Rodenstock Group announced solid like-for-like revenue growth of 4% in fiscal year 2022, reaching pro-forma net sales of 505 million euros. The company attributed this performance to demand for its B.I.G. VISION™ biometric progressive lenses and the launch of the B.I.G. NORM™ range. Strategic milestones included the acquisition of Indo Optical in September 2022 and the announced sale of its eyewear business to De Rigo in December 2022, with legal transfer expected in Q2 2023. These moves support Rodenstock’s transformation into a pure-play Med-Tech company focused on lenses. Despite macro-economic headwinds and the exit from the Russian market, recurring EBITDA reached 118 million euros. Leadership changes saw Marcus Desimoni become CEO in February 2023 and Dr. Mani Herold join as CFO in April 2023.
Rodenstock Group announced its financial results for fiscal year 2023 in May 2024, reporting consolidated pro-forma net sales of €506.1 million, a slight increase from €505.3 million the previous year. Recurring EBITDA rose by €0.3 million to €122.3 million on a comparable basis. The company attributed this performance to an 8% sales growth in its B.I.G. VISION® biometric progressive lens portfolio and the successful launch of MyCon® lenses for children in Europe. The sale of the Rodenstock eyewear business marked the completion of its transformation into a pure-play Med-Tech company. Despite challenging macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and geopolitical tensions, management expects positive development to continue throughout 2024 based on operational efficiencies and further innovations.
The Rodenstock Group announced on June 20, 2024, that Catherine Stahl has joined its management team as Executive Vice President Marketing & Strategy. Based in Munich, the ophthalmic lens manufacturer stated that Stahl completes the Executive Management Team alongside CEO Marcus Desimoni and other executives. Starting in June, she will oversee global marketing, product management, business development, and strategy. Stahl brings extensive experience in the med-tech sector, including expertise in integration and transformation projects. CEO Marcus Desimoni noted that bundling these activities aims to strengthen focus on B2B and B2B2C target groups and expand the company's B.I.G. Vision™ strategy. This appointment represents a leadership change within the group, which employs approximately 5,000 people worldwide.
On April 16, 2025, Rodenstock announced the appointment of Laurent Saada as Executive Vice President Sales Europe and Søren Østergaard as Executive Vice President Sales International. Both executives will assume their new responsibilities in May 2025, joining the company's Executive Management Team alongside CEO Marcus Desimoni. Saada, previously holding leadership roles at Sonova Group, Straumann Group, and Johnson & Johnson, will oversee sales across all European markets and Morocco. Østergaard, who has been with Rodenstock for four years and served as Vice President and Head of International Sales, will manage sales for all markets outside Europe, including direct operations in Thailand, Australia, Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay. The appointments aim to strengthen the sales division’s market focus and support the implementation of the B.I.G. VISION™ strategy.
In May 2025, Munich-based ophthalmic lens manufacturer Rodenstock received the German Innovation Award 2025 in the "Excellence in Business to Consumer" category for Medical Health. The award recognizes its new product, B.I.G. EXACT® Sensitive, a biometric lens that incorporates both eye biometrics and individual visual perception. According to the company, this technology provides smoother vision, improved reading flow, and better orientation for spectacle wearers. The German Design Council initiated the award, with an independent jury evaluating innovations based on originality, implementation, effectiveness, user benefit, and cost-effectiveness. Rodenstock executives stated the recognition highlights their commitment to biometric vision and aims to raise awareness among consumers and partner opticians.
Rodenstock announced its financial results for the 2024 fiscal year, reporting consolidated net sales of EUR 512.4 million, a moderate increase from EUR 506.1 million in 2023. On a comparable basis, revenue rose by 1.2% despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges. The company achieved an adjusted EBITDA of EUR 128.6 million, representing a 5.1% increase compared to the previous year. Key drivers included strong demand for the B.I.G. VISION® biometric lens portfolio and MyCon™ lenses for children, which saw worldwide sales grow by 62% since their 2023 launch. Additionally, key account business excluding GrandVision grew by 11%. CEO Marcus Desimoni attributed these results to strategic product performance and efficiency improvements, noting a positive growth outlook for 2025.
The Rodenstock Group announced on September 30, 2025, that Dr. Martina Bentele will join the Executive Management Team as Chief Financial Officer, effective February 1, 2026. Bentele transfers from Siemens Energy AG, where she served as Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller for the past five years, leading accounting transformations. With over 20 years of international financial management experience, her appointment completes the executive team. CEO Marcus Desimoni cited her expertise in finance and corporate governance as key to driving growth and value creation. Bentele expressed intent to support the company’s ambitious growth strategy through financial excellence and efficient processes.
