Essilor#Scientific and technical heritage

{{For|the Indian conglomerate|Essel Group}}

Essel (Société des Lunetteries) was founded in 1849 (then-called L'Association Fraternelle des Ouvriers Lunetteries) as a small network of eyeglass assembly workshops in Paris. It expanded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by acquiring factories in nearby Parisian neighborhoods and Eastern France. Essel soon added frame design and trade to its activities. In 1955 Essel launched a frame design, Nylor, that is still used today. The Nylor system introduced thin nylon that surrounds the lens and is fixed to the frame's higher branch. Essel's breakthrough came in 1959 with the invention of Varilux, the first ophthalmic progressive lens.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}}

File:Lissac.jpg

Silor (Société Industrielle de Lunetterie et d'Optique Rationnelle) first started under the name Lissac in 1931 as a retailer of ophthalmic lenses and frames before becoming a lens manufacturer. In 1959, the same year Essel invented the progressive lens, Lissac made a discovery of its own: the Orma 1000 lens, made from a lightweight material.{{Cite web |date=2019-08-27 |title=Discover the history of Essel and Silor brands and their vintage glasses |url=https://www.marketvision.it/en/essel-silor-and-essilor/ |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=Market Vision |language=en-US |archive-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907005611/https://www.marketvision.it/en/essel-silor-and-essilor/ |url-status=live }}

After many years as rivals, Essel and Silor merged on 1 January 1972 to form Essilor, then the world's third-largest ophthalmic optical firm. Its first year of existence was marked by the creation of Valoptec, a non-trading company composed of stockholder managers who held half the company's capital stock, and the purchase of Benoist-Bethiot, a French lens manufacturer specializing in progressive lenses.{{Cn|date=June 2023}}

In the mid-1970s, Essilor focused on becoming a true optical group specializing in plastic progressive lenses. Many subsidiary activities were first sold off, but in 1974 Essilor fused Benoist-Bethiot with Guilbert-Routit, creating the subsidiary BBGR. Essilor began its transformation from mainly an exporting company to an international company by opening a manufacturing plant in the United Kingdom, and acquiring manufacturing plants in the United States, Ireland and the Philippines.Malaval, Catherine. "Essilor 1972–1997: Mieux Voir Le Monde". Creapress Editions, 1997. In 1975, the company was listed on the stock exchange. The innovations by Essel and Silor led to the Varilux Orma's launch in 1976.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}}

The 1980s began with intensified competition. Essilor purchased four new plants in four years, in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Thailand. In France, new instruments facilitated automation of the manufacturing process. Many distributors were acquired or merged with Essilor in Europe (Norway, Portugal) and Asia (Burma, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam).{{citation needed|date=May 2013}}

In the United States, all subsidiaries were brought together under the Essilor of America umbrella. This global network allowed Essilor to launch a new Varilux lens, the VMD, in Europe and the United States.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}}

Essilor has gradually withdrawn its frames business to focus on corrective lenses. It has launched a coating, Crizal, that provides lenses with resistance to scratches, reflections and stains. Essilor partnered with PPG of the United States to develop Transitions, a technology that allows lenses to become darker or lighter depending on the intensity of ambient light. With the acquisition of Gentex, Essilor also launched the polycarbonate Airwear lens, a lightweight, unbreakable material.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}}

In 2007 Essilor launched the Essilor Vision Foundation in the USA. This organization was created to run tests in schools to detect vision problems. Essilor Vision Foundation provides the followup care and glasses to children in need.{{cite news|url=http://72.3.251.78/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=3A9702BD8CB24219AC0872F316703D5B&nm=Business+Planning&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&AudID=6885CE1E5B9D4FE89D6AB336E4378B13&tier=4&id=44A12E27722C41F8B3E200D118AB6F86|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219033134/http://72.3.251.78/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=3A9702BD8CB24219AC0872F316703D5B&nm=Business+Planning&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&AudID=6885CE1E5B9D4FE89D6AB336E4378B13&tier=4&id=44A12E27722C41F8B3E200D118AB6F86|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 December 2013|title=Kids get free glasses|date=May 2009|work=Vision care venture}}

In 2008 Essilor acquired the Swiss company Satisloh, a manufacturer of prescription laboratory equipment.{{cite news|url=http://www.opticianonline.net/Articles/2008/06/20/21321/Essilor+buys+Satisloh.htm|title=Essilor buys Satisloh|date=20 June 2008|work=optician online|access-date=18 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219035459/http://www.opticianonline.net/Articles/2008/06/20/21321/Essilor+buys+Satisloh.htm|archive-date=19 December 2013}}

In 2010, Essilor acquired 50% of the kibbutz-based Shamir Optical Industry. Shamir took advantage of Essilor's worldwide distribution network to develop its activity by launching new products.{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/essilor-to-acquire-half-of-shamir-optical-for-130-million-1.319686|title=Essilor to acquire half of Shamir Optical for $130 million|date=18 October 2010|work=Haaretz|access-date=18 December 2013|archive-date=1 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101033739/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/essilor-to-acquire-half-of-shamir-optical-for-130-million-1.319686|url-status=live}}

