European optical leaders summit

Meeting was hosted by the OSA

ABDO president, Kevin Gutsell, attended a gathering of European optical leaders at the RAC Club in London recently, during which new optical products and standards were discussed.

Hosted by the Optical Suppliers Association (OSA), the meeting saw Eurom 1 Optical Industries members bring a collective approach to upcoming changes and challenges – along with insightful state-of-the-market reports from their respective countries. The meeting united delegates from Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and the UK, along with a delegate from the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO).

Representing 85 per cent of the European optical supply chain, delegates reviewed guidance relating to optical standards, medical device regulation, smart PPE, hydrophobic lens properties, sports eyewear protection, and the European General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). Enacted in December 2024, this European law was flagged up with “a warning of caution for all optical businesses which might not be aware of the harsh consequences of infringement”.

Salvador Alsina, Eurom 1 Optical Industries president, chaired the meeting. He said: “I’d like to thank the OSA for its hospitality. Our European federation is today facing increasingly complex challenges. For this reason, we believe it is of fundamental importance to build together these opportunities where we can discuss economic and regulatory matters. But most of all, keep our focus on vision and eye health and prevention issues. Our industry must address these as a priority.”

James Conway, OSA vice chair, commented: “We had great pleasure in hosting the Eurom 1 Optical Industries meeting in London. Fascinating conversations, as always, and many vital issues on regulation and standards were discussed. The importance of these relationships and discussions is pivotal, and ensures the UK optical sector is well-aware of European legislative changes and vice versa.”

RAC Club in London was venue for meeting of European optical leaders

Dr Sylwia Kropacz-Sobkowiak, ECOO president elect, welcomed the opportunity to engage with the optical manufacturing community. She gave delegates an update on ECOO’s key areas of work, including progress on the updated Blue Book, which contains data on the profession in each country, the status and scope of practice of the profession, its role in public health, and the education and training provided. This is due to be published in the autumn.

“The Eurom 1 Optical Industries meeting was more than just technical updates; it was an eye-opening insight into how the optical industry collaborates, plans and sets technical standards to drive innovation across the European market,” said Sylwia. “As new technologies continue to arrive, it is clear that patient and vision safety must remain at the heart of progress, reminding industry leaders of their responsibility in shaping a future where technology truly serves people.”

ABDO president, Kevin Gutsell, praised the premise of meeting – remarking: “This brought together national associations representing manufacturers and suppliers of lenses, frames, sunglasses and other equipment used by opticians across Europe, including the UK’s OSA. Eurom 1 Optical Industries has many objectives, but two stand out as particularly relevant in the current climate: defending and promoting the interests of the optical industry and developing and encouraging quality through the establishment of industry standards. These aims are especially important now, given the ongoing delays and confusion surrounding medical device registration post-Brexit.

“While the significance of Eurom 1 Optical Industries and international standards may not be immediately apparent to those working in the UK, I firmly believe their role is essential. Continued engagement in this space is critical, and it’s encouraging to see steady progress being made,” Kevin added.

The meeting took place from 26-27 June 2025.