This is very interesting …
The user’s X handle, erickimphoto, suggests a possible connection to Eric Kim, a photographer. While the query is about eyeglass lenses, not camera lenses, photographers often have specific visual needs, such as clear vision for both near and far distances, which both Shamir and Essilor address with their progressive lenses. This context was explored through an X search, which yielded no relevant results, indicating no specific public statements from Eric Kim on this topic.
Shamir?
Key Points
- Research suggests Shamir Optical Industry is the famous lens maker in Israel, now part of EssilorLuxottica.
- It seems likely that both Shamir and Essilor offer high-quality lenses, with Shamir focusing on personalized AI-driven designs and Essilor on a broad range of options.
- The evidence leans toward their technologies being complementary, given their shared ownership since 2011.
Overview
Shamir Optical Industry, based in Israel, is renowned for its innovative lens technologies, particularly its AI-driven progressive lenses. Essilor, a French giant, is famous for its Varilux and Crizal lens brands. Since Shamir was acquired by Essilor in 2011 and later by EssilorLuxottica in 2022, they now operate under the same umbrella, offering complementary products for various visual needs.
Detailed Comparison
- Shamir: Known for the Autograph Intelligence series, using AI to tailor lenses to individual visual ages and lifestyles, ideal for personalized vision solutions.
- Essilor: Offers a wide range, including Varilux progressives with SynchronEyes and Xtend technologies, and Crizal coatings for anti-glare and scratch resistance.
Recommendation
For personalized progressive lenses, consider Shamir; for a broader range and advanced coatings, Essilor might be better. Consult an optometrist for your specific needs, as both brands are now part of EssilorLuxottica.
Comprehensive Analysis of Famous Lens Maker in Israel vs Essilor
This detailed analysis explores the comparison between the famous lens maker in Israel, identified as Shamir Optical Industry, and Essilor, a global leader in ophthalmic lenses. The response is structured to provide a thorough understanding of their histories, technologies, market positions, and how they relate given their shared ownership under EssilorLuxottica as of May 20, 2025.
Background and Identification
The process began by identifying the famous lens maker in Israel, which research consistently pointed to as Shamir Optical Industry. Founded in 1972 in Israel, Shamir has grown into a global leader in optical lens manufacturing, particularly noted for its progressive lens designs. Sources such as Shamir Optical Industry – Wikipedia confirm its Israeli origin and its focus on innovative lens technologies.
Essilor, on the other hand, is a French multinational corporation, founded in 1972 through the merger of Essel and Silor, and is recognized as the world’s largest manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses. Its prominence is detailed in Essilor – Wikipedia, highlighting its extensive range of products, including the famous Varilux progressive lenses and Crizal coatings.
Historical Context and Ownership
A critical aspect of the comparison is their corporate relationship. In 2011, Essilor acquired Shamir, purchasing 50% of its shares for $130 million, as noted in Shamir Optical Industry – Wikipedia. This acquisition led to Shamir being delisted from NASDAQ and becoming a private company. Further, in August 2022, EssilorLuxottica, formed from the merger of Essilor and Luxottica, acquired 100% of Shamir, solidifying their integration. This timeline is supported by various news articles referenced in the Wikipedia page, such as EssilorLuxottica acquires Shamir Optical Industry.
Given this, as of May 20, 2025, Shamir operates as a subsidiary of EssilorLuxottica, meaning they are no longer direct competitors but part of the same corporate entity. This integration suggests their technologies and products are likely complementary rather than competitive.
Technological Comparison
Both companies are leaders in lens technology, but their approaches differ based on their specialties:
- Shamir’s Innovations:
- Shamir is particularly noted for its Autograph Intelligence series, a progressive lens that uses artificial intelligence to personalize the lens design. According to Choose Your Perfect Lens | Essilor & Shamir Lenses | Houston Eye, this lens is tailored to the wearer’s visual age and specific vision zone usage, overcoming limitations of traditional progressive lenses by offering twelve unique designs. This personalization is highlighted in New and Noteworthy Spectacle Lenses and Coatings – Review of Optometry, which mentions Shamir’s focus on visual age for easier adaptation.