In 2010 Essilor acquired FGX International, an American company whose brands include Foster Grant.{{cite news|url=http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?c_id=1132&doc_id=29631|title=Foster Grant brand owner FGX International acquires Stylemark|date=6 January 2012|work=The Moodie Report|access-date=18 December 2013|archive-date=19 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219011756/http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?c_id=1132&doc_id=29631|url-status=live}} In 2011, Essilor acquired 50% of the Chinese company Wanxin Optical. The growth drivers for the Chinese market are the aging population and the increase of reimbursement for eye care.{{cite news|url=http://www.companiesandmarkets.com/News/Consumer-Goods/Essilor-in-joint-venture-with-Wanxin-Optical-in-China/NI1660|title=Essilor in joint venture with Wanxin Optical in China|work=companies and markets|access-date=19 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219220447/http://www.companiesandmarkets.com/News/Consumer-Goods/Essilor-in-joint-venture-with-Wanxin-Optical-in-China/NI1660|archive-date=19 December 2013}} The 40th anniversary of the merger between Essel and Silor was in July 2012, an occasion to highlight their contributions and improvements on technologies.{{cite news|url=http://www.mivision.com.au/essilor-celebrates-40-years/|title=Essilor Celebrates 40 Years|date=26 March 2012|work=mivision|access-date=19 December 2013|archive-date=20 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220004207/http://www.mivision.com.au/essilor-celebrates-40-years/|url-status=live}} As of September 2012, Essilor has been involved in the Special Olympics for 10 years, providing almost 100,000 free eyeglasses to the athletes.{{cite news|url=http://www.visionmonday.com/people/management/article/essilor-renews-special-olympics-partnership-for-10-more-years-36799/|title=Essilor Renews Special Olympics Partnership for 10 More Years|date=26 September 2012|work=vision monday|access-date=19 December 2013|archive-date=19 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219200344/http://www.visionmonday.com/people/management/article/essilor-renews-special-olympics-partnership-for-10-more-years-36799/|url-status=live}} In May 2013, Safilo and Essilor agreed on a 10-year licensing deal allowing Essilor to use Safilo's Polaroid brand for polarized lenses.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/safilo-essilor-idUSL6N0E20DD20130521|title=Safilo, Essilor in 10-year licensing deal|date=21 May 2013|work=Reuters|access-date=5 July 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517200401/https://www.reuters.com/article/safilo-essilor-idUSL6N0E20DD20130521|url-status=live}} In July 2013, Essilor bought 51% of Transitions Optical's stakes from PPG Industries.{{cite news|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/063c6888-f85e-11e2-b4c4-00144feabdc0,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F063c6888-f85e-11e2-b4c4-00144feabdc0.html%3Fsiteedition%3Duk&siteedition=uk&_i_referer=|title=Essilor buys majority stake in Transitions Optical for $1.73bn|date=29 July 2013|work=Financial Times|access-date=19 December 2013|archive-date=20 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220075730/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/063c6888-f85e-11e2-b4c4-00144feabdc0,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F063c6888-f85e-11e2-b4c4-00144feabdc0.html%3Fsiteedition%3Duk&siteedition=uk&_i_referer=|url-status=live}} Essilor will eventually hold 100% of Transitions Optical. The deal was closed in 2014,{{cite news|url=http://optometrytimes.modernmedicine.com/optometrytimes/news/essilor-buys-majority-stake-transitions-optical|title=Essilor buys majority stake in Transitions Optical|date=31 July 2013|work=Optometry Times|access-date=19 December 2013|archive-date=19 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219203902/http://optometrytimes.modernmedicine.com/optometrytimes/news/essilor-buys-majority-stake-transitions-optical|url-status=live}} and aims to develop Essilor's leadership in lenses that adapt to changing light.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-29/ppg-to-get-1-73-billion-from-sale-of-sunglass-lens-maker-stake.html|title=Essilor to Buy PPG's Lens-Venture Stake for $1.73 Billion|date=29 July 2013|work=Bloomberg|access-date=6 March 2017|archive-date=29 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229070230/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-29/ppg-to-get-1-73-billion-from-sale-of-sunglass-lens-maker-stake.html|url-status=live}} In March 2014, Essilor announced the acquisition of the Canadian online distributor Coastal.com, which rebranded as Clearly.ca in 2015. Essilor reinforced its presence online, adding Coastal.com to its online subsidiaries, such as MyOnlineOptical, FramesDirect and Eyebuydirect.{{cite news|url=http://www.opticianonline.net/essilor-expands-online-coastal-com-deal/|title=Essilor expands online with Coastal.com deal|date=6 March 2014|work=Opticianonline.net|access-date=3 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714192852/http://www.opticianonline.net/essilor-expands-online-coastal-com-deal/|url-status=dead}}

