On March 26, 2026, HOYA Vision Care announced an update to its One Vision program via a new “Sustainability in Action” report. The company accelerated its pledge to achieve 100% renewable electricity usage across all operations by 2030, moving up from the previous 2040 target and aligning with the Climate Group RE100 initiative. The report details progress since FY21, including a 25% reduction in global carbon emissions, 11% less energy per lens produced, and 11.5% less water used. Through partnerships like the REACH Project in India, HOYA has delivered eye care services to over 85,000 households. Future commitments include reducing supply chain carbon emissions by 2030 and cutting water consumption by more than 25% per lens.
Eyewear brand LOOKKINO has released a new campaign centered on childhood imagination, movement, and possibility. The visuals depict children navigating everyday scenarios with curiosity, transforming ordinary moments into playful adventures without defining fixed roles. Bright, dynamic imagery and fluid compositions reinforce a sense of spontaneity and authenticity, avoiding an overly staged appearance. The campaign shifts the brand's focus from product specifics to perspective, inviting viewers to see the world through curiosity and embrace potential outcomes. Photos for the campaign are credited to LOOKKINO.
BBGR’s Sézanne factory implemented three waste management initiatives in 2025. The site collected plastic caps for the Les Bouchons d’Amour association, with proceeds funding wheelchairs. In partnership with ESAT Sézanne, 785 kg of used paper were sorted and recycled into new paper products, avoiding 2 MWh of energy, 21 m³ of water, and 744 kg of waste compared to virgin pulp. Additionally, BBGR replaced 120,000 annual disposable cardboard cups with reusable mugs, achieving zero disposable cup usage. New sorting rules and internal recycling processes increased monthly recycling volume from zero to seven bags. These actions resulted in a 55% decrease in hazardous waste at the facility.
Julbo outlines specific disadvantages of polarized lenses, noting that the horizontal light-blocking filter can obscure LCD screens on phones, dashboards, and instruments due to conflicting polarization. In winter sports, these lenses may hide ice patches and terrain changes by eliminating necessary snow reflections, particularly in flat light. Driving challenges include blocked windshield reflections from other vehicles, hindering distance judgment. Urban environments may present confusing rainbow patterns or dark zones on glass surfaces. Low-light conditions can further reduce brightness. The company suggests non-polarized options with UV protection or REACTIV photochromic lenses as alternatives for users requiring precise terrain perception or frequent digital screen interaction.
Rudy Project S.p.A. has appointed Pro-Ride Australia Pty Ltd as its official distribution partner for Australia and New Zealand, replacing former independent distributor Pursuit Sports Pty Ltd. The transition follows significant operational issues at Pursuit Sports, which operated rudyproject.com.au. Rudy Project clarified it had no ownership or contractual relationship with the former distributor but is voluntarily honoring undelivered orders from affected customers as a goodwill gesture, explicitly stating this does not admit liability. Rudy Project has taken direct control of the website rudyproject.com.au. Pro-Ride Australia will manage distribution, retail support, and customer inquiries to restore market continuity. Products remain designed and manufactured in Italy.
As of February 2026, Rudy Project has acquired ownership of Rudy Project North America L.P., its long-standing exclusive distributor based in San Clemente, California. Founded in 1998, the subsidiary will now operate under direct control, allowing the Italian brand to manage business directly in the U.S. market and the Caribbean region. CEO Cristiano Barbazza stated that this move follows the consolidation of direct control over key European markets and is supported by an ambitious multi-year investment plan. Brad Shapiro, co-founder of the North American entity, noted the decision reunites the independent company with parent firm Rudy Project S.p.A. after 25 years. The brand currently operates in more than 60 countries.
Editorial relevance: The acquisition of the North American distributor signals a strategic shift toward direct-to-market operations for a premium sports eyewear brand, potentially influencing channel dynamics in the US.
On February 14, 2026, eyewear brand MASUNAGA updated its official COLLECTION page with new models and colorways for the Spring/Summer 2026 season. The announcement covers both the "MASUNAGA since 1905" and "MASUNAGA ｜ K三" lines. Customers are directed to view these additions via a specific link on the website, where items are distinguished by red "NEW" and "NEW COLOR" markers. This update represents an addition to the online catalog rather than a confirmed retail launch date or inventory status for physical stores.
