Italian eyewear exports slip 3% in first eight months as US struggles, other markets improve
The value of Italian eyewear exports in the first eight months of 2025 fell by3.4 percent to €3,519 million as sales in the US continued to suffer in the wake of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump earlier this year but markets in Europe and elsewhere showed signs of ...
Inspecs board accepts £85m takeover by two British entrepreneurs
Inspecs Group’s board has agreed to an £85 million acquisition by two British entrepreneurs Luke Johnson and Ian Livingstone, formerly majority owner and chairman of Optika Clulow, after rejecting offers from Safilo Group.
Google announces first AI (audio) glasses for 2026
The first AI glasses developed by Google, in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm on the technology side and with Warby Parker on the frames side, will launch in 2026, the group said earlier this week during its Android Show/XR Edition event. This is the first time that a launch target ...
French optical market driven by health care needs rather than fashion or promotions, new research stresses
A comprehensive survey of 3,000 French glasses wearers by the country’s main opticians’ association shows that the vast majority prioritise medical necessity over fashion when purchasing new eyewear, with 92% citing visual needs as their primary motivation for renewal.
Carl Zeiss Meditec posts solid full-year results, terminates CEO mandate
Carl Zeiss Meditec has reported a 7.8 percent year-over-year increase in revenue to €2,228 million in the 2024/25 fiscal year ended Sept. 30. The company’s topline rose by 8.6 percent at constant currencies and by 3.3 percent on an organic basis.
VSP launches 3rd innovation challenge, scans the “patient of the future”
VSP Vision, in partnership with Topcon Healthcare and Silicon Foundry, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology companies, is launching its third Innovation Challenge, “a worldwide call for visionary solutions that elevate the eye care experience and empower optometrists.”
Cooper announces strategic review, 5% uptick in annual CVI sales
CooperVision reported Q4 sales of $709.6 million, up 4.6% year-on-year, with growth driven by the Americas region and strong performance from its MyDay contact lens portfolio. CooperCompanies stock price shot up after the group announced that it was conducting a strategic business review, seemingly in response to activist investor pressures.
EssilorLuxottica wearables chief steps down
Rocco Basilico, Chief Wearables Officer at EssilorLuxottica, will be leaving the group at the start of next year, Reuters revealed on Monday. The information was confirmed to the press agency by EssilorLuxottica: “After six years supporting our smart eyewear journey, Rocco Basilico has decided to pursue his personal interests outside ...
Fast-growing Lenskart sees huge whitespace in domestic market
The Indian eyewear retailer’s shares gained ground after reporting robust quarterly performance across key metrics, with revenue growth of 23.9% and improved profitability following its IPO debut last month.
MICROOLED smart eyewear business taken over by former CEO and founder
MICROOLED’s former CEO has taken over the company’s smart eyewear brands ActiveLook and Engo to focus exclusively on AR sports glasses, while the French microdisplay manufacturer refocuses on B2B markets including defense and medical equipment and raises more funds.
Essilux takes a local approach to the Chinese smart glasses market
EssilorLuxottica is using an existing deal to probe the market for smart eyewear in China, where, as the company tells us, the focus is on Chinese tech and the preferences of Chinese customers. To align its products and marketing accordingly, it appears that Essilux is for now setting aside any ...
ZEISS leverages vision care synergies in smart eyewear, ophthalmology
ZEISS has announced the creation of a new strategic business unit called ZEISS Extended Reality which, combined with ZEISS Vision Care, will make up the group’s Consumer Markets segment. Established last month, ZEISS Extended Reality will unite in one division the different teams that have been working on extended reality ...
National Vision outlines path to high-single-digit sales growth, margin expansion
National Vision announced plans for high-single-digit sales growth in each of the five years through fiscal year 2030, as it looks to further broaden its focus beyond its traditional cash-paying customer, increase the share of premium products and open 240 new stores. Comparable sales are seen increasing at a mid-single-digit ...
Inspecs takeover talks extended with current highest bid at £85m
Private equity seems to have an edge in the negotiations but Safilo is reviewing its options. The UK-based eyewear group has also announced a trading update that forecasts a 4 percent decline in annual revenue.
Afflelou network sales up 5% in FY2025
Network sales were up mid-single digits in France and Spain, the retailer’s two key markets. Margins also progressed year over year despite increasing and substantial debt-related costs.