Meta announced a partnership with CNIB, a Canadian non-profit founded in 1918, to support individuals who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. The initiative aims to explore the potential of AI wearable technology by leveraging community expertise to shape accessible future products. Meta’s funding will support four key areas: engaging the community to understand their experiences, supporting peer training and demonstrations led by affected individuals, sharing insights with Meta’s product teams, and providing accessible learning resources. Additionally, Meta is donating AI glasses through CNIB’s Come to Work program to help participants assess how wearable technology can assist in securing employment and building careers. This collaboration builds on previous global accessibility efforts, including donations to blind veterans in America and work with Vision Ireland.
Vuzix Corporation announced a distribution agreement with Commercial Electronics Systems (CES), a Denver-based value-added distributor serving Colorado, Texas, and Wyoming. CES has received and begun shipping against an initial six-figure order for Vuzix LX1 smart glasses. The partnership aims to expand Vuzix's enterprise sales channel by integrating smart glasses into CES's new Automation and Intelligent Infrastructure division, targeting commercial automation and workforce modernization markets. CES will leverage its experience in security and fire protection to introduce wearable technology for hands-free information access and remote support. Vuzix CEO Paul Travers noted that CES is building a broader automation business around customer needs rather than simply reselling hardware.
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.
Organised by the HKTDC and HKOMA, the 34th Hong Kong International Optical Fair will be held from November 4 to 6 at the HKCEC. The event features over 600 exhibitors from 14 countries, showcasing products including smart eyewear, frames, lenses, and eye-care solutions. Highlighting sector growth, organizers cited IDC data showing global smart glasses shipments reached 3.566 million units in Q1 2026, up 130.1% year-on-year. The fair adopts an EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, utilizing Click2Match and Scan2Match tools for business connections until November 13. Concurrent events include the 24th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium and the 26th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition.
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.
During the Q3 earnings call on October 21, 2026, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a strategic realignment for Reality Labs. The division will prioritize investments in personal artificial intelligence and smart glasses, specifically developing the Muse AI assistant, while limiting new virtual reality device releases to instances of significant technological advancement. Meta plans to transition its wearables business model from high-margin hardware sales to software services and subscriptions. In 2026, the Muse Spark neural network replaced Llama 4 in most smart glasses. Financially, Reality Labs reported $443 million in Q3 revenue, a 5.7% year-over-year decrease attributed to lower Quest sales partially offset by smart glasses growth. Operating losses narrowed by 6.8% to $4.129 billion. Projections indicate full-year 2026 operating losses of $18–19 billion, expected to drop to approximately $15 billion in 2027 due to this investment redistribution.
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.
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.
Meta announced on October 8 that it is donating 1,000 Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to four Singapore organizations serving people with disabilities: the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), Guide Dogs Singapore, the Singapore Disability Sports Council, and Gardens by the Bay. A US$30,000 grant accompanies the donation, allocated entirely to SAVH for developing a free accessibility curriculum focused on object identification, text reading, and voice commands. The announcement did not specify the glasses' generation, distribution among recipients, or delivery dates. While Gen 3 is the current product line, Meta confirmed no model details for these units. The initiative was unveiled at an accessibility showcase co-hosted with SDSC, emphasizing existing features like live translation and hands-free calls rather than custom-built technology.
Synsam Group announced strong fourth-quarter results for 2025, with net sales rising 9.4% to SEK 1,784 million and organic growth reaching 11.4%. Full-year net sales increased 9.8% to SEK 7,065 million, supported by a 10.4% rise in spectacles subscription revenue and a customer base of approximately 756,000 subscribers. The company reported an EBITDA margin of 23.2% for the quarter and proposed a dividend of SEK 1.80 per share. Strategic developments included the full implementation of Synsam EyeView in Sweden and Norway, the launch of smart glasses (including Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta, and Nuance), and the establishment of a new e-commerce warehouse to meet online demand. Synsam also expanded its store network, opening 24 new locations in 2025, and integrated second-hand frames into its standard assortment.
Editorial relevance: Synsam's year-end report highlights record financial performance driven by subscription growth and strategic investments in smart glasses and e-commerce infrastructure, reinforcing its position in the Nordic optical retail market.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Innovative Eyewear reported preliminary unaudited net sales of approximately $1.04 million for Q3 2026, a 55% year-over-year increase and the highest quarterly figure in its history. Growth was driven by a 25% rise in direct-to-consumer and online marketplace sales, alongside initial shipments under new wholesale programs. The company expanded into three key channels: shipping an initial order to a major U.S. big-box retailer for Lucyd Armor rollout across 150+ stores; commencing retail placement with FYihealth Group in Canada across ~345 locations; and receiving orders for over 3,000 units from Directed Electronics in Australia/New Zealand, expected to ship in October 2026. Nine-month net sales reached ~$2.8 million, exceeding full-year 2025 totals. Management anticipates these new channels will significantly impact Q4 2026 and 2027 results.
