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® Adaptive 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. Additionally, with Crizal® being the #1 recommended brand of no-glare lenses in the U.S., we continue to pave the way in the single vision category.
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.
Essilor continues to invest millions of dollars in research and development each year—over $211 million in 2016. That’s more than our top three competitors combined. From this research, we’re able to reimagine and develop lenses that are unlike any other introduced before. And we don’t stop there. With more than 550 researchers in three Centers for Innovation and Technology based in Créteil, France, in Dallas, Texas, and in Singapore, our team continues to pioneer tomorrow’s vision solutions to help the world see even better.
See Our Latest Product



Essilor Ultimate Lens Package™
The Essilor Ultimate Lens Package combines Essilor’s and Transitions’ most advanced technologies all in one lens, offering our best in vision, clarity, and protection for every eye.
Learn MoreEXPLORE OUR LENSES

Anti-Glare Lenses

Light Intelligent Lenses™

Single Vision Lenses

Polarized Prescription Sunglasses

Additional Brands
Essilor Ultimate Lens Package™
The Science Behind the Lenses
TAKE OUR LENS BUILDER QUIZ
WANT TO BUY ESSILOR LENSES?
Find an eyecare professional. Enter your ZIP code below to find a location near you. And don't forget to ask about telehealth virtual visits!
† For Eyezen®+ designs 1, 2, and 3. Ask your eyecare professional what’s best for you.