September 2025, highlighting its continued focus on product innovation and responsible AI frameworks.

Mister Spex launches EyeD, its first custom 3D-printed eyewear collection available in 37 stores

On October 4, 2023, Mister Spex announced the launch of EyeD, its first own-brand custom collection of 3D-printed eyewear. The service utilizes in-house facial scanning technology via tablets in-store to measure parameters such as nose bridge width and temple length, ensuring a personalized fit. Customers can currently choose from six models and seven colors. The glasses are made from high-quality polyamide using a resource-saving process, with production taking three to four weeks. Initially, EyeD is available for order in 37 Mister Spex stores across Germany and Austria at a price of 249 euros plus lenses.

Mister Spex Reports 2023 Financial Results with Revenue Growth and Market Share Gains

Mister Spex SE announced its full-year 2023 financial results, reporting a 6% increase in net revenue to €224 million. The company achieved an Adjusted EBITDA of €0.9 million, marking a year-on-year improvement of approximately €9 million. Growth was driven by a 10% revenue increase in Germany and strong performance in prescription glasses (10% growth) and sunglasses (13% growth). Average order value rose by 7%, while gross margin improved to 50.6%. Despite low consumer sentiment, Mister Spex gained market share against a German eyewear market growth of approximately 3%. For 2024, the company projects low to mid-single-digit percentage revenue growth and a positive low single-digit Adjusted EBITDA margin, focusing on product portfolio extensions and AI technologies.

Latest development10-9 23:25Mister Spex reports Q3 2023 financial results

Mister Spex Confirms 2024 Guidance with 2% Like-for-Like Growth in German Core Market

Mister Spex reported preliminary unaudited figures for 2024, confirming net revenue declined by 3% to approximately €216 million, within its guidance range of €210–€230 million. This decline was primarily driven by the closure of all international stores in the fourth quarter as part of the SpexFocus transformation program. Despite this, the core German market achieved 2% like-for-like growth, with brick-and-mortar stability offsetting broader declines. Adjusted EBITDA turned negative but remained within the guided range of +1% to -4%. Average order value for prescription glasses rose 12% year-over-year, aided by the September launch of the SpexPro lens portfolio. Cash balance exceeded €70 million at year-end. Audited results and 2025 outlook will be published on March 27, 2025.

Latest development10-9 23:25Mister Spex announces restructuring program and updates guid

Mister Spex Reports 65% Adjusted EBITDA Growth in H1 2026 Amid Revenue Decline and Operational Restructuring

Mister Spex SE reported a 65% year-on-year increase in adjusted EBITDA to €3.8 million for the first half of 2026, despite a 10% decline in group revenue to €87.9 million. Gross margin expanded by 197 basis points to 56.9%, driven by a higher share of prescription glasses and selective promotions. While online revenue fell 20% to €52.8 million, offline store revenue grew 10% to €35.1 million, achieving 3% like-for-like growth against a declining German optical market. The company confirmed its full-year guidance and initiated the outsourcing of production to Rodenstock and logistics to Arvato, closing its Berlin-Spandau site by year-end to enhance cost flexibility.

Latest development10-9 23:25Mister Spex reports 2024 results and 2025 outlook

Mister Spex Launches Germany's First Online Eyewear Subscription Model

On August 4, 2025, Mister Spex launched "Mister Spex Switch," becoming the first optical retailer in Germany to offer a subscription-based eyewear rental model online. The service allows customers to select at least two pairs of glasses during checkout, with the option to exchange one model after twelve months. The package includes insurance, free lens adjustments, and an annual eye health check, providing access to approximately 100 brands and 12,000 products. Following its retail store launch on May 14, 2025, which saw over 3,000 subscriptions and accounted for around 10% of total store revenue in June and July, the digital expansion aims to scale recurring revenue streams. CEO Tobias Krauss noted that the subscription model drives higher average order values, approximately three times those of standard purchases, and attracts new customers, with over 40% of subscribers being first-time buyers.