The Vision Council continues to lead the optical industry’s engagement in the development and advancement of technical standards, ensuring safety, quality, and innovation across a wide range of optical products. By informing domestic initiatives in partnership with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and contributing to global standards with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), The Vision Council’s work strengthens industry alignment and consumer confidence worldwide.
Over the past several months, The Vision Council has made significant strides across multiple areas of technical standards, including:
- Representation at the ISO Eye and Face Protection Standards Meeting– In June, Michael Vitale, Vice President of Membership, Government Relations & Technical Affairs, represented The Vision Council at the ISO TC94 SC6 Eye and Face Protection interim meetings in Stockholm, Sweden. Serving on behalf of ASTM and ANSI, Vitale contributed to discussions shaping international standards for safety and sports eyewear.
A number of ISO working groups are addressing key updates and new developments across several industry standards, including:
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- ISO/AWI 4007– Vocabulary for personal protective eye and face equipment.
- ISO 12312-1:2022/Amd 1– Sunglasses for general use.
- ISO/CD 12312-2– Filters for direct solar observation.
- ISO 16321-3:2021/Amd 1– Occupational mesh protectors.
- ISO/FDIS 16321-4– Protection against biological hazards.
- ISO 18527-3:2020/Amd 1– Surface swimming eyewear.
- ISO/AWI 18527-4 – Motorcycling and motorized sports eyewear.
- ISO/AWI 18527-5– Snowmobile goggles.
- ISO/CD TS 19818-2– Guidance for laser eye and face protection.
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- Update of Data Communication Standard– The Vision Council recently released Version 3.14 of the Data Communication Standard, developed by the Data Communications Standard Committee under The Vision Council’s Lens, Lab & Lens Processing Technology Division. This update reflects the industry’s commitment to streamlining communication tools for frame and lens manufacturing.
- Participation at the ASC Z80 Ophthalmic Optics Standards Meeting– As Secretariat for the Accredited Standards Committee for Ophthalmic Optics (ASC Z80) since 2011, The Vision Council oversees more than 20 national standards in ophthalmic optics, covering frames, lenses, sunglasses, low vision devices, contact lenses, and medical instruments. In April, representatives participated in the ASC Z80 spring meeting, where subcommittees tackled pressing topics affecting both medical and consumer products.
Why Standards Matter
Standards serve as the invisible backbone of the optical industry, ensuring that products perform reliably, safely, and consistently across global markets. Standards enable accurate prescriptions, guide the durability of lenses and frames, and help establish best practices for emerging technologies, directly impacting the experiences of patients, providers, and manufacturers alike.
“Optical standards quietly shape the infrastructure that allows our industry to grow, innovate, and serve consumers with confidence,” said Michael Vitale, Vice President of Membership, Government Relations & Technical Affairs at The Vision Council. “The Vision Council is proud to have a seat at the table and be able to inform, develop and implement the technical standards our members use to manufacture and sell high quality optical products, ensuring quality vision for people everywhere.”
Through its leadership in standards development, The Vision Council ensures that the optical industry remains responsive to emerging technologies, evolving safety requirements, and global harmonization efforts. The organization’s active involvement in both national and international committees is a testament to its long-standing commitment to technical excellence and to fostering a stronger, more connected optical community.