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

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.

24-Month Study Data Support Efficacy of DOT Lenses in Young Children

SightGlass Vision has released 24-month clinical data showing that its DOT lenses reduced myopia progression by more than 1.00 diopter on average in young Chinese children.

Learn More

Canada’s First In-Lens Display AI Smart Glasses Enter the Optical Market Through Ming’s Optical Exclusive Partnership with Rokid

Ming’s Optical has been named the exclusive Canadian optical industry distributor for Rokid smart glasses, introducing AI smart glasses with in-lens display technology to the Canadian market.

The CAO Celebrates Vision Health Month with Online Campaign Encouraging Canadians to “GetEyeWise”

The Canadian Association of Optometrists is marking Vision Health Month with its GetEyeWise campaign, encouraging Canadians to make regular comprehensive eye exams part of their health routine.

Silmo Paris nouvelle image de marque 2026

SILMO Paris Highlights International Reach and Innovation Ahead of 2026 Edition

SILMO Paris says its 2026 edition will bring together international exhibitors, brands, and industry stakeholders as the optical sector continues to evolve through innovation and changing market dynamics.

Managing Multiple Practices

Explore the challenges of managing multiple optometry practices across provinces. Learn strategies for financial oversight, delegating to trusted teams, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

24-Month Study Data Support Efficacy of DOT Lenses in Young Children

SightGlass Vision has released 24-month clinical data showing that its DOT lenses reduced myopia progression by more than 1.00 diopter on average in young Chinese children.

Learn More

Canada’s First In-Lens Display AI Smart Glasses Enter the Optical Market Through Ming’s Optical Exclusive Partnership with Rokid

Ming’s Optical has been named the exclusive Canadian optical industry distributor for Rokid smart glasses, introducing AI smart glasses with in-lens display technology to the Canadian market.

The CAO Celebrates Vision Health Month with Online Campaign Encouraging Canadians to “GetEyeWise”

The Canadian Association of Optometrists is marking Vision Health Month with its GetEyeWise campaign, encouraging Canadians to make regular comprehensive eye exams part of their health routine.

SILMO Paris Highlights International Reach and Innovation Ahead of 2026 Edition

Managing Multiple Practices

Explore the challenges of managing multiple optometry practices across provinces. Learn strategies for financial oversight, delegating to trusted teams, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

24-Month Study Data Support Efficacy of DOT Lenses in Young Children

SightGlass Vision has released 24-month clinical data showing that its DOT lenses reduced myopia progression by more than 1.00 diopter on average in young Chinese children.

Learn More

Canada’s First In-Lens Display AI Smart Glasses Enter the Optical Market Through Ming’s Optical Exclusive Partnership with Rokid

Ming’s Optical has been named the exclusive Canadian optical industry distributor for Rokid smart glasses, introducing AI smart glasses with in-lens display technology to the Canadian market.

The CAO Celebrates Vision Health Month with Online Campaign Encouraging Canadians to “GetEyeWise”

The Canadian Association of Optometrists is marking Vision Health Month with its GetEyeWise campaign, encouraging Canadians to make regular comprehensive eye exams part of their health routine.

SILMO Paris Highlights International Reach and Innovation Ahead of 2026 Edition

Managing Multiple Practices

Explore the challenges of managing multiple optometry practices across provinces. Learn strategies for financial oversight, delegating to trusted teams, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

24-Month Study Data Support Efficacy of DOT Lenses in Young Children

SightGlass Vision has released 24-month clinical data showing that its DOT lenses reduced myopia progression by more than 1.00 diopter on average in young Chinese children.

Learn More

Canada’s First In-Lens Display AI Smart Glasses Enter the Optical Market Through Ming’s Optical Exclusive Partnership with Rokid

Ming’s Optical has been named the exclusive Canadian optical industry distributor for Rokid smart glasses, introducing AI smart glasses with in-lens display technology to the Canadian market.

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

Featured Posts