In 2014, Essilor won four awards at the First Edition of the Vision-X VP Awards. Its Varilux S Series won Most Popular Lens (Progressive), and the Transitions Signature VII won Most Popular Lens (Best Value). Its Crizal Forte UV and Mr Blue won Most Popular Lens Coating/Value Add and Best Value Enhancer (Lab).{{Cite news|url=http://visionplusmag.fourplusmedia.com/?p=14058|title=Essilor Makes Its Presence Felt With Four Awards!|date=5 December 2014|access-date=26 March 2017|archive-date=18 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118234823/http://visionplusmag.fourplusmedia.com/?p=14058|url-status=dead}} In 2015, Essilor International's U.S. subsidiary acquired Vision Source, a service network of independent optometrists, from Brazos Equity Partners LLC for an undisclosed amount.{{cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2015/08/vision-source-optometry-group-to-bepurchased-by.html |title=Vision Source optometry group to be purchased by French manufacturer |last=Furr |first=Laura |work=The Business Journals |date=4 August 2015 |access-date=19 October 2015 |archive-date=8 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808054956/http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2015/08/vision-source-optometry-group-to-bepurchased-by.html? |url-status=live }} By 19 March 2016 the company had a share value of 23,564 million euros, distributed in 216,477,934 shares.

In March 2016 the company bought the UK online contacts retailer VisionDirect UK, adding to many online eyewear brands Essilor already owns.{{cite web |url=https://opticalowl.com/essilor-buys-vision-direct-uk-adds-online-portfolio/ |title=Essilor buys Vision Direct UK, strengthens Online Business Portfolio |publisher=OpticalOwl |date=6 March 2016 |access-date=2 March 2017 |archive-date=3 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303122634/https://opticalowl.com/essilor-buys-vision-direct-uk-adds-online-portfolio/ |url-status=live }} On 16 August 2016, Essilor International also completed the acquisition of [https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/05139004 MyOptique Group Ltd] (parent company of Eyewearbrands, German-based Lensbest and 4care, Nordic and UK-operating VisionDirect [previously [https://www.visiondirect.co.uk/lensbase/ Lensbase] and [https://www.visiondirect.co.uk/lenson-to-visiondirect LensOn], and UK-based glasses e-retailer pioneers Glasses Direct and the Sunglasses Shop) for an estimated £120 million. Founded by entrepreneur Jamie Murray Wells in Wiltshire in 2004, MyOptique has an estimated active customer base of one million and an annual turnover of £57 million. As such, Essilor aimed to broaden its Central European online footprint and further diversify.{{Cite news|last=Palmer|first=Kate|date=16 August 2016|title=Glasses Direct and Sunglasses Shop owner sold to eyewear giant Essilor|language=en-GB|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/16/glasses-direct-and-sunglasses-shop-owner-sold-to-eyewear-giant-e/|access-date=19 August 2020|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921152106/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/16/glasses-direct-and-sunglasses-shop-owner-sold-to-eyewear-giant-e/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Online Opticians Selling Glasses and Spectacles from Glasses Direct|url=https://www.glassesdirect.co.uk/about/|access-date=19 August 2020|website=glassesdirect.co.uk|archive-date=8 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908085913/https://www.glassesdirect.co.uk/about/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Essilor broadens online footprint in Europe by acquiring MyOptique Group|url=https://www.essilor.com/en/medias/press-releases/essilor-broadens-online-footprint-in-europe-by-acquiring-myoptique-group/|access-date=19 August 2020|website=Essilor Group|language=en-US|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507140552/https://www.essilor.com/en/medias/press-releases/essilor-broadens-online-footprint-in-europe-by-acquiring-myoptique-group/|url-status=dead}}

