EssilorLuxottica is accelerating its move into the med-tech field and recently gathered some of the world’s leading scientists in ophthalmology and vision science to outline its journey ahead. Visionary Horizons provided a dynamic platform for discussing innovations and breakthroughs in eyecare, particularly in retinal diseases, optic neuropathies, anterior segment disorders, and myopia.
On October 11, 2025, EssilorLuxottica hosted ‘Visionary Horizons: Advancing the Future of EyeCare’, a premier scientific congress that marked a significant milestone in global ophthalmology. Held in collaboration with Heidelberg Engineering, part of the Group since 2024, the groundbreaking event brought together over 100 of the world’s leading ophthalmologists, clinical scientists, and researchers from 20 countries to accelerate the next generation of visual solutions. The symposium, held at the Company’s state-of-the-art Tortona Experience Center in Milan, Italy, served as a crucial platform for expert dialogue, fostering connections and sharing forward-looking insights that are expected to shape the future frontier of eyecare.
The event commenced with a welcome address from Francesco Milleri, the Group’s Chairman and CEO, followed by short presentations from Norbert Gorny, its Chief Scientific Officer; Angelo Arleo, VP, Neuroscience and Medical Research , EssilorLuxottica, and Kfir Azoulay Managing Director, Heidelberg Engineering.
“No company can manage this revolution alone. We must unite to build new collaboration models. Working towards a new dimension, our aim is to create a vertically integrated med-tech platform for the eye, combining early diagnosis, treatments, and ophthalmic surgery. With this integration of scientific research, innovation, AI, clinical data, and practice, we will design new healthcare pathways beyond vision.”
Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO, EssilorLuxottica
The rigorous scientific agenda was divided into four key sessions:
Retinal Diseases: The session delved into the intricate patterns of retinal vasculature and the advancements in retinal diagnostics.
Optic Neuropathies: A discussion on early detection techniques and the integration of AI in glaucoma detection.
Anterior Segment Disease: A showcase of cutting-edge solutions in refractive surgery, including the latest developments in implantable collamer lenses. It also highlighted modern cataract surgery techniques designed to optimize visual outcomes and patient recovery.
Myopia: Early intervention strategies and the impact of myopia on the retina.
Guests also had the opportunity to explore innovation stations, connecting science and technology in areas such as medical technologies, tele-ophthalmology, myopia, audiology, wearables, and Leonardo. The stations attracted significant attention and ongoing interest in the Company’s advancements.
Looking ahead
EssilorLuxottica aims to evolve eyeglasses from vision correction and accessories to advanced medical devices that predict and diagnose eye conditions and detect health indicators in real time. This advancement could enable early disease prevention and management. The Company is preparing for the industry's growth through research in ophthalmology, vision, neuroscience, and computational models, viewing glasses as future diagnostic tools as it shifts from research to practical applications.