HOYA Vision Care introduced its flagship SENSEI Innovation Center™ at the MIDO Eyewear Show in Milan (January 31–February 2, 2026). The hub showcases five key innovations: Hoyalux iD MySense progressive lenses, MiYOSMART Coating Smooth Touch Xtreme, Hi-Vision Meiryo coating, Sensity Colours photochromic lenses, and the SEIKO WORLD COLLECTION featuring over 30 new lenses with DualForm Technology. During a press conference, HOYA unified its brands under the mission "Improve Life Through Vision" and confirmed European rollout of MiYOSMART iQ myopia control lenses from April 2026. Clinical evidence for MiYOSMART iQ in children aged 4–12 was scheduled for presentation at the APAO Congress in Hong Kong (February 5–8, 2026).
Editorial relevance: The launch of the SENSEI Innovation Center and new lens technologies at MIDO signals HOYA's strategic focus on immersive brand experiences and advanced optical products for eye care professionals.
BBGR announced its 2026 plans under the RÉSOLUMENT RSE corporate social responsibility program, structured around visual health, environment, employee well-being, and local anchoring. Key 2026 activities include celebrating the company’s 180th anniversary and highlighting manufacturing roles at its Provins and Sézanne laboratories to emphasize French know-how. Environmental efforts involve participating in Biodiversity Week in June at both sites and promoting a "petits gestes" initiative for sustainable practices. Visual health commitments include supporting AFM Téléthon’s 40th anniversary, Vision Solidarité, and prevention partnerships with ASNAV. The source describes these as planned steps within an ongoing deployment, without specifying completed launches or financial metrics.
Seiko Optical Products announced the launch of its "Your Vision, Your World" project for 2026. The initiative centers on the theme of expanding one’s world through eyeglass lenses, positioning them as tools that support daily life and open new perspectives. As a symbolic element, the company released a key visual featuring a portrait of musician Ryuichi Sakamoto. This visual includes a quote attributed to Sakamoto regarding seeing sound and listening to time, which the company states symbolizes the broadening of horizons via clear vision. The project will continuously distribute content based on the core message to encourage users to expand their own worlds.
On October 6, 2025, HOYA Vision Care announced the global roll-out of MiYOSMART Coating Smooth Touch Xtreme (STX), available for use on MiYOSMART spectacle lenses starting September 2025. The advanced hydrophobic technology improves water repellence up to five times over the previous generation and maintains smudge resistance after 2.7 years of typical use or 8,000 wipes. This launch complements the “Open Their World” awareness campaign targeting Eye Care Professionals. However, MiYOSMART lenses are not approved for myopia management or currently available for sale in all countries, including the U.S.
SDC Technologies, a subsidiary of Mitsui Chemicals, announced the relocation of its Group Headquarters to a new facility in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Scheduled for completion in Q4 2026, this project represents the company’s largest expansion to date. The 124,044-square-foot mixed-use campus sits on 6.82 acres and integrates office space, warehousing, production lines, R&D laboratories, and an Innovation Center. Backed by Mitsui Chemicals, the investment involves acquiring and redeveloping land previously owned by IMI CCI. The facility aims to enhance coating manufacturing, increase R&D capacity, and support global distribution. It will also feature solar panels expected to generate most of the site’s electricity requirements. This move supports Mitsui Chemicals’ Vision 2030 goals for advanced materials and operational innovation.
Karl Guttag’s analysis of the Meta Ray-Ban Display (MRBD) confirms it utilizes a Lumus geometric waveguide, an OmniVision OPO3010 LCOS microdisplay, and a Goertek-designed projection engine. The report details that Meta selected off-the-shelf components rather than in-house MicroLED or diffractive waveguide solutions. Key findings include an effective resolution closer to 400x400 pixels despite the stated 600x600 specification, and a measured contrast ratio of approximately 600:1. Eye glow is present but minimal at about 1.5% of brightness reaching the eye, significantly lower than typical diffractive waveguides. The field of view is 20 degrees diagonal, though often utilized at under 16 degrees. The article notes specific limitations, such as image softness attributed to digital resampling and optical design, and identifies WhatsApp as the primary method for loading images.
