VISTALIA attended SILMO Paris 2026, held from September 25 to 28 at the Paris Nord Villepinte venue. The group’s presence focused on technological evolution and trends influencing its collections and associated optical stores. VISTALIA utilized the event to engage with suppliers, exchange market perspectives, and identify solutions for professionals and end-users. This collaboration aims to strengthen the competitive positioning of its partner opticians through continuous work in product development, training, commercial support, and service. Insights gathered at the fair will inform the exclusive NUDOS, VISAVIS, and STIMMERS collections, exploring new designs, materials, colors, and finishes while maintaining each brand's identity.
One year after the initial launch, French eyewear manufacturer MOREL and designer Constance Guisset have released a second season of their collaborative collection. The update introduces three new models: ALINÉA, GUILLEMET, and GLYPHE. Inspired by calligraphy, the designs feature continuous lines that flow from temple to temple, varying in thickness and curvature. ALINÉA and GUILLEMET offer more generous forms derived from earlier Virgule and Parenthèse shapes, incorporating new color combinations and gradients. GLYPHE presents a sculptural, feminine silhouette and is available as both optical frames and sunglasses. The sunglasses version features polarized lenses with anti-reflective treatment and comes in two specific colorways: a brown-to-black gradient and a nacreous nude tone. This expansion maintains the collaboration’s poetic aesthetic while evolving proportions and color palettes without altering the general harmony of the original line.
Bausch + Lomb reported a 7% increase in third-quarter 2026 revenue, reaching $1.375 billion compared to $1.281 billion in the same period of 2025. The company posted a net profit of $32 million, reversing a net loss of $28 million from the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA rose to $325 million from $243 million, while operating cash flow increased to $233 million from $137 million. Segment performance showed Vision Care revenue growing 5% to $774 million, Surgical rising 9% to $234 million, and Pharmaceuticals increasing 11% to $367 million. Specific product lines contributed significantly: Miebo sales jumped 42% to $119 million, Lumify grew 35%, daily silicone-hydrogel lenses advanced 24%, and premium intraocular implants saw approximately 70% growth. For the first nine months of 2026, total revenue reached $4.013 billion, up 9% year-over-year, prompting an upward revision of full-year 2026 revenue guidance.
The Fédération nationale des opticiens de France (FNOF) has established anonymous, free psychological support services for optical branch managers and employees affected by recent urban riots. Implemented in partnership with insurers AG2R La Mondiale and UniPrévoyance, the initiative addresses lasting trauma among both directly impacted and unaffected professionals. AG2R offers the "ECO" service via email or phone at 0 969 36 10 43, while UniPrévoyance provides 24/7 telephone assistance at 0 800 77 88 95. FNOF President Hugues Verdier-Davioud noted that visible consequences on staff may emerge weeks later, urging managers to monitor employee mental health despite tensions appearing to subside.
A public auction for the business unit of Florence-based luxury retailer LuisaViaRoma is open until November 8, with a starting price of 18.83 million euros. The sale is part of a simplified liquidation arrangement managed by the Court of Florence. The business unit under offer includes all intellectual property rights, IT systems, networks, platforms, and specifically e-commerce platforms, alongside inventory and customer databases. In July, the retailer was transferred to LVR Srl, an industrial consortium led by Paolo Corinaldesi, through a lease agreement intended as a first step toward definitive acquisition. Italian law prohibits direct private sales during this liquidation phase, necessitating the auction. If no improved offers are received by the deadline, LVR Srl’s binding offer will proceed; otherwise, competitive bidding occurs on November 12.
Eyewear manufacturer VonBogen, based in Fürstenzell, achieved the highest overall rating among 29 suppliers in the current "markt intern" industry survey. This marks the company's first participation in the performance ranking. Opticians evaluated frame manufacturers across nine categories using school grades, with VonBogen securing a total score of 1.32. The firm ranked first in seven of the nine individual categories, including product quality, range breadth, design novelties, and service behavior. Managing Director Benjamin Brickl described the result as confirmation of their work and recognition for founder Gerhard Brickl, who established the business nearly 35 years ago. Full survey results are available on the "markt intern" website.
