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Spectaris presents: Ophthalmic Optics in Transition: AI, Smart Glasses, and Telemedicine Are Revolutionizing the Industry

New Study Identifies Ophthalmic Optics as a Key Industry of the Future

Ophthalmic optics is among the most promising future industries of the German economy. This is the finding of a recent study conducted by the FutureManagementGroup in cooperation with the German Industry Association SPECTARIS. The study analyzed 25 industrial sectors with regard to key future trends through 2040 and produced a ranking of the ten industries with the greatest future potential. The overarching field of optics and photonics, which includes ophthalmic optics, was ranked 6th overall.


Future Technologies: Smart Vision Solutions and Digital Connectivity

  • AI-based diagnostics and smart eyewear: Advanced image analysis algorithms enable more precise diagnoses. Smart glasses and contact lenses process visual information in real time.

  • Telemedicine and digital consulting: Online eye tests and AI-supported diagnostics improve accessibility to eye care.

  • Intelligent ophthalmic optics as part of the “Quantified Self”: Smart contact lenses measure health parameters such as intraocular pressure or blood glucose levels.

  • 3D printing and AI-driven production: Individually optimized lenses and frames are customized through AI and additive manufacturing.

  • Sustainable production and recycling: Eco-friendly materials and circular economy models are gaining importance.


Growth Opportunities and New Business Models

  • Holographic technologies for adaptive vision aids: Glasses that dynamically adjust their optical strength could replace traditional progressive lenses.

  • Optics companies as healthcare providers: Manufacturers are increasingly combining prevention, diagnostics, and smart vision solutions.

  • Quantum computing for optical design: High-performance computing enables the simulation of new designs and materials.

  • Online optometry and AI-based consulting: AI tools analyze visual needs and recommend tailor-made solutions.


Challenges: Disruptive Technologies and New Competitors

  • Market shifts driven by tech companies: Firms with expertise in AI and semiconductors could displace traditional optics providers.

  • Holographic displays as a potential disruption: Digital projections may one day replace conventional lenses.

  • Medical innovations reducing demand for vision aids: Gene therapies and regenerative technologies could permanently correct vision impairments.

  • Growing competition through AI-driven production: Companies that fail to invest in automation risk losing competitiveness.


Ophthalmic Optics as a Key Industry of the Future

“Our study shows that technology-driven industries, in particular, hold enormous potential. They can seize the opportunities of major transformative changes—provided they invest with the right balance of risk appetite and enthusiasm for the future,” explains Prof. Dr. Pero Mićić, CEO of FutureManagementGroup AG.


Mirjam Rösch, Chair of Consumer Optics at SPECTARIS, adds:

“Ophthalmic optics is not only an important future industry but also a key component of healthcare. To remain competitive in the long term, we must create innovation-friendly conditions. This includes targeted funding programs for digital health solutions, regulatory facilitation for new technologies, and stronger support for sustainable production processes. Germany can take a leading role here—but this requires decisive political action.”

Study Methodology

The study, commissioned by SPECTARIS and conducted by FutureManagementGroup, is based on a comprehensive assessment of technological and economic trends. It focused on five key transformation scenarios expected to shape much of the manufacturing industry by 2040:


  1. Growth in computing power and data volumes

  2. Productivity gains through artificial intelligence

  3. Work becomes a hobby (automation through robotics)

  4. Increasing life expectancy

  5. More sustainable economic practices


Based on these scenarios, three key questions were analyzed and rated on a point scale:

  1. Degree of impact: How strongly are the sectors affected by these trend scenarios, particularly regarding the share of companies impacted (used as a multiplier)?

  2. Opportunity potential: What is the expected additional value creation potential through technological and economic developments, in terms of efficiency and market growth?

  3. Disruption potential: To what extent are existing key technologies and competencies of German companies at risk?


The overall score in the ranking was derived from these factors. Industries that combined strong growth potential with relatively low disruption risks performed particularly well. However, a high level of disruption exposure does not necessarily imply limited growth—on the contrary, strong transformative pressure can often reveal new opportunities and accelerate innovation processes.


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