Why Italy?
The history of eyewear begins in Italy during the 13th century, with the invention of the first rudimentary eyeglasses. These early spectacles, most likely developed in Venice or Pisa, featured convex lenses designed to correct presbyopia. They were handmade by skilled artisans and were often held by hand or perched precariously on the nose. This invention marked the beginning of a long Italian tradition in optics and craftsmanship.
The first lenses
The Arab scholar and astronomer Ibn al-Haytham (ca. 965–1040 AD) was the first to suggest that polished lenses could help people with visual impairments. While his idea of using sections of a glass sphere for optical magnification wasn’t implemented until much later, his influential Book of Optics was translated into Latin in 1240 and widely read in monastic communities. It was in these settings that his theories became reality: in the 13th century, Italian monks developed semi-spherical lenses made from rock crystal and quartz that could magnify text when placed on a page. These so-called reading stones were a major aid for elderly monks suffering from presbyopia, greatly improving their quality of life. Around this time, the German word for eyeglasses, “Brille,” emerged, derived from “beryll”—the term for the rock crystal used in early lenses.
As the Renaissance spread across Europe, literacy grew and so did the demand for reading glasses. Italian craftsmen, already renowned for their artistry in glass and metal, refined their techniques and began producing more functional and aesthetically pleasing eyewear. Over time, the spectacle trade became a symbol of both practicality and style.
Modern eyewear
Modern eyeglasses began to take shape in the 18th century, when the key innovation of temple arms—resting over the ears—solved the problem of slipping frames. The first of these appeared in London, as noted in a 1728 brochure by optician Scarlett. In 1784, Benjamin Franklin invented bifocal lenses, still known today as “Franklin glasses.”
By the 1850s, this design became widespread. While the basic shape has remained largely the same, comfort improved over time through refined temples and nose pads, reaching near-anatomical precision by the early 20th century.
Italian Industry
Italy’s dominance in the modern eyewear industry took shape after World War II, particularly in the Veneto region. The town of Belluno became a global hub for eyewear production thanks to its skilled workforce, strong industrial culture, and entrepreneurial families who transformed local workshops into international enterprises. During the 1960s and 1970s, Italian manufacturers began merging technical expertise with fashion sensibility, elevating eyewear into a design-driven accessory.
One of the most significant players in this transformation was Luxottica, founded in 1961. Over the decades, Luxottica grew to become the largest eyewear company in the world, acquiring global brands like Ray-Ban and forging partnerships with top fashion houses such as Prada, Giorgio Armani, and Versace. The Italian eyewear industry became known not only for its quality and innovation, but also for its distinctive design and prestige.
Eyewear district of Milano – Varese
Beyond Belluno, another key eyewear district is found in the province of Varese, in northern Italy. This region hosts a rich network of small to mid-sized manufacturers and suppliers known for artisanal quality and technological expertise. In Venegono Inferiore, one standout example is La Giardiniera, founded in 1973 by Gianluigi Antognazza. After years of experience working in other local companies, including Sordelli – a manufacturer of plastics and eyewear -Gianluigi decided to take the leap and invest his life savings into building his first production facility. Driven by entrepreneurial spirit, he launched multiple production and commercial ventures under the La Giardiniera name.
Over the years, the company developed and distributed collections for numerous brands, including the historic elleGi, Karisma, Regina Schrecker, Zippo, Kappa, Fisher Price, and many others. Today, La Giardiniera continues to thrive, producing eyewear for international brands as well as independent fashion houses-particularly in the American market – while staying true to its roots in quality craftsmanship and flexibility.
Nearby Castiglione Olona also plays a critical role in the eyewear supply chain. It is home to the world’s leading manufacturer of cellulose acetate, the essential material used for high-end eyewear frames, making the town a global reference point in sustainable and high-quality frame production. Castiglione also hosts ZEISS Vision Care’s Italian operations, providing premium lenses that are recognized worldwide for their optical excellence.
Together, these towns form a highly integrated eyewear ecosystem that combines heritage craftsmanship with advanced materials and cutting-edge optics.
Today, Italy remains a global leader in eyewear not only for its scale and production capacity, but for its unmatched blend of history, design, innovation, and the enduring passion of its people. Whether in the industrial heart of Belluno or the deeply rooted artisan hubs of Varese, Italian eyewear continues to set the global standard for style, quality, and excellence.