Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio has proposed acquiring all family shares in holding company Delfin, which controls 32.4% of EssilorLuxottica, to prevent a takeover by Czech billionaire Michal Strnad. In a letter to Italian newspaper QN, Del Vecchio stated he secured confidential international financial backing for an immediate or phased acquisition. The move aims to provide liquidity to family members while preserving Italian sovereignty over assets including stakes in Monte dei Paschi di Siena, Generali, UniCredit, and Covivio. This initiative follows Del Vecchio’s resignation from operational roles at Ray-Ban and strategy positions on August 31 due to disagreements with CEO Francesco Milleri. He retains 12.5% of Delfin and plans to present his full buyout proposal to other shareholders on November 7.
Transitions Optical opened applications for its 2027 Change Agent program on October 27, 2026. Eyecare professionals in the U.S. and Canada can apply via TransitionsPRO.com/ChangeAgent until November 15, 2026. The peer-to-peer community aims to build awareness of Transitions lenses through social media, focus groups, speaking engagements, and product trials. Applicants must submit details on their goals, social media links, and responses to specific questions. Selected candidates will be notified in December to participate during the 2027 calendar year. Arlene Barringer, trade marketing director at Transitions Optical, stated the program seeks professionals passionate about advancing patient care and shaping dynamic lens conversations.
Alleanza gruppi ottica, alongside Cio and Ottici Associati networks, held the fifth Ago National Meeting on October 18 at Devero Hotel in Cavenago di Brianza. The event gathered 140 professionals to emphasize relational value over technical precision alone. President Grazia Lamperti and scientific coordinator Carlo Vannucci introduced the theme, supported by marketing lead Valentina Magliano. Partner companies including Hoya, Rodenstock, Zeiss, CooperVision, Menicon Soleko, Safilens, and EssilorLuxottica conducted multiroom workshops. Marcolin presented a dedicated experience session. New tools Vista Club and Futurlab were announced. Career awards went to six affiliates. Digital communication expert Riccardo Scandellari concluded the day, stressing that trust drives customer retention more than visibility.
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.
Editorial relevance: This potential acquisition of EssilorLuxottica's parent holding company could significantly impact the ownership structure and strategic direction of a major player in the global eyewear market.
EssilorLuxottica reported significant interest from opticians and hearing aid professionals during its appearance at the 70th International Hearing Aid Congress (EUHA) in Hannover, held October 14–16. The company showcased the second generation of its Nuance Audio Plus glasses, marking their first presentation to a broader audience of both optical and audiological specialists. This integrated solution embeds hearing technology directly into the frame for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, offering improved audio performance, longer battery life, and additional frame options. Attendees tested the device on-site, which also supports phone functions via iPhone connectivity. According to EssilorLuxottica, the event highlighted growing demand for combined vision and hearing solutions, fostering discussions on cross-sector collaboration and marketing strategies between the two professions.
In a Vision Monday interview, Luca Tait, president and general manager of TeamVision, outlined how the management services organization integrates independent optometry practices. Launched by EssilorLuxottica in 2021, TeamVision acquires nonclinical assets while allowing practice owners to retain medical ownership and employ doctors. Tait emphasized that maintaining the original practice name and staff ensures continuity for patients during transition. Although initial system changes may cause disruption, completed training streamlines operations such as payroll, revenue cycle management, and expanded product options. The model leverages technology, including electronic health records and integrated supply chains, to free clinicians for high-quality eyecare and medical diagnostics. Tait noted that patient experience is measured via feedback tools like NPS scores, aiming to enhance professionalism through diagnostic expansion.
The Assottica Contact Lens Group concluded its two-day congress in Rome on October 26, attracting over 800 participants. Notably, attendees under 40 comprised 39% of registrations, highlighting strong interest from younger generations in contact lens practice. Held at the Ergife Palace under the theme "The Value That Applies," the event reviewed the sector's evolution over the past twenty years, emphasizing the translation of innovation and diagnostic tools into concrete daily results. Key sessions covered market trends, consumer behavior, and retention strategies, featuring speakers such as GfK Italia’s Vincenzo Mastrofilippo and EuromContact president Richard Smith. Exhibitors included major brands like Alcon, Bausch+Lomb, and EssilorLuxottica. The next congress is scheduled for 2028, coinciding with the centenary of the optician profession.
