The General Assembly of ANFAO – the Italian National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers – was held at Palazzo Flangini in Venice, in an atmosphere of sharing and relaunch. A content-rich event, during which President Lorraine Berton, alongside the entire Presidential Council, presented an overview of recent activities and outlined the strategic directions to face current challenges, including a drop in exports, regulatory pressures, and the risk of increased tariffs.
“In a complex context,” said President Lorraine Berton, “ANFAO is present, standing beside businesses, representing them with authority and developing real, systemic, and training-oriented tools. Italian eyewear is a globally recognized excellence, and we must do everything possible to promote and protect it.”
AN EVER MORE ACTIVE ASSOCIATION, SERVING THE INDUSTRY
The Assembly showcased a wide-ranging overview of ongoing activities and new projects:
- Training and Inclusion, with the Walk the Talkprogram focused on inclusive behavior.
- Sustainability, through the ESG pathway offered to member companies to introduce them to social impact reporting, and the development of the CSE Certification as a European standard for sustainable eyewear.
- Medical community engagement and technological innovation, with the Eyevolutionproject and the tele-referral protocol developed in collaboration with the Presbyopia Observatory.
- Youth and the future: from the Creativity Day to the free master’s program with Luiss Business School on export management—investing in new generations with high-level educational tools.
- Institutional advocacy: ANFAO continues to actively participate in national and European forums, particularly on issues such as U.S. tariffs and trade barriers.
EXPORT AND MARKETS: CONCERNS
Tariffs are a major concern for the sector, and ANFAO is at the forefront of institutional dialogue to represent the interests of the entire supply chain.“
The possibility of increased U.S. tariffs is a real threat—not only economically but also symbolically. We cannot allow trade barriers to distort fair international competition. We are working to ensure the voice of Italian eyewear is heard clearly at ministerial tables and in European forums,” stated President Berton.
The combination of macroeconomic factors—from global conflicts to tariffs, regulatory pressure and production costs—demands a strategy focused on safeguarding and enhancing the Italian eyewear supply chain, a mission that ANFAO is pursuing with determination.
Internationalization activities are also key. Despite good relations with government institutions, such efforts are struggling to take off.
“Concrete support for companies on the international stage is more crucial than ever. Ensuring continuity and solidity in foreign promotion efforts, while providing timely tools and responses to the needs of businesses, is a top priority for ANFAO,” said Deputy Vice President Davide Degl’Incerti Tocci.
THE LENS OF TIME: ITALIAN EYEWEAR TOLD TO THE PUBLIC
The exhibition “The Lens of Time – The History of Eyewear in Italy”, conceived and promoted by ANFAO, curated by the Eyewear Museum Foundation and realized in collaboration with Fondazione di Venezia and the M9 Museum of the 20th Century, will remain open at Palazzo Flangini until July 30. It has already attracted over 2,000 visitors and gained significant media coverage, representing a major cultural initiative to promote awareness of the territory, product, and sector.
A portion of the exhibit will also be set up at the M9 Museum in Mestre as part of the Identitalia – The Iconic Italian Brands exhibition, promoted by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, and will be on display from September 18 until February 15, 2026.
Through The Lens of Time project in Venice, ANFAO aims to tell the story of Italian eyewear using an innovative and cultural narrative. Not just a “manufacturing excellence” but also an ambassador of identity, creativity, and craftsmanship. The goal is to continue in this direction, positioning eyewear as a flagship of a renewed Made in Italy that blends region, design, craftsmanship, and social responsibility.
“Our strength lies in the courage to innovate without losing our identity. Today, ANFAO is increasingly a lab of ideas and concrete actions, capable of connecting industry, culture, and education. Together we can build a more cohesive, sustainable, and leading supply chain, both in Italy and around the world,” concluded President Berton.
IUAV IN THE SPOTLIGHT: WHEN BUSINESS AND CULTURE DESIGN TOGETHER
As part of The Lens of Time initiative, the public presentation of IUAV workshops drew considerable attention. The result of a collaboration between ANFAO, the Fondazione di Venezia, and IUAV University, the initiative involved over 60 students in three design workshops focusing on:
- Eyewear as an interface between the body and technology
- The aesthetics of sustainability
- Visual devices for inclusive sports
A concrete example of how education, culture, and industry can engage in dialogue to foster innovation and Made in Italy. A project that highlights ANFAO’s commitment to generating value through a culture of design.
“We find ourselves in a moment that is as strategic as it is complex for our sector. The first half of 2025 has been full of challenges and troubling signals, but also meaningful confirmation of the cohesion and strength of our industry. Now more than ever, we must act as one, speaking with a united and credible voice to both Italian and European institutions—and to our global partners. The Italian eyewear industry has been a world-renowned excellence for decades. It is our duty to protect it from any attempts at restriction and support its path of growth and transformation,” said President Lorraine Berton at the opening of the proceedings.