In October 2025, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) honoured Dr. Stephan Trumm with its Award of Excellence during a conference ceremony in Tokyo. As Senior Principal Innovation Optics and Standardisation at Rodenstock, Trumm contributes to global optical standards through his work with DIN and ISO committees. The award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to international standardisation with lasting impact. The laudatory speech highlighted the quality of Trumm’s contributions and his successes in project management. Rodenstock, a Munich-based lens manufacturer founded in 1877, employs approximately 4,100 people globally and operates in more than 85 countries.
Neyece and partnerauge/eyebizz announced a free "Myopie-Management machen!" event scheduled for November 11, 2026, at Panik City in Hamburg. The program runs from 18:00 to 22:00, with an optional tour starting at 16:30. Zeiss will present its integrated myopia management ecosystem, featuring the new Myo200 biometer and MyoConsult software, alongside upcoming MyoActive lenses planned for the DACH market next spring. Mark’ennovy will discuss efficiency gains from covering daily, monthly, and Ortho-K contact lenses within a single portfolio. Neyece and pricon will contribute practice and frame advice respectively. Registration is required via email due to limited capacity.
BusinessOutside hosted its eighth annual Eyecare Innovation Summit in Boulder, Colorado, from September 28–30, 2026. The invite-only event, produced with Sanitas Advisors, gathered 75 executives and founders from over 60 companies, including EssilorLuxottica, Alcon, and Kaiser Permanente. Six emerging innovators selected by Sanitas Advisors presented products such as hearing eyeglasses, captioning glasses, AI clinical assistants, and a presbyopia eye drop. Attendees participated in small working sessions, outdoor hikes, and discussions on industry trends like declining meeting attendance. Sponsors included Shamir, Advancing Eyecare, Newton, and FYidoctors. The summit aimed to foster trust and provide early market access through direct interaction between senior decision-makers and startup teams.
Apple has acquired Q.ai, a stealth-mode startup founded in 2022 that converts "silent speech" into text via computer vision. Mainstream outlets like Reuters report the deal value at $1.6 billion, which would make it Apple's second-largest acquisition after Beats. The company's co-founders include Aviad Maizels (formerly of PrimeSense) and Dr. Yonatan Wexler (formerly of OrCam). Unlike hardware-based competitors using jaw sensors, Q.ai employs optical sensing to detect subvocal muscle movements from a distance. This technology could be integrated into future Apple Vision headsets, AirPods stems, or smart glasses reportedly targeted for late 2026 launch. The move highlights the industry focus on enabling private text entry for wearable eyewear.
Editorial relevance: The acquisition of Q.ai by Apple signals a strategic move to secure silent speech technology, which is critical for private text input in future smart glasses and AR devices.
Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) and VSP Vision announced two rebate opportunities for PECAA Max members. A limited-time bonus adds $3 to the existing $15 exam rebate, totaling $18 per qualifying commercial patient exam from January through March 2027, provided members align all three eyewear partners: Marcolin, Marchon, and Altair. This bonus ends in April 2027, reverting to the standard up-to-$15 rebate. Separately, a new Marcolin frame rebate offering up to 10% on eligible purchases began October 1, 2026, following Marcolin’s addition to the VSP Vision family. Since its 2023 inception, the Vision Exam Rebate has distributed $128 million across more than 4,200 practices.
Alex Mercé, Director General of Natural Optics Group, discussed the optical sector's transformation during an interview marking Lookvision magazine's 25th anniversary. He described a shift from a manual, health-focused model dominated by independent opticians to a digitalized, service-oriented industry emphasizing user experience and omnichannel strategies. Mercé noted that Natural Optics Group evolved from a purchasing group into a strategic partner providing management tools, training, and marketing support to help independents compete. The discussion highlighted changing consumer profiles demanding transparency and professional advice, alongside future trends including AI integration in diagnostics, sustainability initiatives, and a continued balance between technological innovation and personalized human care.
