What Optilens Italia does

Optilens Italia srl a Socio Unico is an Italian ophthalmic lens manufacturing laboratory headquartered in Padova, operating since the 1970s under the direction and coordination of Shamir UK Ltd. The company designs, produces, and distributes a comprehensive catalog of corrective ophthalmic lenses including progressive lenses (Lumina 5, Theia, HD, Suite2, New Suite Premium Energy), digital and degressive lenses (Computer, Desktop, Relax, Smart Degressive), monofocal lenses (Euraform, Euraform Speedy with 24-hour fulfillment), bifocal lenses, mineral glass lenses, and a specialized children's line (HD Baby), alongside a sunglass line with photochromic, polarized, and mirrored variants.

The company's core technology is free-form digital lens manufacturing, which enables point-by-point internal surface processing and full prescription customization based on individual frame shape, size, and wearer parameters. Proprietary treatments include Double (multi-layer UV and infrared protection) and Phuro (hydrophobic, oleophobic, anti-reflective coating), supplemented by technology partnerships with Shamir (Blue Block Filter), Transitions Optical (photochromic Signature GEN8 and XTRActive), and PPG Industries (Trivex material). The My Optilens reserved area and Optilens EVO web ordering platform provide digital order management for registered B2B customers.

Optilens Italia operates an exclusively B2B go-to-market model, selling directly to optical professionals (optici) and independent optical retailers across Italy. Distribution is executed through a network of 13 regional field sales agents covering all Italian territories and supported by eight physical locations including the Padua headquarters, a Cagliari branch, and six distribution depots (Bologna, Firenze, Roma, Napoli, Catania). Revenue is generated through one-time lens sales and treatment application fees, with pricing disclosed privately to registered customers rather than publicly. The company's customer base is highly fragmented across thousands of independent optical shops nationwide.

Name

Optilens Italia

Legal name

Optilens Italia srl a Socio Unico

Website

https://optilens.it

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Optilens Italia is an Italian ophthalmic lens manufacturer based in Padova, founded in the 1970s and operating under Shamir UK Ltd, producing free-form progressive, monofocal, bifocal, and digital corrective lenses for B2B optical professionals across Italy through a network of regional agents and distribution depots.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ophthalmic Lens Manufacturing

NAICS

Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115), Ophthalmic Goods Merchant Wholesalers (423460)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro primary industry

Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Devices (Frames, Lenses, Lens Edging/Finishing Equipment) (HLAHAJAD)

Keywords

• Ophthalmic lens manufacturing
• Prescription lens laboratory
• Progressive lens design
• Anti-reflective lens coatings
• Free form lens technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Padua

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Revenue model

1. Custom Ophthalmic Lenses: Optilens Italia manufactures and sells custom-made ophthalmic lenses (progressive, monofocal, bifocal, digital) to optical professionals. The company uses free form technology to produce personalized lenses based on individual prescriptions and frame specifications.
2. Lens Treatments: Application of proprietary treatments (Double, Phuro, HPE UV Plus, Blue Protek) to lenses for enhanced protection, aesthetics, and performance.
3. Series/Rx Lenses: Sale of prescription lenses in standard indices and materials, including organic and mineral lenses.
4. Photochromic Lenses: Transitions photochromic lenses (Signature GEN8, XTRActive) and Fotonuances gradient photochromic lenses.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Optilens Italia is an Italian ophthalmic lens laboratory that designs, manufactures, and distributes custom-made ophthalmic lenses — including progressive, monofocal, bifocal, digital/degressive, mineral, and specialty lenses — together with proprietary anti-reflective coatings and photochromic treatments. The company sells exclusively through B2B channels to optical professionals (opticians) across Italy, supported by free form manufacturing technology, in-house laboratories, and a national distribution depot network.

Product overview

Optilens Italia is an Italian ophthalmic lens laboratory based in Padova, operating since the 1970s, offering a comprehensive catalog of corrective lenses and treatments under the direction and coordination of Shamir UK Ltd. The product portfolio is organized into progressive lenses (Theia, Lumina 5, Lumina, New Suite Premium Energy, HD, Suite2, Suite Easy, Top Gradual), digital/degressive lenses for near-intermediate vision (Computer, Desktop, Smart Degressive, Relax Plus, Relax, Workspace, Professionist ST), monofocal lenses (Euraform Speedy with 24-hour Speedy Service, Euraform, series and prescription monofocals), bifocal lenses (Free Form and Organic), and mineral lenses (HD Mineral, Mirnaform, Mirna). Specialized products include high-index and lanthanum glass lenses for aphakia and extreme corrections. The sunglass line features photochromic (Fotonuances, Transitions), polarized (Eurapolar), mirrored (Filtri Specchiati, Filtri Specchiati Polar), and sport/fashion progressive sun lenses (Progressiva Sport, Progressiva Fashion, Stylosa). A dedicated children's line includes HD Baby. Treatment coatings include Double (UV+IR protection), Phuro (hydrophobic/oleophobic), Blue Block Filter (blue light filter by Shamir), HPE UV PLUS (UV blocking), and Blue Protek (blue light protection). Transitions photochromic technology (Signature GEN8 and XTRActive) and Trivex high-performance material are also offered. The company operates national coverage with laboratories and depots across Italy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Theia Progressive lens with approximately 20% wider intermediate and proximal vision zones compared to standard progressives, optimized for modern lifestyle postures and device use.
• Lumina 5 Advanced progressive lens using five integrated technologies (Ricalcolo, Balance, Fast Vision, LongTime, Precalibratura) for fully customized design based on frame shape and size.
• Lumina Free form progressive lens combining Fast Vision and Long Time technologies for rapid near vision localization and prolonged near vision use with correct posture.
• New Suite Premium Energy Balanced progressive lens for maximum comfort at all distances with 11mm and 14mm progression channels, minimizing lateral aberrations and eliminating swim effect.
• HD Progressive Progressive lens minimizing lateral aberrations using latest-generation software, offering natural balance between accommodation and convergence.
• Suite2 Free form lens integrating prescription on the internal surface through a sophisticated digital 3D computerized process for optimal wearer adaptation.
• Suite Easy Ultra-modern free form progressive with extended vision areas for all distances (far, intermediate, near) ensuring easy adaptation and maximum freedom of movement.
• Top Gradual Progressive lens in the standard progressive lens category.
• Computer Digital lens designed for excellent visual functionality in the workplace, providing vision from reading zone to 1.5 meters, ideal for computer use.
• Desktop Lens designed for desk workers, providing continuous vision from reading distance to one meter, optimizing computer and desk focus with correct posture.
• Smart Degressive Free form degressive lens for near and intermediate vision with optional Blue Block Filter material blocking UV and harmful blue-violet rays.
• Relax Plus Digital lens with reinforced accommodative support for prolonged device use, available in +1.00 and +1.25 power variations for the proximal vision zone.
• Relax Digital lens reducing accommodative effort and visual fatigue with three power variations (+0.50, +0.66, +0.80) for proximal vision, ideal for students and office workers.
• Workspace Digital lens designed for workspace environment, part of the digital lens category.
• Professionist ST Digital lens designed for professionals in the digital lens category.
• Euraform Speedy Free form monofocal asphere/atoric lens with exclusive Speedy Service for 24-hour order fulfillment, featuring variable asphericity on both principal meridians.
• Euraform Monofocal aspherical/atoric lens using free form technology with point-by-point internal surface processing for highly customized prescription.
• Monofocal Series Lenses Series monofocal lenses in standard indices and materials, including organic and mineral lenses.
• Prescription Monofocal Lenses Prescription monofocal lenses custom-made to prescription specifications.

