Czech businessman Michal Strnad has offered €30 billion to acquire Delfin, the holding company controlled by the Del Vecchio family. Delfin holds a 32.4 percent stake in EssilorLuxottica, along with minority interests in Italian insurance and banking groups Generali, UniCredit, and Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena. The report, published on October 30, 2026, describes an offer rather than a completed transaction or confirmed acceptance.
Editorial relevance: This potential acquisition of EssilorLuxottica's parent holding company could significantly impact the ownership structure and strategic direction of a major player in the global eyewear market.
EssilorLuxottica announced consolidated revenue of €7,486 million for Q3 2026, representing a 9.0% year-on-year increase at current exchange rates and 7.2% at constant rates. The Direct to Consumer segment grew 10.6% at constant rates, while Professional Solutions rose 3.4%. E-commerce remained stable at 7% of total Group revenue. Key drivers included double-digit growth in Asia-Pacific and a 20% increase in wearables revenue. Myopia management products grew 24%, with Stellest expanding its US distribution to approximately 12,000 doors. The company reported strong comparable-store sales across optical and sun banners, supported by lens premiumization and new AI glasses launches.
Editorial relevance: The report details EssilorLuxottica's Q3 2026 financial performance, highlighting growth in wearables and e-commerce stability, which informs the company's strategic positioning in eyewear retail.
EssilorLuxottica announced consolidated revenue of €7.49 billion for the third quarter of 2026, representing a 7.2 percent year-over-year increase at constant exchange rates. The Direct-to-Consumer division led expansion with €4.09 billion in revenue, growing 10.6 percent at constant exchange rates, while e-commerce contributed slightly positive results, accounting for 7 percent of total company revenue. Asia-Pacific recorded the strongest regional growth at 15.7 percent, reaching €979 million. Product categories showed momentum in wearables, which generated €486 million (up 20 percent), and myopia management solutions, which expanded 24 percent. North America and EMEA also reported growth, supported by high-single-digit gains in banners like LensCrafters and Sunglass Hut.
Editorial relevance: The report highlights EssilorLuxottica's direct-to-consumer and e-commerce performance, offering key data on digital channel growth within the broader optical market.
EssilorLuxottica announced its 2026 third-quarter results, reporting consolidated revenue of €7,486 million, a 9 percent year-over-year increase (7.2 percent constant currency). The company’s traditional eyecare and med-tech business grew over 6 percent, while wearables revenue surged 20 percent. The myopia management portfolio rose 24 percent, led by Stellest lenses. Direct-to-consumer segment revenue reached €4,093 million, up 10.6 percent at constant currency rates. E-commerce remained stable at 7 percent of total group revenue. North America saw high single-digit DTC growth, with comparable store sales rising over 5 percent. Asia-Pacific led regional growth with double-digit gains. Total worldwide store counts reached 19,709 as of September 30, 2026.
Editorial relevance: The report details EssilorLuxottica's Q3 financial performance, highlighting growth in wearables and myopia management while noting that e-commerce remained stable at 7 percent of total group revenue.
Meta, the Pinacoteca di Brera museum in Milan, and EssilorLuxottica have launched "Sensing Art," a pilot project using AI glasses to enhance art accessibility for blind and visually impaired visitors. The initiative integrates Meta and EssilorLuxottica's AI glasses with the museum's existing Grande Brera app, which features audio tours developed by sight loss charities ANS, UICI, and Fondazione Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano. Visitors can activate artwork recognition on eight selected pieces via the glasses, listening to descriptions through open-ear speakers. Additional tools include Meta AI for contextual questions and Be My Eyes for real-time volunteer support. The tour is available upon reservation Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Editorial relevance: This partnership demonstrates a specific application of smart eyewear technology in cultural accessibility, highlighting the functional capabilities of AI glasses beyond standard consumer use cases.
Hans Anders, one of the Netherlands' largest optical chains, has immediately halted sales of Meta's AI-enabled smart glasses across all Dutch and Belgian stores and its online shop. The decision follows reports of unlawful covert filming and mounting political pressure, including a passed motion in the Dutch lower house calling for a ban. While Pearle Opticiens did not comment, other sectors like hospitals and the defence force are restricting device usage. Hans Anders stated the product might return later but cited serious societal concerns. This move underscores the regulatory and reputational challenges facing optical retailers stocking smart eyewear that blends vision correction with consumer electronics.
Editorial relevance: The removal of Meta smart glasses by a major optical chain highlights significant privacy-driven regulatory and reputational risks for eyewear retailers stocking camera-equipped devices.
Bloomberg reports that Meta and Ray-Ban owner EssilorLuxottica are discussing doubling their annual smart glasses production target from 10 million to 20 million units, with a potential increase to 30 million if demand justifies it. This follows EssilorLuxottica’s earlier plan to reach 10 million units by end-2026, citing strong sales of Ray-Ban Meta glasses which recently accounted for over a third of its revenue growth. The discussions occur as Meta shifts investment from VR content to AI glasses and wearables, having laid off over 10% of Reality Labs staff. The move aims to expand market footprint ahead of anticipated competition from Apple, Google, and Samsung.