In January 2017, Essilor agreed to merge with Luxottica,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-38633306|title=Ray-Ban maker Luxottica agrees €46bn merger with Essilor|work=BBC News|date=16 January 2017|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-date=12 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512165939/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-38633306|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-essilor-m-a-luxottica-group-idUSKBN14Z110|title=Luxottica and Essilor in 46 billion euro merger to create eyewear giant|date=17 January 2017|work=Reuters|access-date=25 May 2017|archive-date=10 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610121724/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-essilor-m-a-luxottica-group-idUSKBN14Z110|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgebradt/2017/01/16/why-the-merger-of-essilor-and-luxotticas-cultures-is-the-key-to-extraordinary-value-creation/|title=Why The Merger of Essilor And Luxottica's Cultures Is The Key To Extraordinary Value Creation|last=Bradt|first=George|work=Forbes|access-date=25 May 2017|archive-date=20 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120001127/http://www.forbes.com/sites/georgebradt/2017/01/16/why-the-merger-of-essilor-and-luxotticas-cultures-is-the-key-to-extraordinary-value-creation/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Essilor confident on Luxottica deal despite EU probe |website=Reuters |date=24 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618125617/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-essilor-results/essilor-expects-further-progress-on-luxottica-deal-by-year-end-idUSKBN1CT0HX |archive-date=2018-06-18 |url-status=live |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-essilor-results/essilor-expects-further-progress-on-luxottica-deal-by-year-end-idUSKBN1CT0HX}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.essilor.com/en/medias/press-releases/proposed-combination-essilor-luxottica-approved-canada/|title=Proposed combination between Essilor and Luxottica approved in Canada|access-date=19 March 2018|archive-date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319153116/https://www.essilor.com/en/medias/press-releases/proposed-combination-essilor-luxottica-approved-canada/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url = https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/12/24/luxottica-and-essilor-play-the-waiting-game-with-r.aspx|title = Luxottica and Essilor Play the Waiting Game with Regulators|date = 24 December 2017|access-date = 19 March 2018|archive-date = 19 March 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180319213711/https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/12/24/luxottica-and-essilor-play-the-waiting-game-with-r.aspx|url-status = live}} subject to regulatory permission and competition conditions.{{Cite news|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/16/business/dealbook/luxottica-essilor-merger.html|title = Luxottica, Owner of Ray-Ban, in $49 Billion Merger with Essilor|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 16 January 2017|last1 = Bray|first1 = Chad|last2 = Paton|first2 = Elizabeth|access-date = 16 June 2017|archive-date = 15 October 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191015082736/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/16/business/dealbook/luxottica-essilor-merger.html|url-status = live}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-15/luxottica-essilor-agree-to-50-billion-euro-merger-ft-reports | title=Essilor to Buy Ray-Ban Maker Luxottica for About $24 Billion | newspaper=Bloomberg.com | date=15 January 2017 | access-date=19 March 2018 | archive-date=19 March 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319213613/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-15/luxottica-essilor-agree-to-50-billion-euro-merger-ft-reports | url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/five-things-you-need-know-essilor-luxottica-merger-jasmine-seng |title=Article by Euromonitor analyst |access-date=19 March 2018 |archive-date=9 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409122403/https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/five-things-you-need-know-essilor-luxottica-merger-jasmine-seng/ |url-status=live }}

Throughout, Luxottica faced allegations of unfair operating practices, including the abuse of market dominance to artificially inflate prices and also restrict competition via monopolisation.{{cite web| url = https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/does-luxottica-own-80-of-the-eyeglass-industry/| title = Does Luxottica Own 80% of the Eyeglass Industry? {{!}} Snopes.com| date = 20 September 2016| access-date = 19 March 2018| archive-date = 30 December 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211230034017/https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/does-luxottica-own-80-of-the-eyeglass-industry/| url-status = live}}{{cite news|title=Sticker shock: Why are glasses so expensive?|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57527151/sticker-shock-why-are-glasses-so-expensive/|newspaper=60 Minutes|publisher=CBS News|date=7 October 2012|access-date=19 October 2012|archive-date=18 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018223735/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57527151/sticker-shock-why-are-glasses-so-expensive/|url-status=dead}} In March 2018, the merger of Essilor and Luxottica received formal clearance from the United States Federal Trade Commission and European Trade Commission without qualifying or prerequisite conditions.{{Cite news|url=https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/03/01/1409160/0/en/News-Release-Proposed-combination-between-Essilor-and-Luxotticareceives-clearance-from-US-Federal-Trade-Commission-without-conditions.html|title=Proposed combination between Essilor and Luxotticareceives clearance from US Federal Trade Commission without conditions|date=3 January 2018|work=Globe Newswire|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708221241/https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/03/01/1409160/0/en/News-Release-Proposed-combination-between-Essilor-and-Luxotticareceives-clearance-from-US-Federal-Trade-Commission-without-conditions.html|url-status=live}} A new holding company, EssilorLuxottica, was formally created on 1 October 2018, resulting in combined market capitalization of approximately €57 billion.

In 2020, about 88.8% of Essilor's turnover{{Cite web|url=https://www.essilorluxottica.com/2018-registration-document-filed|title=Essilor Luxottica|access-date=9 July 2019|archive-date=29 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529160916/https://www.essilorluxottica.com/2018-registration-document-filed|url-status=live}} came from the sale of ophthalmic lenses and optical instruments, 8.9% driven by sunglasses and readers and 2.3% from other activities, such as equipment sales.

Essilor operates a worldwide network of production plants, prescription laboratories, and distribution centers that supply corrective lenses, glasses, and sunglasses to opticians, optical chains, and consumers (via e-retailers it owns and/or operates directly).