Andrea Zappia, chairman of the nominations and compensation committee at EssilorLuxottica’s board, stated on October 28, 2026, that the company has a strong and clear succession plan for its Chief Executive Officer and other top management positions. The comment was made by Zappia in his capacity as a director, reflecting the board's perspective on leadership continuity. No specific details regarding potential successors, timelines, or the mechanics of the plan were disclosed in the statement.
Farmaoptics held its annual convention, themed "Avanzamos juntos," on October 23–24 in Granada at the Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula. The event gathered associates and suppliers to discuss optical sector evolution, business challenges, and growth opportunities for independent opticians. Key sessions covered pediatric myopia control, digital visibility via Google Business Profile, workflow optimization, new services like audiology, and customer experience improvements. Speakers included Txell Valls, CooperVision, Ramón García, Temática, GN ReSound, and CEO Tresa Llobet. A networking lunch featured presentations from INDO-RODENSTOCK, EssilorLuxottica (Ray-Ban, Oakley Meta, Nuance), HOYA, and others. The convention concluded with a dinner where Optilent Alhama of Alhama de Murcia won a Rodenstock ImpressionIST® 4 measurement system through a raffle sponsored by INDO-RODENSTOCK.
EssilorLuxottica reported a total revenue of €22.3 billion for the first nine months of 2026, up from €20.8 billion in the same period of 2025. Third-quarter revenue reached nearly €7.5 billion, representing a 9% increase at current exchange rates and 7.2% in constant currency. The EMEA region contributed approximately €2.9 billion, growing 7.5% in constant currency compared to Q3 2025. Growth was driven by lens categories including Stellest, Eyezen, Varilux, and Transitions, while traditional frames Ray-Ban and Oakley saw double-digit increases. Licensed brands Chanel and Prada also rebounded. However, wearables declined year-over-year due to a challenging comparison base. Professional Solutions remained slightly positive despite geopolitical impacts in the Middle East.
EssilorLuxottica reported a 24% increase in its myopia management portfolio for the third quarter of 2026. Group revenue reached €7.49 billion (AU$11.91 billion), up 7.2%, with Asia-Pacific leading regional growth at 15.7%. The company attributed this performance to demand for products like Stellest lenses and innovation in lens technologies. Chairman Francesco Milleri and Deputy CEO Paul du Saillant credited AI-enabled smart glasses and Nuance Audio Plus Hearing glasses for strengthening the wearable portfolio, which saw 20% revenue growth. In Australia and New Zealand, OPSM recorded low-single-digit comparable-store sales growth driven by lens premiumisation. Direct-to-Consumer revenue rose 10.6% to €4.09 billion, while Eyecare & Medtech grew 6.5%. The group expects solid average annual revenue growth over the next five years at constant exchange rates.
EssilorLuxottica announced on October 27, 2026, that S&P Global Ratings upgraded its long-term credit rating to A+ with a stable outlook. The agency cited the company’s organic growth trajectory, sound cash flow, and strong balance sheet as key factors supporting the decision. S&P also highlighted EssilorLuxottica’s strategic evolution from a consumer-centric entity into a leading eyecare and medtech company, identifying this shift as a primary driver for future growth and financial resilience. This announcement reflects an external assessment of the Group’s financial standing rather than internal operational changes or product launches.
EssilorLuxottica reported a group revenue of €7.49 billion for the third quarter of 2026, representing a 9% nominal increase from €6.87 billion in the prior-year period. Currency-adjusted growth was 7.2%, slower than the 11.7% constant-currency rise seen in the same quarter last year. The Direct to Consumer segment grew 10.6% on a currency-adjusted basis to €4.09 billion, outpacing the Professional Solutions segment, which rose 3.4% to €3.39 billion. E-commerce contributed 7% of total group revenue, unchanged from previous levels. Key growth drivers included myopia management, with sales up 24% at constant exchange rates, and wearables, which increased 20% currency-adjusted to €486 million. However, wearable sales declined in the EMEA region despite gains in North America, Asia, and Latin America. The company also launched the Nuance Audio Plus smart hearing glasses in mid-September 2026.