Cathleen Kabashi, director of the Munich-based opti trade fair, announced that the upcoming opti 2027 edition will operate under the "See. Hear. Next." campaign. This initiative focuses on technologies, new business models, and industry evolution. A key addition is opti SMART TECH, a dedicated space for smart glasses, wearables, hearables, and connected technologies designed to bridge tech providers with optical and audiology professionals. While maintaining its primary focus on the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Kabashi emphasized that this concentration allows innovators to test relevance in a demanding European market early. Other highlighted formats include opti SPHEARE for optics-audiology interaction, TOMORROW VISION for contact lens trends, and expanded design stages like opti FINE EYEWEAR and opti DESIGN STAGE.
Chrystel Barranger, President of EssilorLuxottica’s Professional Solutions segment, detailed the group’s medium-term strategic priorities for EMEA and Asia during an interview. She emphasized a shift toward preventive healthcare, leveraging eye analysis to detect systemic diseases like diabetes early, and transforming eyewear into connected interfaces that integrate technology to reduce mobile dependency. Barranger highlighted the critical role of optical professionals in this ecosystem, citing partnerships with over 300,000 practitioners globally alongside direct-to-consumer sales through more than 18,000 stores. The strategy focuses on combining lens technology, frame design, and innovations such as Nuance Audio glasses and Varilux lenses. She stressed that collaboration between medical professionals and opticians is essential to move from reactive to preventive care models, positioning EssilorLuxottica as a key partner in driving industry transformation through scientific evidence and technological integration.
Visionis, a Spanish optical distributor founded by CEO Enrique Cabrera, celebrated its 20th anniversary. The company has grown from four employees in a 400 m² facility to over 50 professionals operating from 4,000 m² premises, offering more than 20,000 products. Initially an exclusive Alcon distributor, Visionis now provides private labels like Bod Lenses, industrial beveling, and personalized maintenance solutions including sodium hyaluronate. Recent investments include three Kardex vertical storage systems achieving over 99% order precision and two MEI automatic beveling machines. The firm emphasizes combining advanced logistics with human advisory services through eight commercial advisors across Spain, maintaining its focus on supporting opticians amidst sector digitalization and consolidation.
ExpoÓptica + Audio 2026, the 36th edition organized by IFEMA Madrid, closed April 9–11 with over 8,000 professional visitors and 130 exhibitors. The event reported a 10% increase in exhibitors compared to the previous year and a 48% rise in foreign companies relative to 2024, marking a 28% share of new participants. Inaugurated by Health Minister Mónica García, the fair highlighted growth in visual optics and audiology offerings. A new "Espacio Glam" area targeted mid-high and high-end optical fashion. Concurrently, the OPTOM 2026 Congress and the first FEDAO Congress took place, where a Deloitte report on the 2030 optical market was presented.
The international optical and design trade fair opti has announced a new visual identity and campaign slogan, "See. Hear. Next.", for its 2027 edition. According to Cathleen Kabashi, director of opti, the initiative aims to position the event as an active platform shaping the industry's future rather than just reflecting it. The slogan highlights the convergence of optics and hearing acoustics, alongside technological advances and design trends. The new branding will be implemented gradually over the coming months. The opti 2027 trade fair is scheduled to take place from January 29 to 31, 2027, in Munich, serving as a key meeting point for the global sector.
The trade show SILMO Paris will take place from September 25 to 28, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte. Organizers report that 90% of exhibition space is already reserved, with approximately 900 exhibitors and more than 1,500 brands expected from over 40 countries, including France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and China. The event covers all optical segments, such as frames, lenses, connected glasses, store equipment, and services. A dedicated Tech Village within SILMO NEXT will showcase innovations in artificial intelligence, data, and digital services. President Amélie Morel stated the fair aims to help professionals navigate sector transformations. The SILMO d’Or awards will also recognize industry excellence during the event.
On May 4, the VII CSR Innovation Award was presented to Opticalia’s online training program at the Casino de Madrid. The award recognizes a flexible, continuous education initiative for optical professionals, covering technical optics, visual health, customer service, and business management to enhance service quality and profitability. During the event, Dr. Celia Sánchez-Ramos introduced new CSR photosensitive lenses, described as the first patented lenses blocking natural and artificial blue light. These lenses combine indoor and outdoor protection with blue light attenuation and are manufactured by Industrias de Ópticas Prats under a utility model patent. Eduardo Morán, Dean of the National College of Optometrists (CNOO), presented the award to Marta Alonso and Montse Cremonesis of Opticalia, praising the company’s nearly 20-year commitment to accessible professional development.
