The Groupement Optic 2000 has rebranded its Lissac chain as Maison Lissac 1919, introducing a premium store concept modeled after an apartment. Tested at the rue de Vaugirard location and deployed in the historic rue de Rivoli flagship in Paris, the design features wood, carpets, armchairs, and lighting to emphasize style alongside optical expertise. Franchisees can personalize their stores using local history and colors. Martine Loyer, Director General of Groupement Optic 2000, stated the change aims to differentiate Maison Lissac from the accessible Optic 2000 brand by offering a cozy, confidential experience. The rollout is progressive, with about ten stores adopting the identity and fifteen expected to complete the full concept within the year. The network comprises 250 stores, 62% located in city centers.
The Krys Group Foundation has launched the ninth edition of its "Vision Days" national campaign, timed with World Sight Day. The initiative provides free eye examinations and adapted glasses to individuals excluded from traditional healthcare pathways. Students from 25 optical schools in France conduct the assessments under the supervision of qualified teachers. Beneficiary identification relies on partnerships with organizations including Ordre de Malte France, the French Red Cross, Secours populaire français, and Les Restos du Cœur. Anne Cristini-Désir, president of the foundation, highlighted that the previous session distributed 201 optical devices. Since 2002, the foundation has pursued similar initiatives, such as the Bus de la Vue et de l'Audition, to address inequalities in access to health services.
On October 1, 2026, Carte Blanche Partenaires launched the conventioning phase for its future optical network, with effective deployment scheduled for January 2027. Opticians have until December 20, 2026, to submit online applications via the organization's website, a process requiring approximately 15 minutes and documents including an extract Kbis, RIB, and RPPS or ADELI certificates. The framework allows opticians to retain their usual suppliers or offer private-label lenses (MDD) and includes specific tariff valuations for fitting services and pediatric or low-vision specialties. The network serves 12 million beneficiaries in France, partners with 60 complementary health organizations, processed 2.3 million optical claims in 2025, and currently lists 7,900 partner opticians and 13 lens manufacturers.
A survey by L’Échommerces.fr involving 4,864 independent business owners across France reveals that optician-managers earn an average gross monthly income of €3,300. This figure is lower than the national average for full-time private-sector employees (€3,602) and trails behind pharmacists (€5,200) and tobacco shop owners (€3,400). The study indicates that company size correlates with higher earnings, while 45% of all respondents reported declining incomes over the past two years. However, the survey does not provide specific year-over-year revenue trends for opticians alone. Overall sentiment remains cautious, with less than 10% of participants expecting improved economic conditions in the near future.
The 2026 Optical Design Contest, chaired by French designer Olivier Lapidus, awarded its top prize to American designer Sophia Denison for her prototype eyewear model, "Dreamscape." A recent graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, Denison designed the frames to counter digital overstimulation by using visual distortion to encourage present-moment awareness. She currently works as an assistant designer at Press Eyewear under Jeff Press. This victory follows her winning the Sergio Cerdea eyewear design award at Mido two years prior. Denison stated that these accolades significantly launched her career in the optical industry.
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.
Carte Blanche Partenaires opened the conventioning process for its future optical network on October 1, 2026. The new network will enter into force in January 2027. Opticians may submit applications directly on the platform's website until December 20, 2026. The company states the process takes an average of 15 minutes, requiring documents such as Kbis extracts, RIBs, and RPPS or ADELi certificates. This step follows the prior referencing of lens manufacturers, private label distributors, and contact lens suppliers. Carte Blanche Partenaires claims to be France's first optical network, citing 12 million potential beneficiaries and 60 partner health insurers. It remains unclear whether the final network will match the current count of 7,900 professionals, a figure that will only be confirmed upon the January 2027 launch.