Innovative Eyewear reported preliminary Q3 2026 net sales of approximately $1.04 million, a 55 percent year-over-year increase and its highest quarterly revenue to date. Nine-month net sales reached approximately $2.8 million, surpassing full-year 2025 figures. Growth reflected a 25 percent increase in direct-to-consumer and online marketplace sales alongside first shipments under new wholesale programs. The company opened three new channels: a major U.S. big-box retailer, FYihealth Group in Canada, and Directed Electronics in Australia and New Zealand. Initial purchase orders from Directed Electronics for more than 3,000 units are expected to ship in October 2026 and are not included in Q3 results. Full financial results are scheduled for mid-November 2026.
US-based smart eyewear manufacturer Innovative Eyewear reported preliminary unaudited net sales of approximately $1.04 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, marking a 55% year-over-year increase and the highest quarterly sales in company history. Growth was driven by a 25% rise in direct-to-consumer and online marketplace sales, alongside initial wholesale shipments. The company announced new distribution channels, including an initial purchase order to a US big-box retailer for Lucyd Armor products (expected in-store October 2026), a Canadian launch with FYihealth Group across ~345 locations, and orders from Australian distributor Directed Electronics for over 3,000 units (shipping October 2026). Nine-month sales reached $2.8 million, surpassing full-year 2025 revenue. CEO Harrison Gross stated these results clear the way for the planned fourth-quarter launch of Lucyd Aero smartglasses.
Silmo Paris 2026 attracted 32,108 visitors from nearly 150 countries, with 53% international attendance, featuring over 950 exhibitors across 80,000 square metres. The event emphasized connected optics, hosting the first international hackathon for health applications on smart glasses platforms like HTC and EverySight, won by Kimoo. The Silmo d'Or awards recognized innovations such as autofocus glasses and luxury smart eyewear. Sustainability was highlighted through the CSR Spot and Andy Wolf's Committed Company Award. Over 60 talks covered AI and healthcare trends, setting the stage for the industry's evolution ahead of the fair's 60th anniversary in 2027.
SILMO Paris 2026 attracted 32,108 professionals, including 53% international visitors, across four days. The event featured over 950 exhibitors and 1,500 brands showcasing innovations in connected optics, artificial intelligence, and predictive health tools. A notable highlight was the first international hackathon for smart glasses health applications, won by Kimoo, an ADHD support assistant developed on the HTC platform. The Trends Forum identified four stylistic themes: Fancy, Charisma, Adrenaline, and Aura. The SILMO d’Or awards recognized winners such as Laclarée for autofocus glasses and GETD & Marienfeld for Luxury AI glasses. Additionally, Andy Wolf received the Committed Company Award for its sustainability efforts, including Acetate Renew materials and European production. The next edition is scheduled for 2027.
SILMO Paris 2026 attracted 32,108 trade visitors from nearly 150 countries, with 53% international attendance. The fair featured over 950 exhibitors across 80,000 square meters, emphasizing 'SILMO Next' innovations including smart glasses, AI, and predictive healthcare. A key highlight was the first international hackathon for smart-glass health applications, won by 'Kimoo,' an ADHD assistant developed on the HTC platform. The SILMO d’Or awards recognized advancements such as autofocus glasses for presbyopia and VR-customized progressive lenses. Additionally, Andy Wolf received the CSR award for reducing acetate frames' ecological footprint by 53% between 2021 and 2024. The next edition will celebrate the fair's 60th anniversary in September 2027.
Show organizers for Silmo Paris have announced the nominees for the 33rd Silmo d'Or Awards, an annual juried ceremony celebrating eyewear design and innovation. Joachim Froment, co-founder of Futurewave, will serve as jury president. The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on September 26, 2026, during the Silmo 2026 show scheduled for September 25–28 at Paris Nord Villepinte. Categories include children, sport, vision, materials, technological innovation, smart eyewear, optical frames, and sunwear. Notable nominees feature products from EssilorLuxottica (including Ray-Ban Meta Display), Oakley, Hoya Vision Care, and various independent designers across multiple segments.
TDK Corporation announced the acquisition of assets from OQmented (kiiz Technologies GmbH), a Germany-based developer of MEMS-based laser beam scanning and display technologies. The acquired assets will be integrated into TDK AIsight, established in 2026 to accelerate TDK’s smart glasses solutions business. TDK stated that this move supports its strategy to build a vertically integrated light engine platform for AR display systems, combining eye intent technology, Full-color Laser Module (FCLM), and MEMS mirrors. This follows TDK’s June 2025 purchase of SoftEye, Inc. Financial terms were not disclosed. TDK expects steady growth in the smart glasses market over the medium to long term.
Best Buy is rolling out 30-by-30-foot Meta AI shop-in-shops in select stores, aiming for 50 locations selling Ray-Ban Meta frames by the end of this year and potentially over 200 by next year. Executive Vice President Patrick McGinnis stated that more than 50% of customers prefer seeing the glasses in person before purchase, with over 175,000 demos completed since smaller displays launched last October. The new spaces feature untethered frames for easy try-ons and are positioned front-and-center to revamp store layouts for flexible experiential retail. To support this initiative, 300 associates underwent weeklong training to address customer needs and privacy concerns regarding the AI-powered eyewear.