Zeiss Vision sees China as core global innovation hub engine

Zeiss Vision places high priority on China, vowing sustained investment and positioning the country not only as a key market but also as a core global innovation engine that drives advancements for the world, a senior executive said.

For the next five years, the German manufacturer of eyeglass lenses and ophthalmic instruments will focus on letting China continue to thrive as the largest market, while also becoming a global innovation hub.

"We have an innovation hub in China, and it is not intended only for China, but also for the rest of the world. We will integrate global resources and drive growth by advancing smart manufacturing, localizing R&D, and fostering ecosystem collaboration," Sven Hermann, a member of the executive board of the 180-year-old Zeiss Group, said in an exclusive interview during the China (Shanghai) International Optics Fair that concluded earlier this month.

At this year's fair, the company unveiled an independent exhibition house featuring five thematic zones, displaying the latest breakthroughs in technologies and focusing on in-depth communication, strategic co-creation, and immersive experiences.

A highlight was the global launch of the company's new flagship product, Zeiss MyoActive Lens, at the fair. As the latest addition to Zeiss' myopia management portfolio, the lens powered by Zeiss M.O.V.E. (micro optical variable elements) technology has been clinically proven to control myopia progression.

"China has been one of the fastest-growing markets for Zeiss, which has been rooted in the market for three decades, with Zeiss Vision China maintaining double-digit growth in recent years," said Hermann, who is also president and CEO of Zeiss Consumer Markets.

"Every time I visit China, I find something new. The market is evolving so quickly," he said.

To fuel innovation, the company has built a robust local innovation ecosystem, collaborating with leading Chinese universities and hospitals such as Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, and developing an AI-powered eye care assistant in partnership with Tencent Health to advance intelligent eye health management.

The company's commitment to China is also underscored by significant investments and tangible achievements. It has established six legal entities in Guangzhou with a total investment of over 4.2 billion yuan ($608 million), evolving from an initial manufacturing base into a comprehensive eye health industry ecosystem.

Earlier this year, Zeiss Vision Care Guangzhou Manufacturing Base was named a "lighthouse factory" by the World Economic Forum owing to its end-to-end digital transformation in optical precision manufacturing, setting a global benchmark.

By deploying technologies like machine learning, digital twins, and AI agents, the manufacturing base also significantly enhances product personalization, tailoring solutions to customers' age, visual needs and lifestyle, while reducing delivery time by 29 percent.

Zeiss is also accelerating the expansion of new businesses in China, having entered orthokeratology, mixed reality, augmented reality and smart glasses in 2025.

"We will be investing significantly in AR, virtual reality and smart glasses, among others. We've had some discussions with local governments and shared our plans, obtaining positive feedback and assistance," said Hermann.

zhouwenting@chinadaily.com.cn