Essilor manages a collection of patents and objects related to its history and collaborates with several optics-related institutions. It offered the Essilor–Pierre Marly collection (one of the world's largest optical instrument and eyewear collections, consisting of about 2,500 items collected by Marly, a celebrity optician who operated in the second half of the 20th century) to the Musée de la lunette. The collection includes medieval spectacles, bourgeois lorgnettes, walking sticks with optical systems, French actress Sarah Bernhardt's lorgnettes, the daughter of Louis XV's [Victoire de France] glasses, and the iconic white plastic Courrèges Slit (a futuristic pair of sunglasses modelled upon a 2000-year old Arctic Inuit design, utilising carved slivers of whalebone, slit horizontally, to provide anti-glare eye protection).{{Cite web|title=The ESSILOR – Pierre Marly Collection – Musee de la lunette|url=http://www.musee-lunette.fr/en/page/the-museum/collections/the-essilor-pierre-marly-collection|access-date=19 August 2020|website=musee-lunette.fr|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925125932/http://www.musee-lunette.fr/en/page/the-museum/collections/the-essilor-pierre-marly-collection|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=robotmascot|title=C|url=http://www.eye-company.co.uk/a-to-z-of-eyewear/c/|access-date=19 August 2020|website=Opticians Soho {{!}} The Eye Company|language=en-GB|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925032044/http://www.eye-company.co.uk/a-to-z-of-eyewear/c/|url-status=live}} In 2008, Essilor signed a partnership with Le CNAM/PATSTEC to join the Mission nationale de sauvegarde du patrimoine scientifique et technique contemporain (National Mission for the Safeguarding of Contemporary Scientific and Technological Heritage).{{Cite web|title=Mission de sauvegarde du patrimoine PATSTEC|url=https://www.arts-et-metiers.net/musee/mission-de-sauvegarde-du-patrimoine-patstec|access-date=19 August 2020|website=Musée des arts et métiers|language=fr|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921132901/https://www.arts-et-metiers.net/musee/mission-de-sauvegarde-du-patrimoine-patstec|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=redirection|url=http://www.patstec.fr/FR/Essilor|access-date=19 August 2020|website=patstec.fr}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

• Essilor{{Cite web |date=2024-07-10 |title=Major Thornbury employer celebrates 50 years of production in town |url=https://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/24440041.major-employer-essilor-celebrates-50-years-production-thornbury/ |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=Gazette Series |language=en}}
• Varilux – Brand of premium progressive addition lenses
• Crizal – Industry-leading anti-reflective coating for lenses
• Eyezen – Digitally surfaced lens marketed towards users of electronic devices
• Xperio – Polarized sunglass lens
• Optifog – Fog resistant lens technology
• Stellest – Lens targeted towards young children, designed to slow the progression of myopia.
• Orma – Essilor's branding of the CR-39 lens material.
• Transitions – #1 selling brand of photochromic lenses. Formerly a joint venture between Essilor and PPG.
• Foster Grant – American brand selling non-prescription reading glasses; acquired from FGX in 2010.
• Bolon – Chinese ophthalmic frame brand.
• Molsion
• Kodak Lens – Mid-range lens and coating brand, produced under license from Eastman Kodak. Less premium than Essilor's flagship Varilux and Crizal products.

• Clearly
• Eyebuydirect
• Framesdirect
• Lensway
• My Optique Group
• Vision Direct

Essilor invests over €200m each year in research and innovation, three times more than the rest of the industry combined. In Singapore, the Centre for Innovation and Technology and the International Vision Academy are housed in a facility called Kallang Bahru.{{cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore/essilor-opens-new/1369148.html/|title=Essilor opens new facility in Singapore|date=18 September 2014|publisher=Channel NewsAsia}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In 2011, Pierre and Marie Curie University accredited Essilor wearer tests. In 2018, Essilor was ranked for the 8th consecutive year on Forbes's list of the world's most innovative companies. It is the third French company in the ranking.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/innovative-companies/list|title=The World's Most Innovative Companies 2018|date=29 May 2018|work=Forbes|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=15 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615193918/https://www.forbes.com/innovative-companies/list/|url-status=live}}

Essilor has about 450 researchers working at its five R&D facilities: one in Ireland dedicated to photochromic lenses and four Innovation and Technologies Centers in Europe (Créteil, France), the United States (Dallas) and Asia (China and Singapore). The facilities develop new products and work to identify and forge the best possible research partnerships.

In 2010, Essilor created Shopper Labs, renamed Essilor Companion™ Lab in 2020, experimental stores for opticians to support their practices.

In 2018, the Silmo{{Cite web|title=Silmo d'Or Awards for Essilor Instruments and BBGR at Paris International tradeshow|url=https://www.essilor.com/en/medias/news/silmo-dor-awards-essilor-instruments-bbgr-paris-international-tradeshow/|access-date=19 July 2019|website=Essilor Group|language=en-US|archive-date=9 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709092414/https://www.essilor.com/en/medias/news/silmo-dor-awards-essilor-instruments-bbgr-paris-international-tradeshow/|url-status=dead}} international optics tradeshow honored Essilor's Vision-R™800 in the Material/Equipment category and BBGR's BLUV® XPERT, in the Vision category.

