On November 5, 2021, in Torino, VANNI occhiali awarded the inaugural VANNI #artistroom Prize to Moldovan artist Catalin Pislaru. The prize, assigned by an international jury including Arthur Arbesser, Marco Sammicheli, and Marinella Senatore, recognizes artists under 35 offering original perspectives on reality. This initiative extends VANNI’s collaboration with Artissima, which began with a 2019 capsule collection curated by Cristian Chironi. Beyond a financial award, Pislaru will develop a limited-edition eyewear capsule collection. This collection is scheduled for launch in 2022 at the MIDO Eyewear Show in Milano and in Torino alongside Artissima. Additionally, jury chair Arthur Arbesser presented an installation at VANNI’s Torino showroom from November 6 to 21, 2021.
Italian eyewear design company VANNI has adopted the legal form of a "Società Benefit" (Benefit Corporation), a corporate typology introduced by Italian law for companies pursuing common good objectives beyond profit. President Giovanni Vitaloni stated that the pandemic prompted a redesign to create medium-to-long-term social and environmental impact changes, emphasizing this is not a surface-level makeover but an undertaking of substantial responsibility. The company added the objective of common good into its statute. Co-owner Alessandra Girardi noted that guided by new statutory goals, VANNI will implement a plan of action with multiple work areas focused on progressive improvement and managing business impacts on community and nature.
VANNI, a benefit corporation since December 2021, outlined six concrete sustainability actions taken in the four months following its status change. The eyewear brand confirmed all glasses are entirely manufactured in Italian factories. It collected 120 client surveys to assess sector awareness of social and environmental issues. To minimize waste, VANNI repurposes acetate slab remnants into "VANNI Charms" pendants and earrings. Some frames utilize BIO+ acetate M49, described as biodegradable and 68% bio-based. Packaging now features recycled, unbleached cardboard secured with paper tape. Additionally, the company promotes local value through collaborations with Turinese cultural entities like Artissima and Camera - Centro italiano per la fotografia, alongside charitable projects such as Colori Vivi.
VANNI celebrated the one-year anniversary of its status as a benefit corporation (Società Benefit) in 2022. The company reported focusing on environmental impact, employee well-being, and regional cultural sponsorship, including expanding offices in Torino. VANNI announced that its first sustainability report will be distributed in April 2023. For 2023, the firm outlined resolutions to conduct a Life Cycle Assessment of eyewear production with Università Bicocca of Milan, develop a code of ethics, improve packaging sustainability, and invest in internal resources. These initiatives aim to measure environmental impact and support local communities, building on operations across more than 40 countries.
Italian eyewear brand VANNI, which became the sector's first Società Benefit in 2021, detailed its 2023 sustainability and community initiatives. The company emphasized a commitment to 100% Made in Italy production to minimize transportation emissions and ensure manufacturing transparency. Key achievements included a Life Cycle Assessment conducted with the University of Milano-Bicocca to track CO2 emissions from cradle to grave. VANNI redesigned eyeglass cases using compressed cardboard, reducing transportation-related CO2 emissions by 50%. The frames utilize acetates and metals designed to minimize waste rather than recycled ocean plastic. Additionally, VANNI supported cultural projects like Artissima 2023 and collaborated with students from Polytechnic University of Turin and other institutions to foster engagement across the supply chain.
Italian eyewear company VANNI received the 2024 Responsible Company award at the Silmo Gala on September 21. The prize recognized VANNI as the first Italian eyewear firm to become a "Società Benefit" in 2021, embedding common benefit goals into its statute alongside profit. Sustainability Manager Alessandra Girardi stated that responsible business means helping people see a better world. A recent Life Cycle Assessment of an acetate frame revealed carbon dioxide emissions of 2.35 kg per model, below sector averages, attributed to Italian raw materials and domestic manufacturing. Founder Giovanni Vitaloni expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment of years of concrete, behind-the-scenes commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Eyewear brand VANNI announced its 2024 achievements, highlighting a focus on sustainability and growth. The company launched 15 new original materials for glasses, which are manufactured entirely in Italian factories to support short supply chains. VANNI received the SILMO d'Or Prize as "Best Responsible Company" and became the first in the Italian eyewear industry to publish CO2 emission data from acetate production. Its presence expanded to independent optical practices in 50 countries. Additionally, the firm installed 23 photovoltaic panels at its headquarters, donated over 300 glasses to vulnerable groups through partnerships with Sermig, Bicocca University, and MEI projects, and engaged more than 100 students in optometry education initiatives.
