At opti 2026, the industry’s future is shaped not just by what you see, but by what you experience.
This year, two immersive formats redefine how optical retailers can grow: the world-premiere opti SPHEARE hearing care platform, and the evolved energy of TOMORROW VISION, where contact lens innovations meet movement, sport and modern lifestyle.
Together, they illuminate the most influential vision and hearing trends in optometry today.
opti SPHEARE hearing care platform
Making Sound Visible
In Hall C3, the opti SPHEARE hearing care platform launches as a fully immersive world dedicated to helping optical retailers expand into hearing care with clarity and confidence. Spanning over 250 square metres, it connects knowledge transfer, technological progress and commercial opportunity into one cohesive visitor experience.
Leading providers including Actric, Bellman & Symfon, Meditrend, Netzwerk Hörgesundheit & terzo-Institut, Nuance Audio, Oton & Friends Hörakustiknetzwerk, Sinfona, Smart Optics Sensortechnik and Sound & Silence present practical, accessible pathways into this fast-growing field.
The programme is built around four essential pillars, each relevant to any retailer curious about diversification: Market & Future, Practice & Implementation, Customers & Sales, and Technology & Innovation. Through keynotes, best-practice insights from hybrid practitioners and compact specialist panels, opti SPHEARE helps visitors understand not only why to enter hearing care, but how to make it work in a real store.
Guiding the experience is host Michael Luikenga, master hearing aid acoustician, optician, trainer and coach. His planned topics, including “My Journey from Optician to Two-Sense Provider” and “Innovations Opticians Need to Know”, make the opti SPHEARE format a central hub for retailers ready to expand their skillset and revenue.
TOMORROW VISION contact lens innovations:
Just next door in Hall C4, TOMORROW VISION returns as a high-energy platform centered on contact lens innovations and their growing commercial relevance. Under the theme “Play smart. Move free.”, companies such as ALCON, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, HECHT Contactlinsen, Mark’ennovy, Menicon GmbH, MPG&E and the SEED Group bring forward new concepts that elevate the contact lens from a commodity to a lifestyle-driven vision solution.
In 2026, TOMORROW VISION transforms into an action-oriented stage, hosted by business psychologist Claudia Bechstein. Live demonstrations by opticians and athletes showcase how contact lenses enhance freedom of movement in real-world scenarios. With choreographed basketball dunk shows on Friday and performances by the FC Bayern Basketball Munich Cheerleader Allstars across the weekend, the format blends expertise with emotion in a way that resonates with a new generation of wearers.
Interactive challenges, hands-on sessions and spontaneous activations keep visitors engaged, turning TOMORROW VISION into a living demonstration of how contact lenses can drive growth in both lifestyle and clinical segments.
A Unified Look at Vision and Hearing Trends in Optometry
Across both platforms, opti highlights the vision and hearing trends in optometry that will define how independent practices evolve over the coming decade.
“With TOMORROW VISION and opti SPHEARE, opti 2026 highlights two key future fields that will sustainably shape specialist retail. While TOMORROW VISION repositions the economic potential of contact lenses, opti SPHEARE opens up concrete perspectives for optical businesses in the field of hearing care – two formats that powerfully combine innovation, growth and consulting excellence.”
Together, these initiatives demonstrate that the future of the optical industry lies in hybrid expertise, experience-based learning and the willingness to evolve into multi-sense providers.
About Opti 2026
OPTI Munich 2027
29-31 January, 2027
Fairground Munich, Germany
opti is the international trade show for optics & design which takes place annually as the industry kick-off in January in Munich, Germany.
OPTI Munich: International trade show for optics & design
The show offers trade visitors the complete spectrum of ophthalmic products, from spectacle frames and lenses, contact lenses, refraction, diagnosis and low vision to shopfitting and technical equipment. opti is the order platform and the location for product premières by international market leaders and start-ups alike. The event was first held in 1998, and since 2008 has been organised by GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH.
OPTI Munich statistics:
Halls
Exhibitors
Visitors
"opti thrives on exchange and togetherness. In 2026, we once again felt how strong our community is and how important personal encounters, inspiration and practical, hands-on content are for the industry.
