24 April 2026
Essilor has launched new products into both its Varilux and Transitions ranges, OT learnt at a recent press event hosted at its Kensington, London offices (31 March).
Released on 8 April, the Varilux Immersia was described as the next-generation occupational lens, built around modern working habits and ergonomics to support presbyopia.
Speaking to OT, Charlotte Timbury, EssilorLuxottica director of medical and professional affairs for North Europe, explained: “Although part of the Varilux family, it’s not a full progressive lens, it’s an occupational lens.”
She emphasised that the key differentiator for the lens is its posture-led design, sharing that, for the first time, Essilor has developed a lens using guidance from occupational health bodies with the aim that it supports “the more natural positioning during screen use.”
“We’ve taken what the recommendation is from occupational health and safety bodies and then designed the lens around that,” Timbury added.
Highlighting the importance of recommended posture to the design, Timbury explained: “Our head and neck posture should be roughly neutral for screen use, but with an average varifocal it’s about -8 degrees.”
As a result, the intermediate and near vision zones in the Varilux Immersia have been adapted.
“The zones have been positioned to increase postural comfort when using computer screens… so the wearer is positioned closer to a neutral position,” Timbury shared.
She added that the new lens “will allow a much wider field, and also an increased depth of focus.”
“It works less on that linear approach and more in the surrounding approach,” she said.
The lens has been tested in a simulated environment using artificial intelligence-powered digital twining technology, which Essilor uses to assess and guarantee lens performance.
Timbury confirmed that Varilux Immersia will replace Essilor’s existing Digitime lens and is designed to meet growing demand from digitally active presbyopes.
“It’s not just for working presbyopes, it’s useful and relevant in their leisure time: FaceTiming, gaming, online shopping time too,” she explained, highlighting that around 70% of presbyopes experience digital eye strain.
Varilux Immersia is available in two versions, supporting working distances up to 1.5m and 3m, allowing the lens to be used as either a primary or task-specific solution. It will also be available in a variety of materials as well as in clear and Transitions.
Colour Transitions
Ahead of the summer, Transitions has launched Transitions Color Touch, a lens range designed to deliver “subtle, always-on colour.”
The latest launch aims to build on the company’s ambitions to redefine dynamic lenses as a category by combining advanced light-responsive technology with a stronger fashion focus.
A goal of the launch is to shift perceptions of Transitions, among consumers. “We are trying to deliver what the wearers today are looking for - eyewear that is both fun, stylish but also functional,” Transitions brand promoter, Nick Gregg said.
Gregg described the latest lenses as bringing together performance and style. “It combines the best performance features of Transitions Gen S. with style, adding an always on touch of colour,” he said.
New lens colours, which come in gradient and washed effects, include ruby, amber, sapphire, amethyst and emerald.
The range introduces gradient tint options, allowing wearers to personalise their look.
“You can start off with either a washed tint, or you’ve also got the option of having something gradient,” he explained.
Discussing the lenses, Gregg said: “It’s a very usable tint indoors, but outdoors, these lenses activate in seconds, revealing vibrant, sun lens-level dark tints when fully activated – the change is so quick nowadays.”
Demonstrating the product, Gregg highlighted the lenses can reach “category three darkness within about 25 seconds,” with significantly faster fade-back times than previous generations.
The lenses are available in five colours, expanding on the existing Gen S palette, with Gregg predicting strong interest in newer shades. “My prediction is ruby will perform well, because it’s the newest colour and it fills in the gap in the colour wheel,” he said.
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