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.
Arpe has incorporated a new laser cutting process into the manufacturing of its microfiber lens cleaning cloths. This technological evolution improves cutting precision and enables fully personalized shapes, contours, and designs, targeting optical manufacturers, chains, audiologists, distributors, and promotional actions. To ensure safety on ophthalmic materials before market introduction, Arpe commissioned an independent study from CD6 at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). The research compared die-cut and laser-cut cloths on organic lenses with hardened and anti-reflective treatments, specifically selecting softer substrates like polycarbonate and high-index organic to test scratch susceptibility. Under conditions more demanding than normal use, including up to 200 controlled rubbing cycles and 15-minute continuous friction sessions at maximum pressure, results confirmed that neither cloth type caused scratches or surface damage.
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.
The SILMO d’Or 2026 awards have announced winners across various categories, recognizing excellence in design, technology, and craftsmanship within the optical industry. Notable innovations include GetD & Marienfeld’s Luxury AI Glasses, which integrate artificial intelligence and health tracking into carbon fiber frames, and Mega Optic’s Evosight VR, a progressive lens customized via virtual reality eye-tracking data launched on March 1, 2026. Other recognized products feature Nidek’s Phantom open-field refraction system, Eschenbach’s iPad-based visual aid, and Laclarée’s autofocus glasses for presbyopia. The awards also highlighted designer frames from brands such as Victoria Beckham, Lancel, and Rolf Eyewear, emphasizing material innovation and aesthetic trends.
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.
Grupo Prats has introduced VIMAX Work Tool, a digital web application designed to assist opticians in selecting occupational lenses from its Work Use range. The tool utilizes a questionnaire regarding professional activities, screen usage, and viewing distances to generate personalized recommendations for progressive or single-vision solutions. It aims to address the visual demands of modern workplaces that require alternating between different focal distances. The Work Use portfolio includes specific products such as VIMAX Offiplus Balance for dynamic multitasking environments, VIMAX Offiplus PC for monitor-heavy work, and VIMAX Screen for static precision tasks. Additionally, the range features Neo Relax Plus, a freeform single-vision lens intended to reduce eye strain for users experiencing fatigue from prolonged digital device use.
HOYA Lens Iberia has incorporated the progressive lenses Hoyalux iD MySense and Hoyalux iD MySense Prestige into its Madrid laboratory's production line. Effective October 1, local manufacturing of these solutions aims to improve service agility and reduce delivery times for Spanish optical retailers. The addition expands the Madrid facility's capacity to produce highly personalized optical products while maintaining company quality standards. Hoyalux iD MySense represents HOYA’s most advanced personalized progressive lens design, integrating user "Visual Sensory Intelligence" derived from HOYA visuSense data, including visual processing patterns, refocusing habits, and postural behavior. This localized production strategy enhances responsiveness for opticians by shortening lead times and offering greater flexibility in managing orders for complex, customized lens solutions within the Spanish market.
Grupo Prats has introduced PRATS BIO, its first complete range of plant-based lenses in index 1.6, timed to coincide with World Sight Day. The product line utilizes BIO 1.6 material, which is certified as a biomass product and holds USDA BioPreferred® status, aiming to reduce dependence on petroleum-derived raw materials. According to the company, this material allows for a documented reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional petroleum-based alternatives, calculated under ISO 14067 standards from raw material production through resin manufacturing. Grupo Prats positions PRATS BIO as a tool for opticians to integrate sustainability into their recommendations while maintaining high optical performance, including thin, lightweight, and durable lenses. Mauro Pellegrini, Marketing and International Sales Director at Grupo Prats, stated that the launch represents a new consumption paradigm for the optical sector, combining visual health needs with environmentally responsible choices.
French brand Longchamp Eyewear has released its Autumn/Winter 2026 sunglasses collection, emphasizing oversize geometric silhouettes and a reinterpretation of the signature Bamboo motif. The line features translucent materials and a palette of natural tones alongside intense colors like burgundy, black, green, and orange. A key model, the LO814S, is an oversize acetate-style frame made from plant-based resin with wide temples incorporating the updated Bamboo design. The collection blends urban inspiration with outdoor references and Parisian style. These sunglasses are currently available through selected distributors, Longchamp boutiques, and the brand’s online store.
Bravewear announced its FW26 Back-to-School eyewear collection, targeting younger consumers who view glasses as identity accessories rather than purely functional items. The collection features two distinct design lines: minimalist stainless steel aviator frames with geometric lines in gold and silver finishes, and bold acetate designs in olive green, tortoiseshell, and smoky crystal tones. Emphasizing urban style and comfort, the frames utilize lightweight materials and balanced proportions for daily wear from classes to social events. This release reflects a broader optical industry trend where young buyers seek products combining fashion, functionality, and versatility.
