New and upcoming products vendors are selling, filtered to what's actually relevant to an independent or small-chain optical practice.
Spectacle LensesEssilor·Launched 2026
Varilux Shift: an AI-designed entry-level progressive
Essilor's new entry-level progressive lens for presbyopes, built by analyzing millions of wearer data points to predict how gaze declination varies by refractive error and ADD power. Claims a 34% improvement in design softness and an 18% larger far vision zone in clinical simulation versus their prior design.
Why it matters: An entry-level progressive gives you a lower price point to offer a first-time progressive wearer before stepping up to a premium design, useful if you've been losing budget-conscious presbyopes to single-vision or drugstore readers.
Source: Optometry Times →Spectacle LensesTransitions Optical·Launching May 2026
Transitions Color Touch: permanent tint plus light-adaptive darkening
A photochromic lens with a permanent fashion tint underneath: subtle tint indoors, darkens further outdoors. Five colors (Ruby, Amber, Sapphire, Amethyst, Emerald) in gradient or washed effects, with UV and blue-violet light protection.
Why it matters: Positioned at younger, style-driven wearers, a group that often resists traditional photochromics. Worth a look if second-pair and sun-lens attach rates skew low with younger patients.
Source: OptikNow →Spectacle LensesHOYA Vision Care·Trial results presented Feb 2026; rollout through 2026
MiYOSMART iQ: next-generation myopia control spectacle lens
An enhanced version of HOYA's DIMS myopia-control design (DIMS TED), with a smaller central clear zone, higher defocus power, and an extended treatment zone. Six-month interim trial data in children aged 4-12 showed no average myopia progression, reported as roughly twice as effective as the prior MiYOSMART design.
Why it matters: Myopia management is a growing consult and a real second-pair/annual-supply revenue driver if you see pediatric patients. Worth confirming availability and pricing with your HOYA rep before quoting a family.
Source: Optometry Times →Contact LensesCooperVision·Launched Jan 19, 2026 (UK/Ireland)
MyDay MiSight 1 day: myopia control in a MyDay-material daily lens
Combines CooperVision's ActivControl myopia-management optics with MyDay's silicone hydrogel material, reporting up to 4x the oxygen transmissibility of the original MiSight 1 day, same parameters and pricing as the original. Designed to let a child transition into the broader MyDay lineup once managed myopia isn't the goal anymore.
Why it matters: A smoother upgrade path than switching a myopia-control patient to a completely different lens line once they age out of MiSight. Confirm US availability and timing with your CooperVision rep, this launch was reported for the UK/Ireland market first.
Source: Association of Optometrists (AOP) →Practice ToolsHOYA Vision Care·Launched Jan 13, 2026 (US/Canada)
HOYA LensPreview: AR-powered virtual try-on for premium lenses
A virtual try-on tool (built with Fittingbox) that shows patients a realistic, true-to-color preview of photochromic (Sensity), polarized, mirror, and Lumacore lens options before ordering. Free for existing HOYA Hub users via single sign-on.
Why it matters: A visualization tool at the counter is a fairly direct lever on premium lens attach rate and second-pair/sun-lens sales, patients who can see how a tint or mirror will actually look are more likely to say yes to it.
Source: PR Newswire →Industry EventsThe Vision Council / Vision Expo·March 11-14, 2026
Vision Expo 2026: single annual event, multi-vendor "Call for NEW" showcase
Vision Expo's first year as a single annual event (rather than separate East/West shows), with a dedicated "Call for NEW" program spotlighting product launches from HOYA Vision Care, Eschenbach Optik, IOT, Solos Technology, and other exhibitors, plus live edging and lab-technology demos on the floor.
Why it matters: If you or a manager can send someone, this is the one show consolidating what used to be two, worth checking the exhibitor list for your existing lens and frame vendors before booking travel.
Source: The Optical Journal →