As the Sustainability Movement Grows, Optical Responds to Consumers’ ‘Green’ Needs

For the second year in a row, VM has tackled the subject of sustainability in the optical industry in our May Cover Story titled, "Growing Into Sustainability." Across most sectors of the industry, eyewear companies, contact lens manufacturers, lens makers, optical labs and ECPs have gotten the memo—sustainability matters to consumers, whether it’s shopping for eyewear, recycling contact lenses or buying from optical companies that worry about their carbon footprint. VM’s editors talked to a wide variety of optical players for this special feature and one theme resonated—consumers want to take a more sustainable approach to shopping, and optical companies are sitting up and taking notice.

Walmart Reports Strong First Quarter Results, Reaffirms Commitment to Optical Business

BENTONVILLE, Ark.—Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) has announced first quarter financial results for the three months ending on April 30, 2024, showcasing strong growth in revenue and operating income. The results shared by the omnichannel, global retailer are for Q1 of its 2025 fiscal year, which runs for 12 months ending January 31, 2025. Specific highlights for the first quarter include consolidated revenue of $161.5 billion, up 6.0 percent, or 5.8 percent constant currency versus the same period last year; reported operating income up $0.6 billion (9.6 percent) and adjusted operating income up 13.7 percent, attributed to higher gross margins and growth in membership income; and growth in global e-commerce sales by 21 percent, led by store-fulfilled pickup/delivery and marketplace.

Eyeglass Lens Sales Help Drive Hoya's Growth for Q4 and Full-Year

TOKYO—Hoya Corporation (7741:Tokyo) has announced consolidated revenue of 196.8 million yen for the fourth quarter ending March 31, 2024, up 6 percent from year-ago, and down 1 percent on a constant currency basis. Pretax profit rose to 72.1 million yen, a 34 percent increase versus year-ago, up 27 percent with the constant currency effect. Operating profit slipped 1 percent to 53 million yen compared to the prior-year period, a decrease of 5 percent in constant currency, according to Hoya.

Deadline Is Extended to May 22 for Jobson’s 2024 'Ultimate Partners' Program—Nominate a Supportive Business Partner Now

NEW YORK—The readers of Vision Monday and 20/20 Magazine are being asked once again to share nominations to tell their stories for the Ultimate Partners annual editorial initiative. The deadline for submissions has been extended to May 22. Now in its fourth year, Jobson’s 2024 Ultimate Partners program allows readers to highlight their great business support partners and showcase their support. Open to all eyecare professionals, the program is looking to spotlight your most successful collaborations and celebrate the crucial support shared during both challenges and opportunities.

Alcon Reports Robust Q1 Sales in Contact Lenses and Ocular Health Products

GENEVA—Alcon (SIX/NYSE:ALC), a global leader in eyecare, reported its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Sales were $2.4 billion, for the first quarter of 2024, an increase of 5 percent on a reported basis and 7 percent on a constant currency basis, compared with Q1 of 2023. "Our first-quarter results reflect the outstanding work done by our more than 25,000 associates across both our surgical and vision care franchises," said David J. Endicott, Alcon's chief executive officer.