In an exclusive interview with Vision Monday, EssilorLuxottica Chief Scientific Officer Norbert Gorny discussed how artificial intelligence and oculomics can reshape eyecare. Gorny emphasized that AI serves as a tool to enhance efficiency for optometrists and ECPs rather than replace them, allowing professionals to delegate routine measurements and focus on patient care. He highlighted the company’s R&D achievements, including the development of Essilor Stellest lenses for myopia management and Varilux XR progressive designs. Since joining in January 2011, Gorny has led scientific vision sectors, advocating for innovation driven by real-world consumer needs. He noted that emerging technologies in smart frames could measure cognitive load and contribute to systemic health insights, marking a shift beyond traditional optical correction.
S&P Global Ratings has upgraded the long-term credit ratings of EssilorLuxottica, assigning a stable outlook to the company. The action was reported on October 25, 2026, by Philip Webster for Eyewear Intelligence. The source confirms the rating upgrade and the stability of the outlook but does not specify the previous or new rating levels, nor does it detail the financial metrics or strategic factors driving the decision. No information regarding the impact on stock performance, debt costs, or operational changes is provided in the available text.
The source material consists solely of a redirect notice to an article titled "EssilorLuxottica revenue boosted by traditional eyewear strength" published in Optical Prism Magazine. No factual details, financial figures, dates, or specific performance metrics are provided within the text itself. Consequently, the summary cannot verify the extent of the revenue boost, the definition of "traditional eyewear," or any other supporting data points.
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) held its "START STRONG" global connection breakfast at SILMO Paris, marking a milestone in its international expansion. The event focused on leadership and networking for optical professionals, featuring the "In Focus" program with speakers from MOREL, New Look Vision Group, and EssilorLuxottica Retail. SILMO President Amélie Morel provided opening remarks. Attendees included International Optician of the Year finalists, such as Karen Michaelson, who noted she did not win the title but valued the recognition. OWA stated the initiative aims to build a supportive global community for women’s professional growth in the optical industry.
EssilorLuxottica’s training ecosystem, Leonardo, is offering comprehensive educational resources to help opticians manage pediatric visual health and myopia progression. The initiative addresses the growing need for expertise in child development, risk factors, and parental guidance. Leonardo provides digital content covering vision science, myopia management, and optical solutions, allowing professionals to learn at their own pace. Additionally, a face-to-face course titled “L'expertise enfant, un atout pour développer votre activité” combines clinical perspectives from a pediatric ophthalmologist with practical insights from Nathalie Neirynck, Leonardo’s visual health lead. This training focuses on screening, identifying warning signs, and selecting appropriate equipment. By enhancing both technical and relational skills, Leonardo aims to support opticians in delivering personalized care, thereby improving family satisfaction and business retention amid rising pediatric eye health concerns.
EssilorLuxottica announced consolidated revenue of €7,486 million for Q3 2026, representing a 9.0% year-on-year increase at current exchange rates and 7.2% at constant rates. The Direct to Consumer segment grew 10.6% at constant rates, while Professional Solutions rose 3.4%. E-commerce remained stable at 7% of total Group revenue. Key drivers included double-digit growth in Asia-Pacific and a 20% increase in wearables revenue. Myopia management products grew 24%, with Stellest expanding its US distribution to approximately 12,000 doors. The company reported strong comparable-store sales across optical and sun banners, supported by lens premiumization and new AI glasses launches.
Editorial relevance: The report details EssilorLuxottica's Q3 2026 financial performance, highlighting growth in wearables and e-commerce stability, which informs the company's strategic positioning in eyewear retail.
EssilorLuxottica reported consolidated Q3 revenue of €7,486 million, a 9.0% increase year-on-year (7.2% at constant exchange rates). The Asia-Pacific region led growth with a 15.7% rise at constant exchange rates, driven by double-digit expansion in Professional Solutions and Direct to Consumer segments across Greater China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Myopia management portfolio revenue grew 24%, supported by the Stellest lens distribution network reaching approximately 12,000 doors in the US. Wearables, including AI-enabled smart glasses and Nuance Audio devices, saw a 20% revenue increase, contributing additional foot traffic to physical stores. E-commerce remained stable at 7% of total Group revenue. The company reiterated its long-term outlook focused on medtech transformation and AI-driven healthcare platforms.
