Among the Vision Expo 2026 Conversation Series presented on the Now stage, “The Evolution from Function to Fashion” explored the evolution of eyewear and how eyecare professionals can prepare for what's ahead. Moderated by accessories industry authority and Vision Expo publicist Jen Cullen Williams, the conversation featured EB’s Kerri Ann DeCindis and Mollie Tavel of Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care (an 86-year-old family business in the optical industry) and owner of Alternate View, an optical business blending eyewear offerings with luxury self-care experiences in Carmel, Indiana.

Here, EB shares takeaways from the talk.

What Sparked the Shift?

Although eyewear carried elements of status and ornamentation for several centuries, its transition into a true fashion accessory accelerated in the mid-to-late 20th century when major fashion houses began licensing their names to eyewear collections. This shift increased visibility and positioned frames as displays of personal style, further highlighting the market for both licensed and independent brands. 

Pop culture also propelled eyewear into the fashion realm, as early Hollywood stars were photographed wearing sunglasses off camera to rest their eyes from intense studio lighting, influencing sunwear's transformation into a symbol of glamour. Iconic style examples—such as Audrey Hepburn’s oversized frames in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and John Lennon’s signature round wire glasses—cemented eyewear’s role in fashion, establishing frames as a cultural and aesthetic statement that continues to influence the category today.

Social Media’s Influence

Unsurprisingly, social media continues to dramatically accelerate the eyewear fashion cycle.

DeCindis highlighted how when an individual posts a selfie or records a video wearing glasses, the viewer’s natural focal point is the eyes and eyewear. Referring to today’s “face-forward era” of video calls and close-up social media images, eyewear is receiving increased attention as a defining visual element.

The effect is also visible in optical stores. Tavel noted that customers frequently arrive with specific frames they discovered online.

“We have people come into our location saying, ‘I saw this on TikTok, or I saw this on [an] influencer. Do you have this particular frame, or do you have something like it?’ And that never happened when I was originally an optician growing up. That is new. That is social media right there,” she said.

Trends on the Radar + How to Prepare

The future of eyewear was described as focusing on three key areas: the continued integration of smart technologies, the use of sustainable materials and manufacturing practices, and advanced personalization for consumers.

“Opticians now have to have an environment where we can be tech support,” shared Tavel. “It is more and more important as that integration of technology fuses with fashion for us to be equipped to have those conversations.”

DeCindis noted that, in the area of sustainability, consumers are continuing to place growing importance on factors such as environmentally friendly frame materials, sustainable packaging, and a brand’s broader environmental goals.

Regarding personalization, the speakers noted that this trend is continuing across multiple industries, including footwear, jewelry, and fragrance.