EssilorLuxottica History: explore our journey from two pioneering companies to the global leader in vision care.

Our History | EssilorLuxottica

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Our History

Since 1849

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1849

<div><p>Based in Paris, the Association Fraternelle des Ouvriers Lunetiers is founded in 1849 as a cooperative of craftmen. It quickly becomes the Société des Lunetiers or SL. Renamed Essel in 1962, it gives birth to Essilor in 1972. In 1861, it incorporates a glass know-how with the ambition of being «among the main manufacturers of corrective lenses in Paris». The Société des Lunetiers develops rapidly in the Meuse region in Eastern France by purchasing the Battants factory in 1867. As soon as 1868, a first office is opened in London and international export begins to Europe, Middle-Est, Northern and Latin America. ​</p></div>

La Société des Lunetiers

THE AGE OF PIONEERS

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<div><p>At the end of the 19th c., SL owns 3 lens production plants and 4 frames manufacturing plants and is a reference in the world of optics. When the First World War begins, it produces 7.8 million glasses a year and diversifies, particularly in compasses and precision instruments with products distributed internationally and rewarded at several world fairs.​ Thanks to the industrialisation of its production, its frame factories propose a large range of lorgnons, pince-nez and binocles in gold, silver, tortoise shell or steel wire.</p><p><br/></p></div>

Industrial revolution

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1927

<div><p>In 1927, with the Stigmal lens developed by the engineer Nectoux, the SL markets for the first time in its history, a corrective lens that combines a mathematically calculated corrective surface and a high quality glass guaranteeing the wearer a perfectly clear vision over its entire surface.​</p><p><br/></p></div>

Stigmal

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1931

<div><p>An ambitious entrepreneur, Georges Lissac opens his first optical shop in Paris and then founds the Lissac Frères company in 1931. In 1938, he imagines a revolutionary concept: a department store entirely dedicated to optics, rue de Rivoli in Paris, where customers can benefit from a free view test. He thus introduces the methods of modern commerce into the world of optics and soon becomes a manufacturer himself.</p></div>

Georges Lissac

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<div><p>With World War II, Europeans discovered the semi-rimless "Numont" glasses with wide lenses and thin frames worn by soldiers of the American army. To meet this trend, the SL launches the high-end Icare frame, available in gold-filled metal in 1946. Lissac Frères replies by launching the Amor frame in 1947. Its success is immense and it was not until 1955 that the SL launched Nylor to compete with it. With Nylor, the SL brings to the market a real breakthrough innovation: the lens is attached to the upper part of the frame by a nylon thread, which gives an elegant and sober style to the glasses. A dedicated team travels around the world to introduce opticians to the technical advantages of this system, still in use today.​</p><p><br/></p></div>

Nylor​ and Amor

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1954

<div><p>After years of research to develop lighter and more resistant lenses than mineral glass, LOR, a Lissac subsidiary specialized in plastic lenses, launches a breakthrough organic lens, ORMA 1000, developed by René Grandperret.</p></div>

Orma​ 1000

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1959

<div><p>A young engineer who joined the SL in 1948, Bernard Maitenaz developed and patented a revolutionary «continuously variable focus lens » concept which allows to correct presbyopia in a more natural way than the bifocals invented in the 18th century by Benjamin Franklin. Varilux progressive lens was born.</p></div>

Varilux​

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<div><p>Engineer and former CEO of the Essilor Group, Bernard Maitenaz is at the origin of one of the most important innovations in the optics industry of the 20th c., the Varilux progressive lens.​</p><p><br/></p><p>Born on September 29, 1926, he joined the Group in 1948 after graduating both from the École des Arts &amp; Métiers and the École Supérieure d’Optique in Paris. His bold, enthusiastic temperament made him want to find a solution to prevent presbyopes from having to wear unsightly and unpleasant bifocals. Appointed Technical Director of the Société des Lunetiers in 1953, Bernard Maitenaz threw himself heart and soul into promoting his innovation, the Varilux lens, when it was first released on the market in 1959, while continuing to improve it. ​</p><p>Rising to become Essel’s Industrial Director in 1966, he took over the running of Essilor’s Research and Development department six years later, becoming General Director in 1979 and then Chairman the following year. A member of various scholarly societies in France and internationally, his scientific and other contributions to optometry were hailed throughout the world.​</p><p><br/></p><p>With his extraordinary personality, Bernard Maitenaz deeply influenced the Group’s understanding of the concept of research. Passion, curiosity, tenacity, commitment and trust are the qualities that he put into practice throughout his life, and that continue to inspire our teams today.</p><p><br/></p></div>