SILMO Paris will take place from September 25 to 28 at Paris Nord Villepinte, gathering approximately 34,000 visitors and over 900 exhibitors. The fair emphasizes technological evolution through dedicated spaces like SILMO NEXT and The Tech Village, which focus on smart glasses, artificial intelligence, and digital services. Amélie Morel, President of SILMO Paris, stated the event aims to help professionals navigate industry transformation. Additional programming includes the Trends Forum for design aesthetics, the CSR Area for sustainability solutions, and the SILMO d'Or awards ceremony on September 26. The event serves as a global meeting point for brands, opticians, and technology experts to explore new retail models and visual health applications.
SILMO Paris 2026 concluded at Paris Nord Villepinte, attracting 32,108 professional visitors, with 53% from international markets. The event featured over 950 exhibitors across 80,000 m², emphasizing the convergence of design, technology, and health. Key areas included SILMO Next, which showcased smart glasses and AI-driven predictive health tools, and a hackathon where the winning project 'Kimoo' offered an ADHD assistance assistant for HTC platforms. The Trends Forum identified four aesthetic directions: FANCY, CHARISMA, ADRENALINE, and AURA. Awards recognized innovation in autofocus lenses and luxury smart eyewear. Sustainability efforts were highlighted by the CSR Spot and Andy Wolf receiving the Committed Company Award for reducing product footprints. The next edition is scheduled for September 2027.
General Optica has launched a new marketing campaign under the concept “Ver Bien es Otra Historia” (Seeing Well is Another Story), targeting presbyopia. The creative uses Western film imagery, specifically the squinting gesture of duelists, to humorously depict common difficulties with near vision, such as reading menus or phone screens. The initiative aims to encourage professional eye care without technical explanations. Distributed across Spain and Portugal, the campaign utilizes television, radio, out-of-home advertising, digital media, social networks, and client communications. It also features messaging in over 320 General Optica centers within these two countries. The agency MONO Madrid developed the concept based on observed behaviors among people experiencing age-related focusing issues.
Opticalia presented its Autumn/Winter 2026-27 collection at the SILMO trade fair in Paris. The showcase featured 1,200 references from exclusive brands Mango, Pull&Bear, Pedro del Hierro, El Ganso, and proprietary brand Thelook. During the event, the company finalized agreements with 18 new markets, including India, Turkey, Kuwait, and expanded presence across Africa. This brings Opticalia’s total international footprint to over 65 markets. Managing Director Marta Alonso stated that the brand is doubling sales compared to 2025 under its 2026 expansion plan, while continuing to target growth in Europe and globally.
CooperVision has launched the "Porque la visión no debería ser su límite" campaign to encourage families to schedule pediatric eye exams during the back-to-school period. The initiative addresses data indicating that 69% of parents are unaware of how to halt childhood myopia progression, while only 6% view it as a problem. By highlighting the impact of uncorrected vision on sports performance and safety, the campaign aims to strengthen the role of opticians, whose recommendations can double the likelihood of adopting myopia control solutions. A dedicated website, Revisasuvista.com, provides information on available methods and allows users to book appointments at selected optical shops. The company also promotes its MyDay® MiSight® 1 day daily contact lenses as a specific solution for slowing myopia progression in active children and adolescents.
CooperVision has opened a 9,940m² global innovation and research and development (R&D) hub in Southampton, UK, at Adanac Park. The facility, developed over two years, will house 350 employees across R&D, technology innovations, and commercial teams, featuring a state-of-the-art clinical facility for eyecare professional education. During the opening ceremony attended by Cooper Companies CEO Al White and CooperVision President Jerry Warner, the company announced six accelerated product advancements. These include the world’s first complete family of one-day myopia control contact lenses, novel premium one-day silicone hydrogel (SiHy) technology, next-generation SiHy monthly lenses, differentiated entry-level one-day SiHy innovations, advanced one-day SiHy toric multifocal lenses, and a new toric one-day experience for astigmatic patients.
The German Central Association of Ophthalmic Opticians (ZVA) marked its 75th anniversary in August 2026, highlighting its transformation from a traditional office to a modern interest representation body. Long-time Managing Director Joachim Goerdt (1983–2013) and his successor Dr. Jan Wetzel (since 2013) discussed the association's success factors, emphasizing personnel continuity and deep industry knowledge as critical assets. While technological shifts from fax machines to digital voice recognition altered daily operations, both leaders noted that understanding member concerns remains vital. Wetzel pointed out that digitalization and the pandemic accelerated communication speeds, requiring faster responses from members, politicians, and media. The article attributes the ZVA’s enduring relevance to these structural strengths rather than chance.