On January 11, 2024, Rudy Project announced the renewal of its collaboration with Team Bahrain Victorious as the official helmet and eyewear partner through 2026. This marks the eighth consecutive season of partnership since 2016, making Rudy Project one of the longest-standing sponsors of the team. The announcement coincided with the team’s debut at the Tour Down Under in Australia on January 13, where riders will wear new equipment in white, blue, and gold colors. The updated gear includes Kelion and Astral glasses, featuring cylindrical lenses and optical insert compatibility, alongside three helmet models: Egos for ventilation, Nytron for aerodynamics, and Nytron Pro for enhanced efficiency. Both companies emphasized shared goals of performance and innovation.
On October 1, 2025, eyewear brand MASUNAGA announced the addition of new models and colors for its Fall/Winter 2025 collection. The updates are now visible on the official COLLECTION page, where items are distinguished by red "NEW" and "NEW COLOR" markers. Customers can access these latest designs through the provided link. This announcement confirms the availability of the new seasonal styles within the brand's online catalog, specifically covering both MASUNAGA since 1905 and MASUNAGA | K三 lines.
A leaked YouTube video, subsequently removed, displayed internal structures resembling Lumus waveguides in Meta’s upcoming monocular AR glasses. The product, codenamed Hypernova and expected to be named Celest, is scheduled for disclosure during Mark Zuckerberg’s keynote at Meta Connect on September 17, 2025. Visual evidence from the leak shows diagonal slats characteristic of Lumus 2-D pupil expansion technology. Bloomberg reports the base model without prescription correction will cost approximately $800. This leak corroborates earlier speculation from May 2025 that Meta utilizes Lumus optics. The video was captured before deletion, with multiple copies circulating online. The official launch remains pending until the keynote presentation.
SDC Technologies announced that its subsidiary, Coburn Technologies, has introduced the HPE-990 Lens Edger to its in-office finishing system offerings. The source text inconsistently refers to this new platform as both the "HPE-990" and the "Huvitz HPE-900." Described as a high-end, premium edging system, the device is characterized by locked-in precision and extreme reliability. It ensures safe and precise processing of specialty lenses, including hydrophobic and high-curve varieties. Coburn Technologies, headquartered in South Windsor, Connecticut, provides computer-integrated ophthalmic lens processing systems. SDC Technologies, based in Irvine, California, was acquired by Mitsui Chemicals in 2008.
Japanese eyewear brand MASUNAGA has unveiled "Edition 120 The 120th Anniversary Model" as part of its 120th anniversary website. The frame features the company's unique technique of directly bonding 18K gold and titanium. This special content is presented alongside a retrospective page looking back on the brand's 120 years of history through its frames. The announcement marks the unveiling of this specific model within the anniversary digital campaign, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in combining precious metals for the commemorative piece.
KGOnTech released a 27-minute YouTube video of its June 12, 2025, presentation at the Augmented World Expo (AWE). The content addresses practical and technical issues in glasses-form-factor AI devices with displays, focusing on LCOS versus MicroLED technologies, waveguide optics, etendue, and camera-related privacy concerns. It also covers monocular versus binocular configurations and prescription integration. Separately, the author announced upcoming participation in the AR/VR Connect conference in Eindhoven, Netherlands, scheduled for September 24–25, 2025. Readers can access a €150 discount for Virtual or Hybrid Passes using code KarlARVR, valid for one year, alongside a 10% reduction on exhibition packages.
On June 25, 2025, Rudy Project and UTMB World Series announced a three-year partnership rooted in shared values of innovation and sustainability. As an official supplier, Rudy Project will integrate into event villages starting with the La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail, offering on-site product testing and expert advice to athletes. The collaboration includes the launch of a dedicated 'UTMB World Series × Rudy Project' collection featuring models such as Astral Sphere, Astral X, Propulse, Spinair 57, and the new Spinshield Pro. These products utilize photochromic lenses designed to enhance contrast for trail conditions. The collection is scheduled to become available from late August 2025.
On February 11, 2025, Rudy Project and the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) announced a partnership agreement extending through the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Facilitated by Infront, the deal provides FCI athletes with high-tech cycling helmets and eyewear across all disciplines, with a specific focus on track cycling. National team members will utilize the Wingdream helmet, developed over two years with Bahrain Victorious and validated by Swiss Side, alongside The Wing and Nytron Pro models. FCI President Cordiano Dagnoni emphasized safety and performance standards, while Rudy Project CEO Cristiano Barbazza highlighted innovation for upcoming World Championships and Olympics. This collaboration expands Rudy Project’s existing support for various international sports teams.