The atmosphere was noticeably positive, optimistic and relaxed, and that is exactly what we are looking forward to as we turn our attention to opti 2027. Particularly evident was the eagerness for the future – also driven by the massive participation, commitment and identification of the next generation with 'their' opti."
As the annual kick-off for the optical industry, opti stands for knowledge exchange and innovation. But above all, it is the atmosphere at opti, the personal encounters and exchanges that make the trade fair something special - for international trade visitors and exhibitors alike. With the further development of the WE ARE opti campaign 2024/2025, we want to express the unique atmosphere and further strengthen the sense of community within the optical industry - also outside the exhibition halls.
OPTI 2027 – Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | OPTI Munich: International trade show for optics & design |
| Dates | January 29–31, 2027 |
| Location | Munich, Germany |
| Venue | Fairground Messe München |
| Organizer | GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen |
| Event Type | Optical Trade Fair |
| Access | Trade Only |
| Focus | Eyewear, sunglasses, optical equipment, instruments, accessories |
More news on OPTI
opti 2026 Report // Eager for the future
The opti 2026 report confirms what many felt on the show floor. Rising visitor numbers, growing international presence and 354 exhibitors reflected an industry eager for the future. Munich once again became the meeting point for decision-makers, young professionals and innovators, setting a confident tone for the new optical year.
MUST SEE // Independent Eyewear at Opti Munich 2026
Opti Munich 2026 brings together independent eyewear brands that define where the industry is heading. In this MUST SEE selection, we highlight standout exhibitors known for thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and clear creative direction. From established makers to forward-looking innovators, these collections offer opticians a curated view of what truly matters on the show floor.
opti 2026 // Innovations Shaping Dynamic Optical Futures
opti Munich 2026 marks a new era for optics and design, showcasing the latest innovations across refraction, diagnostics, eyewear, contact lenses, hearing technology and future-driven concepts. With the debut of the opti SPHEARE space, the return of TOMORROW VISION, and more than 500 brands in the YES AREA, this year’s event offers an exceptional look at emerging trends, industry synergies and young talent. Visitors can connect, learn and explore everything shaping tomorrow’s optical landscape.
opti 2026 // Spotlight on Innovation and Young Talent
opti 2026 is bringing fresh momentum to the Munich optical trade fair. Expect innovation, the NEXT GENERATION HUB, and exciting dialogues shaping the future of eyewear.
opti 2026 // Brighter, livelier, more dynamic
The WE ARE opti campaign returns for 2026 with a fresh visual identity and six inspiring brand ambassadors. Together, they embody a new era of energy, creativity, and connection in the optical world.
opti 2025 // A powerful start into the optical year
opti 2025 in Munich once again delivered a powerful statement for the global ophthalmic optics industry over three dynamic days. Under the banner #weareopti, the trade show reaffirmed its role as a premier platform for innovation, dialogue, and future-focused technologies. With an impressive showcase of emerging trends and groundbreaking solutions, opti demonstrated the industry’s unwavering enthusiasm and solidified its reputation as a must-attend event for professionals worldwide.
opti 2025 // The ultimative opti bucket list
The countdown’s on, only a week to go until opti, the international trade show for optics and design in Munich, opens its gates. What’s hot, what‘s to discover? Here comes is the ultimate bucket list as an indispensable cheat sheet for your visit to opti 2025.
opti 2025 // Top10 Must-See Brands
Plan your visit to Opti and explore how these 10 innovators are reshaping the world of eyewear. Discover the highlights of these must-see brands and why their booths should top your trip!
opti 2025 // A Festival of Innovations
opti is set to unveil the eyewear trends for 2026 in the design and frames areas of Halls C1, C2, and C3. Hall C3 will debut the newly designed opti HUB ARENA, a central hub for information, knowledge, and networking. Visitors to Hall C4 can look forward to the premiere of TOMORROW VISION, a collaborative area featuring nine leading contact lens manufacturers and their groundbreaking solutions for opticians and optometrists.
TOMORROW VISION // Contact lenses are the future of optics
‘Contact lenses are the future of optics’. Under this official motto, Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, Hecht, Hetych, Menicon, MPG&E, SwissLens and Wöhlk are jointly celebrating the product contact lens. opti visitors will discover an exciting programme at the almost 200 square metre TOMORROW VISION joint area.
