EssilorLuxottica reports 21% rise in AI and hearing-glasses revenue

EssilorLuxottica, the group behind Ray-Ban and Pearle Opticians, reported a 21 per cent rise in third-quarter revenue from its wearables division, which includes AI smart glasses and glasses with hearing support. The division generated €486 million, up from €402 million a year earlier, according to ANP. [1]

The company’s wearables category includes Ray-Ban glasses made with Meta, as well as Nuance Audio glasses with built-in hearing assistance. EssilorLuxottica is reporting the division’s figures separately for the first time, ANP said. [1]

Across its broader eyewear, eyecare and medical-technology businesses, quarterly revenue rose by more than 6 per cent to €7 billion. [1]

Chief executive Francesco Milleri and deputy chief executive Paul du Saillant said the results reflected strong momentum in an emerging category in which the company believes it is a leader. [1]

The sales growth comes amid criticism of camera-equipped smart glasses, including concerns that people may be filmed without their knowledge. Dutch organisations are taking legal action over claims that the glasses do not comply with privacy laws, while retailer Hans Anders has previously suspended sales of Meta’s glasses. [1]