Independent eyewear brand ANDY WOLF has launched a new range of vintage-inspired frames within its Chapter 20 collection. The assortment features designs such as metallic cat-eye styles, feminine acetate frames with bottom-attached temples, and narrow diamond-shaped silhouettes, applying a modern approach to vintage aesthetics. Founded in 2006 by Andreas Pirkheim and Wolfgang Scheucher, the brand combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and is currently available in 69 countries. The launch aligns with a campaign celebrating the connection between design and inspiration. Specific model numbers cited include 4628, 4853, 5166, 4850, and 5170.
As part of a European business reorganization, Charmant Group transferred its German market customer service to Charmant France (Asnières-sur-Seine) in early October. German opticians can now contact the service via email at contact@charmant.eu for general inquiries, spare parts orders, and after-sales support, with assistance from a German-speaking employee. This new structure also accommodates requests from opticians previously not registered in the French system. Additionally, Charmant is developing an online ordering platform scheduled to allow German opticians to purchase frames directly starting in 2027. The company confirms it remains active in the German optical market under President and CEO Koji Horikawa, maintaining its standards of quality and Japanese craftsmanship.
The Vision Council released its Consumer inSights Q3 2026 report, based on a survey of 12,099 U.S. adults conducted between July 29 and September 12, 2026. The findings indicate continued stability in eyewear spending, extending trends from Q2. Consumers shifted toward mid-range purchases, with buyers spending $100 to $199 increasing, while those spending under $100 or over $200 declined. In-person eyeglasses buyers reported higher average out-of-pocket costs compared to online purchasers. Additionally, 53% of online buyers purchased multiple pairs versus 36% of in-person shoppers. Smart eyewear adoption among recent buyers fell three percentage points to 13%. Managed vision care coverage reached 72%, the highest level in five quarters.
Global eye health company Bausch + Lomb Corporation reported third-quarter 2026 financial results, generating $1.375 billion in total revenue, a 7 percent increase from $1.281 billion in Q3 2025. Excluding unfavorable foreign exchange impacts of $6 million, constant currency revenue rose approximately 8 percent. Growth occurred across all three segments: Vision Care increased 5 percent (6 percent constant currency), Surgical grew 9 percent, and Pharmaceuticals rose 11 percent. Key drivers included daily SiHy contact lenses, Lumify, premium IOLs, and Miebo. Operating income reached $155 million, up from $95 million the prior year. The company raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to $5.45–$5.55 billion from $5.44–$5.54 billion.
GROOVER SPECTACLES and Japanese craftsman Shuichi Watanabe have announced the "LAWRENCIUM," a limited collaboration eyewear model restricted to 50 units globally. The frames feature hand-cut double-hook corners, a metal bridge, and temple tips embedded with Mexican Campitos turquoise wrapped in traditional Indian silver rope detailing. Due to complex manual production, online pre-orders are unavailable; sales occur exclusively at offline pop-up events. The Hong Kong launch is scheduled for November 4–6 at Leather Healer, priced at HKD 4,850. The Taiwan event will take place on December 5–6 at Stairs Space and NXT 95, with a price of TWD 19,800. Detailed information for the Taiwan station remains pending future announcements.
Megane Top will open a new "Eyewear Market" store at Costa Yukuhashi in Fukuoka Prefecture on October 30, 2026, at 10:00. The company describes the location as designed for comfort from eyeglass selection to hearing aid consultations. Key features include large glass windows for visibility, a bright layout with wood and green tones, and backlit fixtures to highlight frames. A dedicated hearing aid salon is positioned at the rear of the store to ensure privacy during consultations. An opening commemorative event offering original goods and coupons will also be held.
Seiko announced the new Seiko World Collection, an eyeglass lens portfolio designed to streamline consultation and sales for independent opticians. Central to the offering is the Seiko Smartrix matrix, which aligns individual visual needs with four quality levels across four product categories: Allround (single-vision and progressive lenses), Desk (screen work), Room (extended near vision), and Active (polarized and contrast-enhancing sun protection). The collection features DualForm™ technology for optimized front and back surfaces, supporting faster adaptation and binocular vision, along with diameter availability up to 85 mm. Seiko also introduced Masatsugu Suzuki as a global brand testimonial to reinforce market positioning.