Bernard Maitenaz (1926 – 2021)​

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<div><p>"There is no set formula to becoming an inventor. One has to be a good observer and always keep an inquisitive eye."</p></div>

Bernard Maitenaz (1926-2021)

Luxottica​ Par_TextVideoImageLeft

1961

<div><p>Luxottica is founded by Leonardo Del Vecchio. It started out as a small workshop and operated throughout the 1960s as a contract producer for the optical industry. It gradually widened the range of processes offered until it had an integrated manufacturing structure capable of producing a finished pair of glasses.</p></div>

Luxottica​

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<div><p>An entrepreneurial genius and true pioneer of the optical industry, Leonardo Del Vecchio was Chairman until his passing in 2022. Having started as an apprentice, he created Luxottica in 1961, which was the start of a unique entrepreneurial adventure. His life was guided by his vision and desire for independence as well as integration of the entire industrial chain of eyewear, from design to distribution.</p><p><br/>A true visionary,  already in 1974 Leonardo Del Vecchio senses the importance of selling his products directly and starts a vertical integration strategy with the acquisition of Scarrone S.p.A, a wholesale distributor with an important know-how in the Italian eyewear market, to then further expand from 1981 through the opening of new subsidiaries and joint-ventures in major foreign markets. </p><p><br/>In 1988, Leonardo Del Vecchio anticipates a trend by signing a license agreement with Giorgio Armani, foreseeing that eyeglasses would evolve from a necessary medical device into a desirable fashion accessory and kick-starting the creation of a globally-important license portfolio. By purchasing LensCrafters in 1995, he makes a step forward in strengthening vertical integration and becomes the first manufacturer to directly enter the optical retail space. He then confirmed this precursor idea by acquiring Ray-Ban, one of the world’s most iconic brands in 1999.</p><p><br/>Finally, by working with Essilor to bring Essilor and Luxottica closer together, he envisionned an integrated, world-class global industry player in his sector. In less than 60 years, he revolutionized the industry, making eyeglasses into a must-have in fashion. Today, our Company is uniquely positioned to expand the boundaries of vision and improve the lives of millions of people. His strong spirit, vision and human values are today hallmarks of EssilorLuxottica.</p><p><br/></p></div>

Leonardo Del Vecchio ​(1935-2022)

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<div><p>"We never expected to grow so large, our goal was just to make beautiful eyewear. We still believe that the frame of tomorrow will be better than today’s, it’s in our blood."</p></div>

Leonardo Del Vecchio (1935-2022)

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1972

<div><p>After the death of Georges Lissac in 1969, the two industrial entities of the Lissac Group, SIL and LOR merged to become SILOR. In 1972, SILOR merges with ESSEL: this merger marks the birth of the ESSILOR Group, which comes in equal parts from two big names in optics. Three years later, the Group is listed on the Paris stock exchange.</p></div>

Essilor​

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1988

<div><p>A period of considerable creative turmoil coincides with the evolution of eyeglasses from a tool for correcting eyesight to a fashion accessory. Leonardo Del Vecchio and Giorgio Armani team up and with great visionary capacity they anticipate a trend by signing a license agreement together. This marks the creation of a globally-important license portfolio. The first agreement with Armani ends in 2003. In 2013, Luxottica signs a new agreement with the designer for 10 years, which is renewed in 2022 for 15 years effectively starting from January 1, 2023.</p></div>

Giorgio Armani​

BROADENING HORIZONS

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1990

<div><p>Luxottica acquires Vogue Eyewear and expands its presence in the fashion and lifestyle sector.</p><p><br/></p><p>Created in 1973, Vogue Eyewear is synonymous with glamour and contemporary style. A global brand that is conscientious about highlighting the local dimension of various markets in which consumers have different needs and tastes.</p></div>

Vogue Eyewear​

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<div><p>Starting from Armani in 1988, Luxottica embarks in a series of outstanding licensing agreements with major fashion houses such as: Bulgari (1997), Chanel (1999), Prada (2003), Versace (2003), Dolce&amp;Gabbana (2006), Burberry (2006), Ralph Lauren and Polo Ralph Lauren (2007), Tiffany &amp; Co. (2008), Tory Burch (2009), Coach (2012), Michael Kors (2015).</p><p><br/></p><p>Today EssilorLuxottica continues expanding its portoflio through brand new licenses with Brunello Cucinelli (2022), Swarovski (2022), Ferrari (2022), Jimmy Choo (2023), Kodak (2023) and Moncler (2023).</p><p><br/></p></div>

