EssilorLuxottica Switch: opticians and the new era of eye care
More than 1,200 opticians from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia came together in Monaco for EssilorLuxottica's ’Switch - Recoding Vision„ event. The focus was on the question of how eye care is fundamentally changing - and what central role opticians will play in the future.
The event made it clear that the industry is in a phase of profound transformation. Technological progress, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence and diagnostics, as well as rising patient expectations are changing the requirements for ophthalmic care in the long term. At the same time, the importance of the eye as an access point to holistic health is growing. Modern imaging techniques are increasingly making it possible to detect systemic and neurological diseases at an early stage - often before the first symptoms appear.
This means that traditional vision analysis is evolving into a comprehensive health concept. Opticians can significantly expand their role by not only correcting vision problems, but also actively contributing to early detection and providing patients with long-term support. This development is further reinforced by the increasing pressure on healthcare systems, which means that personal care close to home is becoming even more important.
At the same time, innovations in the field of ophthalmic lenses and connected glasses are opening up new fields of application. From prevention and performance to supporting functions in everyday life, new solutions are emerging that go far beyond traditional vision correction. This strengthens the position of over-the-counter opticians as a trustworthy interface between technology and individual advice.
From concept to business: the optical store of the future
A central element of the event was the interactive „Switch Your Store“ experience, which provided a concrete insight into the optical business of the future. It showed how new technologies - from smart glasses and innovative lens solutions to AI-supported diagnostics - can be integrated into a holistic store concept. The aim is both to improve the quality of care and to open up new growth opportunities for opticians.
The program was complemented by presentations and discussions with international experts from science, technology and practice. They provided insights into the latest developments in myopia management, wearables, light management and new medical findings. The interdisciplinary exchange made it clear how important it is to translate innovations into concrete applications for the everyday lives of opticians.
„Our industry is entering a new era. Opticians are at the center of this development. They are the first point of contact for millions of people and have the opportunity to translate innovation into better care, stronger customer relationships and sustainable growth,“ emphasized Chrystel Barranger, President EMEA & Asia Professional Solutions at EssilorLuxottica.
Switch in Monaco thus underlines a clear message: the future of eye care will not happen by itself - it will be actively shaped. Opticians in the DACH region are ideally placed to play a key role in shaping this development by combining their professional expertise with new technologies and individual service concepts.
A selection of the content of the event will be made available via the Leonardo learning platform in the coming weeks.
Source: www.essilorluxottica.com