The Vision Council released its Consumer inSights Q3 2026 report, surveying 12,099 U.S. adults to analyze purchasing behavior across optical categories. Findings indicate stable market conditions with consumers shifting toward the $100–$199 price range, while spending under $100 or over $200 declined. The report highlights that in-person buyers incur higher average out-of-pocket costs than online shoppers, though 53% of online buyers purchase multiple pairs compared to 36% of in-person shoppers. Smart eyewear adoption among recent buyers fell three percentage points to 13%. Additionally, 72% of respondents reported having managed vision care coverage, the highest level in five quarters, and 59% spent less than $100 on contact lenses. Gen Z and Millennials drove increased eye exam rates, whereas Gen X reported the lowest.
The Optical Suppliers Association (OSA) convened its Autumn Members Meeting on 16 October at the Bloomsbury Hotel in London. The agenda prioritized dry eye disease, featuring a panel moderated by Michael Bowen of the College of Optometrists. Committee chair Ross Bailey introduced plans for a UK dry eye survey to assess clinical practice and equipment, while vice chair Nicola Bennett outlined upcoming educational sessions at 100% Optical. Morning updates covered regulatory changes including MHRA registration and Unique Device Identification, as well as preparations for 100% Optical 2027. OSA chair James Conway emphasized ongoing initiatives through committees and partnerships. The association announced that its Annual General Meeting and Christmas Lunch will follow on Friday 4 December at the same venue.
The Assottica Contact Lens Group concluded its two-day congress in Rome on October 26, attracting over 800 participants. Notably, attendees under 40 comprised 39% of registrations, highlighting strong interest from younger generations in contact lens practice. Held at the Ergife Palace under the theme "The Value That Applies," the event reviewed the sector's evolution over the past twenty years, emphasizing the translation of innovation and diagnostic tools into concrete daily results. Key sessions covered market trends, consumer behavior, and retention strategies, featuring speakers such as GfK Italia’s Vincenzo Mastrofilippo and EuromContact president Richard Smith. Exhibitors included major brands like Alcon, Bausch+Lomb, and EssilorLuxottica. The next congress is scheduled for 2028, coinciding with the centenary of the optician profession.
CooperCompanies announced that President and CEO Al White stepped down effective immediately, with board member Walt Rosebrough appointed executive chair to oversee day-to-day operations during the search for a permanent successor. White will remain as a strategic adviser through April 2027 and is leaving the board. The company also revealed planned board changes: Shlomo Nachman joins as an independent director on December 8, 2026, while Barbara Carbone, Colleen Jay, and Robert Weiss will not stand for re-election at the 2027 annual shareholder meeting. Seven directors are nominated for election. The CEO search, supported by Russell Reynolds, is underway. CooperCompanies reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 forecast issued on September 9, 2026.
WINK Optometrists completed a redesign of its Elwood, Victoria, boutique this year to celebrate the business’s 20th anniversary. Designed by Brud Studio founders Andy Kelly and Mitchell Zurek, the interior draws inspiration from Iris Apfel, featuring custom-made cabinets, natural walnut, candy-coloured lacquer, travertine, glass, and polished metal. The team described the renovation as a "birthday gift" replacing a decade-old fit. While no new eyewear collections were added, the store offers a deeper presentation of existing favourite brands alongside a new Australian-made signature WINK frame and in-house designed travel cases. The project highlights local collaboration, including pendant lights by Melbourne artist Cordon Salon, aiming to create a home-like environment that fosters connection and individuality within the bayside community.
Andrea Zappia, chairman of the nominations and compensation committee at EssilorLuxottica’s board, stated on October 28, 2026, that the company has a strong and clear succession plan for its Chief Executive Officer and other top management positions. The comment was made by Zappia in his capacity as a director, reflecting the board's perspective on leadership continuity. No specific details regarding potential successors, timelines, or the mechanics of the plan were disclosed in the statement.
