Published through 2026-11-02 22:41 UTC · Automated cloud publishing.
Essilor Stellest Named TIME Best Invention of 2026 for Childhood Myopia Management
Understand the event
In October 2026, Essilor’s Stellest eyeglass lenses were recognized by TIME magazine as one of its "Best Inventions of 2026," specifically within the "Health & Wellness" category. Initial reporting by FOCUS Augenoptik on October 19 highlighted the award as a significant endorsement of the product’s design as a myopia management solution. Subsequent coverage by Optical Prism on October 20 confirmed that Essilor announced the inclusion of its Stellest lenses in the prestigious list, emphasizing the product's specific role in childhood myopia management. The most recent report from Insight on October 23 further solidifies this narrative, explicitly noting that the lenses are designed to slow myopia progression in children and are supported by clinical evidence. This latest attribution adds depth to the understanding of the award's rationale, linking the recognition directly to the scientific backing of the technology rather than just its market presence. Across all three sources—FOCUS Augenoptik, Optical Prism, and Insight—the core event remains consistent: Essilor Stellest received the TIME Best Invention honor in the Health & Wellness sector. The evolution of reporting moves from general acknowledgment of the award to specific details about the target demographic (children) and the evidentiary basis (clinical support) for the innovation. These reports collectively illustrate the growing prominence of Essilor Stellest in global health innovation discussions during late 2026, with each new source reinforcing and slightly expanding upon the previous characterizations without introducing conflicting information.
AI-generated from reporting · updated 11 days ago
Reporting timeline
Follow the reporting for different perspectives.
- InsightEssilor Stellest Named TIME Best Invention of 2026 for Childhood Myopia Management
Essilor Stellest spectacle lenses were named one of TIME magazine’s Best Inventions of 2026 in the Health and Wellness category. Designed to slow myopia progression in children, the lenses are supported by clinical evidence, including a United States randomised trial published in JAMA Ophthalmology that documented a 71% reduction in progression over two years compared with single-vision lenses. This recognition follows the US Food and Drug Administration’s De Novo market authorisation in September 2025, which EssilorLuxottica states makes these the first and only FDA-authorised spectacle lenses for slowing childhood myopia in the US. The FDA previously granted Breakthrough Device designation in April 2021. Company executives cited the award as validation of evidence-based innovation in vision care.
- Optical PrismEssilor Stellest Lenses Named TIME Best Invention of 2026
Essilor announced that its Stellest lenses were named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2026 in the Health & Wellness category. This recognition highlights the product's role in childhood myopia management, following U.S. FDA De Novo market authorization granted in September 2025. The FDA designation made them the first and only spectacle lenses authorized in the U.S. to slow myopia progression in children, a status supported by clinical trial data comparing them to single-vision lenses. Arnaud Ribadeau Dumas, head of Product & Marketing Optical Categories at EssilorLuxottica, stated the award acknowledges Essilor’s innovation capabilities. Regulatory status and availability may vary by country.
- FOCUS AugenoptikTIME Names Essilor Stellest a Best Invention of 2026 in Health and Wellness
TIME magazine has included Essilor Stellest eyeglass lenses in its "Best Inventions 2026" list, specifically within the "Health & Wellness" category. The award recognizes the lenses as a myopia management solution designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. This milestone highlights Essilor's long-standing commitment to advancing vision science and providing innovations for opticians, children, and families. With over 175 years of focus on improving eyesight through research and partnerships, Essilor addresses the growing global need for early intervention and evidence-based treatments as childhood myopia rates continue to rise worldwide.