Evil Eye has announced the Stormline Pro, a high-performance sports eyewear model designed for demanding mountain athletes. The glasses feature a specialized temple retention structure and double-adjustable nose pads to ensure secure fit, even when wet. A new lateral protection shields eyes from UV rays and wind, while an integrated ventilation system with removable foam prevents fogging and sweat irritation. The product utilizes LST® VARiO photochromic lenses that automatically adapt to changing light conditions and enhance contrast. Prescription options include direct lens integration or a flexible clip-on system. Available in six frame colors and two sizes, the Stormline Pro supports optional accessories like face masks and elastic straps, which are sold separately through specialized optical retailers.
Götti Dimension has launched two new eyewear models, Ceni and Cenaya, which revive the classic double-bridge pilot style with a modern aesthetic. Manufactured via 3D printing at the brand’s own factory in Switzerland, these frames are produced layer by layer and assembled precisely by hand. The collection is available in 15 colors and features a softly rounded design that updates the retro look of the 1970s for everyday wear. A distinctive stainless steel hinge creates a visual contrast between the frame front and temples, serving as an eye-catching aesthetic element. The frames combine striking shapes with a silky finish, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional aviator designs.
Eyespace has introduced twelve new metal designs for the Cocoa Mint Studio collection, comprising six models each available in two color combinations. The line translates Cocoa Mint’s signature use of color into recycled stainless steel with GRS certification, featuring double plating that incorporates multiple tones on a single frame front. Design elements include sculpted metal, stepped linear details, and contrasting color blocks along temples finished with bio-based acetate tips. Colorways range from bold pink-red and purple-forest green to subtle light gold-champagne and burgundy-rose gold. The flagship CM9967 C1 model features a stepped detail revealing secondary plating colors. All frames measure 51 mm to 54 mm and include integrated flexible hinges and self-locking screws. Bio-based acetate tips appear on four of the six models, while biodegradable demo lenses reflect Eyespace’s commitment to responsible design.
EssilorLuxottica has announced Nuance Audio Plus, the next generation of its hearing aid glasses designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The new model integrates audio technology into the temples rather than the ear canal, featuring directional microphones, beamforming technology, and two audio modes (Frontal and 360°) selectable via the Nuance Audio app. Battery life reaches approximately 10 hours under average usage conditions, and physical controls on the temples allow users to power the device and adjust volume. Available in three frame shapes (Square 53, Panthos 48, Upturn 52) and five colors, the glasses support various ophthalmic lenses, including Transitions®. Hands-free calling is supported when connected to compatible iPhones. Nuance Audio Plus is available in Spain from September through authorized optical and hearing professionals.
In Spain, 77% of minors receiving aid under the government-backed Plan VEO accessed benefits through optical establishments, according to data released around World Sight Day on October 8. The plan, supported by the Ministry of Health and the General Council of Optometrists (CGCOO), provides up to €100 for glasses or contact lenses for children under 16. To date, 507,637 applications have been processed with the involvement of 13,695 optometrists and 7,867 optical shops. Astigmatism appeared in 75% of cases, myopia in 53.3%, and hypermetropia in 42.7%; these figures reflect only Plan VEO attendees and are not general population prevalence indicators. Among myopic minors, 17.3% used progressive control solutions. CGCOO President Andrés Gené Sampedro highlighted optometrists' role as a primary access point for visual care.
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.
Ocumeda has announced an expansion of its eye check-up service specifically targeting people with diabetes in Germany. The new offering, available immediately at optician locations, requires two fundus photographs (macula- and papilla-centered) instead of one to enable ophthalmologists to assess all four retinal quadrants for diabetic retinopathy. Additional health data collected includes diabetes duration, HbA1c levels, kidney disease history, and blood pressure. Medical director PD Dr. Catharina Busch stated that approximately ten million people live with diabetes in Germany, yet about one-third do not attend recommended eye examinations. Opticians perform the measurements and image capture, while affiliated ophthalmologists handle interpretation. This initiative aims to provide an additional preventive option for underserved patients.
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.
The French Council of State rejected appeals against Article 76 of the 2026 Social Security Financing Law on October 1, confirming that prescriptions issued by non-contracted doctors will no longer be reimbursed by the National Health Insurance (Assurance maladie) starting January 1, 2027. This measure specifically affects optical equipment and contact lenses prescribed by ophthalmologists practicing outside the conventional system. While such prescriptions remain valid for dispensing glasses or lenses, they will not qualify for standard insurance coverage. The government aims to deter liberal doctors from leaving the conventional system, noting approximately 1,000 doctors were non-contracted as of spring, accounting for nearly €200 million in annual reimbursed prescriptions. Currently, only four to five ophthalmologists practice in sector 3 in France. Opticians must now address the practical implications for reimbursement and patient information.
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.