Think all glasses are created equal? Think again. Behind your favorite frames could be a global eyewear giant pulling the strings. From designer collabs to private labels, the biggest names in the game are quietly shaping what you wear.
If you’re serious about investing in quality eyewear, it isn’t just about the style or fit. It’s about knowing who makes it and where it’s made. When it comes to durability, design, and value, the manufacturer matters more than you think.
Do the Biggest Brands Manufacture Their Own Eyewear?
It might come as a surprise that many of the biggest brands don’t manufacture their own contacts, glasses, or even just the frames. Instead, this eyewear is produced by parent companies or through licenses with manufacturing conglomerates.
Why do big-name brands outsource manufacturing?
1. Manufacturing high-quality eyewear requires a lot of know-how. It’s not a job anyone can do.
2. In many cases, brands don’t own the state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment necessary to make eyewear in-house. Outsourcing manufacturing makes sense.
3. Most luxury brands aren’t exactly eyewear specialists. They design everything from accessories to wedding gowns! Why not leave the eyewear to the experts?
Who Are the Real Manufacturers?
There are specialized factories where eyewear has been made for generations. When famous designer brands produce items through a large manufacturing company, tapping into a network of world-class facilities, the results are truly remarkable!
The top global manufacturers include:
Since a limited number of large companies oversee the creation of most of the most famous eyewear brands, you might wonder how their products look and feel so different. Let’s explore the answer and examine the history and operations of the leading eyewear manufacturers.
EssilorLuxottica: The Big Fish
EssilorLuxottica started as two separate companies: the French Essilor and the Italian Luxottica. They merged in 2018 to become the largest company in the eyewear industry.
Essilor was founded in 1849 and has a legacy of creating some of the most high-end and innovative eyeglasses on the market. The company began in the Marais area of Paris, crafting spectacle frames. Initially, it was known as Société des Lunetiers, abbreviated to SL, and eventually evolved into Essilor.
Luxottica, on the other hand, was established in 1961 and specializes in sunglasses. Their founder, Leonardo Del Vecchio, was a savvy businessman who acquired the license to Giorgio Armani as his first major deal.
EssilorLuxottica Brands
After the merger, EssilorLuxottica continued to grow, acquiring licenses from major brands, including Tory Burch, Burberry, and Michael Kors. They also sell sunglasses through stores such as Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters.
EssilorLuxottica is one of the largest companies in Europe, generating approximately €25 billion in revenue and operating thousands of stores worldwide.
EssilorLuxottica brand licenses include the following:
They also own some of the most recognizable eyewear brands, including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and Oliver Peoples, among others.
If they license a brand and don’t own it outright, they follow that brand’s guidelines. However, for those they own, EssilorLuxottica has full creative freedom on the design.
Manufacturing Facilities
The company also has an extensive network of manufacturing facilities worldwide, with locations in Thailand, Mexico, Italy, Brazil, and the U.S. These strategically placed sites enable EssilorLuxottica to efficiently serve diverse markets while maintaining strict quality control and innovation standards.
Each facility plays a specialized role, from lens technology and frame production to final assembly and distribution. By continuing to invest in global infrastructure, EssilorLuxottica ensures scalability, quicker turnaround times, and greater accessibility to vision care products worldwide. The company has said that it consistently expands its network to meet the evolving demands of eye care on a global scale.
Why You Might Like Essilorluxottica Eyewear
EssilorLuxottica is the biggest global eyewear producer, and for good reason. From the outset, both companies (Essilor and Luxottica) have played pivotal roles in the eyewear industry through legendary Italian and French craftsmanship. Even before they merged, Essilor was renowned for its pioneering advancements in lens technology, while Luxottica was a leader in stylish frames and sunglasses.
This deep specialization proved to be a significant advantage because, when they joined forces, they combined expertise in innovative lenses and fashion-forward frames. Additionally, they enhanced their already vast production and distribution networks, making their products even more accessible to consumers worldwide.
If you love designer frames and luxury brands, then eyewear made by EssilorLuxottica is a smart investment. If you prefer sporty or specialized eyewear, consider EssilorLuxottica brands like Oakley and Ray-Ban.
Kering: The Luxury Fashion Giant
If there’s one eyewear manufacturer that you’ve probably heard of, it’s Kering Eyewear. Kering is a massive global fashion conglomerate that specializes in the luxury market.
You may have heard the name associated with Gucci or Bottega Veneta, as the Kering group owns these major brands, among others. If you’re a pop culture vulture, you might recognize the CEO, François-Henri Pinault, as the husband of Hollywood actress Salma Hayek.
In 1962, François Pinault founded the company as Établissements Pinault. You probably won’t guess what they originally sold. Hint: it wasn’t fashion goods.
Établissements Pinault was a French timber trading company that later expanded into the retail sector. By the 1990s, the company had dipped into the luxury market, acquiring Gucci.