SDC Technologies announced a strategic investment and collaboration agreement with flō Optics to advance next-generation lens coating and surface treatment technologies. The partnership combines flō’s digital coating platform with SDC’s expertise in specialty coatings to co-develop solutions focused on performance, scalability, and sustainability in ophthalmic lens processing. SDC’s investment is part of flō Optics’ recently closed $35 million funding round. Jonathan Jaglom, CEO of flō Optics, highlighted the alignment of capabilities, while Richard Chang, President and CEO of SDC Technologies, noted that flō’s digital-first approach supports SDC’s vision for material innovation across ophthalmics.
Editorial relevance: This partnership integrates digital coating technology with established material science, potentially influencing future lens processing standards and supply chain collaborations in the optical industry.
On October 21, 2024, Rudy Project announced the continuation of its support for Italian national speed skating and short track teams until at least 2026. This marks the 20th anniversary of the partnership with the Italian Ice Sports Federation (FISG), which began in 2004. The collaboration aims to support athletes ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Over two decades, FISG athletes backed by Rudy Project have secured 19 Olympic medals, including four golds, and 47 World Championship medals, five of which were gold. The Treviso-based company provides specialized eyewear models such as Defender, Cutline, and Turbolence, alongside Nytron Pro and The Wing helmets. These products feature patented lenses designed to enhance contrast and safety, meeting strict federation requirements for shatterproof materials and aerodynamic performance without blade-penetrating gaps.
On May 30, 2025, eyewear brand MASUNAGA since 1905 announced the addition of new models and colors for its 2025 Spring/Summer (SF) collection. These updates are now visible on the official COLLECTION page, where items are marked with "NEW" or "NEW COLOR" indicators. The announcement confirms that these specific styles and colorways have been integrated into the online catalog for viewing. No details regarding immediate shipping availability, pricing, or inventory status were provided in the source material.
Seiko Optical Products announced the launch of its new "Seiko Vision Neo" value lens series in Japan, accompanied by a commemorative campaign starting March 3, 2025. The lineup includes Allround, Town, Office, Room, Deskwork, and Digital types, designed as entry-level options for first-time progressive lens wearers or those seeking multiple pairs tailored to specific lifestyles and viewing distances. To mark the release, customers who purchase one pair of any Vision Neo type during the campaign period and submit their usage feedback will be entered into a lottery. Six hundred winners will receive a digital Amazon gift card worth 1,000 yen. The company encourages consumers to experience the lenses at retail stores.
On March 1, 2025, eyewear brand MASUNAGA announced the addition of new models and color options for its Spring/Summer 2025 collection. The updates are now visible on the official COLLECTION page, where items are distinguished by red "NEW" and "NEW COLOR" markers. This announcement covers both the MASUNAGA since 1905 and MASUNAGA | K3 lines. The source confirms the digital listing update but does not specify individual product names, prices, or physical stock availability beyond the online catalog presentation.
SDC Technologies announced that its subsidiary, Coburn Technologies, has launched the Velocity TT, a new tabletop optical lens spin coater. Designed specifically for small and mid-sized laboratories, the system is described as compact and cost-efficient, occupying substantially less space than traditional units to make high-quality lens coating accessible across various lab sizes. Coburn Technologies, headquartered in South Windsor, Connecticut, is identified as a leading provider of ophthalmic lens processing systems. SDC Technologies, based in Irvine, California, was acquired by Mitsui Chemicals in 2008 and specializes in high-performance specialty coatings for industries including vision eyewear. The announcement highlights the product's suitability for labs seeking space-saving solutions without specifying pricing or independent performance metrics.
SDC Technologies announced that its subsidiary, Coburn Technologies, completed the final shipment of the SGX Pro Surface Lens Generator in December 2024. This event marks the end of over 33 years of production for the device. The announcement coincides with Coburn’s 70th anniversary and highlights the company's legacy in ophthalmic lens processing systems. Headquartered in South Windsor, Connecticut, Coburn is owned by American interests but operates under SDC Technologies, which was acquired by Mitsui Chemicals in 2008. SDC, based in Irvine, California, specializes in high-performance specialty coatings for various industries, including vision eyewear. The source describes this milestone as reflecting the evolution of lens manufacturing technology.
