Germany’s optics industry has long been a global leader across multiple fields starting with the consumer eyewear market such as glasses and contact lenses and going all the way to scientific and industrial applications. In recent years, the industry has seen steady revenue growth and was among the first sectors to bounce back from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The expansion of e-commerce has further contributed to this upward trajectory within the consumer market, albeit at a slower pace than in other consumer sectors. While in-person consultations remain essential for precise optical measurements and prescriptions, online platforms are increasingly being used for follow-up purchases and accessory sales. One of Germany’s most significant regions for optics and photonics is Hessen, where roughly 180 companies are based, employing around 20,000 people in the sector. The region has grown a thriving ecosystem of high-tech enterprises, many of which are highly specialized. You might recognise names such as Excel Technology Europe, a leader in laser technology, and Vitronic, a Wiesbaden-based company specializing in image processing solutions. With its strong industrial base and research-driven approach, Hessen is a crucial driver of Germany’s optics industry. The city of Wetzlar, located in Central Hessen, has also earned itself a reputation as a key center for Germany’s optics industry. More than 70 optics companies operate in and around Wetzlar and employ a workforce of 5,400 professionals. These businesses generate hundreds of millions of euros in revenue through the development and production of advanced optical devices. The city has played a historic role in optics, with major industry names such as Leica having roots in the region. In 2010, the “Wetzlar Network” was established—an initiative that aims to strengthen collaboration among industry players while enhancing the national and international profile of the region’s optical, mechanical, and electronics sectors.