The VANNI Blog published a guide recommending five daily actions for opticians to reduce environmental impact and enhance brand reputation. The suggestions include minimizing unnecessary packaging by using recycled materials, supporting reuse through collection points and charitable collaborations, replacing light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, selecting suppliers with transparent short supply chains, and raising customer awareness via maintenance tips and annual condition checks. A bonus tip encourages communicating these efforts on social media and in-store. The text frames sustainability as an ethical choice and competitive advantage rather than a trend, noting that customers increasingly value responsible practices. No specific dates, financial figures, or product launches are mentioned.
Italian eyewear company VANNI, the first benefit corporation in its industry, published its third Impact Report detailing social and environmental achievements for 2024. The report outlines progress across four goals, including health, environment, workplace inclusion, and economic value. Key initiatives include launching a Retinal Index sunglasses collection with Fonda Società Benefit, receiving the 2024 Silmo CSR Prize in Paris, and achieving 70% energy independence at headquarters via photovoltaic panels. VANNI reported that 8% of eyewear is manufactured locally in Asti, women comprise 64% of employees with zero wage gap, and staff completed 250 hours of sustainability training. Additionally, the company trained 110 students on sustainable eyewear and supported six philanthropic projects in Italy and Brazil through frame donations.
During OPTI 2026, VANNI Head of Design Irene Chinaglia participated in a round-table discussion with trend analyst Niels Holger Wien regarding the evolution of eyewear design. Chinaglia emphasized that designers must selectively interpret fast-paced global trends rather than ignore them, focusing on value, craftsmanship, and brand consistency. She highlighted the tension between standardized production and consumer desire for uniqueness, noting that glasses significantly influence personal identity. The discussion addressed sustainability concerns arising from rapid fashion cycles and the importance of adapting shapes to diverse facial features. Chinaglia described inspiration as a layering of experiences and noted that while shapes change slowly, colors follow seasonal rhythms. For VANNI, color research is a cornerstone, aiming to create recognizable identities through structural details rather than added decoration.
Fin Ronan Poll from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern was named Germany's best young optician at the national championship final held on November 15 in Karlsruhe. The 23-year-old, trained at Fielmann Greifswald, outperformed eleven other finalists selected via state-level journeyman exams and won a Carl Zeiss Vision special prize for progressive lenses. Ruth Rebecca Maas from Lower Saxony secured second place, while Fabienne Latz from Saarland took third. Noah-Constantin Jung from Rhineland-Palatinate received the "Good Form" award for designing the best rimless glasses. Samantha Samira Becker from Bremen won a low-vision seminar voucher for her consultation performance with a macular degeneration patient.
The Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (ZVA) held its member assembly in Lübeck on March 7–8, 2026. Delegates unanimously elected Kai Jaeger as the new president, succeeding Christian Müller, who served nearly 17 years and was named honorary president. The meeting focused on regular elections for the executive board and committees. During his final report, Müller highlighted the upcoming optician master regulation effective July 2026 and intensified political advocacy regarding medical aids supply. He also addressed market competition involving Brillen.de, emphasizing fair trade compliance. Lars Hellberg and Stefan Pape received the Golden ZVA Honorary Award for long-standing contributions to vocational training and industry representation.
The Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (ZVA) has launched a new round of its nationwide "Ihre Innungsoptiker – Qualität, die man sieht" campaign. Visually updated with stronger color accents to highlight optician services, the initiative combines federal online advertising with local participation tools for member businesses. Key components include the consumer website innungsoptiker.de featuring an optician search function and customizable business profiles. Starting in autumn 2026, the campaign will target students via Germany’s largest learning platform, Studyflix, displaying videos and career profiles. Additionally, members can utilize socialPALS for automated or customized posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Materials are available through regional associations and the zva.de member area, aiming to strengthen visibility for stationary optical care and attract vocational talent.
The Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (ZVA) announced the continuation of the Working Group of Health Crafts through a new cooperation agreement covering the years 2027 to 2031. Five participating associations are involved in this arrangement, which aims to strengthen their collective voice in health policy. The ZVA stated that this initiative also reinforces the political representation of opticianry as a health craft. The source confirms the existence and timeframe of the agreement but does not provide details on specific policy goals or operational changes beyond the stated intent to enhance joint advocacy efforts.
On September 2, 2026, Blackfin announced it created a special edition series of titanium sunglasses as the official gift for guests attending the David Foster Foundation’s 40th-anniversary celebrations in Victoria, British Columbia. The Italian brand sponsored the events, which included a welcome dinner at Government House, a charity gala with private concerts, and a public concert at Inner Harbour drawing over 60,000 attendees. Notable guests included Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Bill Gates. The partnership reflects shared values between Blackfin and the Foundation, established by composer David Foster in 1986 to support families of children needing organ transplants. Blackfin CEO Nicola Del Din stated the collaboration stems from an alignment of social commitment and product excellence.
Mirjam Rösch, Managing Director of Hoya Lens Deutschland and Seiko Optical Europe, was re-elected as chair of the SPECTARIS Consumer Optics association for a three-year term. The vote occurred at the Consumer Optics Industry Forum in Berlin, part of the SPECTARIS Future Festival. The assembly also confirmed her role as deputy chair of the overall SPECTARIS association. Leading the association since 2022, which represents eyewear, optics, and photography sectors, Rösch emphasized priorities including skilled labor retention, sustainability, digitalization, and strengthening Germany’s production location. She stated that eye health awareness would remain a key focus. The festival gathered over 250 guests from politics, business, and science. Additionally, Rösch is scheduled to open the 24th Eyewear Trend Forum in Berlin on November 3.
On November 3, 2025, the 24th SPECTARIS Trendforum took place at Classic Remise Berlin, gathering 400 participants from the optical industry. The event focused on future trends, including artificial intelligence applications by Dr. Vanessa Just, smart glasses developments discussed by Richard Gutjahr, and workforce recruitment strategies. Key speakers included former Federal Minister Volker Wissing and table tennis legend Timo Boll. Mirjam Rösch, Chair of Consumer Optics, emphasized optimism regarding new products and services. Additional highlights featured the "Tomorrow Vision" trade fair concept, a social media campaign for apprenticeships, and discussions on eye screening and retail megatrends.
The German industry association SPECTARIS announced that its Consumer Optics Trendforum will now take place every two years, responding to industry requests for more time for content development and planning. The 25th edition is scheduled for November 8, 2027. To bridge the gap, SPECTARIS introduced the "SPECTARIS Future Festival" in Berlin on September 16, 2026. This new cross-industry event focuses on transformation and growth paths, featuring discussions on high-tech locations in Germany and optical AR technologies. Mirjam Rösch, chair of the SPECTARIS Consumer Optics division, highlighted the festival as a strong platform for innovation and geopolitical perspectives across all four SPECTARIS industries.
The German industrial association SPECTARIS announced that Stephan Schenk will assume leadership of its Consumer Optics division on July 15, 2026. He succeeds Peter Frankenstein, who is departing after 28 years with the organization at his own request. Schenk brings decades of experience in optics, marketing, and market analysis, having recently advised startup hellomateo and held executive roles at Euronet Software GmbH and EVEX Group. Mirjam Rösch, Chair of the Consumer Optics division, highlighted Schenk’s industry connections and strategic expertise. Frankenstein, who served as press spokesperson and later led the division for over 25 years, also held positions at Kuratorium Gutes Sehen and EUROM 1. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to the SPECTARIS Trend Forum and deep engagement with the optical sector.