Silhouette Group and The AOA Foundation have announced the renewal of sustainability-focused scholarships for second-year optometry students. The initiative awards a total of $3,500, comprising a $2,500 first-place prize and a new $1,000 second-place scholarship supported by the AOA Foundation. Applicants must be members in good standing with the American Optometric Student Association and the American Optometric Association, submit an English essay under 1,500 words on sustainable eyecare practices, and meet academic standards. The application deadline is November 2, 2026. This program aligns with Silhouette’s commitment to responsible production methods, such as CO2-neutral manufacturing and waste avoidance, aiming to inspire future professionals toward environmentally conscious industry practices.
Mojo Vision, a former augmented reality contact lens developer now focused on microdisplays, has secured $24.4 million in additional US government funding to develop ultra-bright, full-color microLED displays for military augmented reality glasses. This marks the company's largest state financing to date. The allocation includes $20 million from the Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program and $4.4 million from the US Army. Funds will support creating compact screens using proprietary quantum dot technology and developing local US manufacturing capabilities. The project also involves integrating microLEDs with CMOS control circuits. Following its 2023 pivot away from commercial contact lenses and September 2025 private investments, Mojo Vision aims to enhance brightness and reliability while reducing size and power consumption. The company has not disclosed timelines for development completion or mass production start.
Austrian eyewear brand rolf. has introduced four new tones for its Brun optical frame, part of the Substance Collection. The additions are 18 Petrol Green, a deep blue-green; 19 Espresso, a warm brown; 20 Midnight Blue, darker than navy but lighter than black; and 21 November Green, a muted grey-green. The Brun style features a crown panto shape with round lenses and a straight brow line. Crafted from plant-based material, the frame includes the patented screwless FlexLock hinge. These colorways aim to provide autumn palette variety within the existing design.
Chopard Eyewear, produced by De Rigo, unveiled its Fall/Winter 2026/7 collection. The release includes women’s and men’s optical and sunglass styles across the Ice Cube, High Jewellery, Alpine Eagle, and Classic Racing lines. These frames are crafted using premium materials such as Renew acetate and bio-based lenses. The Maison stated that the new collection combines craftsmanship, innovation, and design to further its creative heritage. Specific styles mentioned include VCH446S from the Ice Cube collection and VCHM86 from Classic Racing.
French eyewear brand J.F. Rey has introduced "From Him to Her," a women’s collection that reimagines its iconic double-layered metal construction, previously exclusive to men’s lines. The series comprises three designs combining stainless steel and acetate, featuring softened sculptural volumes and refined silhouettes while retaining the original architectural character. Unlike the mono-chromatic men’s versions, these frames introduce two contrasting tones within the layered structure to emphasize geometry and depth. This release demonstrates how a single creative concept can evolve into distinct expressions without losing identity, challenging traditional gender categories in eyewear design. Founded in 1995 by Jean-François and Joelle Rey, the independent label continues to produce frames in France, focusing on innovative materials and craftsmanship.
OVVO Optics announced the expansion of its DUO Collection for Fall 2026, introducing three new eyewear designs. The latest styles combine the brand’s proprietary surgical steel and titanium composite with handmade Italian acetate. A key development is the first-time inclusion of acetate nose pads within this range, intended to create a unified appearance and improve fit comfort. The collection maintains its focus on lightweight durability while adopting softer contours and relaxed angles for a contemporary aesthetic. As an American-Polish brand founded in 1980, OVVO continues to emphasize European craftsmanship alongside technical engineering. These additions represent an evolution of the existing DUO line rather than a completely new product category launch.
Independent eyewear brand BARQA announced its debut collection, Raw Strata SS27, featuring three distinct frame designs. The collection explores the intersection of sculptural design, advanced materials, and natural stone, drawing inspiration from high jewellery and architecture. Frames are produced using an advanced polyamide typically used in aerospace applications, combined with natural stone detailing such as malachite and obsidian. The lineup includes Nr.5, which established the brand’s identity; Tommy Bold, a circular silhouette with geometric contours; and Top Cat, an angular, unisex design. Each piece undergoes a meticulous development process involving hand-drawn concepts and 3D modelling to balance visual impact with ergonomics.
