Leading the Industry in Lens R&D

A Passion for Innovation

From the moment we wake up to when we close our eyes at night, we’re constantly reimagining ways to help you see the world around you. Since the beginning, this passion for innovation has been at the heart of everything we do. It’s made Essilor an industry leader—introducing revolutionary vision solutions before anyone else.

Becoming Optical Lens Pioneers

Over the years we’ve revolutionized the treatment of common vision problems—notably, with our development of the progressive lens. As the world’s first progressive lens to ever be invented, it continues to be the most technologically advanced solution for presbyopia.

Essilor also pioneered the use of plastic and lightweight lenses, and together with our former joint venture partner, PPG Industries, created Transitions® Light Intelligent Lenses®—the first lightweight plastic photochromic lenses available on the market. They appear clear indoors and automatically darken outdoors in sunlight.

But, that’s not all. We’ve introduced technology embedded in our premium lenses that reduces the amount of blue-violet light entering the eye.

TESTED FOR THE REAL WORLD

Our LiveOptics™ process puts consumers first, combining the latest research with wearer testing. It puts our lenses in real-life situations, on real people, so that we can evaluate and adapt throughout the entire process, modifying each product to ensure we can help give you the most natural vision possible. We also use “home testing,” where we visit consumers in their homes to see firsthand the real vision issues they face in their daily lives.

Research. Reimagine. Repeat.

Visual health needs are changing. Our industry is today challenged by major societal trends such as aging populations, new digital behaviours, the emergence of middle classes, and the purchasing abilities of low-income consumers in high-growth countries. With over $200 million CAD each year devoted to research and development, 45% of the products we market today were created less than three years ago.