Actor and racing driver Patrick Dempsey will serve as the official face of the new TAG Heuer Eyewear collection starting in 2025. This role expands his brand ambassadorship with the Swiss luxury watchmaker, which began in 2014. The eyewear line was developed in collaboration with Thélios, an LVMH subsidiary specializing in eyewear. Dempsey contributes his motorsport experience and design sensibility to the collection's development. The campaign features two models from the new line: "Jack Heuer" and "Mini Vingt-Sept," visually referencing the brand's racing heritage. The full collection comprises three distinct lines: Jack Heuer, featuring retro-style titanium frames; Mini Vingt-Sept, offering technical designs with modern hinges and polarized lenses; and Shield Pro, designed for extreme conditions with flexible frames and interchangeable lenses.
Eschenbach Optik has launched Tom Tailor Eyewear, a new licensed brand expanding its portfolio with fashion-focused offerings. The initial collection features 30 prescription frames and 30 sunglasses models, designed with clear shapes and modern details inspired by Nordic lifestyle aesthetics. Positioned in the mid-range lifestyle segment, the line targets customers valuing wearable design trends. Availability is currently limited to optical retail stores and selected Tom Tailor locations. CEO Dr. Peter Braunhofer stated that the partnership combines Eschenbach’s eyewear expertise with Tom Tailor’s brand strength, emphasizing authenticity and reliability. This launch marks the first joint collection between the two companies, aiming to integrate casual fashion elements into functional eyewear products for the optical market.
Eschenbach Optik has appointed former national player and current FC Augsburg head coach Sandro Wagner as the testimonial for the Marc O’Polo Eyewear Fall/Winter 2025 campaign. The collection, characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, includes a Sun Collection with vintage-inspired acetate and metal frames from the 1960s and 1970s, alongside a Correction Collection featuring transparent acetates and sculptural designs. A nationwide out-of-home advertising campaign in Germany accompanies the launch, involving all Eschenbach partners. The new eyewear line became available on August 1, 2025, at selected partner opticians, Marc O’Polo stores, and online.
EssilorLuxottica announced that Ray-Ban and Ray-Ban Meta have appointed Jennie, a member of the South Korean group Blackpink, as their global brand ambassador. This collaboration marks the first joint creative platform for both brands, aiming to combine timeless style with digital functionality, particularly focusing on smart glasses development. The partnership highlights the Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics (Gen 2), available since April, which features lighter weight and improved comfort. Additionally, Ray-Ban expanded its portfolio with new models like "Daddy-O," "Alix," and Asian Design collection frames tailored for lower nose bridges, alongside prescription options RX5449D and RX3774VD. Jennie described the cooperation as rooted in authenticity and personal style rather than volume.
Götti Switzerland has introduced a new brand campaign titled "Never not in style since 1998," featuring portraits that explore style as an expression of identity, culture, and personality. The initiative combines photography and video, highlighting four creative figures: actor and singer Carlos Leal, architect Jasmin Grego, photographer Kim Pham, and musician Luca. Swiss photographer Kostas Maros led the visual execution, employing a cinematic aesthetic with dark tones, soft light, and hand-painted backgrounds inspired by Rembrandt’s chiaroscuro. Production utilized a Swiss-made ALPA medium-format camera, which Maros stated was used for a commercial production for the first time. Both the new collection and the campaign are available through the company's partner stores.
Julbo is partnering with the 2026 L'Étape du Tour de France, scheduled for July 19, 2026. The event features 16,000 cyclists covering 170 km with 5,400 m of elevation gain between Bourg-d'Oisans and Alpe d'Huez, including climbs like the Galibier and Col de Sarenne. Approximately forty Julbo athletes participated in the race. Luca Cavallo finished the stage in 5 hours and 20 minutes, securing a victory while wearing new PANORA sunglasses. The source describes this edition as the most challenging yet but does not provide independent verification of that claim. Details regarding specific product availability or pricing are not included in the announcement.
Julbo outlines the Diagonale des Fous, an ultra-trail crossing La Réunion from Saint-Pierre to Saint-Denis. The current course spans approximately 180 kilometers with over 10,000 meters of elevation gain, featuring technical terrain through UNESCO World Heritage cirques like Mafate and Salazie. The event includes other races: Trail de Bourbon (106 km), Mascareignes (~74 km), Métis Trail, and Zembrocal Team Relay. Iconic winners include François d'Haene and Jean-Philippe Marie-Louise, each with four victories, while Marcelle Puy holds the women's record with five wins. Preparation requires six to nine months of physical and mental training for unpredictable weather and varied surfaces.