FréquenceOptic reported on October 6, 2026, three new eyewear collaborations. Nathalie Blanc partnered with lingerie brand Livy founder Lisa Chavy to create a limited-edition capsule featuring the Lili and Nathalie models, available from December 2026. Komono continued its collaboration with Belgian designer Sybrand Jansen, introducing an asymmetrical frame inspired by a crushed pair of sunglasses found in the street. J.F Rey teamed up with perfume house Robertet for Sakura, a conceptual model combining metal lace-like structures with 3D-printed acetate circles. This edition is limited to 350 numbered pieces and includes brown gradient category 3 polarized lenses with anti-reflective coating, packaged with a custom fragrance.
Acuitis continues its October Rose campaign, donating €20 per specific Kylie model to the RoseUp association. Alain Afflelou launched nine new Magic Connect eyewear models, including two for sports, which are compatible with previous generations. Krys Group announced an exclusive partnership with Chinese firm Rokid for smart glasses featuring real-time translation and AI; a Paris store is currently testing them, with expansion to ten stores planned by year-end. Krys also ranked sixth in the Great Place to Work For Women list. Optic 2000 initiated a regional marketing campaign highlighting its 1,200 stores and is conducting its third Low Vision Week until October 10, offering assessments at 230 specialized points.
At the recent SILMO Paris exhibition, French innovator KaviAR Tech showcased POESIAR and ARAI, app-free augmented reality and artificial intelligence solutions designed to enhance physical eyecare retail. POESIAR transforms static materials like posters and brochures into interactive multimedia experiences via QR codes, requiring no app downloads or technical teams. ARAI functions as a 24/7 virtual assistant projected through smartphone browsers, offering multilingual support in over 50 languages and intelligent lead qualification capabilities. The company highlighted these tools' relevance for Australian optical practices seeking to differentiate from online retailers by reducing adoption barriers such as cost and complexity. KaviAR Tech also provided an optical-specific demo of ARAI, dubbed "Max," allowing practitioners to experience the avatar's ability to guide customers through product information and answer preliminary questions directly within their real-world environment.
Spanish technology company Indizen Optical Technologies (IOT) announced that progressive lenses manufactured using its Light-Form Technology are now available to consumers in Madrid. This marks the transition from research and development to commercial use for the platform, which produces ophthalmic lenses via a single-step 3D printing process using a flash of light. According to IOT, the technology meets commercial precision standards while eliminating water consumption, reducing energy use by 90 percent and cutting waste by 76 percent compared to conventional methods. The rollout follows the technology's February 2026 debut and is facilitated through retail partner VisionLab. While IOT is discussing opportunities with North American companies, the firm stated there are no current plans to replicate the Madrid retail launch in the U.S.
Jet Set Group will participate in Expo Ottica Sud (Eos) in Catania, presenting its eyewear collections and engaging with industry operators. The company’s portfolio includes licensed eyewear lines for fashion and lifestyle brands such as John Richmond, La Martina, Borbonese, Silvian Heach, Genny, and Roberta di Camerino, alongside its proprietary Underground line. According to a company statement, this event serves as a key opportunity for direct interaction with opticians, sector professionals, and commercial partners. The 2026 participation underscores Jet Set Group’s commitment to investing in relationships within the Italian market, aiming to consolidate partnerships and strengthen its presence among local operators.
Federottica and Adoo have renewed the national "October Month of Sight" campaign for 2026, centering on conscious digital device use. The initiative encourages citizens to undergo free visual efficiency checks throughout October at associated optical centers displaying the official poster. Promoting the slogan "Screens on, eyes protected," the campaign highlights that approximately 40% of the population lacks regular eye exams, while 66% of Italians with vision defects are unaware of their condition. Optical professionals will inform the public about advanced solutions, including blue-light protective lenses, to mitigate screen-induced eye strain. Associated centers received informational materials via special editions of Federottica news and internal circulars. This effort aims to strengthen professional visibility and drive qualified in-store traffic by emphasizing preventive care and technological expertise in vision wellness.
