The optical industry mourns the passing of the inventor of the progressive lens

Bernard Maitenaz, the inventor of the Varilux progressive lens, has passed away in his home city of Paris at the age of 94.

One of the most iconic figures in the optical industry, Bernard Maitenaz co-founded the Essilor Group in 1972. At the helm of the company between 1981 and 1991, he oversaw a period of major international growth. He graduated with degrees in engineering from both Arts et Métiers in 1946 and Ecole Supérieure d’Optique in 1947. He achieved significant stature in numerous areas of research and technology. Frustrated with his father’s bifocals, and determined to improve his father’s life by improving his sight, Bernard, who was then a 33-year-old engineer at La Société des Lunetiers in 1959, took on the task of creating a lens that would provide presbyopes with comfortable vision at any distance.

Elaine Grisdale, IOA Director of Development, knew Bernard Maitenaz as a friend and mentor. She said, “Bernard Maitenaz was a truly remarkable man. A man who revolutionised dispensing optics, and to whom professionals and presbyopes alike owe a great debt. If you passed Bernard Maitenaz in the street, you would have no idea of the impact he had made to the lives of professionals and presbyopes alike. His endearing quality was his humility. He was a simple man in the best sense of the term: calm, intelligent and caring. He was someone who did not seek the limelight, but who would share his knowledge and experience if asked. Optics has lost a great man.”

Paul du Saillant, chairman and CEO of Essilor International, said, “The entire Essilor family is truly saddened by the loss of our honorary chairman, friend and colleague, Bernard Maitenaz.

“A true pioneer and inventor at heart, Bernard will also be remembered for the values with which he led Essilor between 1981 and 1991, and which he promoted within Valoptec throughout his more than 70-year career. Without him and the invention of the Varilux progressive lens, the optical industry and Essilor would not be what they are today.

“We owe Bernard enormously, and he will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come. On this sad day, our thoughts are with his family, sons and grandchildren.”