Essilor was created from Essel and Silor, two companies dating back respectively to 1849 and 1931, which dominated the French optical eyewear market in the mid-20th century. The new company inherited a priceless tradition from its two precursors - the entrepreneurial values of mutual trust, respect and building on differences - which make it unique and encourage a spirit of initiative, enabling it to stay constantly ahead of the curve.
The Group's corporate culture is built on the innovation which drives its employees on a daily basis and makes it possible to continue creating life-changing solutions: invention of the progressive lens, creation of plastic lenses, as well as lens coatings, hi-tech vision measurement tools and now customization of visual correction...
The mission "seeing the world better", that means to improve eyesight to contribute to better peoples lives, was explicitly part of the founding agreements of the Group in 1972. This mission results from a rich history; it still drives Essilors actions across the globe, setting the stage for the Groups work in the future.