The 11th edition of Expo Ottica Sud, a key optical and optometric trade fair for Southern Italy and the Mediterranean, opens Saturday, October 10, 2026, at SiciliaFiera in Misterbianco, Catania. Organized by Eleventi, the event runs through Monday, October 12, attracting vision professionals from Sicily, Calabria, Malta, and across Italy. Exhibitor space is nearly sold out with over eighty direct companies participating; ninety percent of previous exhibitors returned, some expanding their stands. Organizers aim to exceed last year’s 1,800 visitors. The fair features online pre-registration and a digital exhibitor catalog. A new visual identity, “Anima Mediterranea,” developed with Ottica Italiana-Optoservice, highlights regional heritage. Operating hours vary daily, concluding at 15:00 on the final day.
On October 8, during World Sight Day, Zeiss emphasized ongoing deficits in global eye care access. The company supports initiatives in underserved regions to facilitate examinations, glasses, and treatments. Citing WHO data, Zeiss noted that at least 2.2 billion people have vision impairments, with one billion cases being preventable or treatable. In India and Nepal, the Aloka Vision Programme examined over 1.9 million people and distributed 23,985 pairs of glasses between April 2025 and March 2026. Additionally, Zeiss backed Sight for Life in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where more than 90 surgeries and 700 other treatments were performed during a one-week initiative.
Silhouette has released an exclusive charity eyewear cleaning cloth to support the "Tribute to Bambi" foundation, continuing its partnership of over 20 years. The initiative aims to raise awareness for aid projects benefiting disadvantaged children and youth in Germany. Distributed through partner opticians, the campaign extends the message beyond the specific event into daily retail operations. The 2026 edition features the iconic double deer motif rendered in three dimensions with a metallic shimmering surface, aligning with the brand’s current marketing aesthetics showcased at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. This action reinforces Silhouette’s commitment to social responsibility while integrating charitable messaging into its optical retail network across Germany.
Eyewear brand ic! berlin, owned by the Marcolin Group since late 2023, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026. To mark the occasion, eyebizz hosted a webinar on September 23 focusing on stainless steel, the material central to the Berlin-based company's screwless premium eyewear aesthetic. Hannes Springer from technical product management and General Manager Davide Lunghi discussed the design and craftsmanship involved. The recording of this second installment in the "Material" series is available for free in the eyebizz media library. Additionally, a "Technical Handbook" referenced during the session will be released soon in the same library.
OptikNow released Episode 14 of its "Eye on the Industry" podcast, featuring a bilingual conversation with New Look President Jacinthe Laurendeau. The episode marks the optical retailer’s 40th anniversary, tracing its evolution from founder Guy Rouleau’s initial six stores to current operations across Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Laurendeau reflects on her career progression within the company and highlights technological advancements such as virtual try-on and digital measurements, while emphasizing that human expertise remains central to customer service. To celebrate the milestone, New Look launched Club 86, a frame collection inspired by 1980s aesthetics, including models named after served communities and one honoring Rouleau. The discussion explores how technology and personalization will shape the company’s future in Canadian optical retail.
The Vision Council is accepting submissions for the sixth annual 2027 NOW Awards, open to eyewear designers and brands worldwide regardless of exhibition status. Entry is free, with deadlines set for February 5, 2027, for digital submissions and February 10 for physical samples. A judging panel representing design, retail, education, and fashion sectors will evaluate entries, chaired by Nico Roseillier, with the full roster announced in January. The competition features ten categories, including Best Optical, Sunglass, Direct-to-Consumer, Emerging Designer, and Wearable Technology. Finalists will be revealed in late February, and winners recognized on March 11 at Vision Expo 2027 in Las Vegas. All submitting brands guarantee one frame display in the NOW Showcase, while finalists receive additional promotional recognition through Vision Expo channels.
Darla Shewmaker, founder of WaveRFID and former Vice President of Product Development at an eyecare electronic health record company, discusses the financial impact of unmanaged inventory in optical practices. Drawing on decades of industry experience, she notes that a typical single location holding 750 to 1,200 frames carries $80,000 to $150,000 in inventory value. Shewmaker identifies significant discrepancies between perceived and actual retail price points, citing examples where practices believe 30–40% of their stock is high-end ($500+), while sales data reveals only 10% meets that threshold. She argues that this misalignment causes capital to sit idle rather than driving growth. The interview emphasizes that implementing proper inventory systems requires staff buy-in and a shift from traditional paper-based methods to data-driven management to improve profitability.
