Modern and Contemporary

Introduction of CR-39, Developed a lightweight, impact-resistant plastic polymer that replaced heavy, shatter prone glass as the insustry standard

PPG Industries

First Progressive Lens in Europe. Introduced the Varilux Lens, which became the first commercially successful progressive lens in Europe

Essilor

Soft Contact Lens (Hydrogels). Used pHEMAto create the first flexible water absorbing lenses, leading to the FDA approved SoftLens

Otto Wichterle

First Progressive Lens in the US. Launched the Omnifocal, marking the first commercially successful progressive lens in the United States

Univis America

Development of Polycarbonate Lens. Originally for Air Force visors: adapted for eye wear to provide superior impact resistance and UV protection

Gentex Corporation

Excimer Laser. Performed the first refractive laser surgery on a human eye, usingcold ultraviolet to reshape the cornea

Dr Stephen Trokel

Birth of LASIK. Combined a microkeratome corneal flap with the excimer laser, drastically reducing recovery time

Dr Loannis Palikaris

Digital Freeform Surfacing. Developed CAM technology that carves prescription onto lenses with 0.01 diopter precision

Werner and Zeiss

Wavefront-guided LASIK. Adapted astronomical technology to map out and correct Higher Order Aberrations for high definition vision

Josef Bille

HEV protection. Advancment in transition (photochromic) lenses and specialized coatings were developed to filter specific wavelengths

Essilor International

DIMS Myopia Control. Created Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) lenses to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children

Carly Lam and Hoya

Advanced Smart Optics. Integration of micro displays and AI-driven sensors into standard prescription frames

Meta and Essilor International