Eyewear licenses

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1991

<div><p>The joint venture between Essilor and the American company PPG gives birth to a major innovation: the launch of the world’s first organic photochromic lens marketed under the Transitions brand. Its color darkens or lightens depending on the light intensity. Since 2014, Transitions belongs 100% to Essilor.</p></div>

Transitions

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1992

<div><p>With Crizal lens, Essilor brings to the market a concentrate of technologies: its treatments combine resistance to reflections, scratches and dirt. Thanks to a hydrophobic treatment, water and greasy substances are also pushed off the lens surface. A real improvement for organic lenses.</p></div>

Crizal

Start of a global expansion

<div><p>After its successful merger, Essilor started its global expansion with a first factory in the United States in 1972, followed by the Philippines (1979), Puerto Rico (1985), Mexico (1985), Brazil and Thailand (1989) and China (1994). In parallel, the company acquired its distribution partners to create local subsidiaries such as Essilor of America in 1985 (USA), Sudop in 1986 (Brazil) and SEOCL (China) in 1994. After acquiring the Italian distributor Scarrone S.p.A. in 1974, Luxottica began its international expansion, opening its first subsidiary in Germany in 1981. The same year, the company acquired Avant-Garde Optics, a leading distributor in the North American market, marking its official entry into the United States. In the span of a few years, Luxottica created subsidiaries in Spain (1983), UK (1984), France and Canada (1985).</p><p><br/></p><p>Strategic acquisitions also allowed both Essilor and Luxottica to integrate exclusive technologies and brands as well as their production facilities. In 1981, Luxottica acquired La Meccanoptica Leonardo, including its brand Sferoflex and its Rovereto plant, followed by Persol and its Lauriano plant (1995) as well as the sunglass division of Bausch &amp; Lomb with its brands Ray-Ban and Arnette (1999). In 1997, Luxottica opened its first manufacturing site in China, before acquiring Oakley in 2007 and Grupo Tecnol in Brazil in 2011, expanding its footprint in Latin America’s largest market. To strengthen its leading position and extend into new segments, Essilor acquired Gentex Optics in 1995 for the production of organic lenses, FGX International in 2009 adding reading glasses and the Foster Grant brand to its portfolio, and Satisloh in 2008, a significant step for the expansion into prescription and precision optics laboratory equipment.</p></div>

Start of a global expansion 

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1995

<div><p>By acquiring Gentex Optics, Essilor is securing a leading position in the fast-growing organic lens segment, which is both lightweight and unbreakable. Airwear polycarbonate glass was launched the following year.</p></div>

Gentex Optics Inc. 

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<div><p>During the last decades of the 20th century, the various components of the Group acquired prestigious historical collections telling the history of glasses from its origins to today. With its rich heritage, Luxottica opened the Museo dell'Occhiale in Agordo in 1991. Essilor, for its part, acquired the Pierre Marly collection in 2000 and deposited it at the Morez city museum, the Musée de la Lunette, which opened its doors in 2002. Today, these collections present a unique set of several thousand pieces retracing more than 400 years of the history of vision.</p><p><br/></p></div>

Museums collections

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<div><p>Luxottica strengthens its proprietary brand portfolio with the acquisition of Persol. The iconic "made in Italy" eyewear brand makes its debut in 1917. Its evocative name, meaning “for sun”, identifies a timeless eyewear design, high expression of a culture of excellence and craftsmanship, a perfect alchemy of aesthetics and technology. One of the most popular models, 649 was created in 1957 for Turin tram drivers, who needed large eyeglasses to protect them from wind and dust. Its success was ensured by an original design. In 1961 they entered into legend when Marcello Mastroianni wore them in the film “Divorce Italian style”. Starting in the 50s and 60s Persol models are worn by great personalities and famous actors of the time, such as Greta Garbo and Steve McQueen, who choose them on the screen and in everyday life.</p></div>

Persol​

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<div><p>LensCrafters transformed the optical industry when it opened its doors in Florence, Kentucky in 1983. The revolutionary vision to provide customers with quality prescription eyeglasses in an hour was the first of many innovative, entrepreneurial concepts that led to LensCrafters’ remarkable growth and success year over year.</p><p><br/></p><p>In 1995, Luxottica buys LensCrafters and becomes the first manufacturer to directly enter the optical retail business. The stores give the Group the opportunity to build a trust-based relationship with consumers, to get to know them more deeply so it can more efficiently meet their needs. With Lenscrafters, "Give the gift of sight" joins the Group, a non-profit eye care program founded on the principle that seeing well is the right of every human being, now part of OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation.</p><p><br/></p><p>Today, LensCrafters operates over 1,000 stores in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.</p></div>