Bonne Franquette has introduced the Silure de Loire, the first frame in its collaboration with French chef Mathieu Pérou. The round acetate design draws inspiration from the chef’s regional dish, featuring tortoise warmth, subtle green accents, and resin details intended to recall the scales of the Loire catfish. Mood Eyewear Inc., established in 2006 as an exclusive Canadian distributor for European optical brands including Bonne Franquette, handles the distribution. The source describes the product's aesthetic features and the partnership but does not provide specific pricing, availability dates, or independent performance metrics.
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.
Japanese eyeglass retailer OWNDAYS has expanded its international footprint, with more than half of its total 640 stores now located overseas. The company, which began rapid expansion beyond Japan into Singapore, Taiwan, and the wider Southeast Asian market following a 2008 restructuring by chairman Shuji Tanaka, offers over 1,000 items per store. Founded in 1989, OWNDAYS is described as Japan’s fastest-growing eyeglass provider. The source highlights the brand's strategy to simplify the buying process and cater to diverse customer needs through extensive inventory and global reach.
Yi An Optical’s Tianmu store in Taipei hosted the first exclusive exhibition of Japanese brand Pitot, featuring frames inspired by plant forms and crafted in Sabae. The event ran from October 1 to October 17, 2026, showcasing the full collection with a floral workshop. Founder Shono Watanabe designs using natural acetate derived from cotton linters and wood pulp, emphasizing sustainability. Manager Stark cited the brand’s growth in Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong as key reasons for the partnership. Attendees completing prescriptions received artist-illustrated scarves, while those buying branded lenses got leather storage rolls. Pitot maintains a strict no-reproduction policy for sold-out models, making current stock limited.
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1130, which would have made it unlawful to secretly record people using wearable devices. Newsom cited the bill’s imprecise definition of "wearable recording devices" and noted that existing state laws already provide similar protections. The legislation aimed to address concerns over always-listening tech, such as Meta and Snap glasses, by requiring explicit consent for recording in public places. Had it passed, violators faced fines or prison time, and non-compliant manufacturers could also be fined. This move prevents California from becoming the first state to regulate smart glasses usage, a step other countries like Norway are considering.
SATISFY and Oakley announced their eighth collaboration, "Chapter VIII: Equipment for Our World," scheduled to arrive globally on October 13, 2026. The collection revives two archival eyewear silhouettes: the Oakley Scar, originally introduced in 2001 as the brand’s first mixed-material frame with O Matter construction and metal hinges, now offered in Falcon and X-Silver Metal colorways with vented Prizm lenses; and the Suture Jacket, featuring spiked high-wrap designs in Grey Smoke and Transparent Yellow with vented Prizm Black lenses and sweat-activated Unobtainium nosepads. Accompanying technical running apparel includes the AuraLite Dune Perforated Long Tee, AmbientWarp Cordura Trail Cap, and SoftCell Bandana. The partnership emphasizes visible industrial design alongside athletic function, leveraging Oakley’s engineering history and SATISFY’s Paris-based aesthetic influences.
Charmant announced an exclusive eyewear collection created with Japanese artist Kanako Sasaki at the Silmo fair in September, coinciding with the brand's 70th anniversary. The collaboration features sunglasses and optical frames displaying multi-coloured patterns inspired by Sasaki’s acrylic work and vibrant colour palette. During the Paris event, Sasaki performed live art on the Charmant stand, where the collection was displayed. Following the announcement, a pop-up event celebrating the collaboration and launching the new eyewear took place at the Line Art Charmant store in Ginza, Tokyo. Sasaki, born in Sendai in 1983, is known for previous collaborations with brands including Loveless and Ujoh.