Seiko Optical Products announced the start of its "Seiko Adult Excitement Campaign" on December 1, 2024. The promotion targets customers purchasing specific progressive lens models—Seiko Superior 5G, Seiko Pursuit X Neo Series, or Seiko Integral Series—during the campaign period. Eligible buyers are entered into a lottery to win prizes from a pool of 320 awards. Adding optional features such as Polar Syn (polarized), Soleil (photochromic), or Frontier (UV and blue light cut) increases winning odds. The application period runs from December 1, 2024, to February 10, 2025. Qualifying lens orders must be placed between November 20, 2024, and January 31, 2025.
SDC Technologies announced a strategic alliance with James Robinson Speciality Ingredients (JRSI) involving the purchase and exclusive licensing of JRSI’s comprehensive patent portfolio for high-performance photochromic dyes. Founded in 1840 and headquartered in Huddersfield, UK, JRSI is described as the dominant global leader in specialty ingredients for premium photochromic dyes used in eyewear applications such as ophthalmic lenses, visors, face shields, and goggles. The agreement enhances SDC’s product offerings in the photochromic market, integrating CrystalChrome® photochromic coatings and primers with Coburn Technologies’ spin coating equipment. JRSI will continue to manufacture, develop, and sell next-generation photochromic dyes exclusively through SDC, ensuring business continuity for existing customers while accelerating product advancements.
SDC Technologies, Inc. has achieved ISO 14001:2015 certification from Alliance International Registrar, LLC. This certification affirms that the environmental management systems at the company’s operations in Irvine, California, and Singapore adhere to internationally recognized standards. Richard Chang, President and CEO of SDC Technologies, stated that the achievement validates their continual efforts towards sustainability and harmony with the environment while providing high-quality products. SDC, a pioneer in specialty coatings for applications including vision eyewear, aerospace, and automotive parts, was founded in 1986 and acquired by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. in 2008. The company has also maintained ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management systems since 2001.
BBGR and Nikon Verres Optiques will exhibit at Silmo 2024, the Mondial de l’Optique trade show. The event is scheduled from Friday, September 20, to Monday, September 23, 2024, running daily from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition center. Attendees can find the companies in the dedicated BBGR-Nikon space within the EssilorLuxottica stand. The announcement invites visitors to request badges and access practical information via provided links. This notice confirms participation plans for the upcoming optical industry exhibition without detailing specific product launches or sales figures.
Seiko Optical Products announced on July 15, 2023, that it will roll out new advertising visuals starting this summer. The campaign continues the catchphrase "My glasses are Seiko," which has been in use since fiscal year 2016 and aims to position Seiko eyewear as a tool for enriching lifestyles with optimal performance across various scenes. Fashion model Kyoko Muto, known for her work in women's fashion magazines and TV commercials, serves as the image model. Promotional materials will be distributed via store posters and the company website.
Seiko Optical Products concluded its "Seiko Adult Excitement Campaign" on February 15, 2023. The promotion commemorated the launch of the Seiko Pasht X Neo series and targeted buyers of either that line or Seiko Superiol 5G lenses between October 24, 2022, and January 31, 2023. Eligible participants within Japan could enter via website or postcard to win one of twenty Seiko brand watches. Thirty additional winners received Seiko mini sports timer clocks through a secondary draw. Prize shipments were scheduled for late March 2023. Retailers, agency staff, and company employees were excluded from entry.
Seiko Optical Products will launch the Pursuit X Neo series of custom progressive lenses nationwide in Japan on October 24, 2022. The new line updates the existing Pursuit X series with Cross Surface Design® and offers three grades (AC, CV, NV) across four design types. Key enhancements include expanded power ranges for all grades, 1mm pitch progression length options for All-Round types, and new lineup additions for polarized, photochromic, and curve selection features. Available in 1.74, 1.67, and 1.60 refractive indices, the lenses incorporate advanced corrections such as prism aberration compensation, real sight correction, and frame 3D adjustment to optimize visual performance and comfort for diverse lifestyles.
Seiko Optical Products launched its fifth-generation taylor-made progressive lens, "Seiko Superior 5G," on June 20, 2022. The new product line features Cross Surface Design and is available in refractive indices of 1.74, 1.67, and 1.60. It offers four design types suitable for distance-near and intermediate-near applications, with options for polarized lenses, photochromic lenses, and curve selection. This release represents an optimization of existing designs to address modern lifestyle changes and diverse consumer needs, marking the latest evolution in Seiko's top-tier lens specifications.