Once you have a brand with the legacy of Gucci on your hands, the world is your oyster. From there, Kering went on to acquire other major fashion houses, including Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent.
Although this group initially focused on luxury fashion, jewelry, and handbags, Kering Eyewear was established in 2014.
Kering Brands
Kering owns some of the most famous luxury houses. The company designs, crafts, and sells eyewear under 14 brands, including the following:
Kering solidified its position as a key player in the global eyewear market by acquiring the popular U.S. brand Maui Jim.
This proves they have some clout when it comes to specialized eyewear brands, not just fashion brands.
Manufacturing Facilities
Kering has a global production network, including locations in Europe and Asia. They bought the Italian manufacturer Lenti, which the Safilo Group previously owned. (Yes, there is definitely a lot of crossover in the eyewear world!)
Lenti specializes in molding and surface treatments with a focus on vision correction. They also developed protective parts for other industries, including the lighting and motorcycle industries, demonstrating their extensive experience.
It was a big deal for Kering since they’re constantly expanding their European manufacturing. After all, Italy is renowned for its craftsmanship, so the move shows that Kering is committed to high-quality lenses.
Why You Might Like Kering Eyewear
Kering has created a world-famous fashion empire. The fact that they don’t just specialize in eyewear has worked to their advantage. They start trends and drive the global fashion scene through talked-about brands like Balenciaga.
For better or worse, Balenciaga has become a controversial brand, but as they say, any publicity is good publicity! When one of Kering’s brands is trending everywhere, it helps sell all Kering products, including their eyewear.
The company is also known for its celebrity pull. They have the biggest stars fronting their eyewear campaigns. If you invest in popular glasses or sunglasses from a Kering brand, you can bet they’ll be recognizable. That alone makes them a smart buy if you enjoy getting compliments on your style!
For eyewear enthusiasts who love the outdoors, Maui Jim is a smart pick, as the brand is known for its hard-wearing, sporty shades.
Marcolin: The Diverse Specialist
By this point, you shouldn’t be shocked to learn that this key player in international eyewear manufacturing started out … you guessed it! … Italy. Veneto, to be exact.
Veneto, home to the capital city of Venice, was a key location for manufacturing, and craftsmen have been passing down their trades for generations.
The Marcolin Group was founded in 1961 and has been a juggernaut ever since. Its headquarters are now in Longarone, on the banks of the Piave in northeast Italy.
They sell their products in 126 countries due to their extensive network in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and other key locations, including Australia.
Marcolin Brands
Marcolin is responsible for the design and manufacturing of sunglasses and eyeglass frames for some recognizable brands, both in the luxury and mainstream categories, including:
Marcolin also owns ic! berlin, J. Landon and WEB EYEWEAR.
Manufacturing Facilities
Let’s address the question you’re likely wondering: Are all of their products manufactured in Italy?
Marcolin still adheres to its roots, but now manufactures its products in Italy and collaborates with partners worldwide.
Design and development teams are in the U.S., Asia, and, of course, Italy. This network helps Marcolin’s global footprint and enables them to stay on top of trends and innovations.
Why You Might Like Marcolin Eyewear
Marcolin manufactures for a range of popular brands at different price points. There are brands like Guess eyewear for more affordable styles, and then there are designer brands like TOM FORD eyewear for luxury lovers.
This company has built a reputation for creating fun and fabulous designs with a foundation in Italian craftsmanship. Marcolin eyewear is a smart investment if you’re looking for a wide range of trendy eyewear.
Safilo Group: An Italian Heritage Brand
The Safilo Group is another company with a long and celebrated history. It started out in the Veneto region of Italy in 1878 with an eyewear and optical frames laboratory. The company quickly became a trailblazer in the production of sunglasses, as well as specialized optical frames, goggles, and sports glasses.
The Group excelled due to its focus on style and heritage, combined with innovation. They even patented their Elasta hinge and UFO sunglasses in 1970, proving to be ahead of their time.
Safilo Group Brands
The Safilo Group demonstrated its ability to remain one of the largest eyewear manufacturers by acquiring the Smith and Carrera brands in 1996.
They have stayed ahead of the trends and kept their relevance through brands they own as well as licensed brands, including the following:
Manufacturing Facilities
The Safilo Group is proud of its Italian heritage and has invested nearly $100 million in a production factory in Padua, Italy, to maintain local manufacturing. This state-of-the-art facility is a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and quality control.
By keeping production close to its roots, Safilo ensures that every frame reflects the precision, style, and design excellence that Italian eyewear is known for. The Padua site also supports local employment and preserves artisanal techniques that have been refined over decades.
Why You Might Like Safilo Group Eyewear
The company holds long-term licensing agreements with globally recognized fashion houses, including Kate Spade, Hugo Boss, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others, resulting in a diverse and fashion-forward portfolio that spans classic elegance to modern cool.
