opti 2026 in Munich, Germany

opti 2026 — the key kickoff event of the year for the ophthalmic optics industry: from frames and lenses to contact lenses, diagnostics, low vision, and optical shop design.

The upcoming opti edition will take place at Fairground Munich (Messe München). Three days of meetings, premieres, and deals — no fluff, with a strong focus on decision-makers.

History of opti: Key Milestones and Growth

First held in 1998 (then as Opti-München), later moving to a new fairground. Since 2008, GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen has taken over organization, establishing the show as a global hub for the industry.

Cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic, opti has been consistently held in January in Munich since 2022. The 2024 exhibition spanned 16,892 m² — a solid benchmark for planning booths and demonstrations.

Video: Experience the opti Atmosphere in Minutes

A short video showcasing halls, trend zones, and live demos — to grasp the pace and scale before your visit.

About the opti 2026 Event: What Drives the Program

Sections cover the full spectrum: frames and lenses, contact lenses and accessories, refraction and diagnostics, low vision, eye-trackers, optical software, and shop design solutions.

Formats: themed hubs (e.g., Myopia Hub, Sustainability Hub, Next Generation Hub), trend guides, YES zone for independent brands, Frame Star design competitions, booth tours, and dedicated networking bars.

For exhibitors, a digital platform and opti CONNECT tool make it easy to schedule meetings in advance and boost outreach.

Advantages of opti: Numbers, Space, and Audience Profile

• 2025 Results: 21,105 professional visitors and 330 exhibitors from 23 countries; 97% of exhibitors rated visitor quality as “good/very good,” 90% plan to return.
• Messe München — 18 halls, ~200,000 m² of indoor space plus 400,000+ m² open-air: ample room for large booths, test zones, and stages.
• High concentration of solutions: from classic to smart optics and AI-driven eyewear, accelerating the journey from demo to pilot and purchase.
• Community effect: early-year timing, packed schedule of premieres and announcements — visitors come with purpose, not just to browse.

Six Prominent Companies at opti and Why Visit Them

• Carl Zeiss Vision (ZEISS). Lenses, coatings, digital services, and solutions for progressive myopia management. At opti 2026, they showcase practical workflows for opticians and customization case studies.
• HOYA Lens Deutschland. Extensive lens portfolio and processing technologies; strong support for independent opticians. Their booth features examples of boosting profitability and lens selection tools.
• Rodenstock. Personalized progressive lenses and biometric fitting approaches. Their team hosts mini-lectures and meetings to explore assortment upgrades.
• Marcolin. Portfolio of fashion brands (from Tom Ford and Guess to Max Mara and Moncler) plus proprietary lines. At opti 2026, the focus is on seasonal novelties and merchandising strategies.
• EssilorLuxottica. Global frame brands and lens technologies; participates in Frame Star activities. Expect flagship brand innovations and ready-to-use visual concepts.
• CooperVision. Contact lenses and care; practical materials on myopia and optical specialization. Their booth offers training and tools for engaging end customers.

Product and Service Categories at opti

• Frames and eyewear design: mainstream and independent segments, premium brands, smart glasses.
• Lenses: single-vision/progressive, coatings, photochromics, custom optics, myopia solutions.
• Contact lenses and care: soft/hard, multifocal, accessories, and training programs.
• Refraction and diagnostics: phoropters, aberrometers, OCT, eye-trackers, software for optical offices and showrooms.
• Low Vision and auditory solutions: assistive devices, consulting services.
• Shopfitting and IT: furniture, lighting, displays, POS and CRM systems, e-commerce solutions.

Tips for opti 2026 Visitors: How to Maximize Your Experience

• Mark key hubs: Myopia, Sustainability, Next Generation — ideal for discovering new trends and partners quickly.
• Schedule meetings via the platform in advance and leave time for guided trend tours and YES zone visits.
• Bring a task list: new brands, myopia solutions, diagnostic upgrades, merchandising — consultants will provide tailored options.
• Logistics: Take U2 to Messestadt West/Ost; allow time for navigating between pavilions.
• Last 60–90 minutes of the day are perfect for negotiations: less traffic, more focus.

How to Participate in opti 2026 as an Exhibitor

Simple steps: submit an application, choose booth size and location, arrange technical services (electricity, rigging, internet), plan sample logistics, demo scenarios, and lead management.

Need a stress-free booth? ESBAU will design and build an exhibition tailored to your KPIs: production, setup, and on-site support.

Have a design but tight on time? ESBAU delivers turnkey projects or offers booth rental with quick brand customization.

Testing a new assortment? ESBAU’s modular booth with furniture and media corner ensures a fast start at opti 2026 with a transparent budget.

Practical Information

• 2025 Results: 21,105 visitors, 330 exhibitors from 23 countries; 97% satisfied with audience quality.
• 2024 Scale: exhibition ~16,892 m². Messe München — 18 halls, ~200,000 m² indoor and 400,000+ m² open-air.
• Organizer: GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen. The series consistently kicks off the optical year in Europe.