To mark the 75th anniversary of the German Central Association of Opticians (ZVA), former presidents Thomas Nosch, Thomas Truckenbrod, and Christian Müller discussed the evolution of the role in a DOZ interview. The association has been led by ten presidents over seven decades, with volunteer engagement cited as its core strength. Truckenbrod emphasized his interest in shaping professional policy, while Nosch highlighted the advantage of entering the presidency from outside traditional guild structures. Müller noted his extensive prior experience within regional associations prepared him for the responsibilities of the office. The discussion addressed how leadership requirements have changed and future challenges facing the optics industry.
Stefan Lahme’s opinion contribution, first published in DOZ 09/2026, examines the discrepancy between consumer expectations for reliable eye examinations and actual quality assurance in optometry. The text argues that missing transparency regarding qualifications, inconsistent continuing education, and structural weaknesses make quality difficult for consumers to verify. It notes that demographic shifts, including an aging population with higher risks of conditions like glaucoma, coincide with reduced ophthalmologist capacities due to retirements and changing workforce structures. While international new care models are emerging to address these resource gaps, the specific details of these approaches remain behind a paywall.
Silmo Paris 2026 convened more than 32,108 industry visitors from nearly 150 countries at its 80,000-square-meter exhibition. The event featured over 950 exhibitors and 1,500 brands, emphasizing the convergence of optics, digitalization, and health. Key areas included Silmo Next, which showcased smart glasses, artificial intelligence, and preventive healthcare solutions, alongside a Tech Village for hands-on technology testing. The Trends Forum presented four design themes: Fancy, Charisma, Adrenaline, and Aura. Sustainability efforts were highlighted in the CSR Spot, covering materials and responsible business concepts. The Silmo d’Or awards recognized innovations such as autofocus glasses for presbyopia, personalized progressive lenses, and smart eyewear. With 53% of attendees coming from abroad, the fair underscored international market dynamics. DOZ Verlag reported that detailed coverage will appear in issue 11/26, while the next edition is scheduled for September 24–27, 2027.
The Most Influential Women in Optical (MIWO) held its first European edition on September 25, 2026, during Silmo Paris. Organized by 20/20 Europe with Vision Monday and Jobson Optical Group, the event honored 26 women across five categories: Business Leaders, Rising Stars, Founders, Innovators, and Mentors. This initiative adapts a US format established in 2003 to recognize female influence in the optical industry. Honorees included executives from major firms like EssilorLuxottica and Marchon Eyewear, as well as founders of startups such as Read on and ZAC. Nancy Gries delivered the keynote, emphasizing the need to create conditions for women’s success rather than just celebrating annual achievements.
Rodenstock announced a year-end marketing campaign titled "The Gift of Best Vision" for its partner opticians, centered on the company's biometric eyeglass lenses. The initiative provides customizable communication materials to support customer engagement in physical stores and across other channels during the pre-Christmas period. The package includes individualizable customer mailings with detachable vouchers, newspaper inserts, social media post templates, and gift vouchers that optical businesses can personalize with their own details. Additional information and campaign materials are available online to partners. This announcement describes the provision of marketing tools rather than a direct consumer product launch or sales figures.
The Central Association of German Opticians (ZVA) concluded its anniversary series by profiling the daily operations and staff roles within its Düsseldorf headquarters. Press spokesperson Sarah Köster introduced key employees, including receptionist Anabel Gebhardt, who serves as the primary contact point since March 2022; event organizer Christoph Baum, who manages logistics and technical support while overseeing the COE training procedure; and Managing Director Dr. Jan Wetzel, who has led the office since 2013. The report details how these individuals handle legal inquiries, industry data analysis, event coordination, and vocational education development. It emphasizes the collaborative nature of association work, linking professional expertise with administrative functions to support the optical trade’s interests in politics, healthcare systems, and public communication.
Epitop founder Amir Parasta organized the second Academia Optomedica event in late August 2026 at a Düsseldorf hotel, aiming to foster collaboration between opticians and ophthalmologists. Although twenty people registered, only ten attended, including practitioners from Cologne, Oldenburg, Wülfrath, and Essen. The discussion highlighted persistent divergent perspectives, with one ophthalmologist showing reluctance toward Epitop’s new "Care Board" platform for sharing screening results and patient data. Parasta emphasized that understanding mutual concerns remains the primary goal over standardizing processes. Future sessions are scheduled for Nuremberg on October 15, Stuttgart on November 12, and Munich on January 28, 2027, preceding the Opti trade fair.
