Essilor Pays Tribute to Bernard Maitenaz, Inventor of the Varilux Progressive Lens

Tuesday, February 23 2021 | 14 h 44 min | News, Press Release

Bernard Maitenaz, the inventor of the Varilux^® progressive lens that redefined an entire industry, passed away in his home city of Paris on February 22, 2021, aged 94.

One of the founders of the Essilor Group and the Valoptec employee shareholders association, and at the helm of the company between 1981 and 1991, Bernard Maitenaz’s commitment to Essilor continued well beyond his retirement, as Honorary Chairman of the Essilor Board of Directors.

In the words of Paul du Saillant, Chairman and CEO of Essilor: “A true pioneer and inventor at heart, Bernard will also be remembered for the values with which he led Essilor between ‘81 and ‘91, and which he promoted within Valoptec throughout his more than 70-year career. Without him and the invention of the Varilux® progressive lens, the optical industry and Essilor would not be what they are today. We owe Bernard enormously, and he will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.”

Here is a video about Bernard Maitenaz’s life and career:

Click HERE for the full press release.