ClearVision Optical has partnered with Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design for the second time on Applied Human-Centered Design (PROD 345). Led by Assistant Professor June He, the course challenges students to design eyewear for diverse users using research-driven methodologies. The collaboration began with a virtual visit from ClearVision President David Friedfeld, who introduced the project brief. Throughout the term, ClearVision designers provide feedback via virtual critiques and midterm reviews. Students engage in contextual research, facial structure analysis, and usability testing to develop inclusive concepts. The curriculum culminates in a final presentation at Drexel, where students present work to industry professionals, including ClearVision leadership. This initiative aims to connect academia with industry, fostering innovation in human-centered eyewear design.
Satisloh received the Readers’ Choice Award for Surfacing Brand in the Optical Equipment for Wholesale Prescription Labs category at the 17th annual EyeVote Readers’ Choice Awards. Organized by Vision Monday and 20/20 Magazine, the awards recognize trusted brands across 22 optical industry categories based on votes from optical retailers and eye care professionals. The company stated that this recognition highlights its commitment to providing advanced solutions for lens production standards.
Satisloh announced the opening of a new Consumables & Spare Parts Distribution Center in Mexico City. The facility aims to improve service efficiency by ensuring greater product availability, shorter delivery times, and faster support for customers. Key benefits include reduced risks of customs delays, simplified purchasing processes with lower import and international freight costs, and fast local replenishment for urgent needs. A dedicated local team will provide closer service and support. Additionally, pricing is set in Mexican Pesos (MXN) to eliminate exchange rate fluctuations. This expansion focuses on keeping customer operations running smoothly through localized logistics and stable currency terms.
On October 5, 2022, the Silhouette Group was awarded first place as Austria’s Leading Company 2022 at the Palais Kaufmännischer Verein. The award, presented by “Die Presse” and PwC Austria for the 24th time, recognizes companies with a lasting impact on the Austrian economy. Winners were selected based on economic performance evaluated through balance sheets from the last three financial years using an objective system of indicators. The source describes the recognition as both a mark of achievement and an incentive prize for future performance during economically challenging times.
The Silhouette Group opened its new HOUSE OF SILHOUETTE Brand Experience Store in Vienna, hosting a pre-opening event on November 27 to mark the company’s 60th anniversary. Approximately 170 guests attended the celebration, which featured interactive experience stations highlighting the Austrian family-owned eyewear manufacturer's history. The store’s experiential architecture was designed by the Ippolito Fleitz Group. Michael Schmied, CMO of the Silhouette Group, stated that the location aims to make the future of vision tangible. The source confirms the opening occurred following the November 27 pre-event, with the report dated November 28, 2024.
On July 7, 2025, Silhouette Group announced that its on-site photovoltaic systems at the Linz facility have resulted in the calculated avoidance of more than 1,000 metric tons of CO₂e since the first system was commissioned in 2020. At the time of this milestone, 2,369 PV modules with a total capacity of 984 kWp were installed across the site’s rooftops to generate renewable electricity. The company identifies this self-generation as one component of broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at production sites, alongside planned expansions of photovoltaic infrastructure, electrification of production processes, and improved energy efficiency.
The Silhouette Group announced that its progressive eyewear brand, NEUBAU, will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026. Founded with a focus on design, innovation, and sustainability, the Austrian-made brand emphasizes responsible craftsmanship and minimal aesthetics aligned with the parent company’s commitment to fit and vision. The anniversary year operates under the motto "I AM HUMAN / I AM NATURE," exploring the balance between human individuality and natural origins. Antje Hamm, NEUBAU Brand Manager, stated that the initiative aims to create lasting eyewear rather than following fast trends, describing the anniversary launch as both a tribute to the brand's roots and a promise of continued responsible evolution.
The Silhouette Group has appointed Christian Bachler as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board, effective April 13, 2026. Bachler brings over 20 years of international management experience, most recently serving as Executive Vice President at Fiskars Group, where he managed the global Vita business unit with approximately €650 million in sales and around 2,500 employees across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. His background includes leadership roles at Swarovski focused on product, design, and marketing. In his new role, Bachler will oversee global brand management for Silhouette, evil eye, NEUBAU, and Silhouette Complete Eyewear. He is also responsible for Design, Corporate PR and Communications, Human Resources, Strategy, and the Program Management Office.