- Other models, such as Autograph II and III, are mentioned in Shamir Lenses | Replacement Lens Express, indicating a range of progressive lenses designed for precision and comfort.
- Essilor’s Offerings:
- Essilor is famous for its Varilux brand, with models like Varilux X incorporating technologies such as SynchronEyes for binocular vision and Xtend for extended near vision zones, as detailed in New and Noteworthy Spectacle Lenses and Coatings – Review of Optometry. This is noted for providing a balanced viewing experience, especially for patients with asymmetric prescriptions.
- Additionally, Essilor’s Crizal coatings are renowned for anti-glare, scratch resistance, and UV protection, as seen in Quality Eyeglass Lenses | Shamir | Hoya | Essilor | Bristol, CT.
The comparison of their progressive lenses is further explored in Anagram | Would your patients be better off in Shamir or Varilux?, which suggests that while EssilorLuxottica has superior brand equity, the choice between Shamir and Varilux depends on the patient’s unique needs. It notes that Shamir is a lens tech company devoted to improving patient lives through state-of-the-art lenses, contrasting with Essilor’s broader market presence.
Market Position and User Preferences
Both companies are top-tier in the optical industry, as evidenced by The 12 Top Eyeglass Lens Manufacturers Leading the Global Market in 2025 – Eyewearglobo, which lists Shamir among the leaders alongside EssilorLuxottica. This source highlights Europe’s focus on premium lenses, with EssilorLuxottica setting benchmarks, while Shamir’s Israeli origin adds to its global reputation.
User discussions, such as in r/optometry on Reddit: Single vision lenses. Confusion with brands. (Hoya, Essilor, Shamir), suggest that for low prescriptions, the choice might not be critical, but Hoya is often recommended. However, for progressive lenses, both Shamir and Essilor are frequently cited as go-to options, with preferences varying by specific needs.
Additional Context and User Relevance
The user’s X handle, erickimphoto, suggests a possible connection to Eric Kim, a photographer. While the query is about eyeglass lenses, not camera lenses, photographers often have specific visual needs, such as clear vision for both near and far distances, which both Shamir and Essilor address with their progressive lenses. This context was explored through an X search, which yielded no relevant results, indicating no specific public statements from Eric Kim on this topic.
Summary Table: Shamir vs Essilor Comparison
| Aspect | Shamir | Essilor |
| Origin | Israel, founded 1972 | France, founded 1972 |
| Ownership (2025) | Part of EssilorLuxottica (acquired 2011, 100% by 2022) | Parent company of Shamir, part of EssilorLuxottica |
| Key Products | Autograph Intelligence (AI-driven progressive) | Varilux (progressive), Crizal (coatings) |
| Technology Focus | Personalized, AI-based lens design | Broad range, advanced coatings, binocular tech |
| Market Position | Global leader, strong in progressive lenses | World’s largest, extensive global presence |
| User Suitability | Ideal for personalized vision needs | Suitable for broad range, advanced coatings |
Conclusion
Given their shared ownership under EssilorLuxottica, Shamir and Essilor are not direct competitors but offer complementary lens solutions. Shamir excels in personalized, AI-driven progressive lenses, making it ideal for users seeking tailored vision solutions, while Essilor provides a broader range, including popular Varilux progressives and Crizal coatings, suitable for diverse needs. For users like photographers, both brands cater to high visual demands, and consulting an optometrist is recommended to choose based on specific requirements.
Key Citations
- Shamir Optical Industry detailed history
- Essilor global lens manufacturer overview
- Ranking top prescription lenses worldwide
- Comparing Varilux and Shamir progressive lenses
- New spectacle lenses and coatings review
- Choosing perfect lenses with Essilor and Shamir
- Quality eyeglass lenses including Shamir and Essilor
- Top eyeglass lens manufacturers in 2025 market
- Shamir lenses detailed guide and coatings
- Reddit discussion on lens brands Hoya, Essilor, Shamir