EssilorLuxottica has introduced its Essilor® Stellest® lens in India, marking the arrival of what the company says is the first and only U.S. FDA market-authorized spectacle lens designed to slow myopia progression in children. The announcement comes amid growing concerns over rising cases of childhood myopia in India, where nearly 50 per cent of urban children are projected to be affected by 2050, while one in four children already suffers from the condition. The company said clinical studies showed the Essilor® Stellest® lens slowed myopia progression by 71 per cent on average over two years. The lens received U.S. FDA market authorization through the De Novo pathway after being designated as a Breakthrough Technology in 2021.
Dr Kunal Srivastava, Director Medical & Professional Affairs at EssilorLuxottica India, said the approval would strengthen confidence among doctors and healthcare providers in adopting evidence-based myopia management solutions. Venu Ambati, President, India at EssilorLuxottica, said early intervention was critical as untreated myopia progression could lead to severe eye complications later in life. In Kolkata, optical retailers and eye care professionals in the city are expected to witness rising demand for advanced pediatric eye-care solutions as awareness around childhood myopia increases among urban families. Industry observers believe Kolkata’s growing network of optical clinics and hospitals could make the city an important market for premium myopia-control technologies in eastern India.
The company said it plans to expand availability across metro cities and emerging hubs before extending distribution to Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets through ophthalmologists, optometrists, and optical networks.