Segments2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Shamir UK LtdcoreOthersShamir UK Ltd exercises direction and coordination over Optilens Italia as a holding company. Shamir provides technology for proprietary products including Blue Block Filter lenses. This is a parent-subsidiary relationship affecting corporate governance and product development.
• Transitions OpticalcoreTechnology or IntegrationOptilens Italia offers Transitions photochromic lenses including Signature GEN8 and XTRActive variants. Transitions provides the photochromic technology that enables lenses to darken in sunlight and clear indoors.
• Shamir (Technology)coreTechnology or IntegrationBlue Block Filter is powered by Shamir technology, providing integrated blue light filtering within the lens material rather than surface coating for enhanced protection.
• Federottica PadovaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Occhiale Solidale (Solidarity Eyewear) initiative - a charity project providing free prescription eyeglasses to people in precarious conditions, now in its fourth edition with over 200 people served.
• Croce Rossa ItalianaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Occhiale Solidale initiative collaborating on charity distribution of free eyeglasses to disadvantaged individuals.
• AMOA (Associazione Medici Oculisti per l'Africa)minorOthersOptilens Italia supports AMOA charity which promotes sustainability and self-management of healthcare facilities in Africa and professional autonomy of local health workers.
• Ospedale S. Antonio - Reparto Oculistica S. PaolominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical collaboration in Occhiale Solidale initiative, providing eye examinations and prescriptions for charity eyeglass distribution program.
• Assessorato ai Servizi SocialiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment social services department collaborating on Occhiale Solidale charity initiative for providing eyeglasses to those in need.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Shamir Optical Industry: Parent entity (Shamir UK Ltd) and a global pioneer of free-form progressive lens technology. Directly comparable product portfolio (free-form progressives, occupational lenses, blue-light filters) and B2B go-to-market to optical professionals.
• Barberini S.p.A. Italian ophthalmic lens manufacturer (specializing in mineral glass and high-index lenses) with similar B2B model serving Italian and international optical professionals; directly comparable as an Italian-based ophthalmic lens maker.
• Younger Optics: US-based independent lens manufacturer specializing in photochromic, polarized, and progressive lenses; comparable mid-sized independent lab profile with B2B distribution to optical professionals.
• Nikon-Essilor Co., Ltd. (Nikon Lenswear): Joint venture between Nikon and Essilor producing premium free-form progressive lenses with strong brand equity; directly comparable in product category (free-form progressives) and B2B Italian distribution model.

Broad incumbents

• Rodenstock GmbH: German ophthalmic lens manufacturer with free-form progressive portfolio (e.g., Progressive Excellence) and biometric lens positioning; comparable B2B model and product overlap with Optilens's Italian free-form offerings.
• Carl Zeiss Vision: Premium German ophthalmic lens manufacturer offering free-form progressives and digital lenses; competes for the same premium-tier Italian optician customers with strong brand-led positioning.
• Seiko Optical Products: Japanese lens manufacturer with free-form progressive and occupational lens lines distributed internationally to optical professionals; comparable technology and customer profile to Optilens.
• Hoya Vision Care: Japanese-headquartered global lens manufacturer with free-form progressive and photochromic product lines distributed to opticians; competes with Optilens in the Italian B2B ophthalmic lens market.
• Essilor International (EssilorLuxottica): World's largest ophthalmic lens manufacturer with brands such as Varilux, Crizal, and Transitions; operates Italian lens labs (BBGR) and competing premium free-form designs, serving the same Italian optical professional customer base as Optilens.

Emerging players

• IOT (Indo Optical Technologies): Spanish free-form lens design and technology provider offering proprietary progressive and occupational lens designs to independent lens manufacturers; comparable technology positioning as a free-form lens design specialist serving the B2B ophthalmic channel.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Optilens Italia