What BBGR does

BBGR is a French ophthalmic lens manufacturer and wholly-owned subsidiary of Essilor (now part of EssilorLuxottica), operating as one of Europe's largest prescription lens producers across 14 countries with 2,350 employees. Founded in 1846 through the merger of Louis Berthiot (Sezanne) and GR/Guilbert Routit (Provins), the company runs Europe's largest lens production and development facility in Provins plus a second top-tier plant in Sezanne and a UK glazing lab in Birmingham. Its commercial focus is the independent optician channel: BBGR serves UK independent practitioners exclusively through a direct national sales force, the VisionWeb online ordering platform, the Digifit remote edging service, and the Partner Rewards loyalty scheme.

The product portfolio spans progressive lenses (Alteo, Anateo Plus, Sirus Plus, Quadro, Intuitiv), single vision lenses, specialty lenses (Xperio polarising, Transitions photochromic, Pulseo for digital users, EasyWork mid-distance, SPORTS) and functional coatings (Neva Max UV, Neva Max Blue UV, Night Drive Boost, BluV Xpert). Underlying technology centres on point-by-point digital surfacing for prescription customisation, biometric eye-anatomy modelling in Anateo Plus, vacuum-applied anti-reflective coatings with extended fluoric chains for hydrophobic and oleophobic performance, and proprietary chemical molecules for combined UV and blue-violet light absorption. Several technologies are patented and have been recognised with Silmo D'Or awards in 2014 (Sirus Plus) and 2018 (BluV Xpert).

BBGR monetises primarily through one-time lens sales and coating applications sold B2B to independent opticians, supplemented by professional services via the Partner Rewards loyalty scheme. Pricing is negotiated through regional account managers rather than publicly disclosed, and order capture combines a field sales force with online ordering. Manufacturing sites in Sezanne and Provins have been ISO 9001-certified since 1999, and lenses are delivered in CE-marked bags per European medical device regulations.

Name

BBGR

Legal name

BBGR

Website

https://bbgr.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1846

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

BBGR is a French ophthalmic lens manufacturer and EssilorLuxottica subsidiary that designs, produces, and distributes progressive, single vision, photochromic, and polarising lenses plus functional coatings, selling exclusively through independent opticians across 14 countries via a direct sales force and digital ordering platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ophthalmic Lens Manufacturing

NAICS

Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Eyewear Manufacturing & OEM/ODM (Frames & Sunglasses) (CRAAAKAJ), Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Retail (Glasses/Frames/Lenses) (HLAKAKAL)

Keywords

• Ophthalmic lens manufacturing
• Progressive varifocal lenses
• Anti-reflective lens coatings
• Prescription optical lenses
• Digital lens surfacing

Headquarters

HQ city

Manchester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ophthalmic Lens Sales: BBGR designs, manufactures, and distributes corrective lenses to independent opticians. Products include progressive lenses, single vision lenses, photochromic lenses, and polarising lenses sold through optical practitioners.
2. Lens Coatings: Application of protective and functional coatings including anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, blue light filtering, and UV protection coatings on lenses.
3. Business Support Services: Partner Rewards loyalty scheme where opticians earn points for purchases towards sales support and marketing materials.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

BBGR designs, manufactures, and distributes ophthalmic corrective lenses — including progressive, single vision, polarising, photochromic, and specialty lenses — together with anti-reflective, UV, blue-light, and night-driving coatings, plus dispensing tools and digital services. The company sells exclusively through independent opticians, primarily in the UK, supported by a national team of Area Sales Managers and online ordering platforms. Manufacturing is centred at Europe's largest lens production facility in Provins, France, with a UK glazing lab in Birmingham.

Product overview

BBGR is a French optical lens manufacturer and Essilor Group company with over 160 years of history (established 1846) operating from Provins, France, which is Europe's largest lens production and development facility. BBGR offers a comprehensive portfolio of ophthalmic lenses, coatings, and materials designed for independent opticians. The core product range includes progressive lenses (Alteo, Anateo Plus, Sirus Plus, Quadro, Intuitiv), single vision lenses (Unor, Asphor), and specialised lenses (EasyWork for digital device users, Pulseo for young adults, Xperio polarising sun lenses, Transitions photochromic lenses, SPORTS for wraparound frames, and BluV Xpert for blue light protection). These are complemented by coating solutions (Neva Max UV, Neva Max Blue UV, Neva Resist+ UV, Night Drive Boost) and materials including Trivex. Supporting services include EyeMio digital measurement, Eyestation dispensing tool, Digital Services (Digifit remote edging, VisionWeb ordering), and Partner Rewards loyalty programme. The company also provides manufacturing capabilities including digital surfacing technology, quality control testing, and tinting services across facilities in Europe.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Alteo: Progressive lens designed for versatile lifestyle use, offering harmony between lifestyle needs and progressive lens performance.
• Anateo Plus
• Sirus Plus
• Quadro
• Pulseo
• EasyWork
• Xperio
• BluV Xpert
• Neva Max
• Neva Max Blue UV
• Night Drive Boost
• EyeMio
• Eyestation