Nikon Lenswear announced the celebration of its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades since the introduction of its first eyeglass lens, the Pointal Lens, in 1946. The company highlighted its evolution from a single product to offering billions of potential lens options tailored to diverse lifestyles and visual needs. Denise Bernachez, President of Nikon Lenswear in Canada, emphasized the commitment to personalized vision solutions. The brand noted that its latest innovations, including the Z Series portfolio, leverage Nikon’s expertise in camera optics and contrast evaluation to enhance clarity. This milestone reaffirms Nikon Lenswear's focus on precision and contrast enhancement in eyeglass lenses.
The source title indicates that Optometry Giving Sight has appointed new leadership in both Canada and the United States. However, the provided body text contains only a publication attribution to Optical Prism Magazine and lacks specific details regarding the individuals involved, their roles, or the effective dates of these changes. Consequently, while the announcement of leadership transitions is confirmed by the headline, no further factual information about the nature or scope of these appointments can be derived from the available material.
Vision RX Lab has introduced SATIN ACHROM, a new lens coating designed to provide exceptional clarity and minimal reflection. The announcement was reported by Optical Prism Magazine. The source material confirms the product name and its primary optical characteristics but does not specify availability dates, geographic scope, pricing, or technical performance metrics beyond the stated benefits of clarity and reduced reflection.
AR Insider estimates that Meta Reality Labs sold approximately 1.76 million XR devices in Q3, comprising 1.47 million smart glasses and 286,000 VR headsets. The analysis reverse-engineers these figures from Meta’s $443 million Reality Labs revenue, which fell 5.7% year-over-year despite a 20% growth in Ray-Ban Meta Smartglasses sales reported by EssilorLuxottica. Key estimates include 1.05 million Ray-Ban Meta Smartglasses units, 165,000 Oakley HSTN units, and 162,000 Quest 3s units. The report notes that while smart glasses drive volume, higher-priced VR headset fluctuations significantly impact revenue. Meta Reality Labs recorded $4.13 billion in losses for the quarter, though this narrowed from Q2.
The Landesinnung der Augenoptiker und Optometristen Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (LIMV), supported by the Berlin and Brandenburg optician guilds, announced a continuing education conference scheduled for November 7–8 at Schloss Hotel Fleesensee in Göhren-Lebbin. Targeting optical businesses primarily in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Berlin, and Brandenburg, the event features lectures on dry eye, liquid crystal-based eyeglass lenses, sports optometry, and legal or medical developments. A growing industry exhibition will accompany the program. Full details and registration are available via augenoptiker-mv.de.
Farmaoptics held its annual convention, themed "Avanzamos juntos," on October 23–24 in Granada at the Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula. The event gathered associates and suppliers to discuss optical sector evolution, business challenges, and growth opportunities for independent opticians. Key sessions covered pediatric myopia control, digital visibility via Google Business Profile, workflow optimization, new services like audiology, and customer experience improvements. Speakers included Txell Valls, CooperVision, Ramón García, Temática, GN ReSound, and CEO Tresa Llobet. A networking lunch featured presentations from INDO-RODENSTOCK, EssilorLuxottica (Ray-Ban, Oakley Meta, Nuance), HOYA, and others. The convention concluded with a dinner where Optilent Alhama of Alhama de Murcia won a Rodenstock ImpressionIST® 4 measurement system through a raffle sponsored by INDO-RODENSTOCK.
Cione Óptica y Audiología received the Connected Enterprise Award from Cegid on October 20 in Barcelona during the Cegid Business Connections 2026 event. The award recognizes Cione’s digital transformation, specifically its modernization of the Cegid Ekon Cloud system developed with Cegid and Incentea. This project involved migrating to the cloud and integrating departments such as purchasing, logistics, distribution, and administration. Cione’s CIO Juan Ara accepted the prize, highlighting improved data sharing and process coordination. For associated independent optical shops, the new platform aims to enhance inventory management, logistical processes, and product traceability, which is critical given Cione’s ISO 13485 certification for medical devices.