Editorial relevance: The reported production expansion highlights the strategic shift of major eyewear and tech players toward scaling smart glasses manufacturing to meet demand and preempt competitor entry.
During its Q4 2025 earnings report, EssilorLuxottica announced that it sold more than 7 million units of Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses in 2025 alone. This figure represents more than triple the volume from 2024 and suggests approximately 9 million units have been sold since the launch of Ray-Ban Meta two and a half years ago. The company described these products as the dominant driver of wholesale growth in the second half of the year, noting exponential growth in North American wholesale. This announcement follows Bloomberg reports that Meta and EssilorLuxottica are discussing doubling or tripling production capacity, potentially raising targets to 20–30 million units by 2026. The data underscores strong consumer demand for smart eyewear amidst increasing competition from Apple, Google, and Samsung.
Editorial relevance: The reported sales figures and production capacity discussions highlight the rapid scaling of smart eyewear, a key growth segment for online and omnichannel retail.
Meta launched a new line of smart glasses branded simply as "Meta Glasses," featuring the same chipset, camera, speakers, and battery life as the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 but without the premium branding. Produced in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the range includes two styles: Adventurer (rectangular) and Fury (square). Prices start at $300, an $80 discount compared to Ray-Ban equivalents, with options for polarized or Transitions lenses costing up to $380. The glasses include overextension hinges and a compact folding charging case similar to the Meta Ray-Ban Display model. Additionally, Meta introduced a $60 stainless steel Charging Stand compatible with most displayless Ray-Ban and Oakley HSTN glasses, though it does not support the Meta Ray-Ban Display or Oakley Meta Vanguard.
Editorial relevance: The launch of unbranded, lower-priced smart glasses expands Meta's addressable market by offering the same core technology as Ray-Ban Meta at a $300 entry point, potentially driving higher unit volumes in the consumer eyewear segment.
Ray-Ban Meta has announced its first audio-only AI glasses, Ray-Ban Meta Audio, alongside the next-generation camera-equipped models, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3). The Ray-Ban Meta Audio features open-ear listening and Meta AI assistance in Clubmaster and Burbank frames, weighing 43 grams. The Gen 3 models introduce a slimmer profile, a 3K Ultra HD camera, six-array microphone, and up to 9 hours of battery life across Wayfarer, Aviator, and Zena silhouettes. This expansion includes new seasonal colorways for Blayzer Optics (Gen 2) and Scriber Optics (Gen 2). Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) is available starting September 23 via Ray-Ban stores, Ray-Ban.com, select EssilorLuxottica banners, and Meta.com. Ray-Ban Meta Audio launches October 13 through similar channels. Global rollout continues with planned launches in markets including Hong Kong, South Africa, and Portugal.
Editorial relevance: The release of audio-only AI glasses and Gen 3 smart eyewear expands the product portfolio available through major retail channels, directly impacting consumer choice in the smart eyewear segment.
At Meta Connect, EssilorLuxottica and Meta announced new AI glasses lines, including the camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio in Clubmaster and Burbank styles, and the slimmer Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3. The portfolio expands with new Oakley Meta Capri and Nova styles, plus LISA-designed models, aiming for over 100 styles by year-end. New features include the Muse AI agent, Hearing Enhancement (US only), and private processing. Retail expansion covers ten new markets including Poland and South Africa. Meta Ray-Ban Display is now available online, launching today in the UK and Canada, with pre-orders starting in France, Italy, and Germany.
Editorial relevance: The release of camera-free audio glasses and expanded retail markets directly impacts the smart eyewear segment within online optical retail channels.
At Connect 2026, Meta announced new features and expanded availability for the Meta Ray-Ban Display. Key updates include hands-free cycling and public transit navigation launching later this month in the US and Canada, and a Hologram feature for calls rolling out in Early Access on WhatsApp in the US later this fall. The company also introduced Dolby Atmos video capture, enhanced calendar integration, mirrored notifications, and Threads community feeds. Regarding sales, Meta is expanding into the UK, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany with online ordering. Sales began today in Canada and the UK; pre-orders started today in France, Italy, and Germany, with full availability on October 13. Prescription lenses will be available via EssilorLuxottica stores in France and Italy starting October 13, and later in Germany.
Editorial relevance: The announcement details specific online ordering channels and geographic availability for Meta Ray-Ban Display, directly impacting eyewear e-commerce distribution.
At Connect, Meta announced Ray-Ban Meta Audio, its first audio-only glasses, priced from $349 USD with pre-orders open and shipping on October 13. The company also launched Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) starting at $449 USD, featuring a slimmer design, longer battery life, and a 6-mic array. Additionally, Meta expanded its EssilorLuxottica partnership to include new styles like the LISA collaboration and Kylie Jenner Ivory colorway, plus more affordable options starting at $249 USD. By year-end, Meta plans to offer over 100 glasses options across Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Meta brands. New markets including Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, and the UAE are receiving Meta Glasses today, while other regions will see broader brand availability later this year.
Editorial relevance: This release expands Meta's AI glasses portfolio with new audio-only and camera-equipped models, broadening price points and market availability for eyewear ecommerce.