Exploring Top Eyewear Companies Globally
31 Jan, 2024

The global eyewear market has witnessed a transformative shift beyond functional necessity to a prominent fashion accessory. Top eyewear companies, including Luxottica, EssilorLuxottica, and Safilo Group, play a pivotal role in shaping trends and meeting the diverse needs of consumers. The market encompasses a wide range of products, from prescription glasses to sunglasses and contact lenses, reflecting the fusion of functionality and style in eyewear choices. The rise of E commerce has also contributed to the accessibility of eyewear, imparting buyers with a handy avenue for exploring the modern-day designs.

Smart glasses are getting increasingly famous among manufacturers. These glasses have various integrated functions, which include electronics, displays, cameras, and sensors. They provide a host of benefits to users, including voice popularity, fitness monitoring, audio/video manage, and navigation. This fashion is having a high effect on the market's growth. Another feature contributing to the development of this marketplace is the growing elderly population. As human beings age, they become greater prone to vision troubles which includes presbyopia, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. Smart glasses can help cope with those troubles and are in excessive demand. Manufacturers now use 3-dimensional (3-D) printing to produce custom designed merchandise that fit perfectly and decorate user comfort. This technique is gaining reputation and is similarly driving marketplace increase.

The global eyewear market value was US$ 126.09 billion in 2022. As digital lifestyles become more prevalent, the demand for eyewear to protect against digital eye strain has risen. Challenges in the industry include supply chain disruptions, and counterfeit products. However, opportunities lie in technological innovations such as smart glasses, sustainable eyewear materials, and expanding market reach in untapped regions and addressing challenges while capitalizing on these opportunities' positions eyewear companies for sustained growth.

Recent shifts in the eyewear industry reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability and digital advancements. Many eyewear organizations are incorporating ecofriendly materials into their product line, responding to customer issues approximately environmental impact. Additionally, the rise of direct-to-consumer models and digital strive-on reports on-line exhibit the industry's adaptability to changing buyer behaviors. The increasing demand for blue light-filtering lenses, particularly with the surge in remote work, underscores the dynamic nature of the eyewear market. As technology plays an essential role in eyewear design and functionality, the industry is poised for further innovation and evolution in meeting consumers' evolving needs and preferences worldwide.

Renub Research predicts that the Eyewear Market will reach US$ 223.22 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.40% from 2022 to 2030.

Burberry Group
Founded: 1856
Headquarter: England

Burberry Group, an icon in British luxury fashion, extends its influence into eyewear with a sophisticated and timeless collection. Crafted in collaboration with Luxottica, the Burberry eyewear line epitomizes quality craftsmanship and distinctive design, showcasing a fusion of modern aesthetics and classic elegance. From sleek aviators to bold cat-eye styles, the diverse range of frames reflects Burberry's versatility. Premium materials and meticulous attention to detail define the brand's eyewear, resonating with fashion enthusiasts globally. Incorporating contemporary elements, the collection nods to innovation, ensuring Burberry remains a leader in luxury eyewear. Burberry eyewear, a symbol of British refinement, captivates individuals seeking the perfect blend of fashion and functionality.

Essilor Luxottica
Founded: 2018
Headquarter: Italy

EssilorLuxottica, a global eyewear giant formed by the 2018 merger of Essilor and Luxottica, is a powerhouse in the optical industry. This merger combines Essilor's lens manufacturing expertise with Luxottica's proficiency in eyewear frames, creating a vertically integrated company that controls crucial aspects of the eyewear supply chain. The extensive portfolio includes renowned brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and Vogue, showcasing dominance in prescription and sun lenses. Operating across the eyewear value chain, from design and manufacturing to distribution and retail, EssilorLuxottica leads advancements in lens technology with a commitment to innovation. As a global leader, the company plays a pivotal role in shaping the eyewear market, seamlessly blending craftsmanship, fashion, and technological prowess to provide unparalleled optical experiences worldwide.

September 2023 – Meta Platforms, Inc. and EssilorLuxottica introduced their next generation of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, during the annual Meta Connect event.

Carl Zeiss Group
Founded: 1846
Headquarter: Germany

Carl Zeiss Group, a renowned name in precision optics, extends its legacy into the eyewear industry, offering cutting-edge optical solutions. With a rich history dating back to 1846, the company is synonymous with innovation and quality. Zeiss's eyewear division combines advanced lens technologies with sleek designs, providing users with superior visual experiences. The brand's commitment to precision and clarity has positioned it as a trusted choice for eyewear enthusiasts worldwide. Whether in prescription lenses or sunglasses, Carl Zeiss Group's eyewear embodies a seamless fusion of craftsmanship and optical excellence, defining a new standard in vision care.

In December 2023, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG acquired D.O.R.C. from Eurazeo SE, Paris, France.