Synsam AB (publ) repurchased a total of 100,000 own shares between September 28 and October 2, 2026. These transactions are part of a share buy-back program announced on May 28, 2026, with a maximum value of MSEK 200, running from June 1, 2026, to February 26, 2027. The repurchases were executed on Nasdaq Stockholm by DNB Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ) to adjust the company’s capital structure. Daily volumes ranged from 20,000 shares each day, with weighted average prices between SEK 52.025440 and SEK 53.113280. Following these purchases, Synsam holds 4,709,635 own shares out of 145,313,746 outstanding shares.
Ocuco has appointed Dr Mark Clark as Sales Executive for North America to support its Acuitas 3, OptiCommerce, and Innovations 3 platforms. Clark brings over two decades of experience in optical laboratory operations, practice ownership, and digital solutions. His background in website strategy aligns with OptiCommerce, while his lab expertise supports Innovations 3. In previous roles, he launched optical eCommerce brands and managed virtual try-on software development. Dermot Walsh, Ocuco’s Chief Revenue Officer, stated that Clark’s combined perspective is vital for accelerating the company’s US product strategy. The appointment strengthens Ocuco’s sales presence in North America as the Dublin-based firm continues regional expansion.
Megane Top launched new eyewear from its classic brand THE BEDFORD HOTEL on October 6, 2026. The collection features titanium frames designed to evoke the aesthetic of aged brass and antique items, utilizing four proprietary aging processes developed at the company's own factory to create a weathered texture. While standard models are available at all Megane Ichiba stores and the official website, a specific limited-color edition is restricted to 210 units and sold only at select locations and online. The designs reinterpret 1970s fashion trends for contemporary wear. Availability details for the limited edition require checking the brand site for eligible retailers.
Eyewear brand VANNI has introduced "Italian Kaleido," a new visual language designed to interpret Italian design through color. The concept positions Italy as the country of culture and style rather than just fashion, utilizing a palette of one dominant color complemented by two additional shades to evoke energy, elegance, and optimism. This framework aims to enhance eyewear products, making them instantly recognizable within the VANNI world. The strategy emphasizes warm, intense lighting with defined shadows to reflect Mediterranean character. Italian Kaleido will be applied across window displays, in-store POP materials, catalogues, digital platforms, and trade show stands. VANNI also clarified that its fashion models are real humans, not AI-generated.
Eyewear brand Einstoffen has introduced its "Same Ground" collection. The source describes the line as reflecting an inward focus and a decision to remain grounded amidst change, with surfaces that shift according to light, season, and time while maintaining a sense of calm beneath. The text emphasizes material grounding and independence from external noise, positioning the products for individuals who value clarity and self-reliance. No specific launch dates, geographic availability, pricing, or technical specifications are provided in the source material.
Blackfin announced its FW26 Urban Sync campaign on 10 September 2026, marking a shift from decorative luxury to a conceptual, performance-driven aesthetic. The visual narrative utilizes the architectural dynamism of Berlin as a conscious expression of identity, reflecting the brand’s balance between local roots and international outlook. Models move through urban spaces to create synchronicity between individuals, titanium materials, and global contexts. The campaign highlights precise cuts and construction mechanics of various eyewear families, allowing each series to express distinct stylistic personalities within a cohesive language. Styling draws on historic haute couture archives to add cultural depth, reinforcing premium positioning while projecting continuity with the brand's history.
On July 29, 2026, Oliver Fischbach was elected president of EUROM 1 Optical Industries during the association’s General Assembly in Naples. Fischbach serves as Senior Vice President for Western Europe and North America at Hoya Vision Care and represents SPECTARIS, the German industrial association. This appointment marks his second term leading the European umbrella organization, having previously served from 2017 to 2020. EUROM 1 unites national associations representing manufacturers of spectacle lenses, frames, sunglasses, and optical equipment, advocating for industry interests regarding regulation, standardization, and trade policy within European institutions. The assembly also addressed current market trends and regulatory developments, with input from partner association ECOO on European eye care issues.