In 2018 Forbes named Essilor one of the world's 100 "Most Innovative Companies",{{Cite web|url=https://www.essilor.com/en/medias/press-releases/essilor-moves-forbes-worlds-100-innovative-companies-annual-ranking/|title=Essilor moves up in Forbes' World's 100 Most Innovative Companies annual ranking|website=Essilor Group|language=en-US|access-date=19 July 2019|archive-date=9 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709092418/https://www.essilor.com/en/medias/press-releases/essilor-moves-forbes-worlds-100-innovative-companies-annual-ranking/|url-status=dead}} ranked 52nd; a marked increase from 2017 (68th). Every year since 2010, Essilor has figured among the top 100 publicly traded companies investors identify as having the highest innovation potential.

Essilor's research department particularly concentrates on the combined progress of two complementary disciplines: optics and physiology, with particular recourse to virtual reality, a simulation tool that makes it possible to perceive and interact in 3D in a multi-sensory way.{{cite web|url=http://www.essilor.com/IMG/pdf/50thAnniversaryVarilux.pdf|title=Archived copy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710203314/http://www.essilor.com/IMG/pdf/50thAnniversaryVarilux.pdf|archive-date=10 July 2011|access-date=10 July 2011}}

Researchers today use a virtual visualization system, equipped with algorithms and modeling Essilor developed to explore new optical solutions that can be tested directly on wearers. This simulator makes it possible to vary the properties of the lenses tested, study optical effects and immediately gauge wearer satisfaction. To do so, a magnetic sensor records a subject's head movements and images that show the eyes' exact viewpoint 120 times per second. After testing, the results are used to fine-tune the lenses' performance. In 2008, the Varilux Ipseo New Edition was designed using Essilor's Virtual Reality system.

Essilor has a number of partnerships with universities and other scientific and technical communities.

The firm participated in the Vision Institute (Institut de la Vision de Paris), a research center on ocular pathology inaugurated in 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.vision-research.eu/index.php?id=358|title=Institut De La Vision Paris: vision-research.eu – The Gateway to European Vision Research|access-date=21 January 2014|archive-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202140848/http://www.vision-research.eu/index.php?id=358|url-status=live}} In 2015 the firm, the Vision Institute and the Sorbonne University in Paris created Silversight, a joint public-private research program on healthy visual ageing.{{cite news|url=http://www.aging-vision-action.fr/research/|title=Supporting agencies and industrial partners|work=Aging in vision and action|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708221038/http://www.aging-vision-action.fr/research/|url-status=live}}

In 2001, the firm began a collaboration with the University of Montréal on perception and ageing.{{cite news|url=http://www.pointsdevue.com/article/10-year-history-nserc-essilor-industrial-research-chair-example-co-evolution-industry-and|title=The 10-year history of the NSERC-Essilor Industrial Research Chair: an example of co-evolution of the industry and University R&D from a "mass" to an "individual" needs approach.|date=October 2011|work=Points de Vue|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708221141/http://www.pointsdevue.com/article/10-year-history-nserc-essilor-industrial-research-chair-example-co-evolution-industry-and|url-status=dead}} In 2003 this became the NSERC-Essilor industrial Chair.

In 2012 the firm was one of six industry partners along with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to create a research chair in coatings engineering at the Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal.{{cite news|url=http://www.polymtl.ca/salle-de-presse/en/newsreleases/polytechnique-montreal-and-seven-partners-inaugurate-largest-nserc-research-chair-coatings-and|title=Polytechnique Montréal and seven partners inaugurate the largest NSERC research chair in coatings and surface engineering|date=25 September 2012|work=Polytechnique Montréal|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708221138/http://www.polymtl.ca/salle-de-presse/en/newsreleases/polytechnique-montreal-and-seven-partners-inaugurate-largest-nserc-research-chair-coatings-and|url-status=live}}

In 2013, the firm established a joint research center in China with Wenzhou Medical University to investigate the progression of myopia, with a focus on the evolution of children's myopia.{{cite news|url=http://www.visionmonday.com/latest-news/article/essilor-establishes-joint-research-center-with-wenzhou-medical-university-41517/|title=PEssilor Establishes Joint Research Center with Wenzhou Medical University|date=21 June 2013|work=Vision Monday|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708221111/http://www.visionmonday.com/latest-news/article/essilor-establishes-joint-research-center-with-wenzhou-medical-university-41517/|url-status=live}}

In 2015 Essilor and the CNRS LAAS signed a research partnership. A multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers will research lenses and glasses with active and connected functions.{{cite news|url=https://www.laas.fr/public/en/opera-new-joint-lab-between-laas-cnrs-carnot-institute-and-essilor-rd|title=OPERA, new joint lab between LAAS-CNRS Carnot Institute and Essilor R&D|date=14 December 2015|work=LAAS CNRS|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708221322/https://www.laas.fr/public/en/opera-new-joint-lab-between-laas-cnrs-carnot-institute-and-essilor-rd|url-status=live}}

Varilux is a brand of progressive lenses for people with presbyopia-correcting their vision at near and far distances and in between. Engineer Bernard Maitenaz invented the lens and in 1959 it was the first progressive lens available on the market.

