Sidol Study: High Smart Glasses Awareness in France Not Yet Translating into Sales

At Silmo 2026, the French optical importers and distributors union (Sidol) presented research showing that while 78% of French consumers are aware of smart glasses, only 7% have purchased them. Adoption is highest among 18-24 year-olds at 23%. Key desired features include instant translation (49%), GPS navigation (44%), and photo/video capture (43%). However, price remains the main barrier for 59% of respondents, followed by difficulty perceiving daily utility. The study notes that consumers still view opticians primarily as health professionals rather than electronics retailers, expecting traditional services like visual correction adaptation over technical setup assistance.