Organizers of ExpoÓptica&Audio announced preparations for the 2028 edition, scheduled for March 25–28 in Madrid. The event will feature a new visual identity emphasizing the integration of optical health, innovation, and trends, while granting increased prominence to the audio sector as a growth vector for optical retailers. Director Félix García-Fajardo stated the goal is to provide a dynamic business and knowledge platform with broader product offerings in technology, fashion, and audiology. The fair will include the Optom congress and updated forums covering lenses, equipment, diagnosis, digitalization, and sustainability. Additionally, ExpoÓptica&Audio confirmed its participation as an exhibitor at SILMO in Paris from September 25–28, aiming to strengthen international connections within the optical and audiological industries.
Ótica Revista published an interview featuring Juliana Vani of Lenço Mágico. The source material consists solely of the article title and a standard publication notice, indicating that the discussion covers the Ajorsul and Silmo trade fairs as well as product novelties. No specific details regarding the content of the interview, particular products, or fair activities are provided in the available text.
One year after their initial collaboration, Morel and French designer Constance Guisset announced three new eyewear models for autumn 2026: Alinéa, Guillemet, and Glyphe. Inspired by calligraphy, the collection features continuous lines flowing across frames from temple to temple, utilizing varying thicknesses and chromatic transitions. Alinéa and Guillemet expand on original Virgule and Parenthèse designs with more generous proportions and pronounced contours. Glyphe adopts a sculptural direction with bold geometry and a feminine silhouette, available as both optical frames and sunglasses. The Glyphe sunglasses come in two colorways and feature polarized lenses with an anti-reflective coating. This release represents a completed announcement of upcoming products rather than an immediate market launch, highlighting the integration of Guisset’s creative sensibility with Morel’s eyewear expertise.
The Afflelou Group announced the expansion of Carole Hogommat’s responsibilities, naming her Managing Director of Optician and Acousticien sales in France. Previously leading the hearing activity, she now oversees optical commercial operations and joins the executive committee. Hogommat joined Afflelou in 2023 after roles at Sephora and Clarins. She has managed the Alain Afflelou Acousticien brand, which operates nearly 450 audio centers in France. Her new mandate includes accelerating network development, strengthening synergies between optical and hearing sectors, and supporting franchisee and subsidiary performance. This appointment reflects the group’s strategy to integrate its two activities under a common development plan.
EssilorLuxottica reported a total revenue of €22.3 billion for the first nine months of 2026, up from €20.8 billion in the same period of 2025. Third-quarter revenue reached nearly €7.5 billion, representing a 9% increase at current exchange rates and 7.2% in constant currency. The EMEA region contributed approximately €2.9 billion, growing 7.5% in constant currency compared to Q3 2025. Growth was driven by lens categories including Stellest, Eyezen, Varilux, and Transitions, while traditional frames Ray-Ban and Oakley saw double-digit increases. Licensed brands Chanel and Prada also rebounded. However, wearables declined year-over-year due to a challenging comparison base. Professional Solutions remained slightly positive despite geopolitical impacts in the Middle East.
Groupe Afflelou announced that Carole Hogommat has been appointed General Manager of Optical and Hearing Sales. Previously leading the Alain Afflelou Acousticien brand for nearly four years, Hogommat now oversees optical activities in addition to her existing responsibilities and joins the group's executive committee. In this role, she manages all internal commercial operations in France. The 45-year-old joined Groupe Afflelou in 2023 after a career in beauty retail at Sephora and Clarins. Hogommat stated that combining the two professions offers significant development potential, emphasizing innovation, commercial excellence, and customer experience quality.
Optical companies can now apply for the Mido Awards 2027, which recognize sustainability and retail concepts. The awards include the CSE Award for sustainable eyewear frames, sunglasses, and cases; the CSE Corporate Award for company-level sustainability strategies; and the Best Store Award for innovative optical shops in design and innovation categories. Application deadlines vary by category: December 31, 2026, for the Best Store Award, and January 8, 2027, for both CSE Awards. Winners will be announced during the Mido trade fair held February 6–8, 2027, in Milan.