The Safilo Group’s reputation for quality manufacturing, often in its own European facilities, reinforces the group’s status as a trusted name in premium eyewear worldwide. This heritage gives Safilo a unique edge: it knows how to craft eyewear that lasts, both in terms of construction and style.
They also own major brands, including Smith and Carrera, which are popular for their timeless styles. These brands are a smart investment for customers seeking classic yet fashionable eyewear.
De Rigo Vision: The Family Run Company
De Rigo Vision is an exciting, family-run business that boasts licenses for some enviable luxury brands. Their ethos is rooted in their Italian family heritage while they build a global legacy.
Although they started out in 1978, much later than some of the other companies on this list, they quickly caught up. De Rigo Vision has already established itself as a global leader in manufacturing and distributing high-quality prescription eyeglass frames and sunglasses.
De Rigo Vision Brands
This group holds licenses with several luxury brands, positioning them as key players in the eyewear market. After all, brand names are a fundamental selling point.
In a few short years, De Rigo Vision has racked up some incredible partnerships with the big names below:
They also boast their own house brands, with some quirky backstories and musical inspirations, such as Sting. They include the following:
De Rigo Vision is also a frontrunner in the eyewear world because of its well-known retail chains, including the following:
- General Optica
- Mais Optica
- Opmar Optik
- Boots Opticians (Affiliate)
They have a vast wholesale network, which has enabled them to establish a presence in 80 countries through over 100 independent distributors. And they keep expanding.
Manufacturing Facilities
De Rigo Vision distributes and manufactures across the world, with key facilities located in Italy, the historic home of eyewear. The group’s Italian sites are known for combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced technologies, ensuring precision and premium quality at every stage of production.
To support global demand and regional growth, De Rigo also operates manufacturing and distribution centers in Guangzhou, China. This strategic presence in Asia allows the group to respond more efficiently to the fast-growing markets in the region while maintaining consistent standards across its portfolio of luxury and fashion eyewear brands.
Why You Might Like De Rigo Vision Eyewear
De Rigo Vision has grown its company in a few short decades, a testament to its success. Their eyewear products and brand licenses include names like Philipp Plein and Gap, so there’s something for every budget.
They offer more than just luxury licenses, but quality remains a core focus. Their head offices and roots are in a part of Italy that’s famous for craftsmanship, which makes their products consistent with tried and tested construction.
Their brand, Police, is also part of the substantial portfolio of brands they have owned, designed, and developed for years. Their products are worth a look mainly because of their strong focus on stylish design, inspired by their Italian heritage.
VSP Vision: Eyewear With a Purpose
VSP Vision stands out on this list. They’re not a European heritage brand or a luxury fashion empire. Their story is truly unique.
VSP Vision was founded in the U.S., specifically in Oakland, California, by a group of optometrists with a clear mission: to provide affordable, high-quality eye care to the public. The organization even began as a nonprofit.
They now acquire manufacturing groups, offer insurance, and have a presence across the U.S. and worldwide.
VSP Vision Brands
In 2008, VSP Vision acquired Marchon Eyewear, which is a major manufacturer and distributor. That company alone has made one billion dollars in revenue. Plus, they have some key brand licenses to rival some other players on this list:
Manufacturing Facilities
VSP Vision manufactures lenses through a network of optical labs across the United States, allowing for faster service, tighter quality control, and stronger support for eye care providers nationwide. This American-focused infrastructure enables VSP to better meet the specific needs of U.S. customers, from personalized prescriptions to quicker turnaround times.
While lens production remains domestic, the company sources and manufactures frames in global locations, including Italy and China, a hub for large-scale manufacturing. This blend of local and international production allows VSP Vision to offer a wide range of high-quality, stylish, and affordable eyewear options.
Why You Might Like VSP Vision Eyewear
VSP Vision is fueled by a social mission. They don’t just manufacture eyewear; they focus on promoting eye health.
The company created VSP Eyes of Hope, an initiative designed to help people access eyecare regardless of financial barriers. They also offer programs for training doctors and advancing eyewear technology.
It’s smart to turn to VSP Vision for products and services related to your eyes. They operate optical labs across the U.S. and manufacture for some big brands, which you can turn to for reliable, durable eyewear.
Another reason to invest is that this is a homegrown American company tackling eyecare-related issues across the country.
Bausch + Lomb: The King of Contact Lenses
One of the biggest eyewear manufacturers around, Bausch + Lomb, was founded in 1853. Since then, they’ve gone on to win awards, grow a global presence, and perfect soft contact lenses.
In 1971, they changed the eyewear game by launching their SofLens contact lenses, which were the first mass-produced soft lenses in the U.S. The company went on to create toric lenses and bifocal lenses in the ’80s.
The next big breakthrough was their PureVision contact lenses, which were the first silicone hydrogel contact lenses in America.