LensCrafters

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1999

<div><p>With the acquisition of the eyewear division of Bausch &amp; Lomb Inc, Ray-Ban enters the Group's portfolio. Sensing the potential of the brand, Luxottica invests in the legendary brand’s image and legacy, definitively transforming it into an icon of style and freedom of expression.</p><p><br/></p><p>The first Ray-Ban model was the Aviator. It was created in the 1930s to protect the eyes of American pilots from the sun during flight. The new eyewear had an ergonomic teardrop shape and green lenses that blocked reflections without obstructing vision. In 1937, the trademark Ray-Ban, literally "ray-blocking," was registered and sales extended to the public.</p></div>

Ray-Ban

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<div><p>Thanks to the acquisition of the eyewear division of Bausch &amp; Lomb Inc, the brand Arnette also enters the brand potfolio. Since 1992, Arnette glasses are synonymous with sustainability, easy-going design and high-quality materials. Inspired by street culture, Arnette prescription glasses and sunglasses are fashion forward with an easy-on-earth attitude.</p></div>

Arnette

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2001

<div><p>Luxottica strengthens its retail operations in the sunglass segment with the acquisition of Sunglass Hut, one of the leading chains specialized in the sale of sunglasses in North America, Australia and the United Kingdom. Over the years Sunglass Hut becomes a point of reference throughout the world for the most sought-after sunglasses. In 2005, Luxottica begins expanding on international markets that present the biggest growth prospects, including the Middle East, South Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Brazil, Europe and China, focusing on particularly attractive locations where many people transit: tourist destinations, large cosmopolitan cities, exclusive spaces in airports and malls.</p></div>

Sunglass Hut​

BECOMING GLOBAL LEADERS

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2003

<div><p>Luxottica acquires OPSM, a leading eye care and eyewear retailer in Australia and New Zealand. Established in 1932, OPSM has developed over the years a close relationship with its customers by offering an exclusive range of optical frames and sunglasses and high quality personalized service with a focus on eye care.</p><p><br/></p><p>The same year, Luxottica acquires also Laubman &amp; Pank, a local eye health expert for communities in South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.</p></div>

OPSM​

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2004

<div><p>Luxottica further expands its retail presence in North America with the acquisition of Cole National, which includes Pearle Vision, a long-established chain, “home of trusted eyecare” for generations of Americans, and the network of stores operating with the Sears Optical and Target Optical licenses at Sears and Target stores.</p></div>

 Pearle Vision and Target Optical

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2007

<div><p>Luxottica acquires California-based Oakley Inc., strengthening its portfolio with one of the most iconic brands in sports and performance. Oakley is synonymous with innovative technology, disruptive design and maximum performance, making it the eyewear brand of choice for some of the world’s leading competitive athletes. The integration between the two companies, which share ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and technical expertise, creates new growth opportunities.</p></div>

Oakley​ Inc.

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<div><p>With the acquisition of Oakley Inc., Luxottica acquires also Oliver Peoples, born in the heart of West Hollywood, California, on the iconic Sunset Boulevard in 1987. The unique culture of Los Angeles, with elements of fashion, film, art and music, continues to inspire the brand's products and vibe.</p></div>

Oliver Peoples

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2008

<div><p>With the acquisition of Satisloh, the world leader in prescription and precision optics laboratory equipment, the Essilor Group is expanding its field of activity to offer new products and services to the optical industry.</p></div>

Satisloh

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2009

<div><p>With the acquisition of FGX International, the American leader in the design and sale of reading glasses and sunglasses, Essilor is expanding its territory into a new promising segment. FGX International notably owns the historic brand Foster Grant, inventor of modern sunglasses in 1929.</p></div>

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2010

<div><p>In 2010, with Shamir Optical and Signet Armorlite, Essilor is making two major acquisitions. Shamir Optical strengthens its product offering in the mid-range market. As for Signet Armorlite, it provides the exclusive worldwide license for the development, production and marketing of Kodak branded lenses.</p><p><br/></p><p>In 2022, EssilorLuxottica makes a step further by acquiring the 100% of Shamir.</p></div>