Crizal Prevencia, launched in 2013, is a lens that lets in beneficial light and filters out blue-violet and UV rays.

In 2014, Essilor won a Fibre Innovation Award for Crizal Prevencia at an event at the Paris Pierre and Marie Curie University celebrating advances in technology that benefit society.{{cite news|url=https://www.essilor.com/en/medias/news/essilor-international-wins-innovation-award-for-crizal-prevencia-research/|title=Essilor International Wins Innovation Award for Crizal Prevencia Research|date=16 May 2014|work=essilor.com|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709054538/https://www.essilor.com/en/medias/news/essilor-international-wins-innovation-award-for-crizal-prevencia-research/|url-status=dead}}

In 2015 Essilor launched Eyezen lenses, designed for people's increasingly connected lives. Its research had determined that the reading distance of 40 cm that had been used as a standard for lens development had decreased to an average 33 cm when using digital tools.{{cite news|url=http://www.pointsdevue.com/article/new-ophthalmic-lenses-connected-life-eyezen-ametropes-and-emmetropes-and-varilux-digitime|title=New ophthalmic lenses for a connected life: Eyezen for ametropes and emmetropes, and Varilux Digitime for presbyopes|date=June 2015|work=Points de Vue|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929114754/https://www.pointsdevue.com/article/new-ophthalmic-lenses-connected-life-eyezen-ametropes-and-emmetropes-and-varilux-digitime|url-status=dead}}

Transitions Optical, Inc., specializing in photochromic lenses, started as a joint venture between PPG Industries and Essilor International S.A. in 1990. In 2009, it launched the first commercially viable photochromic shield for motorcycle helmets. In 2010, it introduced Transitions XTRActive lenses, with technology that allows the lenses to activate behind the windshield.

In April 2014, Essilor acquired the entire stake of PPG in Transitions.

In 2018, Essilor announced that Transitions Optical had partnered with Johnson & Johnson Vision to make the light-adaptive photochromic technology available in a contact lens for the first time. Later that year, Time magazine named Acuvue Oasys with Transitions Light Intelligent technology the best invention of 2018.{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/collection/best-inventions-2018/5455664/acuvue-oasys-with-transitions/|title=Contact Lenses That Adjust to Light: The 50 Best Inventions of 2018|magazine=Time|access-date=19 July 2019|archive-date=23 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923101302/https://time.com/collection/best-inventions-2018/5455664/acuvue-oasys-with-transitions/|url-status=live}} Acuvue Oasys with Transitions was discontinued in 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://lenspricer.com/news/acuvue-oasys-with-transitions-discontinued|title=Acuvue Oasys with Transitions Discontinued|website=Lenspricer}}

Vision Direct, formerly Vision Direct Group Ltd , is an online optical retailer that sells contact lenses, solutions and eye care products. Founded in 2004 as Optical Partners plc (unlisted), a small High Street retail business headed by Michael Kraftman,{{Cite web|title = Octopus invests in online contact lens business {{!}} GetOptics {{!}} GetLenses {{!}} PostOptics|url = http://www.growthbusiness.co.uk/news-and-market-deals/mergers-and-acquisitions/1075072/octopus-invests-in-online-contact-lens-business.thtml|website = growthbusiness.co.uk|date = 21 September 2009|access-date = 2016-01-11|archive-date = 4 March 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050313/http://www.growthbusiness.co.uk/news-and-market-deals/mergers-and-acquisitions/1075072/octopus-invests-in-online-contact-lens-business.thtml|url-status = live}} the company is based in the United Kingdom but also operates in the United States, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands and Belgium. In 2014 it rebranded itself from GetLenses.{{Cite web|title = GetLenses has rebranded as Vision Direct, and is now Europe's largest online supplier of contact lenses.|url = http://www.pressat.co.uk/releases/getlenses-has-rebranded-as-vision-direct-and-is-now-europes-largest-online-supplier-of-contact-lenses-024e5411dc5423d6469169ec389e1a32/|website = pressat.co.uk|access-date = 2016-01-11|archive-date = 26 May 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220526201100/https://pressat.co.uk/releases/getlenses-has-rebranded-as-vision-direct-and-is-now-europes-largest-online-supplier-of-contact-lenses-024e5411dc5423d6469169ec389e1a32/|url-status = live}}