Imago Eyewear has expanded its "Imago" and "Pix" collections with several new models featuring tinted lenses and mixed materials. The Imago line introduces six titanium frames: "Suki," "Shobu," and "Aibu" combine modern shapes with color accents, while "Ichi," "Kin," and "Makiko" feature gradient centers and curved lines. All six are available in five colors each. The Pix collection adds three models: "Pulau" and "Voodoo" mix stainless steel with acetate rims, whereas "Santa Cruz" uses a flat acetate form with slight curves. These three also come in five colors. Founded in 1990 under the "Designed in Germany" principle, Imago Eyewear maintains a portfolio of five distinct collections.
The Optic 2000 cooperative has strategically repositioned its century-old Lissac brand, renaming it Maison Lissac 1919. Martine Loyer, the cooperative’s director general, stated the goal was to reveal the brand's uniqueness rather than change its identity. Anne-Charlotte Guillaud, the brand director, noted that in a saturated market, being known is no longer sufficient; brands must be chosen. The rebranding follows months of consumer studies across France. A new "elegant cocoon" store concept, featuring refined wood essences and plush carpets, debuted at pilot locations on Rue de Vaugirard and Rue de Rivoli in Paris. This design will roll out progressively across the network’s 250 units in metropolitan France and Réunion. Core expertise areas, including custom solutions via Studio Lissac and support for complex cases, remain unchanged.
Satisloh has released the Q2 2026 update for its Manufacturing Execution System, MES-360. The release introduces a new Integrated Solutions Customer Portal accessible directly via MES-360, featuring a knowledge base, AI Assistant, and support agent contact options. It also expands DRL, OEE, and productivity reporting to help identify accuracy trends and performance loss drivers. Operational resilience is improved through simplified job transfers and remote display recovery for E-Ticket operations. Additionally, the update resolves vulnerabilities in Rx-Hub, Rx-PDF, and the Shared platform. Complete release notes are available on the MES-360 product page.
Indizen Optical Technologies (IOT) published an article analyzing accommodative lag as a continuous clinical variable affecting lens selection from childhood myopia through pre-presbyopia. The text defines lag as the gap between accommodative stimulus and response, noting that values above 1.00 D in patients aged 5 to 39 warrant investigation. It distinguishes lag from amplitude, explaining that elevated lag can signal binocular vision issues before presbyopia onset. Citing studies like CLEERE, the article notes myopic children often exhibit double the lag of emmetropes, though causality with axial elongation remains debated. IOT highlights its MyoLess lens, which uses free-form peripheral defocus to address these findings. The company specifies that MyoLess is currently offered only in non-US markets.
OptoTech promotes its Applications Lab in Germantown, Wisconsin, as a facility for North American customers to engage with ophthalmic lens production technology. The lab supports hands-on training, execution of customer-specific jobs, troubleshooting through error reproduction, and on-site testing of new equipment using metrology capabilities. Current installations include the IQ-Synergy Generator, IQ-Synergy ECO Blocker & ECO Deblocker, and IQ-Synergy S2 Blocker. The space allows customers to evaluate solutions before integrating them into their own production environments. OptoTech invites interested parties to schedule private visits for themselves and their teams to experience these services firsthand.
In April 2026, Rodenstock announced that its B.I.G. EXACT Sensitive lens technology received the TOP OPTA Award in the Czech Republic for ‘Quality Vision for All Generations’ and the Belgoptic Award in Belgium for ‘Innovation of the Year’. These recognitions follow four international prizes awarded to the same technology in 2025, including the German Innovation Award, Silmo d’Or, Grupa MTP Gold Medal, and Optician Lens Awards. The lenses utilize biometric data from the DNEye Scanner and AI to create personalized spectacle lenses based on individual eye anatomy and visual sensitivity. Catherine Stahl, Executive Vice President Marketing & Strategy at Rodenstock, stated that the awards confirm the company's innovative strength and commitment to individualized vision care.