Eyewear manufacturing mubs around the world

Over the years, eyeglass workshops have clustered in locations geographically favourable for their activity

In France, Jura is the cradle of French-made eyeglasses since the 18th century. The village of Morez once concentrated nearly 80% of national production, manufacturing primarily metal frames. The Ain and the Oyonnax Valley, also called "Plastic Valley," are well known for producing cellulose acetate frames.

In Italy, the province of Belluno, north of Venice, saw the birth of Italian eyeglass manufacturing. Its history began in 1878 with the opening of its first factory. Since then, this activity has spread across the entire province and is the second eyeglass hub in the world after China.

In Japan, this industry emerged in 1905 in Fukui Prefecture, around the city of Sabae. Nowadays, Japanese manufacturing, especially using titanium, is synonymous with excellence and represents the world's third eyeglass hub.

In China, the region of Guangdong hosts the world's largest eyeglass production centre, particularly dedicated to mass production. This is where cheap and mass-produced eyeglasses are manufactured.