Hoya Corporation
Founded: 1941
Headquarter: Japan

Hoya Corp (Hoya) is a med-tech company that manufactures and sells precision devices and instruments built on its advanced optics technologies. Its principal products include eyeglasses and contact lenses, laparoscopic surgical instruments, medical endoscopes, intraocular lenses, orthopedic implants, airway scopes, blanks/photomasks for semiconductors, photomasks for liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, and glass disks for hard disk drives (HDDs); and imaging products such as optical lenses/glass, camera lens modules, plastic lenses, laser equipment, and ultraviolet (UV) light sources. It also provides information technology (IT) solutions. Its core technologies include glass formation, melting, molding, polishing, thin film, lithography, optics design, and optomechatronics. Hoya has operations in Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Europe.

Prada
Founded: 1913
Headquarter: Italy

Prada, an iconic luxury fashion brand, extends its influence into the eyewear realm, epitomizing elegance and avant-garde design. Prada eyewear seamlessly integrates fashion-forward aesthetics with high-quality craftsmanship. Known for its distinctive style, the eyewear collection showcases bold shapes, innovative materials, and meticulous detailing. From chic sunglasses to optical frames, Prada eyewear is a symbol of sophistication and modernity. The brand's commitment to pushing boundaries in fashion translates seamlessly into its eyewear offerings, creating a coveted collection that reflects Prada's enduring legacy as a trendsetter in the world of luxury fashion.

Safilo Group S.p.A.
Founded: 1934
Headquarter: Italy

Safilo Group S.p.A. is a prominent Italian eyewear manufacturer and distributor, renowned for its expertise in crafting high-quality frames and lenses. Safilo has established itself as a global leader in the eyewear industry. The company collaborates with prestigious fashion brands such as Dior, Fendi, and Marc Jacobs, producing innovative and stylish eyewear collections. Safilo combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, offering a diverse range of optical frames and sunglasses. Embracing a commitment to sustainability, Safilo is dedicated to creating fashionable eyewear while minimizing its environmental impact.

Safilo Group has recently launched Carrera Smart Glasses with Alexa, which combine Italian design with Alexa technology. The new glasses come in two iconic frames. The launch was announced in September 2023.

Louis Vuitton
Founded: 1854
Headquarter: France

Louis Vuitton, synonymous with luxury and sophistication, extends its elegance into the eyewear domain. The Louis Vuitton eyewear collection mirrors the brand's iconic aesthetic, combining opulence with innovative design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the eyewear line features stylish frames and sunglasses that exude a timeless allure. The brand's commitment to quality and exclusivity is evident in every piece, making Louis Vuitton eyewear a sought-after accessory for fashion connoisseurs. With a heritage rooted in French luxury, Louis Vuitton's eyewear complements its renowned fashion offerings, embodying the essence of prestige and refinement.

Jan 2023, LV 4MOTION sunglasses designed for sporty lifestyle, presented in Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2023 collection show.

Cooper Vision
Founded: 1980
Headquarter: United States

CooperVision stands as a global leader in the contact lens industry, renowned for its commitment to vision care innovation. CooperVision has consistently pushed boundaries in developing comfortable and technologically advanced contact lenses. The company offers a diverse range of lenses catering to various vision needs, from daily disposables to specialized lenses for astigmatism and presbyopia. CooperVision prioritizes eye health and visual comfort, making it a trusted choice for millions of wearers worldwide. As a part of The Cooper Companies, the company remains dedicated to enhancing the way people see and experience the world.

March 2023, CooperVision® MyDay Energys® contact lenses are now available to all eye care professionals across the United States, marking the global debut of the innovative lens.

Marchon Eyewear
Founded: 1983
Headquarter: United States

Marchon Eyewear stands as a global industry leader, specializing in the design and distribution of premium eyewear. Marchon has evolved into a powerhouse, collaborating with iconic fashion and lifestyle brands such as Calvin Klein, Nike, and Lacoste. The company's diverse portfolio features innovative eyewear collections that blend style with cutting-edge technology. Marchon is committed to delivering eyewear solutions that reflect the essence of each brand it represents. Renowned for its quality craftsmanship and trendsetting designs, Marchon Eyewear continues to shape the eyewear landscape, offering consumers a distinctive and fashionable vision.

March 2023, Marchon's latest sunglasses collection features timeless designs from Ferragamo.

Warby Parker Inc.
Founded: 2010
Headquarter: United States

Warby Parker Inc. is a trailblazer in the eyewear industry, renowned for revolutionizing the way people buy glasses.  Warby Parker disrupted the traditional eyewear market with its direct-to-consumer model, providing stylish, affordable, and socially conscious eyewear. The brand's innovative approach combines fashion-forward designs with in-house manufacturing, enabling it to offer high-quality prescription glasses and sunglasses at accessible prices. With a mission to provide vision care for all, Warby Parker's "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" initiative has donated millions of glasses to those in need. The company's commitment to style, affordability, and social impact has solidified its position as a leader in the eyewear landscape.