Bausch + Lomb has been integral in developing the wide range of contact lenses that you see available today.
Bausch + Lomb Brands
Bausch + Lomb makes contacts under its own name, including soft lenses and RGP lenses:
- Biotrue contact lenses for daily use
- ULTRA contact lenses for monthly wear
- Infuse contact lenses for daily wear
Manufacturing Facilities
Bausch + Lomb has its main manufacturing facilities in Rochester, N.Y., and in Waterford, Ireland. In recent years, they plan to expand their manufacturing in these locations and create thousands more jobs, and focus more on innovations.
Why You Might Like Bausch + Lomb Contact Lenses
Bausch + Lomb creates high-quality contact lenses that have consistently improved over time.
The company has focused on innovations like silicone hydrogel and improving the quality of contact lenses. So it’s no surprise that they’ve been popular for so long! They have a range of contacts for different eye conditions like astigmatism and presbyopia, so they’re a smart investment for people who need specialized lenses to help with vision correction.
Bausch + Lomb contact lenses are also competitively priced, making them an affordable option for daily users.
CooperVision: The Soft Contact Lens Expert
CooperVision was initially founded by Martin H. Smith Co. in 1958. It was incorporated in 1980 and now sells its eyewear products in 100 countries!
The company’s main specialization is soft lenses, and they claim to manufacture the broadest range of options out there. The range includes daily lenses, bi-weekly lenses, and monthly lenses to suit users with a range of vision issues, including astigmatism, near-sightedness, and farsightedness.
CooperVision Brands
CooperVision creates a range of popular contact lenses, including:
Manufacturing Facilities
CooperVision manufactures products in its plants across the U.S. and the world in locations including:
- Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico
- Scottsville, New York
- Hamble, Hampshire, United Kingdom
- Alajuela, Costa Rica
They also reach dozens of countries with key distribution centers in the U.S, U.K., Belgium, and China.
Why You Might Like CooperVision Eyewear
CooperVision is all about innovating contact lenses. They led the expansion of soft lenses in the U.S. and continue to focus on comfort and affordability.
They’ve come up with Aquaform Technology, which is a material that helps keep lenses moisturized. They’ve also made contact lenses that feature Optimized Toric Lens Geometry, which allows people with astigmatism to see more clearly. A
Now, CooperVision is keeping up with the times by creating its DigitalBoost technology, which helps people who frequently use devices to reduce the detrimental effects of screen use.
For customers who love contact lenses and want a reliable option, CooperVision products are a smart investment for ongoing eye health.
EZContacts Works Directly With Manufacturers
At EZContacts, we’re an online eyewear superstore. We sell everything from polarized sunglasses to prescription eyeglasses and much more. We’ve been around for over two decades, so we’ve witnessed the evolution of the eyewear industry and its major players.
Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with some of the biggest manufacturers in the market. We bypass the middleman and bring you the biggest eyewear straight from the source with incredible discounts.
If you’ve ever wondered how we keep our pricing so affordable, you now have your answer. One of the ways we maintain competitive pricing is through our relationships with the huge companies mentioned on this list. As a result, we pass the savings on to you.
TL;DR Summary
Knowledge is power. It’s easier to decide what to buy when you can trust the quality and world-class manufacturing! Here’s a run-down of the biggest players:
- EssilorLuxottica: This is the largest eyewear company in the world. They own massive brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, and manufacture eyewear worldwide. Licensing rights include Tory Burch, Burberry, and Michael Kors.
- Kering: This major luxury fashion company owns brands such as Balenciaga, Chloé, and Gucci. They began manufacturing eyewear for their own brands, establishing themselves as a significant player in the global eyewear market.
- Marcolin: This Italian company manufactures for big commercial brands like Guess and Kenneth Cole. Although they have partnerships with a few luxury brands like TOM FORD, it’s not their only focus.
- Safilo Group: Another Italian heritage group. They began in the 19th century and solidified their global status when they acquired the Smith and Carrera brands in the 1990s. They also manufacture for luxury fashion brands, including Kate Spade and Tommy Hilfiger.
- De Rigo Vision: A global, family-run Italian manufacturer behind brands like Police, Chopard, Fila, and Gap, De Rigo is known for balancing style with craftsmanship.
- VSP Vision: This American company stands out for being a nonprofit focused on making vision care affordable. They bought the manufacturing company Marchon Eyewear in 2008, expanding their reach. Key brand licenses include Calvin Klein, DKNY, and Nike.
- Bausch + Lomb: One of the oldest and most trusted names in contact lenses. They’ve led innovations in soft lens technology and manufacture popular lens brands like Biotrue, ULTRA, and Infuse.
- CooperVision: A global leader in soft contact lenses with a focus on comfort and technology. Their brands include Biofinity, Clariti, and MyDay, and they serve customers in over 100 countries.