In 2015 Vision Direct ran a £2 m TV advertising campaign.{{Cite web|title = Vision Direct ad highlights the 'horror' of glasses|url = http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/news/1327823/|website = campaignlive.co.uk|access-date = 2016-01-11|archive-date = 6 July 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150706011249/http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/news/1327823/|url-status = live}} Vision Direct's 2015 Christmas campaign featured a short sighted pug named Gizmo, who had been having trouble with his glasses.{{Cite web|title = Vision Direct will leave you in tears with their pug-themed Christmas ad|url = http://metro.co.uk/2015/12/07/vision-direct-will-leave-you-in-tears-with-its-pug-themed-christmas-advert-5549394/|website = Metro|access-date = 2016-01-11|first = Hattie Gladwell for|last = Metro.co.uk|date = 7 December 2015|archive-date = 23 April 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220423114033/https://metro.co.uk/2015/12/07/vision-direct-will-leave-you-in-tears-with-its-pug-themed-christmas-advert-5549394/|url-status = live}}{{Cite web|title = Vision Direct just hit peak Christmas ad|url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/christmas-advert-vision-direct-pug-john-lewis-formula-a6755356.html|website = The Independent|date = 2 December 2015|access-date = 2016-01-11|language = en-GB|archive-date = 23 April 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220423114029/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/christmas-advert-vision-direct-pug-john-lewis-formula-a6755356.html|url-status = live}}

In 2016 Vision Direct was acquired by Essilor, putting it under the same ownership as Coastal / Clearly.{{Cite web|url=https://www.opticianonline.net/news/essilor-buys-online-cl-retailer|title=Essilor buys online contact lens retailer Vision Direct|access-date=2020-05-25|website=Optician Online|date=26 February 2016|archive-date=22 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422141747/https://www.opticianonline.net/content/news/essilor-buys-online-contact-lens-retailer-vision-direct|url-status=live}}

The Essilor Vision Foundation was founded in 2007 in the United States to help eliminate poor vision among children.{{cite news|url=https://www.essilorseechange.com/website/tag/essilor-vision-foundation|title=Essilor Vision Foundation|work=Essilor See Change|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709012154/https://www.essilorseechange.com/website/tag/essilor-vision-foundation|url-status=dead}}{{non primary source needed|date=January 2021}}

In 2012, Essilor created the Vision Impact Institute, which manages a database of research and scientific studies on visual health and raises awareness of the benefits of corrected vision to guide public health policy decisions. One of the first research papers shared by the Institute showed that the global economy loses $227 billion every year from lost productivity caused by poor vision. In 2016, the firm contributed to the EYElliance report "Bridging the visual divide", at the World Economic Forum, calling for more financial support for access to eyeglasses.{{cite news|url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_2016_EYElliance.pdf|title=Eyeglasses for Global Development: Bridging the Visual Divide|date=June 2016|work=World Economic Forum|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712215515/http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_2016_EYElliance.pdf|url-status=live}}{{non primary source needed|date=January 2021}}

In 2013, the firm launched the Eye Mitra program in India to increase access to vision care for underserved populations.{{cite news|url=https://www.biovoicenews.com/eye-mitra-skills-program-featured-in-niti-aayogs-booklet/|title=Eye Mitra skills program featured in NITI Aayog's booklet|date=4 August 2017|work=biovoicenews.com|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709011309/https://www.biovoicenews.com/eye-mitra-skills-program-featured-in-niti-aayogs-booklet/|url-status=live}}

Essilor and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) signed a three-year partnership that will promote good vision as a key pillar of road safety through awareness campaigns and underline the importance of regular sight tests to ensure safe driving.{{cite news|url=https://www.aop.org.uk/ot/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/2017/09/04/essilor-signs-road-safety-partnership|title=Essilor Signs Road Safety Partnership|date=4 September 2017|work=Optometry Today|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709035204/https://www.aop.org.uk/ot/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/2017/09/04/essilor-signs-road-safety-partnership|url-status=live}}

In April 2018 the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust announced the creation of the Vision Catalyst Fund to bring eye care to people in the Commonwealth. Essilor is a partner in the fund.{{cite news|url=http://www.jubileetribute.org/news/2018/1bn-vision-catalyst-fund-to-be-established-to-provide-vision-to-entire-populations-across-the-commonwealth|title=$1bn Vision Catalyst Fund to be established to provide vision to entire populations across the Commonwealth|date=12 March 2018|work=The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust|access-date=8 July 2018|archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709011342/http://www.jubileetribute.org/news/2018/1bn-vision-catalyst-fund-to-be-established-to-provide-vision-to-entire-populations-across-the-commonwealth|url-status=live}}{{non primary source needed|date=January 2021}}

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• {{Official website|http://www.essilor.com}}
• [https://www.visiondirect.co.uk/ Vision direct (UK)]

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Category:EssilorLuxottica

Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1972

Category:1972 establishments in France

Category:Optics manufacturing companies

Category:Lens manufacturers

Category:French brands

Category:Eyewear companies of France

Category:Eyewear retailers of France

Category:Medical technology companies of France