04/01/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2026
EssilorLuxottica Acquires Eyeball Palm Springs in $64.8 Million Strategic Agreement
Palm Springs, CA — EssilorLuxottica today announced the acquisition of Eyeball Palm Springs, the rapidly emerging eyewear trade event, in a transaction valued at $64.8 million, marking a significant step in the company’s evolving partnership model and continued expansion into experiential platforms within the global optical industry.
Since its founding in 2025, Eyeball Palm Springs has quickly established itself as a culturally influential gathering point for opticians, designers, and brands, blending commerce, education, and creative expression in a highly curated environment. The acquisition reflects a broader strategic alignment between EssilorLuxottica’s global infrastructure and the growing impact of independent-led initiatives within the industry.
Under the terms of the agreement, Eyeball Palm Springs will continue to operate under its existing name, with founder Brett Cates remaining involved in a strategic and creative capacity. The event will enter a new phase of development, supported by EssilorLuxottica’s resources, global network, and brand portfolio.
“We never expected to grow so large — our goal was just to make beautiful eyewear,” said Brett Cates, founder of Eyeball Palm Springs. “We still believe the frame of tomorrow will be better than today’s. It’s in our blood.”
As part of the integration, the event will evolve toward a more unified and globally aligned platform, with an expanded presence of EssilorLuxottica’s portfolio and a more streamlined exhibitor experience designed to enhance clarity, consistency, and long-term scalability.
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