Products and services

• Progressive Lenses Core BBGR progressive (varifocal) lens family, sold to independent opticians to dispense to presbyopic patients for clear vision at multiple distances without a visible line on the lens.
• Alteo BBGR progressive lens balancing far, intermediate and near vision for active wearers with varied lifestyle demands.
• Anateo Plus Personalised progressive lens using biometric measurements of the wearer's eye (size, position, shape) to deliver wider visual fields and faster adaptation.
• Sirus Plus Silmo D'Or 2014-winning progressive lens with stabilised intermediate vision zone and localised aspherisation for clear vision at all distances with minimal head movement.
• Quadro Entry-level BBGR progressive lens bringing the benefits of digital surfacing to every presbyope at an accessible price.
• Intuitiv Progressive lens with distinct designs for left- and right-handed wearers — the first of its kind worldwide.
• Single Vision Lenses BBGR's range of single vision corrective lenses for myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, available in spherical and aspherical designs.
• EasyWork Mid-distance occupational lens designed to reduce visual fatigue for computer and digital device users.
• Pulseo Single vision lens for 18-40 year-olds using the Activ'Boost system to ease near-to-mid focus switching and reduce multi-screen visual fatigue.
• Xperio Premium polarising prescription sun lenses that eliminate reflected glare, deliver 100% UV protection, clearer colours and enhanced contrast for driving and outdoor use.
• Transitions Photochromic Lenses Photochromic variable-tint lenses (Signature GEN 8, XTRActive, XTRActive Polarized) that automatically adapt to changing light and offer UV protection.
• SPORTS by BBGR Prescription lenses engineered for wraparound sports eyewear, providing wide field of vision and eliminating blind spots.
• BluV Xpert All-in-one everyday lens providing UV and blue-violet light protection (400-455nm) without compromising lens aesthetics; Silmo D'Or 2018 winner.
• Neva Max UV coating Highly scratch-resistant anti-reflective coating with full UV protection, anti-smudge and anti-dust properties using extended fluoric chains.
• Neva Max Blue UV coating Anti-reflective coating that blocks UV and filters blue-violet light through the front lens surface for reduced glare and improved contrast.
• Neva Resist+ UV coating Ultra scratch-resistant coating providing complete UV protection plus anti-scratch, anti-smudge and anti-dust performance for daily wear.
• Night Drive Boost coating Specialised lens coating that reduces visual discomfort and light halos from Xenon and LED headlights during night driving without affecting daytime performance.
• EyeMio iPad application for capturing precise dispensing measurements (pupillary distance, pantoscopic angle, face form angle, reading distance) needed for high-end lens fitting.
• Eyestation Interactive dispensing tool app that demonstrates BBGR product benefits to patients through demonstrations, reading tests and a virtual mirror.
• Digital Services (VisionWeb ordering + Digifit remote edging) Combined digital ordering and remote edging service — VisionWeb online ordering plus Digifit pre-cut lens edging — enabling opticians to place and track orders without sending frames to the lab.
• Partner Rewards Optician loyalty programme awarding points on BBGR lens purchases that can be redeemed for advertising, practice equipment, tablets, staff training and marketing support.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reaction time improved by one-third of a second at 30 mph with Xperio polarising lenses, reducing stopping distance by more than 4 metres
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Essilor GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBBGR is a subsidiary of Essilor International, the global leader in design, manufacturing and distribution of ophthalmic lenses. As part of the Essilor Group, BBGR contributes to the organisation's global mission of improving lives by improving sight. Essilor has approximately 64,000 employees in 130 countries.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Rodenstock: Rodenstock is a German-based ophthalmic lens and eyewear manufacturer producing progressive, single vision and biometric lenses for European opticians. Direct competitor in the European independent-optician channel with overlapping premium product positioning.
• Younger Optics: Younger Optics manufactures ophthalmic lenses including polarized, photochromic, and progressive designs (e.g., Transitions under licence). Comparable lens-only manufacturer with overlapping product features (polarizing, photochromic) sold through independent ECPs.
• HOYA Corporation: HOYA Vision Care is a global ophthalmic lens manufacturer offering free-form progressive, single vision, photochromic, and blue-light filtering lenses. Directly comparable to BBGR in product portfolio, channel (independent opticians), and premium positioning.
• Shamir Optical Industry: Shamir manufactures free-form progressive and single vision lenses (Autograph, Element, etc.) sold through independent optical practices. Closely comparable lens-only manufacturer competing with BBGR on innovation and digital surfacing.
• Carl Zeiss Meditec (Vision Care): Zeiss Vision Care manufactures precision ophthalmic lenses (progressive, single vision, photochromic, coatings) sold through opticians worldwide. Closely comparable premium lens maker with strong proprietary digital surfacing technology and similar independent-optician channel.
• Essilor (sister brand within EssilorLuxottica): Essilor, BBGR's parent brand, designs and manufactures ophthalmic lenses (Varilux, Crizal, etc.) through overlapping digital surfacing and coating capabilities. Most directly comparable as a premium lens maker serving opticians through the same European channels.
• Seiko Optical Industries: Seiko Optical produces premium progressive lenses, including the proprietary double progressive design, sold through independent opticians. Comparable as a specialist, innovation-led progressive lens manufacturer competing in similar premium channels.

Emerging players

• Nikon Optical (Nikon-Essilor joint venture lenses): Nikon-Essilor produces premium progressive and single vision lenses with high-Index materials and coatings. Partial overlap with BBGR's premium lens and coating portfolio, though with greater Asia-Pacific channel focus.
• Transitions Optical (now part of EssilorLuxottica): Transitions Optical is the leading photochromic lens technology brand, now wholly inside EssilorLuxottica. BBGR licenses Transitions technology for its Signature GEN 8 launches; comparable as a coating/photochromic technology provider operating within the broader Essilor group.

Others

• Mitsui Chemicals (MR/1.74 high-index lens material): Mitsui Chemicals is a major upstream lens-material supplier (MR series high-index monomers) used by ophthalmic lens manufacturers including those serving the European independent-optician market. Adjacent enabler for BBGR's lens manufacturing rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BBGRUK

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 BBGR