At Silmo 2026, lens manufacturer Novacel and the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF) in eyewear hosted a glass engraving contest for opticians. Participants created engravings on the Novacel stand, which were submitted to a ballot box. On the final day, MOF experts pre-selected the best works, followed by a random draw to determine the winner. Diane, owner of Les Lunettes de Diane, a custom eyewear shop and workshop in Saint-Raphaël, won the competition. Her prize is training at the Morez Eyewear School. Other selected participants received gifts from Novacel. The initiative aimed to highlight manual skills and craftsmanship among optician-eyewear makers, emphasizing knowledge transmission aligned with MOF values.
Since late August, opticians in the Hauts-de-France region have reported a fraud scheme involving checks drawn on closed accounts to purchase connected eyewear and sunglasses. Alexandre Bajeux, an optician at Krys, alerted colleagues after experiencing two unpaid transactions starting August 28, noting that the same name appeared on both checks alongside Ray-Ban Meta purchases. Similar incidents were reported in Lille, Valenciennes, Cambrai, Somme, and Beauvais. While some stores rejected the transactions, others accepted checks after verifying identification documents with Polish-sounding surnames. The suspect reportedly targets high-value items like Ray-Ban Meta glasses, switching to standard sunglasses if unavailable. Approximately sixty pieces of equipment may have been obtained since late August, though precise totals remain unconfirmed. Surveillance footage suggests a single individual is responsible across multiple locations. Bajeux is gathering evidence to file a police report, warning that the perpetrator could expand operations to other geographic areas.
Optic 2000 has announced the third edition of its Low Vision Awareness Week, scheduled from October 3 to 10, 2026. The initiative offers free visual assessments and personalized support at 230 designated Points Expert Basse Vision (PEBV) locations across France. Participants can book appointments online or in-store to evaluate daily needs and test adaptive equipment such as electronic magnifiers and connected glasses. The PEBV label, established in 2009, requires specialized staff and dedicated spaces. Additionally, four CECOM centers in Paris, Lille, Besançon, and Nantes provide deeper medical-social evaluations with orthoptists. This campaign addresses low vision affecting nearly two million people in France, a figure projected to double by 2050.
Optical retailer Hans Anders, part of Nexeye Group, has suspended the sale of Ray-Ban Meta glasses across its 776 stores in Europe. The decision follows warnings from the Dutch Data Protection Authority regarding filming identifiable individuals and threats of legal action from consumer group Consumentenbond over recording indicator visibility. This move occurs amid broader European scrutiny, including criminal complaints in Germany involving EssilorLuxottica brands and retailers, usage bans in UK venues, and investigations by French authorities. While Hans Anders cites public and political questions about technology use, analysts note the strategic contrast with competitor Pearle, owned by EssilorLuxottica, which continues to promote these devices alongside new audio-only AI models.
EssilorLuxottica plans to open ophthalmological clinics in Italy as part of a strategy to become an integrated med-tech platform. The project begins with a test phase through a new company named "Essilor Eye Clinic," leveraging previous investments such as Optegra (70 clinics and diagnostic centers in Europe) and Signifeye (15 clinics in Belgium acquired in late 2025). A spokesperson confirmed that the first pilot clinic will open in Milan, while explicitly stating no similar deployment is planned for France due to different regulatory frameworks and organization models in Nordic countries. This approach contrasts with Hoya's earlier attempt in France, which was abandoned after practitioners resisted the integration of medical care with optical distribution.
The Groupement Optic 2000 has rebranded its Lissac chain as Maison Lissac 1919, introducing a premium store concept modeled after an apartment. Tested at the rue de Vaugirard location and deployed in the historic rue de Rivoli flagship in Paris, the design features wood, carpets, armchairs, and lighting to emphasize style alongside optical expertise. Franchisees can personalize their stores using local history and colors. Martine Loyer, Director General of Groupement Optic 2000, stated the change aims to differentiate Maison Lissac from the accessible Optic 2000 brand by offering a cozy, confidential experience. The rollout is progressive, with about ten stores adopting the identity and fifteen expected to complete the full concept within the year. The network comprises 250 stores, 62% located in city centers.