Shamir and Signet Armorlite

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2013

<div><p>Luxottica acquires Alain Mikli International, a French luxury and contemporary eyewear player. Created in 1978 in Paris, Alain Mikli brand has always been synonymous with innovative design, which combines unique details with unconventional use of colors inspired by his heritage. Its sophisticated and subtly off-beat style is one of the most recognizable in the eyewear market.</p></div>

Alain Mikli​

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<div><p>Essilor strengthens its position in sun protection with the acquisition of strong consumer brands such as Costa, Bolon and Molsion, as well as the sale of optical equipment online with the acquisition of Coastal.</p></div>

Costa and Bolon

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2016

<div><p>Luxottica completed the acquisition of Salmoiraghi &amp; Viganò, in which it held a minority stake since 2012. Founded in 1974 by the merger of two brands that were started respectively by Angelo Salmoiraghi and Angelo Viganò in the mid-nineteenth century, Salmoiraghi &amp; Viganò is one of the leading optical retail chains in Italy with stores spread throughout the country.</p></div>

Salmoiraghi & Vigano​

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2017

<div><p>With Óticas Carol,  Luxottica buys one of the top franchised eyewear store chains in Brazil.<br/>The following year, Luxottica also acquires Spectacle Hut, one of the leading eyewear chains in Singapore.</p></div>

Óticas Carol and Spectacle Hut

EssilorLuxottica​ Par_TextFocusFullBG-textonly

2018

<div><p>Created in 2018, EssilorLuxottica is the combination of two highly complementary and innovative companies, Essilor and Luxottica, which used their individual strengths to revolutionize the industry and explore the potential of eyecare and eyewear around the world.</p></div>

EssilorLuxottica​

REDEFINING THE INDUSTRY TOGETHER

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<div><p>"With this agreement, my dream to create a major global player in the eyewear industry, fully integrated and excellent in all its parts, comes finally true. Finally, after fifty years, two products which are naturally complementary, namely frames and lenses, will be designed, manufactured and distributed under the same roof."</p></div>

Leonardo Del Vecchio, Jan 16, 2017. 

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<div><p>In 2018, Luxottica Group S.p.A. entered into an agreement to acquire 67% of Fukui Megane Co. Ltd, a leading Japanese manufacturer based in the eyewear industrial cluster of Fukui that specializes in the production of luxury eyewear frames made of titanium and solid gold. In 2023, Essilorluxottica announced the completion of the acquisition of the eyewear manufacturer, Fukui Megane.</p></div>

 Fukui Megane​

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2019

<div><p>In 2019, Luxottica Group S.p.A. finalized the acquisition of Barberini S.p.A., the world's leading optical glass sun lens manufacturer, which serves multiple players in the industry.</p><p><br/></p><p>The acquisition allows the Group to strengthen its "made in Italy" production and its know-how in glass sun and prescription lenses, always considered a success factor for the iconic models of Ray-Ban and Persol. Luxottica adds to its excellent manufacturing presence in Italy the Barberini industrial site in Abruzzo (Italy).</p></div>

Barberini

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2020

<div><p>Essilor launches Stellest, a new generation of ophthalmic lenses to slow down myopia development. Backed by over 30 years of research dedicated to myopia control, Essilor Stellest lenses are designed with a technology recognized by myopia experts all over the world and show strong efficacy in slowing down myopia progression in children. The Stellest universe is inspired by a constellation of invisible lenslets on its surface, offering science through emotion, providing reassurance to parents while giving children the gift of better vision for a brighter future.</p></div>

Stellest ​

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2021

<div><p>By welcoming GrandVision, one of the largest Optical Retailers into the Group, EssilorLuxottica has expanded its reach and capabilities in the optical industry. GrandVision brings with it a vast network of 7200 Optical Retail Stores in 40 countries across the globe, including renowned brands such as Pearle, GrandOptical, Vision Express, Apollo, Synoptik, Atasun in EMEA, and +Vision, Econolentes, and Opticas Lux in Latam. This rich heritage traces back to 1891 with the inception of our Nissen brand in Finland, which opened its first store.</p><p><br/></p><p>Today, under the more than 30 GrandVision banners, the teams continue the tradition of delivering high-quality and affordable eye care products and services to customers with the mission of helping them "See more and Be more".</p></div>