EssilorLuxottica reported a 20% year-over-year increase in wearables revenue for the third quarter of 2026, measured at constant exchange rates. This category encompasses AI glasses produced with Meta and Nuance Audio hearing glasses. The company did not disclose specific euro amounts or unit counts for wearables, nor did it separate sales between Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta lines. Total group revenue reached €7,486 million, up 9% from the previous year. Direct-to-consumer sales grew by 10.6%, while myopia management products increased by 24%. Chairman Francesco Milleri and Deputy CEO Paul du Saillant attributed the wearables growth to strong momentum in this emerging category. They indicated that new AI glasses launches and the rollout of Nuance Audio Plus, which started at $829 in the US in mid-September, are expected to support holiday season performance.
EssilorLuxottica reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of €7.486 billion, a 7.2% increase at constant currency rates compared to Q3 2025. The wearables segment, including AI glasses and Nuance Audio, generated €486 million (approximately 6.5% of total group revenue), marking a 20% growth at constant currency rates from €370 million in the prior year. Direct-to-Consumer sales rose 10.6% at constant currency rates to €4.093 billion, while Professional Solutions grew 3.4% to €3.393 billion. Online commerce represented 7% of group revenue with slight growth. Myopia management solutions increased by 24% for both the quarter and the first nine months. Regionally, Asia-Pacific saw the highest growth at 15.7% at constant currency rates, followed by EMEA at 7.5%, North America at 4.7%, and Latin America at 7.1%. Nuance Audio Plus was launched in mid-September.
EssilorLuxottica reported third-quarter 2026 revenues of €7,486 million, a 9.0 percent increase that exceeded expectations. The growth was driven by solid performance in the company's traditional eyewear business. While the wearables segment maintained strong sales figures, its momentum slowed compared to previous periods. These results reflect the financial status for the quarter ending in late 2026, highlighting a divergence between the steady expansion of core optical products and the decelerating pace of wearable technology adoption within the group's portfolio.
Essilor, the Ligue professionnelle de football, and clubs launched "Le Floot," a vision health awareness campaign initiated in late 2024. The initiative uses visual blur effects to demonstrate the impact of poor eyesight. Deployed during four Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches last weekend, the campaign displayed the message "Et moi, est-ce que je vois bien ?" inside and around stadiums. Prûne Marre, General Director of Essilor France, described the effort as leveraging collective strength for essential visual health issues. The campaign continues on social media platforms, offering online content including a game and an eye test to engage football fans.
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.
Editorial relevance: The report highlights EssilorLuxottica's direct-to-consumer and e-commerce performance, offering key data on digital channel growth within the broader optical market.
EssilorLuxottica announced its 2026 third-quarter results, reporting consolidated revenue of €7,486 million, a 9 percent year-over-year increase (7.2 percent constant currency). The company’s traditional eyecare and med-tech business grew over 6 percent, while wearables revenue surged 20 percent. The myopia management portfolio rose 24 percent, led by Stellest lenses. Direct-to-consumer segment revenue reached €4,093 million, up 10.6 percent at constant currency rates. E-commerce remained stable at 7 percent of total group revenue. North America saw high single-digit DTC growth, with comparable store sales rising over 5 percent. Asia-Pacific led regional growth with double-digit gains. Total worldwide store counts reached 19,709 as of September 30, 2026.
Editorial relevance: The report details EssilorLuxottica's Q3 financial performance, highlighting growth in wearables and myopia management while noting that e-commerce remained stable at 7 percent of total group revenue.
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness led the #LoveYourEyes campaign for World Sight Day 2026, which concluded on October 19. Optometry Giving Sight’s annual World Sight Day Challenge, now in its 20th year, ran from September 1 to October 31, engaging 154 practices, six companies, and seven schools across North America and beyond. EssilorLuxottica hosted regional clinics and screenings globally, while Alcon highlighted its Phaco Development Program, noting approximately 17 million procedures performed by trained professionals. CooperVision emphasized partnerships spanning over 85 countries. The Vision Council Foundation screened 1,309 children in Missouri, flagging 145 for potential vision issues. EyeCare4Kids marked its 25th anniversary with open houses in Utah and Las Vegas. These efforts precede the inaugural Global Summit for Eye Health scheduled for November 2, 2026, in Antigua and Barbuda.
