Last week, leaders from The Vision Council and representatives of US eyewear manufacturers met with senior officials at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to discuss how current tariffs on eyewear components and finished goods are affecting American manufacturers, increasing costs for patients, and challenging the overall competitiveness of the US vision industry.
USTR representatives present at the meeting included Marshall Stallings, director for intergovernmental affairs and public engagement, and Sarah Short, director for industrial trade policy. The Vision Council was represented by Ashley Mills, CEO; Omar Elkhatib, senior manager of government relations; and eyewear manufacturers Ken and Paula Weissman, owners of Modern Optical; and Giulia Valmassoi, CEO of Thema Optical North America.
“Tariffs continue to challenge American optical businesses, suppressing market competitiveness and creating barriers to growth for wholesalers, manufacturers, optical laboratories, and retailers,” says Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, in the press release. “We are committed to working with federal partners to create policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce costs for patients, and ensure that all Americans have access to high-quality vision care.”
The group outlined how tariffs on raw materials, parts, and finished eyewear products constrain domestic growth, limiting hiring, expansion, and R&D while driving up consumer prices and putting pressure on small, family-owned manufacturers across the country.
The Vision Council emphasized the strong potential of US eyewear manufacturing to drive job creation, expand export capacity, and support sustainable economic growth, especially as the industry increasingly incorporates artificial intelligence to enhance production and innovation. They also advocated for a strengthened “Made in USA” labeling policy designed to reward companies that invest, hire, manufacture, and distribute domestically.
Some of the key issues discussed, according to the press release, included:
Higher Patient Costs
Out-of-pocket eyewear expenses have risen by roughly 10% this year, pushing consumers toward low-cost foreign online vendors and reducing demand for US-made products.
Health Implications
More than 61% of Americans rely on prescription eyewear. Untreated vision problems are linked to diabetes, hypertension, depression, and increased fall risk; up to half of childhood vision issues are preventable with corrective eyewear.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Seniors, children, and Medicaid beneficiaries are most affected as rising costs strain providers and manufacturers serving state programs.
Need for Regulatory Parity
Inconsistent tariff treatment across low-risk Class I medical devices has created uncertainty and cost burdens for eyewear manufacturers.
Strengthening US Manufacturing
The Vision Council highlighted companies investing in domestic production and discussed how tariff relief could accelerate onshoring and supply-chain resilience.
Additionally, The Vision Council requested USTR guidance on federal tools that could support US eyewear manufacturing and workforce growth.
“I truly appreciated how open and receptive the USTR representatives were during our discussion,” says Giulia Valmassoi, CEO of Thema Optical North America, in the press release. “I’m grateful to The Vision Council for organizing this important dialogue and for ensuring that the voices of American manufacturers are heard.”
To support companies navigating tariff challenges, The Vision Council says it provides regulatory and tariff guidance, federal policy and advocacy support, timely member alerts and issue briefings, research and economic impact data, and direct assistance for members assessing tariff implications.
The Vision Council says it continues to advocate on behalf of its member companies and promote policies that support access to vision care and a strong domestic optical industry. OM