Silhouette Group announced that its eyewear production in Linz will operate entirely without fossil natural gas starting in April 2026. The transition involves electrifying key production steps, projected to save several hundred megawatt-hours of natural gas and over 100 tons of CO₂ annually. A significant milestone was achieved in 2025 when the coating facility’s exhaust air purification system switched from gas-fired afterburning to electric power using renewable electricity, saving approximately 363 MWh of gas and reducing emissions by about 85 tons of CO₂e per year. The final conversion step in 2026 targets the last gas-heated warehouse, expected to save an additional 70 MWh of natural gas and around 18 tons of CO₂e annually. Thomas Windischbauer, COO of Silhouette Group, stated that eliminating natural gas demonstrates that emission reduction measures can be economically viable.
During Expo Óptica in São Paulo, OptoTech hosted an exclusive customer event attended by approximately 80 participants from more than 40 labs across Brazil and Latin America. The gathering featured the presentation of the new IQ-Synergy product line and a comprehensive overview of the company’s machine and software portfolio. A key highlight was the LDS solution OptoCalc 4.0, which generated strong interest among attendees. Mark Hollmann, Head of Ophthalmics Division, emphasized that Latin America is a critical market where OptoTech aims to build long-term partnerships through local presence and service. Following positive feedback, the company plans to expand its regional sales and service activities. OptoTech will next exhibit at an upcoming trade show in Bogotá with its own booth.
OptoTech Optikmaschinen GmbH celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking four decades since founder Roland Mandler established the company in Wettenberg, Germany, in 1985. The precision optics and ophthalmics machinery provider, now employing approximately 600 people globally, hosted an international customer day featuring new technologies and industry trends. Since joining the Schunk Group in 2018, OptoTech has expanded from CNC grinding solutions to include ultra-precision machining centers like the UPG 2000 and complete ophthalmic manufacturing systems. Managing Directors Jens Schäfer and Dr. Stefan Seifried emphasized partnership-based collaboration and continued innovation in automation and AI-based software as key drivers for future growth in optical manufacturing processes.
On August 31, 2026, OptoTech Optikmaschinen GmbH and XONOX Technology GmbH announced a strategic partnership in metrology. The collaboration aims to integrate XONOX interferometers and measurement systems into OptoTech machine manufacturing processes to enhance reliability and quality control. Key areas include optimizing the OptoTech portfolio with integrated solutions, expanding global availability of XONOX products, establishing joint service structures, and developing high-precision measurement technologies. This initiative supports both companies' strategic goals by offering customers worldwide coordinated machining and quality assurance solutions.
Optiswiss expanded its Executive Management Board by appointing Johannes Schubart as Chief Product & Marketing Officer (CPMO) effective January 2026. In this role, Schubart oversees the operational and strategic direction of Product Management and Marketing. He has been with the independent Swiss lens manufacturer for over four years, previously serving as Head of Global Marketing, Product Management & Tools, where he managed major product launches and brand positioning. CEO Samuel Frei stated that Schubart’s expertise will strengthen the company’s strategic direction. This leadership addition aligns with Optiswiss’s vision to support traditional optical retailers through innovative ophthalmic lenses manufactured 100% in Switzerland.
Rodenstock Group announced strong financial results for the 2021 fiscal year, reporting a 23% increase in revenue to €494 million from €401 million in the previous year. Recurring EBITDA rose by 41% to a record high of €127 million. The company attributes this growth to the execution of its B.I.G. VISION™ strategy and the patented DNEye® Pro technology, which enables individualized eyeglass lenses. Despite pandemic-related store closures, Rodenstock expanded its international business, rolling out B.I.G. VISION™ outside Europe, including in Chile. CEO Anders Hedegaard noted increased market share in core countries, while CFO Marcus Desimoni confirmed the company remains on track with its growth strategy following its acquisition by Apax Partners funds in March 2021.