Italian media reports indicate that Delfin, the Del Vecchio family holding company controlling 32.4 percent of EssilorLuxottica, may alter its shareholding structure and management. These potential changes aim to resolve a long-standing dispute among the heirs of Luxottica founder Leonardo Del Vecchio. The information is based on media reports rather than an official announcement from Delfin or EssilorLuxottica. Consequently, specific details regarding the nature of the proposed structural adjustments, timeline for implementation, or final outcomes remain unconfirmed. This development highlights ongoing internal tensions within the ownership group but does not yet constitute a completed corporate action or verified strategic shift by the eyewear giant itself.
A fire broke out on the roof of a historic building in Paris's 13th arrondissement, which is being renovated to become EssilorLuxottica’s future headquarters by 2028. The incident occurred on Thursday morning in the Austerlitz district. Approximately 100 firefighters and 30 vehicles were deployed to extinguish the blaze. No injuries were reported, and workers from the Bouygues-managed site were evacuated calmly. The building, owned by Crédit Agricole, previously served the neighboring train station. The cause of the fire remains unknown. After technical verification and securing the infrastructure, renovation work is expected to resume quickly. The completed headquarters will accommodate up to 2,000 employees.
Since its 2019 launch, the social initiative Alla Ska Se has distributed 83,056 pairs of free activity glasses to children aged 5–12 in the Nordics as of July 2026. The program is a collaboration between non-profit Generation Pep, retailer Synsam, and lens manufacturer Essilor. These prescription-grounded glasses are designed for sports and play to prevent vision-impaired children from avoiding physical activities due to fear of breaking their primary eyewear or cost barriers. Carolina Klüft of Generation Pep emphasized the link between activity and well-being, while Synsam CEO Håkan Lundstedt highlighted improved confidence. The initiative’s visibility increased during Arendalsuka in Norway, where Optikerbransjen, Synsam, and Norsk Toppfotball hosted a football match using simulated vision impairment glasses to demonstrate how uncorrected sight issues affect school and leisure participation.
Essilor and the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) launched "Le Floot," a vision health awareness campaign timed with World Sight Day. Running from October 16 to 18, the initiative features blurred player names on jerseys during four Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches, including Lyon-Nice and Metz-Sochaux. The campaign includes stadium screen animations, commentator interventions on Ligue 1+ and beIN Sports, social media content, and partner optical store promotions. At the Lyon-Nice match, supporters could test their vision using a Monoyer scale. Prûne Marre, General Manager of Verres et Instruments at EssilorLuxottica France, emphasized early detection for children, noting that undetected myopia can hinder school learning and increase adult eye complication risks.
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.
Editorial relevance: The removal of Meta smart glasses by a major optical chain highlights significant privacy-driven regulatory and reputational risks for eyewear retailers stocking camera-equipped devices.
The nominees for the 33rd SILMO d’Or have been revealed ahead of SILMO Paris 2026, which takes place from September 25–28 at Paris Nord Villepinte. The official shortlist spans 13 categories, including independent eyewear design, smart eyewear, low vision solutions, and technological innovation. Recognized as one of the industry’s most prestigious distinctions since its creation in 1994, the award celebrates excellence in craftsmanship and vision technology. Nominees will now undergo an extensive judging process involving optical professionals, designers, and international press members. Winners will be announced during the trade fair. TEF Magazine noted that this year marks ten years of their participation on the jury, with Editor-in-Chief Maarten Weidema serving since 2019.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EssilorLuxottica reinstated its premium eyewear event, "Lunetterie d’Excellence," in Paris from September 24 to 26, 2026. Held at the Hôtel de Maisons in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the gathering featured twelve luxury brands, including Prada, Burberry, and Ferrari, marking four more than the previous year. The event allowed optical partners to explore new collections and creative principles through personalized spaces across two privatized floors. Highlights included a Prada virtual reality experience, a bespoke craftsmanship demonstration by a Brunello Cucinelli master tailor, and a dedicated men’s luxury area. Designed as a premium club-style meeting, the initiative aimed to showcase the intersection of innovation and artisanal heritage within EssilorLuxottica’s luxury portfolio.