Essilor International S.A. is a French-based international ophthalmic optics company that designs, manufactures and markets lenses to correct or protect eyesight. Its headquarters is in Charenton-le-Pont, France. Essilor is responsible for creating Varilux, the world’s first progressive lens, which corrects presbyopia and allows clear vision in the wearer’s near, intermediate and far vision. The company formed from the merger of ophthalmic firms Essel and Silor in 1972. Its activities are largely focused on research and development. It is the world’s largest manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses. In January 2017 Essilor announced a merger with Italian eyewear giant Luxottica. On 1 October 2018, the new holding company EssilorLuxottica was born, resulting in combined market capitalization of approximately €57 billion.