Eyewear retailer Megane Top held the inaugural session of its interactive workshop, "Professor Megane's Magic Lab," on September 5, 2026, at the Shizuoka Science Museum Rukuru in Shizuoka City. The event targeted elementary school students from grades one to three, with nineteen participants attending. Designed to foster interest in vision and optics, the workshop focused on the relationship between light and lenses. Participants acted as special researchers, using convex and concave lenses to observe how light refracts and changes visibility. They formulated hypotheses, tested them through hands-on experimentation, and applied their findings to solve puzzles. This initiative aims to present eyewear not merely as a daily necessity but as a tool for understanding optical mechanisms.
The Fédération Nationale des Opticiens de France (Fnof) has announced its General Assembly and seminar for Monday, November 2, 2026. The event will take place from 14:00 to 18:00 at Châteauform La Manufacture in Issy-les-Moulineaux. While the General Assembly is restricted to members, the seminar is open to both member and non-member professionals. Registration via email or phone is mandatory. The agenda includes presenting a political manifesto on visual health, discussing fraud prevention, analyzing relationships with mandatory and complementary health insurance, and addressing workplace health issues such as mental health and branch providency with AG2R. A cocktail follows the sessions.
Organizers of the international eyewear trade show MIDO announced that its February 6–8, 2027 edition at Fiera Milano Rho will adopt a new identity named Eyewearland Milano. This rebrand follows fifty-four previous editions and positions the event as a unified territory covering the entire optical supply chain, from raw materials to retail displays. The announcement references the 2026 edition's metrics, which attracted approximately 42,000 visitors from over 160 countries and around 1,200 exhibitors across eight exhibition spaces in seven halls. Key areas include the Fashion District, Lenses pole, Tech section, and FAiR East for Asian producers. The initiative also highlights sustainability efforts, including ISO 20121 certification since 2022, and design awards such as the Sergio Cereda Design Award for creators under thirty.
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 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.
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.
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.
SPECTARIS Consumer Optics and EUROM Optical Industries successfully addressed a conflict in the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) that risked forcing eyewear manufacturers into non-compliance. The issue involved EUDAMED registration deadlines preceding the technical feasibility of Master UDI-DI implementation, potentially exposing producers to sanctions for up to 30 months. Following advocacy efforts, the European Commission published an official position paper on July 10 clarifying that manufacturers may register products with Master UDI-DI before mandatory deadlines if technically feasible, but are not required to do so. Alternatively, existing identifiers like GS1 codes remain valid until the specific Master-UDI deadlines: November 9, 2026, for contact lenses and September 2028 for eyeglass frames, lenses, and ready-made readers. This clarification provides essential legal certainty and audit readiness for the optical industry.
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.
At the opti 2026 trade fair in Munich, SPECTARIS reported that the German consumer optics industry exceeded €5 billion in revenue for the first time in 2025, achieving low single-digit growth. While domestic sales rose by approximately 0.5 percent amid consumer restraint, foreign business grew more dynamically at nearly 3 percent, maintaining an export share of around 50 percent. Preliminary data indicates a slight decline in employment during 2025, with companies expecting stable to slightly decreasing staffing levels in 2026. For the current year, firms anticipate similar overall revenue trends, driven primarily by stronger international performance. The association also outlined product trends for 2026, including modular designs, 3D-printed glasses, sustainable materials, and digital health features like myopia management.
Editorial relevance: The report highlights a divergence between domestic and international growth, emphasizing the critical role of cross-border trade in sustaining revenue for the German consumer optics sector.
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.
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.
Silhouette, the Linz-based eyewear provider, announced that its new Titan Minimal Art Optical Collection won the iF Design Award 2024. The award was presented by a panel of 132 design experts who reviewed nearly 11,000 submissions from 72 countries. This victory coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original Titan Minimal Art icon. The winning collection features rimless, screwless, and hingeless designs, retaining the space-qualified heritage of previous models while introducing four modern shapes and partial Color Groove technology for lens edge tinting. The announcement was made on March 13, 2024.
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.
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.