GrandVision​

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<div><p>"Following the creation of EssilorLuxottica, which I strongly pursued, the acquisition of GrandVision represents the realization of a vision that has guided my actions and the growth of Luxottica over all these years. With GrandVision we will be able to develop our retail network, finally extended throughout the geographies, and fully enable our multichannel and digital platforms. We will raise the quality of in-store experience for products, brands and services for the benefit of all consumers and our wholesale customers.”</p></div>

Leonardo Del Vecchio, Chairman of EssilorLuxottica

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<div><p>Aiming to combine its iconic, must-have eyewear with a powerful array of seamlessly built-in technology to offer consumers a stylish, forward-thinking eyewear experience, throughout the years EssilorLuxottica has expanded its R&amp;D, manufacturing and distribution capabilities in the wearables category, also through collaborations with leading tech companies designed to explore new frontiers for technology and fashion. To bring its vision to life, in 2014 the Group announced two strategic partnerships, respectively with Google for Glass and Intel for Oakley Radar Pace, before teaming up with Meta in 2020 to launch Ray-Ban Stories (2021) and Ray-Ban | Meta (2023). Driving momentum for the future, in 2023 EssilorLuxottica made another bold move in the wearables and med-tech segments, announcing its expansion into the hearing solutions industry with Nuance Audio, its new disruptive proprietary technology at the intersection of sight and sound.</p></div>

Smart Eyewear: a gateway into new worlds 

Ray-Ban Stories​​ Par_TextVideoImageRight

<div><p>Following the 2020 announcement between EssilorLuxottica and Facebook, Inc., now Meta, on a multiyear collaboration to develop the next generation of smart glasses, the American multinational technology company and Ray-Ban launch Ray-Ban Stories. The highly anticipated collaboration brings forward a new way to seamlessly capture, share and listen through one’s most authentic moments. The second generation has been launched in 2023 as Ray-Ban | Meta.</p></div>

Ray-Ban Stories

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2022

<div><p>EssilorLuxottica announces the launch of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation marking a new chapter in the Group’s journey to achieve its unique Mission to help everyone in the world “see more and be more”. This brings together its existing initiatives and comes as a major pillar in EssilorLuxottica’s sustainability strategy and supports its commitment to advocate for good vision as a basic human right.</p></div>

OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation

Giorgio Fedon & Figli S.p.A.​ Par_TextVideoImageRight

<div><p>Luxottica acquires Fedon to enter the packaging and eyeglass cases industry. The transaction represents a step forward in EssilorLuxottica's vertical integration strategy, aimed at achieving the highest quality standards along the entire value chain and optimizing the service for the benefit of all industry players that the company supplies.</p></div>

Giorgio Fedon & Figli S.p.A.​

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<div><p>In 2023, the Company continued to expand its manufacturing footprint with the opening of state-of-the-art facilities around the world. In Thailand, the Group opened a new campus in Rayong, combining end-to-end manufacturing capabilities for the production of ophthalmic lenses, prescription frames and sunglasses, plus the assembly of complete pairs. In Mexico, the facility in Tijuana includes both optical operations and a distribution center. Present in Chihuahua since 1985, EssilorLuxottica invested in the development of a new mass production smart factory producing semi-finished ultra-high index lenses for prescription lens laboratories. In France, EssilorLuxottica has started an Excellence Laboratory located in the Greater Paris region. Bringing prescription laboratories and mounting activities under one roof, the new Excellence Laboratory serves as an industry reference in France and worldwide. At the same time, major acquisitions enabled EssilorLuxottica to continue growing its business in highly specialized areas such as high-end Japanese eyewear (Fukui Megane, 2018), mineral lenses (Barberini, 2019) and packaging (Fedon, 2022).</p><p><br/></p></div>

Enhancing our manufacturing capabilities across the world  

Focus51 qoute Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO, and Paul du Saillant, Deputy CEO. Par_TextFocusFullBG-5050

<div><p>"From med tech and digital to luxury and now hearing solutions, we are becoming the Company of our late Chairman’s dreams – a catalyst for change and a beacon of possibilities that shines for the entire industry."</p></div>

Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO, and Paul du Saillant, Deputy CEO.

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2023

PressRelease2023July25 - San Marco

EssilorLuxottica to expand into the hearing solutions market with a new disruptive technology at the intersection of sight and sound

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<div><p>EssilorLuxottica announces that it will expand into the hearing solutions market. With a dedicated Super Audio team, in-house R&amp;D resources and enabled by its 100% acquisition of startup Nuance, the Group will introduce a new breakthrough hearing technology to benefit the 1.25 billion consumers suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss.</p></div>